vidalSPEAKS

In Today’s Episode

Ellen Jaffe Jones is an inspiring motivational speaker, personal trainer, running coach, author, and instructor of healthy cooking classes.

As a former investigative reporter and anchor for 18 years in major market TV news, Ellen won two Emmys and the National Press Club award. She became known as the “Earth Mother in a Suit” when she left TV and became a successful Wall Street financial consultant for five years. She wrote her first book, Eat Vegan on $4 a Day, after seeing too many news stories saying eating healthfully was impossible on a budget.

Ellen, an accomplished endurance and sprint runner, has won 104 5K+ Age Group awards since 2006. She placed 7th in US National Senior Games, W60-64 1500 Meters in 2013, and 1st in Florida’s W60-64, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 meters races in 2014. In 2014 Ellen was also named PETA’s “Sexiest Vegan over 50.”

She combined all of her skill sets with her latest release, Vegan Fitness for Mortals. Recognizing that fitness and diet are two sides of the same coin, Ellen developed routines for a variety of activities along with dietary recommendations that augment fitness — a winning combination designed to help anyone achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Her other titles include Kitchen Divided, which was written for vegans who are sharing a kitchen with an omnivore, and Paleo Vegan (co-authored with Alan Roettinger). Ellen researched different versions of paleo diets on the market and was able to combine the essence of paleo diets with vegan principles in a 100% vegan cookbook. Ellen’s books to be released in the next year include Vegan Sex and Vegan for One.

Ellen is a Certified Personal Trainer by the nationally recognized Aerobics & Fitness Association of America and a Certified Coach with the Road Runners Club of America. She speaks at numerous VegFests across the country.

Outline of This Great Episode

[2:19] People come up with many reasons not to change their diet, but they’re just excuses.

[7:33] Deborah introduces Ellen.

[9:48] Ellen’s health journey began when her aunt died of breast cancer.

[13:56] We need to start living a healthy lifestyle now, instead of waiting to get a terrible disease.

[17:28] Ellen took a job on Wall Street because she wasn’t interested in undergoing plastic surgery to stay in a television career.

[19:53] Ellen accidentally became passionate about running.

[23:25] Ellen spent months crunching numbers to confirm how inexpensive it can be to eat a vegan diet.

[30:07] Why do so many people believe that eating a vegan diet is expensive?

[31:00] Can you eat organically for $4 per day?

[32:35] Buy the least-processed foods available and cook from scratch.

[34:44] It’s very hard to see loved ones refuse to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

[38:41] What about nuts, seeds and berries?

[41:10] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review, or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[42:48] Ellen shares some practical tips about making your favorite vegan foods more affordable.

[46:37] Cooking from scratch has gotten so much easier in recent years.

[50:12] Is soy bad for you?

[54:10] Vegan is the true paleo diet.

[58:45] What are some vegan pantry must haves?

[1:00:04] We’re the only species that drinks the milk of another species.

[1:01:40] How can you cope with a partner who has no interest in being vegan?

[1:04:03] Ellen’s new book, Vegan Sex, assert that erectile dysfunction is much less common in vegans.

[1:08:33] Erectile dysfunction is an indicator of heart disease.

[1:10:06] Ellen sums up her three tips to start an affordable vegan diet.

Mentioned In This Episode

Local Harvest 

Connect with Today’s Guest

Veg Coach

Eat Vegan on $4 a Day Facebook Page

In Today’s Episode

Today’s guest, Jeremy Kingsley, is a best-selling author, leadership expert, and one of the most sought-after speakers in the country. Since 1996, he has spoken to over 500,000 people at live events, and given over 2000 keynote speeches. You may have seen Jeremy on television or online this year. He has been featured in/on CNBC, CBS, FOX, FOX BUSINESS, FORBES, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES, WALL STREET BUSINESS and many more large media outlets. He has endorsements from Fortune 500 companies like YUM and Whirlpool. Leadership expert Ken Blanchard has said, “Jeremy Kingsley drives home principles that all leaders need to know and apply.” His messages have reached millions through radio, television, and the internet.

Jeremy is the author of four books, his latest titled Inspired People Produce Results.

Jeremy is a master storyteller, and connects with audiences through the perfect blend of humor, content, inspiration, and relevant principles to help each individual. He believes that inspired people produce results, and that people can change, grow, and fulfill their personal and professional goals.

