The Vegan Pod

The Vegan Society

The UK's oldest vegan charity, The Vegan Society, discussing topical issues from the vegan realm.

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20 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes20

Newest first

Saturday · 39 min
Geoff Francis: 55 Years Vegan - Music, Art & Activism
This episode of the Vegan Pod is a nostalgic celebration of how one man’s commitment to the cause helped spread the vegan word around London’s creative scene in the 1970s and 80s. Geoff Francis ran a chain of record shops, All Change Records, in London's West End and was involved in animal advocacy, working alongside the likes of Linda McCartney, Carla Lane and Captain Sensible, before establishing himself as an artist, author and film-maker. Geoff's story isn't just one for vegans of a 'certain vintage'; it's an inspiration for all vegans, young, older and somewhere in-between.
June 27 · 47 min
Fat Gay Vegan Pod
We celebrate Pride Month with a special Vegan Pod guest, as one of the most influential of influencers in the vegan and LGBTQ+ communities, Sean O'Callaghan, aka. Fat Gay Vegan, discusses growing up in Brisbane, moving to London and becoming a high-profile vegan voice in the 2010s, the importance of community spirit in veganism and much more. *Please note: since this episode was published, we're sorry to say that the 2026 Vegan Beer Fest has been cancelled. Please see www.fatgayvegan.com for more information.
May 30 · 33 min
Vitamin B12: What Every Vegan Should Know
The recent, tragic, case of Georgina Owen has highlighted in the most devastating circumstances the critical importance of Vitamin B12 in a vegan diet. Vegan Society dietitians, Emily Angus and Amber Woodhouse, join Damian Watson to explain what B12 is, what it does and why vegans - and others - must make sure they get enough of it. Please note: this podcast touches on sensitive topics relating to mental health and suicide. If you are struggling with your own mental health or have thoughts of suicide, you should contact a healthcare professional, either via your GP or, in the UK, by calling 111 and selecting the option for mental health support. You can also access a number of supportive resources, such as those offered by Samaritans (www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 in the UK), MIND (www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393 in the UK), or many other organisations – just search online for ‘mental health support’.
April 25 · 51 min
Food Security: Looking Beyond The Iran War
Food security is vital for every nation on earth and it's under threat, not just from immediate crises such as the Iran War, but also from long-term environmental and sustainability problems caused by a 'broken' food system. In this edition of the Vegan Pod, Vegan Society Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Alistair Currie, and Sunita Ramani, Senior Campaigner at the campaigning food charity, Foodrise, discuss how a transition to a plant-based diet is vital if long-term global food insecurity is to be addressed.
March 28 · 35 min
Vegan Rights
The latest episode of the Vegan Pod examines the issue of vegan rights. Dr. Jeanette Rowley is The Vegan Society's Vegan Rights Advocate and a leading authority on the subject that underpins so much of our work. She has advised vegans in numerous cases concerning employment, education and even prisoners' rights. Find out about Jeanette's work, that of The Vegan Society's International Rights Network and the fundamental rights of vegans in the Vegan Pod.
February 28 · 41 min
The Future Is Still Vegan
‘The Future Is Still Vegan’, says Vegan Society CEO, Libby Peppiatt, after what can be described as a 'testing' period for the movement. Media, money, meaty name bans... It’s time to take stock and assess where veganism goes – and how it grows – from here.
January 31 · 49 min
...And Food Justice For All
The first Vegan Pod of 2026 welcomes Sarah Bentley and Sareta Puri, two leading Food Justice campaigners with more in common than their roles with Made In Hackney, the grassroots community cookery school-turned international inspiration for vegans. What is Food Justice and how can veganism help achieve it for all?
Dec 27, 2025 · 26 min
Vegan Voices
In the last Vegan Pod of the year, Vegan Society members, volunteers and staff reflect on 2025 and share their hopes for veganism in 2026 in a special montage of Vegan Voices.
Nov 29, 2025 · 37 min
George Monbiot - Winding Up, Not Down
We're delighted to welcome leading environmental activist and journalist, George Monbiot, to the Vegan Pod. George is a fearless and tireless advocate for sustainability, green living and political and corporate transparency. He is a best-selling author, a high profile media commentator and has even dabbled in the world of music. With four decades of campaigning behind him, is George Monbiot showing any signs of winding down? It seems not...
Oct 25, 2025 · 24 min
Mental Health Part 2 - A Vegan State Of Mind
