PLANT CEO

In this episode we talk to Seth Tibbott Founder, The Tofurky Company. Seth has an amazing story to tell of how he created his family run business 42 years ago when nobody knew what tempeh or even veganism was. He found success with his hero product, the Tofurky holiday roast -  the tasty alternative to the Thanksgiving/Christmas Turkey Roast. The company then went on to create multiple products from deli slices, sausages, burgers etc. They also spawned out a diary-free sister company called Moocho with shredded cheese and a range of soft cream cheese flavours. Fast forward to today and his company has just been acquired by one of their supply partners called Morinaga Nutritional Foods.  Find out what it means for the company.

In this episode we talk to Bernat Ananos Martinez, Chief Social Movement Officer & Co-Founder, Heura Foods.  Rooted from the social justice movement and animal activism, hear the start-up story of how Heura Foods has become a leader of plant based food in 22 countries across Europe. With their large range of products from plant based chicken/beef/pork to the recently launched plant based fish. We also get Bernat's thoughts from the COP27 summit where he contributed to the discussions.   

In this episode we talk to Bjoern Witte, CEO of Blue Horizon and Malte Clausen, Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group.  Together both companies launched a report called “The Untapped Climate Opportunity in Alternative Proteins”.  We dive into the report to focus on the main highlights. Alternative proteins have the potential to eliminate up to 6.1 Gigatons of emissions.  We discover that Plant Proteins have the highest CO2e savings when compared to other investments. We talk about which countries are leading the way in terms of making changes to government policies. If you are an impact investor, you do not want to miss this one!  

In this episode we talk to Kate Strong about her life as a vegan triathlete. How she then went on to be a 3x world record holder in cycling when she rode a static bike made out of bamboo for 24 hours. Her next challenge is a tour around the circumference of wales, an impressive 1,000k in 7 days in order to raise money for a mental health charity. We discuss why she is stepping away from records & championships and into collaborative sports events. She also has a strong passion for Reiki healing. We speak about how that has helped her in her own life and how it reflects in her business coaching.  Finally we speak about her plans for next years challenge to cycle from coast to coast of the UK covering 3,000 miles where she is planning to visit 30 schools/communities and talk about land fill and climate change.  

In this episode we talk to Samuel Dennigan CEO and CCO of Strong Roots. Sam is on a mission to feed people more sustainability by using plant crops that can help. Freezing veg as soon as it is picked locks in the nutrients and helps towards reducing food waste. With his product range widely available in supermarkets in the UK, US, Netherlands, Australia, France, Iceland, UAE, Hong Kong and Singapore, the frozen food leader McCain Foods saw the opportunity and made a large investment of $55m to help fuel their growth further.  We discuss this investment, the process to get the very commendable B-Corp certified status and the companies future product plans.  

In this episode we talk to T.K. Pillan Chairman and Founder of Veggie Grill. Veggie Grill is the largest fast casual plant based restaurant chain with 33 locations across the US. They have launched two new concepts which they are planning to role out further this year. The first is 'Stand Up Burger' a traditional burger and shake restaurant and 'Más Veggies Vegan Taqueria' a Mexican delivery and pickup only offering.  With all three offering tasty, cruelty-free and sustainable convenience food. We hear more about the growth plans for this year and T.K's own journey to create Veggie Grill.  T.K. is also a Founding Partner at Power Plant Partners a VC company that has invested previously in Beyond Meat, Ripple Foods and more recently Miyoko's Creamery and The Coconut Calab.

In this episode we talk to Deborah Meaden, Investor and Entrepreneur. Deborah talks about her journey going plant based, why she did it and the effect it has had on her health. She also sets out how she approaches the topic with her fellow dragons and friends about it. We discuss what she thinks of plant based companies and what she considers to be gaps in the market. Making ethical investment decisions is important to her and she describes what she does to help make her investments even more sustainable.  

