Episode 253: Plant-Based Cooking As An Act of Personal Liberation: Chef Day Radley from The Vegan Chef School
What if your kitchen could be the starting point for personal liberation? This week on Vedge Your Best, Chef Day Radley joins Michele to talk about how cooking plant-based isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about reclaiming agency, aligning with your values, and discovering what’s possible in midlife and beyond. Founder of The Vegan Chef […]
Episode 252: The Vegan We’re Waiting For (Might Be You)
Even small choices create a ripple effect. In fact we probably can’t succeed without your smallest actions. Episode Summary: Feeling overwhelmed by the news? Wondering if your vegan lunch really matters? In this episode, Michele Olender explores the power of shifting from passive observer to active participant — in culture, in climate, in your plant-based […]
Let’s Talk About Michele . . .
Ever heard anyone talk about themselves in the third person…? Think, Dobby the house elf in Harry Potter or, if you’re old enough to remember, Mr T. It’s called “Illeism.” It may sound oddly childish or pompous, but it can also be an effective coaching tool. Trying to make a difficult decision? Speaking about ourselves in the […]
Episode 174: New Year, New Vegan
It’s Veganuary again, the month-long challenge to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Veganuary has been growing in popularity over the years but also faces criticism for being too focused on food rather than ethics and the systemic issues in animal agriculture. Veganuary is often seen as a “try before you buy” approach to veganism, […]
Episode 173: Leave Something Behind in 2023
As 2023 comes to an end and 2024 begins, take some time to consider what you might want to leave behind. This could include thoughts, habits, items, or even relationships that no longer serve you well. Doing this will create space for you to set new goals and make changes in the new year. […]
Episode 172: Don’t Try to Be Vegan, TRAIN!
One thing I often hear people say when referring to their attempts at adopting a vegan lifestyle or making other changes is the phrase “I tried.” Trying is good, but training is what really brings results. Trying is a momentary effort of will, whereas training involves a commitment to developing a practice, habits, and skills […]
Episode 171: Crisis in the Closet — Avoiding Toxic Fashion with Alden Wicker
In this episode of the Vedge Your Best podcast, I’m pleased to welcome Alden Wicker, journalist, founder and editor-in-chief of Ecocult, and author of To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick—and How We Can Fight Back. Avoiding toxic chemicals in clothing is important for both personal health and environmental […]
Episode 170: In Theory, You Can’t Be Vegan
In this episode of the Vedge Your Best podcast, I discuss the difference between theory and practice in adopting a vegan lifestyle. The human brain can live in the present while also inhabiting a world of ideas, imagination, and vision. However, people often get stuck in a no-win zone, where they judge their […]
Episode 169: Vegan Super Powers with Tina Newman, Author of Vivi the Supervegan
Going vegan changes your life in surprising ways. Little did Tina Newman know when she went vegan that she would become an author and create a children’s series. Vivi the Super Vegan introduces young readers to the concepts of veganism and animal rights in an accessible and engaging way. The books follow Vivi, a young […]
Episode 168: The Vegan Arrives
Fall is an exciting season that presents plenty of opportunities to be with family and friends, enjoying quality time and sharing good food. However, this can be challenging for those of us following a plant-based lifestyle. This episode of the Vedge Your Best podcast delves into the challenges of “Thanksgiving while vegan.” Highlights […]