His early years were spent in the frigid winters of Wisconsin, and his teen years in the politically-charged environment of Washington, D.C. In both places Jeremy learned a lot about character, integrity, and passion. After playing three years on the varsity basketball team in high school, he scored over 1000 points, and was named Conference Most Valuable Player his senior year. Jeremy has the heart of an athlete, and understands the importance of commitment, determination, and purpose. He then went on to college and graduate school. Jeremy holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Columbia International University.

In our conversation today, we talked about inspiration, motivation, finding your passion and maintaining solid principles along the way.

Outline of This Great Episode

[4:52] Deborah introduces Jeremy.

[7:26] Jeremy realized early on that many successful people had similar stories.

[8:57] Sports have been very influential in Jeremy’s life.

[11:34] Why is passion so important?

[14:28] Work is so time-consuming, so it is crucial to work in a field you love.

[15:51] Sometimes it takes a while to find your passion.

[18:42] There is risk involved in following your passion.

[21:57] Are we born with passion?

[24:56] What’s the difference between passion and ambition?

[26:50] You need to have a “counter-move.”

[27:46] The generation you were born in may have an effect on your motivation.

[33:01] How can you balance confidence and humility?

[36:56] Self-awareness is important.

[38:41] Jeremy’s dad was one of his greatest inspirations.

[40:19] You might have already heard the news, but Dr. Andy Cutler passed away on July 29th. We are all deeply saddened by his loss. He was the reigning expert on mercury toxicity and has helped millions. If you haven’t already listened to the interview I did with him, please listen to episodes 38 and 39. R.I.P., Dr. Cutler, and thank you for your amazing work!

[41:50] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review, or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[42:37] Through your passion, you will bless the lives of others.

[47:12] Look ahead and look back in a balanced way.

[48:09] What are solid principles and why are they important?

[55:45] Without integrity, your work will fall apart.

[1:01:27] Forgiveness is good for your health.

[1:02:45] Second chances can be inspirational.

[1:03:25] Change your perspective on failure.

[1:07:19] Jeremy gives us three tips to stay inspired and motivated.

Connect with Today’s Guest

JeremyKingsley.com

Jeremy Kingsley on Twitter 

In Today’s Episode

Dr. Reese Halter’s passion for the environment is lifelong. He is a powerful voice for the bees, the seas, wellness science, and saving nature now. Dr. Halter is a distinguished conservation biologist, an award-winning broadcaster, and prolific writer.

Dr. Halter has the unique talent of making current complex environmental issues accessible and compelling to any audience. He believes that human beings are terrific problem solvers, and for every issue there are at least 3 solutions. His passion to protect our planet is contagious.

In my conversation with Dr. Reese today, he gave us a science lesson about bees and all they accomplish in their short lifespans. He also talked with us about using honey and bee propolis as medicine, and whether or not it is appropriate for vegans to do so. 

We ended the episode with some practical tips about what you can do to protect bees and help them as they continue to do so much to sustain our beautiful planet.

Outline of This Great Episode

[1:59] You can fight climate change by eating a plant-based diet.

[8:10] Deborah introduces Dr. Reese Halter.

[10:23] There are at least 20,000 known types of bees on planet Earth.

[12:42] How do bees make honey?

[14:11] Bees are electrostatically charged which allows them to collect pollen.

[15:55] We’re just beginning to understand Earth’s complexity.

[17:49] Why are bees important to humans?

[18:51] There are social bees and there are solitary bees.

[20:35] Bees make beeswax in their abdomens.

[21:13] Honey, sealed with beeswax, can keep for thousands of years.

[24:22] Bee society is female-driven.

[25:47] The honeybee that we know came from Northern Africa and Italy.

[28:33] Honeybees accomplish an incredible amount in their short lifespans.

[31:32] The queen of a hive lays approximately 1,500 eggs per day.

[35:45] Honey sustains a beehive through the winter.

[37:23] The queen bee is fed royal jelly rather than honey.

[39:21] What is bee propolis and how do the bees use it?

[42:21] A bee’s stinger contains medicine.

[43:31] Honeybees communicate by dancing.

[46:55] Bees even vote.

[49:11] Bees are helping to further many industries.

[50:38] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review, or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[52:31] Should vegans eat honey or use it as medicine?

