This episode of the Vegan Pod is a nostalgic celebration of how one man’s commitment to the cause helped spread the vegan word around London’s creative scene in the 1970s and 80s.

The recent, tragic, case of Georgina Owen has highlighted in the most devastating circumstances the critical importance of Vitamin B12 in a vegan diet.

Vegan Society dietitians, Emily Angus and Amber Woodhouse, join Damian Watson to explain what B12 is, what it does and why vegans - and others - must make sure they get enough of it.

Please note: this podcast touches on sensitive topics relating to mental health and suicide. If you are struggling with your own mental health or have thoughts of suicide, you should contact a healthcare professional, either via your GP or, in the UK, by calling 111 and selecting the option for mental health support.

You can also access a number of supportive resources, such as those offered by Samaritans (www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 in the UK), MIND (www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393 in the UK), or many other organisations – just search online for ‘mental health support’.

The first Vegan Pod of 2026 welcomes Sarah Bentley and Sareta Puri, two leading Food Justice campaigners with more in common than their roles with Made In Hackney, the grassroots community cookery school-turned international inspiration for vegans. 

What is Food Justice and how can veganism help achieve it for all?

In the last Vegan Pod of the year, Vegan Society members, volunteers and staff reflect on 2025 and share their hopes for veganism in 2026 in a special montage of Vegan Voices.  

We're delighted to welcome leading environmental activist and journalist, George Monbiot, to the Vegan Pod.

George is a fearless and tireless advocate for sustainability, green living and political and corporate transparency. He is a best-selling author, a high profile media commentator and has even dabbled in the world of music.

With four decades of campaigning behind him, is George Monbiot showing any signs of winding down? It seems not...