Vegan Warrior Princesses Attack!

Callie and Nichole talk about how when you go vegan, continuing the same old habits only makes it harder.

In This Episode

A topic brought up by frustrations early in their veganism and discussions with new vegans, Nichole and Callie talk about how continuing to patronize chain restaurants will make going/being vegan seem very difficult. A lot of times, new vegans will say they are struggling, and after talking to them we find out they are still going with their families or friends to the (fucking) Olive Garden, Chili’s, Outback Steakhouse, etc. While it is possible to eat vegan at these establishments, it’s often times necessary to ask a million questions, special order like mad, and get something that is typically not very exciting.

Going vegan is a major life change, and to do it joyfully often means, well, having to change your life! Most times, going vegan means making new habits and that entails eating at different places than you are used to.

Nichole and Callie pop-off about DxE and their stance that being vegan is not enough.

In This Episode

Direct Action Everywhere, or DxE, has been ramping up their campaign of “being vegan is not enough” and it’s pissing us the fuck off. Nichole and Callie outline who DxE is and what they stand for, and then explain why their stance is so harmful to the vegan movement and so insulting to vegans everywhere.

Also mentioned: norms and breeders! The different factions of veganism need to stop labeling each other, stop in-fighting and find a way to unify. Veganism has reached 2.5% in the United States, which means nearly 8 million people. If we could drop the judgment, band together for specific actions, and establish a sense of community, we would be unstoppable.

Callie and Nichole talk about how going vegan isn’t always easy for everyone, and how veteran vegans need to be more compassionate to those starting out.

In This Episode

Nichole gets pissed at vegans who tell people trying to go vegan that “it’s easy” when they are having trouble. Nichole and Callie talk about how minimizing how hard it can be to make the switch actually hurts the movement. Nichole implores veteran vegans to be more compassionate to those who are curious about the lifestyle – being harsh and dismissive at this critical time can turn someone away from the lifestyle altogether. This is the perfect time to be gentle and helpful!

At the end of the episode (as well as throughout), Nichole and Callie offer several suggestions for things that people can do if they are trying to vegan to make it easier. These suggestions are for any listeners who may be experimenting with a plant-based diet, but they are also good to have in your hat if you are a veteran vegan talking to someone who is just starting out or thinking about going vegan.

Callie and Nichole explore the concept that veganism is bigger than replacing foods with vegan foods that taste exactly the same.

In This Episode

We really talk through the frustrations we’re having lately with new vegans or curious omnivores who place a lot of importance on things like, “What do you do about cheese!?” and “This chick’n sandwich doesn’t taste EXACTLY the same as real chicken” now that we are further down the road of our vegan journeys. We have gotten to a place where our eating habits have changed drastically, neither of us consume many “analogs” in terms of faux meat, etc., but also that our commitment to veganism has deepened tremendously and we no longer feel that not eating animal products is a sacrifice. It no longer matters to us if we’re able to exactly replace an animal product, the benefit of not doing harm greatly outweighs the loss of a certain food.

Also discussed: are faux meats helpful or harmful to the movement, the value of eating a meal that nothing had to die for, and that going vegan shouldn’t only happen if you don’t have to change your lifestyle at all (e.g., you’ll only go vegan if you can replace your cheese with vegan cheese that tastes exactly the same, and eat all the same meals that you used to).

Nichole and Callie take issue with the title “Meat is for Pussies” – discussing how using sexism to sell veganism is wrong.

In This Episode

Having taken issue with the title Meat is for Pussies, we explore the issues with using sexism to sell veganism, and the problems with perpetuating sexist stereotypes in order to make veganism look masculine, sexy or cool.

The show kicks off to a hot start, with Callie and Nichole talking about the word “pussy” and moves on to discuss PETA ads, possible alternative marketing techniques, and boners. Lots of boner talk. Also lightly discussed is how feminism relates to veganism, and why feminists should all be vegan, which is a topic we hope to explore more in-depth in the near future.

Callie and Nichole talk about what to do when you just can’t deal with the protein question anymore….

In This Episode

A crowd favorite, in this episode Nichole and Callie tell sometimes hilarious stories of having “activism fatigue” – where they just can’t handle stupid questions, aggressive carnists, or being “The Vegan” anymore.

Stories of dealing with the dreaded protein question, rude coworkers, dating, and the holidays, amongst others, are discussed.

The girls explore the idea that it’s ok to take a break sometimes, you don’t always need to be a vegan ambassador or have the perfect response to every situation. Sometimes it’s ok to just be a cranky human who happens to not exploit animals!

Episode One of Vegan Warrior Princesses Attack!

Nichole and Callie take a hard line – discussing the concept that if you are not doing right then you are by default doing wrong.

In this Episode

Nichole and Callie explore the idea that, when considering veganism versus meat-eating, you are either in the right or the wrong. Taking a hard line right out the gate, this episode of VWPA! extrapolates on the idea that veganism is an ethical stance, that it is a conscious effort to not do harm. By eating animal products, a person is hurting the animals, themselves and the environment, whether that is their intention or not.

Also discussed is the concept of “respecting” others’ decision to eat meat, and the difficulties of discussing these topics with carnists without sounding like crazy militant vegans or shutting people down.