In this episode we talk to Anthony Chow Co-Founder of Agronomics. Agronomics invests in cultivated meat companies in order to disrupt the animal farming industry due to its impact to the environment and animal welfare. Following on from the chat with Jim Mellon, Executive Director of Agronomics we get key insights and updates from Anthony.  We discuss what they look for when deciding which cultivated meat companies to invest in and how they tell the difference between real scientific innovation and hype. Additionally they have a keen interest to challenge the traditional leather industry and have invested in a company that creates cell-based leather without the cruelty.

In this episode we talk to Rik Roberts General Manager of Crackd. The global market for egg replacement products is starting to shape up.  The Crackd product is a liquid egg replacement that can be used in cooking to make scrabbled eggs, omelettes, pancakes and cakes for example. The existing competition in this space comes from powered egg replacement companies so this start up is paving its way into a new category. Having already been listed in The Vegan Kind, M&S, Selfridges, Morrisons they have now ventured outside the UK to launch into The Netherlands with the grocery retailer Jumbo.  Hear how the company was created, about the product and the success they have had in marketing.

In this episode we talk to John Rushton and Abdul Sharief Co-Founders of Vegums. The pair came together whilst working at the same hospital in Burnley, England. They wanted to follow their same vegan ethics and decided to create a supplements company with John's children's health in mind.  Their first product was a multivitamin in the shape of a gummy bear and it's now not just for kids. In the UK most people are deficient in B12 and Vitamin D, so we discuss these and the need for other essential vitamins in our diets.  They have gone on to create additional supplements to include Fish-Free Omega 3, Sugar Free A-Z multivitamin and Iron.  They have expanded into Germany and are planning to launch into the US by the end of 2021.

In this episode we talk to a returning guest Josh Tetrick CEO & Co-Founder of Eat Just.  We pick up on some of the points from our first interview with Josh back in the summer of this year. We get to speak about the current climate for IPO's -  is it the right time for plant based and cultivated meat companies to get listed. We discuss how some companies are trendsetters, taking the analogy of electric cars and TESLA paving the way for companies like Rivian with their recent IPO. The same can be said about Cultivated Meat companies - GOOD Meat the cultivated division of Eat Just was the first company to get regulatory approval for its cultured meat in Singapore. We get an update from Josh on progress being made on their global production plans and recent announcements on the European expansion for JUST Eggs and what he feels about competitors entering this space. We even talk about branding and his latest marketing campaign.

In this episode we talk to Eric Jentusky, CEO & Co-Founder of Matrix Meats. This Ohio based  start-up has created a way to help cultivated meat companies bring structure to their products.  Using nanofibers the company is responsible for helping bring lab-grown meat closer in texture and mouthfeel to the “real” thing. Matrix Meats’ creation supports the production of clean, healthy, tasty and environmentally friendly cultivated meat to ethically feed the world, thus eliminating animal slaughter.

In this episode we talk to Michael Haase, CEO & Founder of Plant Jammer. This Danish start-up created a B2C app to help consumer reduce food waste, by letting them enter ingredients that they needed to use up in their fridge. The Plant Jammer AI would then come up with best matching recipes. The company has now pivoted to B2B to help grocery retailers and CPG brands understand the cooking habits of their customers.  The data can be used to inform buying behaviour and allows for product development.  Their clients include Aldi in Germany,  Naturli in Denmark, Rimi in the Baltic's and Co-op in Sweden/Denmark. Hear his exciting story as they move into personalisation and marketing.

In this PLANT CEO special we discuss the climate impact due to the meat industry in Africa. By 2050 it is predicated that the population will have doubled to 2.5bn people.  Today the meat is being imported is of very low quality and expensive.  This makes it an aspirational product for most. The demand for meat is resulting in a rise in health related diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension and Cancers. Africans have been living on a predominately plant based diet and only would consume meat occasionally on special occasions. There are plant based start-ups that are innovating for the needs of the African consumer, but more investment is needed to help them scale and change consumer perceptions and habits. Hear what the opportunities and challenges are with this insightful discussion.

