Veg Out

Ever wondered about roads and wildlife? Yes? No? Well, either way we'll get you all caught up on this topic. On this episode, Jen and Sweta talk about Ben Goldfarb's book Crossings, a book all about road ecology. Links: Crossings book: https://www.bengoldfarb.com/crossings Experts warn road salt piles could harm waterways, drinking water - https://globalnews.ca/news/11728569/warn-road-salt...

On this episode, we’re talking with vegan veterinarian Dr. Nicole Howe! We chat about what it’s like to pursue a career in veterinary medicine as a vegan, including some of the ethical challenges and difficult situations that can arise during veterinary training and in practice. Join us as we explore life as a vegan veterinarian and the realities of navigating the field while staying true to one’s...

Fibremaxxing is the latest trend in the wellness space, but before you rush out to buy psyllium husk in bulk, listen to this episode! Desiree Nielsen is a registered dietitian and self confessed fibre nerd. She joins Barbi and Jeanette to talk all things fibre - what it is, what it does, how to incorporate it into your diet - all through evidence based, practical, plant-based advice. Links: Desire...

The first episode of Veg Out aired in 2006, so today all five of us are recording together to remember what life was even like as a vegan in the GTA 20 years ago. We reminisce about the excitement over vegan pizza (without any cheese!), raw food, activism, our favourite restaurants that are no more, and thankfully some that are still around! Links: Pilot Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podc...

The carb fest continues! We've talked about potatoes and pasta, and now we are learning how to bake delicious, crusty and flavourful vegan bread at home! Jeanette's culinary cousin Hannah comes on the podcast to share her tried and true tips for baking bread. Links: VegTO Sunset Social with Sau Bake ( https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vegtos-sunset-social-with-sau-bake-tickets-1993344721722?aff=...

Dumplings, sauces, spices, oh my! There are so many flavourful, affordable and unique vegan products or accidentally vegan products waiting for you at the dozens of East Asian grocery stores around the GTA. Sweta, Steve and Jeanette share some of their picks, plus our top stores. Links: Toronto Baking Group Muffin Meet Up https://tinyurl.com/57cnsptz VegTO Summer Events https://www.veg.ca / Credit...

Are all of your colleagues vegan, or may zero of them are? Either way, we're talking about it! Listen as Jen and Sweta chat about being vegan in supportive and non-supportive workplaces. Credits: Cohosts: Jen and Sweta Editing: Sweta Social Media: Jen Theme Music: Matt Judge

If you're looking for the most incredible gelato, you have to head to La Dolce Vita! Once you step inside the store in Downtown Oakville, you'll face a wall of so many flavours, you won't know where to start. On this episode, we're joined by owners Chris and Mia, who share with us how La Dolce Vita got started and what inspired them to make delectable gelato without animal products...

On this episode, Barbi and guest host Bernie talk to John Shep about his mission Outrun the Darkness, where he completed a 142.2K Ultra-Double Marathon, as well as his training leading up to it which involved some very tasty treats. Links: Outrun the Darkness ( https://www.instagram.com/outrunthedarkness/  )Burlington Veg Fest ( https://www.burlingtonvegfest.com/ ) Credits: Hosts: Barbie and Berni...

There are nine rhesus macaques that are currently being tested on at a primate medical lab at York University. These macaques are being subjected to cranial implants, restraint collars, social isolation, and water deprivation. Last Chance for Animals exposed the harm taking place at this lab with undercover footage taken by a whistleblower. To discuss the findings of the investigation, as well as...

What are the little things that you can add to your daily routine to promote veganism? Jen and Jeanette bring you some ideas to help you on your activism journey! Links: Sustainalicious (on until Jun 14) https://tocwchallenge.zestyplan.com/challenge/TorontoClimateWeek/sustainalicious The Vegan Night Market (Jun 18) https://www.theveganmarket.ca/ The Vegan Baking Group Presents Pride Colours (Jun 1...

On this episode, Barbi and Jen are talking about all things breakfast! Join us as we explore our favourite vegan savoury and sweet breakfast foods, beverages, recipes, and brunch places! Links: Climate Week Kickoff Happy Hour (June 1) https://luma.com/dek0g57s   Toronto Animal Rights March (May 24) https://animalrightstoronto.com/event/toronto-animal-rights-march-2026/   National Animal Rights Day...

