Climate & Cuisine Podcast

Plant-Based Diet Expert: Why Doctors Need Nutrition Training | Glen Merzer

Plant-based diet expert Glen Merzer discusses why doctors need nutrition training and how food choices impact climate change. Author of "Food is Climate" and co-author of "Moving Medicine Forward" with Dr. Michael Klaper.
🌱 What You'll Learn:- Why medical schools don't teach nutrition to doctors- How plant-based diets reverse chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease- The connection between animal agriculture, methane emissions, and climate crisis- Practical steps to transition to a whole food plant-based lifestyle- How vegan eating benefits both personal health and environmental sustainability
Glen Merzer is a leading voice in the plant-based movement, former Hollywood screenwriter, and climate advocate who explains the science behind food and climate change.
📚 Books Mentioned:- "Moving Medicine Forward" - Why doctors must learn nutrition : https://www.amazon.in/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition-ebook/dp/B0FDBJPCB4 - "Food is Climate" - The environmental impact of food choices : https://www.amazon.in/Food-Climate-Response-Conventional-Narrative-ebook/dp/B09BXP53VL 

Plants Over Pills: Reversing Disease with Dr. Klaper

Are we treating the root cause of chronic illness, or just handing out more pills? In this eye-opening interview, we sit down with Dr. Michael Klaper, a medical pioneer with over 50 years of experience, to uncover the undeniable power of a whole-food, plant-based diet.
Dr. Klaper breaks down how we can actively reverse conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes simply by changing what we put on our plates. We also dive into his fascinating work advising NASA on space nutrition, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and why modern medical schools are failing to teach doctors about the healing power of food.
📚 Get Dr. Klaper’s New Book: Pre-order Moving Medicine Forward on Amazon to learn what your doctor should be asking you at your next visit : https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264 
🌐 Connect with Dr. Klaper:Visit movingmedforward.org to watch his medical school lectures and support the initiative.

The TRUTH About Vegan Fitness, Longevity & Muscle After 50

If you’re searching for plant-based fitness, vegan longevity, or how to build muscle after 50, this episode is a must-watch.
In this powerful and deeply human conversation on the Climate and Cuisine Podcast, we sit down with bestselling author and plant-based fitness coach Maxime Sigouin, whose journey spans farm life, bodybuilding, elite modeling, caregiving through cancer, and helping thousands reclaim their health.
This episode goes far beyond diet trends. It’s about identity, prevention, strength, aging well, and living fully at any age.
🌱 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
✔ How a whole-food plant-based diet supports fat loss without starvation✔ Why strength training is non-negotiable after 40, 50, and even 80+✔ The biggest myths about vegan protein, muscle loss & weakness✔ How plant-based nutrition can reduce cancer risk & chronic disease✔ Why most people regain weight—and how to keep it off permanently✔ The mindset shift that turns fitness into a lifestyle, not a phase✔ How aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it means training smarter
Maxime also breaks down the 5-phase system from his new #1 bestselling book, Forever Fit, which was designed to replace traditional coaching and give people a step-by-step blueprint for lifelong health.
Amazon Link to buy the book - https://www.amazon.in/Forever-Fit-Recomposition-Transformation-System-ebook/dp/B0GGVQFK2Z
This episode is especially powerful for:• Adults over 40, 50, and 60• Anyone struggling with weight regain• Vegans & plant-based beginners• Fitness professionals & health coaches• Those focused on longevity and prevention• People tired of quick-fix diets and injections
💡 This isn’t about restriction. It’s about addition.More food. More strength. More energy. More life.
Check For Information - https://linktr.ee/efitfoods 

Is Your Diet Part of the Climate Problem—or the Solution?

What if one of the most powerful climate actions was already on your plate?
In this episode of Climate & Cuisine, host Jane DeMarines sits down with Addison Chantz, Associate Executive Director of the Farm Animal Rights Movement, for an honest and hopeful conversation about how everyday food choices impact the climate, our health, and the future of our planet.
From navigating holiday indulgences to building sustainable, plant-forward habits, Addison shares their personal journey and practical insights on why progress—not perfection—drives real change.
🌱 In this episode, you’ll discover:
How food systems contribute to climate change—and how they can be part of the solution
Why plant-based and plant-forward eating is one of the most accessible climate actions
How small, realistic diet shifts can improve health and reduce environmental impact
Why younger generations are embracing plant-based choices
How joy, community, and compassion make climate action sustainable
Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or simply climate-conscious, this conversation shows how what we eat can shape a healthier, more resilient future—for ourselves and the planet.
🎧 Tune in and rethink what’s on your plate.

How Food Choices and Local Leadership Drive Climate Action

How can local leadership and food choices accelerate real climate solutions?
In this episode of Climate & Cuisine, hosted by Jane DeMarines, we’re joined by Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Montgomery County’s Climate Change Officer, to explore how communities can lead the fight against climate change—starting with policy, resilience planning, and what’s on our plates.
🌍 In this conversation, we discuss:
How Montgomery County aims to cut emissions 80% by 2027 and reach net-zero by 2035
Why local governments are critical climate leaders
The role of food systems in climate mitigation and resilience
How plant-forward eating reduces emissions and supports public health
Flooding, extreme weather, and preparing communities for climate impacts
Holding fossil fuel companies accountable while taking action locally
Food is responsible for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and everyday choices—like reducing meat consumption—can have a climate impact comparable to taking millions of cars off the road.
🌱 Climate & Cuisine connects the dots between food, policy, health, and climate, showing how individual and community actions can drive meaningful change.
👉 If you care about climate solutions, sustainable food systems, and practical action—this episode is for you.

