Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano

During this strange time of social distancing, I am creating a pop-up show: The Plantbased Business Hour. The podcast will come daily on weekdays until our lives get back to normal. I am creating this show, not just because there is a need for content right now, but because I feel that there is a need for a certain kind of content that is missing. Plantbased Business represents not only big money, as you will see I have Managing Partners at Venture Capital Groups and Executives from major corporation on my show. Plant-based Business also represents the big solution to the meat and dairy industries that are crippling our health and our planet. I think we can all agree, as we stay home and cannot even travel to see loved ones in this strange time, that we need large-scale solutions to these industries as we pay a heavy, heavy cost on our health and the health of the planet during the Coronavirus, just as we have during other meat-borne pandemics. First up is Curt Albright of Clear Current Captial. We discuss the challenges of scaling up small plantbased business and his investment strategy in plantbased start-ups. For more information, http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://Clearcurrentcapital.com

Author Colleen Patrick Goudreau joins Elysabeth to discuss helping people transition to a plant-based life. In the Doctor Is Dialed In segment, Dr. Scott Stoll discusses the Plantrician Project in which he teaches Doctors the importance of plant-based nutrition and protecting ourselves during the Coronavirus. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

From 1980-1995 Seth Tibbott made tempeh and lived in a tree house. (Yes.) Without much financial success, he decided to do something about the 46 million Turkeys that are killed every year in the name of 'gratitude', 'thanks' and 'tradition.' Tofurky was born! In truth, Seth is the founder of more than Tofurky as he is one of the key foundational bricks upon which the current plant-based movement is built. Seth dishes with correspondent Elysabeth Alfano about his humble beginnings, the future of food, the changing landscape of agriculture and the secret weapon of vegans! Didn't realize you were a superhero? Seth sets you straight! Listen in! Seth's book, In Search for the Wild Tofurky, How a Business Misfit Pioneered Plant-based Foods Before They Were Cool is out on Amazon early April. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://Tofurky.com

Can one man change the direction of China? Maybe. David Yeung started Green Monday in 2012, and subsequently Green Common in 2015 and OmniPork in 2019 to address the issues of a rising population, climate change, food scarcity, and animal cruelty in China. He is a world change-maker for the sustainable common good and a gentle force to be reckoned with, hopefully guiding China towards a healthier future. David sits down with Elysabeth Alfano and discusses the effects of Westernization in Asia, the health problems that ensue from same, the coronavirus and his Hong-Kong based plant-based businesses and their impact. Listen in at https://elysabethalfano.com and https://greenmonday.org/en/.

Lt Commander Charles Hallum and Sgt Vegan Bill Muir join me to talk about Vegans in the Military. Are there any and how is it possible? We talk about MREs, respect from colleagues, did they ever doubt themselves, what makes a tough guy and handling stress while in the service. Plus, Dr. Ashok Nagella joins in to discuss the correlation between mental health and diet. Listen in and for more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com

How much do we really know about regenerative farming? CEO of Milkadamia, Jim Roberts, joins me today in studio. According to Jim, Macadamia Nuts, are one of the world's most perfect foods and – as I can attest – make a delicious nut milk. We talk about how Milkadamia farms Macadamia nuts, why and how their farming is regenerative of soil and of community and is macadamia butter possible? Listen in and share. You'll find this interview inspiring and Jim embodies all that we hope for from our business leaders: a desire to leave the world better than how we found it and an intent to work with community to find solutions that benefit us all. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://Milkadamia.com .

Have you heard the news? There's a new plant-based cooking show on Amazon Prime, called New Day New Chef. While there have been other YouTube-type shows before, this the first large-scale fully vegan cooking series. Co-Creator, Executive Producer and Host Jane Velez Mitchell explains all about the show and how it came to be. Elysabeth is also one of the Executive Producers and one of the Featured Chefs. John Joseph McGowan, frontman for the punk rock Cro-Mags JM, joins in from NYC to talk about being a punk rocker by night and triathelete by day...vegan, of course. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

What food will add four years to your life? What are the top five foods everyone should eat? What do all recipes for longevity have in common? From the Four Seasons-Santa Barbara, Blue Zones Founder and author of The Blue Zones Kitchen, Dan Buettner sits down with Elysabeth Alfano on her eponymous radio show, the only plant-based radio show in the nation, to dish on how Americans are forgoing 10-14 years of healthy longevity and how to fix this. Plus, Chef Leslie Durso joins the conversation and brings them loads of delicious dishes to enjoy that are all plant-based and designed for #AgingBackwards…except that vegan Chocolate Cake with Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting! See http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://Bluezones.com and https://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/ for more info.

Hormones are tricky and drive us all crazy. Dr. Neal Barnard, in conversation on The Elysabeth Alfano Show, the only plant-based radio show in the nation, sets the record straight! For women of all ages, Dr. Barnard addresses aligning our hormones with a plant-based diet to positively impact not only our health, but our fertility. Plus, he even addresses hormonal balance for menopause. Finally, Elysabeth and Neal put to rest any question of meat being good for you. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and Dr. Neal Barnard's latest book: Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, Health .

