We made history running the very first vegan group trip to Japan, and it was a huge success. While Buddhism-inspired vegetarianism has been part of the Japanese culture since around the 6th and 7th centuries, "veganism" as a concept is very new. In this first episode, I provide a frame through which to understand the challenges and the threads of eating plant-based in Japan, including  the influence of Buddhism and other factors that resulted in a mostly plant-based culture for most of its history how the move toward modernizing Japan — as of 1868 — contributed to the increase in me ..read more

The history of the delicious, soft, pillowy pretzel goes back hundreds of years and demonstrates once again that we have more food traditions that reflect abstaining from animal products than indulging in them. Take a listen to the Medieval origins of this food, how it saved a city, and why it's associated with Easter. —————— Don't forget to support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose.  Try Ridwell FREE for 30 days using this link: https://get.ridwell.com/joyful-vegan  ..read more

How do you store spices? How long do dried herbs keep? Can you freeze fresh herbs? How do you infuse oil, water, or vinegar with fresh herbs? What are the health benefits? How do you substitute one spice for another? When do you use fresh vs. dried. These are just SOME of the questions host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau tackles in today's episode.  —————— Don't forget to support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose.  Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclus ..read more

In today's episode, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau talks about the joys and benefits of having a morning routine, which — ironically, perhaps — begins at night!  —————— Don't forget to support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose.  Try Ridwell FREE for 30 days using this link: https://get.ridwell.com/joyful-vegan  Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com A ..read more

Derived from the name of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, aphrodisiac foods and beverages are said to have qualities that provide amorous inspiration for bewitching and beguiling your beloved. In this episode, I cover them all — for Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion. Resources for living compassionately and healthfully at joyfulvegan.com, including my books, online cooking classes, and all-inclusive vegan trips. —————— Don't forget to support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option ..read more

Aspiring to live sustainably has its challenges as well as its triumphs.  —————— Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com AFFILIATE PARTNERS: Nama Juicer — Use this link and coupon code COLLEEN20 and get 20% off my favorite juicer. Plaine Products — Use this link and coupon code "compassion" for 15% off my favorite zero waste bath and body products. Complement — Use this link and coupon code "joyfulvegan" and get 10% off my favorite supplements. Thank you for listening.   ..read more

A desire to be close to animals compels us to seek out ways to interact with them, but unscrupulous agents and lack of awareness can also lead to us supporting animal cruelty and exploitation. Listen to today's episode about the tourist attractions and travel activities that may be harmful to animals when traveling to Thailand in particular or anywhere else in the world. —————— Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com AFFILIATE PARTNERS: Nama Juicer — Use this link and coupon code COLLEE ..read more

WARNING: This podcast episode contains only good news! Despite the tragedies of 2023, there were also numerous reasons to celebrate. And I’m here to share some with you, especially as they relate to animals and nature. So, stop doom-scrolling and start joy-browsing as we explore some good-news stories from this past year. The term "doomscrolling" was coined in 2020 to describe the habit of compulsively consuming distressing news. Not surprisingly, research spanning several decades has consistently cautioned against the potential detrimental effects of excessive exposure to negative news.  ..read more

In this end-of-year episode, I reflect on how much easier it would be to not care — to choose convenience over compassion, to get what we want when we want it without having to think about the effects of our choices. I also share why I continue to make the choices I do, 24 years later.  —————— Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com AFFILIATE PARTNERS: Nama Juicer — Use this link and coupon code COLLEEN20 and get 20% off my favorite juicer. Plaine Products — Use this link and coupo ..read more

Abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs during religious holidays has been a tradition for centuries in many religions. In Christianity, for example, during Lent (40 days prior to Easter) and Advent (40 days prior to Christmas), Christans were once forbidden to consume ANY animal flesh as well as as dairy, cheese, and eggs.  In today's episode, we explore this history and demonstrate that not eating animal products was more common than not, especially during the period of contemplation and contrition leading up to the holy days of Easter and Christmas. I share my own experience growing up C ..read more