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Hosted by Shawna Barker, a plant-based nutritionist and passionate advocate for the vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re here for the health benefits, the ethics, or learning how to navigate the social aspects, this podcast is your go-to source for all things vegan. Each episode features in-depth discussions on nutrition, plant-based living, and the ethical side of veganism, with guests from all walks of life—athletes, entrepreneurs, activists, doctors, and more, all thriving on plants. Join me as we explore what it truly means to be a Vegan Boss—living consciously, thriving on a plant-based diet, and making an impact. 🎧 Subscribe now and start exploring what it means to be vegan.
Episodes

Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
In this episode, I’m joined by Terri Chrisman, a distinguished speaker, podcaster, author of Fabulous Health, and board-certified nutritionist with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Terri is passionate about empowering people to reclaim their health, combining cutting-edge science with real-world, actionable strategies.
Together, we dive into some of the most powerful aspects of lasting health transformation:
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Practical strategies to create food and lifestyle habits that stick
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A deep dive into the six pillars of health
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The mindset shifts that make change sustainable
This conversation is packed with clarity, encouragement, and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re just beginning your health journey or looking to refine your habits, this episode will inspire you to take simple steps toward a healthier, more energized life.
Learn more about Terri on her website, fabuloushealth.net, her Instagram @fabuloushealthtlc, and her podcast, The Fabulous Health Show.
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👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own health journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about my private nutrition consultations.
If you’re looking for 100% vegan supplements, check out my online supplement store — everything is carefully curated, ships anywhere in Canada, and is always 10% off for everyone, all the time.
Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @veganbossapparel on Instagram.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Friday Sep 05, 2025
Minisode: How to Build Balanced Plant Based Meals
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Coffee often gets a bad rap, but is it really something we need to avoid? And what exactly makes a meal “balanced”?
In this solo mini episode, I break down two of the most common nutrition questions I get: whether it’s okay to drink coffee on an empty stomach, and the simple framework you can use to build meals that actually keep you full and energized.
We’ll look at how coffee impacts appetite, and why it can be perfectly fine (and even beneficial) when enjoyed with or after a meal. Then, I’ll take you through the essentials of balanced eating: protein, carbs, fibre-rich fruits and veggies, and healthy fats, with practical examples of how to put it all together at home.
If you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy your morning coffee without throwing off your day, or how to consistently create satisfying meals without overthinking, this episode is for you.
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Need support with plant based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
If you’re looking for 100% vegan supplements, check out my online supplement store — everything is carefully curated, ships anywhere in Canada, and is always 10% off for everyone, all the time.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @veganbossapparel on Instagram.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Thursday Aug 28, 2025
#51 Maxime Sigouin - Founder and CEO of Fit Vegan Coaching
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
In this episode of Vegan Boss Radio, I sit down with Maxime Sigouin, founder and CEO of Fit Vegan Coaching, one of the world’s leading whole-food, plant-based body recomposition programs.
Over the past five years, Maxime and his team have helped more than 1,000 clients transform their body composition and health, with a special focus on empowering people over 50 to regain strength, vitality, and confidence through sustainable, plant-based strategies.
A passionate advocate for the vegan lifestyle for over a decade, Maxime is on a mission to help 10,000 people get lean, thrive, and reduce their risk of chronic disease by 2033—and 1 million by 2050. Through evidence-based nutrition and compassionate coaching, he helps his clients not only reach their goals but also disease-proof their bodies for long-term health.
He’s also the host of the award-nominated Fit Vegan Podcast, where he shares expert insights, inspiring client stories, and practical advice for thriving on a plant-based diet. Beyond coaching, Maxime is an athlete currently training for basketball, showing firsthand how powerful plants can be for performance. Originally from Canada, he now lives in California with his wife, Ivy, and their dog, Tempeh.
This conversation dives deep into what it takes to achieve lasting results, why plant-based nutrition is such a powerful foundation for longevity, and how anyone—at any age—can start thriving on plants.
