Join us for an explosive conversation with entrepreneur and activist Heather Mills, who has been vegan for 32 years and has built a multi-million-pound plant-based empire. From losing her leg in 1993 to healing through veganism, Heather shares the raw truth about building VBites from scratch, battling supermarket giants, and creating 360 vegan products that fooled even the biggest sceptics. She reveals how she made vegan burgers for McDonald's, got complaints when big brands stole her recipes, and why she's now licensing her IP globally instead of playing the supermarket game.But this isn't just about business success - Heather drops serious health bombs about gut health, Ozempic dangers, and her revolutionary new "No Bloat" range that could solve digestive issues for millions. She explains why 40% of the UK lives on Gaviscon, how elimination diets changed her life, and why most people are eating the wrong foods for their gut type. Plus, she tackles everything from hormone replacement therapy and aluminium in deodorants to why your makeup probably contains crushed beetles. This is essential viewing for anyone who wants the unfiltered truth about plant-based entrepreneurship, optimal health, and building a business that actually makes a difference.Alternative Stores: https://alternativestores.com/VBites: https://www.vbites.com/Be@One Beauty: https://www.be-at-one.com/

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Downs, CEO and co-founder of Uncaged Innovations, who is revolutionising the leather industry with her groundbreaking grain-based leather alternatives. Stephanie shares her remarkable 26-year entrepreneurial journey, from internet marketing to biomaterials innovation, revealing how her company became the first to utilise grain proteins and waste byproducts to create "Elevate" - an animal-free leather alternative that mimics the properties of animal collagen. She announces their major partnership with Jaguar to bring plant-based leather to automotive interiors and discusses how they've achieved full-scale production without building their own factory.The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning consumers away from traditional leather (which Stephanie describes as "dead skin treated with toxic chemicals and coated in plastic") and tackles the $85 billion leather market head-on. Stephanie discusses their expansion into footwear, exotic skin alternatives through "Elevate 3D," and reveals upcoming announcements with luxury fashion brands and additional automotive partnerships. With products already available through their collective of boutique brands across nine countries and exciting developments in athletic footwear, this episode provides crucial insights into sustainable innovation, materials science, and the future of fashion and automotive industries.

In this inspiring episode of PLANT CEO we welcome Julia Reinelt, Chair of AVA International, for an in-depth discussion on global vegan advocacy and collaboration. Julia shares her journey from discovering Eating Animals to launching the Animal & Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summits that now span continents—from LA to Nairobi, Delhi, and beyond.👥 Topics covered include:The power of collaboration across ideological differencesHighlights from the recent LA AVA SummitExpansion to India, Kenya, and Latin AmericaAVA’s innovative matchmaking system for funders & advocatesUpcoming initiatives like AVA Academy for professional development🌍 Learn how Julia and AVA are empowering advocates across the globe and shaping the future of the plant-based movement.Watch now and join the mission to build a more united and impactful vegan advocacy community.Link to the AVA Summit YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCiyre7JEtBT6le4S7800n3A

In this compelling episode, we welcome filmmaker and animal welfare advocate Dan Richardson (Disney's "The Lodge") to discuss his transformative journey from advocating for animals while consuming them to becoming a dedicated vegan and the creator of the insightful documentary, "Food For Thought." Dan shares the pivotal moment of realization that highlighted his own "hypocrisy," leading him to embrace a 100% vegan lifestyle and embark on a mission to explore the driving forces behind the global vegan phenomenon. We delve into the inspiration behind "Food For Thought," its unique approach of balancing humor with serious topics to engage a wider audience, and the diverse stories of individuals who participated in a 30-day vegan challenge.Dan reflects on his personal vegan journey, the influence of his spiritual path, and the impact of other vegan documentaries. He provides fascinating insights into the film's featured guests, including Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat and Mate Rimac of Rimac Automobili/Bugatti, whose perspectives add layers to the conversation around ethical and sustainable choices. We discuss the importance of non-judgmental advocacy, potential future projects exploring animal experimentation and horse racing, and the crucial role of education and compassion. The episode also touches on the complexities of human behavior, the contentious topic of meat warning labels, and the encouraging growth of the plant-based movement, all stemming from Dan's powerful "Food For Thought."Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the personal and global implications of our food choices, encouraging viewers to consider their own relationship with animals and the world around them. Dan's journey and the stories shared in "Food For Thought" offer a relatable and engaging perspective on veganism as a movement driven by animal welfare, environmental concerns, and personal health. Don't miss this insightful discussion that promises to leave you with plenty to consider.Subscribe and enter this free competition for 10 people to win Shicken meat-free products (available in the US and UK only).Enter now: https://shickenfoods.com/pages/competition-sign-up

