Vegan Voices Unhinged

Lorraine and Steve
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

Join Steve and Lorraine as they dive into the world of veganism—why they chose this lifestyle, how they spread the message, and the unexpected love story that started with a swipe. Honest, fun, and a little unhinged. "Vegan Voices Unhinged" is where compassion meets conversation—with a twist. Hosted by Steve and Lorraine, a couple who met on Hinge and bonded over their love for plants, this podcast dives deep into the world of veganism. From personal stories about why they chose this lifestyle to tips on effective outreach and navigating a plant-based life in a modern world, nothing is off the table (except animal products!). Expect honest chats, a dash of humor, and plenty of unfiltered takes on food, ethics, and sustainability. Whether you’re vegan, curious, or just here for the conversation, join us as we unhinge the talk around living kindly.

  1. 2d ago

    Growing the Vegan Movement: Outreach, Education and Community

    Episode Summary Lorraine and Steve share a series of positive updates from their vegan activism and community work. They reflect on the success of a recent vegan dining club at The Greenhouse in Fleet and look ahead to the next gathering at Blue Sardinia in Guildford. The hosts also celebrate being accepted onto Animal Aid's school speaker programme, opening up new opportunities to engage young people through talks and cooking demonstrations. The conversation then turns to Viva!’s largest-ever outreach event in Godalming, where experienced activists supported and mentored newer volunteers. Later, Lorraine and Steve discuss Animal Rising's farrowing crate protest in London, which drew attention to the treatment of mother pigs in intensive farming systems. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to get involved with the upcoming mass lobby at Parliament focused on factory farming, Frankenchickens, and Project Slingshot. Key Timings 00:00 – Introduction and positive vegan news 00:30 – Vegan dining club at The Greenhouse in Fleet 01:26 – Upcoming Guildford dining club at Blue Sardinia 02:24 – Supporting local vegan-friendly venues 03:20 – Passing the Animal Aid school speaker interview 05:56 – Training for school talks and vegan cooking demonstrations 07:19 – Viva!’s biggest outreach event in Godalming 08:19 – Coaching and supporting new outreach volunteers 10:33 – Conversation with a trainee vet 13:17 – Speaking with a vegetarian family 14:16 – Water-use quiz: plant milks vs dairy milk 20:50 – Visiting Michelle's farrowing crate protest in London 23:33 – Upcoming Elwood's campaign and outreach opportunities 25:29 – Call to action: Project Slingshot mass lobby 27:06 – Listener feedback and closing thoughts Keywords Veganism, vegan activism, animal rights, vegan outreach, community building, vegan dining clubs, Viva!, Animal Aid, school speakers, plant-based living, dairy farming, environmental impact, farrowing crates, Animal Rising, Frankenchickens, Project Slingshot, grassroots activism, vegan community UK. Resources The Greenhouse, Fleet https://www.thegreenhousefleet.co.ukAnimal Aid School Speaker Programme https://www.animalaid.org.uk/how-can-you-help/become-a-school-speakerViva! Outreach & Street Actions https://viva.org.uk/viva-volunteer-community/outreach-hosts-and-supportersProject Slingshot https://projectslingshot.comElwood's Organic Dog Meat Campaign https://www.elwooddogmeat.comWater Use in plant and dairy Milks https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/environmental-footprint-milks

  2. Sep 22

    Dr. Shireen Kassam: The Truth About Dairy, Health, and the Plant-Based Alternative

    Summary In this episode, Dr. Shireen Kasam discusses the realities of the dairy industry, its impact on health, animals, and the environment, and how plant-based nutrition offers a better alternative. She shares insights from her role in the VIVA! documentary "What do you really know about dairy?" and the importance of evidence-based information for health professionals and the public. Key Topics The realities of dairy production and its impact on animals Health claims and misconceptions about dairy consumption Evidence-based reasons to avoid dairy and adopt plant-based diets The influence of industry marketing on public perceptions of dairy The role of health professionals in promoting plant-based nutrition The significance of the VIVA documentary in raising awareness The connection between dairy consumption and health issues like eczema and cancer Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Shireen Kasam and the documentary 02:32 What inspired Dr. Kasam to participate in the VIVA project 04:16 The truth about dairy and human health 08:00 Inside the horrors of the dairy industry 12:29 Health risks associated with cow's milk 16:27 The emotional impact of witnessing dairy industry practices 20:10 The marketing tactics of the dairy industry 24:20 The future of plant-based nutrition and activism 26:29 Call to action: how to get involved and spread awareness Keywords dairy industry, plant-based nutrition, vegan advocacy, animal welfare, health impacts of dairy, dairy industry secrets, vegan documentary, dairy alternatives, health professional education, environmental impact of dairy Resources Viva! Documentary Website Eating Plant Based - Book by Dr Shireen Kassam

