Charlotte Willis puts her eyes and ears to work to find the best vegan podcasts and books to inform and entertain.
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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being completely lost in a book. A captivating read or listen is a modern form of escapism, and as a writer, the loss of touch with reality, if only for a short commute or lazy Sunday afternoon, is something I hope everyone gets to experience.
In fact, it was because of a book that I find myself employed in the plant-based sector of creative work, and sat at my desk writing about vegan books, with six years of veganism under my pineapple-leather belt.
Books are influential, and they help us to dive deeper into issues, gain new outlooks and view the world from the perspective of an author whose opinion has been crafted over years of experience. And as the world of technology has moved on, the ways we can learn and also entertain ourselves have taken on a whole new dimension.
Through podcasts, we expand our knowledge in smaller chunks. These bite-size listens shed perspective, and help us tackle our workouts, business lives, social relationships and so much more. You name it, there’s a book, podcast or audiobook out there that will answer your questions and help enrich, or bring clarity into, your life.
Veganism is no exception. There’s a plethora of inspiring content to be found on your bookshelves, lurking in magazines (oh, hello there) and by searching ‘vegan’ in your Spotify account.
You’ll be amazed by the sheer volume of creative vegans, with perspectives and approaches ranging from the hilariously comedic to the serious and educational.
If you’re looking for a new read or listen, perhaps something a little different to your usual repertoire, I can highly recommend that you consider investing your time into vegan content.
Not only will you be supporting those hard at work within the creative sector, but you might just find yourself falling back in love with veganism, learning something about a topic that you have never before comprehended, or even just gaining a different and refreshing viewpoint.
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Educational Book for Vegans
How Not To Die
Dr. Michael Greger MD | Average Reading Time: 1-2 months
Don’t be put off by the length of this book! How Not To Die is one of the most comprehensive books detailing the health benefits of a vegan diet.
Famed vegan Dr. Michael Greger guides you through the complex and often confusing world of science-based nutrition, to help deliver a clear message about what science truly tells us about veganism.
You’ll explore a range of medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and depression, and determine the most optimum diet and foods to include in order to boost your health for the better.
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Thought-Provoking Read for Vegans
Eating Animals
Jonathan Safran Foer | Average Reading Time: 1 month
This is probably one of the most famous vegan reads out there. This incredibly thought-provoking and stimulating book deserves a place on any vegan’s bookshelf, owing to its complex exploration of the morality of eating meat.
You only have to look at the hundreds of incredible reviews online, from readers who have decided to give veganism a try after reading Jonathan’s book.
A shocking read that will help you to reaffirm your decision to become vegan.
Book to Help People Become Vegan
The Mindful Vegan
Lani Muelrath | Average Reading Time: 2-3 weeks
If you’re wanting to help a friend to become vegan, or adopt a more plant-based diet, this book is for you.
The Mindful Vegan is a transformative book, which will help the reader to gain insight into their own diets and lifestyles, facilitating mindfulness practices and meditation rituals to enable clarity of thought as well as reflection upon your previous diet and lifestyle.
A more guided journey through veganism you’ll seldom find.
Vegan Book For Children
That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals
Ruby Roth | Average Reading Time: 1 hour max
Talking to children about veganism, and being vegan within a non-vegan world, can be a difficult conversation to tackle. This beautifully illustrated book follows an approachable and kind perspective for readers aged 6-10 years old, exploring the endearing traits of animals.
That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals helps children to establish that animals have their own lives and families, and a purpose greater than being owned and consumed by humans.
A compassionate resource for parents, which will help children to understand the morality behind veganism.
The Coffee Table Book for Vegans
Fashion Animals
Joshua Katcher | Average Reading | Time: 1-2 hours
A reflection and exploration of animal use in the fashion industry, the author dedicates the book to every animal who lost their life to become a garment. Fashion Animals takes a look into the history of animal use on the runway in this beautifully photo-rich book.
With the use of fascinating historical imagery and celebration of the modern-day imaginative and innovative animal-free fabrics emerging, Katcher’s journey through animal use in fashion is both educational and inspiring.
A wonderful coffee table book suitable for any modern fashionista.
Best Vegan Podcasts
Vegan Health & Lifestyle Podcast
Holly Johnson and Gabriella Clark | Average Listen: 45 mins
Hosted by former Simply Vegan Magazine Editor Holly Johnson and her co-host, yoga teacher Gabriella Clark, every week the Simply Vegan podcast takes a look at what’s been happening in the vegan world to discuss the great, the good, and what’s been getting their blood boiling!
As well as taste testing all the new vegan product launches to find the best of the bunch, each week Holly and Gabriella are joined by a leading figure from the world of vegan food, fashion, nutrition, animal advocacy and environmental campaigning to find out what they’re up to and how they’re helping to spread the vegan message.
Vegan Comedy Podcast
Carl Donnelly and Julian Deane | Average Listen: 70 mins
A hilarious podcast from two self-confessed vegan idiots. Each episode sees vegan comedians Carl and Julian interview a comedy guest, chatting about whatever their hearts desire.
Random topics include being nervous in social situations and debating their relationships with FaceTime. A creative and fun podcast to add to your commute repertoire on a Monday morning.
The Vegan Opinion
Paul and Andy | Average Listen: 90 mins
The Bearded Vegans provide a male perspective, discussion and dissection of various vegan topics, news stories and issues within the vegan community.
The two bearded vegans cover a range of issues within their light-hearted discussion on veganism, making this an easy listen for gaining a different perspective on the burning of the Amazon rainforest for cattle farming and the challenges to animal rights that are faced by realistic meat-replacers.
Social Media Podcast
Make An Impact with the Health Bloggers Community
Fab Giovanetti and The Health Bloggers Community Team | Average Listen: 45 mins
If you are an aspiring wellness blogger, Instagrammer or finding your feet in a corporate world overrun with unethical brands, this podcast is for you.
The team at the Health Bloggers Community, a huge network of influential health and vegan writers and content creators, guide you through practical ways to enhance your business, captivate the audience and stand out from the crowd in a health-conscious community.
Vegan Charity Podcast
Viva! | Average Listen: 60 mins
Featuring a host of interviewees, alongside a variety of commentary pieces on recent charity updates within Viva!, this podcast is a fantastic way to keep up to date with the latest news in the world of UK vegan campaigning and activism.
The team at Viva! talk over issues such as cultured meats and the horrors of pig farming, and share the vegan journeys of many famous vegans active within the plant-based movement.
Vegan Business Podcast
Katrina Fox | Average Listen: 50 mins
Katrina Fox, the author of this successful vegan business-based podcast, provides a free insight into some of the most useful tips to enhance your ethical business’ PR, marketing and general business strategy.
From improving your website to social media marketing, Katrina interviews a range of entrepreneurs and specialists within different fields of ethical business to help you utilise your skills and improve your productivity.
Podcast for Ethical Vegans
Vegan Warrior Princesses Attack!
Nichole and Callie | Average Listen: 2 hrs
An in-depth, no-nonsense approach to some of the most pressing issues about veganism. Nichole and Callie are on a mission to empower you to be more passionate about vegan issues, with fiery discussions from two very modern and very ethically-minded vegan women.
Topics of the podcast include suffering for your art, reflections on animal rights movements and even reviews and commentary on thought-provoking TV shows such as Black Mirror and The Handmaid’s Tale.
