Food for Thought with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

Just because we can't be perfect doesn't mean we should be indifferent. Imperfection is built into being vegan, because imperfection is built into being human.  But just because we can't do everything doesn't mean we shouldn't do anything. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other per...

Curious about what's really behind that carton of eggs? In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the hidden truths of the egg industry, unravel the myths around "free-range" eggs, and explore the reality of their living conditions. Plus, we'll tackle the ethical considerations of keeping hens as pets and eating their eggs. Join us as we shed light on these important issues and offer health...

FALSEHOOD: Reading the news makes you engaged. TRUTH: Reading the news makes you enraged. If you feel anxiety reading the news, stop reading the news. True engagement is being proactive not reactive, being curious, being thoughtful, being discerning, being contemplative. Listen to this episode to become truly engaged — not enraged — and take a break for 30 days. I bet you’ll feel better and even m...

Why I recommend Rwanda as the first African country to visit if you've never been to this continent. Why South Africa is not one of my favorite places. Why Botswana is the place to go for ethical safaris. What you need to know about food, transportation, visas, vaccines, safety, and weather.  All of this and more in today's episode.  —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast throu...

What does it mean for a wine to be labeled "SUSTAINABLE," "ORGANIC," "NATURAL," "BIODYNAMIC," or "VEGAN"? Can you be one without the other? What are the most important considerations when buying any agricultural product? This and A LOT MORE on today's episode of Food for Thought. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material...

We are living in a time when group loyalty, ideology, and identity politics are valued more than kindness, reason, critical thinking, and tolerance for another point of view. And it scares the bejesus out of me.  Today's episode is (yet another) call for compassion.  —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early acces...

Today we dive into the surprising history of one of America's favorite condiments and discover the animals hidden in the word ketchup , as well as in the original recipe. I promise not to ruin your taste for this tasty staple, but you may never hear the word ketchup again without thinking of its origins.  —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Sub...

You pestered your friends and bugged your family until they finally listened to Food for Thought. You nagged your partner to join you on an all-inclusive vegan trip with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, badgering them to the point of harrassment. After incessant hounding didn't work, you lured them in with the ultimate bait: the best plant-based food on the planet!  In those few sentences, there are no l...

When a vegan restaurant announced they were going to start serving beef, bison, chicken, and eggs, because they believed regenerative animal agriculture and not plant-based eating would reverse climate change, I knew I had to bump this topic up to the top of the queue.  Join the conversation in my LIVESTREAM on Monday, April 29th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. PT! All Patreon supporters welcome at every level...

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 it...

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 Subs...

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 Pa...

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:/...

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...

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"...

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 podcas...

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 compuls...

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-...

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...

On the one hand, "Jewish cuisine" or "Jewish food" is difficult to define, because it is influenced by the foods in the many countries where Jews have emigrated to, and it's as diverse and adaptive as the Jewish people themselves.  On the other hand, there is indeed something we can call "Jewish food," characterized by a rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques, and influenced...

Many people think of “veganism” as a new reactionary trend against what we call factory farming, but for centuries, men and women have been thinking about, writing about, and expressing distress over the violence inherent in killing animals for human use and consumption. My personal veganism is part of a long continuum of men and women – from ancient times until today – who stopped eating animals...

In today's (as always ad-free) podcast episode, your host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau explores the profound concept of magnanimity and its application to everyday living, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas.  Delving into the philosophical roots of magnanimity, we unravel its significance in fostering personal growth, resilience, and compassion in our daily lives. D...

If you can help, please purchase The 30-Day Vegan Challenge at https://bit.ly/47q1TMr or reach out to support@joyfulvegan.com to buy 100 or more to donate.  —————— 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 COLLEEN10 and get 10% of...

Why are certain animals synonymous with Halloween — bats, rats, owls, spiders, ravens, crows, toads, wolves, and...black cats? Why are black cats associated with witches? Did Pope Gregory IX issue a papal bull during the 13th century that called for the mass extermination of black cats? What’s the history behind all of this, and what does it mean for us (and the animals) today?  Join Colleen Patri...

In this Halloween-themed podcast episode, we delve into the origins of All Hallow's Eve and the rich tapestry of traditions that surround this enchanting holiday. Join your host, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau as she uncovers the deep connections between Halloween and plant-based foods — from pumpkin carving and apple bobbing to yet another meat-free Christian holy day. —————— PLEASE support this podcas...