From the weekly show, The Elysabeth Alfano Show on WCGO Radio and the Smart Talk Radio Network, Founder and Presiplant of Before the Butcher and UnCut Burgers, Danny O'Malley joins me to dish on Burgers, Business, and Being Better. AND - just in time for Valentine's Day, Founder of Find VegLove, Karine Charbonneau, talks vegan matchmaking! The Elysabeth Alfano show is the ONLY plant-based radio show in the nation AND you can get it on your local radio station. Just tell your station to get The Elysabeth Alfano show on the Smart Talk Radio Network (free) - so you can get plant-based news, food, and interviews in YOUR hometown! For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and https://www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/the-elysabeth-alfano-show

From Sundance, nestled on a couch during a snowstorm in Park City, Elysabeth sits down with the cast of the Game Changers movie: James "Lightning" Wilks, Former NFL player, Lou Smith, Strongman Patrik Baboumian and International Anti-Poaching Foundation Founder, Damien Mander. Plus, Dr. Terry Mason, also part of the film, joins Elysabeth on her new radio show on WCGO and the Smart Talk Radio Network. The Elysabeth Alfano Show is the only commercially syndicated plant-based radio show in the nation. For more Information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://GameChangersmovie.com

Can dogs be vegan? Why, Yes They Can! Elysabeth Alfano, host of the Awesome Vegans Podcast and Video Series sits down with scientist, entrepreneur, investor and bio-hacker (ooh, sexy!) and CEO of Wild Earth Dog Food, Ryan Bethencourt. Ryan shares startling facts about the connection between our pets and the horrible abuses of farmed animals. Packed with interesting information about the pet industry and the direction of the plant-based tech industry as a whole, watch to get the full scoop from silicon valley innovator, Ryan Bethancourt. It is no wonder that he was such a hit on Shark Tank and that Mark Cuban invested BIG!!

Shark got your tongue? Not for this hot momma! Jenny Goldfarb, AKA Mrs. Goldfarb, wowed Marc Cuban on "Shark Tank" with her plant-based corned beef. Now Elysabeth joins Jenny live at her house to dish on her wild ride, the booming business of plant-based deli meats, and how this mother and home-cook came to realize that she wanted to do more than cook for her family of four. After Elysabeth breaks down the week's news, these two get into it, ending the show with recipe, food and health tips worth their weight in (Marc Cuban) gold. Jenny Goldfarb is quickly becoming a central player in the plant-based-food explosion. Where Beyond Meat and Impossible have largely monopolized the burger landscape, Jenny is the primary player in the plant-based deli sector. Born out of compassion for animals and concern for the environment, Jenny took on a vegan lifestyle several years ago, inspiring her food blog, Count Your Colors, where she cooked up different plant-based recipes every week. In 2019, she launched UNREAL DELI, and her debut product, Mrs. Goldfarb's Unreal Corned Beef, has exploded in the major delis and restaurants in L.A. (Canter's, Factor's, Art's, move studio lots, and now Whole Foods). She famously won the hearts of America on "Shark Tank" in November, scoring a deal with newly vegetarian Mark Cuban. Keep a look out for Unreal Corned Beef, coming to grocery stores and national chains across the country in 2020, or order a box online today at www.unrealdeli.com. The Elysabeth Alfano Show airs every Sunday 4p ET live on WCGO-Chicago (1590AM and 95.9FM), WCGORadio.com, The Smart Talk Radio Network and Alexa. To hear more of The Elysabeth Alfano Show, click here. And please help us make the first and only syndicated plant-based radio show in the nation a huge success! Tell YOUR local station to pick up The Elysabeth Alfano, available across the nation through the Smart Talk Radio Network or by contacting Elysabeth at [email protected].

Dr. Scott Stoll, founder of the Plant-based Nutrition Conference, part of the Plantrician Project, joins me to explain that doctors often don't get the nutritional information needed in medical school. Enter The Plantrician Project! It isn't just doctors who need good medical info! In this interview, you will receive lots of good medical tips, insights and answers to some burning medical question. Is juicing really good for you without the fiber? Are carbs bad for you? And what about fasting? We get into it all…just in time to help you with your on-going new years resolutions! For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and https://www.plantricianproject.org.

The podcast to kick off your New Year's Resolutions! Vegan Cardiologist, Past President and current Fellow and Trustee of the American College of Cardiology and Head of the Cardiology Department at Rush Medical Center, Dr. Kim Williams joins me for an episode of Awesome Vegans in Chicago. Dr. and I dish on the scientific facts from proven studies about the benefits of a plant-based diet, including lower mortality rates. Dr. Kim discusses the four properties in animal-based products that cause heart disease, his 7 indicators for heart health, and his favorite party tricks. (Spoiler alert: it's an app to test your heart health! Don't you want that?!). Finally, Dr. Kim shares with Elysabeth why he feels it is "our patriotic duty" to be vegan. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

Fearless Vegan Evan, President of Animal Hero Kids, challenges President Trump to go vegan in the month of January. If he does, Evan and the organization that backs him and several other kids, Million Dollar Vegan, will donate $1million to veterans. I got the scoop live from New York! Evan says that going vegan will turn America into a solutionary country; a country that addesses climate change, food shortages and its own raging health issues. Indeed, being a sick country makes us a less productive country and it is bankrupting our medical system. Evan discusses the power of going vegan for the planet, the climate crisis, our draining resources, our debilitating health issues and, of course, for the animals. Share this post to help spread the word to encourage President Trump to make the deal and take $1 Million for Veterans. He'll get a boost for his own health and he'll Make America Healthy Again. Now that's a great deal! For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://MillionDollarVegan.com

Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA, is a force of nature! "Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way," is the long-time declaration of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. With 485 employees and over 6.5 million supporters, PETA is the largest and most far-reaching of animal rights organizations. PETA has been instrumental in exposing the cruelty and horror in factory farms, animal experimentation, the fur and fashion industry, circuses, the travel industry, cock fighting, dog fighting, bull fighting, Ag-Gag laws and so much more. PETA also has a formidable vegan outreach program with veg starter kits and has expanded animal welfare concerns beyond the United States to India and Asia. Not to mention, PETA has been creative in putting out tongue-in-cheek, as well as serious, advertising campaigns in front of the public eye. Celebrities from Alec Baldwin to Joaquin Phoenix to super model Joanna Krupa, just to name a few, have lent their image and words to support PETA's campaigns. Now, sitting in my kitchen, founder of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk, discusses with candor and youthful energy the many projects that PETA is working on to benefit animals (and the planet and people). Ultimately, PETA's intent is to make the world a kinder place by encouraging human compassion to sentient animals that can feel pain and share with us a range of emotions. I support this, of course, and have always been a fan of PETA even if I don't agree with absolutely everything they have ever done. I support PETA because far and away, they move the needle for animals more than any other organization. Ingrid's book Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveress About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show them Compassion is out now on pre-order on Amazon. That said, PETA is no stranger to controversy. PETA did not support Prop 12 in California and has defended its euthanasia program to put down dogs that can't be adopted out. Listen in to this informal and causal interview to hear Ingrid Newkirk and decide for yourself: Is PETA extreme? For more information, visit http://Peta.org and http://ElysabethAlfano.com

Today's podcast is a cross between Awesome Vegans and Marketplace. No one has their finger on the pulse of the plant-based food business world like guest, T.K. Pillan! The co-founder of Veggie Grill, T.K. joins me to dish on the numbers and the growth behind the plant-based food businesses and jobs that are gaining traction in the marketplace, including his own. In fact, Veggie Grill just launched restaurant #34 in Chicago this week and is the largest vegan/vegetarian restaurant chain in the U.S. In addition to Veggie Grill, T.K. is one of the partners in PowerPlant Ventures which invests in plant-based businesses, which are enjoying an explosion in growth and start-ups. He is busy to say the least, but this understated guy is as smart as they come. For more information, visit http://powerplantvc.com and http://elysabethalfano.com.

What's the BEST plant-based ingredient to cook with? It is the one that has paved the way for the plant-based revolution that we have today. Dan Curtin, CEO of Field Roast and Lightlife, joins me on the pod to discuss my all-time favorite product: Tempeh. In addition, as Lifelights celebrates 40 years, we dish on the history and the future of the plant-based foodie movement! The most unprocessed you can get in the soy family, I use this organic product as a base for all my "Meat" dishes: Pasta Bolognese, Stuffed Peppers, Lasagna and more. All of these recipes, which are available at http://ElysabethAlfano.com, are PERFECT dishes for the holidays. Lightlife tempeh, when seasoned and sautéed, makes a perfect meat base – if you are craving that kind of thing or if you want recipes that you grew up on, but without the meat. Plus, dishes like my plant-based Lasagna and Stuffed Peppers and are perfect for cooking for a group because they all freeze well. And if you don't feel like cooking, Field Roast's Roast is also pretty delicious and, relatively speaking, a healthy alternative. Dig into this interview for some juicy inspiration!

It's a story of the American dream that you maybe didn't know. In this episode, I interview John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems Hair Care Products. Literally from rags to riches, John Paul went from foster care as a child and a door-to-door salesman to one of the wealthiest men in America with one of the biggest hearts. You will hear first-hand John Paul's dedication to giving back and making a difference and how he changed the hair-care industry. Not by making incredible products, although he did that and I know because I use them, but because he refused to do animal testing. Standing up to an industry that was bent on animal experimentation despite not being necessary, John Paul paved the way for what we have now: California, Nevada and Illinois have banned animal testing for cosmetics. Please listen in and share this podcast. For anyone who may feel jaded that the world is intractable, you will want to hear this interview and be inspired that people still care, people still make a difference and, whether you have a gazillions dollars or not, you can, too. Entrepreneurs be forewarned! John Paul drops a few bombs of powerful advice! For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

It's a Brave New World. Truly. I believe we are living in the time of incredible transition. Just as the invention of the car changed the world to what it is today, the innovation of tasty plant-based meat and dairy alternatives will be upending animal agriculture, impacting our climate crisis, changing our health care system and affecting our culture – all for the better. Today's podcast is different from others in that I will be giving you an overview from what I learned at the recent Good Food Institute Conference in September. From there I will be segueing into a series of short interviews from the conference. I interview Lisa Feria, CEO of Stray Dog Capital, Lou Cooperhouse and Chris Dammann of BlueNalu (cellular agriculture) and Thomas Jonas of biotech company, Sustainable Bioproducts. Listen in for not just the future of food, but the future of life on the planet. For more information and to watch the video version of this podcast, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com .

COO of Illinois' Cook County Department of Public Health, Dr. Terry Mason, sits down with me to explain what our bodies need. Comparing our bodies to machines that need care and upkeep, just like with a car, Dr. Mason explains that you need to give it the right inputs for it to run well. In 2004, Mason was having a heart attack while on a tread mill and was told to go on medicine. Getting only four hours of nutritional education in medical school, Dr. Mason decided to research what he could do instead of meds and found his way to a whole-food, plant-based diet. He subsequently lost almost 50 pounds. Dr. Mason's conviction is palpable. He explains that the average person eats 57 pounds of chicken and 100 pounds of meat a year on the standard American diet (many say over 200 pounds if fish is included). It is no wonder that many Americans are unhealthy and suffering. For some plant-based recipe options, click here. As if this isn't enough, we also talk about the nitty-gritty: POOP! Think you are healthy? Listen in to find out and to learn about...POOP! For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com .

Bonus Podcast! From the star-studded red carpet at the premiere of The Game Changers movie, I speak with 9-time NBA champion, Chris Paul who explains how he dropped the bomb on Lebron James that he is vegan! I also speak with former NFL star Tony Gonzalez, Academy Award-winning director, Louie Psihoyos, Suzy Amis Cameron and Dr. Dean Ornish. What a night!! The Game Changers movie follows over 20 plant-based athletes on their road to breaking personal and public records. Athletes are from all sports domains: tennis, boxing, weight lifting, ultra-marathon, car racing, body building, cycling, martial arts, strongman competitions, football, soccer, track and more. For more information, visit https://elysabethalfano.com/awesome-vegans-podcast-vlog/game-changers/ and get your tix for the public premiere on September 16 at http://GameChangersMovie.com CHICAGO get your tix for the AFTER PARTY I am co-hosting at No Bones Beach Club here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1401575643341620/

You are in for a treat because tonight it is a vegan's night at the opera! Grammy-Award winning Baritone and Animal Rights Advocate Lucas Meachem joins me from the road just before he is about to perform on stage. Spanning his career, Lucas has performed at the Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel, at the Vienna Opera House, the Paris Opera House, the Los Angeles Opera, the Washington National Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, the Canadian Opera, Napa Opera and the Metropolitan Opera House. It is hard to believe that Lucas actually got his start in a Paris Karaoke bar where he was discovered! Lucas is currently performing at the San Francisco Opera house playing Mercutio in Romeo and Juliette. He will also be a featured speaker at the upcoming California Vegetarian Food Festival on Sept 21. I will be interviewing Lucas live, so I hope you will join us at this free event. For sure we will be discussing his favorite routine of eating an Impossible Whopper before every performance! Enjoy this candid interview with Lucas who talks about his love of animals and music and how he believes that veganism is the next social justice movement of our time. He also discusses the benefit of not accepting the status quo and thinking through why we eat what we do and does that really serve us best. For more information and to watch the full interview, visit ElysabethAlfano.com.

We all know about the Beyond Burger and the Impossible Whopper, but what about eggs made from mung beans? On this episode of the Awesome Vegans Podcast and Video Series, CEO of JUST, Inc., Josh Tetrick joins me to discuss the national launch of JUST Eggs, a liquid food that scrambles up just like eggs but without the destruction to animals, the planet and human health. Truly a maverick in the plant-based food world, Josh said this in 2018 to Food News Magazine, "The objective for our company isn't to be a nice little company that gets spun off to Nestle for about $500 million. That's not what I care about. The objective is to try to move, to try to shift things in a more dramatic way." Josh and I discuss his vision for the future of food, famine and the planet, the launch of JUST Eggs, a marketing snafu they had early on and future products including, cultured cell meat. Don't go anywhere, this podcast is literally about your future. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and https://www.ju.st/en-us .

Imagine building your own army to tackle head on the injustice you see in the world. That's exactly what former Special Ops Sniper in the Iraqi War, Damien Mander, decided to do. While visiting Africa after leaving Iraq he saw the damage and destruction being done to our planet's most endangered species. Damien decided he would do something about it. He sold his investment portfolio and founded the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. His army of 37 women in Zimbabwe protects elephants, rhino and other endangered species from poachers. He is now expanding to Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa. On the Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano Podcast and Video Series, Damien, accompanied by lead ranger Vimbai Kumire, explains how empowering women to protect animals has been one of the most important things he has ever done. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and https://www.iapf.org .

The Gods of technology were not with me on this interview, but Dr. T Colin Campbell was! Despite of bit of tech trouble that slightly affected the sound, Dr. T. Collin Campbell joined me remotely from the Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center in the Chicagoland area. The Center puts on the annual Veggie Fest every August which attacks over 40,000 and is one of the largest in the country. Dr. Campbell visited the center to give a talk to over 1500 people who were interested in learning more about a plant-based diet. His book, The China Study, documents his ground breaking research that is a main factor in today's growing plant-based health movement. In The China Study, Dr. Campbell studied 65 counties in China comparing the health outcomes of those who ate primarily whole food plant-based diets and those who ate animal-based products. From the research, he determined that food, specifically animal-based foods, and not genetics, is the source of a multitude of diseases. Campbell cites casein, the protein in dairy, as being one of the worst culprits of all. We decided to run this interview even with the sound difficulty because the nuggets that Dr. Campbell lays down are really worth hearing. Thank you for your patience. I hope you find this interview truly worthwhile and informative. To attend this year's Veggie Fest in Lisle, IL on August 10 and 11, visit Veggie Fest Chicago.com. And be sure to come and say hello to me. I will be doing cooking demonstrations on both days at 2p. I look forward to seeing you there! For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

Want a bit of fresh air? Want to hear someone who has all the beauty, celebrity fanfare and Instagram followers to take themselves super seriously, but instead is down to earth, kind and super smart? Then you are going to love, animal lover Daniella Monet. On today's podcast you will hear how this child actress turned social media star saved her pennies and worked hard every step of the way to turn her success into an entrepreneurial streak…and make a strong social impact for people and for animals along the way. Daniella Monet shares how she found her sense of purpose and we can all do the same. #Inspiration doesn't even begin to cut it. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and a http://KinderBeautyBox.com .

Long before it was trendy, there was a lone woman on Oprah touting the benefits of veganism and getting Oprah to try it. I remember that episode of Oprah like it was yesterday. That episode was one of five or six cues that registered in my brain and whispered, Elysabeth you should be vegan. That singular voice that day on Oprah was New York Times Best Selling author, health and wellness expert, Kathy Freston. She has been talking about the benefits of a plant-based diet for people, our planet and our animals for almost a decade. Kathy has written Clean Protein: The Revolution that Will Reshape Your Body, Boost Your Energy-and Save Our Planet, The Lean: A Revolutionary (and Simple!) 30-Day Plan for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss, Veganist: Lose Weight, Get Healthy, Change the World, The Quantum Wellness Cleanse: The 21 Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit, and Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness…and these titles are just to name a few. Now, sitting in my kitchen and chatting as if we had known each other for years, Kathy clues us in to the best ways to talk to those who aren't yet vegan and how to make it as easy on them as possible. Vegan-ish? Sure, why not! Along the way, we discuss the changing cultural zeitgeist around plant-based food and our planet that is in dire need. To this end, Kathy has just delivered a petition of over 200,000 signatures to the McDonald's Hamburger Univeristy Headquarters in Chicago demanding a vegan burger. Hundreds of thousands of people want MckyDs to have a MckyV. If you agree, head to social media and tag me,Elysabeth Alfano, Kathy Freston and McDonald's and let them know you want a MckyV. Plus, Kathy lets us in on a little secret called the Veto Vote. What is it and do you have it? Upbeat and natural, informative and friendly, this is one episode of Awesome Vegans that will make you feel like you've had Kathy Freston as a pal forever. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com

Ron Placone just kind of stumbled in to veganism. The stand-up comic, writer for The Jimmy Dore Show, ocassional guest on The Young Turks network and creator and host of Get Your News on with Ron dishes with me about how he tripped into veganism, never expecting to like, and hasn't looked back. Going vegan isn't the only thing we get into. We also talk about our fav Italian dishes, how he curates his news on Get Your News on with Ron, being vegan on the road, his Net Neutrality passion and his cat, Lucy. Expect to be entertained as Ron and I hang out at his place in Pasadena on this episode of Awesome Vegans. For more information, visit http://RonPlacone.com and http://ElysabethAlfano.com. To join Ron on June 11 to take back the internet and net neutrality, go to http://EpicLiveStream.com .

Ahhhh, the great Ed Begley, Jr! Ed joins me on Awesome Vegans to give us a private tour of his Platinum LEED Certified house! From the thickness of the walls to the refurbished floors and from the room specific heat thermostats to the solar panel heated pool with a the hidden underground tank to catch rain water, Ed has done everything to make sure his house is as green and eco-friendly as possible. It's not just on the set of film and TV that Ed stays busy. He explains that he loves to garden and cook...so after the house tour we share some tomato soup and talk cleaning products, appliances and his secret about working with director Christopher Guest! Join me for this special episode of Awesome Vegans in which you will not only get to know this kind and creative soul, but you will learn how to keep your gas bill to about $30 month! For more information go to ElysabethAlfano.com and EdBegley.com

Every year the Animal Legal Defense Fund announces their Top Ten States for animal welfare laws. For the last 11 years, the state of Illinois has been number one. Senator Linda Holmes is one of the main reasons for this. On this episode of the Awesome Vegans Podcast and Video series, Illinois Senator Linda Holmes takes a break from her busy schedule to join me by Skype. Senator Holmes and I discuss two current animal bills, both of which she proposed. Both bills have passed the Illinois Senate and are waiting for a vote in the Illinois House. Specifically, Bill 61 deals with permits and fees for adopting and fostering animals and Bill 241 would prohibit the importation or sale of cosmetic products or ingredients that use animal testing after Jan 1, 2020. We also discuss Senator Holmes's fight to ban wild and exotic animals, such as tigers and bears, from traveling circuses and fairs. In 2017, Senator Holmes was successful in getting Illinois to be the first state to ban elephants from performing. While Senator Holmes and I don't see eye to eye on everything, our discussion is a vibrant and passionate and hopeful one and she is an incredible advocate for animals. For more information and to see the video companion to this podcast, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com. To contact your IL representative to voice your support for Bills 61 and 241, visit http://ILGA.Gov.

My guest today is riding high…riding high atop some giant waves that is. Champion Surfer, Tia Blanco is the 2015 and 2016 World surfing champion. She took the First Place Gold at the International Surfing Association Open Women's World Surfing Championship. As one of the top 50 female surfers in the world, she is now training to compete for a spot on the 2020 USA Olympic team. Gotta give to her, Tia Blanco is on fire. Tia and I dish near her home in Southern California to talk about how this champion gets her protein, uses her nutrition to stay mentally and physically strong and on being a role model for others. Hang loose, y'all. Enjoy this podcast with delightfully badass, vegan power-surfer, Tia Blanco. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com .

Well, it's always a thrill to have the Voice Of American Idol on your podcast. On today's Awesome Vegans pod, famed newscaster, radio host, Emmy Award winning producer and podcaster (The Edge), Mark Thompson joins me from his KFI-iHeart Radio studios. We discuss how the mainstream media approaches animal rights issues, his take, as a former weatherman, on our environmental crisis, Mark's own reasons for going plant-based, and what he wished he knew ten years ago. This self-proclaimed tofu lover holds nothing back. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com .

You know the expression everything under the sun? That's exactly what I talk about with this episodes's guest: basketball legend, wellness master, media personality, chef and philosopher, John Salley. Get comfy and settle in because John and I wax prophetic about our food and protein, John's life vision, his many, many businesses and projects, and his time with Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson on the Chicago Bulls and then again with Phil Jackson for the LA Lakers. Plus, John gives us his take on religion and his tips for young athletes and... the rest of us. This four-time NBA champion holds nothing back and it's all the straight dope. Oh, and we talk about that, too! Are you looking for a great source of protein? Check out http://Nuzest.US/Awesome for Nuzest's Clean Lean Protein Powder. A trial pack of 10 with four delicious flavors is $9.99 and free shipping if you hit up http://Nuzest.US/Awesome . I don't just use it for protein on juicing days and in my breakfast bowl, I have been cooking with it, using it as a replacement for flour! Bonus! Yum, yum and more yum! Try it and let me know what you think. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com .

If you're listening to this podcast, you are probably interested in change. But what does it take to create change? Today's podcast guest has the answers, at least some of them any way. Brad Barbera is the Director of Innovation at the Good Food Institute in Washington, D.C. and he sure does know his stuff. We talk about climate change and animal agriculture, the plant-based meat arena, the coming of clean meat. …and what people need to really change. Enjoy this informative and hopeful-for-the-future interview with fellow Northwestern grad, Brad Barbera. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and http://gfi.org .

