Bringing you the latest news from the world of veganism: Episode 36: September 2024 Welcome to the Vegan News Minisode, brought to you by leading vegan charity Viva!.

Presenter Faye is this month joined by new co-host, Erin, as they bring you the latest plant-based lifestyle, food, and animal campaign news.

In this episode, Faye and Erin discuss Bristol trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack and their eco-conscious and entirely vegan menu at festival Act 1.5, how precision fermentation could help the world move away from animal agriculture, how soy milk is better than cow's milk for cardiometabolic health - and just what cardiometabolic health means - as well as Viva!'s latest campaigns and tours... Enjoy!

Dr. Michael Greger, a trailblaser in nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and author of How Not to Die joins Viva! to discuss his groundbreaking work with us during the pandemic and his personal motivation, sparked by his grandmother, to revolutionise health through diet.

He dives into the urgent need to combat heart disease with preventive nutrition and lifestyle choices, while also tackling the myths surrounding patient compliance and physician biases.

Plus, he reveals how all proceeds from his work go directly to charity, showcasing his dedication to both health and giving back.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about:

• Dr. Greger’s high-impact collaboration with Viva! on pandemic work
• The personal story behind his shift to nutrition and lifestyle medicine
• The fight against heart disease through dietary and lifestyle changes
• Debunking myths about patient compliance and physician attitudes
• His charitable approach with book sales and its impact

Vegan Queen V, the dynamic force behind the album Freedom Warrior, is celebrated for her passionate belief that vegans are freedom warriors fighting for liberation for all. Known for her powerful songs that highlight the themes of key documentaries like Cowspiracy and Land of Hope and Glory, she draws poignant parallels between human and animal rights.

Her music reflects on the transformative impact of veganism on her life, including cherished memories of growing up with a cow as her best friend.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about:

• The empowering message behind Freedom Warrior
• The impact of documentaries on her activism
• The parallels between human and animal struggles in her music
• Her personal journey and improvements since embracing veganism
• Her childhood connection with a cow and its influence on her advocacy

Gaz Oakley, the "Avant-Garde Vegan," is a renowned chef, author, and YouTuber known for his innovative and visually stunning vegan recipes. He has authored popular cookbooks like Vegan 100 and Plants Only Kitchen, inspiring many to embrace plant-based cooking. Gaz's commitment to sustainability and creative culinary approach has made him a leading figure in the vegan movement.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sit down to chat about the magic of herbs for health, sustainable vegetable growing, plant-based cooking, eco-friendly living, and the future of food!

In this episode:

• The magic of herbs and incorporating them into your diet for maximum health benefits
• The benefits of growing your own food
• Wider conversations around sustainability and veganism
• What's next for Gaz

Genesis Butler, a fearless young activist, made headlines with her TED Talk at just 10 years old. Known for her bold stance against the fossil fuel industry and her direct appeal to the Pope, Genesis is a powerful voice for environmental and animal rights. Her unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future has positioned her as a leading figure in the youth activism movement.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about:

• Going vegetarian at three, and vegan at six
• Her Million Dollar Vegan campaign
• Branching out into Uganda
• Her memories of the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah
• Her first lawsuit!

Mic the Vegan, a prominent voice in the plant-based community, is back for his third appearance at Vegan Camp Out, reflecting on the event's impressive growth since his first visit in 2019. The festival's expansion highlights the UK’s leadership in veganism compared to the US, where consistency varies state by state.

Mic shares insights into his YouTube journey, from initial hesitance to engage with the camera, to overcoming fears of appearing "wimpy" for going vegan, and his commitment to thorough research and evidence-based content.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye sits down to chat about:

• The evolution of Vegan Camp Out and its growth since 2019
• Differences in veganism between the UK and the US
• Mic's initial fears and eventual success in creating YouTube content
• The development of his in-depth research and the rise to 400,000 followers
• The importance of citing scientific claims and maintaining credibility
• Dishonest reporting!

Macca B, the pioneering reggae artist, reflects on his early vegan journey over thirty years ago when few understood his commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. He laughs at his visit to Serbia, where a waiter initially mistook his dietary choices for a sign of illness, highlights how attitudes have shifted as people now recognise the benefits of veganism.

Macca B's commitment extends to his children and grandchildren, all of whom follow a vegan lifestyle, and he believes leading by example is the most effective way to educate others.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Faye grabs him just before his performance to chat about:

• Macca B’s early struggles with veganism and how perceptions have changed
• His experience in Serbia and the evolving understanding of veganism
• The influence of leading by example and its impact on education
• His reggae fans' dedication to social issues and one love
• The transformative power of music in driving change

Juliette Gellatley, founder and director of Viva!, sits down with esteemed actor Peter Egan to discuss some of Viva!’s provocative campaigns, including the impactful dog roast stunt at Henley Regatta and its reception.

Peter, who once faced questions about eating dogs before his transition to veganism, reflects on the stark hypocrisy he observed in animal lovers who still consume animal products. He recounts how watching the documentary Earthlings left him speechless and led to his immediate switch to veganism, as it exposed the brutal realities of animal slaughter.

Peter also discusses his own film on the subject, his disheartening experiences with documenting animal cruelty, and his ongoing efforts to prevent the import of elephant feet and tusks into the UK through parliamentary lobbying.

Live from 2024's Vegan Camp Out, Juliette sits down to chat about:

• The impact of Viva!’s dog roast stunt and public reaction
• Peter's journey from questioning to embracing veganism
• The influence of Earthlings on his decision to go vegan
• His film on animal slaughter and the emotional toll of documenting cruelty
• Efforts to combat the import of wildlife trophies and legislative advocacy
• Caging animals from hamsters and rabbits and the start of a disconnection from compassion rooted in childhood
• The evils of dressage