Plant Based Curious

In this episode of the Plant Based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall chats with Alison Corey (creator of Keeping the Peas and author of Weeknight Vegans).  Allison shares game-changing tips for balancing taste buds, reducing resistance, and making meals everyone actually wants to eat. Learn how to turn chili night vegan, win over picky eaters, and save time with smart prep—no separate meals required!  

Key Takeaways:  

• You don’t need to go 100% plant-based overnight. Begin with one meal (e.g., lentil chili, burrito bowls) and build momentum.  
• Remind yourself why you’re doing this (health, animals, environment) to stay motivated through pushback.  
• Veganize comfort foods: Swap ground beef for lentils in chili, use cashew cheese in mac ‘n’ cheese, or try teriyaki tofu bowls.  
• Alison’s mantra: “Make it familiar, make it flavorful, and they won’t miss the meat.
• Build Buddha bowls with grains, roasted veggies, beans, and sauces (like tahini dressing or cilantro vinaigrette). Let everyone customize their toppings! 
• Batch-cook staples (rice, lentils, roasted veggies) for quick assembly on busy nights.  
• Involve kids/spouses in meal choices: “What looks good to you?” reduces friction.  

 Standout Quotes:  

• “You’re a changemaker—even small steps influence your family’s habits.”  
• “Normalize plant-based meals. Soon, they won’t even ask where the meat is.”  
• “Burrito bowls are my secret weapon. Everyone cleans their plate!”  

Resources Mentioned:  

• Alison’s Blog & Recipes:  Keeping the Peas  
• Cookbook: Weeknight Vegans 
• Meal Prep Essentials: Canned beans, quinoa, tahini, frozen veggies 

Listener Action Steps:  

1. Try a “Taco Tuesday” Makeover: Use seasoned lentils instead of beef.  
2. Involve Your Family: Let kids pick a plant-based recipe to try each week.  
3. Meal Prep Sundays: Cook 2-3 grains/legumes for easy bowl meals.  
4.  Share the Love: Bring a vegan dish to your next gathering (Alison’s chili recipe FTW!).  

Why Listen?  

Alison’s blend of empathy and practicality turns mixed-diet chaos into kitchen harmony. Walk away with recipes even meat-lovers crave and strategies to stay sane (and plant-based) in a non-vegan world.  

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

Confused about protein, carbs, or cost on a plant-based diet? In this episode of the Plant Based Curious Podcast, Registered dietitian Anna Tseng smashes the biggest barriers holding people back. Host Diane Randall, chats with Anna about why you don’t need perfection, how to eat filling meals without meat, and budget hacks to save money. Perfect for curious beginners!    

Key Takeaways:  

• No All-or-Nothing: Plant-based eating is a spectrum—start with one meal (e.g., lentil soup, green smoothie) and build gradually.  
• Protein Myth Busted: Beans (15g/cup), tofu (30g/block), and even broccoli (7g/2 cups) easily meet daily needs.  
• Carbs Aren’t Evil: Focus on complex carbs (whole grains, veggies)—they fuel energy without blood sugar spikes.  
• Budget Wins: Save $$ by skipping pricey vegan “junk food” and bulk-buying staples like oats, beans, and seasonal produce.  
•  Meal Prep Magic: Batch-cook grains/veggies, repurpose leftovers into bowls, and use no-cook salads for busy days.  

 Standout Quotes:  

• “You’re a changemaker—even small steps influence your family’s habits.”  
• “Your plate doesn’t need meat to keep you full—just smart combos like beans + whole grains + veggies.”  

 Do This Now:  

1. Try a 3-Day Challenge: Swap one daily meal for a plant-based option (e.g., oatmeal breakfast, chickpea salad lunch).  
2. Shop Smart: Buy frozen veggies (cheaper, lasts longer) and canned beans (rinse to reduce sodium).  
3. Follow Anna: Get resources and recipes at PlantNourished.com or her Plant Based Eating Made Easy podcast.  

Why Listen?  

Anna Tseng blends science and practicality to prove plant-based living is flexible, affordable, and deeply nourishing. Walk away with tools to start today—no guilt, no dogma.  

