Vegan Boss Radio

Shawna Barker
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Hosted by Shawna Barker, plant-based nutritionist and longtime vegan, Vegan Boss Radio is your place to explore everything from plant-based nutrition and health to vegan lifestyle, ethics, fitness, and the real-life challenges of living your values in a non-vegan world. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or simply interested in eating more plants and feeling your best, you’ll find practical, evidence-informed conversations designed to help you thrive. Each episode features fascinating people from all walks of life, including nutrition experts, doctors, athletes, entrepreneurs, authors, activists, and the many other amazing vegans out there making a difference, sharing their knowledge, stories, and experiences. Subscribe and start exploring Vegan Boss Radio. Want personalized guidance with your plant-based diet? Shawna offers 1:1 nutrition consultations and plant-based nutrition support through Synergy Nutrition, helping you build a healthy, balanced approach to eating more plants, without the overwhelm. 👉 Nutrition Services: synergynutrition.ca Instagram: @vegan_boss Facebook: @veganbossradio And be sure to check out our new apparel line, Vegan Boss Apparel on our Shop page and Instagram: @veganbossapparel

  1. 2d ago

    Minisode: Are the Carnivores Okay? The Problem with the Meat-Only Movement

    Are the Carnivores Okay? The Problem with the Meat-Only Movement The carnivore diet has convinced people that vegetables are toxic, fibre is unnecessary, fruit is harmful, and eating nothing but animal products is the key to optimal health. But what does the science actually say? In this solo mini episode, I'm taking a closer look at the carnivore and lion diets, the misinformation behind the meat-only movement, and the potential consequences of eliminating every plant food from your diet. We'll explore why some people feel better when they first start eating carnivore, why those improvements don't prove that plants are the problem, and the cardiovascular concerns associated with diets high in saturated fats. I'll also discuss the loss of dietary fibre and its role in gut health, short-chain fatty acid production, and the wider benefits of plant foods. I'll look at some familiar names in the carnivore movement who have since incorporated plant foods into their diets, including Paul Saladino, Mikhaila Peterson, Shawn Baker, and Ken Berry, and ask some questions about the messaging behind these dietary philosophies. I'll also discuss a new scientific review examining the carnivore diet and cardiovascular disease risk, along with some real posts from the Carnivore Cringe Instagram account. In this episode: Why people may feel better initially on the carnivore diet The cardiovascular risks of elevated LDL cholesterol and high saturated fat intake What happens when you eliminate fibre and plant-derived nutrients The role of gut health and short-chain fatty acids Carnivore influencers who have changed their diets What the current scientific evidence says about the long-term safety of meat-only eating Research and Clips discussed: The Carnivore Diet and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Narrative Review  Dietary fibre intake and risk of cardiovascular disease: systematic review and meta-analysis Paul Saladino on Quitting Carnivore Carnivore Diet: A Scoping Review of the Current Evidence, Potential Benefits and Risks Carnivore Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia Complicated by Acute Myocardial Infarction James Blunt Developed Scurvy After Trying an All-Meat Diet Ken Berry recommending leafy greens? Mikhaila Peterson No Longer Carnivore, Why? Effect of Long-Term Exposure to Lower Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Beginning Early in Life on the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis Carnivore Cringe Instagram _________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

  2. Oct 9

    #82 Cheryl Moss - Creating a Better Life for Animals

    How do we help people see animals differently and inspire them to care enough to make a difference? In this episode, I’m joined by Cheryl Moss, founder of Better Life for Animals, to talk about animal advocacy, the power of storytelling, and the importance of seeing animals as individuals worthy of kindness, respect, and protection. A vegan for more than 20 years, Cheryl uses storytelling in many forms, including her podcast, children's books, and advocacy initiatives, to help people connect with animals and understand their experiences. We discuss why personal stories can sometimes change hearts and minds in ways that facts and statistics alone cannot, and how to raise awareness about animal suffering without leaving people feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. We also explore the emotional challenges that can come with becoming vegan and seeing the world differently, the financial realities and fundraising challenges faced by animal sanctuaries, and how we can help children develop compassion for animals and turn that compassion into meaningful action. About Cheryl Moss Cheryl Moss is the founder of Better Life for Animals, host of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, children's author, and a lifelong advocate for animals. A vegan for more than 20 years, she embraces a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle and is passionate about creating a more compassionate world through education, storytelling, and advocacy. Cheryl is the creator of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries Summit and is the author of the upcoming book The Funding Blueprint for Animal Sanctuaries, scheduled for release in early 2027. She also co-produces the Youth for Animals Summit and created Compassion in Action, a Better Life for Animals initiative that raises awareness and support for underrepresented animal sanctuaries through powerful storytelling. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy and trained in Vystopia Transformation, Cheryl inspires audiences to see animals as individuals worthy of kindness, respect, and protection. Through her podcast, books, and educational initiatives, her mission is to help create lasting change for animals through compassion, education, and action. Connect with Cheryl at her website betterlifeforanimals.com, the Better Life for Animals podcast, and her Instagram @betterlife4animals.  _________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

