Debunking Plant-Based Myths: How to Thrive Without Going 100% Vegan (ft. Anna Tseng)
Confused about protein, carbs, or cost on a plant-based diet? In this episode of the Plant Based Curious Podcast, Registered dietitian Anna Tseng smashes the biggest barriers holding people back. Host Diane Randall, chats with Anna about why you don’t need perfection, how to eat filling meals without meat, and budget hacks to save money. Perfect for curious beginners! Key Takeaways: No All-or-Nothing: Plant-based eating is a spectrum—start with one meal (e.g., lentil soup, green smoothie) and build gradually. Protein Myth Busted: Beans (15g/cup), tofu (30g/block), and even broccoli (7g/2 cups) easily meet daily needs. Carbs Aren’t Evil: Focus on complex carbs (whole grains, veggies)—they fuel energy without blood sugar spikes. Budget Wins: Save $$ by skipping pricey vegan “junk food” and bulk-buying staples like oats, beans, and seasonal produce. Meal Prep Magic: Batch-cook grains/veggies, repurpose leftovers into bowls, and use no-cook salads for busy days. Standout Quotes: “You’re a changemaker—even small steps influence your family’s habits.” “Your plate doesn’t need meat to keep you full—just smart combos like beans + whole grains + veggies.” Do This Now: Try a 3-Day Challenge: Swap one daily meal for a plant-based option (e.g., oatmeal breakfast, chickpea salad lunch). Shop Smart: Buy frozen veggies (cheaper, lasts longer) and canned beans (rinse to reduce sodium). Follow Anna: Get resources and recipes at PlantNourished.com or her Plant Based Eating Made Easy podcast. Why Listen? Anna Tseng blends science and practicality to prove plant-based living is flexible, affordable, and deeply nourishing. Walk away with tools to start today—no guilt, no dogma. Links & Resources: Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished (plant-based recipes/holistic tips) Anna’s Course: Plant-Powered Life Transformation (budget meal prep) Anna's FREE Grocery Guide: Quick Start Grocery Guide for Plant-Based EssentialsSend us a textSupport the showReady to Dive Deeper into Plant-Based Living?If this episode sparked your curiosity, we’ve got even more to help you on your journey! Whether you’re looking for Group Coaching to stay motivated, Workshops to sharpen your skills, or inspiring Books and Blogs to keep you informed, we’ve got you covered. Start with our FREE eBook – your ultimate guide to thriving on a plant-based lifestyle! Click here to explore all our resources and take the next step toward a healthier, happier more sustainable you. Let’s grow together! Get Your FREE eBook & Explore More Now!
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33:52
How Healing Ourselves Heals the Planet (ft. Dr. Sailesh Rao)
In this episode of the Plant based Curious Podcast, host Diane Randall chats with Systems engineer and climate visionary Dr. Sailesh Rao who reveals how animal agriculture drives 66% of global heating—more than fossil fuels—and why reclaiming our health through plant-based living is Earth’s lifeline. From colonial food addiction to a bold Vegan World 2026 roadmap, this episode is a wake-up call to align our bodies, ethics, and planet. Tune in for science-backed hope and actionable steps to join the healing. Key Points: Animal Agriculture Crisis: Responsible for 2x more heating than fossil fuels (when accounting for sulfur masking effects). Health = Planetary Survival: Chronic diseases and climate collapse share roots in misaligned diets. Colonialism’s Toxic Legacy: Modern food systems weaponize addiction (sugar, processed foods) like historical opium trade tactics. Vegan World 2026: A Climate Healers initiative to rewild 40% of Earth’s land by ending animal farming. Standout Quotes: “We’re all being factory-farmed by design—it’s time to break free.” “Shut down animal agriculture today. Fossil fuels need a phase-out; veganism is instant triage.” “Faith, not hope: Transformation is already happening.” Do This Now: Try a 30-day plant-based reset to heal your body and shrink your footprint. Debunk the “protein myth” (plants power elephants—they’ll power you!).Join Climate Healers at climatehealers.org to amplify global healing. Follow Climate Healers: Instagram|Twitter Why Listen? Dr. Rao blends hard data, ancestral wisdom, and unshakable faith to prove personal and planetary healing are the same fight. Get inspired, get angry, then get active. Send us a textSupport the showReady to Dive Deeper into Plant-Based Living?If this episode sparked your curiosity, we’ve got even more to help you on your journey! Whether you’re looking for Group Coaching to stay motivated, Workshops to sharpen your skills, or inspiring Books and Blogs to keep you informed, we’ve got you covered. Start with our FREE eBook – your ultimate guide to thriving on a plant-based lifestyle! Click here to explore all our resources and take the next step toward a healthier, happier more sustainable you. Let’s grow together! Get Your FREE eBook & Explore More Now!