In this engaging conversation, James Collier shares his journey from NHS dietitian to co-founder of Huel and author of "Well Fed" He discusses his concept of "sustainable nutrition," emphasising how health and environmental concerns must be addressed together in modern food systems. James explains his theory of humans as "adaptivores" - beings capable of obtaining nutrition from diverse food sources through biological and cultural adaptations. He offers insights on navigating nutrition misinformation, challenges masculine stereotypes in diet culture, and reveals the story behind Huel's development. Despite his success with convenient nutrition products, James stresses the irreplaceable social value of sharing meals with others. This episode explores the intersection of nutrition science, sustainability, and practical food choices for today's world.Follow James on Substack: https://substack.com/@jamescollierrnutr

Well Fed: How the way we eat is destroying our health and planet (and how to fix it) by James Collier

In this episode of PLANT CEO, we sit down with Martin Holden-White, the founder of Grubby, a plant-based recipe box company. Martin shares his journey from a young chef to creating a business that simplifies plant-based cooking. He discusses the inspiration behind Grubby, the challenges he faced with other recipe boxes, and the unique approach his company takes to offer satisfying, plant-based meals. Learn about Grubby's commitment to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients, their stance on organic produce, and the evolving market for meat alternatives. Discover how Grubby has developed over 500 recipes, the importance of seasonality, and the impact of different types of salt on flavour. Martin also touches on Grubby's sustainable packaging methods, their typical customer demographics, and the role of government and education in promoting healthier eating habits. Explore the company's innovative approach to marketing, including strategic partnerships and customer retention strategies. Martin also opens up about the challenges faced by the plant-based food industry, funding cycles, and Grubby's journey towards profitability. Finally, learn about Grubby's new product development, the launch of their marketplace, and their published recipe book featuring 60 recipes. Join us as we explore how Grubby is making plant-based cooking easier, tastier, and more accessible for everyone.

Grubby Recipe Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grubby-Recipes-more-plants-your/dp/1529949734

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Natasha Orumbie, founder of The Vegan Patty Lady! From winning the prestigious UK Black Business Show Launchpad Competition to transforming her health through plant-based eating, Natasha shares her remarkable journey. Discover how this former cake baker revolutionised Jamaican patties by creating delicious vegan versions using simple, whole-food ingredients like walnuts, mushrooms, and lentils. Learn about her incredible health transformation - how going vegan helped her overcome lifelong asthma and allergies. Key moments: How a temporary religious fast led to an unexpected vegan journey The story behind creating vegan Jamaican patties Clean-label approach to plant-based food Expansion into retail stores, including Costcutter Recent business achievements and future plans Support The Vegan Patty Lady's growth: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-vegan-patty-lady-get-into-more-stores

In this interview, we delve into the world of vegan dating with Lewis Foster, the CEO of Grazer, a unique matchmaking app designed for plant-based individuals. Lewis shares his inspiring journey from film director to app developer, driven by a desire to create a supportive community for vegans. We explore the challenges of finding compatible partners in a world dominated by meat-centric lifestyles. Lewis discusses Grazer's innovative features, emphasizing its focus on fostering genuine connections and building a strong online and offline community. We also discuss the importance of community building within the vegan movement, and how Grazer aims to play a crucial role in catalyzing social change. This insightful conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in veganism, dating, and building a more compassionate and sustainable future.