Inspiring panellists:

In this episode we talk to Dr Guy Sandelowsky and Shiv Sivakumar, co-founders of omni.  Omni is a pet food company with a mission to use science to get dogs to live healthier,  longer and happier lives. Founded by a Vet and an Investment Banker they have come together to create a plant based kibble for dogs. With partnerships already in place with Medivet and Village Vet in the UK they want to change pet parents opinions. Most pet parent believe that their dogs are carnivores, whereas science had shown that they are actually omnivores and well suited to a plant based diet.

Shannon Falconer CEO and Co-Founder of 'Because Animals' talks about the future of Pet Foods.  Starting with explaining what the problem is with the Pet Food industry today. How the vast majority of pet food is made of what is known as 'Fallen Animals' and as she refers to as the 4 D Meat; Dead, Diseased, Dying and Disabled. These animals never make it to slaughter as they die during transit from dehydration and suffocation and therefore is not fit for human consumption. 25% of all emissions from the animal agricultural industry is attributed to pet foods.  Hear about Shannon's solution to this by creating sustainable and nutritionally complete cat and dog with a focus on cell-based meat.

Kory Kelickson, CEO and Founder of Vejii talks about his marketplace for plant based foods and sustainable products.  Kory is in the mist of planning to take his company public on the Canadian stock market.  With huge YoY growth in the plant-based foods hear his insight into what the latest category trends are. Learn what inspired him to create this business and where he wants to take it going forward.

It was great to have Jim Mellon, Chairman of Burnbrae Group come on PLANT CEO to speak about the future of food.  Jim spent most of his career in investment management and biotech.  We get to speak about his new book 'Moo's Law: An Investor's Guide to the New Agrarian Revolution', Agronomics: his company that invests into cell-based meat companies, TESLA, AI and bots, electric cars, ESG investing, human longevity, blue zones, growing a new liver inside your body,  billionaires in space and English Pubs!

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Hailey Swartz and Jason Rosenbaum Co-Founders and Co-CEO’s of Actual Veggies. Together they have created a company whose first product range is burgers that are made from natural plant-based ingredients.  Jason turned vegan and noticed a gap in the market as grocery aisles were full of imitation meats and veggie burgers that were either highly processed, frozen, bland or loaded with preservatives. So together they have used fresh farm-grown veggies and ingredients that were not only healthier, but filling, delicious and colourful. They have raised $2.8m of funding from Big Idea Ventures, Electric Feel Ventures (the management company of Post Malone) and the English footballer Kieran Gibbs.

In this latest PLANT CEO episode we speak with James Petrie, Co-Founder and CEO of Nourish Ingredients. We take a fun look at what fats are good and bad for you whilst getting educated about things like cholesterol, triglycerides, omega 3 & 6 and which ones are anti-inflammatory and which ones are pro-inflammatory and trans fats. Using fermentation technology they are able to create fats and oils to make plant-based alternative proteins taste just as good as the original, but animal-free. They can flavour and get the mouthfeel to precisely reproduce the taste and texture of pork, beef, chicken, fish, milk, cheese and beyond.   Large investors are seeing the potential opportunities especially since they have raised $11m for their seed round.

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Simeon Van der Molen, Founder and CEO of Moving Mountains. Moving Mountains is a pioneering British food-technology company and brought plant-based meat to the UK before anyone else. Their first burger product is now sold in 5,000+ restaurant locations and retailers across Europe and Asia. They have developed a large range of different plant based products including hot dogs, sausages, meatballs and newly released fish fingers. Simeon is an entrepreneur who cares deeply about our planet and saving animals lives. Hear his background story and how he built a global brand in a short period all without seeking external investment.

00:45 Simeon's background story and Ecozone - cleaning products that are less damaging

07:50 How is Moving Mountains was funded?

10:09 Restaurants versus Retail Supermarkets

14:54 Strength of having one decision maker versus a board of directors

16:12 Food Service compared with Retail sales

19:44 Which countries is Moving Mountains available in? 

21:31 Having high cholesterol made Simeon switch back to vegan diet

24:20 How he came up with the idea to create Moving Mountains

27:53 How are you recreating the fats in the burgers?

