What if veganism is not as complicated as people think? This week Joanne Kong, co-author of Vegan Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Plant-Based Living, visits to discuss what makes veganism more approachable and practical, Joanne explains why she and her co-author, Dr. Camila Perussello, wanted to create a book that readers could flip through easily for answers, encouragement, and clear next steps. They talk about the difference between plant-based and vegan, why that language matters, and why Joanne sees going vegan not as adding more complication, but as a return to basics. Joanne also shares why, for her, going vegan became more than a health choice — it became an emotional and even spiritual opening toward greater kindness and connection. Michele and Joanne explore perfectionism, food labels, non-vegan partners and family members, cultural conditioning around food, and the importance of being a positive role model rather than leading with blame or shame. Joanne also discusses her TEDx talk, her music-based advocacy work through Vegan Virtuosi, and why art and music can sometimes reach people more deeply than facts alone.In this episode: Why Joanne says going vegan can be a return to basics Why plant-based can sound more approachable than vegan Why veganism, for Joanne, became more than a health choice How to avoid letting perfectionism get in the way of good-faith effort Why reading labels matters, even on products marketed as plant-based How to navigate non-vegan partners, relatives, and visitors with more flexibility Why Joanne believes vegans should be happy, positive, well-adjusted people who also just happen to be vegan How Joanne uses music and art in her advocacy What Dr. Camila Perussello brought to the book Why Lantern Publishing & Media is such an important home for books like this Mentioned in this episode: Vegan Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Plant-Based Living — Joanne Kong and Dr. Camila Perussello Vegan Voices — Joanne Kong Food for Thought — Dr. Camila Perussello TEDx talk: The Power of Plant-Based Eating Vegan Virtuosi Strands of Compassion Vegans Make a Difference Lantern Publishing & Media Animal Factories — Jim Mason and Peter Singer James Aspey’s phrase: “Don’t blame or shame. Explain.” Vystopia — Clare Mann Vegan Action Connect with Joanne at vegansmakeadifference.comPublisher: This book is published by Lantern Publishing & Media, a mission-driven publisher focused on veganism, animal rights, social justice, humane education, and related work. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and share the message of plant-based living with more listeners. For more information, to submit a question or topic, or to book a free 30 minute Coaching session visit veganatanyage.com or email info@micheleolendercoaching.com Music, Production, and Editing by Charlie Weinshank. For inquiries email: charliewe97@gmail.com Virtual Support Services: https://proadminme.com/