A partner episode for our World Mental Health Day Special, in which Vegan Society CEO, Libby Peppiatt, interviews Billy Thompson, who leads the amazing team at The Retreat animal sanctuary in the south of England. How does the team at The Retreat make sure they're taking care of themselves while they help those who can't do the same?
Oct 10, 2025 · 44 min
World Mental Health Day Special - A Vegan State Of Mind
The Vegan Society marks World Mental Health Day with a special edition of the Vegan Pod. Vegan psychologist, author and communications coach, Clare Mann, and Animal Justice Project activist, Ayrton Cooper, join Damian Watson to discuss some of the triggers of poor mental health in vegans and how to look after yourself while you look after those who can't look after themselves.
Sep 27, 2025 · 30 min
The Vegan Trademark - The Power of the Sunflower
The Vegan Trademark made international headlines in September, following the world-first vegan certification of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC. But what does the Vegan Trademark mean and why is it so valued and trusted by consumers and manufacturers alike? Vegan Society Sales and Marketing Manager, Karen Spinner, and Vegan Trademark Team Leader, Caroline Bolton, join Damian Watson to discuss the power of the sunflower.
Aug 30, 2025 · 49 min
Pensions and Investments for Vegans
Do you have a pension? If so, how vegan is it? How vegan can pensions and other investments be? Lawyer, Jonathan Dennis, and independent financial adviser, Chris Welsford, join Damian Watson to discuss an ongoing case where a vegan is challenging their employer’s pension investment strategy and what the case might mean for other vegan investors in a predominantly non-vegan investment market.
Jul 26, 2025 · 38 min
European City Breaks and Beyond
With summer upon us at Vegan Society HQ, the latest Vegan Pod focuses on the best European city breaks for vegans and looks wider afield at life for vegans internationally. Writer and teacher, Woody River, provided the latest Vegan magazine recommendations for Europe-bound vegans. Woody has lived all over the world and is joined on the the Vegan Pod by former TV and radio reporter, Rob Olver, who spent much of his career in Germany and now lives in Spain. Host, Damian Watson, has also been known to exhibit symptoms of wanderlust so, between all three, this makes for an international and intriguing episode of the Vegan Pod.
Jun 28, 2025 · 40 min
Food Policy and Nutrition: Cause for Concern
The Vegan Society has described the findings of the UK government’s latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey as “very concerning”. The survey followed the confirmation of the Food Strategy Advisory Board, which includes the chairman of Cranswick PLC, one of the biggest factory farming companies in the UK. Vegan Society Senior Dietitian, Emily Angus, and Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Alistair Currie, join Damian Watson to discuss why the UK is in a perilous place when it comes to food policy.
May 31, 2025 · 32 min
The Future Is Vegan
Is the future vegan? That's certainly our hope at The Vegan Society - and it's the subject of one of our ongoing campaigns and a major part of our 80th anniversary exhibition at the Library of Birmingham. But what might a vegan future look like? Animal rights author, scholar and curator, Kim Stallwood, and Vegan Society Campaigns Manager, Hannah Montgomery, join Damian Watson for a look into a vegan crystal ball.
Apr 27, 2025 · 44 min
Misinformation In The Media
PR consultant Karin Ridgers, founder of vegan PR agency Mad Promotions, and Holly Johnson, editor of Vegan Food and Living magazine, join our host, Rachel New, to discuss how to counter misinformation about veganism in the media.
Mar 31, 2025 · 37 min
Children’s story books – advocates for animal compassion?
On today’s Vegan Pod 'Children’s story books – advocates for animal compassion?', Rachel New is joined by Tina Newman, creator of @ViviTheSuperVegan, and Jodie Barchha Lang @GreenVegan1, author of Nero the Brave Little Bull. Grab a cuppa and settle in for vegan story-time as the trio discuss how children’s books can inspire and empower mini vegans on their journey to compassion, and their role in education.
Feb 27, 2025 · 36 min
Tackling the supplement stigma – do vegans need them?
Today on The Vegan Pod, we’re talking supplements and whether they’re essential to a vegan diet. Vegan Society dietitians Angela Rymer and Emily Angus join us to set the record straight on supplements and whether it’s possible to sustain a healthful vegan diet without them.
Jan 29, 2025 · 41 min
Is vegan cooking difficult?
Today on The Vegan Pod, we’re revisiting a previous episode tackling the misconception that vegan cooking is difficult and takes time and effort. In this episode, guests Madeleine Olivia and Johnny Morillo help set the record straight, in a bid to inspire future vegans. Maybe you were even one of them! Why not refresh your memory and listen to the full episode on vegansociety.podbean.com or search “The Vegan Pod” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 🎙️