What if the reason you struggle with food has less to do with willpower and more to do with the foods you're eating?

In this eye-opening episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, host Kathleen Gage welcomes Amy Grespan for a candid conversation about food addiction, emotional eating, ultra-processed foods, healthy aging, and the power of whole food plant-based nutrition.

Amy shares her personal journey from growing up in an Italian family where food was deeply connected to love and community, to recognizing her own struggles with food addiction and ultimately transforming her health through education, lifestyle changes, and plant-based nutrition.

Throughout the conversation, Amy and Kathleen tackle important topics that affect millions of people, including why highly processed foods are designed to be addictive, how diet culture keeps people focused on the wrong metrics, and why true health is about far more than a number on the scale.

They also discuss the important distinction between vegan eating and whole food plant-based nutrition, the role movement plays in healthy aging, and why support and community are essential for creating lasting change.

Whether you're just beginning your health journey or looking for ways to strengthen your commitment to healthy living, you'll walk away with practical insights and actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Topics discussed include:

• Food addiction and emotional eating • Ultra-processed foods and the "bliss point" • Whole food plant-based nutrition • Healthy aging and longevity • Movement and exercise at every age • The limitations of BMI and scale-focused thinking • Grocery shopping tips for healthier eating • Building sustainable habits that last

Amy's compassionate approach reminds us that lasting health is not about perfection. It's about making consistent choices that support greater energy, vitality, and quality of life.

Learn more at:

https://www.veganvisibility.com/170-Amy-Grespan

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with others who are looking to improve their health through whole food plant-based living.

What really happens behind the closed doors of slaughterhouses and factory farms?

In this unforgettable episode of the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage, award-winning investigator and author Gail Eisnitz pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden industries in America. As Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association, Gail has spent decades documenting cruelty inside slaughterhouses, pig farms, poultry facilities, dairy operations, and industrial farming systems most consumers never see.

This is not a surface-level conversation. Gail shares firsthand accounts of what she uncovered during undercover investigations, including the realities of slaughterhouse line speeds, animal suffering, worker trauma, and the enormous emotional toll the industry takes on both animals and humans.

The discussion explores why so much of this suffering remains hidden from public view and how government policies, industry pressure, and consumer disconnect have allowed these systems to continue operating largely out of sight. Gail also explains how her groundbreaking investigative work helped expose conditions inside slaughterhouses and contributed to increased national attention surrounding enforcement of humane slaughter laws.

Kathleen and Gail dive deep into:

• The difference between factory farms and slaughterhouses • What really happens inside industrial pig, poultry, and cattle operations • The psychological trauma experienced by slaughterhouse workers • Why "humane slaughter" remains highly controversial • The impact of extreme slaughter line speeds • How investigative journalism helped expose hidden cruelty • The role of the Humane Farming Association in advocating for change • Why awareness and education are critical to creating compassion • Gail's deeply personal journey chronicled in her memoir Out of Sight

Gail also opens up about living with a rare neurological disorder that went undiagnosed for decades while conducting some of the most emotionally difficult investigative work imaginable. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience, courage, and commitment to exposing suffering many people would rather ignore.

This episode is emotional, eye-opening, and deeply thought-provoking. Whether you are vegan, plant-based, curious about animal welfare, or simply wanting to better understand the hidden realities behind modern food systems, this conversation will leave a lasting impact.

Learn more about Gail Eisnitz and her work: Humane Farming Association

Listen to the full episode here: www.veganvisibility.com/169-Gail-Eisnitz

What if the key to aging well has less to do with genetics and more to do with the choices we make every single day?

In this episode of the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, Kathleen Gage sits down with celebrity plant-based chef, longevity expert, and author Ron Russell for a conversation that goes far beyond diet trends and quick fixes. Together, they explore what it truly means to create a vibrant, energized life as we age.