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32:47
How Your Plate Can Heal Your Mind: Plant-Based Solutions for Brain Fog, Burnout & Anxiety
In this powerful solo episode of Plant-Based Curious, host Diane Randall, M.A. CHC, merges raw personal storytelling with groundbreaking science to reveal how food rewires mental health. Struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a near Crohn’s diagnosis in her 30s while juggling tech career chaos and single motherhood, Diane shares her transformative pivot to plant-based eating—and how it saved her mind and body. Science You’ll Geek Out Over: How chronic inflammation from processed foods fuels depression/anxiety (and the 2022 study proving plants fight it). Why dopamine receptors hate cheese (and love lentils + berries) for sustained energy. Underrated Brain Heroes:Zinc (hello, pumpkin seeds!) for neurotransmitter magic. Vitamin C in bell peppers to boost serotonin. Polyphenol powerhouses like dark chocolate that cross the blood-brain barrier. Actionable Bites You Can’t Skip: Diane’s 50% Plate Rule for instant meal upgrades. Why swapping coffee for chamomile tea might save your afternoon. Brain Bowl Recipe: Sweet potato + tahini dressing = serotonin heaven. Why Listen? Relatable AF: Diane’s burnout-to-breakthrough journey mirrors your struggles. No Fluff, Just Science: Cutting-edge studies made deliciously simple. Your Weekly Challenge: Add one antioxidant-rich food (think turmeric or berries) and share your creation with the community! Perfect for anyone battling stress, mental fog, or burnout—this episode serves equal parts hope, strategy, and “aha!” moments. Tag a friend who needs a brain boost! Follow Plant-Based Curious for more episodes on eating your way to a brighter mind and resilient body.Send us a textSupport the showReady to Dive Deeper into Plant-Based Living?If this episode sparked your curiosity, we’ve got even more to help you on your journey! Whether you’re looking for Group Coaching to stay motivated, Workshops to sharpen your skills, or inspiring Books and Blogs to keep you informed, we’ve got you covered. Start with our FREE eBook – your ultimate guide to thriving on a plant-based lifestyle! Click here to explore all our resources and take the next step toward a healthier, happier more sustainable you. Let’s grow together! Get Your FREE eBook & Explore More Now!
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8:31
How Not to Be An Angry Vegan: Leading with Love and Compassion
Season 1, Episode 4 of Plant Based Curious In this heartfelt episode, host Diane Randall chats with Katie Galley, owner of Healthification, about navigating the emotional challenges of veganism. Katie shares her journey from being an "angry vegan" to leading with love and compassion, offering practical tips to channel frustration into effective advocacy. Learn her ABC framework—Awareness, Brainstorming, and Commitment—to shift from anger to joy, Katie also introduces her new book, The Plant Positive Journal, a guide to mastering your mindset while embracing a healthy plant-based lifestyle. Why You’ll Love This Episode: This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while the injustices of the world can be overwhelming, leading with love and compassion is not only more effective but also more sustainable for your own well-being. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, Katie’s insights and practical advice will help you navigate the emotional challenges of advocacy with grace and positivity. Key Takeaways: Understand why anger arises during the transition to veganism and how it impacts your relationships and advocacy. Learn Katie’s ABC framework to move from anger to joy: Awareness, Brainstorming, and Commitment. Focus on positive actions like sharing uplifting content, cooking vegan meals for loved ones, and curating your social media feeds. Standout Quotes: Katie: "Love is easier than hate. Leading with compassion is not only more effective but also brings more joy and happiness into your life." Diane: "Being a role model and advocating in a quiet way can often have a greater impact than being confrontational." Katie: "Back yourself 100%. Have certainty in your ability to handle whatever challenges come your way." Resources Mentioned: Katie’s Book: The Plant Positive Journal – A step-by-step guide to mastering your time and mindset while adopting a healthy plant-based lifestyle. Available at StrongBodyGreenPlanet.com. Listener Action Steps: Are you leading with love or frustration? Use Katie’s ABC framework to assess and adjust your approach. Unfollow accounts that trigger anger and follow uplifting ones like farm sanctuaries and The Dodo. Cook a delicious plant-based meal for a loved one or post about your vegan journey on social media. Explore The Plant Positive Journal for more tools to thrive on your plant-based journey. Dive deeper into holistic, plant-based lSend us a textSupport the showReady to Dive Deeper into Plant-Based Living?If this episode sparked your curiosity, we’ve got even more to help you on your journey! Whether you’re looking for Group Coaching to stay motivated, Workshops to sharpen your skills, or inspiring Books and Blogs to keep you informed, we’ve got you covered. Start with our FREE eBook – your ultimate guide to thriving on a plant-based lifestyle! Click here to explore all our resources and take the next step toward a healthier, happier more sustainable you. Let’s grow together! Get Your FREE eBook & Explore More Now!