Links & Resources:  

Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished (plant-based recipes/holistic tips)  

Anna’s Course: Plant-Powered Life Transformation (budget meal prep)  

Anna's FREE Grocery Guide: Quick Start Grocery Guide for Plant-Based Essentials

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

 In this episode of the Plant based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall chats with Systems engineer and climate visionary Dr. Sailesh Rao who reveals how animal agriculture drives 66% of global heating—more than fossil fuels—and why reclaiming our health through plant-based living is Earth’s lifeline. From colonial food addiction to a bold Vegan World 2026 roadmap, this episode is a wake-up call to align our bodies, ethics, and planet. Tune in for science-backed hope and actionable steps to join the healing.  

Key Points:  

• Animal Agriculture Crisis: Responsible for 2x more heating than fossil fuels (when accounting for sulfur masking effects).  
• Health = Planetary Survival: Chronic diseases and climate collapse share roots in misaligned diets.  
• Colonialism’s Toxic Legacy: Modern food systems weaponize addiction (sugar, processed foods) like historical opium trade tactics.  
•  Vegan World 2026: A Climate Healers initiative to rewild 40% of Earth’s land by ending animal farming.  

Standout Quotes:  

•  “We’re all being factory-farmed by design—it’s time to break free.”  
•  “Shut down animal agriculture today. Fossil fuels need a phase-out; veganism is instant triage.”  
• “Faith, not hope: Transformation is already happening.”  

 Do This Now:  

1. Try a 30-day plant-based reset to heal your body and shrink your footprint. 
2. Debunk the “protein myth” (plants power elephants—they’ll power you!).
3. Join Climate Healers at climatehealers.org to amplify global healing.  Follow Climate Healers: Instagram|Twitter   

Why Listen?  

Dr. Rao blends hard data, ancestral wisdom, and unshakable faith to prove personal and planetary healing are the same fight. Get inspired, get angry, then get active.  

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

In this powerful solo episode of Plant-Based Curious, host Diane Randall, M.A. CHC, merges raw personal storytelling with groundbreaking science to reveal how food rewires mental health. Struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a near Crohn’s diagnosis in her 30s while juggling tech career chaos and single motherhood, Diane shares her transformative pivot to plant-based eating—and how it saved her mind and body.  

Science You’ll Geek Out Over:

 How chronic inflammation from processed foods fuels depression/anxiety (and the 2022 study proving plants fight it).  

Why dopamine receptors hate cheese (and love lentils + berries) for sustained   energy.  

Underrated Brain Heroes:

• Zinc (hello, pumpkin seeds!) for neurotransmitter magic.  
• Vitamin C in bell peppers to boost serotonin.  
• Polyphenol powerhouses like dark chocolate that cross the blood-brain barrier.   

Actionable Bites You Can’t Skip:  

• Diane’s 50% Plate Rule for instant meal upgrades.  
• Why swapping coffee for chamomile tea might save your afternoon.  
•  Brain Bowl Recipe: Sweet potato + tahini dressing = serotonin heaven.  

Why Listen?  

• Relatable AF: Diane’s burnout-to-breakthrough journey mirrors your struggles. 
• No Fluff, Just Science: Cutting-edge studies made deliciously simple.  
• Your Weekly Challenge: Add one antioxidant-rich food (think turmeric or berries) and share your creation with the community!  

Perfect for anyone battling stress, mental fog, or burnout—this episode serves equal parts hope, strategy, and “aha!” moments. 

Tag a friend who needs a brain boost!
 
Follow Plant-Based Curious for more episodes on eating your way to a brighter mind and resilient body.

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

Season 1, Episode 4 of Plant Based Curious  

In this heartfelt episode, host Diane Randall chats with Katie Galley, owner of Healthification, about navigating the emotional challenges of veganism. Katie shares her journey from being an "angry vegan" to leading with love and compassion, offering practical tips to channel frustration into effective advocacy. Learn her ABC framework—Awareness, Brainstorming, and Commitment—to shift from anger to joy,  Katie also introduces her new book, The Plant Positive Journal, a guide to mastering your mindset while embracing a healthy plant-based lifestyle.  

