The Glen Merzer Show

Real Men Eat Plants

Filled with freewheeling discussions, liveliness, and health information, The Glen Merzer Show Podcast will move you towards the vegan lifestyle if you're not there already.This podcast is for open-minded individuals who are interested in veganism, climate change, and the destructive effects of animal agriculture, but also enjoy healthy cooking, theater, and culture.Glen Merzer lives with the philosophy that he has two reasons to write: to make people laugh and to make people vegan. He has the same two reasons to podcast.

  1. Jul 15

    Geoff Palmer Has True Health Credibility

    Geoff and Glen discuss the way the body works, the way health care works, and the optimal approaches to taking control of your own health and longevity.  Check out Glen's new movie Buddhist Blues here: https://www.buddhistblues.com Get Dr. Klaper's Moving Medicine Forward here: https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264 Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com Get Glen's book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE Get Dr. Klaper's Moving Medicine Forward here: https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264   Follow us on Facebook: / theglenmerzershow Follow us on Instagram: / @theglenmerzershow Follow us on Twitter: / glenmerzershow Follow us on TikTok: / uclcmtg_1i6ve_hfmyru1-ja CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction to the significance of fiber in health 02:00 - The different sources of dietary fiber: plants versus fungi 06:00 - How insoluble fiber prevents appendicitis and gut issues 10:00 - Evolutionary insights: gain and loss of cellulase enzyme in humans 14:00 - The microbiome's role in digesting fiber and producing energy 18:00 - The effect of animal fats and proteins on gut bacteria and bile acids 22:00 - How plant fibers feed beneficial bacteria and reduce pathogenic bacteria 26:00 - Fermentable versus non-fermentable fibers and resistant starches 30:00 - The microbiome's ability to bind toxins, heavy metals, and facilitate nutrient absorption 34:00 - The relationship between fiber, antioxidants, and plant defenses 38:00 - Impact of dietary fiber on fetal brain development and neuroprotection 42:00 - Fermentable fibers: how food matrix influences fiber benefits 46:00 - The role of chitin, chitosan, and mushrooms in health 50:00 - Practical tips for transitioning to high-fiber diets 54:00 - Cooking methods to enhance resistant starch and prebiotic effects 58:00 - Summary: benefits of diverse fiber intake for longevity and disease prevention

  2. Jul 12

    Robert Grillo on How Subsidies Shape Our Food Future

    Robert Grillo, founder of Free From Harm, joins Glen to discuss the systemic challenges of transforming the food system and why targeting top decision-makers — not just consumers — is essential for lasting change. Robert shares how his organization has evolved into a powerful force for grassroots activism, taking on industry leaders, policymakers, and media to expose the harms of animal agriculture. In this episode, Robert breaks down the outsized role of government subsidies in propping up animal agriculture and why shifting those subsidies to plant-based foods is one of the most powerful levers for change. He discusses strategies for influencing legislators, confronting health officials, and holding industry accountable through public pressure and media exposure. Robert also offers a grounded critique of lab meat and other technological "solutions," arguing that today's grassroots activism — not tomorrow's hype — is what will move the needle. A timely and eye-opening conversation about democracy, food policy, and the future of the plant-based movement. Have healthy, delicious, oil-free, plant-based Indian food delivered to your door by ordering from https://www.firstseedfoods.com , sponsor of this show, use code GLEN10 to get $10 off your first order! Visit Robert's website: https://www.freefromharm.org Follow Robert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freefromharm/ Follow Robert on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freefromharm/ Follow Robert on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreeFromHarm Follow Robert on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freefromharm Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com Get our new book, 'Moving Medicine Forward': https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Moving+Medicine+Forward+by+Dr.+Michael+Clapper+and+Glenn+Mercer Get 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE To order Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet... Glen Merzer Socials: Follow us on Facebook: / theglenmerzershow Follow us on Instagram: / @theglenmerzershow Follow us on Twitter: / glenmerzershow Follow us on TikTok: / uclcmtg_1i6ve_hfmyru1-ja CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction and book promotion 00:22 - Guest introduction: Robert Grillo and his work 01:33 - The evolution of Free From Harm and systemic activism 04:50 - Activities of Free From Harm and grassroots strategies 06:45 - The importance of confronting industry leaders publicly 10:08 - Engaging with policymakers and media for impact 12:24 - The role of industry-spread diseases like screwworm 15:07 - Progress in the movement and shifting subsidies 17:23 - Legislative efforts and the influence of money in politics 20:12 - Confronting health officials and industry representatives 23:14 - The Save Our Bacon Act and industry lobbying 26:42 - California law and federal industry opposition 29:36 - The challenge of political and industry influence 33:12 - The role of environmental groups and the vegan movement 35:11 - Co-optation and greenwashing in the industry 37:34 - Lab meat and technological solutions: hype vs reality 44:16 - The importance of focusing on current activism over hype 45:43 - The power of industry advertising and influence 46:24 - Where to find and support Robert Grillo 46:56 - Closing remarks and appreciation

