The Bloody Vegans Podcast

The Bloody Vegans Podcast is coming back soon and while we get everything ready for what's coming next, we're reaching into the archive to bring you some of the conversations that started it all. Watch this space.

First up from the back catalogue: this gem from December 2019. Jim sits down with Dora Hargitai activist, orator, and a driving force within Animal Rebellion for a conversation that feels just as urgent today as it did when it was first recorded.

Dora's journey into veganism began not with a grand awakening, but with a small booklet picked up in an Aldi in Scotland. From there, a quiet curiosity became a conviction, and eventually a calling. Having worked in the oil and gas industry before pivoting to an MBA focused on sustainability, Dora's path took her through the heart of the Extinction Rebellion uprisings of April and October 2019 and ultimately to helping build Animal Rebellion into a movement that links animal agriculture directly to the climate emergency.

In this episode, Jim and Dora explore what it really means to challenge the foundations of the systems we live within from the demands of Animal Rebellion and their presence at Smithfield Market, to the thorny questions of how we value nature, monetise veganism, and talk to one another across deep divides. Dora brings her characteristic warmth, clarity and unflinching honesty to all of it.

Whether you've been vegan for years or you're just beginning to ask the questions, this one's worth your time.

Topics include: the birth of Animal Rebellion, nonviolent civil disobedience, the Smithfield Market action, systemic change vs. individual action, vegan monetisation, activism in its many forms, and reasons to stay hopeful.

A Note From 2026

A lot has happened in the years since Jim and Dora recorded this conversation. The December 2019 UK general election Dora references, which she and many others hoped might be a turning point for climate policy, returned Boris Johnson with a substantial majority, and environmental ambition in government largely stalled in the years that followed. The "11 years" climate deadline Dora cites reflects the scientific framing of the time; the window hasn't got any wider since, and the urgency she describes has only deepened. On the corporate side, BlackRock, whose CEO Dora cautiously praised for his 2018 letter calling for more sustainable business values, has since significantly retreated from its ESG commitments, largely under political pressure from the American right, a retreat that perhaps illustrates Dora's own point about the limits of working within the existing system. And on the Amazon, the picture has been mixed: the election of Lula in Brazil in 2022 brought renewed protections and a measurable slowdown in deforestation, offering at least one of the rays of hope Dora was looking for. The questions she raises here, about systemic change, collective action, and what we owe each other and the planet, remain as open, and as pressing, as ever.

In this episode, Sue speaks with Victoria Featherstone Pearce - co-founder of K-9 Angels and the Vegan Women’s Club about her years of hands-on rescue work, campaigns in Romania, and what it really takes to keep going when the emotional weight of animal advocacy starts to pile up.

Victoria talks about how she went from rescuing one dog to helping re-home over 1,500, and why sterilisation campaigns have become a major focus. She shares her journey into veganism, her thoughts on the everyday realities of activism, and the reasons behind launching a new space for vegan women to connect and support one another.

A conversation about dogs, people, burnout, and why small consistent action still matters.

Find out more about Sue's work at https://www.littlegreenpigeon.co.uk

Follow Victoria's work at https://linktr.ee/k9angels

In this episode, Sue Joyce talks with psychologist and author Dr Angela Crawford about the emotional and psychological side of going vegan.

Angela shares insights from her new book The Vegan Transformation, which draws on conversations with vegans worldwide. They explore how people navigate social challenges, find a sense of purpose, and come to feel more aligned with their values through veganism.

The conversation also touches on mental wellbeing, activism, and the different ways people discover and express their compassion.

👉 Learn more at angelacrawfordphd.com

You can connect with Sue at https://www.littlegreenpigeon.co.uk

In this episode, Sue Joyce speaks with Michelle St John, founder of VINE (Veganism in Education), about the need to embed vegan ethics, sustainability, and critical thinking into the school curriculum.

Michelle shares how her background in law led to a focus on education, developing resources that challenge the status quo and encourage schools to think differently about food, justice, and compassion.

They discuss why children are often more open to ethical thinking, how the Growing Nature Academy supports alternative education, and the role of creativity in encouraging long-term change.

Learn more at https://www.teachvine.org

You can connect with Sue at https://www.littlegreenpigeon.co.uk

In this episode of The Bloody Vegans Podcast, Sue sits down with actor, comedian, and activist Lee Brace — the creative force behind viral vegan drag persona Dawn Chorus and her carnivorous alter ego, Peter the Meat Eater.

Lee shares his journey from traditional acting roles to creating bold, hilarious characters that bring vegan activism to the streets with wit, absurdity, and empathy. From bath-time musical inspiration to awkward seal encounters and uncomfortable street debates, Lee offers a heartfelt and hilarious look at how comedy and character can cut through the noise and start real conversations.

If you've ever wondered how drag, activism, and furry testicles combine to promote plant-based living, this one’s for you.

