Losing an animal companion can be a profound and often overlooked grief. In this episode, I explore what it means to mourn a beloved pet, how to navigate the pain, and ways to honor the bond that never really ends — all through the lens of the life and loss of my cat Charlie. —————— 🌟 Join thousands of like-minded subscribers at my Substack . Community, connection, and inspiration for living compassionately, healthfully, and sustainably. Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclu...
May 16, 2025•2 hr 22 min
Enjoy my conversation with Mariann and Jasmin from Our Hen House. In this heartfelt conversation, author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau joins Jasmin and Mariann to discuss her eighth book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero Waste, Plant-Based and Cruelty Free , exploring how compassion can be a guiding force during challenging times and offering practical ways to manifest it in everyday life. This episode explores: How compassion is often misunderstood and how we can reclaim its true meanin...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Enjoy my conversation with World Vegan Travel all about living compassionately and traveling sustainably. Travel just about seeing new places — it can be a way to show what you care about. On this episode, we talk about sustainable travel and vegan travel , and how making smart choices while on the road can help people, animals, and the planet. She encourages travelers to support responsible tourism , like choosing plant-based meals, avoiding activities that harm animals (like elephant rides), a...
May 05, 2025•1 hr
Enjoy this episode of my conversation with Victoria Moran on her podcast Main Street Vegan. In it, we explore how everyday choices — from the food we eat to the words we use — can reflect and deepen our commitment to compassion, sustainability, and justice. We discuss the power of habit, the myth of perfection, and how to stay hopeful and grounded while navigating a world in crisis. Whether you’re new to plant-based living or a longtime advocate, this conversation offers both practical insight a...
May 03, 2025•49 min
Enjoy this conversation with Toni and Michelle from Plant-Powered People Podcast. Feeling overwhelmed trying to “do the right thing” in a complicated world? You're not alone—and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau helps us move beyond guilt, perfectionism, and burnout by reconnecting with what matters most: compassion. Whether you’re struggling to stay consistent with your values, feeling discouraged by your impact, or unsure where to start—this conversation offe...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min
I’m working on some new episodes for you, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I am going to share some recent conversations between me and some of my favorite people that took place on THEIR podcasts – amazing people like Victoria Moran, Jasmin and Mariann / Our Hen House, Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto from Plant-Powered People Podcast, with Brighde Reed at World Vegan Travel, and more. Enjoy! —————— 🌟 Join thousands of like-minded subscribers at my Substack . Community, connection, and inspiratio...
Apr 30, 2025•10 min
A story about a house, a hillside, and a centuries-old oak tree—and what it teaches us about healing, renewal, and the resilience of nature. In this episode, I explore what it means to be a participant in the restoration of the world around us and ourselves. —————— 🌟 Join thousands of like-minded subscribers at my Substack . Community, connection, and inspiration for living compassionately, healthfully, and sustainably. Thanks to today's sponsor, Plaine Products — Use this link ( https://www.pl...
Apr 04, 2025•48 min
A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero-Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free is now available wherever you buy books! I compiled a list for you here of independent and large retailers + where you can find signed copies! —————— 🌟 Join thousands of like-minded subscribers at my Substack . Community, connection, and inspiration for living compassionately, healthfully, and sustainably. Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com AFFILIATE PAR...
Mar 28, 2025•6 min
I feel as giddy as when I started Food for Thought Podcast 18 years ago. I have more clarity, control, and calm than I've had in a long time. Listen to today's exciting announcements, and make sure you FOLLOW Food for Thought for some life-changing episodes coming up! —————— 🌟 Join thousands of like-minded subscribers at my Substack . Community, connection, and inspiration for living compassionately, healthfully, and sustainably. Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive veg...