29:31 Using mushrooms as an ingredient

31:10 Alternative fish fingers, Seaspiracy and overfishing our oceans

34:50 Meatballs

43:00 Chicken alternative product? 

46:14 Helping consumers to transition or reduce their intake of meat products

48:55 What marketing messages resonates with flexitarian's?

49:09 Hotdogs

52:52 Highly processed foods

57:18 Processed meats and cancer

58:26 Processed meats and heart disease 

1:04:19 New markets

1:07:03 Veggie World China and Beyond Animal

1:07:25 CellAg versus Plant Based

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Andre Menezes CEO and co-founder of TiNDLE.  TiNDLE is taking on the next wave of disruption in the meat industry - poultry.  TiNDLE was created without leaving Singapore and has opened up in many international markets.  On the back of their $20m seed extension, they are now launching into the huge US market. Their first product of alternative chicken that replicates the taste, texture and nutrients of chicken, but with the added benefits of oat fibre and no GMO's, no cholesterol, no antibiotics or added hormones. Definitely one to watch.  

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Paul Shapiro CEO of The Better Meat Co.  Paul has created an ingredients company that works with plant based and meat companies.  The meat industry can reduce their use of animal meat by creating these plant based hybrid products.  This makes a huge impact on sustainability and decreasing animal slaughter faster.  We get a tour of his production facilities and see his Mycoprotein ingredients enhancer. We also discuss his podcast 'Business For Good Podcast' and his 'Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World' book that he authored.

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Jackie Norman and Gareth Scurr from Vegan FTA. They are a small team of vegan activists based in New Zealand that are committed to fighting for a vegan world. They want people to get involved in vegan activism across the board, whether it's protesting or creating a positive dialogue for change. They write, publish and share articles on all aspects of veganism. We discuss their background coming over from England and Wales and even Jackie's background in the dairy industry and her discovery of the plight of bobby calves.

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Nir Goldstein, Managing Director of The Good Food Institute (GFI) Israel. We speak about the new ‘Israel State of Alternative Protein Innovation Report 2021’ that was recently released. Globally in this past decade Alternative Protein companies have received $6bn in investment and Israel has always been an innovation hub for R&D. There are many startups that are creating innovations to create alternative proteins using, plant based approaches, fermentation and cultured meat using 3D printing for example.  The Israel Innovation Authority the Government Fund has also invested in more than 7 companies.  We take a deep dive into some of the startups and talk about the companies that have already gone public.

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Josh Tetrick, Co-Founder and CEO of Eat Just. Josh recently closed a $170m funding round for his new cultivated meat division named Good Meat.  Having received Singaporean government approval he has successfully launched the cell based chicken product intro some high profile locations in Singapore. We discuss this and the success he has had together with what the future holds for cell based meat.  We also talk about Just Egg products and what impact that has made in terms of number of eggs saved, reduction of carbon emissions and the amount of water saved. We also manage to talk about electric trucks!

In this PLANT CEO series special we speak with Mark Maslin, Professor of Climatology from University College London about his newly released book 'How to Save our Planet: The Facts'. We are in the middle of a Climate Crisis and Mark explains what the real facts are. Find out what you can do as an individual and what companies should do too. We cover a large array of topics including deforestation, the need to speak up on climate changes, fusion energy, vegan diets, government subsidies going to fossil fuel industries, poverty and how much it will cost now to fix the climate crisis versus waiting until 2050.

0:00 Start

01:01 Why he wrote such a unique book

06:14 Climate deniers - how much does it cost to fix?

09:12 Why are we in a climate crisis?

11:39 Government subsidies going to Fossil Fuel companies

15:00 International Energy Authority (IEA) - there should be no need to discover new fossil fuels

15:55 How many tree have been cut down since the start of civilisation?

18:05 Trees being cut for animal farming and animal feed

21:56 Carbon labelling for food products

24:44 Ban on unhealthy food, HFSS (high fat sugar salt)

28:35 Whole food plant based

30:48 What us as individuals do to combat the climate crisis?

35:02 Switching to a green energy tariff, walking, cycling, public transport & electric cars.