[56:46] You need to be aware of where your honey comes from.

[1:01:14] What is bee propolis and how can you use it as medicine?

[1:02:27] Honeybees are being used for medical diagnostics.

[1:06:00] Honey is not a bee secretion.

[1:08:55] The poisons that are sprayed on GMO crops are killing the bees.

[1:16:27] We must eat locally and seasonally.

[1:19:48] What can you do personally to help the bees?

[1:22:18] In Mayan culture, the top shaman would escort the souls of bees to heaven.

Connect with Today’s Guest

DrReese.com

Resources Mentioned

Center for Biological Diversity

Earth Justice

NRDC

The Sierra Club

In Today’s Episode

Jane Velez-Mitchell is the founder and editor of JaneUnChained.com, a multi-platform social media news outlet that produces original video content on animal rights and the vegan/compassionate lifestyle. JaneUnChained’s #LunchbreakLIVE daily live vegan cooking show has featured dozens of chefs and nutrition experts since launching in May. It can be seen at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time at Facebook.com/JaneVelezMitchell. JaneUnChained also airs #TheVeganView, an occasional series that features movers and shakers in the vegan world.

JaneUnChained’s stories are widely shared around the nation and the world. Jane is the winner of four Genesis Awards from the Humane Society of the United States for her reporting on animal issues. For six years she hosted her own show on CNN Headline News. Jane also reported for the nationally syndicated Warner Brothers/Telepictures show Celebrity Justice, and was a news anchor/reporter at KCAL-TV in LA and WCBS-TV in NY.

Jane is the author of four books. The 2014 non-fiction New York Times bestseller, Exposed: The Secret Life of Jodi Arias details a salacious trial that gripped the American public. Secrets Can Be Murder delves into the secrecy and deceit embedded in tragic scenarios. Addict Nation: An Intervention for America with Sandra Mohr, focuses on greed and overconsumption. Her other New York Times bestseller is her memoir titled iWant: My Journey from Addiction and Overconsumption to a Simpler, Honest Life. She is active in the LGBT community and lives with her partner, fellow vegan and animal activist Donna Dennison, and their companion animals, in Marina del Rey.

Outline of This Great Episode

[6:36] Deborah introduces Jane.

[9:26] There is a pervasive myth that athletes can’t be vegan.

[12:53] Jane’s mother became a vegetarian in childhood and lived to be 99 1/2.

[14:29] Jane considers it her life’s mission to fight to end factory farming.

[16:08] It was very difficult for Jane to get animal issues into the mainstream media.

[18:27] The Universe will guide you down the perfect path to fulfill your life’s purpose.

[20:55] The meat, dairy and pharmaceutical industries all have a lot to lose when people transition to vegan lifestyles.

[22:45] Humans are not carnivores, they have just been conditioned to eat meat.

[23:58] Everyone who loves animals needs to transition to a vegan lifestyle.

[27:19] Jane gives herself permission to be joyful as she works to end animal cruelty.

[30:10] Many people don’t want to know about animal cruelty. Some even laugh about it.

[31:37] What can we say to people who want to ignore animal cruelty?

[34:43] You cannot truly be an environmentalist and eat meat.

[36:02] The meat and dairy industries have demonized soy.

[37:20] The cruelty in the meat industry is so much worse than most people realize.

[40:11] Society is lying to people about the consequences of eating meat, and about the history of eating meat.

[42:21] Meat and dairy are addictive.

[46:38] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[48:33] If you are a spiritual or religious personal, you should reject meat consumption.

[50:02] Stop apologizing.

[54:03] Meat consumption is disrespecting the Feminine.

[54:51] Jesus Christ was an animal rights activist.

[57:13] Could veganism end world hunger and war?

[58:58] More people need to step up, and there are many opportunities to do so.

[1:03:56] Animal rights and environmentalism are the same issue.

[1:07:15] The new generation is very receptive to veganism.

[1:09:57] Jane makes delicious vegan lunches in 15 minutes.

[1:11:39] Jane gives us tips for those who want to transition to veganism but don’t know where to start.

