Stay ConnectedWhether you are? vegan, veg-curious, or just starting your wellness journey we are excited to have you tune in. ??
We are bringing honest conversations to you discussing a range of health, wellness, and lifestyle inspirational topics from Guest Speakers and our Plantarion Community Members.
Copyright: © 2019-2020 The Plantarion Podcast
Welcome Back SEASON 2 Episode 5 of the Plantarion Podcast! Danni McGhee and Thomas Goodman talk with Lana Weidgenant. She chats with us about environmental sustainability, food access, and how they play a role in the climate justice movement. Thomas & Danni chat about how they live more sustainability to help reduce waste.
Special Note: We, at Plantarion, want to send our love and encouragement during the Coronavirus crisis. Take care of yourself by eating healthfully, getting fresh air and sunlight daily, stay hydrated, and get some much needed rest. Stay well, friends!
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Interview with Lana Weidgenant
Lana Weidgenant is a climate justice activist and voice for acknowledging the impact of factory farming systems in the climate movement. Lana was an organizer in first bringing the climate strikes to the United States and has become a leader in the youth climate movement. Lana currently serves as Deputy Director at the youth-led climate justice organization Zero Hour, Outreach Director at the National Children's Campaign, and as an Advisory Board Member at Plant Dining Partnerships. Lana is very excited to be finally combining her passions for climate action, food systems change, and youth empowerment by launching a new organization called Cultivate America!
(0:00) Intro
(0:31) Our sustainability practices
(4:47) Introducing Lana Weidgenant
(5:28) Welcome Lana!
(5:42) How are food and agriculture related to climate
(8:01) How did you get involved in climate change and what are some victories you've seen in this climate change arena?
(9:59) How are you making the connection to food systems in the youth movement? What's happening during COVID-19?
(11:51) What is a digital strike?
(13:06) What's the correlation between the climate crisis and COVID-19 with our food system?
(15:12) What are tips for you to live more sustainably?
(16:08) Were you always vegan?
(17:58) What climate change organizations do you work with?
(20:31) Lana's suggested documentaries
(22:29) Have you been able to veganize your cultural foods?
(24:14) Tips to reduce your carbon footprint?
(26:03) Lana's last thoughts
(27:07) Follow Lana and her campaigns
Follow Lana and her campaigns
Lana's IG
Lana's Twitter
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Welcome Back SEASON 2 Episode 4 of the Plantarion Podcast! Danni McGhee and Thomas Goodman talk with Cami Wolff of Canis. She shares her views on wellness, nutrition, and morning routines. Thomas & Danni chat about their morning routine and what gets their day off to a good start.
Special Note: We, at Plantarion, want to send our love and encouragement during the Coronavirus crisis. Take care of yourself by eating healthfully, getting fresh air and sunlight daily, stay hydrated, and get some much needed rest. Stay well, friends!
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Interview with Cami Wolff
Cami Wolff helps people get healthy. In 2016, she founded CANIS, a wellness company that supports organizations and individuals in Washington, D.C. Through movement, nutrition, mindfulness and conscious events, Cami leads people to connect to their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being. Her brand, CANIS, is a wellness company based in Washington, D.C. Their mission is to optimize people’s health and overall well being through movement, nutrition, mindfulness and wellness related events. They specialize in elevating one’s health physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and offer individual wellness coaching, personal training and corporate programming with the main goal of elevating consciousness.
(0:00) Intro
(0:31) Our morning routines
(4:55) Cami Wolff's Introduction
(5:40) Welcome Cami!
(6:28) What inspired your wellness journey
(8:22) When did you go plant-based?
(10:11) Canis wellness company
(13:02) Accountability & Community
(13:44) Her approach to health & nutrition
(15:01) Get involved with Canis' events
(16:55) Cami's morning routine
(20:03) Detoxing using her superfoods blend
(23:53) Canis' Lymph Kit
(25:48) Canis on social media
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Welcome Back SEASON 2 Episode 3 of the Plantarion Podcast! Danni McGhee and Thomas Goodman talk with Tracye McQuirter of By Any Greens Necessary about her initiative to help 10,000 black women go vegan. Thomas and Danni also catch up on their fitness routine and food regimens.
Special Note: We, at Plantarion, want to send our love and encouragement during the Coronavirus crisis. Take care of yourself by eating healthfully, getting fresh air and sunlight daily, stay hydrated, and get some much needed rest. Stay well, friends!
SUBSCRIBE TO PLANTARION PODCAST ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER!
