Vegan Boss Radio

Shawna Barker

Hosted by Shawna Barker, a plant-based nutritionist and passionate advocate for the vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re here for the health benefits, the ethics, or learning how to navigate the social aspects, this podcast is your go-to source for all things vegan. Each episode features in-depth discussions on nutrition, plant-based living, and the ethical side of veganism, with guests from all walks of life—athletes, entrepreneurs, activists, doctors, and more, all thriving on plants. Join me as we explore what it truly means to be a Vegan Boss—living consciously, thriving on a plant-based diet, and making an impact. 🎧 Subscribe now and start exploring what it means to be vegan.

  1. 8h ago

    #72 Steven Marcus Releford - Using Comedy to Spark Conversations About Veganism

    Can laughter be a gateway to conversations about veganism? In this episode, I'm joined by Steven Marcus Releford, stand-up comedian and founder of Plant-Based Comedy, to explore how humour can open the door to conversations about veganism, compassion, and animal advocacy. Steven shares his journey into both veganism and stand-up comedy, how he ended up performing at vegan restaurants and animal sanctuaries, and why he believes laughter can be a powerful way to connect with people. We also discuss what happens when non-vegans make jokes about vegans, whether comedy can help reduce defensiveness around the topic of veganism, and whether vegans sometimes take themselves too seriously. In this episode, we discuss: • Steven's journey into veganism and stand-up comedy • The inspiration behind Plant-Based Comedy • Performing at vegan restaurants and animal sanctuaries • When non-vegans make jokes about vegans • Using comedy as a gateway to conversations about veganism and animal advocacy Connect with Steven on his website plantbasedcomedy.com and his Instagram @stevenmarcusreleford. Enjoy the episode! ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

    45 min

  2. Jun 20

    #71 Catherine Connally - Culinary Medicine and Making Plant-Based Eating Practical

    What if one of the biggest barriers to eating healthier isn't knowing what to eat but knowing how to prepare it? In this episode, I’m joined by Catherine Connally, a clinical nutritionist, culinary medicine educator, and creator of Flavour with Benefits®. Catherine shares her plant-based journey and the experiences that led her to this lifestyle. We discuss why culinary medicine is becoming an increasingly important part of healthcare, and how learning even basic kitchen skills can help people incorporate more plant foods into their daily lives. Whether you're new to plant-based eating or looking for fresh inspiration in the kitchen, this episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement. In this episode, we discuss: • Catherine's plant-based journey • What culinary medicine is and why it matters • The importance of cooking skills for long-term health • Common barriers to eating more plant-based foods • Practical ways to incorporate more plants into your diet • Adapting traditional recipes to be plant-based • Why flavour matters when helping people change their eating habits • Teaching plant-based cooking through culinary medicine programs • Creating sustainable, enjoyable dietary changes About Catherine Connally: Catherine Connally holds a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, is DipACLM (Board Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine) and Blue Zones certified. She is licensed as a dietitian/nutritionist in Connecticut and specializes in identifying root causes of health issues, including nutrient deficiencies, drug–nutrient interactions to guide personalized, evidence-based interventions. She has been an avid vegan since 2019 after receiving a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell. Ms. Connally is the creator of Flavour with Benefits®, a gourmet nutrition approach to better health focused on plant-based health-optimized recipes. Her work includes over 110 recipes published in two Amazon bestselling, multi-award-winning books: Flavour with Benefits: France (2021) and Flavour with Benefits: Sicily & Calabria (2023). She also delivers education on culinary nutrition via clinics, events such as the 2023 T. Colin Campbell Retreat (Rochester, NY) and delivering plant based cooking instruction in partnership with Aroga Lifestyle Medicine Clinics, Ontario & British Columbia, Canada. Connect with Catherine on her website: flavourwithbenefits.com and Instagram @flavourwithbenefits. Enjoy the episode! ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

    59 min

  3. Jun 14

    #70 Audrey-Josephine Addo - Building Lost & Vegan: Travel, Culture, and Community

    Finding vegan food while traveling has come a long way over the past decade, but it can still sometimes be difficult to find the places that are worth visiting.  In this episode, I’m joined by Audrey-Josephine Addo, founder of Lost & Vegan, a platform designed to help people discover vegan restaurants and plant-based dining options while exploring new cities. AJ shares her vegan story, including the health challenges that led her to adopt a plant-based lifestyle eight years ago. We discuss how her background in computer science and graphic design inspired her to create Lost & Vegan, the gaps she noticed in existing restaurant-finding tools, and how she set out to build a resource specifically for the vegan community. We also talk about the evolution of vegan travel, the importance of representation and community, and what inspired AJ to expand Lost & Vegan beyond an app and into a magazine.  Whether you're a frequent traveler, someone who enjoys exploring new vegan restaurants, or simply interested in the people building innovative tools for the vegan community, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. In this episode, we discuss: • AJ's vegan journey and health transformation • The inspiration behind Lost & Vegan • Challenges vegans face when travelling • How Lost & Vegan differs from other restaurant-finding platforms • Building a tech platform for the vegan community • The launch of the Lost & Vegan magazine • Vegan culture, trends, and travel • The future of plant-based dining and discovery About Audrey-Josephine Addo: The founder and developer behind Lost & Vegan, Audrey-Josephine Addo. Her plant-based journey started eight years ago. After years of dealing with various health issues, she became vegan and has never looked back. While she got used to creating her own plant-based meals and desserts, dining out was still something she enjoyed. However, she was often left disappointed with the lack of vegan options.    Based on her background in computer science and graphic design, Lost & Vegan was created out of her need to have quick access to vegan restaurants while out and travelling abroad. She hopes that users will enjoy the experience she’s created, in order to find their own way through cities around the world. Following the app launch in November, Lost & Vegan is continuing to the next phase with the magazine launching January 2026.    Connect with AJ and Lost & Vegan on her website lostandvegan.com and Instagram @lostandvegan.  ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

