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...

Meat and dairy consumption in the U.S. is on the decline! And we have many powerhouse organizations and activists to thank for that—one of whom is the Humane Society of the United States' superstar Josh Balk. After being one of Compassion Over Killing's first employees, Josh joined HSUS' farm animal protection team in 2005. Since then, the team has achieved significant milestones for farmed animals and reduced the suffering of millions. I'm grateful Josh took the time to talk...

With a book titled Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith and What to Eat for Dinner, I just had to learn more about the woman behind the creative title—Ellen Kanner! And I'm so glad I did. Ellen is poetic, insightful, compassionate, and so welcoming. She is exactly the type of person who changes hearts and minds about plant-based living. Here's how she's doing it.

Allison Rivers Samson: As an award-winning author and syndicated columnist for The Miami Herald and Huffington...

Ever meet someone who seems to absolutely radiate passion and positive energy? Vegan chef, cookbook author, and wellness coach Tess Challis is one of those individuals. Tess focuses on becoming the best version of herself, and it's clear her life's work is helping others thrive too. I'm thrilled I had the opportunity to interview Tess!

Allison Rivers Samson: Since 1991, you’ve been vegan. How did you get started, and what did your own personal journey to health look like?

Tess...

She can sing. She can perform. And she can cook! She is the fabulous Laura Theodore (aka, the Jazzy Vegetarian)! Laura is a widely recognized television personality, and her current show–the Jazzy Vegetarian–airs on PBS nationwide, with an accompanying podcast. I was lucky to have the chance to talk to Laura about the show, building such an amazing career, and of course, living in the Big Apple!

Allison Rivers Samson: First of all, congratulations on being inducted into the...

If you love spices and bold flavors as much as I do, you have to try Richa Hingle's recipes! A cookbook author and popular blogger, Richa has been sharing delicious vegan Indian food recipes for years. I talked with Richa about her social media techniques (she has over 320,000 followers!), her cooking, and who she would most like to share a vegan dinner with!

Allison Rivers Samson: You’ve talked about your love for fostering rescue dogs and how that led you to living...

Ambitious and filled with a passion for helping others go vegan, Dianne Wenz is simply extraordinary. Dianne runs the website Chic Vegan, along with coaching, hosting cooking classes, and offering nutrition counseling—all with the goal of inspiring and helping others go vegan. Hailed as the original "VeggieGirl," Diane is clearly making the world a much more compassionate place. I am so glad I had the opportunity to talk with Dianne about past work and some exciting new projects in...