In this eye-opening interview, Raffael Formo, the founder and CEO of food tech company Formo, shares his bold vision for the future of the dairy industry. Formo is using innovative microbial fermentation and precision fermentation technologies to develop animal-free dairy products poised to disrupt the traditional dairy market. Raffael predicts that by 2035, more than 50% of all dairy products will be sourced from non-animal origins. He believes the targeted, cost-effective nature of fermentation-derived dairy alternatives will make them the dominant technology in food production over the next couple of decades. From Formo's recent retail launches in thousands of stores across Europe to the challenges of navigating the regulatory landscape, Raffael provides a fascinating insider's look at the dairy industry's transformation. He also reflects on his own journey from meat-eater to passionate vegan and how that has fueled Formo's mission to offer sustainable, animal-friendly dairy options. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of food, the rise of alternative proteins, and the potential of biotechnology to reshape major industries. Hear directly from the visionary CEO leading the charge towards a dairy-free future.

In this inspiring interview from the Blue Earth Summit in London 2024, environmentalist and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince shares his bold vision for a sustainable future. He discusses: - The push to change outdated school and hospital menus by making plant-based food the default - The surprising impact of animal agriculture on climate, nature, and human health - His personal journey from vegetarian to vegan and the importance of dietary choices - EcoJet, a revolutionary airline using hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission flights Dale emphasizes that achieving net zero doesn’t require giving up the things we love—just making smarter choices. Watch this interview to learn how we can all be part of the solution. 🔗 Join the conversation: Start reducing animal products in your diet today and inspire others to do the same. #Sustainability #EcoJet #ClimateAction #PlantBased

PLANT CEO Special: A Day with Redfoo and Jazzy in LA! Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of Redfoo and Jazzy! From their morning farm routine to exploring vegan hotspots in Venice Beach, this episode is packed with fun and surprises. Highlights: * Meet the farm animals: cows, chickens, pigs, and more! * Learn about Redfoo's passion for animal rescue and sustainable living * Discover the story behind rescued pigs Straw and Berry * Visit Venice Beach, the iconic filming location of "Sexy and I Know It" * Explore Love Amaro's, a popular vegan pizza spot on the boardwalk * Check out Makin Sushi, an incredible 100% vegan sushi restaurant Plus, watch Redfoo attempt to make his own raw vegan sushi roll! Don't forget to subscribe for more plant-based content and exciting guests! Special thanks to our sponsor, Shicken, for their support.

In this milestone 100th episode of PLANT CEO, we welcome Dr. Michael Greger, renowned author and founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, to discuss his latest book, "How Not to Age." Dr. Greger delves into the science of longevity, exploring how diet and lifestyle choices can significantly impact our health and lifespan. He shares surprising findings on cognitive decline, the effects of various diets, including Keto and Mediterranean, and the potential benefits of protein restriction. Dr. Greger also discusses the role of specific foods and beverages like green tea and coffee in promoting longevity, while warning against the long-term risks of high-fat diets. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Greger emphasises the power of a whole food plant-based diet in preventing and potentially reversing age-related diseases. He addresses common misconceptions about ageing, provides insights on supplement use, and expresses concerns about the anti-ageing industry's commercialisation. The interview concludes with Dr. Greger's optimistic message that we have significant control over our health destiny through our dietary and lifestyle choices. This special centennial episode offers valuable, evidence-based advice for anyone interested in living a longer, healthier life.

In this engaging episode, host Anant interviews Scott Bernard, known as "Burnhard," a fitness instructor, athlete, and official host of Vegandale festivals. The conversation delves into Scott's journey into veganism and conscious living, influenced by his Jamaican heritage and conscious reggae music. Scott shares his experiences hosting Vegandale events, emphasising the importance of making veganism fun and inclusive. He discusses his approach to health, focusing on whole plant-based foods, herbal remedies, and anti-inflammatory ingredients for healing. Scott also recounts the personal story of helping his mother overcome breast cancer through natural remedies and diet changes. Exploring Scott's his views on fasting, detoxing, and healing the body naturally, as well as his work in fitness, including the Afrobeat Burnout dance classes he co-created. Scott challenges the protein myth in nutrition and stresses the importance of essential minerals. He discusses New York Mayor Eric Adams' initiatives to promote plant-based eating and offers advice for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. Throughout the conversation, Scott shares personal anecdotes and health tips, showcasing his passion for educating others about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and his dynamic approach to hosting and entertaining. His mission to be a "healer" for his family and community shines through, emphasising the importance of knowledge, discipline, and meeting people where they are on their health journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike and Joe, the father-son team behind One Planet Pizza, at the veg-net 2024 event. The duo shares their journey in the competitive plant-based frozen pizza market, offering a blend of personal insights and industry expertise. Mike recounts his 40-year vegan journey, sparked by a college dissection experience, while Joe discusses their transition from homemade family pizzas to a thriving business. They reveal how they navigated challenges, including the energy crisis that forced them to outsource production to the Netherlands, ultimately leading to improved product quality and increased capacity. The conversation delves into market trends, highlighting the $5.2 billion European frozen pizza market and the growing demand for healthier, plant-based options. Mike and Joe discuss their success in UK supermarkets, particularly Asda, and their expansion plans. The episode also covers marketing strategies, including targeting "open omnivores" and flexitarians and the importance of product sampling. The founders share insights on future innovations in the plant-based pizza sector, touching on new flavours and protein-enriched options. Wrapping up, the discussion turns to the spiritual aspects of their journey, exploring connections between veganism, Buddhism, and various cultural perspectives on plant-based diets. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in the plant-based food industry, blending business acumen with personal passion in the evolving world of vegan pizza.

In this episode, we sit down with Juliet Gellatley, Founder of Viva!, as she celebrates 30 years of vegan animal rights activism. Juliet takes us on a journey through her early experiences that sparked her passion, including a pivotal visit to a pig farm as a teenager. We explore her groundbreaking campaigns in the 80s and 90s, which garnered significant media attention and inspired a generation of young vegans. The conversation delves into the power of celebrity influence in promoting veganism, and we discuss Viva's innovative use of VR technology to expose factory farming conditions. Juliet shares insights on their latest campaign, "Would You Swap?", which challenges university students to reconsider their food choices through immersive experiences. We also touch on Viva's popular vegan cookbook and discuss the evolving landscape of veganism across UK universities. This episode offers a fascinating look at the evolution of animal rights activism and the cutting-edge techniques being used to promote compassionate living today.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of a family-run startup that went from making plant-based 'chicken' dishes in their home kitchen to getting their innovative products on the shelves of major retailers like Costco. Founders Satvinder and Parm Bains share their origins as a 'cottage industry', experimenting with flavourful vegan chicken recipes during the pandemic lockdown. What started as a passion project to share their beloved home-cooked meals soon became an entrepreneurial journey. Hear the fascinating details of how a pitch to Costco led to an immediate nationwide launch despite the Bains' being a tiny startup business. The Bains recount the challenges of rapidly scaling up production while maintaining their focus on authentic, craveable flavours. You'll get an inside look at the company's mission-driven culture, built on a love of food and unconventional ways of doing things. We also discuss their innovative plant-based chicken products, expansion into the US market, and vision for transforming the alternative protein landscape. It's an uplifting tale of a family pursuing their culinary passion, creating insanely delicious vegan 'chicken', and breaking through in a big way by staying true to their roots.

Learn all about veganic farming in this episode with Erin Riley, Founder & CEO of Cabbage Hill Animal-Free Fertilizer Co. Erin explains how traditional fertilizers from animal products are unsustainable and can harm the environment. Animal-based byproducts used in agriculture cannot be reabsorbed by the Earth and contain harmful substances like antibiotics and hormones. We discuss the importance of using animal-free fertilizers in gardening and farming. She shares her journey of creating plant-based fertilizers and emphasises the benefits of using plant and mineral-based inputs instead. She also highlights the misconception that organic vegetables are always vegan, as some organic fertilizers may still contain animal products. However, non-organic vegetables can also contain potentially poisonous cancer-causing insecticides, weed killers, and fungicides. Find practical tips on what you can do at home, such as composting, growing your own fruit and vegetables, and looking after your plants. https://www.cabbagehillfertilizer.com/ Erin's Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/erinaudacityriley About PLANT CEO As more people adopt plant-based diets or cut back on meat, innovative start-ups are rising to meet the demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional animal products. Anant Joshi, the show host, explores the entrepreneurs behind this movement, reimagining meat, dairy, seafood, fashion, health and beauty in eco-conscious ways. The audience will hear the inspirational stories of these pioneers building the next generation of compassionate companies. The show features exclusive one-on-one interviews with influential voices from documentaries, associations, sports, and entertainment who champion and invest in cruelty-free, planet-positive living. Viewers can tune in as the host takes them inside the promise and challenges of creating kinder solutions for people, animals and the planet. From milk made from plants to leather without cows, these changemakers are developing creative solutions for kinder, greener living. As host, Anant will discuss his own journey to plant-based living and his passion for highlighting the game-changers driving this movement. Join him as he explores the fascinating world of plant-based innovation. https://plantceo.com

Get ready to party with Redfoo! In this episode, we sit down with the vegan party rocker, father, and coder best-known for the electro-pop band LMFAO, behind hits like "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It." Despite his hard-partying persona on stage, Redfoo now lives a healthy vegan lifestyle, even raising his baby daughter as a vegan too. He shares his journey from the excesses of fame to embracing plant-based eating and how his 94-year-old vegan father, Motown legend Berry Gordy, inspired his lifestyle change. But that's not all! As the son of music royalty, Redfoo takes us behind the scenes with stories of his earliest musical influences, from seeing Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 perform live to his own meteoric rise with LMFAO. In a fascinating turn, we also dive into Redfoo's passion for technology and AI. The multi-talented artist discusses voice cloning, the importance of ethics in AI, and his exploration of coding as a vegan creative force. Get ready for an wild ride packed with music industry tales, vegan inspiration, and futuristic tech insights - all served up with Redfoo's signature high-energy vibe! https://partyrockmerch.myshopify.com/ https://www.thesproutingcompany.com/

https://eatvirgin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/courtfield_19/ - Anant's Band Courtfield-19 https://www.veganwomensummit.com/hollywood-2024 About PLANT CEO As more people adopt plant-based diets or cut back on meat, innovative start-ups are rising to meet the demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional animal products. Anant Joshi, the show host, explores the entrepreneurs behind this movement, reimagining meat, dairy, seafood, fashion, health and beauty in eco-conscious ways. The audience will hear the inspirational stories of these pioneers building the next generation of compassionate companies. The show features exclusive one-on-one interviews with influential voices from documentaries, associations, sports, and entertainment who champion and invest in cruelty-free, planet-positive living. Viewers can tune in as the host takes them inside the promise and challenges of creating kinder solutions for people, animals and the planet. From milk made from plants to leather without cows, these changemakers are developing creative solutions for kinder, greener living. As host, Anant will discuss his own journey to plant-based living and his passion for highlighting the game-changers driving this movement. Join him as he explores the fascinating world of plant-based innovation. https://plantceo.com

