What does it take to truly transform your life—mind, body, and spirit? On this episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, host Kathleen Gage welcomes Lindsey Van Wagner, wellness coach, yoga instructor, and author of Spirit Vigilante.

Lindsey’s journey is a testament to the power of raising awareness, shedding old patterns, and living with purpose. This inspiring conversation dives into Lindsey’s nine-year sobriety milestone, the foundation for her transformative work helping others create meaningful change. As the founder of a wellness studio in Maryland, Lindsey blends yoga, nutrition counseling, and community-focused gatherings to guide clients toward greater awareness and alignment with their goals.

Lindsey shares key insights from her book Spirit Vigilante, where she explores the importance of letting go of outdated beliefs and taking steps to uncover your authentic self. Her practical approach includes journaling, yoga, meditation, and small daily actions that lead to lasting transformation.

A plant-based lifestyle has been central to Lindsey’s journey, connecting food choices to spiritual and physical well-being. Her transition to veganism highlights the ethical and energetic benefits of plant-based living for both personal and global impact. Tune in to this episode for actionable strategies and profound insights into aligning your life with your purpose.

Transformation may not always be easy, but as Lindsey reminds us, it’s always worth it. Watch the episode now and start your journey toward a vibrant, purposeful life.

Full post at:  www.VeganVisibility.com/139-Lindsey-Van-Wagner

What do a bulldog named Gus, a French dip sandwich, and a philosophy professor have in common? For Matt Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, these unexpected moments transformed his worldview and inspired his shift to veganism.

In this video, Matt Halteman shares how personal experiences and his background in philosophy led him to embrace a vegan lifestyle rooted in joy, compassion, and ethics.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• How recognizing animals as individuals sparked Matt’s ethical awakening
• The pivotal role of critical thinking and pacifist values in his journey
• How plant-based eating became a joyful culinary adventure
• Why veganism is about more than food, addressing broader issues like sustainability, worker rights, and animal welfare
• How Matt reframes veganism as an opportunity for personal growth and systemic change

Why This Matters: Matt Halteman’s approach focuses on small, meaningful changes that align daily choices with values of compassion and kindness. His story invites reflection without judgment, offering a fresh perspective for anyone curious about vegan living.

Learn More: To dive deeper into Matt Halteman’s philosophy, check out his book Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. It’s an engaging exploration of how veganism can enhance well-being and inspire positive change.

https://veganvisibility.com/138-Matt-Halteman

#Veganism #PlantBased #MattHalteman #HungryBeautifulAnimals #EthicalLiving #AnimalRights #Sustainability #Compassion #VeganJourney

Kathy Hester, celebrated cookbook author and plant-based cooking expert, brings a fresh perspective to plant-based cooking, blending creativity with practicality to transform everyday meals. On the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, she captivated listeners with her expertise in using kitchen tools like slow cookers, Instant Pots, and the Ninja Creamy, proving that plant-based cooking can be both simple and exciting.

From Vegetarian Beginnings to Vegan Expertise

Kathy's journey into plant-based living began in 1983 when she became vegetarian for ethical reasons. At a time when tofu and tempeh were hard to find, Kathy honed her skills in crafting flavorful, wholesome meals at home. Years later, she transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, initially spurred by her cookbook project, which focused on veganizing traditional slow cooker recipes.

Simplifying Plant-Based Cooking with Versatile Appliances

During the podcast, Kathy addressed common fears about kitchen gadgets, particularly the Instant Pot. She emphasized the safety improvements of modern pressure cookers and shared tips for getting started. Kathy encouraged listeners to use tools like slow cookers, food processors, and blenders to simplify meal preparation, whether they’re creating hearty stews or quick sauces.

Full post:  www.veganvisibility.com/137-Kathy-Hester

Discover how a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, improve health, and transform lives! In this powerful episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, host Kathleen Gage interviews physician assistant Lewis Bertus, who shares his inspiring journey of helping patients—including his own wife—overcome diabetes through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The science behind reversing type 2 diabetes with plant-based eating
• Why insulin resistance—not sugar—is the root cause of diabetes
• Practical tips for adopting a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet
• How food deserts and accessibility impact diabetes in marginalized communities
• The surprising connection between diet and overall health, from inflammation to heart disease

Lewis also shares his personal and professional experiences, showing how plant-based nutrition not only improves health but also aligns with compassion for animals and sustainability.

Full post at: https://www.veganvisibility.com/136-Lewis-Burtus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of older adults in the United States have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have two or more. Many of these conditions—such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—are linked to lifestyle factors, which means they can often be prevented or managed through diet and exercise. Angela Fischetti, a plant-based wellness advocate and fitness expert, is on a mission to help older adults overcome these challenges and live healthier, more vibrant lives.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Wellness

Angela’s journey toward a plant-based lifestyle began in 1987 after reading John Robbins’ Diet for a New America. Inspired by its call to action for health, animals, and the environment, she transitioned to veganism over the course of three years. Her decision was more than a dietary change—it was a complete lifestyle shift that aligned with her passion for empowering others to live well.