Learn more about Maxime at fitvegancoaching.com, his Instagram @maximesigouincoach, and his podcast, The Fit Vegan Podcast.
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👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own health journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about my private nutrition consultations.
If you’re looking for 100% vegan supplements, check out my online supplement store — everything is carefully curated, ships anywhere in Canada, and is always 10% off for everyone, all the time.
Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @veganbossapparel on Instagram.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Minisode: Are These Nutrients Missing on a Vegan Diet?
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
There are a lot of myths about vegan diets being “nutritionally incomplete” — but how much truth is there behind those claims?
In this solo episode, I take a deep dive into some of the nutrients that are more recently being used to criticize vegan diets, including lysine, leucine, taurine, carnitine, carnosine, creatine, and choline.
This is a very technical episode with a lot of numbers — on purpose. I want to show you exactly how much of each nutrient we actually need each day, and then break down how simple it is to get those amounts from common plant based foods.
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “But where do vegans get ___?” — this episode will give you the practical food examples and clarity you need.
Whether you’re new to veganism, long-term plant based, or just curious about the science, this episode will help you feel confident in meeting your nutritional needs without animal products.
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Need support with plant based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
If you’re looking for 100% vegan supplements, check out my online supplement store — everything is carefully curated, ships anywhere in Canada, and is always 10% off for everyone, all the time.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @veganbossapparel on Instagram.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Thursday Aug 14, 2025
#50 Dr. Jules Cormier - Physician, Educator, and Advocate for Lifestyle Medicine
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
If you’re curious about how diet can dramatically impact chronic inflammation, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Dr. Jules Cormier, a physician, educator, and advocate for lifestyle medicine who transformed his health after years of living with multiple chronic conditions. Through a whole food, plant-based diet, Dr. Cormier reversed issues like asthma, eczema, and chronic urticaria — and now teaches future physicians about the power of nutrition.
Since 2007, Dr. Cormier has practiced family medicine, taught at his local medical school, and led a thriving skin surgery clinic. After overcoming asthma, eczema, chronic urticaria, and cholinergic angioedema through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle changes, he became a passionate proponent of plant-based living. Today, he teaches lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and family medicine to medical students, and shares his expertise as a naturopath and creator of plantbaseddrjules.com, a free resource for those pursuing better health.
A committed athlete, Dr. Cormier has represented the Maritime provinces at the World Ninja Championships in Las Vegas (2022), Orlando (2023), and California (2024). As a public speaker and coach, he empowers others to take control of their health through sustainable nutrition and fitness, both in clinical practice and across his online platforms.
In this episode, we talk about what inflammation really is, the difference between acute and chronic inflammation, and evidence-based ways to lower your risk through everyday food choices. Dr. Cormier also shares practical tips to help you make lasting changes without feeling restricted.
Learn more about Dr. Jules on his website plantbaseddrjules.com, his Instagram @drjulescormier, and his podcast The Dr. Jules Plant Based Podcast.
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If you’re looking for 100% vegan supplements, check out my online supplement store — everything is carefully curated, ships anywhere in Canada, and is always 10% off for everyone, all the time.
Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @veganbossapparel on Instagram.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Pushing past your limits, living intentionally, and staying fuelled for the long run.
In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Gagnon — CEO, ultra-endurance athlete, high-performance coach, and author of Living Intentionally.
Joe is driven by a simple mission: helping people realize they are capable of far more than they believe is possible. Over the years, he has led six companies as CEO, coached top performers, and pushed himself to physical and mental extremes—completing six Ironman races, running 100-mile ultramarathons, finishing Six marathons on Six continents in Six days, and completing the legendary Badwater 135 ultramarathon through Death Valley.
As CEO of Raynmaker, he leads the development of an AI-powered sales platform designed to help small businesses grow smarter and faster. As a high-performance coach, he partners with bold, ambitious leaders to break through their self-imposed limits and lead lives filled with purpose and greater impact.
