Vegans Who Lift Podcast

In today’s episode, we sit down with Eileen & Julian to talk about what life really looks like in this new season. We dive into: • Navigating parenthood while protecting your relationship • How they communicate and support each other as a couple • Running a vegan fitness business while raising a baby • Finding balance with training, recovery, and real life • Letting go of perfection and redefi...

On this week's episode of the Vegans Who Lift Podcast, Brooke Sellers & John Thomas take you through the unfiltered side of bodybuilding - the sacrifices, the hours of training & physical conditioning, and the mental toughness & determination one must have as they prepare for their show and then also the potential for post show blues. If you related to our experiences or you would like...

In today's episode of The Vegans Who Lift Podcast, hosts Brooke Sellers and John Thomas dive into the incredible journey of professional strongwoman and 30-year plant-based veteran Melissa Edwards. Melissa shares her path from a child with a compassionate mindset towards animals, to overcoming two strokes, and ultimately becoming a powerhouse in the strongwoman community. The discussion navigates...

On today's episode of The Vegans Who Lift podcast, hosts Brooke Sellers and John Thomas bring on Grace, a passionate vegan bodybuilder from Sydney, Australia. Grace shares her journey from veganism to bodybuilding, explaining how her ethical stance on animal rights led her to embrace fitness. We cover Grace's experience with different bodybuilding federations, the challenges and benefits of being...

In this episode, we sit down with Alex — known as Your Vegan Mentor — to talk about what it really means to live intentionally and authentically through veganism.  We dive into how his journey as a trans man, business student in the Vegans Who Lift Academy, and passionate environmentalist shaped the way he coaches others transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. This one’s all about growth, p...

In this episode of The Vegans Who Live podcast, co-hosts Brooke Sellers and John Thomas dive into their recent activities, with Brooke discussing her post-bodybuilding routines, exploring new hobbies like Jiu-Jitsu, and the importance of a well-rounded fitness approach. John unveils an exciting new project, the Vegan Squad Community, aimed at providing holistic wellness coaching and creating a sup...

In this episode, Brooke and John sit down with long-time vegan fitness power couple Dani and Giacomo from Vegan Proteins. Together, they share their story — how they met, built a thriving coaching business, and grew stronger as both partners and professionals. We dive into the realities of working together as coaches, navigating business and personal life side by side, and the tools they’ve used t...

In this episode of The Vegans Lift podcast, hosts Brooke Sellers and John welcome special guest Caitlin, known as Plant Physique, to discuss her journey into veganism and bodybuilding. Caitlin shares how Netflix documentaries and encounters with other vegans sparked her transition, along with her experiences in both natural and enhanced bodybuilding. We explore the challenges and misconceptions fa...

In this episode, Brooke and John sit down with Mel and Steve, a powerhouse vegan activist couple who are changing the game when it comes to spreading the message of compassion.  Through YouTube and live streams, they’re reaching millions with a fresh, modern approach to activism that shows anyone can make a difference. Their courage, passion, and united mission are not only inspiring but also...

On today's episode of The Vegans Who Lift Podcast, Brooke and John dive deep into the hot topic: Can AI tools like ChatGPT truly replace real vegan fitness coaches? They share firsthand stories about clients, discuss the limitations of AI-generated vegan meal plans, and reveal why personalized coaching still matters—especially for plant-based athletes. Discover how AI can be a helpful tool for mar...

In this episode, Brooke and John dive into the biggest lessons bodybuilding has taught them—not just about training and nutrition, but about discipline, resilience, personal growth, and how to carry those lessons into everyday life. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone working toward your goals, these takeaways will inspire you to push harder and grow stronger inside and out. Tune in now, and...

On today's episode, John Thomas & Brooke Sellers share Brooke's journey to becoming an NPC overall champion in bikini bodybuilding! Brooke shares her meticulous preparation, her experiences on show day, and the mental fortitude required to succeed. We cover Brooke's peak week strategy, her nutrition adjustments, and the emotional rollercoaster of competition. Brooke also reflects on the import...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Katya (@gorbachevae) - a powerhouse vegan athlete, competitive powerlifter, and soon-to-be mom. Katya shares how she’s navigating her training and nutrition throughout pregnancy, what she’s most excited about for her baby’s arrival, and how she’s handling the unique challenges (and misconceptions) that come with being an athlete, being vegan, and being p...

