Whether presenting ways to reduce chronic disease risk or discussing the potassium deficiency inherent in almost 98 percent of American diets, Dr. Michael Greger provides us with well-researched and empowering nutrition information through his videos on NutritionFacts.org. As a physician, author, and internationally recognized speaker, Dr. Greger has a knack for presenting complex nutrition topics in a way that everyone can understand. Dr. Greger also serves as the Director of...

Recently joining the Board of Directors of Farm Sanctuary, actor and producer Emily Deschanel has a powerful presence in front of–and behind–the cameras of her hit television show Bones. Through her leading role as Dr. Temperance Brennan, Emily has used the platform to bring animal rights issues to the screen, having produced shows that touch on topics such as dog fighting and factory farming. Off-screen, Emily is a loving wife and mother who faces the same challenges all of us...

Since its founding in 1980, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been a powerful force in the animal rights movement. Their investigations, media campaigns, celebrity ads, videos, and overall advocacy effectively grab the attention of millions. As co-founder, president, and all-around champion for animals, Ingrid Newkirk has been at the helm of it all. Ingrid joined me to talk about where it all began -- and the miles we have left to go to protect animals.

Allison...

First there was Forks Over Knives. Then there was Blackfish. Now, there's Cowspiracy, a powerful new feature-length documentary produced by Keegan Kuhn and Kip Andersen. Debuting this year to packed screenings across the world, the film is rightfully generating a significant amount of buzz. I talked with Keegan and Kip about their journey and asked the obvious question: Why aren't the major environmental organizations talking about the primary industry that is destroying our planet...

Author, artist, and chef Nava Atlas has produced an array of work that has been part of the foundation for modern vegan cooking. Her first book, Vegetariana, was published in 1984. She has gone on to create more cookbooks, visual books, articles, and works of art that display at museums across the country. We are so fortunate to have Nava her sharing some of her wisdom.

Allison Rivers Samson: You offer such a diversity of recipes on VegKitchen.com and in your cookbooks and e-books!...

Arguably the most successful vegan cookbook author, Isa Chandra Moskowitz, began playing around with vegan recipes in a small Brooklyn kitchen. From there grew a fun and popular vegan cooking show, Post Punk Kitchen. Six episodes, eight cookbooks, and countless speaking events later, Isa has now just opened her own restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska. I caught up with Isa to learn all about her new endeavors and how she got to where she is now!

Allison Rivers Samson:You've now written 8...

If given the chance to share dinner and conversation with a leader from the animal rights movement, Harold Brown would be a compelling choice. Having grown up on a farm himself, Harold now helps farmers whose livelihood relies on animal agriculture  to transition to compassionate, plant-based farming. It's a worthy mission and Harold has the history to achieve just that. Read on to learn about Harold's own move from cattle farmer to vegan animal advocate!

Allison Rivers Samson: You...

You've likely seen the viral and catchy Vegan Street memes that everyone has been sharing recently. Did you know there's a long history of successful activism and effective marketing behind them? That's right! Marla Rose and her husband John Beske are the creative minds behind them and this isn't their first activist campaign. Ever heard of a little event called VeganMania in Chicago? Of course you have! Well, they started the event in 2009, and their Vegan Street community...

Patti Breitman is an animal activist who has been sharing a message of compassion for many years through book publishing, food demos, and her involvement in the Dharma community. Her latest book, Never Too Late To Go Vegan; The Over 50 Guide to Adopting and Thriving On a Plant Based Diet, received significant praise and shining reviews. Patti talks to us about saying "no," how nutritional needs change after 50, and what vegan dishes she finds are best received by food demo audiences.

Allison...

You might have noticed that vegan topics have moved into the headlines of one of the country's largest newspapers: The Philadelphia Daily News! This development was the result of a long journey by journalist Vance Lehmkuhl, who has been writing about vegan food topics in Philadelphia for over 10 years. Vance sees firsthand the role that media plays in furthering animal rights causes.

Allison Rivers Samson: You've been a significant media champion for animals for many years! How did you...