Mar 14, 2025•30 min
In Part Two of our exploration of Japanese cuisine (See Vegan in Japan: Part One), we’re diving deep into the specific foods, restaurants, and street food options that Joyful Vegans can enjoy when visiting Japan or Japanese restaurants anywhere in the world. While animal products—especially bonito flakes in broths—are common, Japan has a long history of plant-based eating, with many traditional dishes naturally free of animal products. Plus, I reveal my new favorite Japanese food of all time—one...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Love is for the Birds! In this episode, we explore the fascinating (and feathered) origins of Valentine’s Day. Long before Hallmark, medieval poets and BIRDS played a role in shaping this holiday of love. From Chaucer’s Parliament of Fowls to the first handwritten valentines and the rise of mass-produced cards, discover how nature, animals, poetry, history, and tradition intertwined to create the celebration we know today. Plus, a special thank-you to Plaine Products for sponsoring this episode!...
Feb 13, 2025•41 min
Do I have a nutrient deficiency? Am I eating the wrong foods? Did I experience a stressful life event? Am I experiencing hormonal changes? Are my genes responsible? Do supplements work? Are treatments effective? Do topical remedies work? These are some of the questions we answer in today's episode on hair loss, especially as it pertains to women. Over the course of the next 90 minutes, we'll debunk the myths , explore the causes and solutions, and what role nutrients, genetics, and hormones play...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 31 min
In this 18TH YEAR OF THE PODCAST, Colleen shares ideas, tools, and practices we can implement to live joyful, meaningful, healthy, compassionate lives. Today is the best day to start, whether or not it's the beginning of the new year. A follow-up to 50 Ways to Live a Meaningful Life episode. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose. Support...
Jan 05, 2025•1 hr 47 min
WARNING: This podcast episode contains only good news, especially stories that relate to animals and nature. So, stop doom-scrolling and start celebrating 20 good news stories from 2024 — from across the world: Australia Zambia United States Ecuador Brussels United Kingdom Denmark... and more. As we move into my 18th year of podcasting, thank you for your support and listenership. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus mater...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 2 min
ANNOUNCEMENT : You can now PREORDER A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero-Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free! VISIT JOYFULVEGAN.COM/PREORDER for links to bookstores and to enter to win gifts for pre-ordering! For centuries, abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs during sacred seasons like Advent and Lent was a common practice in Christianity, rooted in reflection and restraint. In this episode, we uncover the rich history of these traditions, highlighting how plant-based eating was once...
Dec 14, 2024•50 min
In this episode, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau dives into the complex but crucial task of understanding why people vote the way they do—and what that means for how we advocate for animals. In it, she shares insights into the psychological differences between conservative and progressive mindsets explores how these perspectives shape beliefs and actions and discusses how we can use this understanding to refine our message for animals She looks at ways to engage with people whose views and choices...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In today's episode, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau talks all about omega-3s —those essential fats we all need for heart, brain, and overall health. But here's the catch: instead of getting them through fish, which has ethical, environmental, and health concerns, we can go straight to the source: marine plants like algae. Omega-3s aren't included in a regular blood panel, so we'll dive into why it's important to get tested, what the optimal levels are, and why you don’t want to fall below them. Le...
Oct 25, 2024•35 min
PRE-ORDER COLLEEN'S NEW BOOK at http://www.joyfulvegan.com/preorder A dilemma a lot of new vegans grapple with is what to do with all the animal-derived products they have from their pre-vegan days — leather shoes, wool sweaters, down-filled pillows, etc. — and a question a lot of people ask is "is it vegan to wear / buy second hand leather, wool, silk, etc. In both cases, the harm has been done, but there are a lot of arguments for and against wearing these items, including: being vegan means n...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, Colleen dives into the importance of getting regular blood work to monitor key biomarkers, prevent disease, and assess your overall health—whether you’re vegan or not. She discusses what the optimal numbers are for such biomarkers as LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, iron, B12, and more to get a clear picture of your wellness. Learn why tracking these levels helps catch potential issues early, so you can make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle to optimize your long-term...
