Veg Out

On this episode, Jeanette and Jen are exploring the role of social media in vegan activism and advocacy, and we are joined by our guest, and fellow Toronto vegan, Jonathan! Jonathan runs an amazing blog and social media profile called Veggie in the 6ix, which helps to make veganism both accessible and enjoyable with its wealth of restaurant, travel and product info. Together, we have a great discu...

Christina Vani is a croissant expert - so much so that she had a croissant cake made for her wedding. So her and Barbi thought it would be fun to taste test as many vegan croissants across Toronto as possible and find their favourites. Find out all you ever wanted to know about the appearance, taste, texture and more of all the croissant options in Toronto. **Please note, Mississauga Veg Fest's Mo...

Did you know that many fertilizers and soils use animal products? Want to learn about how to grow your own fruits and veggies veganically, without using these products? On this episode, we chat with veganic gardening and farming advocate, Meg Kelly, who shares with us how to grow your own garden with fully plant-based fertilizers. Whether you are a new or experienced gardener, Meg has amazing know...

This is the third episode in our restaurant series. On this episode, Barbi and Jeanette look back on all the veg places that put the vegan scene in Toronto on the map, plus we offer some current places that may become your new favourites. Links: ⁠ Sprouty Cafe⁠ ⁠⁠Best Veg Restaurants in the City⁠ Smiley Drop Bakery⁠ ⁠⁠ Vegan-Owned Business Directory⁠ Credits: Hosts: Barbi and Jeanette Editing: Jea...

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Amy Symington, M.Sc., a nutrition expert, researcher, and plant-based chef. Discover the cutting-edge study she's leading on DHA metabolism and supplementation in vegans and vegetarians. Tune in to learn about the intriguing insights from her research and how you can get involved! Contact Amy to participate in the study, by email dhatrial@unityhealt...

Rainbow Plant Life is coming out with another cookbook! In celebration, Barbi, Jen and Sweta are making some recipes from Rainbow Plant Life's recipe blog. Listen to hear all the tasty details. Links: Vegandale (Sep 7) - https://www.vegandalefest.com/toronto/ Peterborough Veg Fest (Sep 15) - https://ptbovegfest.ca/ VegTO Fest (Sep 21-22) - https://www.veg.ca/veg-to-fest Noodle Salad with Rainb...

On this episode we talk about the vegetarian restaurants and businesses that made their mark on Toronto in the 70s and 80s. Host Steve and guest Shawn were part of the veg scene at that time and even worked in some of these businesses, and Sarah's father Michael May owned several businesses which defined the veg scene in Toronto at that time. Links: https://www.meetup.com/torontovegan/ https:/...

On this episode, we talk to Kirsten Duggan about Sweet Acres Pig Sanctuary , a safe haven she started a decade ago for rescued potbelly pigs. We discuss the myth about teacup pigs and how the sanctuary is focused on promoting kindness, compassion, and understanding of potbelly pigs. Join us as we learn about the incredible personalities and rescue stories of the potbelly pigs at Sweet Acres. You&#...

On this episode we chat with Lori Croonen of the Burlington Veg Fest and Natalie Stephenson of the Peterborough Veg Fest. They share what inspired them to start their own festivals, and tell you all the knitty gritty details of what's involved, in case you want to start one in your neighbourhood. Links:  Peterborough Veg Fest: https://ptbovegfest.ca/ Burlington Veg Fest: https://www.burlington...

Kinder World Retreat and Rescue is a wildlife refuge and place of peace for both humans and non-human animals, thanks to Julie O'Neill and her family who steward 300 acres of private land that was once served as a hunting camp. On this episode, we chat with Julie about the incredible Vegan Kids Camp they offer in the summer, which includes fun activities, games, campfires, and of course, vegan...

Summer is on it's way! We're getting prepared by chatting about all the wonderful places to eat in the city, from where to get ice cream and find patio seating to vegan restaurants by the park. We've got some places for you to check out! Credits: Hosts: Barbi, Sweta, Steve Editing: Sweta Theme Music: Matt Judge

Speciesist language reflects our societal norms that certain species are inferior to others. Words that are commonly used in our language can emphasize these norms, while the use of euphemisms can help to create a mental distance from any animal suffering. Join us as we discuss speciesist and non-speciesist language and some opportunities for how we can make shifts towards using more animal-friend...

