Vegan Boss Radio

In this episode, I chat with Sylvain Karpinski, founder and CEO of GUSTA Foods and SLY Foods, and one of the most innovative voices in Canada’s vegan food landscape.

Sylvain has been vegan for two decades and has built two successful plant based companies rooted in his passion for sustainability, flavour, and adventure. GUSTA Foods quickly became a staple in Canadian grocery stores with its artisanal, clean-label vegan sausages, roasts, and cheeses. More recently, Sylvain launched SLY Foods: a line of gourmet, freeze-dried, plant based meals designed for adventurers who want nutritious, long-lasting meals that taste amazing.

In this conversation, we explore:
• Sylvain’s vegan journey and what inspires his work
• The origins and growth of GUSTA Foods
• Why he created SLY Foods and the gap it fills for outdoor enthusiasts
• How the plant-based meat alternative market has evolved
• His experiences as an adventure athlete and how that shaped SLY Foods

This is an inspiring, insightful episode for anyone interested in vegan entrepreneurship, plant based innovation, or the intersection of food and adventure.

Learn more at both @gustafoods and @slyfoods.ca

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Before the interview, I also share details about my upcoming 15-Hour Plant Based Nutrition Course, running online through Pacific Rim College on Thursdays from 8am-11am PST from January 8th to February 5th. Open to everyone, not just students, this course covers nutrient requirements, how to respond to common criticisms of vegan diets, and evidence-based explanations for popular plant based nutrition myths.

More info & to register: Pacific Rim College School of Continuing Education

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🥗 Need help with your plant-based nutrition? Book a private consultation at synergynutrition.ca for personalized guidance to meet your nutrient needs and feel your best.

👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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.

 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!

In this mini solo episode, I share the 10 things that I wish everyone knew about being vegan. Everything from why veganism is not a diet, to the funny (and sometimes frustrating) realities of navigating a non-vegan world.

I discuss the emotional and practical sides of vegan life: dealing with constant “nutrition experts,” learning to be overprepared, handling the never-ending jokes, and remembering that even when it doesn’t feel like it, every vegan choice makes a difference.

I also talked about a new video by past guest Natalie Fulton about how vegans “lost the culture war,” exploring how veganism’s boom after Cowspiracy and EAT-Lancet was met with backlash from the meat industry and media misinformation.

The episode wraps up with my own vegan story, which is coming up to my 32 year anniversary of going vegetarian this month, and how that eventually led to going vegan in 2002. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• My private vegan nutrition consultations and upcoming Plant Based Nutrition Course - detail can be found at synergynutrition.ca

• Natalie Fulton’s video “How Vegans Lost the Culture War” on YouTube

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🥗 Need help with your plant-based nutrition? Book a private consultation at synergynutrition.ca for personalized guidance to meet your nutrient needs and feel your best.

👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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.

 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!

Why do we love some animals but eat others?

In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Harvard-educated psychologist and author Dr. Melanie Joy to explore the invisible belief system of carnism, and how it shapes our values, culture, and food choices.

We discuss the emotional side of activism, how to navigate anger and grief, and the importance of compassion, not just toward animals, but toward ourselves and each other. Dr. Joy also opens up about her new novel, A Half-Hearted Death Wish, and what inspired her to share this deeply human story.

Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or simply interested in the psychology of eating, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of why society eats certain animals but not others.

Learn more about Dr. Joy’s work at melaniejoy.org and carnism.org, as well as her Instagram @drmelaniejoy , and the Beyond Carnism Instagram @beyondcarnism. ____________________________________________________________________

🥗 Need help with your plant-based nutrition? Book a private consultation at synergynutrition.ca for personalized guidance to meet your nutrient needs and feel your best.

👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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.

 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!

Soy is one of the most misunderstood foods out there — even within the vegan and plant-based community. In this mini solo episode, I break down the top myths about soy and share what the latest research really says.

From hormones and breast cancer risk to thyroid health, “processed” tofu claims, and concerns about soy and the environment — this episode covers it all. You’ll learn why soy doesn’t increase estrogen or lower testosterone, how it may actually protect against certain cancers, and why cutting it out of your diet could mean missing out on a nutrient-dense, protein-packed food with decades of proven health benefits.

Whether you’re still unsure about soy or just need some science-backed facts to share with skeptics, this episode will help you feel confident adding tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and edamame to your meals.

Studies mentioned in this episode:

1. Dairy, soy, and risk of breast cancer: those confounded milks

2. Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis

3. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Effect of Soy on Thyroid Function

4. Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies

5. Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis

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👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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!

In this episode, I'm speaking with Dr. Jade Dittaro, a hospitalist, plant-based physician, and board certified lifestyle medicine practitioner. 

Dr. Dittaro has spent years helping patients make meaningful changes to support their recovery and long-term health. She’s passionate about plant-based nutrition, preventive care, and empowering people with practical, evidence-based tools for improving wellbeing.

We talked about her work in the hospital system and how receptive patients are to eating more plants, how Canada’s national health guidelines support plant-based diets, the first small steps to take if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and what it’s like raising kids on a plant-based diet.

Learn more about Dr. Dittaro on her Instagram @drjadedittaro and Facebook @drjadedittaro.

Dr. Dittaro mentioned both Aroga and LifestyleRx as places to find lifestyle medicine practitioners.

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👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tila Kansagra, also known as The Plant Promoting Doctor on YouTube. Dr. Tila is Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine, holds a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition, and works as a GP and private lifestyle coach. She supports clients with their health and weight loss goals by focusing on the six key pillars of lifestyle medicine—nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, healthy relationships, and avoidance of risky substances—alongside their medical care.

We talked about her personal health journey, how lifestyle medicine has shaped her practice with patients, and the importance of making small, sustainable changes that truly last.

We also touched briefly on the misconception that carbs are to blame for type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that intramyocellular lipids play an important role in insulin sensitivity, and vegans have been found to have about 30% lower levels. For anyone interested, here’s the study I mentioned: “A low fat vegan diet and a conventional diabetes diet in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled 74-week clinical trial.”

Learn more about Dr. Tila on her YouTube Channel @plant_promoting_doctor, her Instagram @plant_promoting_doctor, and her website plantpromotingdoctor.com.

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👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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!

In this episode, I'm joined by Natalie Fulton, a passionate advocate for the animals, who went vegan during the pandemic and vowed to do whatever she could to help. Since then, she’s been creating content on YouTube, Substack, and Instagram, while also serving as the Media and Content Lead for Pro-Animal Future.

In this episode, Natalie shares her experience with different forms of activism, from street outreach to creative campaigns like Elwood’s Dog Meat, and reflects on what’s most effective for inspiring others to take action. We also dive into broader topics like whether Gen Z is going vegan, and the ways veganism intersects with politics and culture today.

This conversation is both thought-provoking and inspiring—whether you’re new to activism or looking for new ideas on how to make an impact, you’ll take a lot from Natalie’s insights.

Learn more about Natalie on her YouTube @Natalie.Fulton and Instagram @nattiefulton.

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👉 If you’re ready to take the next step in your own nutrition journey, book a free 15-minute discovery call with me to learn more about 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!

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:

• Practical strategies to create food and lifestyle habits that stick

• A deep dive into the six pillars of health

• 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!

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!

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!