Sep 28, 2024•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, Colleen dives into the rich history of bread, exploring its ancient origins, cultural significance, and how it's been a vital, naturally vegan staple across the globe. From the earliest flatbreads baked in ancient civilizations to the diverse leavened breads enjoyed today, we'll uncover why bread has always been more than just food—it's a symbol of sustenance, tradition, and community. Join us as we celebrate the story of bread and its delicious, plant-based legacy! Also, check ...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education, a leading organization dedicated to creating a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world through education. As a pioneer in the field of humane education, Zoe has devoted her life to teaching and inspiring people of all ages to make ethical choices that benefit animals, the environment, and all forms of life. Her work empowers educators and individuals to incorporate humane values into their lives and communiti...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Ever wondered where the word 'shambles' comes from and how it evolved to describe chaos? In today's Small Bite Sound Bite, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau unravels the fascinating history of 'shambles'—from its medieval origins in butcher shops to its modern-day meaning as a state of disorder. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose. Support...
Aug 28, 2024•7 min
In today's Small Bite Sound Bite, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau tackles the question: Is raising your children vegan an imposition of your values, or a thoughtful choice for their well-being? Join Colleen as she explores the implications of dietary choices on the next generation and the ethics of shaping their food beliefs. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending ...
Aug 21, 2024•6 min
In this episode of Food for Thought , Colleen Patrick-Goudreau explores the nuances of language surrounding our food choices. She revisits the topic of "The Language of Meat" and unpacks how the words we use can disguise or reveal the true nature of what we consume. From the shift of "meat" from a general term for food to one that refers only to animal flesh, to the way language impacts our cultural norms and perceptions, we uncover the importance of choosing our words mindfully. —————— Join our...
Aug 16, 2024•39 min
In today's Small Bite Sound Bite episode, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau explores the ethical considerations of drinking cow's milk. While cows aren't killed for their milk, the dairy industry involves complex issues around animal welfare, environmental impact, and the life cycle of dairy cows. Join Colleen as she delves into whether consuming cow's milk truly aligns with compassionate and sustainable living. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Appl...
Aug 14, 2024•8 min
In today's Small Bite Sound Bite, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau address the assertion that what people eat is a personal choice and that people don’t want to be told what to eat. They see their food choices as being their own personal choice, and they don’t want anyone (i.e. vegans) interfering with their right to choose what to eat or how to live. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, an...
Aug 07, 2024•9 min
In this episode, host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau dives into the world of animal lookalikes to help clear up common confusions. She explores how to tell the difference between: Crocodiles vs. Alligators Ravens vs. Crows Bees vs. Wasps Rabbits vs. Hares Turtles vs. Tortoises Frogs vs. Toads Llamas vs. Alpacas Dolphins vs. Porpoises Bison vs. Buffalo ...based on their habitats, appearances, vocalizations, and behaviors. Whether you're curious about wildlife or just want to impress your friends with y...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Despite our best intentions to protect animals, ourselves, and the planet, is "humane meat" really the answer? Tune in to uncover the truth behind the label and discover more compassionate alternatives. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose. Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on...
Jul 31, 2024•11 min
Just because we can't be perfect doesn't mean we should be indifferent. Imperfection is built into being vegan, because imperfection is built into being human. But just because we can't do everything doesn't mean we shouldn't do anything. —————— Join our awesome community and support this podcast through Patreon or as an Apple Subscriber for bonus material, early access to episodes, and other perks, depending on the option you choose. Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my...
Jul 24, 2024•7 min
Curious about what's really behind that carton of eggs? In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the hidden truths of the egg industry, unravel the myths around "free-range" eggs, and explore the reality of their living conditions. Plus, we'll tackle the ethical considerations of keeping hens as pets and eating their eggs. Join us as we shed light on these important issues and offer healthier, more compassionate alternatives to egg consumption. Tune in to learn how you can make informed ...
Jul 19, 2024•31 min