  3. Sep 15

    Holly Johnson of Vegan Food & Living on Misinformation, Community and Staying Optimistic

    Lorraine and Steve speak with Holly Johnson, Senior Editor of Vegan Food and Living about her path into veganism, the realities of plant-based journalism, and why community matters so much in the movement. The conversation covers activism through food, misinformation about ultra processed foods, and how to keep showing up with optimism in a noisy world. Key points:Holly’s compassion for animals began in childhoodA vegan bootcamp and cooking workshop changed everything at age 39Veganism transformed both her health and her careerShe enjoys the creative process of sourcing recipes and making contentLearning the truth about factory farming has been the hardest partUltra processed food narratives are often unfairly used against vegan foodCooking impressive vegan meals is her favorite form of activismCommunity at events like Vegan Campout helps people stay motivatedHer call to action is to stay positive, hopeful, and lead by exampleTimeline: 00:00 Introduction to Holly Johnson and her work 01:33 Why the Vegan Food and Living podcast paused 03:15 Vegan Campout and the energy of vegan community 05:21 The creative side of editing a plant-based magazine 07:09 Rejoining the magazine and testing recipes 08:40 How recipes are sourced and commissioned 12:32 Holly’s childhood roots in animal advocacy 14:23)The bootcamp workshop that changed everything 15:20) Going vegan at 39 and feeling the benefits fast 16:04 How veganism reshaped her career 17:08 The hardest part: learning the truth and facing resistance 22:04 Robbie Lockie and foodfacts.org 23:26 The best part: community, feedback, and meaningful work 27:28 Why cooking is Holly’s most effective activism 30:15 Alexis Gauthier and 123V 31:44 Seitan ham and Christmas food 34:54 Challenging the assumption that vegan food is unhealthy 42:07 Hospitals, nutrition training, and food choices 46:49 Favorite meals and restaurants 51:18 Vegan Dining Club and building local community 57:05 Holly’s call to action 59:45 Closing thanksKeywords: veganism, plant-based living, activism, community, misinformation, ultra processed food, factory farming, whole food plant based, recipes, seitan, tofu, Vegan Campout, Vegan Food and LivingResourcesfoodfacts.orgVegan Food and Living - https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/Vegan Campout - https://www.vegancampout.co.uk/Vegan Women’s Club - https://www.veganwomensclub.com/

  4. Sep 8

    Vegan Italy, Luna's Rescue Campaign & the Truth About Dairy

    Episode SummaryIn this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, Lorraine and Steve celebrate their second anniversary and Steve's birthday while taking listeners along on a week-long trip to Venice and a birthday getaway at a vegan boutique hotel in Lake Garda. They share their experiences of navigating two vegan-friendly destinations in Italy, from discovering Venice's only vegan restaurant to enjoying a memorable five-course birthday meal in Lake Garda. The conversation then turns to animal activism and current campaigns, including Animal Rising's farrowing crate protest in Trafalgar Square, the realities of farrowing crates, and the campaign to release Luna to a sanctuary. You can learn more about the campaign and sign the petition at Luna Campaign. They also discuss Viva!'s film premiere, What Do You Really Know About Dairy?, and how the documentary aims to challenge common myths surrounding milk and dairy consumption. More information and the film trailer are available at What Do You Really Know About Dairy?. Key Timings00:13 – Introduction, anniversary celebrations, and birthday episode setup 00:24 – Venice trip and the story behind the holiday 01:21 – First impressions of Venice 02:12 – Dining at Venice's only vegan restaurant 03:28 – Celebrating two years together and the story of meeting on Hinge 04:03 – Steve's surprise birthday trip to Lake Garda 04:46 – The vegan boutique hotel experience 05:16 – A memorable five-course birthday dinner 06:42 – Vegan food shopping and cooking during the trip 08:09 – Walking tour of Venice and the city's history 08:39 – Upcoming visit to London and supporting Michelle 09:42 – Understanding farrowing crates and why campaigners oppose them 13:29 – Viva!'s film premiere and discussion of dairy myths 16:51 – Call to action begins 17:03 – Petitions, support in Trafalgar Square, and outreach training opportunities 18:01 – Closing reflections on positive and impactful animal advocacy campaigns KeywordsVenice, Lake Garda, vegan travel, anniversary, birthday surprise, vegan restaurant, vegan boutique hotel, farrowing crates, Animal Rising, Michelle, Luna, sanctuary, Viva!, dairy myths, animal activism, call to action ResourcesAnimal RisingInformation on the farrowing crate protest, Michelle, and the campaign to release Luna to a sanctuary: Luna Campaign & Petition: https://luna.animalrising.org/ Viva!Information about the film and campaign What Do You Really Know About Dairy?: Film Information & Trailer: https://viva.org.uk/appeals/what-do-you-really-know-about-dairy/

