PLANT the CHANGE: A vegan educator reimagines classrooms to raise conscious, compassionate, healthy kids

What if your child’s lunchbox could teach compassion, justice, health, and sustainability? Every school meal helps shape what children see as normal.

This episode with Michele Fasnacht explores how parents, teachers, and school leaders can make plant-based food familiar, joyful, and inclusive—without relying on shame, restriction, or perfection.

You’ll discover how to help children build healthier eating habits, introduce compassionate food choices at home and at school, and connect what is on their plates with empathy, environmental responsibility, equity, and justice.

Play the episode to learn how small, compassionate food choices can help raise a healthier and more conscious generation.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to-use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today.

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What if the life you're trying so hard to make look perfect is keeping you from becoming your authentic self?

Many people struggle with hiding parts of themselves—whether it's addiction, identity, past mistakes, or beliefs that don't fit societal expectations. In this Part 2 episode, Jane Velez-Mitchell shares how embracing honesty transformed every area of her life and why authenticity is often the first step toward true freedom.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why authenticity becomes possible only when we stop performing for others and start accepting ourselves.

• How Jane's three life-changing transformations—sobriety, coming out, and embracing veganism—helped her find greater purpose and peace.

• Why vulnerability has the power to inspire change, strengthen connection, and encourage others to live more courageously.

If you're ready to let go of perfection, embrace your authentic self, and hear an inspiring story of transformation, press play and join this powerful conversation with Jane Velez-Mitchell.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day:

https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What if the food choices you make every day could help protect the planet, improve your health, and create a more just food system?

In part two of Michele’s conversation with Ocean Robbins, they explore how plant-based living reaches far beyond personal wellness. This episode connects the dots between food, climate change, water use, deforestation, school nutrition, social justice, and long-term health. For anyone who feels overwhelmed by the state of the world, Ocean offers a powerful reminder: every bite is a chance to participate in meaningful change. Listeners will:

- Learn how eating lower on the food chain can reduce environmental damage and support a healthier planet.

- Gain insight into why food access, health disparities, and social justice are deeply connected.

- Discover how school gardens, plant-based meals, and nutrition education can help children build healthier habits for life.

Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how your daily food choices can become a powerful act of hope, health, and positive change.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day:

https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What if one rescued pig could change the way millions of people see animals, compassion, and what it means to create a kinder world?

In this episode of Plant the Change, Michele Fasnacht continues her discussion with Steve Jenkins, known for raising Esther the Wonder Pig, about the unexpected power of animal relationships, sanctuary work, and the ripple effect that happens when people are invited to see animals as individuals. Through stories of Esther’s intelligence, humor, friendships, fears, and freedom, this conversation helps listeners rethink what compassion can look like in everyday life, education, and community change.

Listeners will discover:

• Why pigs are far more intelligent, emotional, and clean than many people realize.

• How Esther’s story grew into a worldwide movement of kindness and animal advocacy.

• How sanctuaries and schools can work together to teach empathy, compassion, and respect for all living beings.

Play this episode to hear how Esther’s story continues to inspire a more compassionate future for animals, schools, and communities everywhere.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What would change if compassion stopped being treated like an “extra” in education—and became the very foundation for how we teach, parent, lead, and repair harm?

In a world where many children are pressured to comply, stay quiet, or manage emotions they were never taught to understand, this episode Michele Fasnacht challenges parents and educators to rethink what real growth looks like. Instead of choosing between total freedom and rigid control, it explores a more human approach—one where structure, accountability, emotional safety, and compassion work together to help children become conscious, courageous, and caring people.

In this episode, listeners will discover:

• Why traditional control-based systems often silence children instead of supporting their growth.

• How Compassionate-Humane Education creates space for accountability, repair, emotional maturity, and leadership.

• Why practices like Reflection Circles and student ambassadors can help children learn empathy, responsibility, forgiveness, and real-world conflict resolution.

Listen to this episode to discover how leading with compassion can transform schools, homes, and communities into places where children are not just managed—but truly seen, supported, and prepared for life.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today.

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What if the solution to better health, stronger values, and a more compassionate future for our children started with what we put on their plates?

