Texas, veganism, Germany, Americans in Germany, vegan in Germany, living in Munich, cultural differences, plant-based lifestyle, and what it's really like being vegan after 11 years.
In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I share my story of becoming vegan nearly 11 years ago and what it's been like navigating that decision while living in two places where meat plays such a central role in the culture: South Texas and Bavaria.
Growing up in a Tex-Mex household just minutes from the Mexican border, eating meat was simply part of everyday life. After studying environmental geosciences in college, one documentary challenged the way I thought about food, sustainability, and the choices I make every day. What started as a one-week experiment eventually became a lifestyle that has now lasted more than a decade.
I reflect on what it's really like being vegan in Texas versus Germany, why Munich has been surprisingly easy to navigate as a vegan, and why I believe respectful conversations about food are far more productive than judgment.
Along the way, I answer many of the questions I've been asked over the years—from whether I ever miss meat, to dating as a vegan, traveling the world, family reactions, and whether I could ever see myself eating meat again.
This isn't an episode about convincing anyone to become vegan. It's simply the story of how one decision gradually became a normal part of my life.
🎙️ In this episode:
Why I became vegan in 2015
Growing up in a meat-loving Tex-Mex family
Texas vs. Germany: which is easier for vegans?
How my family reacted
Dating as a vegan and meeting Tim
What I actually eat every day
Do I ever miss meat?
Traveling the world as a vegan
My favorite vegan restaurants in Munich
Can you love animals and still eat meat?
Would I ever stop being vegan?
Why I believe small changes matter more than perfection
⏰ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Why I'm finally talking about this
02:18 – Why I became vegan
08:47 – Growing up in a Tex-Mex household
13:20 – How my family reacted
18:45 – Being vegan in Texas
24:10 – Is Germany actually easier?
29:32 – Dating, relationships & living with a non-vegan
35:58 – What I actually eat
42:27 – Do I ever miss meat?
46:15 – Traveling as a vegan
51:08 – My favorite vegan spots in Munich
56:20 – Would I ever stop being vegan?
59:47 – My final thoughts
🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD
Howdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.
The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.
👉 New episodes every Tuesday.
🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT
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🎥 CREW
Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne
Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik