Veg Out

Does cooking for others make you a bit nervous? Are you looking for simple recipes to make? Are you low on time or cooking space? Don't worry; we've all been there! On this episode we reveal our tips, tricks, and some pet peeves too. Whether you're cooking for yourself or other people, you'll want to have a listen.

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The last few months have seen several closures of veg restaurants across the GTA. With that in mind, we wanted to celebrate and remind everyone of the great vegan places that still exist, and have been around for a decade or more! Friend of the podcast Greg joined Barbi and Jeanette to share their picks for places and dishes, along with suggestions from members of the Toronto Vegans Facebook Group.

Listen as Barbi, Jen and Sweta have a conversation inspired by the book No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating by Alicia Kennedy. We'll be talking about the pros and cons of the rise of veganism and vegan products within the mainstream capitalist system and whether or not it's important for veganism to be operating outside of that. We'll also talk about whether or not it matters that there's an increasing corporate influence over veganism. Listen now!

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No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating by Alicia Kennedy.

Sanctuary Doc is a nonprofit multimedia project sharing visual stories of compassion for animals across challenging contexts. One such story involves exploring the connection between humans experiencing homelessness and their companion animals. On this episode, we are joined by Sanctuary Doc’s co-founder, Thomas Machowicz, and board member, Diana Hulet. Both are animal photojournalists who have been using their lens to capture the bonds and realities faced by people and their companion animals experiencing homelessness, as well as the vet teams who help keep the animals healthy and these families together. Join us as we discuss the importance of bringing visibility and compassion to humans and non-human animals in vulnerable circumstances and the role of mindfulness in animal activism and photography.

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Activism is all about reshaping perceptions, practices, and policies. This is what Reimagine Agriculture does. Reimagine Agriculture uses these techniques to make changes to the food system, fundamentally changing the way we grow, distribute, and consume our food. On this episode we speak with Allison Penner the Executive Director of Reimagine Agriculture about cultivated meat, food waste and Canada's food guide.

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When you think of one of the most gruelling tests of endurance and fitness, the ironman triathlon is definitely one of them. On this episode, we talk with Todd Crandell about his incredible journey towards becoming a vegan endurance athlete, having completed over 100 of these events thus far. We chat about the positive impacts of veganism on his races as well as his nonprofit foundation, Racing for Recovery, which supports individuals recovering from substance abuse by promoting a lifestyle of health, fitness, and sobriety. We also discuss his recent book about veganism called Do No Harm: Discovering the truth and the power behind a compassionate lifestyle. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind the book and the significance of sharing such an important message with its readers.

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It can be hard to navigate the dating world as a vegetarian or vegan. But let's say you meet someone great. But... you are veg, and they are not.

What do you do?

In honour of Valentine's Day, Barbi and Jeanette welcome two veg/omni couples on the show to talk about how they manage their blended veg households, and give you some tips on how you can share your veg views and food with your partner, your family and beyond!

On this episode we interview Emily De Beus, the owner of Sausage Party and Aunty Em’s Deli. Emily tells us about the history of both places, foraying into coordinating vegan events, and shares what they have in store for us in 2024.

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You're vegan or you're working on it. Now what? In this episode, we look at the other aspects of our lives, and share techniques we use to be better to the planet and its inhabitants: activism, volunteering, purchasing habits and more. This episode is perfectly timed to help you create some new years resolutions.

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Barbi and Jeanette have put together an epic vegan gift guide that you can use for December or all year round! Events and Veg News:

Honey-free is the way to be! But why? What is wrong with eating a little honey? Join Jen and Sweta as they figure out how and why honey gets made, how it's collected and its environmental impact. Test your bee knowledge by sticking around for a quiz at the end of the episode.

Ingredients can make or break a meal for vegans. Join Jen, Sweta and Steve as we explore questionable ingredients, our favourite ingredients and ingredients we wish didn't exist.

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Guest Steve Leckie joins Barbi and Steve B to talk about growing sprouts and microgreens in your own home, which is easier than you think! They’ll share different techniques, tips for where to find what you need to get started, and of course, why you should be keen on sprouting in the first place.

On today's episode, we talk to an amazing activist, Yarim Hinojosa, who has been involved in championing the Plant Based Treaty campaign at the University of Toronto. We'll hear about the initiatives that are taking place on campus to address how our current food systems are fuelling the climate crisis. We'll also learn how universities provide a unique opportunity to implement the Plant Based Treaty and how the benefits of switching to a plant-based food system extend far beyond climate change. It's an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss!
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You may know Odd Burger (formerly Globally Local) for their Famous Burger, or their BacUN Breakfast Sandwich, but did you know they started out selling produce? Or did you know about their charitable work, or plans for expansion? James McInnes, the CEO of Odd Burger, joins the show to talk about their approach to fast food and veganism.

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Wouldn’t it be amazing if someone could decipher all those ingredients listed on an item you picked up at the grocery store and tell you if it’s truly vegan- or vegetarian-friendly? Look no further! There’s a non-profit organization called VegeCert, that certifies vegan and vegetarian food products by verifying ingredients and assessing the facilities that manufacture them. On today’s episode, Barbi and Jen chat with VegeCert’s managing director, Richard Rabkin, to learn all about VegeCert, its certification process, its certified products, and its role as a presenting sponsor at this year’s VegTO Fest. Join us to hear how VegeCert makes grocery shopping easier and helps vegans and vegetarians feel confident in choosing the foods they eat!

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Would you date an omnivore? Have you dated an omnivore? On today’s episode, Jeanette, Jen, and Barbi review a recent article from Bon Appetit Magazine titled “Meet the Vegans Who Only Date Other Vegans” and discuss the pros and cons of dating only our own kind.

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Hector’s Birthday Bash at Wishing Well Sanctuary

Have you heard of this process called transfarmation? On this episode, we talk to photographer and filmmaker, Thomas Machowicz, about the We Animals Media short film he co-directed with Sabina Diethelm, called Transfarming Switzerland. This is a must-see heart-warming film that follows the journey of Sarah Heiligtag as she helps to carve a path for farmers in Switzerland, and beyond, to move from animal production to animal sanctuaries and veganic farms. Join us as we chat with Thomas about this inspiring film, as well as his work with Molly Condit on the Sanctuary documentary, which captures visual stories about compassion for animals and the people who rescue them.

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Sinéad Hammons has always wanted to own her own business, and when she became vegan, she had a sense that her business would be about food. She saw a need for folks to be able to pick up delicious, healthy, grab and go vegan items, and when she saw an opportunity to transform a former butcher shop in the east end to a vegan deli, she took it and Jinglepear Deli was born! 

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Sarnia Veg Fest

Looking to hear an inspiring story about going veg and becoming a voice for the animals? We have one for you! On this episode, Sweta and Jen speak with David Magina, also known on social media as The 40 year old Vegan, about his journey from working as a slaughterhouse inspector to becoming a vegan and prominent animal rights activist. 

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How are vegans and vegetarians typically represented in TV shows and movies? Do these representations paint a positive picture, or do they play into common stereotypes? Join Jeanette, Sweta, and Jen as they discuss their thoughts on some fictional characters that have been portrayed on various TV shows and films over the years.

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Sweta, Barbi and special guest host Sonia Faruqi discuss critiques of the animal rights movement. Using comments made in the book End of Animal Farming by Jacy Reese, they reflect on the tactics the movement uses. Links:

More than 20 years ago Steve Leckie bought a house in Bloordale Village and decided to share it with renters who were vegetarian and wanted to live a more communal lifestyle. Now the Lotus Feast Community House is home to 12 residents and has expanded to another house nearby. We talk with Leckie and one of his tenants, Vishal, about what it’s like to live at Lotus Feast, how you get in and what the future holds.