On today's episode of the Vegans Who Lift Podcast, we have a very special guest and unique episode in store - our very first Vegan Couples Edition! Today we will be interviewing Alexandria Martinez (AKA @consciouslivingwithali) and alongside her life partner, John Thomas (AKA @thebodybuildingvegan). We dive into their relationship, Ali's vegan origin story, and some pf the challengers and struggle...

In this episode, Brooke shares her prep updates as she heads into the final stretch—just 9 days out from her first bikini competition in over three years.  She’s breaking down:  How this prep is different from past shows  What she’s done to get stage-ready as a vegan athlete  The mental and physical challenges of prep  What it really takes to compete as a vegan bikini body...

In this episode of The Vegans Who Lift Podcast, co-hosts Brook Sellers (@miss_meatless_msucle) and John Thomas (@thebodybuildingvegan), are joined by Kate Galley (@strongbodygreenplanet). We explore Kate's journey from a shy teenager to a personal trainer and vegan health coach, highlighting her transition from vegetarian to veganism and the profound impact it had on her life and career. Our discu...

This week, we’re joined by NPC figure competitor Madison, who gets real about her bodybuilding journey—from a terrible first prep experience to embracing full transparency in a sport that often hides the truth.  Madison opens up about her use of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) and why she believes it’s crucial for women in bodybuilding to have honest conversations around it. We also dive i...

Ever doubted the power of persistence and plant-based living? Then listen to this episode of the Vegans Who Lift Podcast to disprove the myths you may have heard. Today, pro bikini athlete Kyma Ganzer, shares her remarkable journey through intense personal challenges, including family illnesses and personal loss, while prepping for her first pro show. Learn how Kyma balances minimal cardio with a...

This week, Brooke and John dive into the life changing wisdom of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (published 1997) . They share how Ruiz’s four principles—Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best—have transformed their perspectives and shaped their daily growth. Tune in to discover practical tips for weaving these powe...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Vegans Who Lift podcast! Today we welcome vegan IFBB and OCB Pro bodybuilder: Maddie (@maddie_vitalityfitness)! We dive into Maddie's journey into veganism, how she balances bodybuilding with a vegan lifestyle, and the challenges she’s overcome. Maddie shares insights about her favorite vegan protein sources, her transition experience, and delicious...

New Episode Alert! This week on Vegans Who Lift, we’re joined by the incredible Amanda Sevilla!  We dive deep into Amanda’s journey of going vegan while navigating the complexities of eating disorders, growing up in a Filipino household with strong cultural roots, and how spirituality and yoga have supported her path to healing and alignment. This is a powerful conversation you don’t want to...

Struggling with meal prep or fitness motivation? Our latest guest, @MrsSlimOnPlants, reveals her tips and tricks for sustaining a balanced vegan lifestyle while juggling being a YouTuber, a full time employee, a mom of 2 kids, and a social media recipe queen. From growing up vegetarian to going fully vegan, building muscle, balancing culture, raising mostly vegan kids, and running a growing YouTub...

PART 2 is here… and we’re not holding back. Is raw veganism ruining the movement? Are plant-based meats just processed junk? Can you really call yourself vegan if you “cheat” sometimes?  We’re diving into the hottest takes, polarizing questions, and honestly telling you what we think from a vegan perspective.  You might agree. You might not. But either way, it’s a convo worth having. Tap...

This week on Vegans Who Lift, John Thomas and Brooke Sellers sit down with the badass and refreshingly real Leah Higl ( @plantstrong_dietitian) — a performance-focused, plant-based sports dietitian who's anything but conventional. Leah brings the heat in this episode, opening up about her mission to keep nutrition inclusive, authentic, and completely free of BS. From building muscle to managing ch...

Vegans Who Lift Podcast – Ep. 64: 10 Most Controversial Opinions About Veganism (From Non-Vegans) This week, Brooke and John are diving into 10 of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) opinions about veganism—from “you can’t build muscle on a vegan diet” to “vegan kids are unhealthy” and “it’s all just processed junk.” We’re breaking it all down and giving you our honest, unfiltered takes.&nbs...