No-Bullsh!t Vegan

Strength training in later life might be one of the most important things you can do for your health. Jane Thurnell-Read—vegan, author, activist, and 78-year-old strength athlete—joins me to share how she went from thinking she was "too old for the gym" to deadlifting 160 pounds and getting stronger every year. We get into what actually changes when you start lifting later in life, why it's never too late to build strength, and how that strength shows up in everyday life. We also dig into the mindset side of aging: the myths that keep people stuck, and what most folks get wrong about "enjoying life". Jane shares her journey from decades of vegetarianism to going vegan in her late 60s, how she approaches training now (including working around injuries), and what she'd say to any woman over 60 who thinks strength training isn't for her. If "too late" has crossed your mind, this conversation is your wake-up call.

Leanna Carriere and Dr. Timm Döbert are preparing to cycle 30,000 km from Alaska to Chile as part of their Wings of Survival project, following migratory birds and raising awareness about biodiversity and climate. We talk about how they fuel extreme endurance—like cycling 150 km a day and eating up to 10,000 calories—entirely on a vegan diet. We also dig into the environmental side: land use, why animal agriculture doesn't scale, and what real change could look like over the next decade. This conversation is part science, part storytelling, and part "wait…that's humanly possible?"

Coach Zoe and I are back for a Coaches' Corner episode, answering the questions we didn't get to during our recent live No-B.S. Reset panel event. We dig into some of the most common (and most frustrating) myths we see in the fitness and nutrition space, especially around strength training, supplements, and social-media "advice." If you're new to lifting, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online, or just tired of wellness trends that sound slick but don't actually work, this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: - The biggest mistakes beginners make when starting strength training (and how to avoid them) - Why going "too hard, too fast" backfires, and what sustainable progress actually looks like - Compound lifts vs. isolation exercises: what matters most early on - The rise of creatine gummies (and why "creatine for women" marketing is nonsense) - Why "what I eat in a day" videos can be misleading, or downright harmful - Steps vs. cardio vs. lifting: what really gives you the most bang for your buck - The lingering myth that vegans can't be strong—and why leading by example matters more than arguing - A teaser on upcoming deep dives into diet-culture obsessions like "snatched" bodies and HYROX hype As always, we bring the conversation back to evidence-based coaching, long-term health, and building strength in ways that actually work in real life, without extremes, guilt, or BS.

What if getting healthier didn't require more willpower, more tracking, or more "optimizing"… but less? Kwame Terra and I dig into what the world's longest-living communities actually do differently — and spoiler: it's not VO2 max tests, cold plunges, or biohacking spreadsheets. It's walking, connection, and movement that's baked into daily life. Kwame shares how he's building community-based fitness experiences that feel social and automatic instead of like another chore on your to-do list, and why representation matters in wellness spaces. His new app is built specifically for Black communities, addressing the gaps in access, representation, and culturally relevant support that mainstream fitness platforms often miss. We also talk about the story behind his wild goal of hitting two million steps in a month (and going after a Guinness World Record while he's at it).

Mike Howard is back on the podcast! We start with a proper catch-up: his retreats, my TEDx prep, and the reality of juggling health goals alongside real life. From there, we dive into what's been taking over the wellness section of the internet lately: longevity, biohacking, and the obsession with tracking everything. We talk about why the basics are still the basics (sleep, strength training, protein, veggies, daily movement), and why chasing the "perfect" plan can make consistency harder, not easier. We also get into identity-based habits, expectation management, and simple environment tweaks that make healthy choices easier—without needing a new gadget, a cleanse, or an entirely new personality.