Saving the Business Without Sacrificing the Planet - A Plant-Based Resilience Story

In this thoughtful and timely episode of Climate & Cuisine, host Jane DeMarines sits down with restaurateur, caterer, and musician-turned-entrepreneur Michael Jantz-Moon for an honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the climate power of plant-based food.
Michael shares the behind-the-scenes realities of navigating economic disruption in the Washington, DC area—from widespread job losses and neighborhood restaurant closures to the difficult decision to sublease part of his restaurant space in order to protect the long-term health of the business. Rather than retreat, Michael explains how his team strategically adapted: shrinking their footprint, expanding catering and events, welcoming aligned partners into their space, and doubling down on wellness-centered offerings.
The conversation traces the evolution of DC Vegan Catering, founded in 2015 as a sister company to Cleveland Vegan, and explores how plant-based catering became a powerful entry point for climate-friendly food in a city that once lacked vegan options. Michael also reflects on transitioning from the music industry into food, surviving the pandemic’s impact on live events, and rebuilding with a diversified, values-driven business model.
Jane and Michael dive deep into why plant-based food is one of the most effective tools for climate action, how approachable comfort food helps normalize vegan dining for non-vegans, and the challenges posed by industry lobbying, food myths, and limited infrastructure for waste reduction. Michael explains how taste, convenience, and inclusivity—not perfection—are key to shifting food culture.
🌱 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How plant-based businesses can adapt during economic downturns
Why catering is a powerful gateway to climate-friendly eating
How vegan comfort food changes minds faster than lectures
The environmental and health case for plant-based dining
Why younger generations are driving real change through food choices
This episode is a must-listen for food entrepreneurs, climate advocates, and anyone curious about how resilience, creativity, and plant-based choices can help build a more sustainable—and delicious—future.

Films That Change the WorldVegan Cinema, Climate Truths & Cultural Shifts

In this inspiring episode of Climate & Cuisine, host Jane DeMarines sits down with filmmaker, journalist, and vegan advocate Ray Kowalchuk to explore the powerful intersection of food, film, and climate action.
Ray shares his journey from film student to Executive Director of the International Vegan Film Festival, which began in 2018 and has since grown into a global, multi-day celebration around World Vegan Day. Together, Jane and Ray discuss how storytelling and cinema can spark cultural change, elevate plant-based living, and challenge deeply rooted systems contributing to the climate crisis.
The conversation dives into standout films like Cowspiracy and Forks Over Knives, the rise of young vegan activists using film as a megaphone for change, and the challenges of promoting vegan content in mainstream media. Ray also reflects on his experiences attending international climate conferences, the importance of media access, and how partnerships with universities, conferences, and grassroots movements are expanding the festival’s impact.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about:
How film influences food choices and climate awareness
The role of vegan cinema in shaping public dialogue
Why younger generations are leading the shift toward plant-based futures
How creative collaboration can accelerate climate solutions
🎬🌱 Whether you’re a filmmaker, climate advocate, or simply curious about the power of your plate and your media choices, this episode will leave you inspired to see food—and film—through a new lens.

The Vegan Zombie Speaks! Horror, Humor & the Future of Plant-Based Living

In this episode of the Climate & Cuisine Podcast, host Jane DeMarines sits down with filmmaker, YouTube creator, and long-time vegan activist Chris Cooney, best known for his viral brand The Vegan Zombie and his new feature film, Vegan Zombies A44.
Chris shares the fascinating journey that led him from an unfulfilling day job to creating a zombie-themed vegan cooking show, a bestselling cookbook published in multiple languages, and now a full-length vegan horror movie. Jane and Chris explore how storytelling, humor, and food can work together to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability and compassionate living.
Together they dive into:
🎬 The Making of Vegan Zombies A44
How a fun idea for a zombie apocalypse cooking show evolved into a feature film now screening at international festivals—including the Animal Liberation Film Festival in Melbourne. Chris explains how he subtly weaves vegan themes into the story without preaching, allowing audiences to connect through entertainment first.
📚 From YouTube Series to Award-Winning Cookbook
Chris discusses the origins of his cookbook Cook & Survive, how it gained global attention, and why engaging content can often do more to promote veganism than confrontation or debate.
🌱 The Evolution of Veganism Over 30 Years
Chris reflects on three decades of veganism—from being considered “extreme” in the 1990s to riding today’s rising wave of plant-based eating.Jane contributes current statistics and trends, noting the growing adoption of vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets among younger generations.
📈 Why Veganism Is Still Growing (Despite Public Myths)
Chris and Jane unpack the perception that veganism is “declining,” explaining why the data shows an overall upward trend—especially in health-conscious and climate-focused communities.
🎥 Creative Advocacy: Inspiring Change Through Entertainment
Chris explains how he uses horror, humor, and approachable storytelling to inspire change. He also teases potential future projects—including the possibility of an A44 sequel.
Get Chris's Latest Book - https://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Zombie-Cook-Survive-Cookbook/dp/3955750132
Watch the Movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V3fziqp7xY