Actor/Director Joel Murray and I go back a few years, connected by our love of our hometown Chicago, Second City, Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. In fact, our ties are tight enough that this meat eater was willing to go meatless...as long as I met the demand: make his favorite meat dish taste as if it had meat. With a little help from Beyond Meat, I was up to the challenge! Join us in my kitchen for this episode of Awesome Vegans in which Joel Murray and I make meatless Pasta Bolognese while talking sports, his brother Bill, his time with Jon Hamm on Mad Men, his years at Second City Chicago, plus his current work with Whose Live Anyway? Perhaps most importantly, we also talk cooking and drinking tips. How long should one REALLY cook pasta to get it 'al dente'? And what is Fernet Branca? Listen in to hear classic meat eater Joel Murray wander into my meatless kitchen to dish on life, love, comedy, cooking and the Chicago Cubs. For the full effect, watch the video and get the recipe on http://ElysabethAlfano.com .

We look to our leaders to lead. When they don't, which can happen more often than not, it can take a 12-year old girl to be the spark of change. On this episode of Awesome Vegans, I am honored to be the FIRST interview (#JaneUnchained, WGN Radio) with young activist Genesis Butler immediately after she publicly (New York Times, The Guardian) invited Pope Francis to go vegan for lent. As noted in his encyclical letter, Pope Francis explains that we need to make lifestyle changes to address climate change. Well...then let's do that, starting with the Pope himself. As Genesis points out, going vegan for lent is a chance for His Holiness to take a stand against climate change, world hunger, large-scale animal suffering and a current international human health crisis. With incredible sophistication from the sunniness of her Long Beach bedroom, I interview this incredible spirit. Listen in to hear first-hand her encouragement to the Pope and all his followers to show compassion to people, animals and the planet when it is called upon most: lent. And if compassion somehow isn't compelling enough for Pope Francis, maybe the $1Million being offered to the charities of his choice should he accept this invitation is! For more information, visit Million Dollar Vegan and ElysabethAlfano.com .

As much of an animal advocate as I am, when it comes down to the most important thing for animals, it isn't the rescues. It is to get the laws changed for animal protection. This is why today's guest, lawyer and Executive Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Stephen Wells, is such an incredible human being and an incredible hero. Stephen talks about overturned Ag-Gag laws and what it means for farmed animals who are currently locked behind closed factory doors. He speaks of the fact that in many states it is legal to do certain things to farmed animals that would not be legal to do to your pet. In fact, we discuss how, in 42 of the 50 states, factories are exempt from animal cruelty laws. Stephen is on an incredible journey of helping animals gain justice. In one circumstance a horse named Justice is actually in the process of a lawsuit against the owner. Another instance was in New York a dog named Bella was beaten to death and there is a bill coming soon named after that dog that addresses animal cruelty laws. Things are changing and much of it is due to the Animal Legal Defense Fund and their growing number of lawyers, university chapters, and funding. To learn more about ALDF, visit https://aldf.org. To help support ALDF, please visit https://give.aldf.org/page/5302/donate/1. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

On this episode of Awesome Vegans, I'm over the moon to be in the company of Rachel Barton Pine, a world renown violinist and vegan. With over 30 CDs to her credit, Rachel has played in concert halls all around the world. She is also the founder of the RBP Foundation. When people think about vegans, perhaps they think about hippies and extremists. Rachel blows that stereotype to smithereens, showing that all sorts of people can be vegan. As she tackles the world music industry and takes on the demanding life of an internationally traveling and performing violinist, her vegan regime enables her to maintain the stamina she needs. All the while, she is also showing her daughter how to live a vegan life. Join me as Rachel Barton Pine and I talk about the negative impacts of animal agriculture and how going vegan can actually help our planet and our health. Also, listen as Rachel performs three times, playing multiple genres of music and even a duet with her daughter, with passion, ferver and exquisite grace that is quintessential Rachel Barton Pine. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

On this show, I am honored to interview so many wonderful people who are making a difference in this world for people, for the planet and for animals. But even among this group of truly exceptional people, Dr. Neal Barnard is special. Founder of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Barnard Medical Center, he is also the author of 20 books, such as The Vegan Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Know about Plantbased Eating. Dr. Barnard has fostered an instrumental and monumental change in the use of animals in testing and experimentation in both governmental and non-governmental institutions. As if this isn't enough, he has also worked tirelessly to make sure that nutrition is considered as an important factor in preventive medicine. Dr. Barnard and I talk about his recent big win for the end of animal testing on cosmetics in the state of CA, and his other initiatives to make the world better for animals and people, along with his view on life and music. No doubt, this man is a walking gem. Plus, he gives great tips to help you stick to your resolutions and experience a great Veganuary! For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

Think you know Billy Corgan? Think again. He and his partner, designer and founder of Maison Atia, Chloe Mendel, talk faux fur, animal activism and the Smashing Pumpkins reunion on Ep 22 of Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano. Unfathomably, between the two of them, they juggle living in NYC, Chicago and LA, a haute-couture fashion house, a rock band, two dogs, two cats and two babies! And yet, as you will hear, they are incredibly normal and laid back, with a very funny dynamic between the two of them. In fact, this interview is an EXCLUSIVE. It is their first interview together ever. Visit Maison Atia's website to view collections and for information on a December 16 Faux Fur event with Santa and your pet at the Virgin Hotels Chicago benefitting PAWS Chicago. Visit http://SmashingPumpkins.com for European and North American tour dates. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