36:54 Population

41:27 Universal Income

45:48 Governments

52:48 What can companies do?

57:43 Fusion energy

1:02:56 Carbon capture

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Dotsie Bausch, Founder of Switch4Good and USA Olympic Silver Medalist. We are also joined by PLANT CEO co-host Lisa Gawthorne, TEAM GB Duathlete. Together they have a great conversation with the very inspirational and high performing athlete Dotsie. They discuss performance cycling from training, nutrition on a plant-based diet and the difference it made to her body.  We speak about other athletes that have gone plant-based from other sports such as Football, Track and Field, Swimming, NFL, NBA and NBL.  We also discuss her not-for-profit Switch4Good that brings awareness of the negative effects of milk from another species and the science behind it.  If you love sport, fitness and cycling you don't want to miss this one!

In this PLANT CEO series special we speak with Mark Maslin, Professor of Climatology at University College London. We kick off this series special with a 101 on Climate Change.  We are in the middle of a Climate Crisis and Mark explains what the real facts are. What also happened to the climate in 2020 when we went on a global lockdown.  As we all stopped flying, we stopped using our cars and we didn't go on holiday - find out what actual impact that made.

In this EXCLUSIVE PLANT CEO special we speak with Louie Psihoyos, Executive Director of Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS). Louie has been creating highly moving documentaries for over 10 years now. With the thread of the films being that we are already going through the 6th mass extinction on the earth as result of human interference. This led him to his first film 'The Cove' which won an Academy Award for Best documentary feature, that exposed dolphin hunting. The second film 'Racing Extinction' recently won the Best Green Film of the Decade, which explored species extinction and exposed the shark finning trade.  We also focus on the world of Super Athletes like Lewis Hamilton who have turned to eating plant-based in 'The Game Changers'. During the first month of release on Netflix, searches for “plant-based diet” rose by 350% globally. So all his films have resulted in becoming social movements of change for the better. We also discuss the automotive industry's journey to electrification; especially with Elon Musk and TESLA that resulted in him commissioning a build of a real life James Bond car that even 'Q' would be happy with. It was also amazing to know a little more about all his upcoming projects too.

In this PLANT CEO episode we speak with Margaux Khoury Co-Founder of Impact Veganics. Margaux and her partner Joshua Traboulsee created Impact Veganics in 2009.  They were tired of the toxic and ineffective deodorants on the market. They wanted a safe, vegan and plastic-free alternative that worked and didn’t harm people, the planet or animals.  Hear more about her story, motivations and being a purpose led brand.

In this PLANT CEO we speak with Brad Vanstone Founder of Willicroft. Brad's heritage comes from a family of diary farmers with his grandfather teaching him the milk and cheese making processes.  Brad turned to veganism and decided to create a "Planet first" cheese company after coming to the realisation of the impact the industry is having on the planet.  His current range of products are made from cashews and he is transitioning to the more sustainable while beans and lentils - the first company in Europe to do so.  Hear more about his story.

In this PLANT CEO special we speak with Kim Anderson Co-Founder of Plant City and Frohman Anderson Managing Partner of EverHope Capital. Kim created Plant City - a plant based food hall that includes 4 restaurants, a market place and a community space.  From the success gained from Plant City she has now created a fast food drive through restaurant called Plant City X; both are located in Rhode Island, US. Frohman helped convince his family to go vegan and with EverHope capital he leads with the investment thesis that alternative protein will be inevitable and will help accelerate the transition to a future free of animal exploitation.

In this PLANT CEO special we speak with Ali Tabrizi the Director of Seaspiracy.  It was 4 1/2 years in the making and we lift the lid and go behind the scenes after its hugely successful NETFLIX release.  We learn what positive and negative reactions the thought provoking documentary has had.

In this episode we talk with Matthew Glover - CEO of VFC and MD of Veg Capital. Mathew has been instrumental in fighting the animal cause by Co-Founding Veganuary. He has now launched VFC - Vegan Fried Chicken to take on the chicken farming industry by creating a vegan alternative. Having only launched a few months ago he has already gained great traction. We talk about his inspiration and motivation in creating the brand. We then delve into Veg Capital - a VC firm that invests in alternative protein companies. Finally, we round off by celebrating the great success that Veganuary had in 2021!

