In this episode of Plant Based Curious, host Diane Randall sits down with Matthew Halteman, philosophy professor, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics fellow, and author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. Together, they flip the script on veganism, exploring how it’s not about restriction—but about abundance, joy, and alignment with our deepest values.  

 Key Takeaways: 

• Matthew reframes veganism as a celebration of what we’re for—creaturely flourishing, emotional coherence, and moral alignment.  
• Quote: “Vegans aren’t just avoiding harm—we’re harmonizing with the world.”     
• Why self-compassion and small steps matter more than perfection.  
• How to navigate social pressures (like Thanksgiving!) without guilt.  
• Start with curiosity, not obligation. Try a “Vegan Weeknight” to experiment joyfully.   
• Matthew’s tip: “Feed your curiosity with what feels natural—whether it’s plant-based recipes or documentaries about animal intelligence.”    
• Why judgment backfires—and how leading with empathy invites others to join the journey.  

Standout Quotes:  

 “Going vegan aggregates joy in ways I’ve never seen—better health, richer relationships, and a planet that thrives.” —Matthew Halteman  

“Progress over perfection. Even 1% shifts create 100% transformation.” —Diane Randall  

 Resources Mentioned:  

 📖 Matthew’s Book: Hungry Beautiful Animals  

🎧 Free Excerpt: “Vegan Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude & Love” 

 🌱 Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach  

 Listener Action Steps:  

• Try One Small Win: Swap one meal this week for a plant-based dish.  
• Share the Episode: Tag someone who’s curious about veganism!  
• Leave a Review: Help others discover Plant Based Curious.  

 Why You’ll Love This Episode:  

If you’ve ever felt veganism was about sacrifice

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