At 72, Pat Farrell is turning heads in the powerlifting world. Pat is a Dominican sister, a longtime advocate for social justice, and a dedicated vegan who has recently taken the strength community by storm. She joins me to share her journey into competitive powerlifting, her rapid progress in training, and what it feels like to become known as the vegan powerlifting nun in mainstream news. Pat is joined by her coach, Katya Gorbacheva, who is the third strongest vegan woman on the planet. Katya gives us an inside look at how she programs Pat's training, how they are working toward a full meet that includes squat, bench press, and deadlift, and why strength sports are truly accessible for people of all ages. We talk about protein, recovery, sport psychology, and the powerful mindset shift that happens when performance becomes the focus rather than body size or age. Pat shares insights from her first competition, how she handles the nerves on meet day, and what it means to inspire people around the world to pursue strength at any stage of life.

Biologist and bestselling author Dr. Jonathan Balcombe joins me to discuss fish sentience, the surprising intelligence of fishes, and what science reveals about how they think and feel. Jonathan holds a PhD in ethology, the study of animal behaviour, and has dedicated his career to understanding and communicating the inner lives of animals. He's the author of five popular science books and has published over 60 scientific papers and book chapters on animal behaviour and animal protection. In this conversation, we dive into fascinating research showing that fishes can experience stress relief, fall for optical illusions, and even build social relationships—evidence that challenges long-held assumptions about these often-overlooked animals. We also explore the ethics of fishing and insect farming, the evolving science of animal sentience, and how language shapes our empathy toward other species.

Vegan triathlete and coach Saskia Bjornson joins me to talk about endurance on plants, building confidence in open water, and why her sold-out beginner triathlon is changing the game. We dive into the power of food as a gateway to change, how to tackle fear and anxiety in sport, and what it means to make endurance events inclusive, low-waste, and fully vegan. Whether you're curious about your first triathlon, want to up your swim game, or just need inspiration to add more movement (and more plants) into your life, this episode delivers.

What really matters for getting stronger on a vegan diet? Spoiler: it's not spending hours on cardio or obsessing over tiny details. In this episode, I break down the 4-part health and body composition hierarchy we use with our coaching clients. It's a simple pyramid that shows where to focus your energy for the biggest results. You'll learn why nutrition is the foundation of strength, how to use plant-based eating to fuel muscle, and why supplements and advanced strategies come much later in the pyramid. No guilt, no fad diets, no B.S. Whether you're new to lifting or a seasoned vegan lifter, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to building strength, fuelling recovery, and keeping it all sustainable for real life.

We discuss Anne's new children's book, Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change. We also explore how Anne's Cherokee heritage and commitment to diversity shape her writing, why kids need books that act as "windows and mirrors," and how young readers (and the rest of us) can take climate action through our food choices. From sobering stats to inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in raising the next generation of compassionate change-makers, without being, as Anne says, a "vegeterrible."

Is "ethical meat" just a comforting bedtime story for omnivores? Philosopher and author John Sanbonmatsu joins me to unpack the myths that keep animal exploitation hidden in plain sight — from the illusion of "humane" farming to the deep cultural stories we tell ourselves to feel morally innocent. Drawing from his new book The Omnivore's Deception, John explores why confronting speciesism, and the civilizational systems built on it, is essential not just for animals, but for the future of life on Earth. This is a thought-provoking, no-B.S. conversation that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable realities.

What happens when going vegan transforms more than just your plate? In this episode, I'm joined by psychologist and author Dr. Angela Crawford to explore the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual shifts that often come with the vegan journey. We talk about the myth of deprivation, the reality of abundance, and the inner alignment that comes from living according to your values. We also dig into the challenges of being "the one vegan at the table," how to navigate tricky social dynamics, and why emotional wellbeing isn't about being happy all the time. Whether you're vegan-curious or decades into the lifestyle, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and plenty of practical takeaways.

In this final volume of my free strategy call series, you'll listen in on two coaching sessions packed with plant-based problem solving, strength training tweaks, and behaviour hacks. Anna wants to build muscle alongside MMA and dance without being sore for days, while Rebecca's focused on navigating menopause, portion sizes, and protein goals (with a side of DIY vegan high-protein ice cream). We cover everything from barbell boredom and tofu techniques to food prep strategies and how to outsmart your own brain so you don't need to rely on willpower.