In this episode we talk with Captain Paul Watson the Founder of Sea Shepherd. With the must see Netflix original documentary Seaspiracy having just been released it was incredible to get insights from Captain Tom. We cover the film and his ongoing mission to protect the wildlife in our oceans. 

In this episode we talk with Jennifer Stojkovic the Founder of Vegan Women Summit. Jennifer created the first "The Vegan Women Summit" in Feb 2020.  VWS is a global media and events organisation dedicated to empowering women. It provides them with a platform within which to inspire and elevate women entrepreneurs in a world that is currently dominated by male founders. 

Her events have now gone virtual and Jennifer brings an impressive list of vegan women entrepreneurs to help inspire fellow community members through these networking events.

In this episode we talk with Mélanie Broyé-Engelkes the CEO of Ananas Anam the maker of PIÑATEX. PIÑATEX is a sustainable natural fibres alternative to animal leather. Which is cruelty-free and made from the leaves of the pineapple plant. The opportunities in this space are huge and Ananas Anam is an early pioneer.  47% of all animal based leather is used in the footwear industry, so that's a key vertical being targeted. They have clients ranging from HUGO BOSS, Paul Smith, H&M, Hilton London Bankside and have recently signed a deal with a global footwear brand. Mélanie's corporate background working for luxury brands within LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) enables her to give great advice to women wanting to enter leadership positions or to start their own enterprises.

In this episode we talk with Siddharth Ramasubramanian, CEO and Founder Vegolution.  His first product is Hello Tempayy a versatile, plant-based protein food for the contemporary Indian kitchen. The ready-to-cook offering is a new source of balanced nutrition aimed at vegetarians and conscious foodies seeking to add variety to their meals. It is made by fermenting the non-GMO soybeans in a custom-built facility in Bengaluru. Siddharth's experience spans two decades in the fields of global hospitality and real estate. Having contributed to the opening and operations of over 50 successful destination restaurants across the globe during his hospitality career, Siddharth realised that the joy of discovering great food brings people together. Through Vegolution, he envisions developing products that help conscious foodies form new, positive and lasting bonds with what they eat.

In this episode we talk with Michelle Adelman, Founder and CEO of Infinite Foods. Infinite Foods is a go to market platform to be able to promote and distribute plant based foods across the Sub-Saharan African continent. With a mission to help Africa leap frog to a healthier and sustainable food system, they help premium high growth brands such as Beyond Meat, Oatly and Miyoko seek upfront regulatory approval, direct sales, merchandising and guiding social corporate responsibility.  They have also created an incubator to help grow local African plant-based startups and will also be moving into food manufacturing.

In this episode we talk with Nicole Rawling, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Material Innovation Initiative. As a non-profit they accelerate the development of next-gen materials that are animal-free and sustainable. This has been led by consumers who are demanding that products are more sustainable and that don't use animals.  So the opportunities are there for the brands of the fashion industry, the automotive industry and home goods together to cater to that need. Together with the investors and startups in this space.  Nicole built her career in as a lawyer and also helped expand the Good Food Institute Internationally.

In this episode we talk with Shane Ryan, Founder of FIID. Shane's early career saw him live and work in hotels in different countries.  After making some changes around food and wellness to counteract his busy and stressful lifestyle, he knew all the right food choices to make but struggled with consistency. He turned to quick fixes and alternatives that almost always compromised on nutrition.  With that in mind he has created a range of ready meals that are natural, plant based with no added preservatives that are conveniently available to eat. 

In this episode we talk with Zoey Henderson, Founder of Fungtn. Fungtn are brewing craft beer to 0.5% alcohol, which can be classified as alcohol free. It is also brewed with medicinal mushrooms to give it that little bit of an extra USP. Millennials and Gen Z's are adopting to NoLo brands more than any other audience segment.  This is due to the availability of information around the toxicity and harm caused in the body when excess alcohol is consumed as well as  potential shaming on social media. Having spent her career in hospitality she was primed to create this unique brand and flavour profile that is also vegan and gluten free.

