In this inspiring episode of Raising Gen V, host Naomi Hallum sits down with C5, a plant-based rapper, father, and advocate for conscious living. Known for his viral music and performances alongside legends like Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and Usher, C5 uses his platform to spread messages of social justice, personal growth, and leading by example.

 

C5 shares his journey to veganism, which was driven by a desire for better health, a struggle with food misconceptions, and later, compassion for animals. He opens up about the mental shift that led him to prioritize how food makes him feel over just how it tastes.

 

As a father, C5 is raising his son with values of kindness, empathy, and self-awareness, ensuring that he grows into a person who chooses love over fear. Naomi and C5 dive into the power of gradual change, the misinformation surrounding health and food, and the importance of leading by example for future generations.Whether you're interested in veganism, mindful eating, or inspiring the next generation, this episode will leave you feeling motivated to embrace "The Other Side"—a concept C5 has built his personal and artistic brand around. Key Takeaways

C5’s Journey to Veganism & Early Misconceptions

• C5 didn’t grow up knowing about veganism—his early focus was avoiding weight gain rather than overall health.
• Seeing health struggles in his family made him hyper-aware of how diet impacts long-term well-being.
• In college, a friend and fitness inspiration introduced him to plant-based eating, which sparked his transition.
• A defining moment came when he noticed the impact of dairy on his voice, leading him to cut out cheese and later embrace veganism fully.

The Challenges & Misconceptions of Veganism

• C5 discusses how mental conditioning around food made it difficult to let go of animal products, particularly fish.
• Naomi and C5 explore why fish is often harder for people to give up, as they don’t have the same emotional connection to them as cows or pigs.
• They break down the false belief that veganism has to be "all or nothing," encouraging gradual change over perfection.

The Impact of Fatherhood on C5

• Becoming a father shifted C5’s priorities, making him focus on setting an example through his actions, words, and lifestyle choices.
• His album "Enjoy the Journey", featuring "Letter to My Son", was written as a blueprint of wisdom and encouragement for his child.
• He now approaches everything he creates—from music to interviews—with the awareness that his son will one day hear and learn from it.

Raising a Plant-Based Child & Breaking Generational Cycles

• C5’s son is being raised vegetarian, largely influenced by his mother’s dietary choices.
• He reflects on the importance of allowing children to develop their own identities, rather than forcing them into specific labels.
• Naomi and C5 discuss the misinformation around soy, debunking the myth that it negatively impacts hormone levels and explaining why non-GMO soy is actually beneficial.

The Bigger Picture: Health, Society, and the Future

• C5 and Naomi discuss how money and industry influence keep people unaware of the negative health impacts of dairy and meat.
• They emphasize that food is deeply spiritual, affecting mental clarity, emotional well-being, and physical health.
• C5 shares his perspective that the world pushes unhealthy habits because the industries behind processed food, pharmaceuticals, and animal agriculture profit from keeping people sick.
• He encourages people to view food like fuel for a car—what you put into your body directly impacts your performance and longevity.

Final Thoughts: "The Other Side" & Finding Purpose

• C5’s brand and mantra, The Other Side, represents growth, transformation, and overcoming limitations.
• He believes everyone has something they’re trying to get to the other side of, whether it’s personal growth, health, or breaking societal conditioning.
• Naomi and C5 close the conversation with a powerful message: It’s not about perfection—it’s about continuous progress and finding what makes you feel your best.

 Resources Mentioned

• C5’s Music: Enjoy the Journey album, featuring Letter to My Son

 Time-Stamps & Key Topics[00:00] Introduction and Purpose
[00:41] Meet Naomi Hallam and the Vegan Parenting Podcast
[01:29] Introducing C5: The Plant-Based Rapper
[02:31] C5's Journey to Veganism
[06:11] The Challenges and Misconceptions of Veganism
[16:44] The Impact of Fatherhood on C5
[21:54] Raising a Plant-Based Child
[26:28] The Bigger Picture: Health, Society, and the Future
[31:25] Conclusion and Final Thoughts