 Why You’ll Love This Episode:  

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while the injustices of the world can be overwhelming, leading with love and compassion is not only more effective but also more sustainable for your own well-being. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, Katie’s insights and practical advice will help you navigate the emotional challenges of advocacy with grace and positivity.  

 Key Takeaways:  

•  Understand why anger arises during the transition to veganism and how it impacts your relationships and advocacy.  
• Learn Katie’s ABC framework to move from anger to joy: Awareness, Brainstorming, and Commitment.  
•  Focus on positive actions like sharing uplifting content, cooking vegan meals for loved ones, and curating your social media feeds. 

Standout Quotes:  

Katie: "Love is easier than hate. Leading with compassion is not only more effective but also brings more joy and happiness into your life."  

Diane: "Being a role model and advocating in a quiet way can often have a greater impact than being confrontational."  

 Katie: "Back yourself 100%. Have certainty in your ability to handle whatever challenges come your way."  

Resources Mentioned: 

Katie’s Book: The Plant Positive Journal – A step-by-step guide to mastering your time and mindset while adopting a healthy plant-based lifestyle. Available at StrongBodyGreenPlanet.com.  

 Listener Action Steps:  

• Are you leading with love or frustration? Use Katie’s ABC framework to assess and adjust your approach.  
• Unfollow accounts that trigger anger and follow uplifting ones like farm sanctuaries and The Dodo.  
• Cook a delicious plant-based meal for a loved one or post about your vegan journey on social media.  
• Explore The Plant Positive Journal for more tools to thrive on your plant-based journey.  
• Dive deeper into holistic, plant-based living with A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach. Available on IngramSpark 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on spreading veganism with kindness and joy!  

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

In this episode of Plant Based Curious, host Diane Randall sits down with Matthew Halteman, philosophy professor, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics fellow, and author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. Together, they flip the script on veganism, exploring how it’s not about restriction—but about abundance, joy, and alignment with our deepest values.  

 Key Takeaways: 

• Matthew reframes veganism as a celebration of what we’re for—creaturely flourishing, emotional coherence, and moral alignment.  
• Quote: “Vegans aren’t just avoiding harm—we’re harmonizing with the world.”     
• Why self-compassion and small steps matter more than perfection.  
• How to navigate social pressures (like Thanksgiving!) without guilt.  
• Start with curiosity, not obligation. Try a “Vegan Weeknight” to experiment joyfully.   
• Matthew’s tip: “Feed your curiosity with what feels natural—whether it’s plant-based recipes or documentaries about animal intelligence.”    
• Why judgment backfires—and how leading with empathy invites others to join the journey.  

Standout Quotes:  

 “Going vegan aggregates joy in ways I’ve never seen—better health, richer relationships, and a planet that thrives.” —Matthew Halteman  

“Progress over perfection. Even 1% shifts create 100% transformation.” —Diane Randall  

 Resources Mentioned:  

 📖 Matthew’s Book: Hungry Beautiful Animals  

🎧 Free Excerpt: “Vegan Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude & Love” 

 🌱 Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach  

 Listener Action Steps:  

• Try One Small Win: Swap one meal this week for a plant-based dish.  
• Share the Episode: Tag someone who’s curious about veganism!  
• Leave a Review: Help others discover Plant Based Curious.  

 Why You’ll Love This Episode:  

If you’ve ever felt veganism was about sacrifice, this conversation will change your mind. Matthew’s blend of philosophy, humor, and practicality makes abundance feel not just possible—but irresistible. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and the plant-based curious!

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

Plant Based Curious, host Diane Randall sits down with Claudia Braun, a mindset and holistic lifestyle coach, to unpack why saying “yes” to yourself can feel so difficult—and how to transform guilt, societal pressures, and self-doubt into unshakable self-trust.  

 Claudia shares powerful insights on:  

• The hidden scripts that keep you stuck in cycles of people-pleasing and burnout.  
•  Awareness, acceptance, action—the 3-step framework to break free from self-sabotage.  
• Why self-compassion (not perfection!) is the key to lasting change.  
• How to use EFT (tapping) to rewire limiting beliefs and reclaim your inner power.  
• Practical strategies to quiet your inner critic and start living authentically aligned.  