Connect with Today’s Guest

JaneUnchained.com

Resources Mentioned

What the Health

Rowdy Girl Sanctuary

The Beyond Burger 

In Today’s Episode

Today we’re talking with Dr. John Douillard about a surprisingly controversial topic: wheat. Dr. Douillard is the author of a great book titled Eat Wheat, so you can see where this is going. I was so excited to interview him because he believes something that I have observed in my own life and practice, that is that eliminating wheat from someone’s diet can be beneficial, but that you must heal the gut and be able to add it back in eventually. Wheat is not the root cause of illness, a weak gut is. We also talked about the lymphatic system and the importance of eating seasonally. Make sure you listen to the first part of our interview, Episode 78, before listening to this one.

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally-recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness resource on the web, with over five million views on YouTube. LifeSpa.com is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world, with over 800 articles and videos proving ancient wisdom with modern science. Dr. John is the former Director of Player Development and nutrition expert for the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He is the bestselling author of seven health books, a repeat guest on the Dr. Oz show, and has been featured in USA Today, LA Times, and dozens of other national publications. He has been in practice for over 30 years and has seen over 100,000 patients. Dr. John directs LifeSpa, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the year in Boulder, CO. You can read Dr. Douillard’s full bio here: Dr. John.

Outline of This Great Episode

[8:45] Deborah introduces Dr. Douillard.

[10:51] What type of exercise is best for the lymphatic system?

[13:43] If you want your lymphatic system to be healthy, you must get rid of processed foods and excess sugars. You should also eat organically grown foods, in season.

[17:57] Should you have genetic testing done to test for gluten sensitivity?

[21:02] What is the healthy way to eat wheat?

[24:34] Focus on seasonal foods.

[26:11] Never eat products with sunflower oil.

[28:03] It’s not necessarily better to eat ancient wheat as opposed to modern wheat.

[33:11] Detox is crucial, and you must reboot your digestion as a first step to detox.

[34:58] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[36:47] Dr. Douillard offers two cleanses.

[39:12] Fermented foods should be eaten in the winter.

[40:58] What grains are the best to eat?

[49:09] The paleo diet is not really what our ancestors were eating.

[53:12] Ayurvedic medicine is much easier to understand than most people think.

[55:14] Dr. Douillard recommends certain foods to start healing.

[58:08] Dr. Douillard is passionate about proving ancient wisdom with modern science.

Connect with Today’s Guest

LifeSpa

Resources Mentioned

Eat Wheat: A Scientific and Clinically Proven Approach to Safely Bringing Wheat and Dairy Back Into Your Diet, by John Douillard

Body, Mind and Sport: The Mind-Body Guide to Lifelong Health, Fitness and Your Personal Best, by John Douillard

The 3-Season Diet Challenge

In Today’s Episode

Today we’re talking with Dr. John Douillard about a surprisingly controversial topic: wheat. Dr. Douillard is the author of a great book titled Eat Wheat, so you can see where this is going. I was so excited to interview him because he believes something that I have observed in my own life and practice, that is that eliminating wheat from someone’s diet can be beneficial, but that you must heal the gut and be able to add it back in eventually. Wheat is not the root cause of illness, a weak gut is. I hope you enjoy this first part of our interview. There’s so much to say about this, so we’ll finish the interview next week.

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally-recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness resource on the web, with over five million views on YouTube. LifeSpa.com is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world, with over 800 articles and videos proving ancient wisdom with modern science. Dr. John is the former Director of Player Development and nutrition expert for the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He is the bestselling author of seven health books, a repeat guest on the Dr. Oz show, and has been featured in USA Today, LA Times, and dozens of other national publications. He has been in practice for over 30 years and has seen over 100,000 patients. Dr. John directs LifeSpa, the 2013 Holistic Wellness Center of the year in Boulder, CO. You can read Dr. Douillard’s full bio here: Dr. John.

Outline of This Great Episode

[12:56] Deborah introduces Dr. Douillard.

[14:51] Dr. Douillard quickly realized that his patients were not really getting well by eliminating foods.

[16:15] Eliminating wheat from the diet may be beneficial, but it is not treating the root cause of illness.

[19:09] We must look at the real science that validates wheat consumption.

[23:24] We have the genes to eat wheat.

[24:58] We have been eating poisons since the beginning of time.

[30:07] Pesticide and herbicide use contributes to gut problems.

[33:18] The liver is so important, and it is constantly abused.

[37:28] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[39:35] What does Dr. Douillard think about coffee enemas?