In this episode we talk with Helen Farr-Leander, Founder of Watson & Wolfe. Helen, spent a large part of her career in the world of accessories by working for luxury leather brands.  After she learnt more about how the leather industry impacts the environment, water pollution, workers health and animal exploitation, she decided to create a vegan accessory brand. Watson & Wolfe's initial focus was on vegan male accessories which was an underserved market about 2 years ago.  We talk about the how material innovation for non animal based leather is ripe for disruption. Learn more about her product range, the companies growth plans and the launching of a women's collection.

In this episode we talk with Dr Laura Freeman, Medical Director & Co Founder of Plant Based Health Online.  A team of leading experts have come together to deliver healthcare in a way that puts their patients and families first. Dr Laura Freeman is extremely passionate about what she does – not just because of the science – but because she has seen that it has helped her patients’ lives as well as her own.  Having been a GP now for about 15 years and following her own life changing health issue, she realised that she could help her patients improve their Diabetes, come off their blood pressure medication and reduce their cholesterol medication using the same methods she used for her own recovery by changing their lifestyle and following a plant based diet.  We take the opportunity to speak about COVID 19 and Zoonotic diseases and the importance of supplementing with Vitamin D especially in the winter months.

In this episode we talk with Chuck Muth, Chief Growth Officer of Beyond Meat. We discuss the positives that can be taken from the challenging year that was 2020.  Beyond Meat have launched an impressive range of new products from the Beyond Breakfast Sausage and Patties to the Beyond Meatballs.  We hear about the focus on China, from local manufacturing and combating the growing demand of pork consumption and partnering with Starbucks in China. Beyond Meat have also launched into a huge 7,000 CVS stores across the US pharmacy chain. We also discuss his professional career background at The Coca Cola Company and Honest Tea. Finally we talk about the way ahead and the focus on international growth. 

In this episode we talk with Alex Felipelli, Founder and CEO of Veggly. Veggly is a dating app that is aimed at vegan and vegetarians. Dating can be very difficult, especially if you are looking for a connection with someone that has similar values. For vegans and vegetarians, it helps if you know going into it that the other person thinks and eats like you. You can share meals knowing you agree on the values important to you, such as protecting animals, your health and the planet. Having launched in 2018 Veggly is now the largest vegan and vegetarian dating app with 280,000 registered users globally which has also been translated into 8 languages. Hear more about Veggly and how Alex came about creating the app. 

In this episode we speak with Joey Pringle, Founder of Veshin Factory. Joey's first break into fashion came in Melbourne, Australia as an accessories designer. Then after graduating with a BA Honors in furniture and product design, Joey relocated to Vancouver Canada creating bags and more recently the accessories for Tentree. During his time at Tentree his job took him to working with factories across Vietnam and China. On a business trip to China in 2018 Joey met with a factory in Guangzhou, the owner was a converted Buddhist and wanted to move away from the leather industry. It was on this trip where the conversation to start a green factory model developed. After another trip to China In late 2019, Joey decided to quit his job in Canada and relocate to China to start Veshin Factory.  Hear how his life has turned around and how Transcendental Meditation has helped him elevate himself to a higher consciousness.

In this episode we talk with Seth Goldman, Chairman of Beyond Meat. Seth talks to me about his new venture Eat The Change, a movement to help people realise that their diet has the single biggest impact on the planet. Alongside his mission to change peoples' diet and behaviour he is launching a new mushroom jerky product line. By partnering with Whole Foods he has also launched a chain of healthy fast food restaurants within their supermarkets called PLNT Burger. Seth has had an amazing 20 years plus career being a successful food entrepreneur, notably he cofounded Honest Tea which was later acquired by Coca Cola.  We also take the opportunity to talk about Beyond Meat's commitment to innovation. Make sure you watch to the end as we have a special guest clip...!