 Whether you’re navigating a plant-based lifestyle, career challenges, or relationships, this conversation is a rallying cry to honor your needs and embrace radical self-love.  

Special Offer: Grab Claudia’s free guide 3 Strategies to Say Yes to Yourself at freebie.claudia-braun.com.  

Tune in and discover how to turn “I can’t” into “I matter”—one small, courageous step at a time.  

Check out PlantBasedCurious.com for more episodes, recipes, and inspiration!  

 Listen now and start your journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment.  

Key Takeaways for Sharing:  

• "Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation of showing up fully for others.”  
•  “Your mindset is either your greatest ally or your loudest critic. Choose wisely.”  
• "Progress over perfection: 1% shifts create 100% transformation.”  

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Support the show

"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

Episode Description

Are all sugars created equal? In this transformative episode of The Plant-Based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall welcomes Dr. John Lewis, a trailblazer in nutritional research and clinical trials, to explore the game-changing potential of polysaccharides. These complex carbohydrates found in plants like aloe vera and rice bran hold incredible promise for boosting immune health, promoting healing, and supporting those with chronic and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Lewis dives deep into the science, dispelling sugar myths and highlighting the unique role of polysaccharides in optimizing overall health. He shares groundbreaking clinical trial results and provides practical tips for incorporating these powerful nutrients into your daily routine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The truth about sugar: How to distinguish between harmful and beneficial types
• How polysaccharides enhance immune function and reduce inflammation
• The groundbreaking results of clinical trials on Alzheimer’s and MS
• Practical ways to incorporate polysaccharides into your diet for optimal health
• The science behind Dr. Lewis’ innovative product, Daily Brain Care

Notable Insights & Takeaways

• “The immune system acts like a symphony conductor, keeping all organ systems in harmony.” – Dr. John Lewis
• “Take personal responsibility for your health. Don’t give that power away.” – Dr. John Lewis

Dr. Lewis emphasizes that plant-based nutrition and natural compounds can empower the body to heal itself, providing a holistic alternative to conventional medical approaches.

Call to Action

Ready to take your health to the next level? Tune in now to discover how polysaccharides can transform your wellness journey. Explore more about Dr. John Lewis’ work and his revolutionary product, Daily Brain Care, at drlewisnutrition.com.

Have thoughts or questions? Share your voice through the text link in the show notes, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast for more inspiring conversations about plant-based living.

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

What if one small change could completely transform your health, mindset, and overall outlook on life? In the Season 3 kickoff of The Plant-Based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall dives into the ripple effect of plant-based living. From personal stories to practical tips, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your journey. Whether you’re curious about adding more plants to your meals or ready to embrace the lifestyle fully, you’ll leave with actionable advice and the motivation to make meaningful changes.

Discover how even the smallest steps—like Meatless Mondays or swapping dairy milk for oat milk—can create a healthier, more vibrant, and compassionate life. Plus, learn how to handle setbacks, stay inspired, and find joy in progress over perfection.

This episode is your invitation to explore the power of plants and kick off your transformative journey.

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."

In this special REPOST episode of the Plant-Based Curious Podcast, I’m excited to share an enlightening Interview I had with Jennifer Moore, the host of the Empowering Minds Mental Health Podcast. Jennifer and I discussed the vital connection between holistic well-being and maintaining a plant-based lifestyle, and I couldn’t wait to bring this conversation to our Plant-Based Curious audience.

 During our chat, we explored the challenges many faces when transitioning to a plant-based diet, and I shared personal anecdotes about my journey and the strategies that have helped me thrive. We touched on the importance of balancing physical, mental, and emotional health and how self-care plays a crucial role in this process.

 You'll hear practical steps for making a successful transition to a plant-based diet, emphasizing that starting small can lead to significant and lasting change. Education is key, and we both believe that understanding the fundamentals of plant-based living empowers you to make informed choices.

 As you listen, I hope you feel inspired by our discussion and find actionable insights that resonate with your own journey. Remember, every day is an opportunity to start anew, and embracing your choices can not only enhance your well-being but also inspire those around you.

 Tune in to this insightful conversation and let’s empower each other on our plant-based journeys!

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"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."