[42:02] What foods best support the liver and lymph system?

[45:02] Herbs can be used to restart stomach acid production.

[48:10] Mercury clogs your lymph system and harms your digestion.

[52:08] Anything you can do to support lymphatic flow is a good idea.

[53:30] Movement is crucial for lymph health.

[56:42] We’ll continue our conversation with Dr. Douillard next week.

Connect with Today’s Guest

LifeSpa

Resources Mentioned

Eat Wheat: A Scientific and Clinically Proven Approach to Safely Bringing Wheat and Dairy Back Into Your Diet, by John Douillard 

The Ayurvedic Vegan Kitchen: Finding Harmony Through Food, by Talya Lutzker

Gentle Digest Supplement

In Today’s Episode

Are you eating a plant-based diet? Are you trying to? Are you curious about the benefits? Or, do you know anyone who is trying to transition to a vegan lifestyle? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then today’s interview is for you. 

Today I’m pleased to be talking with Lani Muelrath. Lani has been vegetarian/vegan since 1973, when she also started teaching yoga and began a meditation practice. The ethical considerations of treatment of animals, the environment, and health were natural outgrowths of these practices. Her early studies in meditation took her to India on retreat several times. Since then she undertook the study of Mindfulness Meditation, which she has practiced for over twenty-five years. She has studied with some of the best-known leaders in mindfulness practices. She has also been featured on CBS-TV, ABC-TV, Prevention magazine, USA Today, Huffington Post, The Saturday Evening Post, and NSPR. She created and starred in her own CBS television show, Lani’s All Heart Aerobics, and has served as presenter and consultant for the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, The Complete Health Improvement Project, and Plant Pure Nation.

Lani is truly an expert on adopting a mindful, vegan lifestyle, and I hope you enjoy this interview with her!

Outline of This Great Episode

[6:49] Deborah introduces Lani.

[10:40] Learning about Ahimsa sparked Lani’s interest in vegetarianism, over 40 years ago.

[12:59] Going plant-based was an important step for Lani in mastering her habits and overcoming body image issues.

[13:50] We all have our own journey, but Lani has identified five critical steps to successfully transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.

[16:22] Lani’s experience with wildlife advocacy inspired her to stop eating dairy and transition to a vegan lifestyle.

[18:34] Start where you can, and don’t worry about judgment from others.

[19:32] How can we help people realize the harm that is being done by consumption of animal products?

[27:23] What steps will you take on your journey to a mindful vegan lifestyle?

[36:22] Exercise is probably more important for lifestyle change than you know.

[37:44] You must become the master of your habits.

[40:09] Lani’s books have different focuses but they all mention fitness, plant-based nutrition and mindfulness, because they go hand in hand.

[41:27] Each phase that Lani has identified is crucial to the journey.

[46:46] What are the biggest challenges for people attempting to transition to a vegan lifestyle?

[48:22] Planning ahead can be very helpful in navigating social situations.

[51:00] What is the difference between the terms “plant-based” and “vegan,” and which does Lani prefer?

[54:15] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[56:04] You can’t eat healthily without learning to cook. If you don’t cook, how should you start?

[1:01:18] The paleo movement is market-driven and full of misinformation.

[1:03:27] Lani’s book breaks down the ratios of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains that are ideal for most people.

[1:07:56] What do you need to stock up your kitchen if you are transitioning to a vegan diet?

[1:09:17] Lani is giving readers of her book a free, downloadable gift of vegan sauce recipes.

[1:10:08] Lani tells us a little more about her book The Mindful Vegan: A 30-Day Plan for Finding Health, Balance, Peace and Happiness.

[1:13:59] Lani is offering a four-day virtual retreat for people who preorder her book.

[1:16:10] Each month Lani offers a 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program.

[1:16:38] Lani offers three final tips.

Connect with Today’s Guest

LaniMuelrath.com

Resources Mentioned

The Plant-Based Journey: A Step by Step Guide for Transitioning to a Healthy Lifestyle and Achieving Your Ideal Weight, by Lani Muelrath

The Mindful Vegan: A 30-Day Plan for Finding Health, Balance, Peace and Happiness, by Lani Muelrath

BONUS GIFTS: Free 40-page preview of The Plant Based Journey and “7 Sauces That Add Sizzle to Your Plant-Based Plate”

Mindful Vegan Virtual Retreat

In Today’s Episode

Have you heard of the “slow living” movement? If you’ve been feeling stressed out, or like you have too much on your plate, today’s show is really going to help you put things into perspective.