  3. Sep 26

    #81 Brigitte Gemme - Bridging the Gap Between Knowing & Doing

    You probably know at least a few things you could be doing to improve your health, but knowing what to do and actually doing it consistently are two very different things. In this episode, I’m joined by Brigitte Gemme, founder of Vegan Family Kitchen and a health and habit coach, to talk about how we can bridge that gap between knowing and doing. Brigitte has been helping people make healthy vegan cooking easier since 2017, with a focus on meal planning, batch cooking, and practical plant-based meals. She has a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia, a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, and more than five years of experience as a coach. Her work has increasingly shifted toward health and habit coaching, helping clients make meaningful changes by focusing on small, manageable habits. In this episode, we talk about: • Why knowing what we should do doesn't necessarily mean we'll actually do it • Why trying to change too many things at once can backfire • How small habits can lead to meaningful long-term changes • Motivation, accountability, and consistency • Why we often fall back into old habits • Perfectionism and the all-or-nothing mindset • How to make healthy changes feel more manageable and sustainable Whether you’re trying to eat more plants, improve your overall health, or finally put some of the things you already know into practice, this conversation offers a practical look at how lasting change can actually happen. About Brigitte Gemme Brigitte Gemme is the founder of Vegan Family Kitchen, where she has been helping people make healthy vegan cooking easier through meal planning, batch cooking, and cooking education. She is also a health and habit coach who works with clients to create meaningful changes through small, sustainable habits. Brigitte holds a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia and a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition. Connect with Brigitte on her websites brigittegemme.com and veganfamilykitchen.com, as well as her Instagram @plantwise.brigitte. _________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

  4. Sep 18

    #80 Nancy Kogel - Veganism, Activism & the Unified Field of Compassion

    What happens when decades of social justice activism, animal liberation, veganism, and spiritual exploration come together? In this episode, I’m joined by Nancy Kogel, longtime animal liberation activist, writer, videographer, interviewer, and author of Unified Field of Compassion: The Revolutionary Synthesis of Consciousness, Veganism, and Liberation. Nancy’s path to veganism began in 1972, when a fellow worker introduced her to the idea that humans could live and thrive without eating animals. As she learned more about the suffering involved in the dairy and egg industries, her activism increasingly focused on animal liberation. But Nancy’s activism didn’t begin with animals. Her roots go back to the social justice movements of the early 1970s, including workers’ rights, Indigenous solidarity, antiwar activism, and revolutionary organizing. In this conversation, we explore how those early experiences shaped her understanding of veganism and why she sees human liberation, animal liberation, and planetary healing as deeply interconnected. We also talk about her book Unified Field of Compassion, the role of consciousness and compassion in creating change, and what decades of activism have taught her about the vegan movement. About Nancy Kogel Nancy Kogel has been involved in activism and social justice work for more than five decades. She is the founder of ROAR (Reaching Out for Animal Rights), and has shared the message of animal liberation through radio, television, writing, video, public outreach, protests, and countless conversations. Now in her late seventies, Nancy continues to actively advocate for animals and liberation. Find out more about Nancy and her work on her ROAR YouTube page, Instagram @kogelnancy, her newsletter, and her new book, Unified Field of Compassion. _________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

