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In this inspiring episode, Naomi Hallum chats with siblings Todd and Jody Boyman, founders of Hungry Planet, a brand revolutionizing the plant-based meat industry. Todd and Jody share their journey from launching a passion-driven business to creating nutritious, eco-friendly, and delicious plant-based alternatives that empower people to make compassionate food choices.
They discuss the hurdles of entering the plant-based market, the rise and fall of industry trends, and the importance of raising children with values rooted in health, sustainability, and compassion.
Naomi, Todd, and Jody explore the cultural shift toward plant-based eating, the impact of the Standard American Diet (SAD), and how food choices shape the planet and our future generations.
The Boymans leave listeners with a powerful reminder: the choices we make with food are a form of activism, shaping the world for the better.
From Passion to Purpose:
Todd highlights the challenges of the food industry, emphasizing the need for a strong, mission-driven team.Jody, an activist at heart, explains how their passion for providing a gateway to healthy,sustainable eating fuels Hungry Planetâs mission.Challenges in the Plant-Based Industry:
Early plant-based products often lacked nutrition or taste, but Hungry Planet set out to change that by creating alternatives with no saturated fats that are both healthy and flavorful.Todd notes how some rushed products hurt the plant-based category, but Hungry Planetâs long-term vision ensured a high-quality offering.The Meaning Behind âHungry Planetâ:
The name reflects the mission to feed the world with sustainable, nutritious food, addressing hunger while minimizing harm to animals and the environment.Cultural Shifts and Plant-Based Diets:Jody shares how most traditional cultures emphasize plant-forward meals and how the Standard American Diet (SAD) has shifted toward meat-heavy eating.Todd and Jody discuss the importance of questioning the origins of food and fostering a connection between whatâs on our plates and where it comes from.Raising Vegan Children:
Jody raised her children vegan, ensuring they never felt ostracized by allowing them to enjoy plant-based "junk food" for inclusion.Todd shares how his children, raised on health and sustainability values, naturally embraced veganism.Empowering Kids Through Food Choices:
Naomi discusses how raising kids to think critically about food and its impact on the planet fosters confidence and compassion.Jody highlights the role of language in shaping perceptions, pointing out how terms like "burger" and "pork" disconnect consumers from the animals behind the food.Food as Activism:
Jody sees food as a powerful tool for activism, reflecting her passion for animals and the environment.Resources MentionedHungry Planet FoodsTime-Stamps & Key Topics[01:25] Introduction to Todd and Jody Boyman: Revolutionizing Plant-Based Eating
[02:29] The Inspiration Behind Hungry Planet: Passion Meets Purpose
[06:30] Overcoming Challenges: Starting a Plant-Based Meat Company
[08:23] Redefining Plant-Based Food: Healthy, Nutritious, and Delicious
[10:02] The Mission of Hungry Planet: Sustainability and Compassion
[11:46] The Standard American Diet (SAD) and Its Impact on Health
[12:43] âWho Did This Used to Be?â: Questioning the Origin of Food
[13:55] Providing Foods That Donât Ostracize Children
[15:49] Normalizing Healthy Eating for Future Generations
[18:00] Toddâs Vegan Journey: A Personal Transformation
[21:42] Exploring New Foods: Expanding Palates Through Veganism
[24:13] Raising Vegan Children: Compassion and Inclusion
[31:06] Were the Boyman Kids Happy Growing Up Vegan?
[33:40] Cognitive Dissonance: Aligning Food Choices with Values
[36:01] How Jodyâs Kids Feel About Her Passion for Veganism
[39:14] How Toddâs Kids Describe Him and His Thoughts on Jody -
In this powerful episode, Naomi Hallum sits down with Dominick Thompson, a vegan advocate, author of Eat What Elephants Eat, and founder of a vegan nutrition program by the same name. Dom shares his transformative journey from prison to becoming a compassionate vegan athlete, entrepreneur, and "fur parent."
They discuss everything from the emotional connection between humans and animals to breaking stereotypes around masculinity and veganism. Domâs message is rooted in compassionâfor animals, the environment, and marginalized communities impacted by factory farming.
Naomi and Dom leave listeners with an empowering message: Itâs never too late to align your actions with your values. Whether itâs embracing compassion for animals, protecting the environment, or improving your health, every choice matters.
Domâs story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and hope.