Food Empowerment Project (FEP) works to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices. Join us as we talk to Kennedy Little from the FEP to discuss who they are, their values and how they operate. Links: Food Empowerment Project: https://foodispower.org/ Credits: Hosts: Jen and Sweta Editing: Sweta Social Media: Jen Theme: Matt Judge

Wanna learn about alternate protein? So do we! That's why Barbi and Sweta went to the 2026 Canadian Alt Protein Symposium. Listen as they chat with Jeanette about what they learned and experienced. Links: Canadian Alt Protein Symposium https://www.altproteins.ca/ Credits: Hosts: Jeanette, Barbi and Sweta Summary: Sweta Editing: Sweta Social Media: Jen Theme: Matt Judge

In this episode, Sweta, Jeanette, and Steve dive into some recent vegan news, from the disappointing discontinuation of vegan Lindt products to some of the strangest protein products on the market. We also debunk the bivale vegan movement, discuss fur bans on red carpets, and play a lively game of FMK - leafy greens edition. Links: Chic Peas pop up VegStock Market Credits: Hosts: Jeanette, Sweta a...

On this episode, we chat about the Yves Veggie Cuisine products we miss most since they were discontinued and slowly disappeared from our grocery shelves. Join Barbi and Jen as we discuss life after Yves and what we’ve been enjoying in place of the many staples the brand provided for decades. Links: CBC article about Yves Veggie Cuisine being discontinued Aunty Em’s Sugar Shack weekend (March 26-2...

As new vegan restaurants open, others close and some add animals to their menu. Join Jeanette, Jen and Sweta as we discuss our thoughts the few vegan restaurants that have added animal products into their offerings. Credits: Hosts: Jeanette, Jen and Sweta Editing: Sweta Episode Summary: Sweta Theme Music: Matt Judge

Lisa Winn is the Animal Manager and Co-founder of Ladybird Animal Sanctuary. She joins Jen and Jeanette to talk about Ladybird's history of rescuing cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and many more animals from shelters. We also chat about their upcoming fundraising event and their journey to opening a physical farm sanctuary. Links: Registration now open for KinderCamp Waistlines and Wa...

Barbi is joined by LA chef and cookbook author Tara Punzone to talk about her restaurant Pura Vita , how to cook Italian with vegan cheese, and how she developed delicious and accessible recipes for her first cookbook, Vegana Italiana . Links: Vegan Valentine's Potluck and Games Credits: Host: Barbi Guest: Tara Punzone⁠ Editing and Summary: Jeanette Social Media: Jen Theme song: Matt Judge

On today's episode we talk about Sweta's favourite food and Barbi's least favourite food, sandwiches! Listen as Sweta tries to convince Barbi that sandwiches deserve herlove. Credits: Hosts: Barbi and Sweta Editor: Sweta Theme: Matt Judge Social Media: Jen

What people, places, businesses and initiatives made Toronto better for vegans in 2025? The Veg Out crew put together our top ten (in no particular order!) list and we're spotlighting them on this week's episode. Links: Lauren Toyota Wishbone Animal Rights Lab Wishbone Animal Rights Lab on Veg Out Animal Liberation Kitchen Aunty Em's Honey's Ice Cream Toronto Public Library Plant C...

Regan Russell was a dedicated animal rights activist who was tragically killed in 2020 after being struck by a pig transport truck outside a slaughterhouse. On this episode, we talk with Ray Cruzzola, director of the documentary I’m Trying , which honors Regan’s inspiring life and activism through the voices of her friends and family. Join us as we explore Regan’s story and the film’s powerful mes...

Towards Ahimsa Secondary School is a non-profit, fully accredited, independent secondary school operating out of the GTA. On this episode we interview one of the co-founders, Ambika Jain, who tells us how the school works, what inspired it, and how to get involved. Links: https://www.imjmcanada.org/tass Credits: Guest: Ambika Jain Hosts: Barbi and Steve Editing: Sweta Episode Summary: Barbi Theme...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the grocery store as a vegan trying to read labels and figure out what to feed your family, what to feed yourself, and how to find the best vegan products out there, or accidentally vegan products, this is the episode for you. Kimberly is the brains behind the instagram account  @Accidentally_Vegan_Canada . She joins us to share tips on label reading, navigating...

On this episode, we compare the classic pepperoni and cheese pizza, vegan of course, from five different pizza chain restaurants. We rank everything from crust and sauce to overall flavour to see which chain delivers the most satisfying plant-based slice. Who will win the Great Vegan Pizza Taste Test? Links: 241 Pizza Panango Pizzaiolo Pizza Nova Pizza Pizza Credits: Hosts: Barbi, Jeanette, Sweta...