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Hosted by Shawna Barker, plant-based nutritionist and longtime vegan, Vegan Boss Radio is your place to explore everything from plant-based nutrition and health to vegan lifestyle, ethics, fitness, and the real-life challenges of living your values in a non-vegan world.
Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or simply interested in eating more plants and feeling your best, you’ll find practical, evidence-informed conversations designed to help you thrive.
Each episode features fascinating people from all walks of life, including nutrition experts, doctors, athletes, entrepreneurs, authors, activists, and the many other amazing vegans out there making a difference, sharing their knowledge, stories, and experiences.
Subscribe and start exploring Vegan Boss Radio.
Want personalized guidance with your plant-based diet?
Shawna offers 1:1 nutrition consultations and plant-based nutrition support through Synergy Nutrition, helping you build a healthy, balanced approach to eating more plants, without the overwhelm.
👉 Nutrition Services: synergynutrition.ca
Instagram: @vegan_boss
Facebook: @veganbossradio
And be sure to check out our new apparel line, Vegan Boss Apparel on our Shop page and Instagram: @veganbossapparel
Episodes

Aug 21, 2025
Aug 21, 2025
14 min
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!

Aug 14, 2025
Aug 14, 2025
1 hr 58 sec
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!

Aug 9, 2025
Aug 9, 2025
1 hr 6 min
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!

Jul 31, 2025
Jul 31, 2025
49 min
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.

Jul 24, 2025
Jul 24, 2025
59 min
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!

Jul 19, 2025
Jul 19, 2025
33 min
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.

Jul 10, 2025
Jul 10, 2025
1 hr 4 min
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.

Jun 27, 2025
Jun 27, 2025
1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Vegan Boss Radio, I’m joined by Kate Galli — Master Personal Trainer, Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, and host of the Healthification podcast.
Kate is qualified as a Master Personal Trainer, Life Coach, NLP Practitioner and has also completed the eCornell Plant Based Nutrition Certificate program.
Kate first got into fitness as a way to transform her body and confidence. She has spent 19 years helping 1,000's of individuals sculpt a body and life they love and over the past 9+ years has focused on Vegan Health Coaching as one of the most powerful ways to advocate for the animals is to be fit, strong and healthy.
Her vision: To create a fit, strong, happy, healthy, compassionate vegan world.
Via the Healthification podcast Kate has interviewed hundreds of passionate and compassionate authors, athletes, doctors and entrepreneurs.
We dive into a deeply honest conversation about the emotional side of veganism — especially the anger and frustration that can surface when you become aware of animal exploitation. Kate shares how she moved through these intense emotions, and how leading with love (rather than anger) has improved her advocacy, relationships, and joy.
We also explore how to stay grounded in this work without burning out, how to advocate in a way that truly connects, and why building a kind, compassionate vegan world begins within.
You can find Kate on her website: Strongbodygreenplanet.com , Instagram: @strongbodygreenplanet, Facebook: Strongbodygreenplanet, and Youtube: Strongbodygreenplanet
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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.

Jun 21, 2025
Jun 21, 2025
58 min
In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay O’Donnell — a seasoned marketing strategist, intuitive business coach, and former agency founder with over a decade of experience helping bold, purpose-driven brands grow their impact.
As the founder of PQ Consulting, Lindsay worked with dozens of food, wellness, and lifestyle businesses across North America, and now supports entrepreneurs in uncovering the mindset blocks and brand clarity they need to truly thrive — not just chase success.
She blends sharp strategy with deep intuition to help business owners trust their gut, get clear on their messaging, and market in a way that feels both effective and aligned.
Lindsay is also a longtime vegan — vegetarian for over 25 years and fully vegan for the last 15 — and we had a great conversation about all things marketing, vegan business, effective ways to promote veganism, and what it really means to show up authentically in a world of constant content.
You can find Lindsay on Instagram at @pq.consulting and her website pqconsultinggroup.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.

Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
1 hr 3 min
In this episode of Vegan Boss Radio, I’m joined by Akash Patel (@_plantitude), an MD/MBA student at the University of Miami with a passion for nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and health systems transformation.
He is particularly interested in how evidence-based, integrative approaches that combine conventional medicine with lifestyle interventions can improve patient outcomes and enhance chronic disease care.
Akash runs an Instagram page where he breaks down nutrition research and combats misinformation in an accessible way. He is especially focused on the role of plant-forward diets, not only for their benefits to human health, but also for their positive impact on planetary sustainability and animal welfare — three interconnected issues where meaningful change can start with what’s on our plates.
Akash hopes to pursue a career in oncology while helping shape a healthcare system that facilitates prevention, empowers patients, and takes a comprehensive approach to supporting well-being.
In this episode we discuss:
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Popular nutrition myths online, especially from the low-carb, keto, and carnivore communities
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Carbs aren’t the enemy, and we don’t need to fear them
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Persistent animal vs plant protein myths
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And a deep dive into the Keto CTA study — a controversial paper that attempted to downplay the risks of elevated LDL cholesterol from keto diets by failing to report its own primary outcome
You can find Akash on Instagram:
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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.