Can eating meat cause cancer? Can eating a whole-food plant-based diet decrease depression? For once and for all, is soy good or bad for you?!? The Dr. is in…or should I say the nutrition nerd is in the house. Yes, Dr. Michael Greger, with encyclopedic knowledge of nutrition, joins me to kick off the new year with some nutrition facts for our New Year's Resolutions. Plus, he reveals his favorite snack and some cooking tips as only Dr. Greger can dish out. Author of How Not To Die, How Not To Die Cookbook, and director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at the Humane Society of the United States, Dr. Greger is an internet sensation. This podcast with Dr. Michael Greger is one you won't want to miss! If you didn't get enough of Dr. Greger in this podcast, you can always get his book How Not To Die on Amazon.com or on Audible. Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service. Try Audible and check out How Not To Die…for free. To download your free audiobook today go to http://audibletrial.com/AwesomeVegans. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

Jane Velez-Mitchell began with a career in journalism. In 2014, Jane focused her energies on covering animal rights issues on her Facebook channel and news-styled website, JaneUnChained.com. As a longtime vegan and voice for animals, Jane is a leader in the animal rights movement. This powerhouse woman even has her own CNN show running for 6 years, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. On social media and Facebook Live, Jane addresses animal violence and the negative impacts of factory farming on human health and the environment. Jane's voice and coverage have put a spotlight on the horrors of slaughterhouses. Jane's Facebook followers, which reach over a whopping 900k, flock to her channel and website for accurate news. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and https://janeunchained.com and of course, be sure to subscribe to us both on FB!

I like to think of Gene Baur, Co-Founder and President of the Farm Sanctuary in New York State and the Los Angeles area, as the original. Despite not being the first animal activist, who else has funded their sanctuary by selling veggie dogs out of the back of their VW van at a Grateful Dead concert? Classic! Gene is more than just dedicated and devoted to bettering the lives of animals. He is also a wealth of knowledge about how to fix our ailing animal agriculture-based food supply system that has left the environment depleted and our health in question. Gene has solutions, and a new take on tradition. For example, since we don't need meat to survive, consider adopting a Turkey this Thanksgiving rather than eating one! Visit http://FarmSanctuary.org for info. Gene also has a great book, Living the Farm Sanctuary Life! You can try the Audible version of this book with a 30-day free trial by visiting http://Audibletrial.com/AwesomeVegans. As Gene says, he's not anti-business and he's not anti-farmer, he's anti-cruelty. And who can't get behind that?! Listen in and for more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com

On this episode of Awesome Vegans, I head to the home of chef, actor, TV host, motivational speaker and overall magical man, Jason Wrobel. While we talk a lot about food on this episode, we also talk about finding one's purpose, and how we all make our way to being our best selves and being of service to ourselves, others, our planet and animals. With energy, and mental and emotional nourishment, Jason really gives of himself in this episode sharing tips for joy, wellness, clarity and presence. In the end, it is all about creating joy and reducing suffering. You just might want to listen to this podcast twice. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com.

Tough guy and former Chicago Bear, David Carter, sits down with Elysabeth Alfano to discuss The Bears, his diet, workouts, food deserts, strength and masculinity. Maybe it's not what you think! Enjoy this candid interview from this loveable giant during the Switch4Good* No Dairy Athlete Summit. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. * Leilani Munter was also interviewed at the summit and their interviews are back to back here with David's being the second interview. Two for 1!

What's the best way to encourage people to gear up and go plantbased? Give them free Impossible Burgers at your Nascar Tent! Vegan Strong racecar driver Leilani Munter dishes with host Elysabeth Alfano about population growth, her work with the Oceanic Preservation Society, her favorite plantbased comfort foods and her upcoming last race of the year. Using her 200 mile-an-hour racecar as a billboard for environmental issues, it is no wonder that Leilani was named by Discovery's Planet Green as the #1 eco athlete in the world. Enjoy this interview from the Switch4Good No Dairy Athlete Summit. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com .

Want to feel better and have the energy and stamina to get stronger? Well then, I've got your number! Number 16 that is! Yep, Number 16 is in on the pod! NFL Chicago Bears Punter, Pat O'Donnell, Mr. Number 16, follows mostly a plant-based diet…but I don't want to steal his thunder. I will let him tell you in his own words all the benefits that he gets in practice, in workouts, in performance and in punting both on an off season. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and GO BEARS!

You think you know what it means to be a biker? You think you know what it means to be vegan? Think again! Host Elysabeth Alfano dishes with six members of the Vegan's Choice Motorcycle Club about why they ride, why they're vegan and just what does it really mean to be manly. Buckle up for the ride and listen in to the Vegan's Choice Motorcycle Club. For more information and to watch the video interviews, visit ElysabethAlfano.com