Climate & Cuisine Podcast

Is Plant-Based Dying? The Vegan America Founder Breaks the Myth

He built the world's largest 100% plant-based marketplace — and it started with a pair of shoes.
In this episode of Climate in Cuisine, host Erin DeMarines sits down with Jonathan Faran, founder of Vegan America — the fastest-growing vegan marketplace in the US with 400+ vetted sellers across food, fashion, cosmetics, and home products.
Jonathan shares how a University of Chicago MBA student turned a frustrating shopping moment into a mission-driven startup that is making plant-based living accessible and affordable for everyone.
🌱 In this episode:
* Why Jonathan went vegetarian at age 4 and vegan for the last 10 years* The hidden animal ingredients in your toothpaste, laundry detergent & supplements* Why the plant-based movement is NOT dying — it's maturing* The real difference between "vegan" vs "plant-based"* How Vegan America vets every single product so YOU don't have to* Why plant-based consumers might need a therapist who understands them* How small vegan brands can sell on Vegan America for free* The future of ethical, cruelty-free shopping in America
🛒 Shop plant-based: http://vegan-america.com/ 📲 Follow Vegan America: @veganamerica on Instagram & Facebook
Whether you're fully vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or just starting your plant-based journey — this conversation will change the way you shop, eat, and think.

Vegan Directory Founder Kiana Melvin on Building Plant Plate Map

Discover how vegan directory founder Kiana Melvin is transforming how people find plant-based restaurants, vegan businesses, and cruelty-free brands across America.
In this episode of Climate and Cuisine, host Jane DeMarines (Executive Director of Climate Diet) sits down with Kiana Melvin, the 26-year-old CEO and founder of Plant Plate Map — a nationwide vegan directory with over 1,700 listings, including 1,500+ vegan restaurants, plant-based food trucks, vegan caterers, private chefs, and cruelty-free businesses.
Kiana shares her vegan journey from pescatarian to vegetarian to fully vegan during COVID, why so many vegan restaurants are closing, and how her ad-free directory helps users filter by gluten-free, women-owned, and vegan-owned businesses. We also dig into the climate impact of animal agriculture, deforestation, and why plant-based eating matters more than ever in 2026.
🌱 Visit Plant Plate Map: www.plantplatemap.com 
🌎 Learn more about Climate Diet: https://climatediet.org/ 
If you're looking for vegan food near you, want to support vegan-owned businesses, or are curious about plant-based living, this conversation is for you.

How to Unlock Longevity: The Muscle-Centric Guide to Health Over 50

In this episode, we sit down with Michele Cuffe, author of Health Revival, to discuss the revolutionary concept of "Muscle-Centric Medicine" and why building muscle is the ultimate key to aging with vitality. Michelle reveals her "Big 6" pillars of health that can help you reconnect with your DNA and reverse the effects of modern lifestyle diseases.  
If you’ve been looking for a realistic way to manage menopause, improve your sleep quality, or understand the science behind strength training for women over 50, this conversation is a masterclass in biohacking your way to a longer, healthier life.  
In this episode, you’ll learn:* The 90% Rule: Why stress management is the foundation of health and the root of most doctor visits.  * Muscle-Centric Medicine: Why muscle is actually the "organ of longevity".  * The 6 Pillars of Health Revival: From hydration and nutrition to the surprising benefits of sauna therapy.  * Circadian Rhythm & Vitamin D: How to fix your sleep by simply getting back into nature.  * The Power of Motion: Why "a body in motion stays in motion" is the most important mantra for aging gracefully.  
Stop looking for a quick fix and start your Health Revival today.
Ready to take your health into your own hands and unlock the secrets to longevity? Grab your copy of "Health Revival" by Michele Cuffe on Amazon to get the complete toolkit for aging with vitality: https://www.amazon.in/Health-Revival-Happy-Healthy-Human/dp/1662956363 
Don’t miss out on daily health tips, workout inspiration, and the science of "muscle-centric medicine." Follow Michele online to stay connected:  
Instagram: Follow @MicheleCuffeFitness (one ‘L’!) for daily reels, strength training tips, and behind-the-scenes health hacks.  
TikTok: Find Michelle at @MicheleCuffeFitness for quick wellness bites and motivation.  
Facebook: Connect with the community and stay updated on Michele’s latest projects.

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.