Key TakeawaysThe Power of Compassion:
Dom shares how his dog, Scruff McFly, helped him rediscover his heart after prison. Their bond taught him vulnerability and patience.Losing Scruff was heartbreaking, but the experience allowed Dom to open his heart again and practice compassion in all areas of life.From Prison to Veganism:
Dom recalls a defining moment in prison when he connected meat to the animals he loved as a child. This realization inspired his mantra: âIf it requires harm, I donât want anything to do with it.âProtein Myths and Vegan Fitness:
Dom debunks the myth of protein deficiency in plant-based diets, sharing how his strength and health improved after transitioning to veganism. In prison, he even excelled in weightlifting competitions.Naomi and Dom discuss how the food industry hides the reality of meat production to make it more palatable, disconnecting consumers from the truth.âEat What Elephants Eatâ:
Dom started a viral campaign with his slogan âEat What Elephants Eatâ to highlight that some of the strongest animals are herbivores. This grew into a successful nutrition program and book designed to make veganism accessible and affordable.Redefining Masculinity:
As one of the first men of color to promote veganism, Dom advocates for redefining masculinity to include compassion and empathy. He emphasizes that being vegan doesnât make you less masculineâit can make you stronger and more protective of others.Environmental Racism and Consumer Choices:
Dom highlights how factory farming harms marginalized communities, from polluting neighborhoods to exploiting undocumented workers in dangerous conditions. He urges consumers to consider the broader impact of their food choices.Itâs Never Too Late to Change:
Dom shares his journey as an ex-felon who rebuilt his life and encourages listeners to believe in their potential, no matter their past. âNever judge a book by its cover,â he says.Naomi reminds listeners to have compassion for themselves during the transition to veganism, emphasizing that even small steps can make a big difference.Resources MentionedEat What Elephants Eat by Dominick Thompson: Simon & SchusterEat What Elephants Eat Nutrition Program: WebsiteTime-Stamps & Key Topics[01:15] Introducing Dominick Thompson: From Prison to Compassionate Vegan Advocate
[02:35] Rediscovering Compassion Through Fur Babies
[03:17] The Life-Changing Bond with Scruff McFly
[05:53] Compassionate Beginnings: Domâs Early Connection to Animals
[14:13] A Defining Moment in Prison: Aligning Actions with Values
[19:18] Transitioning to Veganism: A Journey of Resilience and Hope
[22:02] The Disconnect Between Food and Animals: Breaking the Illusion
[24:45] From Prison to Vegan Advocate: Building a New Life
[24:57] Building a Vegan Empire: Crazies and Weirdos
[28:18] Eat What Elephants Eat: Making Veganism Accessible
[30:06] Redefining Masculinity Through Compassion and Veganism
[33:26] The Intersection of Veganism and Social Justice
[37:05] A Cookbook with a Cause: Vegan Recipes for Change
[41:42] A Story of Redemption and Hope: Domâs Inspirational Journey
[43:12] Closing Thoughts: Empowering Listeners to Align with Their Values -
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In this insightful episode, Naomi Hallum speaks with Dr. Angie Sadeghi, a gastroenterologist and mother to a teenage son, about raising plant-based children, gut health, and the challenges of parenting. Dr. Sadeghi shares her journey from being a sick child to becoming a physician focused on prevention and nutrition. The conversation explores empowering children to make their own dietary choices, the role of fiber in gut health, and tackling misinformation about plant-based diets.
Dr. Sadeghi emphasizes the importance of educating children about nutrition and ethics, setting them up for a lifetime of good health and compassion.
Key TakeawaysEmpowering Teenagers:
Dr. Sadeghi discusses letting teenagers make their own choices while providing guidance and support. âItâs important to let them experience trial and error,â she says, as parents arenât always right.Naomi shares how her mother apologized for making her eat meat, realizing later that her beliefs were based on misinformation.The Role of Curiosity in Dietary Choices:
Dr. Sadeghi recounts how her son, at age 3, questioned where chicken nuggets came from and developed an aversion to eating animals. This curiosity led him to stop eating meat entirely.Nutrition and Gut Health:
Foods to Avoid: Saturated fats from animal products can harm gut health by causing inflammation and conditions like leaky gut.Foods to Embrace: Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are essential for gut health, supporting beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation.Vegan diets need to focus on whole, plant-based foods rather than processed alternatives.Challenges in Medicine and Nutrition Education:
Dr. Sadeghi points out that medical school focuses more on treating diseases than preventing them. Nutrition is barely covered, leaving doctors without adequate tools to educate patients.As a physician, she feels a responsibility to share accurate information about the harms of meat and dairy and the benefits of a plant-based diet.Parenting with Different Beliefs:
Dr. Sadeghi opens up about raising a vegan child while co-parenting with someone who does not share her dietary beliefs. She emphasizes teaching children science and values while allowing them to find their own path.Veganism and Ethics:
A whole-food, plant-based diet is one of the best gifts parents can give their children. It fosters better health, prevents disease, and aligns with compassionate living.Resources MentionedDr. Angie Sadeghi: Institute of Plant-Based MedicineTime-Stamps & Key Topics[01:15] Meet Dr. Angie Sadeghi: From Sick Child to Nutrition-Focused Physician