Topics covered:

• Creating Dawn Chorus & Peter the Meat Eater

• Making activism accessible through humour

• The role of character and costume in breaking down barriers

• Lee’s creative process and inspirations

[0:00] Introduction and discussion about Paul's documentary

[4:21] Sue's impressions of the film

[10:05] Damian's journey into filmmaking

[16:28] Damian's cancer experience and transition to vegan-focused work

[22:26] Discussion about vulnerability and sharing personal stories

[27:47] Confirmation of Damian being cancer-free

[29:36] Reflections on vegan movement progress

[37:58] Hospital experiences as a vegan

[40:11] Optimism about vegan movement

[45:37] Advice to his younger self

[50:55] Where to find Damian and his work

[54:05] Discussion about Vegan Business Tribe

In this powerful episode of The Bloody Vegans Podcast, host Sue Joyce sits down with filmmaker Damian Sciberras to talk about his moving new documentary on Paul, an 85-year-old vegan ultramarathon runner with an extraordinary story of endurance and compassion.

Damian opens up about his creative process, the emotional weight of editing, and the tough decisions behind what to leave out of the film. He shares his experiences working with Joey Carbstrong and Ed Winters, and how those collaborations helped shape his own approach to activism.

We also explore Damian's deeply personal journey through stage 3 bowel cancer, the decision to only take on vegan clients, and his upcoming film about life with a stoma—an honest, raw, and important contribution to awareness and representation.

This is an episode filled with heart, honesty, and purpose—a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling, activism, and creating meaningful change.

📣 Connect with Damian at shortstopfilms.co.uk

In this episode of The Bloody Vegans Podcast, we welcome John, the creator behind Instagram’s Plant Powered Living. Known for his simple yet impactful reels, John shares how he went vegan overnight after watching Game Changers, and how that single decision drastically improved his health — including clearing up lifelong psoriasis.

John opens up about why he changed his Instagram handle from “John’s Vegan Diary” to “Plant Powered Living,” and the challenges he’s faced from both trolls and parts of the vegan community itself. He talks openly about dealing with negativity, the power of humour, and why inclusivity and compassion are the keys to long-term vegan advocacy.

We also dive into:

* How John’s health and gym performance improved after going vegan

* Why his page avoids graphic content but still educates powerfully

* The importance of meeting people where they are — even if they’re not 100% vegan

* His take on the infamous protein debate and how he handles DMs from trolls

* How to create a ‘safe space’ online for curious flexitarians, vegetarians, and transitioning vegans

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting your journey, this episode is full of relatable stories, positivity, and practical inspiration.

Follow John on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/johnsplantpoweredliving/

In this episode, Dan Richardson, actor, filmmaker, and passionate animal advocate, shares his inspiring journey into veganism and the making of his documentary, Food for Thought. He discusses the moment he realised the hypocrisy in advocating for animal welfare while still consuming animal products, and how his transition to veganism was both logical and liberating. Dan and Jim explore the documentary’s unique approach—gentle, accessible, and non-judgmental—designed to engage non-vegans without the typical shock tactics.

They also discuss the broader vegan movement, the criticisms from within the community, and the impact of films like Cowspiracy and What the Health. Dan shares heartwarming stories of people who changed their views after watching Food for Thought and the importance of encouraging progress rather than demanding perfection.

Watch Food for Thought for free on YouTube: https://youtu.be/adue0xef8pY?si=vFXlX5N_Pgt1yobD

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend who might be curious about veganism!

🎙 Topics Covered:

✔️ Dan’s journey from animal activism to veganism

✔️ The role of documentaries in changing perspectives

✔️ The importance of a non-preachy approach to vegan advocacy

✔️ Overcoming vegan stereotypes and criticisms

✔️ The surprising impact of Food for Thought on viewers

In this episode of The Bloody Vegans Podcast, Sue Joyce flips the script and puts David Pannell, founder of Vegan Business Tribe, in the hot seat. Usually the one asking the questions, David opens up about his journey—from helping vegan businesses grow to homeschooling his daughter and even his surprising confession: he’s not actually an animal lover.

David shares his experiences with the ProVeg Kickstarting for Good Incubator, the challenges of running a purpose-driven business, and the delicate balance of vegan activism within the corporate world. He also dives into the impact of vegan parenting, how early education is infiltrated by animal agriculture propaganda, and why meeting people where they are is essential for systemic change.

Expect an open, thought-provoking conversation about what it truly means to live by your values, the evolution of vegan business, and a few laughs along the way (including the story of a very special pigeon).

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!

🔗 Connect with David Pannell:

Vegan Business Tribe - https://veganbusinesstribe.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davepannell/

In this episode of The Bloody Vegans Podcast, Sue sits down with activist, educator, and hip-hop artist Vigilante Vegan, whose powerful work bridges the gap between social justice, animal rights, and conscious living. From his thought-provoking music to his relentless advocacy, Vigilante Vegan is on a mission to challenge the status quo and inspire change.

We dive deep into his journey—from discovering veganism and its intersection with human rights to using hip-hop as a tool for activism. He shares insights on how storytelling and creativity can spark conversations that push society forward, as well as his experiences challenging mainstream narratives about food, ethics, and culture.

Join us for an inspiring and unfiltered discussion on activism, music, and the fight for justice—because the revolution isn’t just plant-based, it’s about liberation for all.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform!

🔗 Connect with Vigilante Vegan: linktr.ee/vigilantevegan