Ron Russell has spent decades immersed in the world of plant-based living long before it became mainstream. As the former owner and executive chef of SunCafe Organic in Hollywood, he served healthy vegan cuisine to celebrities, athletes, wellness leaders, and everyday people looking to transform their health naturally. Over the years, he witnessed firsthand how food, movement, mindset, and daily habits can dramatically influence not only longevity, but quality of life.

In this episode, Ron shares his remarkable journey from becoming vegetarian more than 50 years ago to embracing a fully vegan lifestyle rooted in both compassion for animals and long-term health. He explains why so many chronic diseases are directly connected to inflammation, processed foods, stress, poor sleep, and lack of movement, while offering realistic strategies people can begin implementing immediately.

Kathleen and Ron discuss:

• Why longevity is about quality of life, not just lifespan • The role inflammation plays in aging and disease • How whole food, plant-based eating supports vitality and healthy aging • Simple ways to begin habit stacking for better health • Intermittent fasting and how Ron incorporates it into his lifestyle • Why movement throughout the day matters more than most people realize • The connection between gratitude, mindset, and physical well-being • How stress and anxiety silently impact overall health • Why strength training becomes increasingly important as we age • The truth about processed vegan foods and hidden sugars • Easy ways to prepare healthy plant-based meals without spending hours cooking • The anti-inflammatory power of leafy greens, blueberries, matcha tea, and fermented foods • Why healthy aging does not require perfection or extreme measures

Ron also shares fascinating stories from his years as a celebrity chef in Hollywood, including how many non-vegans completely changed their perception of plant-based food after dining at his restaurant.

This conversation is packed with practical insights, personal stories, and encouragement for anyone who wants to feel stronger, healthier, and more energized regardless of age.

Whether you are fully plant-based, simply curious about longevity, or looking for realistic ways to improve your health naturally, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what is possible in the years ahead.

Connect with Ron Russell: https://longevityvisa.com

Follow Ron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longevityvisa/

Listen now at: www.VeganVisibility.com/168-Ron-Russell

What happens when a health crisis becomes the catalyst for a complete life transformation?

In this episode of the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, Kathleen Gage sits down with holistic life coach Gabrielle Maylock for a powerful conversation about veganism, burnout recovery, intuition, mindfulness, and learning to reconnect with yourself.

Gabrielle shares her journey from once believing "vegans were crazy" to becoming fully vegan after struggling with digestive issues, anxiety, and burnout. Together, Kathleen and Gabrielle explore the connection between plant-based living, emotional well-being, neurodivergence, grounding practices, sobriety, and living with greater clarity and intention.

This episode is filled with thoughtful insights for anyone seeking healing, personal growth, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.

https://VeganVisibility.com/167-Gabrielle-Maylock

At one point, Traci Elle was confined to a wheelchair, weighed close to 300 pounds, and was told she would never walk normally again. She was also living with 15 chronic health conditions that were impacting every part of her life.

Despite having followed a vegan lifestyle for years, her diet had shifted toward highly processed foods, leading to declining health and increased weight.

Everything changed after a breaking point.

In one moment, Traci made the decision to take her life back. Over the next 15 months, she released 160 pounds, regained her mobility, and reversed her chronic conditions without medications.

Today, she coaches others using the same practical, mindset-driven approach that helped her transform her life.

In this episode, we discuss:

● Why vegan does not automatically mean healthy

● How ultra processed foods impact cravings and behavior

● The connection between dopamine and food addiction

● Simple strategies to reduce temptation

● How to begin making changes, no matter your starting point

Learn more at: https://VeganVisibility.com/166-Traci-Elle-1

At one point, Traci Elle was confined to a wheelchair, weighed close to 300 pounds, and was told she would never walk normally again. She was also living with 15 chronic health conditions that were impacting every part of her life.

Despite having followed a vegan lifestyle for years, her diet had shifted toward highly processed foods, leading to declining health and increased weight.

Everything changed after a breaking point.

In one moment, Traci made the decision to take her life back. Over the next 15 months, she released 160 pounds, regained her mobility, and reversed her chronic conditions without medications.