  5. Sep 1

    Can a Plant-Based Diet Help You Age Better? With Vesanto Melina, MS, RD

    Summary In this episode, Lorraine and Steve speak with award-winning registered dietitian, author, and plant-based nutrition pioneer Vesanto Melina about the evolution of vegan nutrition, the politics of food guidance, and how a well-planned plant-based diet can support long-term health. Vesanto shares personal stories from her decades in nutrition, her transition to veganism, and practical advice for aging well with plant-based eating. The conversation also explores environmental impacts, activism, and how to make vegan eating realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable. Key Points • Vesanto’s journey from teaching nutrition to becoming a long-time vegan advocate • Why she sees a well-planned vegan diet as the healthiest approach • How industry lobbying has influenced food messaging and dietary guidelines • The difference between vegan junk food and a nutrient-dense vegan diet • Why plant-based eating matters for health, ethics, and the environment • Practical advice for older adults: more protein, calcium, B12, B6, and fewer empty calories • The role of community, recipes, and activism in making veganism accessible • Encouragement to move toward veganism gradually rather than aiming for perfection Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Vesanto Melina 01:28 What a typical day looks like 03:09 Plant-based living, community, and Plant-Powered Seniors 04:23 Early nutrition teaching and family influences 06:59 India, vegetarian food, and learning about animal welfare 09:17 Becoming vegan gradually 10:59 Becoming Vegan and its influence 11:40 Canada’s food guide and plant-based groups 13:17 Concerns about the U.S. food guide 15:20 Environmental impact of meat and dairy 17:34 Water use and dairy production 19:15 Becoming fully plant-based in 1993 21:13 Husband, family, and shared plant-based eating 22:10 Eating out, HappyCow, and supporting vegan restaurants 24:00 Well-planned vegan diets vs vegan junk food 26:38 Fortified foods and processed vegan products 28:46 Hardest and best parts of the vegan journey 32:40 Staying healthy and active at 84 38:18 Activism through food, community, and policy 44:22 Rethinking assumptions about veganism 45:20 Health conditions addressed in Plant-Powered Seniors 48:28 Favorite vegan meal and meal prep 53:54 Favorite vegan restaurants 55:18 Closing thoughts and farewell Keywords Vesanto Melina MS RD, vegan nutrition, plant-based diet, Becoming Vegan, Plant-Powered Seniors, whole food vegan, older adults nutrition, vegan diet for seniors, plant-based health, Canada Food Guide, environmental impact of meat, dairy water use, fortified soy milk, vegan activism, HappyCow, vegan restaurants, legumes, pulses, tofu, calcium, vitamin B12, sustainable eating Resources • NutriSpeak - https://www.nutrispeak.com • Plant-Powered Seniors - https://plant-poweredseniors.com • Plant-Powered Protein - plant-poweredprotein.com • HappyCow - https://www.happycow.net • Vancouver Cohousing — https://www.vancouvercohousing.comNotes

  6. Aug 25

    Vegan Camp Out: Hope, Community & the Power of Activism

    Episode Summary In this episode, Lorraine and Steve recap their weekend at Vegan Camp Out, the world’s largest vegan camping festival. They share why the event felt especially inspiring this year, highlighting the sense of community, the range of speakers, the food, and the activism energy. Their discussion focuses on standout talks from Earthling Ed, George Monbiot, Zach Polanski, and Moby, plus memorable food and festival moments that made the experience feel deeply motivating for vegan advocacy.Timeline0:00 – Welcome and first impressions of Vegan Camp Out 1:49 – What Vegan Camp Out is and why it matters 3:12 – Festival areas and the challenge of fitting everything in 5:11 – Top speakers: Earthling Ed 8:25 – Top speakers: George Monbiot 11:57 – Top speakers: Zach Polanski 18:05 – Top speakers: Moby 23:28 – Food highlights begin 24:54 – Giuseppe’s Tiramisu 26:23 – Happy Cow Ice Cream 27:42 – Tiba Tempeh Bowl 28:39 – Vegan Fried Chicken 29:36 – Community and people they met 34:08 – DJ Beaves in the jungle 35:35 – Handing out 1,000 podcast cards 37:31 – Call to action and wrap-up Key WordsVegan Camp Out, vegan activism, animal rights, community, factory farming, environmental justice, compassion, sustainable food systems, vegan speakers, plant-based food, Viva, Earthling Ed, George Monbiot, Zach Polanski, MobyResources / Websites MentionedViva! — vegan charity and official sponsor/partner of Vegan Camp Out https://viva.org.ukVegan Camp Out — festival website https://www.vegancampout.co.uk