  3. Jun 24

    The Globe-trotting Plant-Based Creators: Jeff and Jill Dalton

    Jeff and Jill Dalton, creators of the wildly popular Whole Food Plant-Based Cooking Show, join Glen to share their extraordinary journey of selling everything, traveling the world, and exploring diverse cultures through plant-based cuisine. Sparked by personal health crises, Jeff and Jill transformed their lives through whole food plant-based eating and have since dedicated themselves to making science-based, accessible vegan recipes available to a global audience — without traditional paywalls or advertising. In this episode, Jeff and Jill discuss the minimalist, travel-light lifestyle that has taken them across the globe and into the heart of plant-based food cultures worldwide. They share insights into recipe development focused on familiar comfort foods, their community-driven membership model built on transparency and trust, and the moral and environmental dimensions of a plant-based lifestyle. From African peanut sauce to plant-based pizza and hot dogs, mushrooms to spices, they reflect on over a decade of creating engaging content, navigating YouTube algorithm changes, and inspiring a large and diverse audience to embrace whole food plant-based eating. Have healthy, delicious, oil-free, plant-based Indian food delivered to your door by ordering from https://www.firstseedfoods.com , sponsor of this show, use code GLEN10 to get $10 off your first order! Visit Jeff and Jill's website: https://www.plantbasedcookingshow.com Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com Get my new book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE To order Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet... Follow us on Facebook: / theglenmerzershow Follow us on Instagram: / @theglenmerzershow Follow us on Twitter: / glenmerzershow Follow us on TikTok: / uclcmtg_1i6ve_hfmyru1-ja 00:00 - Introducing Jeff and Jill Dalton, creators of the Whole Food Plant-Based Cooking Show 02:51 - How travel and minimalism facilitated their move around the world 05:12 - Their journey from health problems to embracing a plant-based diet 08:13 - The dramatic weight loss and health improvements within months 11:08 - Favorite recipes and staples—African peanut sauce, salads, and grains 14:29 - The significance of Mr. Rogers' gentle approach as inspiration 16:45 - Building a community-based, transparent content model with memberships 19:02 - The origins of their show in New Zealand and early struggles with audience engagement 21:48 - The influence of childhood TV hero Mr. Rogers on their presentation style 24:17 - Interconnection between personal health, animal welfare, and planetary impact 28:01 - Reflection on how industrial animal farming affects ecosystems and climate 31:08 - Cultural shifts and how traditional foods can be adapted to plant-based versions 33:56 - The challenge and impact of adding a membership model and earning trust 37:04 - The importance of truthful sponsorships and community perks 41:07 - How YouTube algorithm changes affected their reach and growth 45:31 - The future of plant-based cooking books and digital content 51:02 - Encounters with local cultures demonstrating plant-based roots globally 55:53 - The impact of the medical system and the importance of nutritional education 59:12 - Common food staples and meal routines—simple, nutritious, and repetitive 67:26 - Mushrooms as a health-boosting ingredient and culinary tool 69:56 - The unpredictability of their next travel destination and community input 71:13 - Closing thoughts and where to find their content and recipes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Filled with freewheeling discussions, liveliness, and health information, The Glen Merzer Show Podcast will move you towards the vegan lifestyle if you're not there already.This podcast is for open-minded individuals who are interested in veganism, climate change, and the destructive effects of animal agriculture, but also enjoy healthy cooking, theater, and culture.Glen Merzer lives with the philosophy that he has two reasons to write: to make people laugh and to make people vegan. He has the same two reasons to podcast.

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