Today, she coaches others using the same practical, mindset-driven approach that helped her transform her life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why vegan does not automatically mean healthy

• How ultra processed foods impact cravings and behavior

• The connection between dopamine and food addiction

• Simple strategies to reduce temptation

• How to begin making changes, no matter your starting point

Learn more at: https://VeganVisibility.com/166-Traci-Elle

What if the reason you feel off isn't random… but a signal?

In this episode of Plant-Based Eating for Health, Kathleen Gage sits down with keynote speaker and mentor Michel van Amsterdam to explore a powerful idea: your body is constantly communicating with you—and most people aren't listening.

Michel's journey started in medicine, but everything changed after a life-shifting experience in India that led him toward a plant-based lifestyle and a deeper awareness of connection, communication, and trust.

This is not just a conversation about food.

It's about how you live. How you communicate. And how you reconnect to what actually matters.

• Why your body often knows the truth before your mind does

• How plant-based living can expand into a deeper awareness of life

• The biggest mistakes people make in communication (and how to fix them)

• A powerful question that can transform your relationships instantly

• Simple ways to reduce stress and become more grounded in a chaotic world

• Why your environment plays a bigger role than you think

If you've ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of what's next—this conversation will give you a new lens to understand what's really going on.

https://michelvanamsterdam.com

Visit Kathleen Gage's website at https://www.veganvisibility.com

What does it really mean to live in alignment with your values?

In this episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, Kathleen Gage welcomes back vegan health coach and Plant Positive Journal creator Kate Galli for a powerful conversation on compassion, mindset, and intentional living.

Kate shares her journey from long-time vegetarian to committed vegan, explains the critical difference between vegan and plant-based lifestyles, and offers practical insight for anyone seeking greater health, clarity, and purpose.

Together, they explore:

• Vegan vs. plant-based: what you need to know • How alignment reduces internal conflict • Why compassion is a daily practice • The role mindset plays in lasting behavior change • How to meet people where they are without judgment • Simple habits that build emotional resilience • Why community is essential in a chaotic world

Whether you are vegan, plant-based, vegan-curious, or simply looking to live more intentionally, this conversation offers grounded wisdom you can apply immediately.

Subscribe for more conversations on plant-based living, health, mindset, and compassionate choices. https://veganvisibility.com/164-Kate-Galli

Writing a book that truly matters takes more than a good idea. It requires clarity, structure, ethical alignment, and an understanding of how stories shape behavior, culture, and values.

This episode explores what stands between meaningful ideas and books that actually reach readers. It looks at why so many important manuscripts stall, how ethical storytelling can influence health and compassion, and what it means to write books grounded in plant-based values and integrity.

The conversation examines publishing beyond mechanics, including visibility, messaging, and responsibility. It also addresses how books can challenge cultural norms, support justice and inclusion, and consider the world future generations will inherit.

This is a thoughtful discussion for authors, advocates, and creators who want their work to contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world.

https://www.veganvisibility.com/163-sandra-nomoto

In this solo episode of Plant-Based Eating for Health, host Kathleen Gage reflects on how her vegan journey has evolved since first identifying as vegan in 2018 and why food was only the beginning.

Kathleen examines four books that deeply influenced her understanding of veganism as a broader ethical and social responsibility:

• Vegan Transformation by Dr. Angela Crawford • The Impactful Vegan by Robert Cheeke • Little Red Barns by Will Potter • Transfarmation by Leah Garcés

These works explore animal suffering alongside the often-overlooked human rights violations, environmental damage, and systemic exploitation tied to animal agriculture.

Kathleen also discusses how this expanded awareness led her to become more actively involved in advocacy, including joining the board of Blue Barn Farm and Sanctuary, producing The Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries Summit hosted by Cheryl Moss, and supporting the mission of the Better Life for Animals podcast. The summit was sponsored by Better Life for Animals and WIZE and focused on helping animal sanctuaries build long-term, sustainable funding.

This episode invites listeners to consider what it means when veganism moves beyond diet into responsibility, education, and action.

https://www.veganvisibility.com/162-kathleen-gage