Barbi, Greg and Jeanette reminisce about veg restaurants that have closed in the recent past, plus a discussion on the state of vegan businesses in the city, and why it's so hard to survive. This is part two of our veg restaurant series. Part one was all about the OG Restaurants.    News and Events: “Gather & Graze" A Casual Canapé Night Taqueria Vegana soon to open a location at Dupo...

Does cooking for others make you a bit nervous? Are you looking for simple recipes to make? Are you low on time or cooking space? Don't worry; we've all been there! On this episode we reveal our tips, tricks, and some pet peeves too. Whether you're cooking for yourself or other people, you'll want to have a listen. Links: Baklava recipe : https://cardamomandtea.com/12572/vegan-bakl...

The last few months have seen several closures of veg restaurants across the GTA. With that in mind, we wanted to celebrate and remind everyone of the great vegan places that still exist, and have been around for a decade or more! Friend of the podcast Greg joined Barbi and Jeanette to share their picks for places and dishes, along with suggestions from members of the Toronto Vegans Facebook Group...

Listen as Barbi, Jen and Sweta have a conversation inspired by the book No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating by Alicia Kennedy. We'll be talking about the pros and cons of the rise of veganism and vegan products within the mainstream capitalist system and whether or not it's important for veganism to be operating outside of that. We'll also t...

Sanctuary Doc is a nonprofit multimedia project sharing visual stories of compassion for animals across challenging contexts. One such story involves exploring the connection between humans experiencing homelessness and their companion animals. On this episode, we are joined by Sanctuary Doc’s co-founder, Thomas Machowicz, and board member, Diana Hulet. Both are animal photojournalists who have be...

Activism is all about reshaping perceptions, practices, and policies. This is what Reimagine Agriculture does. Reimagine Agriculture uses these techniques to make changes to the food system, fundamentally changing the way we grow, distribute, and consume our food. On this episode we speak with Allison Penner the Executive Director of Reimagine Agriculture about cultivated meat, food waste and Cana...

When you think of one of the most gruelling tests of endurance and fitness, the ironman triathlon is definitely one of them. On this episode, we talk with Todd Crandell about his incredible journey towards becoming a vegan endurance athlete, having completed over 100 of these events thus far. We chat about the positive impacts of veganism on his races as well as his nonprofit foundation, Racing fo...

It can be hard to navigate the dating world as a vegetarian or vegan. But let's say you meet someone great. But... you are veg, and they are not. What do you do? In honour of Valentine's Day, Barbi and Jeanette welcome two veg/omni couples on the show to talk about how they manage their blended veg households, and give you some tips on how you can share your veg views and food with your pa...

On this episode we interview Emily De Beus, the owner of Sausage Party and Aunty Em’s Deli. Emily tells us about the history of both places, foraying into coordinating vegan events, and shares what they have in store for us in 2024. Links: Sausage Party Vegan Valentine’s Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1098860794805970/ Aunty Em’s: https://www.instagram.com/auntyemsdeli/ https://www.faceboo...

Veganuary is a non-profit organization out of the UK that encourages people to try veganism for the month of January. You can sign up here to get meal plans, recipes and their celebrity cookbook. Lots of resources available at the site, and we’ll of course link to it in the show notes. Veganuary can help with the food choices, but there’s also the social aspect of veganism. It can be difficult nav...

We are looking back at some of the highlights from the past year of Veg Out. You’ll be hearing some clips from interviews and discussions that have taken place on the podcast in 2023, as chosen by your hosts Sweta, Barbi, Jen and Jeanette. Credits: Hosts: Jeanette, Sweta, Barbi, Jen, Marni and Steve Guests: Sinead Hammonds, Steve Leckie, Sonia Faruqi, Thomas Machowicz, Stacey Bowman, Sam Turnbull,...

You're vegan or you're working on it. Now what? In this episode, we look at the other aspects of our lives, and share techniques we use to be better to the planet and its inhabitants: activism, volunteering, purchasing habits and more. This episode is perfectly timed to help you create some new years resolutions. Links: Ontario to ban puppy mills: ⁠https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pu...

Barbi and Jeanette have put together an epic vegan gift guide that you can use for December or all year round! Events and Veg News: Vegan Christmas Market Vegan Pizza Party at Aunty Ems Deli Grayson's - new bakery serving vegan cinnamon buns and challah New location of Saigon Lotus on Yonge Street Holiday Market at Animal Liberation Kitchen Vegan Baking Group Cookie Exchange Gift Guide! Store-...