The Power of Movement at Any Age

Angela’s expertise lies in helping older adults build strength, improve mobility, and regain confidence through fitness. Her work focuses on resistance training, yoga, and personalized wellness plans, all designed to meet the unique needs of seniors. For Angela, fitness is more than exercise—it’s a tool for healing and self-discovery.

Challenging the Status Quo on Aging

Angela believes that many societal norms around aging—like accepting chronic disease as inevitable—need to be challenged. She encourages her clients to take control of their health through informed choices about diet, movement, and self-awareness.

More at: www.VeganVisibility.com/135-Angela-Fischetti

Americans consume over 60% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a study published in The BMJ. Julie Davis, a former aerospace engineer, was once among them. Fueled by fast food, sugary coffees, and Coke floats, her diet left her feeling decades older than her age. She had no idea the profound impact her food choices were having on her health—until a series of eye-opening moments set her on a transformative journey.

A Diet of Fast Food and Fatigue

Julie’s health struggles began in her early 20s while working as an airplane refueler at an airport. Living on burgers, fries, and ice cream sodas, she found herself constantly fatigued despite her active lifestyle. “I was 21 years old but felt like I was 80,” Julie recalls. Hiking, a passion of hers, became a chore as she struggled to muster the energy for even short trails.

Years later, as a busy engineer, she attempted to shed extra pounds through fad diets and SlimFast shakes but found no lasting success. “I thought I was the unlucky sister, the one who was just big-boned,” Julie says. It wasn’t until 2008, when she stumbled upon Food Revolution by John Robbins at a vegan diner, that the pieces began to fall into place.

Opening Her Eyes to a New Way of Living

Robbins’ book introduced Julie to the environmental and ethical implications of food choices, sparking her curiosity to learn more. Over the years, she devoured resources like Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals, the documentary Forks Over Knives, and works by plant-based experts like Dr. Michael Greger and Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

Despite her growing knowledge, Julie didn’t fully commit to a plant-based lifestyle right away. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to make a permanent change. Motivated by a desire to protect her family’s health, she transitioned from “80% vegan” to 100% plant-based, and the results were life-changing.

From Engineer to Plant-Based Health Coach

Julie’s transformation didn’t stop at her personal life. After leaving her engineering career to raise her children, she began exploring ways to turn her passion for plant-based living into a career. Returning to school, she earned a Master’s degree in lifestyle health sciences and coaching, equipping herself with the tools to help others achieve their health goals.

Today, Julie Davis Coaching focuses on women aged 40 and older, guiding them through a 12-week transition to plant-based eating. Her approach emphasizes gradual, sustainable changes, starting with simple habits like modifying breakfast and building a supportive environment. Full post at: https://www.veganvisibility.com/134-Julie-Davis 

Dr. Carol Wroblewski, once approaching 300 pounds, has transformed her health journey into a mission to help others achieve sustainable wellness. As a guest on Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage, Dr. Wroblewski shares her inspiring shift from battling personal health struggles to guiding others through the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how compassionate choices can lead to lasting health and resilience.

Dr. Wroblewski’s journey toward health began in 2005, during a time of personal struggle. Her weight had reached nearly 300 pounds, and her doctor warned her that serious health complications would follow unless she made a change. Faced with this turning point, Dr. Wroblewski committed to losing weight naturally and sustainably. She first focused on removing sugar and limiting her meals to three structured, balanced servings each day. This approach helped her gradually release over 100 pounds—a weight loss she has maintained for nearly two decades.

With years of experience counseling patients before and after bariatric surgery, Dr. Wroblewski has become a trusted resource in the field. Rather than undergoing surgery herself, she focused on addressing the emotional and mental aspects of weight loss with her patients. Her expertise helps individuals understand that true, lasting change often requires mental shifts alongside physical efforts. She also highlights the importance of sustainable, plant-based eating as a healthier alternative to processed foods and quick fixes.

Full post: www.VeganVisibility.com/133-Carol-Wroblewski

It’s not every day that you encounter someone who has devoted virtually their entire life to veganism. Charlotte Cressey, founder of The Vegan Paradigm Shift, embodies this commitment. Charlotte’s journey began at an incredibly young age, sparked by a loving connection with her family dog, Whimsy. At just three years old, she had a moment of realization that the animals on her plate were no different than her beloved pets. This early awareness set her on a lifelong path to advocate for animals, nature, and compassionate living.

By age twelve, Charlotte fully identified as vegan, a commitment born not just from her innate empathy but also from a deep and early understanding of ethical principles. Her journey to veganism was gradual, shaped by intense personal experiences and a natural inclination to question societal norms. Through The Vegan Paradigm Shift, Charlotte seeks to guide others toward that same transformation, one rooted in love, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to kindness.