    39 min

  4. Jun 4

    Minisode: Beyond the Gym: What Vegans Need to Know About Creatine

    In this solo mini episode, I talk about creatine. What it is, who may benefit from taking it, if vegans are deficient, and the emerging research on brain health, mood, and cognition for women in perimenopause and menopause. This mini solo episode covers: What creatine is and how your body already makes it (and why that matters for how we talk about it) Why vegans and vegetarians have measurably lower creatine levels and if that even matters How creatine went from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics to becoming one of the most studied supplements in nutritional science The numbers: how much non-vegans get from food versus what a supplement provides The 2025 CONCRET-MENOPA randomised controlled trial and what it found for perimenopausal and menopausal women Who has a strong case for supplementing, who doesn't need to worry, and how to think about it for yourself Whether you lift weights, you're navigating perimenopause, or you're just curious about a supplement that keeps coming up, this episode gives you the full picture without the hype. References: The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial. Benefits of Creatine Supplementation for Vegetarians Compared to Omnivorous Athletes: A Systematic Review.  Muscle creatine levels and sprint performance in young adult vegans and vegetarians after 7 days of creatine monohydrate supplementation. Creatine Supplementation Beyond Athletics: Benefits of Different Types of Creatine for Women, Vegans, and Clinical Populations. Creatine in health and disease. Creatine. VeganHealth.org. "Updates to Weightlifting for Vegans" The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition or are taking medication. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review, it genuinely helps more people find the podcast. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

    16 min

  5. May 28

    #69 Emma Fry - Building Vegan Adventures in Central America

    Interested in hiking through the jungles of Costa Rica and ending the day with homemade vegan ice cream? Then I think you’re going to love this episode. In today's episode, I’m joined by Emma Fry, founder of Vegan Adventure Holidays. Emma is a UK-born adventurer now based in Guatemala, where she spends her time leading vegan hiking trips up volcanoes and through jungles and remote trails across Central America. She created Vegan Adventure Holidays for active vegan travellers who want more than just a holiday: incredible vegan food, meaningful connection, and the confidence that comes from tackling spicy hills in beautiful places! Usually fuelled by strong coffee and happiest with a dog nearby, Emma believes adventure should feel supportive, empowering, and just a little bit wild. In this conversation, we talk about her vegan journey, how and why she started Vegan Adventure Holidays, what goes into creating vegan travel experiences, and some of the realities of navigating veganism while travelling in places that don't always have a lot of options. Emma also shares some behind-the-scenes insight into collaborating with local families, restaurants, and cooks to create satisfying vegan meals for travellers while still respecting local food culture and traditions. Whether you’re vegan, curious about plant-based travel, or just love hearing stories about people building creative businesses around their values, I think you’ll really enjoy this episode. You can find Emma and Vegan Adventure Holidays online at veganadventureholidays.com and Instagram at @veganadventureholidays. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me If you want to transition to a plant-based lifestyle but feel overwhelmed by nutrition science, protein, or meal planning, let’s chat! I offer private consultations to help you thrive with personalized, evidence-based guidance. 👉 Book your complimentary 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca Vegan Boss Resources 🛒 Supplements: Visit my Online Store for 100% vegan, carefully curated supplements. Ships across Canada + 10% off everything, always. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Check out Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel. 🎧 Support the Show: Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you! About Your Host Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a B.Sc. in Nutrition, vegan since 2002. With over 12 years of experience, she shares evidence-based insights to help you master plant-based living. 📩 Connect: DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

    1h 4m

  6. May 15

    Minisode: Billie Eilish vs. The World: Cognitive Dissonance & Debunking the Backlash