Joe’s life and his second book, Living Intentionally, are rooted in the belief that growth happens at the edge. It’s in the uncomfortable, uncertain, and transformational moments that we find out who we truly are. The principles of grit, grace, and groundedness guide every step he takes.
We dive into Joe’s plant-based endurance journey, his mindset for success, and why proper hydration and electrolytes are essential for anyone tackling extreme endurance races.
Learn more about Joe and Living Intentionally at thehighperformancelife.net and on Instagram at @thehighperformancelife
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If you’re looking for 100% vegan supplements, check out my online supplement store — everything is carefully curated, ships anywhere in Canada, and is always 10% off for everyone, all the time.
Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @veganbossapparel on Instagram.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
#48 Amanda Persi - Vegan Travel Curator and Founder of The Getaway Co.
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Persi — vegan travel curator and founder of The Getaway Co. — to talk all things plant-based travel! We explore the joys and challenges of traveling as a vegan, how The Getaway Co. creates unforgettable experiences for travellers interested in plant based diets or are already vegan, and why being surrounded by like-minded people can make your trip even more meaningful.
We also chat about the community Amanda has built with the local vegan guides in each of the destinations she visits, what goes into ensuring there are not just food options but amazing food options, and what it's really like to go on one of her trips to places like Italy, Portugal, Greece, and beyond.
Whether you're dreaming of a vegan vacation or curious about what a curated vegan travel experience will be like, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
🌿 Learn more about Amanda and The Getaway Co. at thegetawayco.com and on Instagram at @thegetawayco.
Before we get into the episode, I share a little bit about my upcoming 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition Course at Pacific Rim College — an evidence-based program designed for anyone transitioning to a vegan or plant-based lifestyle or working with clients who are. Topics include:
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The differences between vegan vs. plant-based diets
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Protein quality and nutrient bioavailability
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Digestive health and gut support
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Key nutrients and common myths
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Vegan supplement guidance
…and so much more.
🎓 Sign up for the Plant-Based Nutrition Course at Pacific Rim College by emailing them at registrar@pacificrimcollege.com
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Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @vegan_boss on Instagram.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
#47 Emmanuelle Bonham - Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, & Founder of Kind Luxury
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
In this episode of Vegan Boss Radio, I’m joined by Emmanuelle Bonham, founder of Kind Luxury — a lifestyle philosophy rooted in the idea that we don’t have to choose between living well and living kindly.
We talk about the different ways people become inspired to go vegan, what it’s like being vegan in Dubai, her hands-on work in animal rescue, and how her background in fitness evolved into a compassionate vegan lifestyle. We also dive into habit change — and why taking small, sustainable steps is often the most effective approach.
Emmanuelle brings over nine years of experience in fitness, plant-based nutrition, and wellness, and her work — including collaborations with brands like Adidas and Greenpeace — encourages others to live more intentionally (not perfectly) and with purpose.
✨ Resources & Mentions
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Kind Luxury: @emmanuellebonham
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Vegan Boss Apparel: available at synergynutrition.ca (ships to CA/US/MX) or on Etsy (ships worldwide except EU)
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Plant-Based Nutrition Course at Pacific Rim College: runs Sept 3rd – Oct 1st, Wednesdays 12–3pm PST. Contact PRC to register.
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🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
📩 Questions or feedback? DM me anytime @vegan_boss!

Saturday Jul 19, 2025
#46 Ex-Vegans Who Turn Anti-Vegan — And What They’re Getting Wrong
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
In this solo episode of Vegan Boss Radio, I dive into the narratives of ex-vegans who’ve become outspoken anti-vegans. While I won’t name names, I break down some of the common claims they’re making, why the science doesn’t support them, and how misinformation about plant-based diets continues to spread online.
We’ll look at:
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The recurring myths about plant based nutrition
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Why their symptoms likely weren’t caused by a balanced vegan diet
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How extreme or overly restrictive versions of veganism often lead to burnout
I wrap up with an important reminder: if you're unsure whether you're meeting your nutrient needs, or you're dealing with any lingering health issues, it's essential to work with a qualified plant-based health professional. Don’t let misinformation derail your progress.