A Spiritual Connection to Veganism

Charlotte’s vegan journey intertwines deeply with her spiritual path. Raised with a natural curiosity about the world beyond the physical, she felt a unique connection to both the animal kingdom and the spirit realm. “Life is not just this physical, tangible world,” she explains, describing how this early spiritual sensitivity developed into a profound sense of responsibility for all living beings. The vegan lifestyle, for Charlotte, is not merely a dietary choice but a holistic way of life that aligns body, mind, and spirit with the values of non-violence and universal love.

Exploring Eco-Feminism: Reclaiming Compassion for All Beings

Central to Charlotte’s philosophy is eco-feminism—a framework that examines the interconnected exploitation of women, animals, and nature. She explains that in many cultures, women and animals are both marginalized and objectified, often viewed as resources to be used rather than beings to be respected. Eco-feminism sheds light on how the language we use and the cultural norms we follow perpetuate these beliefs, and it seeks to reframe these relationships through a lens of respect and cooperation. Charlotte believes that the domination of animals and the environment is inherently tied to societal gender biases, and by recognizing these patterns, we can foster a more compassionate world.

Full post: https://veganvisibility.com/132-Charlotte-Cressey 

Research shows that a whole food, plant-based diet combined with regular strength training can drastically improve overall health, from reducing inflammation to enhancing muscle recovery and longevity. Karina Inkster, a vegan fitness expert, embodies these beliefs and benefits. In a recent interview on the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage, Karina shared her inspiring journey as a vegan of 21 years, offering insights on fitness, aging, and how to thrive on a plant-based diet.

Karina’s commitment to veganism began at the age of 16, driven by her desire to take a stand against animal cruelty. Her journey started even earlier, at 11, when she went vegetarian. Despite the lack of today’s resources like YouTube or social media, she educated herself by spending hours in libraries, and over time, she realized the deep connections between meat, dairy, and eggs. This led to her full transition to veganism. "Once I connected the dots, I went vegan immediately," Karina explained.

With the rise of social media, Karina has encountered trolls and negative comments about veganism. Instead of letting these interactions drag her down, she has turned them into opportunities for education. "I engage with trolls for my own amusement and to educate others who may be reading," Karina shared. She knows she’s unlikely to change the minds of those actively trolling, but her focus is on the potential impact her responses might have on silent observers.

Her advice for others? Manage your expectations. If engaging with trolls negatively impacts your mental health, avoid it altogether. Instead, like Karina, use these encounters as fuel for content, whether blog posts or educational social media responses.

Karina is not only a fitness expert but also a prolific author with five books to her name. Her favorite book, The Vegan Athlete, is the updated edition of her debut, Vegan Vitality. While some of her books came to life through her publisher’s requests, The Vegan Athlete is a passion project, focusing on scientific research and practical tips for vegan athletes. 

For aspiring authors who feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing a full book, Karina’s advice is simple: start small. "A lot of people get stuck thinking they have to write a whole book all at once. But if you break it down, write one page a day, or a couple of pages a week, you’ll get there."

Full post at:  www.veganvisibility.com/131-karina-inkster

The evidence supporting the power of plant-based diets to prevent and reverse chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes continues to grow. On a recent episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, host Kathleen Gage interviewed personal trainer and health coach Kate Galli, who shared her insights into how lifestyle changes, particularly a whole food, plant-based diet, can dramatically improve health outcomes.

The Gap in Nutrition Education for Health Care Professionals

Despite the significant role nutrition plays in managing and preventing chronic conditions, many health care professionals receive little to no formal training in this area. Both Galli and Gage touched on the concerning fact that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are often left to seek nutrition information on their own, despite the overwhelming evidence that lifestyle choices can make a huge difference in health.

Galli noted that this trend is not just a problem in the United States but is also prevalent in Australia. She expressed her belief that more time should be allocated to teaching health care professionals about the impact of nutrition on chronic diseases. "If lifestyle factors can be 80 to 90% of what prevents and cures our biggest killers, then nutrition should be a priority in medical education," Galli emphasized.

Working with Families and Raising Vegan Children

Galli discussed the challenges families face when raising vegan children in a world where animal-based foods are often the norm. While she has worked primarily with adult clients, Galli shared her concern over the false narratives often given to children regarding where their food comes from.

She emphasized the importance of being truthful with children and supporting their natural compassion. For families considering raising vegan children, Galli recommends connecting with professionals who have successfully done so, as they can offer both guidance and credibility.

Onboarding New Clients: The Importance of Values and Goals

As a seasoned personal trainer, Galli detailed her approach to onboarding new clients, whether they are transitioning to plant-based eating or seeking to improve their overall health. During the initial consultation, Galli prioritizes understanding the client’s core values and emotional motivations behind their health goals.

"Knowing the 'why' is essential," Galli explained. This not only helps clients stay focused but also allows her to support them more effectively when they face challenges or experience a dip in motivation. Galli has found that clients who start with strong emotional connections to their goals are more likely to succeed in the long term.