  7. Aug 18

    Droughts, Heat Waves, and the Food System: Why Climate Action Has to Start on Our Plates

    Summary: In this episode of Vegan Voices Unhinged, Lorraine and Steve discuss the record-breaking droughts and heat waves affecting the UK, and how climate change is already impacting humans, animals, agriculture, and water security. They connect the dots between extreme weather, environmental policy, and the overlooked role of animal agriculture in driving water use, emissions, and biodiversity loss. The conversation also highlights practical steps individuals can take, from changing diet to contacting local councillors. Key Points: The UK is experiencing severe drought conditions, hosepipe bans, and rising concerns about future water restrictions.Heat waves are becoming more dangerous, with homes, children, older adults, and animals all especially vulnerable.Climate change is already disrupting habitats, food supplies, migration patterns, and increasing disease and extinction risk for animals.Animal agriculture uses enormous amounts of water, with dairy cited as needing around 700–1,000 litres of water for 1 litre of milk.The hosts argue that environmental conversations often ignore food systems and focus too narrowly on fossil fuels and recycling.They discuss the Climate Change Committee’s “A Well-Adapted UK” report, which warns the UK is not prepared for worsening climate impacts.The episode emphasizes that dietary change is one of the most immediate personal actions people can take. Timeline: 0:02 — Introduction to droughts, heat waves, and climate impacts1:55 — Drought status, hosepipe bans, and possible water restrictions4:38 — How climate change threatens animals and ecosystems6:34 — Climate Change Committee report and UK overheating risks8:54 — Agriculture, crop stress, and water demand in animal farming9:20 — Water footprint of dairy production11:14 — Why water-saving advice often ignores food systems15:00 — Climate inaction, economic costs, and the need for urgent measures18:40 — Discussion of Eating Our Way to Extinction21:16 — Food production as a major climate factor24:38 — Positive actions: plant-based diets and reduced animal product use26:02 — Call to action: contact local councillors and share the documentary Action Items: Write to your local councillor and ask them to treat the climate emergency seriously.Watch Eating Our Way to Extinction on YouTube.Share the documentary with friends who care about the environment.Attend a local climate emergency briefing if one is available near you.Reduce or eliminate animal products, especially dairy, as a practical climate action.

  8. Aug 11

    Speaking for the Voiceless: Clif Grant’s Journey in Veganism and Animal Rights Advocacy

    Summary In this episode, Clif Grant shares his lifelong journey into veganism, the motivations behind his activism, and practical tips for engaging others in animal rights advocacy. Discover how personal experiences and powerful speeches can inspire meaningful change. Key topics Clif Grant's early experiences with animal cruelty The impact of Gary Yourofsky's speech on Clif Effective street activism and sign strategies The importance of community in vegan activism Mental health challenges for activists and coping strategies The misconception of vegans as extremists Practical tips for engaging non-vegans The role of social media in activism Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clif Grant and his activism 01:54 Early childhood experiences with animal cruelty 08:00 The influence of Gary Yourofsky's speech 11:58 Hardest and best parts of being vegan 18:27 Clif's activism methods and street outreach 22:46 Using the 10-point scale to engage others 28:19 Dealing with pre-activism anxiety 32:38 Challenging misconceptions about vegans 35:04 Favorite vegan meals and restaurants 38:26 Creating anonymous activism accounts 42:06 Building community through vegan dining clubs 42:56 The importance of community for activists Keywords veganism, animal rights, activism, vegan outreach, mental health activism, vegan food, vegan community, vegan tips, vegan stories

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About

Join Steve and Lorraine as they dive into the world of veganism—why they chose this lifestyle, how they spread the message, and the unexpected love story that started with a swipe. Honest, fun, and a little unhinged. "Vegan Voices Unhinged" is where compassion meets conversation—with a twist. Hosted by Steve and Lorraine, a couple who met on Hinge and bonded over their love for plants, this podcast dives deep into the world of veganism. From personal stories about why they chose this lifestyle to tips on effective outreach and navigating a plant-based life in a modern world, nothing is off the table (except animal products!). Expect honest chats, a dash of humor, and plenty of unfiltered takes on food, ethics, and sustainability. Whether you’re vegan, curious, or just here for the conversation, join us as we unhinge the talk around living kindly.

Information

  • Creator
    Lorraine and Steve
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lorraine and Steve
  • Show Website
    Vegan Voices Unhinged

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