A Vegan Lounge: Recent Episodes
Sarah Jackson
From arts to animal advocacy, health and vegan living, come explore all things vegan with Sarah Jackson on a Vegan Lounge. With thanks to Te Rōpū Whēkana o Ōtautahi, The Christchurch Vegan Society.
In this episode, we are joined by Catie and the bunnies from the Ōtautahi Animal Refuge. Tune in as we discuss the benefits of adopting rescued animals and what we can do to support those in need.
Living a vegan lifestyle has never been as easy and accessible as it currently is. Albeit, as with any minority group, especially one that challenges cultural norms, we can sometimes feel socially isolated and despondent. Sheree Gibson joins us to share some of her personal experiences of navigating life as a vegan whilst maintaining close connections.
Abe O'Donnell joins us in the studio to share with us his vegan journey and all of the amazing mahi (work) he's currently immersed in. Tune in as we cover topics such as sport, nutrition, mindfulness, mastermind hacks and more.
On June 2nd, the third consecutive National Animal Rights Day (NARD) was held here in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Holly, one of the NARD volunteers, joins us in the studio to chat about her experience and gives insight into her vegan journey.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to Germany as a vegan? Listen in as Marci describes his experience backpacking here in Aotearoa and abroad. Then, check out his vegan cooking account on Instagram - @dorfveganer for some inspiring food content.
This episode I am joined by a dear friend and fellow animal rights activist, Will Applebe. We kōrero (talk) about his role within SAFE and how he came to be a catalyst of change for animals.
In this month's episode of A Vegan Lounge, we are joined by Yolanda Soryl, president of the Christchurch Vegan Society, to chat about the show and our very own vegan journeys - then we catch up with an up and coming animal rights/climate activist, Brooke Winter.
This fortnight, I am talking to Dominque and Logan of Streamside Organics market gardeners operating outside Leeston. The duo has expanded from 1 acre in 2014 to 50 and currently supplies a number of businesses and customers throughout Canterbury. Dominique talks through the early days of getting started, the process of becoming certified organic in New Zealand and how you go about signing up to receive fresh organic vegetables to your door as part of your weekly shop.
This fortnight I’m chatting with Lisa Yee founder of Smiles All Round Pet Sitting which offers a range of services to pet owners from full pet sitting services, to daily walks and companionship while the boss is at work. Lisa is a committed vegan of 7 years, amazingly dedicated to animals and a regular volunteer at all Christchurch Vegan Society events. We talk cultural road blocks navigating veganism, pet first aid, and best value vegan cuisine.
This fortnight, I caught up with Kate Grater of Pierogi Joint fame. Kate has been a mainstay at local markets throughout Christchurch post-earthquake. We finally sat down to chat recently, celebrating her growing success and scaling to a much bigger purpose-built production kitchen, expanding Pierogi range, women entrepreneurs and ADHD superpowers.
This fortnight I chat with Rainer Kravets; Co-Executive Director of Animal Policy International who was visiting recently from his native Estonia. He and co-founder Mandy Carter were here to raise awareness in regards to welfare standards and the market economy which focuses heavily on exports to the detriment of imported products.
This fortnight you are in for a treat as Part 1 of the 2-Part series goes to air on the immense work that Te Paranui Animal Sanctuary Koromiko in the South Islands Marlborough Region goes to air. I drop by and chat with founder and visionary Maia, who has links to the broader community through plant-based diet workshops, greyhound adoption and rehoming, yoga practice, and spiritual work.
This fortnight I'm chatting with Rob McNeil, the Executive President and Treasurer of the Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand (AJPANZ). The newly formed AJPANZ is looking to contest the upcoming election and give New Zealanders an alternative to the major parties, the same old rhetoric, and provide legitimate representation for the marginalized and voiceless.
This fortnight I’m talking to Hayley Fraser-Mackenzie – Managing Director at Pacific Harvest A New Zealand owned health food and supplement company at the forefront of an exciting and emerging seaweed industry. This interview will leave you with a whole new appreciation for seaweed and an inkling to try Pacific Harvest products; mother nature at her best. "
This fortnight I chat with Debbie Devine of Claremont Estate where I encounter her aging beauties and reflect on specism within this context. I'm almost won over by Pedro the retired Greyhound as we chat about commercial racing, equine health and wellbeing and greyhounds as pets.
