PLANT the CHANGE: A vegan educator reimagines classrooms to raise conscious, compassionate, healthy kids

Michele Fasnacht
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education

Seen on YOUTUBE and UNCHAINEDTV, and heard on all major PODCAST PLATFORMS, PLANT the CHANGE is a podcast for parents, families, educators, and changemakers who want to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids in a world full of misinformation, environmental crisis, and emotional disconnection. Hosted by Michele Fasnacht—educator, founder of Solid Rock Community School, Sanctuary at Solid Rock, and Solid Rock Florida; pioneer of Compassionate Humane Education; and advocate for plant-based living, sustainability, and emotional well-being—each episode explores how food, parenting, education, and conscious choices come together to create a more compassionate, eco-friendly world. From plant-based nutrition tips and family-friendly recipes to conscious parenting strategies and emotional growth insights, Plant the Change is your guide to making sustainable choices that nourish your family, protect the planet, and foster positive outcomes for future generations. Michele invites listeners to explore the deep connections between education, empathy, emotional wellness, plant-based living, animal advocacy, and social justice—so we can all take practical steps toward building a kinder, more compassionate world. Each episode is designed to plant seeds of transformation: Feature episodes (30–35 minutes) highlight in-depth conversations with trailblazers—doctors, educators, activists, athletes, media influencers, and thought leaders—who are redefining what it means to lead with values, purpose, and heart. Shorter solo episodes, under the banner of Straight Talk, offer personal insight from Michele herself—unfiltered reflections on compassionate humane education, health journeys, family, sustainability, and behind-the-scenes stories from her work with children, animals, and the broader movement for change. Some of this season’s guests include: - Dr. Michael Greger, renowned physician and author of How Not to Die, on the power of nutrition and disease prevention. - Ocean Robbins, co-founder of the Food Revolution Network, on transforming the global food system. - Jane Velez-Mitchell, journalist and animal rights advocate, on media as a tool for justice and awakening. - Charlie Ward, Heisman Trophy winner and NBA athlete, sharing his personal journey from sports to spiritual purpose. - Vegan Evan, a passionate youth activist, proving that leadership has no age minimum. You’ll also meet plant-based chefs, sanctuary leaders, wellness influencers, and visionary educators—all people who are living proof that change is possible when it's powered by love, truth, and education. More than a podcast, Plant the Change is a movement—a platform to uplift compassionate living, critical thinking, inclusion, and conscious parenting. It was born from Michele’s own story: a journey through trauma, healing, and transformation that led her to reimagine education from the ground up. Her nonprofit school, Solid Rock Community School, equips children to not just learn—but to care, to act, and to find their voice in a complex world. This show is for those who want to raise children—and live themselves—with purpose, clarity, and kindness. Whether you're a parent navigating food choices, a teacher questioning the status quo, or are someone looking to align your values with your lifestyle, this podcast is here to inform, inspire, and empower. Small GIFT! BIG impact. Subscribe for only $4.99/mo and help the Sanctuary at Solid Rock save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe Subscribe today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida.

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 32 Compassion is Core

    What would change if compassion stopped being treated like an “extra” in education—and became the very foundation for how we teach, parent, lead, and repair harm? In a world where many children are pressured to comply, stay quiet, or manage emotions they were never taught to understand, this episode Michele Fasnacht challenges parents and educators to rethink what real growth looks like. Instead of choosing between total freedom and rigid control, it explores a more human approach—one where structure, accountability, emotional safety, and compassion work together to help children become conscious, courageous, and caring people. In this episode, listeners will discover: • Why traditional control-based systems often silence children instead of supporting their growth. • How Compassionate-Humane Education creates space for accountability, repair, emotional maturity, and leadership. • Why practices like Reflection Circles and student ambassadors can help children learn empathy, responsibility, forgiveness, and real-world conflict resolution. Listen to this episode to discover how leading with compassion can transform schools, homes, and communities into places where children are not just managed—but truly seen, supported, and prepared for life. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world. For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today. Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    14 min

  2. Jun 3

    Ep. 31 Dr Michael Klaper Pt. 2: It’s Been the Food All Along!

    What if the solution to better health, stronger values, and a more compassionate future for our children started with what we put on their plates? In this Part 2 episode, Michele Fasnacht concludes her discussion with Dr. Michael Klaper. They explore how plant-based nutrition can impact personal health, global health, sustainability, and the way we educate the next generation. Together, they discuss the rise of chronic disease, the influence of fast food culture, the challenges plant-based schools face with funding, and how families can begin making healthier choices at home without feeling overwhelmed. Listeners will walk away with: - A deeper understanding of why plant-based eating can help prevent and reverse many diet-related health issues. - Practical ways parents can introduce more plant-based meals at home through familiar foods, simple breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and family favorites. - Encouragement to see every meal as an opportunity to model compassion, sustainability, integrity, and positive change for children. Press play to hear Dr. Klaper’s powerful perspective on why every meal matters and how plant-based choices can help create a healthier, kinder future for our children and the planet. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world. For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today. Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    30 min

