Compassionate Action for Animals » Exploring Veg

What does the Bible teach about compassion? Why aren’t more Christians vegan or vegetarian? But didn’t Jesus eat fish? And what about the idea that God gave us dominion over the animals, according to the Bible? These controversial questions are addressed in the most recent episode of Exploring Veg. Our Executive Director Unny Nambudiripad speaks with two Christian animal advocates: Kathy Dunn, an animal activist and blogger, and Ruth Soresnson-Prokosch, a pastor at a Lutheran church. They share how they speak up for animals using the Christian teachings. We hope this podcast will be inspiring not only to those who are Christian, but also to those who want to learn more about how to respond when others use their understanding of their faith as justification for eating animals. http://podcast.exploreveg.org/caa-podcast-episode-12-jul-2015.mp3

Our executive director Unny Nambudiripad recently sat down with vegan bodybuilder Ryan Nelson to talk about how he succeeds as an athlete on a vegan diet. Ryan answers the burning question of where he gets his protein and also shares why he went vegan and how he trains as a bodybuilder. This interview provides good inspiration not only for athletes curious about how to thrive on a plant-based diet but also for anyone who is thinking of making the shift to more compassionate eating. To learn more about Ryan and his fitness plan, visit his Facebook page and his profile at veganbodybuilding.com. http://podcast.exploreveg.org/caa-podcast-episode-11-apr-2015.mp3

I sat down with a few CAA volunteers recently, and we talked candidly about our experiences dating as vegans or vegetarians. Our diverse crew included E.G. Nelson, Lynne McMullen, Laura Van Zandt, and Chris Luhman. The conversation covered some of the common questions that come up for someone who lives as vegan or vegetarian and is trying to date in a world that is not always so veg-friendly. Do you only date other vegans or vegetarians? What are the challenges that can arise when dating omnivores and how can you handle those challenges? How important is it to be able to share not only food but also a vegan ethic with your partner? Our conversation included some funny stories about past dating situations, and we were ultimately in agreement on what makes a relationship (or even just a first date!) work, regardless of the dietary preferences. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, romance might be on your mind. If it is, we hope that this podcast provides you with a feeling that you are not alone and gives you ideas for how to approach dating in 2015 with renewed hope and inspiration. http://podcast.exploreveg.org/caa-podcast-episode-10-feb-2015.mp3

Thinking about moving towards a plant-based diet as a New Year’s resolution? Take these tips from vegan registered dietician Kristina DeMuth on how to make the transition in a healthy, lasting way. In conversation with CAA executive director Unny Nambudiripad, Kristina answers your key questions: How do I go vegan and meet all of my nutrient needs? What are some resources, both online and local, that can help me stay on this path? What are some challenges that I might encounter and how can I overcome them? Along with basic information on healthy plant-based eating, this podcast offers inspiring insights on how to move forward with your resolution to go vegan in the new year. http://podcast.exploreveg.org/caa-podcast-episode-9-jan-2015.mp3

In this final podcast of a four-part series devoted to Twin Cities Veg Fest 2014, Compassionate Action for Animals’ Executive Director Unny Nambudiripad interviews Mel Schneider, a Minneapolis resident who attended the festival last year. We welcome everyone at the festival, vegan, vegetarians, and omnivores. Mel is an omnivore. Listen to the podcast to learn more about her experience and why this celebration of compassion is truly for everyone. Twin Cities Veg Fest 2014 will be held at Coffman Memorial Union at the University of Minnesota on Sunday, September 28th, 2014. The festival is free to attend and presentations from visiting speakers, delicious food samples, a variety of exhibitors, and cooking demos. Join us and celebrate compassion! http://podcast.exploreveg.org/caa-podcast-episode-6-sep-2014.mp3