  5. Sep 11

    #79 Vesanto Melina - Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Aging

    Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Aging with Vesanto Melina What does healthy aging look like on a plant-based diet? In this episode, I'm joined by internationally recognized dietitian and bestselling author Vesanto Melina to discuss the benefits of plant-based nutrition for seniors and the specific nutritional considerations that become increasingly important as we age. We talk about protein, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, bone health, muscle mass, strength, and maintaining independence, along with practical ways to make plant-based eating enjoyable and sustainable throughout the aging process. Vesanto’s new book, Plant-Powered Seniors, co-written with Brenda Davis and Dr. Charlyn Black, is released September 15, 2026. About Vesanto Melina Vesanto Melina is an internationally recognized dietitian, award-winning author, educator, and speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition. She combines a strong scientific background with a practical style that makes healthy eating simple, delicious, and sustainable. She taught nutrition at Bastyr University and the University of British Columbia, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and was lead author of an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper on Vegetarian Diets. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award (U.S.) and Ryley-Jeffs Memorial Award (Canada). Vesanto co-authored bestselling books with Brenda Davis, including Plant-Powered Protein, The Kick Diabetes Cookbook, and Becoming Vegan, with more than one million copies in English and in nine additional languages. Vesanto’s passion is helping people discover that eating for healthy aging can be both evidence-based and wonderfully enjoyable. Connect with Vesanto on her website nutrispeak.com, Facebook @vesanto.melina, and be sure to check out her new book at plant-poweredseniors.com. ____________________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

  6. Sep 3

    #78 Ashley Gillies - Building Strength & Muscle on a Vegan Diet

    Can you build strength & muscle on a vegan diet? In this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Gillies, owner and coach at Pivot With Plants. Ashley is a lifelong competitive athlete with eight years of fitness experience and has been vegan for seven years. For the past four years, she has helped vegans build strength, confidence, and sustainable, healthy fitness habits through personalized coaching. In this episode, we talk about: • How to get started with strength training if you're a beginner • Finding motivation and staying consistent with your workouts • Why eating enough calories is so important for muscle building • Progressive overload and how it helps you get stronger • Why women don't need to be afraid of getting "too bulky" from lifting weights • How to approach plant-based fitness in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable Ashley is also a co-founder of The Kind Fork Faction, a vegan social group in Calgary, Alberta, that brings the community together through monthly meetups. Whether you're a complete beginner, already doing strength training, interested in plant-based fitness, or simply wondering how to build muscle and get enough vegan protein, this conversation is packed with practical advice to help you get stronger and feel more confident in your fitness journey. Connect with Ashley on Instagram @pivotwithplants ____________________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

  7. Aug 16

    #77 Sam Schillinger - Pro-Animal Future: Creating Political Change for Animals

    What does it actually take to create political change for animals? In this episode, I'm joined by Sam Schillinger, Oregon Campaign Director for Pro-Animal Future, to talk about animal advocacy, political organizing, and how we can turn concern for animals into meaningful policy change. Sam and I discuss his journey into animal advocacy and his work with Pro-Animal Future, including the campaign to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in Portland. We talk about why political advocacy is such an important tool for the animal movement, how campaigns can bring animal issues into conversations with voters and elected officials, and the importance of getting more people involved in creating change. We also discuss what makes a political campaign effective, how advocates can work within existing political systems, and the different ways people can contribute to the movement, even if they don't consider themselves activists. In this episode, we talk about: Sam's journey into animal advocacy Pro-Animal Future and its approach to political change The campaign to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in Portland Why political advocacy is an important tool for helping animals Working with politicians, activists, and voters Building political power for animals How grassroots campaigns can create meaningful policy change Different ways to get involved in animal advocacy Why we need more people participating in the movement About Sam Schillinger Sam Schillinger is the Oregon Campaign Director for Pro-Animal Future. Originally from Iowa, he graduated from Luther College (Decorah, IA) in 2022 and moved to Oregon two years ago. He got to work immediately advocating for animals. Most recently, he led Pro-Animal Future’s campaign to ban the sale of force-fed foie gras in the city of Portland. When he’s not working with politicians and activists to help animals, Sam enjoys supporting live theatre, traveling, watching CBS Survivor, and playing poker. He’s also an accomplished runner with five marathons and two ultramarathons under his belt. Learn More & Get Involved Sam recommended these resources for listeners who want to learn more about political advocacy for animals and the work of Pro-Animal Future: Get Political for Animals — Free E-book Download Pro-Animal Future Pro-Animal Oregon Pro-Animal Colorado Pro-Animal D.C. Instagram: Pro-Animal Oregon If this episode gave you a new perspective on how you can advocate for animals, share it with someone who might be interested in getting involved. ____________________________________________________________________ Interested in learning more about plant-based nutrition? Registration is now open for my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition course through Pacific Rim College! 📅 Wednesdays, 12–3pm PST 📅 September 2nd - October 7th (no class on September 30th) Although it's an elective within the Holistic Nutrition program, it's open to everyone. If you enjoy diving into the science behind plant-based nutrition, this course is designed like a traditional college class with lectures, quizzes, activities, and plenty of opportunities to deepen your understanding. Register by emailing registrar@pacificrimcollege.com or visit Pacific Rim College to learn more. ____________________________________________________________________ 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