  3. May 27

    Ep. 30 Gary Yourofsky Pt. 2: How One Speech Sparked Change

    What happens when one activist’s fight for animals leads to arrests, bans from five countries, thousands of lectures, and a message that changes lives? In this powerful second part of Michele’s conversation with Gary Yourofsky, listeners are invited to look honestly at activism, animal rights, veganism, and the challenge of helping people change without demanding perfection on day one. Gary shares how his early protests evolved into education, why speaking from the victim’s perspective matters, and how even small shifts can move people toward greater compassion. Listeners will gain: • A deeper understanding of how Gary’s activism evolved from protests and civil disobedience into life-changing lectures. • Insight into why education, ethics, health, and open conversations can all play a role in helping people reduce harm to animals. • Encouragement to keep planting seeds of change, even when progress feels slow or imperfect. Play this episode to hear a raw, thought-provoking conversation that will challenge how you think about activism, compassion, and the power of speaking up for animals. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    40 min

  4. May 6

    Ep. 28 Why School Isn’t Built for Kids

    What if school was never actually built for kids—and the students we call “broken” are really just reacting to a system that was never designed for their humanity? In this episode of Plant the Change Straight Talk, Michele Fasnacht challenges the traditional education model and asks whether classrooms built around control, compliance, and standardization are helping children grow—or teaching them to shrink. Through the lens of Compassionate-Humane Education, she explores what becomes possible when schools prioritize emotional safety, empathy, ethical thinking, and connection. Listeners will walk away with: - A clearer understanding of how traditional school structures can contribute to student anxiety, burnout, silence, and disconnection. - A new perspective on why compassion, emotional growth, and relationship-building are essential parts of real education. - A powerful example of how students can find their voice, take risks, and thrive when school is built around safety, purpose, and humanity. Play this episode to rethink what education could become when we stop asking kids to fit broken systems and start building schools that truly make space for them. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to-use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world. For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today. Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    10 min

  5. Apr 29

    Ep. 27 Gary Yourofsky Pt. 1: How Gary Found His Voice

    What does it take for one ordinary moment backstage at a circus to completely change the way someone sees animals, food, justice, and their own role in the world? In this powerful conversation on Plant the Change, Michele Fasnacht sits down with animal rights activist Gary Yourofsky to explore the awakening that turned him from a “normal kid” in Michigan into one of the most recognized voices in modern vegan advocacy. For listeners who care about compassion, ethical living, or understanding why change can feel so hard even after we know better, this episode offers a raw and deeply personal look at what happens when we finally see the suffering that society teaches us to ignore. Listeners will gain: • A deeper understanding of Gary Yourofsky’s personal journey from childhood, music, and hockey dreams to animal rights activism. • A powerful look at the moments that opened his eyes to animal suffering, including his experiences at a circus and slaughterhouse. • Honest insight into why changing long-held habits can feel uncomfortable, and how focusing on the victims can make veganism feel clearer and more possible. Play this episode to hear Gary Yourofsky’s unfiltered story and walk away with a deeper sense of compassion, courage, and clarity about the choices we make every day. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    36 min

  6. Apr 22

    Ep. 26 Dr Angela Reddy: How Food as Medicine Is Changing Health Care

    What if the biggest key to lowering healthcare costs, preventing chronic disease, and improving your quality of life is already sitting on your plate? If you care about your family’s health, rising healthcare costs, or how to build habits that actually last, this episode connects the dots between food, lifestyle, workplace wellness, and long-term independence. Dr. Angela Reddy shares why prevention matters more than ever and how simple daily choices can shape not just lifespan, but health span. - Discover how lifestyle medicine helps prevent and even improve chronic conditions through practical, everyday habits. - Learn realistic ways families, schools, and workplaces can encourage healthier eating and lasting behavior change. - Gain motivating insight into how plant-predominant living can boost energy, improve blood pressure and blood sugar, and support a more vibrant, independent future. Press play to hear Dr. Angela Reddy’s practical, inspiring guidance for using food and lifestyle habits to create better health at home, at work, and for the long run. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida and @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    39 min

  7. Apr 15

    Ep. 25 Raising Good Humans in a Really Complicated World

    Parents, are you feeling the weight of raising kids in a world that seems more stressful, divided, and overwhelming than ever before? In this heartfelt episode of Plant the Change, Michele Fasnacht speaks directly to parents about the real challenges of parenting today - from social media pressure and emotional overload to family stress, disconnection, and the growing need for compassion at home. This conversation is not about perfection. It is about presence. Michele shares practical, meaningful ways parents can nurture emotional strength, empathy, and resilience in their children through small daily choices. From cooking together and volunteering to apologizing, listening well, and modeling kindness, this episode is filled with grounded encouragement for families who want to raise conscious, compassionate kids in a complicated world. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: • Build your child’s self-worth through simple words and intentional connection • Create meaningful family moments that encourage empathy, responsibility, and resilience • Parent with more compassion and confidence, even when life feels overwhelming This is a powerful reminder that parenting does not require perfection. It requires presence, humility, and the courage to keep planting small seeds of change every day. Press play for a comforting and practical conversation on raising kind, emotionally aware children in today’s world. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Our Compassionate Humane Education (CHE) Framework at CHEImpact.org is now available for schools, sanctuaries, educational programs, and families who want to bring kindness, empathy, and compassion-centered learning into their own communities. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or part of an animal rescue or sanctuary team, the CHE Framework provides ready-to-use tools that uplift learning environments and build a more compassionate world. For more information or to enroll, visit www.CHEImpact.org today. Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida, @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    14 min