    When Billie Eilish recently stated that you cannot claim to love all animals while simultaneously eating them, the internet imploded. From accusations of "vegan privilege" to debates over Indigenous rights and MCAS-friendly diets, the backlash was a masterclass in cognitive dissonance. This mini solo episode discusses: The Contradiction: Why Billie’s statement triggered so many people and the psychology of why we "love" some animals but consume others. The Health Debunk: Addressing the claims that plant proteins are "hard to digest" or incompatible with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). The Science of "Fake" Meats: A 2024 meta-analysis shows that plant-based meat alternatives actually lead to better cardiometabolic outcomes (lower LDL, cholesterol, and weight) when replacing animal meat. The "Anti-Indigenous" Shield: Why using Indigenous survival as an excuse to buy factory-farmed meat is a form of tokenism that erases Indigenous vegans and those following a plant-based diet (including my own Métis family).  The "Vegan Police": My take on the internal community backlash regarding Billie riding horses and why we need to prioritize progress over perfection. Mentioned in this episode: Quote by @hiilanilily on Indigenous sovereignty and veganism. Cardiometabolic health meta-analysis on plant-based meat alternatives. Previous episode: Métis and Plant-Based with my Mother. Work With Me If you want to transition to a plant-based lifestyle but feel overwhelmed by nutrition science, histamines, or meal planning, let’s chat! I offer private consultations to help you thrive with personalized, evidence-based guidance. 👉 Book your complimentary 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca Vegan Boss Resources 🛒 Supplements: Visit my Online Store for 100% vegan, carefully curated supplements. Ships across Canada + 10% off everything, always. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Check out Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel. 🎧 Support the Show: Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you! About Your Host Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a B.Sc. in Nutrition, vegan since 2002. With over 12 years of experience, she shares evidence-based insights to help you master plant-based living. 📩 Connect: DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

    16 min

  7. May 9

    #68 Dr. Tejal Raju - Plant Based Nutrition for Chronic Pain and Inflammation

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tejal Raju to discuss chronic pain, inflammation, joint pain, and the role that plant-based nutrition can play in supporting overall health and pain management. Dr. Raju is a double board-certified interventional pain physician in Anesthesiology and Pain Management who has been serving rural Southwest Virginia for over 14 years. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches medical, physician assistant, and resident trainees through her academic appointments at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Radford University Carilion. For over a decade, Dr. Raju has followed a plant-based lifestyle and is passionate about the role of nutrition in reducing inflammation and supporting long-term health. She also shares evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle content through her Instagram platform, Fork Over the Pain. In this conversation, we discuss: What chronic pain conditions she sees the most The connection between inflammation and pain Common chronic pain and joint conditions The role of plant-based nutrition in reducing inflammation Fibre, gut health, and why most people are not getting enough How lifestyle approaches can work alongside conventional medicine Connect with Dr. Raju on her website tejalrajumd.com and her Instagram @forkoverthepain. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me If you want to transition to a plant-based lifestyle but feel overwhelmed by nutrition science, histamines, or meal planning, let’s chat! I offer private consultations to help you thrive with personalized, evidence-based guidance. 👉 Book your complimentary 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca Vegan Boss Resources 🛒 Supplements: Visit my Online Store for 100% vegan, carefully curated supplements. Ships across Canada + 10% off everything, always. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Check out Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel. 🎧 Support the Show: Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you! About Your Host Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a B.Sc. in Nutrition, vegan since 2002. With over 12 years of experience, she shares evidence-based insights to help you master plant-based living. 📩 Connect: DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

    51 min

  8. May 1

    Minisode: Jubilee's "1 Vegan vs 20 Meat Eaters" - Let’s Talk About the Arguments

    I recently watched an episode of Surrounded where one vegan sits down with 20 meat-eaters to answer questions and challenges about veganism. And while the format is intense, the arguments themselves are actually very familiar. In this mini solo episode, I break down some of the most common points raised and offer my perspective on each one. Including: “Plants feel pain” Soy production and whether animal agriculture is really driving it The idea that you need multiple supplements to be vegan “Suffering is inevitable” Hunting vs natural death Protein, athletes, and performance Crop deaths and unintended harm And more If you’ve ever heard these claims or found yourself unsure how to respond to them, this episode addresses these conversations around veganism from both a nutrition and ethical perspective. ____________________________________________________________________ Work With Me If you want to transition to a plant-based lifestyle but feel overwhelmed by nutrition science, histamines, or meal planning, let’s chat! I offer private consultations to help you thrive with personalized, evidence-based guidance. 👉 Book your complimentary 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca Vegan Boss Resources 🛒 Supplements: Visit my Online Store for 100% vegan, carefully curated supplements. Ships across Canada + 10% off everything, always. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Check out Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel. 🎧 Support the Show: Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you! About Your Host Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a B.Sc. in Nutrition, vegan since 2002. With over 12 years of experience, she shares evidence-based insights to help you master plant-based living. 📩 Connect: DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

    22 min
See All (83)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by Shawna Barker, a plant-based nutritionist and passionate advocate for the vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re here for the health benefits, the ethics, or learning how to navigate the social aspects, this podcast is your go-to source for all things vegan. Each episode features in-depth discussions on nutrition, plant-based living, and the ethical side of veganism, with guests from all walks of life—athletes, entrepreneurs, activists, doctors, and more, all thriving on plants. Join me as we explore what it truly means to be a Vegan Boss—living consciously, thriving on a plant-based diet, and making an impact. 🎧 Subscribe now and start exploring what it means to be vegan.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawna Barker
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Vegan Boss Radio

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