  8. Aug 1

    #76 James Marin - Married to Health: SIBO, Histamine Intolerance & Finding the Root Cause

    What if the key to better digestive health isn't simply eliminating more foods but understanding what's happening beneath the surface? In this episode, I'm joined by James Marin, RD, EN, an Integrative Registered Dietitian, Environmental Nutritionist, and co-founder of the Good Gut SIBO/IBS Program and Married to Health. James is known for taking a systems-based approach to health, looking beyond symptoms to identify the root causes of digestive issues. In this conversation, we explore the gut microbiome, fibre, IBS, SIBO, histamine intolerance, and a plant-based approach to supporting gut health. We also discuss what happens to the gut when we don't consume enough fibre, whether beneficial gut bacteria can recover after years of a low-fibre diet, and why taking a whole-person approach is often more effective than simply chasing symptoms. Whether you're struggling with digestive issues, interested in optimizing your gut health, or want to better understand the science behind the microbiome, this episode is packed with practical insights and evidence-based information. In this episode, we discuss: • The importance of dietary fibre for gut and overall health • What happens to the gut microbiome on a long-term low-fibre diet • How gut bacteria support the intestinal barrier • SIBO and IBS: causes, misconceptions, and treatment approaches • Histamine intolerance and MCAS • Looking beyond food when investigating digestive symptoms About James Marin James Marin, RD, EN is an Integrative Registered Dietitian, Environmental Nutritionist, co-founder of the Good Gut SIBO/IBS Program, Good Gut LIVE podcast, and COO of Married to Health, an integrative private practice of Registered Dietitians. James specializes in using systems-based approaches to come up with real world solutions across various mediums. Whether it is integrative nutrition therapies for optimal microbiome health, plant-based nutrition, wellness entrepreneurship, or regenerative agriculture; James has a passion to identify and address root issues while linking various systems to pose logical and efficient foundations for thriving biological organizations.    Connect with James and Married to Health at their website marriedtohealth.com, Instagram @marriedtohealth, podcast Good Gut LIVE, and Youtube @marriedtohealth. ____________________________________________________________________ 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.   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 is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss

See All (94)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by Shawna Barker, plant-based nutritionist and longtime vegan, Vegan Boss Radio is your place to explore everything from plant-based nutrition and health to vegan lifestyle, ethics, fitness, and the real-life challenges of living your values in a non-vegan world. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or simply interested in eating more plants and feeling your best, you’ll find practical, evidence-informed conversations designed to help you thrive. Each episode features fascinating people from all walks of life, including nutrition experts, doctors, athletes, entrepreneurs, authors, activists, and the many other amazing vegans out there making a difference, sharing their knowledge, stories, and experiences. Subscribe and start exploring Vegan Boss Radio. Want personalized guidance with your plant-based diet? Shawna offers 1:1 nutrition consultations and plant-based nutrition support through Synergy Nutrition, helping you build a healthy, balanced approach to eating more plants, without the overwhelm. 👉 Nutrition Services: synergynutrition.ca Instagram: @vegan_boss Facebook: @veganbossradio And be sure to check out our new apparel line, Vegan Boss Apparel on our Shop page and Instagram: @veganbossapparel

Information

  • Creator
    Shawna Barker
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Vegan Boss Radio

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