🌱 If you're looking to deepen your understanding of plant-based nutrition, check out my 15-hour Plant-Based Nutrition Course — it’s science-based, practical, and designed to help you thrive on a vegan diet. Please email me if you have any questions, or contact Pacific Rim College to register.
Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @vegan_boss on Instagram.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.
References:
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Hellerstein MK. De novo lipogenesis in humans: metabolic and regulatory aspects. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999.
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Field CJ, Ryan EA, Thomson AB, Clandinin MT. The effect of dietary fat on immune cell fatty acid composition and function. Lipids. 2000.
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Sutliffe J et al. C-reactive protein response to a vegan lifestyle intervention. Complement Ther Med. 2015
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Jordonson A et al. Vicia faba agglutinin, the lectin present in broad beans, stimulates differentiation of undifferentiated colon cancer cells. Gut. 1999
- Taylor E et al. DASH-style diet associates with reduced risk for kidney stones. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009
- Sampath A et al. Kidney stones and the ketogenic diet: risk factors and prevention. J Child Neurol. 2007
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López-González A et al. Phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphate) and risk factors for osteoporosis. J Med Food. 2008
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López-González A et al. Protective effect of myo-inositol hexaphosphate (phytate) on bone mass loss in postmenopausal women. Eur J Nutr. 2013
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Singh R et al. Mushroom Lectins as Promising Anticancer Substances. Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2016
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Chai, W., Liebman, M. Effect of Different Cooking Methods on Vegetable Oxalate Content. J Agric Food Chem. 2005.
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Pusztai, A., Grant, G. Lectin characterization protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2004.

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
#45 Desirée Dupuis - Social Entrepreneur, Author, and Founder of Voes & Co.
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
In this episode of Vegan Boss Radio, we explore what it means to live vegan — not just in our food choices, but in all areas of life. Being vegan is about more than diet; it’s a philosophy and lifestyle that avoids harm to animals, whether that’s in what we eat, what we wear, or the industries we support.
Our guest is Desirée Dupuis, founder of the luxury vegan footwear brand Voes & Co. We talk about how a book about health first sparked her interest in plant-based living, which eventually deepened into a lifelong ethical commitment to animals. Desirée shares her experience launching a fashion brand rooted in sustainability and values, and we dig into the impact of traditional leather production vs. plant-based and synthetic alternatives — and why it matters.
We also explore what it's really like to build a high-end vegan fashion brand, the importance of customer community, and how business can be a powerful vehicle for advocacy and change.
✨ Desirée's Bio:
With over two decades of experience in brand development, storytelling, and purpose-driven marketing, Desirée Dupuis is a force for conscious change. As a social entrepreneur, author, and speaker, she is redefining industries through sustainability, ethics, and innovation.
Desirée is the founder of Voes & Co, a global vegan footwear brand on a mission to revolutionize fashion with next-generation materials – proving that style, comfort, and sustainability can coexist without compromise.
Beyond business, Desirée is deeply committed to global impact and education. As Chair of Ruben’s Shoes Society, an international NGO she co-founded, she helps provide high-quality education to over 600 students in the Dominican Republic, breaking the cycle of poverty through learning.
A passionate vegan advocate since 2008, Desirée is on a mission to challenge the status quo, amplify conscious consumerism, and inspire others to create lasting change. She's the author of Consciously Chic: A Playbook for Ethical Fashion and is proud to share her thoughts on the future of fashion — beyond animals and plastic.
Find Desirée on her Instagram at @desireedupuis and Voes & Co at @voes_and_co, as well as the website voesandcompany.com.
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Need support with plant-based nutrition? I offer private consultations to help you build a balanced, sustainable approach. Check out synergynutrition.ca for details.
Check out the Vegan Boss apparel line to spread the vegan message wherever you go — everything is on the website and @vegan_boss on Instagram.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in.