  8. Apr 8

    Ep. 24 Dr Michael Greger: Why School Lunch Is Failing Kids

    What if the biggest threat to your child’s long-term health is already showing up by age 10? Parents want their kids to grow, learn, and thrive, but most children are being raised in a food environment that increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and early heart disease. In this episode, Dr. Michael Greger explains why plant-based nutrition is not just a lifestyle choice, but a powerful way to protect children’s health, support better development, and create habits that can last a lifetime. - Discover how a plant-based diet can help reduce children’s risk of chronic disease from an early age. - Learn practical ways to make sure kids get the nutrients they need, including protein, fiber, and other key essentials from whole plant foods. - Hear how schools and families can work together to role model healthier habits and create an environment that makes plant-based living easier and more sustainable. Press play to hear Dr. Greger’s clear, science-backed case for why feeding kids more whole plant foods today can help shape a healthier future for the rest of their lives. Plant the Change is a podcast about healthier living, plant-based eating, sustainable choices, and compassionate education. Each episode offers insights on plant-based nutrition, conscious parenting, vegan values, and animal rescue—giving parents, families, educators, and changemakers the tools to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids. Rooted in the principles of Compassionate Humane Education, Plant the Change helps inspire the next generation of eco-friendly, compassionate changemakers. Small GIFT. BIG impact. Subscribe to the Sanctuary at Solid Rock for only $4.99/mo and help save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe Subscribe to the Plant the Change podcast today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida @plantthechangeofficial #PlantTheChange

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Seen on YOUTUBE and UNCHAINEDTV, and heard on all major PODCAST PLATFORMS, PLANT the CHANGE is a podcast for parents, families, educators, and changemakers who want to raise health-conscious, emotionally intelligent kids in a world full of misinformation, environmental crisis, and emotional disconnection. Hosted by Michele Fasnacht—educator, founder of Solid Rock Community School, Sanctuary at Solid Rock, and Solid Rock Florida; pioneer of Compassionate Humane Education; and advocate for plant-based living, sustainability, and emotional well-being—each episode explores how food, parenting, education, and conscious choices come together to create a more compassionate, eco-friendly world. From plant-based nutrition tips and family-friendly recipes to conscious parenting strategies and emotional growth insights, Plant the Change is your guide to making sustainable choices that nourish your family, protect the planet, and foster positive outcomes for future generations. Michele invites listeners to explore the deep connections between education, empathy, emotional wellness, plant-based living, animal advocacy, and social justice—so we can all take practical steps toward building a kinder, more compassionate world. Each episode is designed to plant seeds of transformation: Feature episodes (30–35 minutes) highlight in-depth conversations with trailblazers—doctors, educators, activists, athletes, media influencers, and thought leaders—who are redefining what it means to lead with values, purpose, and heart. Shorter solo episodes, under the banner of Straight Talk, offer personal insight from Michele herself—unfiltered reflections on compassionate humane education, health journeys, family, sustainability, and behind-the-scenes stories from her work with children, animals, and the broader movement for change. Some of this season’s guests include: - Dr. Michael Greger, renowned physician and author of How Not to Die, on the power of nutrition and disease prevention. - Ocean Robbins, co-founder of the Food Revolution Network, on transforming the global food system. - Jane Velez-Mitchell, journalist and animal rights advocate, on media as a tool for justice and awakening. - Charlie Ward, Heisman Trophy winner and NBA athlete, sharing his personal journey from sports to spiritual purpose. - Vegan Evan, a passionate youth activist, proving that leadership has no age minimum. You’ll also meet plant-based chefs, sanctuary leaders, wellness influencers, and visionary educators—all people who are living proof that change is possible when it's powered by love, truth, and education. More than a podcast, Plant the Change is a movement—a platform to uplift compassionate living, critical thinking, inclusion, and conscious parenting. It was born from Michele’s own story: a journey through trauma, healing, and transformation that led her to reimagine education from the ground up. Her nonprofit school, Solid Rock Community School, equips children to not just learn—but to care, to act, and to find their voice in a complex world. This show is for those who want to raise children—and live themselves—with purpose, clarity, and kindness. Whether you're a parent navigating food choices, a teacher questioning the status quo, or are someone looking to align your values with your lifestyle, this podcast is here to inform, inspire, and empower. Small GIFT! BIG impact. Subscribe for only $4.99/mo and help the Sanctuary at Solid Rock save and protect animals every single day: https://www.facebook.com/sanctuaryatsolidrock/subscribe Subscribe today, and join Michele Fasnacht on a journey to plant seeds of purpose, action, and hope—one conversation at a time. Learn more at SolidRockFlorida.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @SolidRockFlorida.

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