[02:35] Challenges of Raising Teenagers and Empowering Their Choices
[04:43] Parental Influence on Dietary Choices and Encouraging Curiosity
[09:24] Becoming a Doctor and Focusing on the Root Causes of Illness
[14:46] Discovering the Transformative Power of Plant-Based Nutrition
[18:10] The Evolution of Medical Knowledge and the Gaps in Nutrition Education
[20:22] The Power of the Gut Microbiome: Foods That Harm and Heal
[22:04] The Dairy Dilemma: Addressing Myths and Misconceptions
[22:29] The Role of Physicians in Educating About Gut Health
[22:58] Diet and Gut-Related Diseases: Preventing Illness Through Nutrition
[23:49] Prevention Over Medication: A New Healthcare Paradigm
[25:56] Gut Health from Birth: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Wellness
[27:36] Raising Vegan Children: Fostering Health and Compassion
[32:26] Challenges of Co-Parenting with Different Dietary Beliefs
[34:16] The Social Aspect of Veganism: Helping Kids Feel Included
[39:09] Parenting Struggles and Successes: Lessons from Dr. Sadeghi
[41:11] Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Raising Plant-Based Families -
Welcome to the debut episode of Raising GenV! Host Naomi Hallum chats with Dr. Reshma Shah, pediatrician and author, about raising plant-based families. They explore Dr. Shahâs journey, empowering children in their food choices, tackling fussy eating, and ensuring proper nutrition with plant-based formulas, milk alternatives, and key nutrients. Dr. Shah highlights compassion, conversation, and community as essential tools for a successful transition to plant-based living.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Shahâs Plant-Based Journey:
Dr. Shah shares her story of growing up vegetarian, briefly eating meat, and transitioning to veganism. Her familyâs Jainism-inspired values of non-violence influenced her upbringing and shaped her approach to nutrition. She gradually transitioned her own children to a vegetarian diet, respecting their autonomy and allowing them to make their own choices.Empowering Children:
Naomi and Dr. Shah discuss the importance of giving children autonomy over their food choices. By providing nutritional and ethical information, parents can encourage thoughtful decision-making without forcing their beliefs. âI like to reframe it as an invitation instead of saying, âYou must do this,ââ says Dr. Shah.Nutrition and Safety for Plant-Based Kids:Infants: Dr. Shah explains that FDA-approved plant-based formulas can be a safe and healthy option for babies. She cautions against homemade formulas and stresses that parents should consult their pediatricians.Toddlers and Older Kids: Soy milk and pea protein milk are preferred options due to their protein and calorie content. Breastfed infants should receive vitamin D supplements, and B12 supplements are recommended for all plant-based children.Protein and Fiber: Vegan and vegetarian kids generally get enough protein but should include intentional protein sources like tofu, tempeh, peanut butter, and beans. Fiber intake is also typically higher in plant-based diets.Addressing Picky Eating and Food Preferences:Neophobia, or fear of new foods, is a normal part of childhood development. Dr. Shah advises reducing pressure around meals and modeling healthy eating behaviors.Care but donât cater: Dr. Shahâs approach involves letting her kids express meal preferences but sticking to one family meal. Involving kids in meal planning and preparation can also foster enthusiasm for healthy eating.Transitioning Your Family:
Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and taking small, manageable steps. âHave fun along the way! Itâs supposed to be a diet of abundance,â she says. Her book serves as a practical guide for families making the shift.Veganism and Compassion:
When discussing the ethics of plant-based eating with children, Dr. Shah advises letting their curiosity guide the conversation. âVeganism is rooted in compassion, so we want to have compassion in our conversations.âResources Mentioned:
Dr. Reshma Shahâs Book: âNourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for FamiliesâStudy on Children and Food Exposure: Repeated Exposure and Food Acceptance in Young Children - USDA NESR Systematic ReviewTime-Stamps & Key Topics
[00:00] Introduction to Vegan Parenting
[00:30] Dr. Shahâs journey to a plant-based diet
[05:27] Transitioning her children to vegetarianism and veganism
[08:29] Respecting childrenâs dietary autonomy in plant-based eating
[11:01] Empowering kids with information and curiosity
[14:57] Is a 100% plant-based diet safe for kids under 2 years old?
[19:38] Nutritional considerations for plant-based diets
[21:50] Is plant-based formula safe?
[26:13] Best plant-based milk for kids
[31:36] Tips for picky eaters and encouraging new foods
[37:29] Exploring kidsâ natural curiosity about veganism
[39:56] How honest should parents be about where meat and dairy come from?
[42:33] First steps for transitioning your family to a plant-based diet
[45:23] The philosophy behind a plant-based lifestyle -
Hosted by Naomi Hallum, Raising Gen V celebrates, educates, and eliminates misapprehensions around vegan parenting, with each episode tailored towards nurturing healthy, kind, and conscientious children. We chat to parents of different genders, backgrounds and cultures, to parents of both young and older children, and to people with a strong knowledge of the nutritional, ethical, environmental, and philosophical benefits of raising children vegan.