This Fortnight I'm on location at the Fungi Farm/Richmond Community Gardens, where Inga from the Foraging Corner takes me through some common plants/weeds with nutritional value and a broad range of subject matter, including culture, history, botanical knowledge, science, and travel.
This fortnight I drop into Bonobo Cafe in Sumner for an outstanding lunch; the delicious Bononbo burger (top billing) and a chat with owners Dean and Annelies about their vegan journey, the venture, and the long-term vision to open an animal sanctuary on the Banks Peninsula.
This fortnight I chat with Alice Shopland whose passion for producing vegan cheeses here on New Zealand soil grew from an evolving perspective on environmental justice and the desire to achieve more mainstream activism. Since 2016 her business has continued to flourish, and her products are now offered as a mainstream add-on in New Zealand fast food outlets Zambrero, Hell Pizza, and Lord of The Fries.
Join me for this fortnight's edition of A Vegan Lounge, where I drop in for a chat with Steve Bush, Manager of Trees for Canterbury, an organization behind Christchurch's subsequent regeneration following the Canterbury quakes and Port Hills Fires. Trees for Canterbury provides a unique service by running a nursery open to the public for the purchase of native trees, planting activities, a social and skill-based network, training, and education on the importance of native trees.
Join me for this fortnights edition of A Vegan Lounge where i talk to Paul Ferguson of the Christchurch Vegan Society who organises and oversees the smooth running of events on behalf of CVS including the monthly night market. Paul offers a male perspective on veganism and together we traverse those counter productive and pervading gender norms which correlate masculinity with meat consumption.
This fortnight I chat to Christchurch vegan soap maker Anna the woman behind the brand Panna Soaps. Originally for Hungary, Anna has forged a successful business in the beauty industry right here in the garden city. Eliminating GMO and palm oil from her range has been the driver in the product development space so you can rest assured her range of shampoo, conditioner, lip balms and soaps are as close to nature as you can get.
Tune in as I chat with Alison Vaughan, a Scientific Officer from the SPCA about challenges facing at risk and vulnerable animals in New Zealand. How you can help these animals with a brief respite or a forever home and the knock on effects of more compact and intensified living spaces for pet owners.
Raising vegan children is a topic that is always up for debate. The media narrative focuses on those instances of children found in poor health with nutritional deficiencies. With so much negativity surrounding vegan lifestyles it is important showcase healthy examples of vegan parents who have got it right. Mel and Darren Patterson have lived the vegan lifestyle for over 25 years and have raised to very active and healthy teenage boys as vegans from birth.
Enlightening discussion with Andrew Horsbrugh owner/operator of Tunlaw Walnut Farm in Canterbury and board member of the Walnuts NZ Co-operative. Join me as Andrew discusses his 45 hectare orchard in West Melton, sustainability for the Canterbury Plains and the future growth market for the product.
Tara Jackson Executive Director of the New Zealand Antivivisection Society and founder of social media platform A Guide To Vegan drops in to chat about the charities work here in Aotearoa; helping to dispel misconceptions about the purpose of animal testing and enlighten listeners further on the limited successes of the animal model to treat human conditions.
Carol J Adams is a renowned ecofeminist, social justice and animal rights advocate and the author of many publications. Join me as we revisit her most groundbreaking work - the 1990 publication The Sexual Politics of Meat in the wake of a post Roe Vrs Wade and MeToo climate.
Hi, I'm Krystal taking over from where James left off. I am the startup founder of Insurgent Foods, which is a plant-based company right here in Canterbury. I hope to deliver a broad range of content tapping into a more comprehensive look at our environment—the interconnectedness of the natural world means sustainability, land use, farming, business, literature, research, animal welfare, and rights are all part of the conversation. Join me every fortnight at 1 pm for A Vegan Lounge.