In this Part 2 episode, Michele Fasnacht concludes her discussion with Dr. Michael Klaper. They explore how plant-based nutrition can impact personal health, global health, sustainability, and the way we educate the next generation. Together, they discuss the rise of chronic disease, the influence of fast food culture, the challenges plant-based schools face with funding, and how families can begin making healthier choices at home without feeling overwhelmed. Listeners will walk away with:

- A deeper understanding of why plant-based eating can help prevent and reverse many diet-related health issues.

- Practical ways parents can introduce more plant-based meals at home through familiar foods, simple breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and family favorites.

- Encouragement to see every meal as an opportunity to model compassion, sustainability, integrity, and positive change for children.

Press play to hear Dr. Klaper’s powerful perspective on why every meal matters and how plant-based choices can help create a healthier, kinder future for our children and the planet.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today.

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What happens when one activist’s fight for animals leads to arrests, bans from five countries, thousands of lectures, and a message that changes lives?

In this powerful second part of Michele’s conversation with Gary Yourofsky, listeners are invited to look honestly at activism, animal rights, veganism, and the challenge of helping people change without demanding perfection on day one. Gary shares how his early protests evolved into education, why speaking from the victim’s perspective matters, and how even small shifts can move people toward greater compassion. Listeners will gain:

• A deeper understanding of how Gary’s activism evolved from protests and civil disobedience into life-changing lectures.

• Insight into why education, ethics, health, and open conversations can all play a role in helping people reduce harm to animals.

• Encouragement to keep planting seeds of change, even when progress feels slow or imperfect.

Play this episode to hear a raw, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about activism, compassion, and the power of speaking up for animals.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids.

Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Small GIFT. BIG impact.

Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What if school was never actually built for kids—and the students we call “broken” are really just reacting to a system that was never designed for their humanity?

In this episode of Plant the Change Straight Talk, Michele Fasnacht challenges the traditional education model and asks whether classrooms built around control, compliance, and standardization are helping children grow—or teaching them to shrink. Through the lens of Compassionate-Humane Education, she explores what becomes possible when schools prioritize emotional safety, empathy, ethical thinking, and connection. Listeners will walk away with:

- A clearer understanding of how traditional school structures can contribute to student anxiety, burnout, silence, and disconnection.

- A new perspective on why compassion, emotional growth, and relationship-building are essential parts of real education.

- A powerful example of how students can find their voice, take risks, and thrive when school is built around safety, purpose, and humanity.

Play this episode to rethink what education could become when we stop asking kids to fit broken systems and start building schools that truly make space for them. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to-use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world. For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today.

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What does it take for one ordinary moment backstage at a circus to completely change the way someone sees animals, food, justice, and their own role in the world?

In this powerful conversation on Plant the Change, Michele Fasnacht sits down with animal rights activist Gary Yourofsky to explore the awakening that turned him from a “normal kid” in Michigan into one of the most recognized voices in modern vegan advocacy. For listeners who care about compassion, ethical living, or understanding why change can feel so hard even after we know better, this episode offers a raw and deeply personal look at what happens when we finally see the suffering that society teaches us to ignore.

Listeners will gain:

• A deeper understanding of Gary Yourofsky’s personal journey from childhood, music, and hockey dreams to animal rights activism.

• A powerful look at the moments that opened his eyes to animal suffering, including his experiences at a circus and slaughterhouse.

• Honest insight into why changing long-held habits can feel uncomfortable, and how focusing on the victims can make veganism feel clearer and more possible.

Play this episode to hear Gary Yourofsky’s unfiltered story and walk away with a deeper sense of compassion, courage, and clarity about the choices we make every day.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

What if the biggest key to lowering healthcare costs, preventing chronic disease, and improving your quality of life is already sitting on your plate?

If you care about your family’s health, rising healthcare costs, or how to build habits that actually last, this episode connects the dots between food, lifestyle, workplace wellness, and long-term independence. Dr. Angela Reddy shares why prevention matters more than ever and how simple daily choices can shape not just lifespan, but health span.

- Discover how lifestyle medicine helps prevent and even improve chronic conditions through practical, everyday habits.

- Learn realistic ways families, schools, and workplaces can encourage healthier eating and lasting behavior change.

- Gain motivating insight into how plant-predominant living can boost energy, improve blood pressure and blood sugar, and support a more vibrant, independent future.

Press play to hear Dr. Angela Reddy’s practical, inspiring guidance for using food and lifestyle habits to create better health at home, at work, and for the long run.

Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers.

Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe

Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time.

Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange