Ron Placone just kind of stumbled in to veganism. The stand-up comic, writer for The Jimmy Dore Show, ocassional guest on The Young Turks network and creator and host of Get Your News on with Ron dishes with me about how he tripped into veganism, never expecting to like, and hasn't looked back. Going vegan isn't the only thing we get into. We also talk about our fav Italian dishes, how he curates his news on Get Your News on with Ron, being vegan on the road, his Net Neutrality passion and his c...
Jun 10, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 34
Ahhhh, the great Ed Begley, Jr! Ed joins me on Awesome Vegans to give us a private tour of his Platinum LEED Certified house! From the thickness of the walls to the refurbished floors and from the room specific heat thermostats to the solar panel heated pool with a the hidden underground tank to catch rain water, Ed has done everything to make sure his house is as green and eco-friendly as possible. It's not just on the set of film and TV that Ed stays busy. He explains that he loves to garden a...
May 27, 2019•37 min•Ep. 33
Every year the Animal Legal Defense Fund announces their Top Ten States for animal welfare laws. For the last 11 years, the state of Illinois has been number one. Senator Linda Holmes is one of the main reasons for this. On this episode of the Awesome Vegans Podcast and Video series, Illinois Senator Linda Holmes takes a break from her busy schedule to join me by Skype. Senator Holmes and I discuss two current animal bills, both of which she proposed. Both bills have passed the Illinois Senate a...
May 13, 2019•31 min•Ep. 32
My guest today is riding high…riding high atop some giant waves that is. Champion Surfer, Tia Blanco is the 2015 and 2016 World surfing champion. She took the First Place Gold at the International Surfing Association Open Women's World Surfing Championship. As one of the top 50 female surfers in the world, she is now training to compete for a spot on the 2020 USA Olympic team. Gotta give to her, Tia Blanco is on fire. Tia and I dish near her home in Southern California to talk about how this cha...
Apr 30, 2019•31 min•Ep. 30
Well, it’s always a thrill to have the Voice Of American Idol on your podcast. On today's Awesome Vegans pod, famed newscaster, radio host, Emmy Award winning producer and podcaster (The Edge), Mark Thompson joins me from his KFI-iHeart Radio studios. We discuss how the mainstream media approaches animal rights issues, his take, as a former weatherman, on our environmental crisis, Mark's own reasons for going plant-based, and what he wished he knew ten years ago. This self-proclaimed tofu lover ...
Apr 12, 2019•46 min•Ep. 29
You know the expression everything under the sun? That’s exactly what I talk about with this episodes's guest: basketball legend, wellness master, media personality, chef and philosopher, John Salley. Get comfy and settle in because John and I wax prophetic about our food and protein, John’s life vision, his many, many businesses and projects, and his time with Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson on the Chicago Bulls and then again with Phil Jackson for the LA Lakers. Plus, John gives us his take on...
Apr 01, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 28
If you’re listening to this podcast, you are probably interested in change. But what does it take to create change? Today’s podcast guest has the answers, at least some of them any way. Brad Barbera is the Director of Innovation at the Good Food Institute in Washington, D.C. and he sure does know his stuff. We talk about climate change and animal agriculture, the plant-based meat arena, the coming of clean meat. …and what people need to really change. Enjoy this informative and hopeful-for-the-f...
Mar 15, 2019•38 min•Ep. 27
Actor/Director Joel Murray and I go back a few years, connected by our love of our hometown Chicago, Second City, Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. In fact, our ties are tight enough that this meat eater was willing to go meatless...as long as I met the demand: make his favorite meat dish taste as if it had meat. With a little help from Beyond Meat, I was up to the challenge! Join us in my kitchen for this episode of Awesome Vegans in which Joel Murray and I make meatless Pasta Bolognese while...
Feb 08, 2019•38 min•Ep. 26
We look to our leaders to lead. When they don't, which can happen more often than not, it can take a 12-year old girl to be the spark of change. On this episode of Awesome Vegans, I am honored to be the FIRST interview (#JaneUnchained, WGN Radio) with young activist Genesis Butler immediately after she publicly (New York Times, The Guardian ) invited Pope Francis to go vegan for lent. As noted in his encyclical letter, Pope Francis explains that we need to make lifestyle changes to address clima...
Feb 08, 2019•10 min•Ep. 25
As much of an animal advocate as I am, when it comes down to the most important thing for animals, it isn’t the rescues. It is to get the laws changed for animal protection. This is why today’s guest, lawyer and Executive Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Stephen Wells, is such an incredible human being and an incredible hero. Stephen talks about overturned Ag-Gag laws and what it means for farmed animals who are currently locked behind closed factory doors. He speaks of the fact that i...
Feb 06, 2019•38 min•Ep. 24
On this episode of Awesome Vegans, I'm over the moon to be in the company of Rachel Barton Pine , a world renown violinist and vegan. With over 30 CDs to her credit, Rachel has played in concert halls all around the world. She is also the founder of the RBP Foundation . When people think about vegans, perhaps they think about hippies and extremists. Rachel blows that stereotype to smithereens, showing that all sorts of people can be vegan. As she tackles the world music industry and takes on the...
Jan 21, 2019•44 min•Ep. 24
On this show, I am honored to interview so many wonderful people who are making a difference in this world for people, for the planet and for animals. But even among this group of truly exceptional people, Dr. Neal Barnard is special. Founder of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Barnard Medical Center, he is also the author of 20 books, such as The Vegan Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Know about Plantbased Eating . Dr. Barnard has fostered an instrumental and monumental ...
Jan 14, 2019•49 min•Ep. 23
Think you know Billy Corgan? Think again. He and his partner, designer and founder of Maison Atia, Chloe Mendel, talk faux fur, animal activism and the Smashing Pumpkins reunion on Ep 22 of Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano. Unfathomably, between the two of them, they juggle living in NYC, Chicago and LA, a haute-couture fashion house, a rock band, two dogs, two cats and two babies! And yet, as you will hear, they are incredibly normal and laid back, with a very funny dynamic between the two ...
Nov 30, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 22
Can eating meat cause cancer? Can eating a whole-food plant-based diet decrease depression? For once and for all, is soy good or bad for you?!? The Dr. is in…or should I say the nutrition nerd is in the house. Yes, Dr. Michael Greger, with encyclopedic knowledge of nutrition, joins me to kick off the new year with some nutrition facts for our New Year's Resolutions. Plus, he reveals his favorite snack and some cooking tips as only Dr. Greger can dish out. Author of How Not To Die, How Not To Die...
Nov 20, 2018•38 min•Ep. 22
Jane Velez-Mitchell began with a career in journalism. In 2014, Jane focused her energies on covering animal rights issues on her Facebook channel and news-styled website, JaneUnChained.com. As a longtime vegan and voice for animals, Jane is a leader in the animal rights movement. This powerhouse woman even has her own CNN show running for 6 years, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. On social media and Facebook Live, Jane addresses animal violence and the negative impacts of factory farming on hum...
Nov 20, 2018•1 hr•Ep. 20
I like to think of Gene Baur, Co-Founder and President of the Farm Sanctuary in New York State and the Los Angeles area, as the original. Despite not being the first animal activist, who else has funded their sanctuary by selling veggie dogs out of the back of their VW van at a Grateful Dead concert? Classic! Gene is more than just dedicated and devoted to bettering the lives of animals. He is also a wealth of knowledge about how to fix our ailing animal agriculture-based food supply system that...
Nov 11, 2018•33 min•Ep. 19
On this episode of Awesome Vegans, I head to the home of chef, actor, TV host, motivational speaker and overall magical man, Jason Wrobel . While we talk a lot about food on this episode, we also talk about finding one’s purpose, and how we all make our way to being our best selves and being of service to ourselves, others, our planet and animals. With energy, and mental and emotional nourishment, Jason really gives of himself in this episode sharing tips for joy, wellness, clarity and presence....
Oct 29, 2018•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 18
Tough guy and former Chicago Bear, David Carter, sits down with Elysabeth Alfano to discuss The Bears, his diet, workouts, food deserts, strength and masculinity. Maybe it’s not what you think! Enjoy this candid interview from this loveable giant during the Switch4Good * No Dairy Athlete Summit. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com . * Leilani Munter was also interviewed at the summit and their interviews are back to back here with David's being the second interview. Two for 1!...
Oct 22, 2018•39 min•Ep. 17
What's the best way to encourage people to gear up and go plantbased? Give them free Impossible Burgers at your Nascar Tent! Vegan Strong racecar driver Leilani Munter dishes with host Elysabeth Alfano about population growth, her work with the Oceanic Preservation Society, her favorite plantbased comfort foods and her upcoming last race of the year. Using her 200 mile-an-hour racecar as a billboard for environmental issues, it is no wonder that Leilani was named by Discovery's Planet Green as t...
Oct 15, 2018•39 min•Ep. 16
Want to feel better and have the energy and stamina to get stronger? Well then, I’ve got your number! Number 16 that is! Yep, Number 16 is in on the pod! NFL Chicago Bears Punter, Pat O’Donnell, Mr. Number 16, follows mostly a plant-based diet…but I don’t want to steal his thunder. I will let him tell you in his own words all the benefits that he gets in practice, in workouts, in performance and in punting both on an off season. For more information, visit http://ElysabethAlfano.com and GO BEARS...
Oct 04, 2018•20 min•Ep. 15
You think you know what it means to be a biker? You think you know what it means to be vegan? Think again! Host Elysabeth Alfano dishes with six members of the Vegan's Choice Motorcycle Club about why they ride, why they're vegan and just what does it really mean to be manly. Buckle up for the ride and listen in to the Vegan's Choice Motorcycle Club. For more information and to watch the video interviews, visit ElysabethAlfano.com
Sep 21, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 14
Every Wednesday I do a cooking demo in my kitchen. I love it when the roles are reversed and I have guest chefs in the house. Vegan Chef and Lifestyle Coach of Compassion Over Killing Jessica Carter stopped by to make a killer umami salad. And as Jess likes to say, "When eating your vegetables, eat the rainbow!" First Jess cooks and then we dish. Tips on how to go vegan? Why you should bother? We got your number! Listen in here and watch the interview on ElysabethAlfano.com . And for the most fu...
Sep 05, 2018•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 13
This pod is recorded from the Veg News Headquarters in West Hollywood. I sit down with the very smart and very present Jasmin Singer. A veteran journalist and author (her book Always Too Much and Never Enough is out now), Jasmin is the Senior Editor at the leading vegan publication, Veg News . In our discussion, Jasmin highlights the benefits of a compassionate life and how changing how she sees herself and, thus, how she sees the world created a life altering and life affirming shift for her. I...
Aug 22, 2018•33 min•Ep. 12
What an interesting pair! Founder of Upton's Naturals, Daniel Staackmann, and V.P., Nicole Sopko, have each been vegan for over twenty years. In addition, Upton's Naturals doesn't have any outside investors and never has. Further, Upton's Naturals doubled its business 2017 over 2016 and it is looking like it will be the same for 2018. These two unassuming veterans discuss their work lobbying in DC with the Plant-based Food Association, their new line of Asian meal kits available in Whole Foods n...
Aug 06, 2018•58 min•Ep. 11
Josh Balk, V.P. of Farming Practices at The Humane Society of the United States, is perhaps the happiest man alive. His outlook for animals is bright! Josh and I discuss how to feel empowered on a daily basis, how people show up for animals and which political party cares more about animals, and why some upcoming major legal hurdles could really change the game for animals and people. To watch the video, vist the Elysabeth Alfano Youtube Channel . And SUBSCRIBE on Youtube and on iTunes (and revi...
Jul 24, 2018•59 min•Ep. 9
Activist extraordinaire Jame Aspey lays it all on the line in this episode of Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano. He outlines the way we get our food today, how little we have advanced in this area and his favorite snacks and go-to meal. Listen in here or watch the video on Youtube https://bit.ly/2rFZ1cO. Subscribe!
Jul 10, 2018•30 min•Ep. 9
Ep. 8 of Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano features the super-fab volleyball champ of Team USA, Dustin Watten! Part philosopher, part activist, part cool dude and all champion, Dustin dishes on how he got control of his anger, how he shifted his diet to help stay competitive, and what he has learned from all the medals, as well as the failures. This is a great episode, so listen in to Dustin Watten. Be sure to subscribe to Awesome Vegans on iTunes and Youtube!
Jun 01, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 8
It was difficult to get an interview with Peter Singer! I finally got one for Ep. 7 of Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano. From his home in Australia, Peter discusses the basis for speciesism as noted in his famed book Animal Liberation , his pet X-lab rats and how to take on big government. Listen in to the legend himself: the man who is responsible for motivating the animal welfare movement! And don't forget to subscribe to Awesome Vegans on iTunes and Youtube!
Jun 01, 2018•24 min•Ep. 7
Vegan Butter...what exactly is that? On Awesome Vegans, Faba Butter creators Andrew McClure and Aidan Altman join me via Skype to dish on the hows and whys of vegan butter, and if vegan butter just might save the world, and your waistline. Listen in and be sure to subscribe to Awesome Vegans on iTunes and check out the video of this interview and subscribe to my YouTube Channel here ....
May 28, 2018•33 min•Ep. 6
Who Benefits From You Being Sick? Paul David Kennamer Jr. and Merrilee Jacobs discuss this, what do doctors really know about nutrition - if anything at all!! - and the making of their film, Eating You Alive on this week's Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano. Plus they give some healthy diet tips of their own! SUBSCRIBE and find the videos on my Elysabeth Alfano YouTube Channel here : http://YouTube.com/FearNoArtChicago .
May 17, 2018•29 min•Ep. 5
