T.O.F.U. Talks: #OurNewNormal T.O.F.U. Magazine

Originally streamed live on Facebook on June 17, I wrap-up the series by sharing my current experience in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out what life is like in Vietnam and learn what's coming next now that I've finished documenting the lives of vegans around the world in our new normal.

I chat with Claire Howe and Cami Hoffman about The Raven Corps and how the group's work and methods have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. From developing QuaranTEEN, a youth-led virtual community, to preparing to tackle toxic masculinity while addressing the needs of many in their communities, Claire and Cami showcase just how the organization has continued to be effective in their new normal.

I chat with Glenn Gaetz, co-owner of Nice Shoes, about the experience of running a vegan shoe store in Vancouver, British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic. From balancing family life and the need to entertain a young child at home to trying to determine just what the best course of action is for their nine-year old company in the coming months, Glenn and I talk about plenty of the ins and outs of running a small business while dealing with a new normal.

I chat with Eloisa T. from Chilis On Wheels to find out what sort of impact the organization has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the disproportionate ways in which the restrictions affect communities in New York City (and even the rest of the United States) to her personal disconnect from friends and family as she continues to work outside of her home, Eloisa helps to show the importance of compassion and community within our new normal.

Shifting the focus to vegan businesses, I connect with my friends, Carmella Lanni & Carlo Giardina, in Philly to talk about their experience running their vegan grocery and convenience store, V Marks The Shop, during the COVID-19 pandemic. From adapting quickly as a two-person team determined to maintain safety for themselves, their customers, and the suppliers they work with to trying to find the balance between their business and personal well-being, Carmella and Carlo help to shed some light on how vegan businesses are operating in their new normal.

I chat with Chelsea Lincoln in Hillsboro, Oregon about her personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. From changing her wedding plans to facing the implications of working from home long-term, Chelsea provides an idea of what's involved in her new normal.