Interview with Tracye McQuirter
Washingtonian Tracye McQuirter is a writer, speaker, public health nutritionist, and 33-year vegan who has been teaching people how and why to live a healthy vegan lifestyle for the past 30 years. She is the recipient of multiple awards for her public health nutrition and vegan advocacy and was named a national food hero changing the way America eats for the better by Vegetarian Times. She's the author of the book Ageless Vegan, which Library Journal starred as “raising the standard of plant-based cuisine,” and the national best-seller By Any Greens Necessary, which established her as one of the most influential vegans in the country. She directed the nation’s first federally-funded vegan nutrition program and was a nutrition advisor for the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Tracye recently created the first-of-its-kind, free African American Vegan Starter Guide in partnership with Farm Sanctuary and previously co-created one of the earliest vegan websites 20 years ago, which was also the first by and for African American vegans. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Essence, Bon Appetit, Ebony, VegNews, The Huffington Post, and many more. Tracye is a graduate of Sidwell Friends School, Amherst College, and New York University, where she received a master's degree in public health nutrition.
(0:00) Intro
(0:31) Fitness and Food in Quarantine
(8:05) Introducing Tracye McQuirter
(9:27) Welcome Tracye!
(9:44) Tracye's inspiration to go vegan
(12:48) Books that inspired her journey
(16:28) Typical questions she gets about transitioning to a vegan diet
(18:36) Her top tips to start your journey
(21:39) Tracye's books
(22:59) African American Starter Guide
(23:45) 10,000 Black Vegan Women
(30:02) Join the movement and stay connected with Tracye
Mentions:
Her books:
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Welcome Back SEASON 2 Episode 2 of the Plantarion Podcast! Danni McGhee and Thomas Goodman talk with Gwyn Whittaker from GreenFare restaurant. Thomas and Danni also catch up about how daily life looks like while in quarantine.
Special Note: We, at Plantarion, want to send our love and encouragement during the Coronavirus crisis. Take care of yourself by eating healthfully, getting fresh air and sunlight daily, stay hydrated, and get some much needed rest. Stay well, friends!
SUBSCRIBE TO PLANTARION PODCAST ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER!
Interview with Gywn Whittaker of GreenFare
Gwyn Whittaker spent 35 years in high performance computing and data analytics. She ran a company that focused on counter terrorism activities after 9-11 for 10 years. After losing her partner to heart disease, she started GreenFare 5 years ago, which focuses on a whole food plant based menu. They’re also an educational alliance with PCRM and host the 21-day Kickstart program. She’s one of the executive producer of Game Changers and co-producer of Diet Fiction.
(0:00) Intro
(0:31) Life in Quarantine
(8:28) Introducing Gwyn Whittaker
(9:06) Welcome Gwyn!
(9:41) What's the Inspiration Behind GreenFare
(12:06) PCRM's 21-Day Kickstart Program
(13:53) Cooking Classes at GreenFare
(14:48) GreenFare App
(16:09) Kickstart Program Success Rates
(18:15) Advice for Other Restaurants
(20:51) Fairfax VegFest
(23:10) Other events at GreenFare
(24:47) GreenFare Health & Wellness Center
(29:06) Find GreenFare online
Mentions:
Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
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Photo Credit: Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post
Welcome Back for SEASON 2 of the Plantarion Podcast! Danni McGhee and Thomas Goodman talk with Jonah Goldman from PLNT Burger about their amazing food and even more noteworthy sustainability initiatives. Thomas and I also catch up about the Coronavirus and how we are surviving during this quarantine.
Special Note: We, at Plantarion, want to send our love and encouragement during the Coronavirus crisis. Take care of yourself by eating healthfully, getting fresh air and sunlight daily, stay hydrated, and get some much needed rest. Stay well, friends!
SUBSCRIBE TO PLANTARION PODCAST ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER!
Interview with Jonah Goldman, Co-Founder, Director of Strategic Marketing at PLNT Burger
Jonah Goldman is a marketing specialist, social entrepreneur, and environmental activist with a background in the natural food industry, regenerative agriculture, compostable packaging and fighting food waste.
Jonah studied political science, food policy and international food security at Colorado College before embarking on a journey to repair what he saw to be a broken food system. He worked with politicians, startups, farmers and a range of companies in the natural food industry to create food resiliency on local and industrial levels.
Jonah moved to Israel in 2016 to study and later teach sustainable agricultural practices and the economics of agriculture. He designed and implemented a strategic growth plan for a non-profit in Haifa called Robin Food and managed global PR and marketing activities for TIPA, an industrial engineering startup focusing on compostable packaging solutions to single use plastic.
He recently moved back to the DC area to help launch PLNT Burger, a fast-casual restaurant concept that celebrates America's favorite foods-Burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes reimagined and reconstructed using only plants.
(0:00) Intro
(0:31 ) How we're surviving the Coronavirus
(2:02) Meatless Monday Segment
(3:54) Reminiscing about visiting PLNT Burger for the first time
(5:47) Our favorite food from PLNT Burger
(6:15) Introducing Jonah Goldman
(7:43) Welcome Jonah!
(8:22) What influenced you to get into the plant-based arena?
(12:53) What is PLNT Burger?
(13:44) When did you go vegan?
(18:37) The future of PLNT Burger
(22:42) PLNT Burger's best sellers
(24:31) The Crispy Chick N Fun Guy Sandwich
(27:27) Community Feedback
(33:45) Inclusivity
(34:43) Follow PLNT Burgers
(35:10) Exciting PLNT Burger news!
(35:57) Eat the Change
Mentions:
Follow Jonah and PLNT Burger
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This week on Plantarion Podcast, Danni McGhee & Thomas Goodman sit down with Andy Nevers, CEO & Founder of Plantarion for our Season 1 finale!
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Interview with Andy Nevers
This week on the Plantarion Podcast, Danni & Thomas sits down with Andy Nevers! Andy Nevers is the Founder and CEO of Plantarion – a DC-based technology startup designed to connect plant-based consumers (vegan, vegetarian and other veggie curious individuals) with plant-based service providers (chefs, lifestyle coaches, nutritionists and more).
Andy holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from George Mason University, and is currently pursuing an MBA/Master of Science in Information Systems Technology at George Washington University. Andy has over 15 years of leadership experience obtained from his time serving as an active duty Marine, as well as a civil servant leader.
He is a proud father to a thirteen-year-old daughter. He is a vegan and someone who cares deeply about animal welfare and the environment. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending local events, traveling, watching movies, and listening to music of all genre. Andy is a technology entrepreneur, and he is also extremely passionate about people, science, startups, and financial literacy.
(0:08) Welcome
(0:27) Andy's Introduction
(0:42) Andy, what is Plantarion?
(4:06) What is DAM Good Vegan?
(5:36) Danni, what inspired you to start DAM Good Vegan?
(9:24) Danni, don't you have a book?
(12:22) What inspires Andy to stay vegan
(17:25) Game Changers & Andy's experience while being an active duty marine
(19:20) Thomas, what's Plant Dining Partnership?
(21:50) Animal rights & legislation
(23:40) Plant-Based options at popular corporate restaurants
(26:03) Thomas' background with animal rights
(28:22) How Plantarion helps those transitioning
(31:33) Slaughterhouse worker conditions
(33:06) Andy, why do you work so hard to build Plantarion?
(36:22) Why would you work with a coach or need support?
(37:42) What's next for Plantarion?
(40:13) What's next for DAM Good Vegan?
(42:36) Food access & nutrition education in low income communities
(43:52) Fighting preventable diseases with plant-based diets
(45:30) Plant-based education and awareness
(46:22) What's coming up for Plant Dining Partnerships?
(47:33) Season Two!
(48:03) Follow us on social media
(48:55) Join the Plantarion community
(51:50) Season One recap
Mentions:
Follow Plantarion on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & Youtube!
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This week on Plantarion Podcast, Danni McGhee & Thomas Goodman sit down with Dana Ellis Hunnes!
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Interview with Dana Ellis Hunnes
This week on the Plantarion Podcast, Danni & Thomas sits down with Dana Ellis Hunnes! Dana Ellis Hunnes PhD, MPH, RD is a dietitian at UCLA Medical Center and an adjunct assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health where she obtained her PhD in climate change and food-security. Dana is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post Blog, Self.com, and has been featured in the LA Times, Health.com, Tampabay Times, and others.
(0:08) Welcome
(0:32) Dana's Introduction & Bio
(1:18) What does vegan mean to you, Dana?
(1:54) Dana's professional life
(2:50) How T. Colin Campbell changed her life
(4:35) What plant-based tips does Dana give her students
(5:38) Are most converting for environmental benefits?
(6:22) How does eating a vegan diet help the environment?
(8:30) Gardening & growing her own food
(9:31) What documentaries does Dana recommend?
(11:03) What is food security?
(15:27) The shift of to a plant-based diet with health professionals
(17:05) Is the USDA Food Pyramid a thing of the past?
(18:21) Have you been vegan during your whole career?
(20:35) Vegan parenting
(22:32) How do you get your protein? And answering vegan questions
(24:20) Common mistakes people make when going vegan
(25:46) Dana's daily meal plan
(27:40) Food on the go
(29:01) Dana's publications and public feedback
(30:53) Environmental effects of eating seafood
(32:49) Fish farming & sustainable practices
(34:36) Learn more about Dana
Mentions:
Follow Dana Ellis Hunnes on twitter!
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This week on Plantarion Podcast, Danni McGhee & Lyndsey Warner Caulkins Sit Down with Erica Meier!
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Interview with Erica Meier
This week on the Plantarion Podcast, Danni & Lyndsey sits down with Erica Meier! Erica Meier is the president of Animal Outlook (formerly Compassion Over Killing), a national non-profit animal protection organization based in Washington, DC. Working to expose cruelty to farmed animals and promote veg-friendly eating as a way to build a kinder world, Animal Outlook’s strategic efforts include undercover investigations, legal advocacy, corporate outreach, and public education.
Before working at Animal Outlook, Erica was an animal control officer in DC, rescuing sick, injured, and homeless animals as well as enforcing animal protection laws. Learn more about Erica Meier here.
(0:10) Welcome & Introduction
(0:26) Erica Meier's Intro & Bio
(1:18) What is Animal Outlook
(2:12) Animal Outlook's Name Change from Compassion Over Killing
(2:56) Spread the News about Animal Outlook
(3:57) Swag Legacy Sale Until Supplies Last
(4:21) Animal Outlook's Campaigns
(6:35) Campaign Goals
(7:13) The Tipping Point for Plant-Based Meat Options
(8:46) What Erica Envision for the Vegan Community in 2020
(10:47) How Erica Feels About Vegan Documentaries
(12:21) Why is DC So Vegan Friendly?
(13:39) DC VegFest
(16:28) When You Don't Have a Large Local Community
(17:56) Volunteers and Donations at Animal Outlook
(19:25) Volunteer Nationwide
(20:33) Erica's Vegan Story
(24:48) Erica's Petition for Vegan Options in High School
(25:41) What Inspires Erica to Do What She Does Today
(26:57) What is TryVeg.com
(28:12) Erica's Favorite Animal
(30:10) Lyndsey's Favorite Animal
(31:23) Danni's Favorite Animal
(32:20) Keep Up with Animal Outlook
Follow Erica Meier, Animal Outlook & their campaigns!
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“I was resigned to the fact that this is was going to be my destiny.”
Marc Ramirez figured his family history of chronic illness made getting sick was a foregone conclusion. But then, he began a whole foods, plant-based lifestyle that cured his diabetes, high cholesterol, and more.
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Highlights
2:15 - Marc’s family history of chronic illness led him to believe that getting sick was unavoidable.
7:30 - After trying all sorts of diets and suffering with diabetes for 10 years, Marc tried going plant-based. After 2 months of a plant-based lifestyle, Marc was able to get off all five of his medications (including insulin!).
11:20 - “We are not depriving ourselves of any of the foods we grew up with”. Marc chats about the connection between food and culture - and how he veganizes his favorites. “This is a lifestyle of abundance.”
16:00 - Health came first - but now Marc knows even more about animal welfare and the environment.
19:30 - The protein myth. 🚨
22:20 - Starting Chickpea and Bean to help others 🌱
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Visit Chickpea and Bean
https://www.chickpeaandbean.com
Welcome to the Plantarion Podcast!
In their inaugural interview, Danni and Thomas chat with Dr. Sundermann, a plant-based Internal Medicine physician and a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
To celebrate her 50th birthday this year, Sundermann plans to run a 50K Ultra in Zion National Park... and then hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim a few days later!
Also in the podcast: Debunking plant-based myths, nutrition education and medical school, and the story of a BBQ joint owner that lost over 150lbs on a plant-based diet.
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Highlights
5:15 - Dr. Sundermann's Five Pillars of Health
14:00 - On being a plant-based ultra-athlete at 50 years old
20:20 - Dr. Sunderman tackles MYTHS about plant-based diets
30:40 - A BBQ joint owner loses over 150 lbs with a plant-based diet
39:00 - Healthcare and plant-based professions (shifting from health care to well care
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Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Dr. Sundermann's Facebook Group
21 Day Jumpstart from PCRM
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