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It’s one thing to start a veg diet, and it’s another to maintain it. We talk to Dr. Andrea Polanco from Faunalytics about their recent study focused on identifying barriers faced by former vegans and vegetarians that led to them leave their veg diets and what we can do to help them come back.

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Whether it be at a family function, restaurant, or other social gathering, when someone who is non-vegan prepares a vegan meal for you, do you ever wonder if they got it right? Join Sweta, Barbi and Jen as they explore this question and share their experiences.

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A new plant-inspired restaurant, called Bellona Kitchen, opened in Toronto’s west end at the beginning of the year, bringing us vegan and vegetarian dishes with an Italian influence. We chat with Johnnie and Aggie Fusco, the owners of Bellona Kitchen, about the inspirations behind their restaurant, the experience they provide, and of course, their menu full of fresh and home-made dishes.

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Everyone’s talking about AI these days, particularly about ChatGPT. We wondered if the game-changing (albeit super-scary) AI chatbot would be able to help us plan a plant-based meal. So we asked it. Several times. The results are amusing, amazing, and a bit underwhelming all at the same time.

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How did vegans cook before the days of vegan recipe blogs, TikTok clips and YouTube videos? We used cookbooks! In this episode Barbi and Sweta discuss their beloved old cookbooks and even some zines. Hear about their favourites and some of yours as they journey through their baby vegan days.

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Wondering about all those PC Plant-Based products you see in stores? Join us as we discuss what we enjoyed, hated and what could be made a bit better with some adjustments. Listen now!

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Wishing Well Sanctuary is known as a safe haven for animals, and a place where you can visit and volunteer...but did you know you can also camp at the sanctuary? You can experience this magical place in all sorts of ways - from doing yoga with the llamas to getting a tarot card reading, watching a movie in a rustic barn, or even hosting your birthday, bachlorette party or any other special occasion that you can think of. Stacey Bowman is an animal caretaker at Wishing Well, and she dropped by to speak with us about all the exciting things you can experience at the site, plus we learn about some of the rescued animals like Hector the 40 pound turkey, and Thunder, the Llapaca. 

We're off this week, but we'll have lots of great content in the new year. In the mean time, have a listen to one of our episodes from 2017 about goal setting. It has lots of good content to get your year started.

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No Meat Athlete New Year's Resolution: https://www.nomeatathlete.com/3-steps-in-december/

Credits:

Hosts: John, Jeanette and Steve

Theme Music: Matt Judge

2022 Intro: Jen and Sweta

2022 Editing: Sweta

Wondering how you can meet other vegetarians and vegans in the GTA? Or how you can stay in the loop about new vegan businesses or products on the market? Or where you could host a vegan event or get help with an artistic project? On this episode, we’re joined by Sue Spahr, founder of the new Wishbone Animal Rights Lab, to talk about local vegan groups and resources that can help you get more engaged with the veg community in the GTA.

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Knives, microwaves, rolling boils and other kitchen things! Learn all about the hidden secrets of your kitchen as Jeanette, Barbi and Sweta discuss kitchen facts and history.

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This week we chat with Serena McDonnell, a data scientist and quant researcher who, in her spare time, created Foodshake — a web app that converts any recipe to vegan. Inspired by her father’s reluctance to cook for her after she went plant-based Serena realized she could funnel all the conversions she’d figured out on her own (and with the help of testers in the Toronto veg community) into an application that makes adapting old family recipes, or any dish you find online, as easy as plant-based pie.

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There are few people who like to dole out advice more than vegans coming to the aid of other vegans. Perhaps it’s our do-gooding nature, perhaps we just enjoy spreading the word, perhaps we get too excited about soup. Today we scour the Toronto Vegans Facebook group for questions about all things vegan and attempt to answer them. Who knows, it may become a regular episode.

Today we’re joined by Charles Ng, owner of the store Bark & Meow. He's here to talk about vegan dogs and about his event taking place on October 15th. Learn about Toronto's first ever Vegan Dog Social on this episode of Veg Out.

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