In this episode, we welcome Hema Reddy, the founder and CEO of Crafty Counter / Wunder Eggs, to discuss their recent success in winning Albertsons' innovation launch pad competition. Hema shares the details of the competitive pitch process and the exciting opportunity this presents for Wunder Eggs to expand distribution through Albertsons' vast network of stores. Hema also explains the inspiration behind Crafty Counter's plant-based Wunder Eggs product, tracing her personal journey towards a vegan lifestyle and the eye-opening realisations that led her to want to create more plant-based alternatives, particularly in the egg category. She delves into the troubling realities of industrial animal agriculture, including issues around animal welfare, labour conditions, and environmental impact, which motivated her to pivot the company's focus. Hema goes on to describe the inhumane practices within the egg industry, such as the mass killing of male chicks and the misleading labelling around "free-range" and "organic" eggs, which still involve unethical conditions for the chickens. She is determined to provide consumers with truly ethical and sustainable egg alternatives through Crafty Counter's growing product line. Regarding sourcing ingredients, Hema explains how Crafty Counter uses non-GMO, kosher nuts and coconut milk, with plans to transition to organic as the business scales. She also discusses the company's consideration of consumer requests for nut-free options, though the unique texture and flavour of nuts were crucial to replicating the egg experience. Hema shares details on Crafty Counter's rapidly expanding retail footprint, with the products now available in over 1,000 stores nationwide, including major chains like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Costco. She highlights their incredible consumer response, with many customers expressing gratitude for providing an egg alternative they can enjoy again after years of intolerance. Looking ahead, Hema outlines Crafty Counter's plans to raise a $5 million seed round to fuel further growth within the US and potentially expand to Canada and other international markets. She emphasizes the importance of finding mission-aligned investors who can be true partners in the company's vision. In closing, Hema advises those looking to adopt a more plant-based lifestyle encouraging a gradual, sustainable approach that aligns with one's motivations and values. This episode provides a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges facing a purpose-driven food startup disrupting the mainstream egg industry.

https://www.craftycounter.com/ About PLANT CEO As more people adopt plant-based diets or cut back on meat, innovative start-ups are rising to meet the demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional animal products. Anant Joshi, the show host, explores the entrepreneurs behind this movement, reimagining meat, dairy, seafood, fashion, health and beauty in eco-conscious ways. The audience will hear the inspirational stories of these pioneers building the next generation of compassionate companies. The show features exclusive one-on-one interviews with influential voices from documentaries, associations, sports, and entertainment who champion and invest in cruelty-free, planet-positive living. Viewers can tune in as the host takes them inside the promise and challenges of creating kinder solutions for people, animals and the planet. From milk made from plants to leather without cows, these changemakers are developing creative solutions for kinder, greener living. As host, Anant will discuss his own journey to plant-based living and his passion for highlighting the game-changers driving this movement. Join him as he explores the fascinating world of plant-based innovation. https://plantceo.com

In this episode, we chat with Tina Newman, Author of Vivi the Supervegan. Her own children inspired her to create the characters in her series of books. The books aim to empower children to be "superheroes" by living compassionately, not exploiting animals for food, and to be more sustainable. Tina discusses the challenges her vegan daughters face at their non-vegan school, like wearing stickers identifying their vegan meals. She hopes her books can counter the normalisation of animal exploitation prevalent in schools, media, and society. While some parents who buy the books are vegan or vegetarian, others are buying it for gifts for vegans. Tina aims to handle things delicately and plant "seeds" about animal rights in a child-friendly way through her writing. She recounts an interaction at her book launch with a slaughterhouse worker who initially disagreed with some points but found the book powerful and thought-provoking, especially seeing his wife's emotional reaction. However, Tina hopes it will plant a seed in him so that he can eventually question the animal industry he works in. Overall, Tina wants to provide a compassionate alternative viewpoint to the typical children's literature and media portraying animal use as normal and unquestioned. https://www.vivithesupervegan.co.uk/ Video that inspired Tina to go vegan "This Speech Is Your WAKE UP CALL!" About PLANT CEO As more people adopt plant-based diets or cut back on meat, innovative start-ups are rising to meet the demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional animal products. Anant Joshi, the show host, explores the entrepreneurs behind this movement, reimagining meat, dairy, seafood, fashion, health and beauty in eco-conscious ways. The audience will hear the inspirational stories of these pioneers building the next generation of compassionate companies. The show features exclusive one-on-one interviews with influential voices from documentaries, associations, sports, and entertainment who champion and invest in cruelty-free, planet-positive living. Viewers can tune in as the host takes them inside the promise and challenges of creating kinder solutions for people, animals and the planet. From milk made from plants to leather without cows, these changemakers are developing creative solutions for kinder, greener living. As host, Anant will discuss his own journey to plant-based living and his passion for highlighting the game-changers driving this movement. Join him as he explores the fascinating world of plant-based innovation. https://plantceo.com