Vegans Explore Podcast

In this powerful episode, Sean A. Russell sits down with legendary journalist, author, and activist Jane Velez-Mitchell for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges broadcast media, Vegan advocacy, and cultural change. Jane shares her deeply personal Vegan origin story, shaped by family history, investigative journalism, and a defining on-air moment that transformed her life.

Together, they explore Jane’s decades in television news, her work at CNN Headline News, and how that experience led to the creation of JaneUnchained.com, a global Vegan news network powered by grassroots contributors. The discussion dives into animal agriculture, climate change, worker justice, media responsibility, and the role of social media as a modern activism tool.

Jane also reflects on inclusivity in the Vegan movement, the rise of plant-based food innovation, the impact of COVID-19, and why compassion is the true foundation of a healthier, more just world.

Listeners will leave inspired, informed, and reminded that every voice, post, and choice matters.

Learn more and explore the community at VegansExplore.com/Podcast  

In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, Sean A. Russell sits down with Helene Greenberg from VegFest Expos to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain Vegan festivals across the United States. From small community pop-ups to multi-city VegFests drawing thousands, Helene shares the behind-the-scenes reality of event organizing, innovation, burnout, and why collaboration matters more than ever.

They explore the future of VegFest Expos, including a bold shift toward health and fitness-focused events, partnerships with The Vegan Squad and Bodybuilding Vegan, and how these festivals are designed to welcome non-Vegans with curiosity, not pressure. The conversation also dives into shopping small, supporting local vendors, the thoughtful use of AI in mission-driven businesses, and why real-world community spaces are irreplaceable.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper appreciation for Vegan event organizers, a clearer picture of where VegFests are headed in 2026, and practical inspiration for supporting the Vegan movement in everyday ways.

Learn more about upcoming events, discover how festivals serve as a warm entry point into plant-based living, and find ways to stay connected with the broader Vegan community.

👉 Explore more episodes, resources, and community initiatives at VegansExplore.com

Sean A. Russell sits down with Tim Leclercq, co-founder of Maizly, creators of the world’s first corn milk. Recorded live at Plant Based World Expo, this conversation explores how a simple idea became a four-year journey of innovation, perseverance, and 120 product iterations. Tim shares how corn went from an overlooked crop with a bad reputation to the hero ingredient behind a neutral-tasting, fiber-rich, environmentally efficient milk alternative.

Listeners will learn why Maizly chose corn, how they solved the taste problem for flexitarians, what makes corn milk so sustainable, and where people can find it today. This episode is perfect for innovators, Vegan entrepreneurs, and anyone excited to see new ideas push the movement forward.

Visit VegansExplore.com/podcast to discover more Vegan brands and stories.

Sean A. Russell sits down with Bunnie Cakes founder Mariana to explore the heartfelt story behind one of Miami’s most iconic Vegan brands. Mariana shares how her journey began with her children’s dairy allergies and grew into a business that filled a major gap in Miami’s dessert market. She opens up about closing her retail store in 2020, the spark that led to the Ready to Bake cupcake batter line, and the courage required to expand into the national CPG space. This episode is full of lessons on intuition, persistence, and staying true to your passion.

In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, Sean A. Russell breaks down the European Union’s renewed push to restrict plant based and lab grown meat companies from using familiar terms like burger, milk, yogurt, and cheese. We explore what this proposal means for everyday shoppers, Vegan businesses, and the future of sustainable food innovation.

You will hear how Big Ag is pressuring lawmakers, why Paul McCartney has stepped into the conversation, and how this decision could influence food labeling laws in the United States. We also clarify why the proposed rules would not apply to the United Kingdom now that it is no longer part of the EU.

If adopted, this legislation could reshape store shelves and slow the growth of plant based alternatives at a critical time. Tune in to learn what is at stake and how global food culture may shift in response.

Visit VegansExplore.com for more episodes and community resources.

Confessions of a Claimed Meat Industry Insider dives into one of the most talked about AMAs on Reddit, where an anonymous user claimed to be a former employee of a meat industry trade group paid to spread misinformation online. Their identity cannot be verified, so this reenacted interview is presented purely for entertainment and media literacy awareness.

Host Sean A. Russell guides listeners through the alleged tactics used to discredit Veganism, including fake accounts, exaggerated narratives, and coordinated online messaging. This episode challenges listeners to think critically and question what they see on the internet, no matter the source.

Explore more episodes and join the community at VegansExplore.com/podcast.

In this powerful episode of the SoFlo Vegans Podcast, Sean A. Russell sits down with the legendary Chef Babette, a 72 year old Vegan icon whose energy, authenticity, and wisdom continue to inspire generations. They explore her Vegan origin story, the transformative impact of food education, the power of intentional living, and the emotional, spiritual, and physical practices that keep her thriving at every age.

Chef Babette opens up about her restaurant Stuff I Eat, the importance of food combining, conscious ingredients, daily movement, emotional awareness, and the deeper meaning of self-love. She also shares stories about overcoming challenges, building community, and her belief that love and presence are the foundation of a meaningful life.

Whether you are new to Veganism, a longtime advocate, or simply seeking inspiration to live with more compassion and vitality, this episode offers insights that stay with you long after listening.

Discover more episodes and connect with our global Vegan community at VegansExplore.com.

In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, Sean A. Russell sits down with Dante, known as The Southern Vegan, to talk about the power of community, the vegan scene in Virginia, and how creators can support local businesses by simply documenting and sharing their meals. Dante shares his personal Vegan origin story, a powerful experience that pushed him toward a healthier lifestyle, and offers advice for new Vegans who feel alone on their journey. From Richmond restaurant recommendations to tips for building your local community, this conversation is full of insight and heart.

Sean connects with Maday Rodriguez of V Collective live from Plant Based World Expo. They discuss her Vegan lifestyle brand, the importance of conscious shopping, her Vegan origin story, and the real work behind building a mission driven business. This episode celebrates community, shared values, and the power of early stage collaboration within the global Vegan movement.  

In this powerful unscripted episode, Sean A. Russell shares a raw update from the Vegans Explore NYC Tour and breaks down the bigger mission behind building the world’s largest Vegan community. Speaking directly from the heart, Sean explains how his 28 years of experience in communications, nonprofit leadership, events, content creation, and community building have shaped the blueprint for Vegans Explore.

Listeners will hear the vision for supporting every major group in the movement, including Pre-Vegans, Seasoned Vegans, Content Creators, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofits. Sean talks about why this moment is a turning point for the Vegan ecosystem, why community feedback is the missing ingredient, and how the Vegans Explore Passport community is being designed with members at the center.

He also opens up about the global tour, upcoming collaborations, the role of influencers and ethical brands, and the need for sustainable infrastructure that lifts everyone together. This is a candid look into the heart of the mission, offered as a personal conversation with listeners who are ready to build something historic.

Join the movement, get your Vegans Explore Passport, and help shape the future at VegansExplore.com.