Our guest, Carl Honoré, is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, TED speaker and the global spokesman for the Slow Movement. Carl travels the world to teach individuals and organizations how to power forward by slowing down, and whether running a small workshop or speaking to thousands from the stage, Carl is dynamic, inspiring, insightful and funny. His audiences range from C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and IT professionals, to teachers, academics, and medical practitioners. Before spearheading the Slow Movement, Carl spent a decade working as a journalist. He covered Europe and South America for the Economist, Observer, Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle, Time, National Post, and other publications.

Translated into 35 languages, his books have landed on bestseller lists in many countries. His first book, In Praise of Slowness, was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week, and the inaugural choice for the Huffington Post Book Club. It was also featured in a British TV sitcom, Argentina’s version of Big Brother, and a TV commercial for the Motorola tablet. His second book, Under Pressure, was shortlisted for the Writers’ Trust Award, the top prize for nonfiction in Canada.

Carl recently joined the Advisory Board of Jack Media, which makes a Slow messaging app. He also sits on the Board of Trustees of Hewitt School in New York City.

He lives in London with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he plays ‘slow’ sports like hockey and squash.

Outline of This Great Episode

[2:43] Our society tends to glorify speed.

[5:30] Deborah introduces Carl Honoré.

[8:16] How would Carl define the “slow movement?”

[9:52] Life is about striking a balance.

[10:34] Slowness has become taboo.

[12:44] We’re inching toward a turning point where attitudes about speed will change.

[15:13] Carl began to see the value of slowing down when he started reading bedtime stories to his son.

[18:02] We want to have it all, right now.

[21:31] Because of social media, we’re losing true connection.

[27:45] Carl feels optimistic about the future of slowness.

[29:17] People are in a hurry because of fear.

[35:54] How do you start slowing down?

[38:24] It is crucial to consider what you do in your spare time.

[40:56] Why are we all rushing around?

[42:02] Whether with our time or with our food, it’s all about choosing quality over quantity.

[43:36] It’s easy to get stuck, and it’s difficult to change.

[45:05] Time restraints are destroying our health care.

[47:57] How are children being affected by their parents’ hurried lifestyles?

[53:09] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products, and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[55:29] Kids need unstructured play.

[1:05:00] Countries that have “slow” cultures tend to have productive economies.

[1:14:29] Carl tells us about his books and a “slow app” he has helped to develop.

[1:16:33] Are people ready to slow down?

[1:17:25] Carl is working on a new book about aging.

[1:19:35] Do less, switch off and adopt a “slow ritual.”

Connect with Today’s Guest

CarlHonore.com

Resources Mentioned

Ted Talk: “In Praise of Slowness” by Carl Honoré

The Slow Revolution Podcast

In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed, by Carl Honoré

In Today’s Episode

Today we are talking with Michael Antoniou, PhD, a reader in molecular genetics and the head of the Gene Expression and Therapy Group at King’s College London School of Medicine in London, UK. He has 28 years of experience in the use of genetic engineering technology, investigating gene organization and control, with over 40 peer reviewed publications of original work, and holds inventor status on a number of gene expression biotechnology patents. Dr. Antoniou has a large network of collaborators in industry and academia who are making use of his discoveries in gene control mechanisms for the production of research, diagnostic and therapeutic products and human somatic gene therapies for inherited and acquired genetic disorders. Our conversation today is a long one, but a great one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Outline of This Great Episode

[2:38] It’s amazing that we are living into our fifties with all of the toxic exposure in our world today.

[4:29] Vote with your money.

[6:02] Industry studies on pesticides are kept secret under commercial confidentiality rules, and there are many myths surrounding GMOs.

[8:31] Glyphosate is the most widely-used pesticide.

[12:47] Deborah introduces Dr. Antoniou.

[15:37] What is a molecular geneticist and what do they do?

[16:05] Each gene carries its own set of control elements.

[17:54] We carry the totality of our DNA in every cell in our bodies.

[20:32] What are epigenetics?

[26:25] Dr. Antoniou saw that explanations about the safety of GM plants didn’t add up.

