Vegans Explore Podcast

Veganism feels quieter right now, and a lot of people are wondering why. Restaurants are closing, some businesses are changing direction, and the hype of the late 2010s seems to have faded. In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we unpack what actually happened, from the documentary-driven boom of 2017 to 2019, to the disruption caused by COVID, and why this moment is not a failure of the movement.

This is a grounded, honest look at the ebbs and flows of Veganism, why cultural momentum comes in waves, and what matters more than hype for long-term growth. We explore what’s missing today, what might spark the next shift, and why community, real stories, and sustainable support matter more than trends. Whether you’re a Pre-Vegan, a longtime Vegan, a business owner, or just curious, this episode offers clarity, context, and hope for what comes next.

Discover more conversations like this at VegansExplore.com.

For the first time, I am sharing the full vision behind a community that has been quietly taking shape for more than 30 years.

In this episode, I introduce the Vegans Explore Passport, a central hub that brings together Pre-Vegans, Seasoned Vegans, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and content creators into a connected ecosystem. This is about more than food or trends. It is about people, shared knowledge, and building something sustainable for the future of the Vegan movement.

I break down why events alone are not enough, how real community support changes lives, and why now is the moment to activate everything you have learned, built, and experienced so far.

If you have ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure where you fit in the Vegan space, this episode is for you.

Learn more and join the community at vegansexplore.com/passport

Are mushrooms Vegan? It sounds like a simple question until you look closer.

In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we dig into one of the more unexpected debates in the Vegan community. Mushrooms are not plants; they belong to the fungi kingdom, and some argue that their complex biology and mycelium networks challenge where Vegans should draw the line.

We explore the origins of this controversy, what mushrooms actually are, the health and culinary benefits they offer, and why many Vegans, including me, continue to eat them with confidence. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about ethics, nuance, and avoiding purity tests that can fracture a movement built on compassion.

Whether you are a seasoned Vegan, a Pre-Vegan, or simply curious, this episode invites reflection without judgment.

Discover more conversations like this at VegansExplore.com and join a community where curiosity and compassion coexist.

Are plant-based diets actually bad for longevity, or is the science being misunderstood?

In this episode, we take a closer look at a recent aging and nutrition study that has been making waves in the media and examine how its findings are being framed. Rather than relying on headlines, we break down what the research actually measured, who the study focused on, and what important context is often left out.

This is not medical advice. The discussion is based on reviewing the study itself, understanding how observational research works, and comparing the conclusions being reported with established nutrition guidance.

We explore why factors like age, frailty, undernutrition, and overall health matter more than dietary labels, and why this research does not prove that eating meat is required to live longer.

If you’ve seen claims questioning plant-based diets and longevity, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and a more grounded way to interpret the evidence.

Listen with curiosity, think critically, and join the conversation.

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are here, but what do they actually mean for everyday people trying to eat healthier?

In this episode, we break down what the new guidelines get right, where they fall short, and why clarity matters. Drawing on analysis from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, we explore the role of saturated fat, protein, processed foods, and dairy through a science-based, easy-to-understand lens.

We discuss why meat and dairy remain major sources of saturated fat, how plant-based protein is often overlooked, and why some processed plant foods may actually support better health. We also look at findings from the American Heart Association, Harvard University, and research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

This conversation is not about perfection or pressure. It is about honest guidance, better public health, and helping people make informed, compassionate choices.

If you want thoughtful discussions about nutrition, science, and the future of food, keep exploring with us at Vegans Explore.

In this episode, we take a closer look at Veganuary and how a simple January challenge evolved into a global Vegan movement reaching millions each year.

We explore how Veganuary began in the UK in 2014, why its pressure-free approach resonated with so many people, and how participation has grown from a few thousand sign-ups to tens of millions worldwide. We also break down what the data actually says about its impact, address questions around hype versus long-term change, and examine how Veganuary influences businesses, food culture, and everyday choices.

Finally, we share practical ways listeners can raise awareness and support Veganuary, whether they are Vegan, Pre-Vegan, or simply curious about eating more plant-based.

This episode is about understanding the power of trying, the importance of accessibility, and why Veganuary continues to matter in the evolving Vegan movement.

Explore more Vegan stories, resources, and conversations at VegansExplore.com.

In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we take a clear-eyed look at the top Vegan trends shaping 2026 and why the movement feels different than ever before.

From the rise of Pre-Vegans and gentle transitions to daily Vegan media, local food ecosystems, cultural representation, and practical climate action, this conversation explores how Veganism is settling into everyday life in more sustainable and inclusive ways.

We discuss why nutrition literacy is gaining momentum, how Vegan businesses are shifting from growth-at-all-costs to long-term survival, and the quiet role technology and AI are playing in making plant-based living easier without replacing human connection.

This episode is not about hype or perfection. It is about longevity, community, and building systems that actually last.

Whether you are Vegan, Pre-Vegan, or simply curious about where the movement is headed next, this episode offers grounded insight into the future of plant-based living.

Explore more stories, local guides, and community resources at Vegans Explore.

https://VegansExplore.com/Podcast

Sugar seems simple. It comes from plants, so it must be Vegan… right? In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we unpack why sugar is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in Vegan living and how its processing raises deeper questions about values, intention, and harm reduction.

We explore how bone char is used in some sugar refining, why this matters to some Vegans and not others, and how this same debate shows up in wine, beer, figs, palm oil, and processed foods. This is not about purity or calling anyone out. It is about understanding how food systems work and giving people space to choose what aligns with their values.

Whether you are new to Veganism, a longtime Vegan, or simply curious, this episode invites reflection, compassion, and honest conversation. Veganism is not about being perfect. It is about doing better together.

Explore more daily conversations at VegansExplore.com/Podcast.

This is a behind-the-scenes founder report on what Vegans Explore is building and why it exists. Sean A. Russell shares the real story behind launching a daily podcast, planning a global Vegan tour, and documenting communities around the world with intention and care.

In this episode, Sean reflects on years of community building, from SoFlo Vegans to the creation of Vegans Explore, and explains why the mission goes far beyond restaurant reviews. It is about capturing people, stories, events, and the everyday work that makes the Vegan movement grow.

You will hear what cities are on the roadmap, how the global tour is taking shape, why daily content matters, and how Vegans Explore aims to make life easier for activists, creators, businesses, and everyday Vegans.

If you are curious about where Vegans Explore is headed, or you are discovering the project for the first time, this episode sets the foundation.

Explore more at VegansExplore.com/Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we sit down with Ingrid Newkirk, co-founder of PETA, for a deeply personal conversation about the moments, stories, and lived experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to animals.

Ingrid shares the unexpected turning points that slowly transformed her perspective, from early encounters with snails and lobsters to a life-altering experience rescuing a neglected pig. These moments of connection became the seeds that eventually grew into one of the most influential animal rights organizations in the world.

We also explore the early days of PETA, what activism looked like before the internet, the importance of youth movements, and how storytelling, persistence, and compassion continue to drive progress today. Ingrid reflects on breakthroughs in fashion, food innovation, education, and advocacy, while reminding listeners that real change only happens when awareness turns into action.

This episode is a reminder that movements are built one story at a time, and that empathy, when acted upon, can change the world.

Explore more conversations at VegansExplore.com/Podcast 🌱🎙️