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30:03
Veganism Isn’t About Giving Up—It’s About Gaining Everything: A Joyful Journey with Matthew Halteman
In this episode of Plant Based Curious, host Diane Randall sits down with Matthew Halteman, philosophy professor, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics fellow, and author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. Together, they flip the script on veganism, exploring how it’s not about restriction—but about abundance, joy, and alignment with our deepest values. Key Takeaways: Matthew reframes veganism as a celebration of what we’re for—creaturely flourishing, emotional coherence, and moral alignment. Quote: “Vegans aren’t just avoiding harm—we’re harmonizing with the world.” Why self-compassion and small steps matter more than perfection. How to navigate social pressures (like Thanksgiving!) without guilt. Start with curiosity, not obligation. Try a “Vegan Weeknight” to experiment joyfully. Matthew’s tip: “Feed your curiosity with what feels natural—whether it’s plant-based recipes or documentaries about animal intelligence.” Why judgment backfires—and how leading with empathy invites others to join the journey. Standout Quotes: “Going vegan aggregates joy in ways I’ve never seen—better health, richer relationships, and a planet that thrives.” —Matthew Halteman “Progress over perfection. Even 1% shifts create 100% transformation.” —Diane Randall Resources Mentioned: 📖 Matthew’s Book: Hungry Beautiful Animals 🎧 Free Excerpt: “Vegan Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude & Love” 🌱 Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach Listener Action Steps: Try One Small Win: Swap one meal this week for a plant-based dish. Share the Episode: Tag someone who’s curious about veganism! Leave a Review: Help others discover Plant Based Curious. Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you’ve ever felt veganism was about sacrifice, this conversation will change your mind. Matthew’s blend of philosophy, humor, and practicality makes abundance feel not just possible—but irresistible. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and the plant-based curious!Send us a textSupport the showReady to Dive Deeper into Plant-Based Living?If this episode sparked your curiosity, we’ve got even more to help you on your journey! Whether you’re looking for Group Coaching to stay motivated, Workshops to sharpen your skills, or inspiring Books and Blogs to keep you informed, we’ve got you covered. Start with our FREE eBook – your ultimate guide to thriving on a plant-based lifestyle! Click here to explore all our resources and take the next step toward a healthier, happier more sustainable you. Let’s grow together! Get Your FREE eBook & Explore More Now!
Are you curious about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle but don’t know where to begin? Welcome to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast—your go-to guide for embracing a healthier, more sustainable, and fulfilling way of living. Hosted by Diane Randall, a certified holistic coach, life coach, and whole living consultant with over 22 years of experience in plant-based and vegan living, this podcast is your friendly companion on the journey to thriving with plants. Each bi-weekly episode dives into the world of plant-based nutrition, going vegan, holistic living, and the science of behavior change. Diane shares her personal stories, practical tips, and expert insights to help you navigate the transition with confidence and joy. Plus, you’ll hear from inspiring guests—practitioners, nutritionists, holistic health experts, athletes and everyday people—who share their experiences, bust myths, and offer actionable advice to make plant-based living simple and sustainable. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a vegetarian, or just a curious omnivore dipping your toes into the world of plants, this podcast is a judgment-free zone for learning, growing, and transforming your life—one bite at a time. Got questions, feedback, or a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us using the link in the episode description. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s explore the power of plant-based living together. Your journey starts here!
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