[32:14] What are the implications of GMOs for human health?

[33:38] GM crops have failed to deliver every benefit their producers have promised.

[34:56] What traits are GMOs altered to have?

[38:18] There have been reported cases of allergies only to GMO crops.

[39:49] What does Dr. Andrew Wakefield’s research have to do with GMOs?

[40:52] 50% of American children have at least one chronic illness.

[41:54] The adoption of chemical agriculture has turned our food into poison.

[45:02] It’s a whole chemical cocktail that is causing our problems.

[48:52] Glyphosate use has increased enormously since the introduction of GM crops.

[52:22] Why don’t we label GMOs in the United States?

[56:41] Even at low levels, glyphosate is extremely toxic.

[1:01:33] The profile of gene function is reflective of either health or disease, and Dr. Antoniou and his colleagues are looking at gene function to study glyphosate safety.

[1:06:04] Glyphosate can cause fatty-liver disease.

[1:07:51] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[1:09:37] What crops can be GMO?

[1:13:28] GMOs can cross pollinate an organic field.

[1:14:14] American fields are now rampant with RoundUp resistant weeds.

[1:16:50] Some people may not have access to organic foods.

[1:18:57] After spending a week in the U.S., Dr. Antoniou had high levels of glyphosate in his urine.

[1:20:16] Does genetic modification disturb the structure of corn?

[1:24:00] It can be difficult for the general public to find reliable information about GMOs.

[1:27:01] What about selective breeding?

[1:28:20] RoundUp is widely used, even on non-GM crops.

[1:33:54] Be an advocate locally to reduce glyphosate use.

[1:37:47] People are waking up.

[1:43:37] Where can you follow Dr. Antoniou’s work?

In Today’s Episode

Today we are talking with Laura-Jane, The Rawtarian. Laura-Jane is a leading creator of simple, satisfying raw vegan recipes. She is the author of Cook Lively, the host of The Raw Food Podcast and a featured speaker at BlogHer Food in Miami, FL and the Canadian Food Bloggers conference in Vancouver, BC. Her recipes and photography have been featured in The Huffington Post, The National Post and Vegan Life magazine. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She shares 100+ free simple, satiating raw food recipes at www.therawtarian.com.

Outline of This Great Episode

[2:31] Pharmaceuticals suppress symptoms, but on Vidal Speaks you will learn to treat root causes.

[7:05] Deborah introduces Laura-Jane.

[9:24] How did Laura Jane become a raw foodie?

[15:21] We should be teaching children how to prepare healthy food.

[19:43] Add to your diet before you subtract from it.

[24:30] Laura-Jane tells us about her new cookbook Cook Lively.

[25:47] Everyone could add some more raw food to their diet, and it doesn’t have to be difficult.

[27:29] There are challenges to switching to a raw diet, but they can be overcome.

[33:54] Healthy desserts are Laura-Jane’s specialty.

[38:02] What is Laura-Jane’s all-time favorite dessert?

[40:08] Laura-Jane has a cashew-based Ranch dressing recipe.

[43:53] Laura-Jane says there are three different stages to going raw.

[49:48] Thank you to everyone who left us a review last week! Be sure to check out VidalSpeaks.com, where you can find my story, my favorite products and much more! Please support this show by using the Amazon Banner on my site for all your Amazon purchases, which will pay a small commission to me with no extra cost to you. It really helps. Please also consider donating directly to keep our show going, leaving us a review or sharing our show with a friend. All of this supports our mission. Thank you!

[51:56] You can minimize your time in the kitchen with raw food.

[55:39] Plant-based eating is important for our health, and the health of our environment.

[56:45] More and more people are becoming interested in the benefits of being vegan.

[1:00:00] The descriptions of these vegan recipes are sure to make you hungry and motivate you to try raw/vegan cooking yourself!

[1:07:51] What was it like for Laura-Jane to write a cookbook?

[1:12:44] Deborah would also like to write a book someday.

[1:18:32] Talking can be the cure for writer’s block.

[1:23:08] Laura-Jane even has a raw lemon bar recipe!

[1:24:13] What are three tips for people feeling overwhelmed about going vegan or raw?

Connect with Today’s Guest

The Rawtarian Website

Resources Mentioned

Cook Lively, by Laura-Jane Koers