A health scare changed everything for our special guest Dr. Melanie Joy, leading her from a routine, omnivorous life to a transformative vegan journey. In this episode, Melanie shares her powerful story, detailing how a wake-up call for personal health evolved into a deep commitment to veganism and advocacy. We explore the intricate link between individual well-being and the planet’s health, revealing how conscious dietary choices can create ripples of positive change.

We shine a light on the hidden belief system known as carnism, which conditions us to view certain animals as edible while disconnecting from our natural empathy towards them. Delving into Melanie’s influential book, “Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows,” we unpack the psychological defense mechanisms that allow compassionate individuals to participate in harmful practices. This chapter serves as a revealing look at societal norms and the cognitive dissonance that underpins our Relationships with animals.

Moving beyond dietary choices, we discuss the essential role of relational literacy and effective communication in fostering social change. Melanie’s academic journey into psychology highlights the importance of understanding the mind to drive lasting behavioral transformations. We also emphasize the need for self-care and community building, offering practical tools and resources to help advocates avoid burnout and maintain emotional well-being. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that blends personal narratives with deep psychological insights, aiming to inspire a more compassionate and mindful world.

Dr. Melanie Joy has long been a personal inspiration in my vegan journey, chatting with her was inspirational and an honor.

Guest Bio: Dr. Melanie Joy is an award-winning psychologist and educator and she’s the author of seven books, including the bestselling Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows; Beyond Beliefs, and How To End Injustice Everywhere. Her work has been featured in major media outlets around the world, and she has received a number of awards, including the Ahimsa Award – previously given to the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela – for her work on global nonviolence. Melanie has given talks and trainings in over 50 countries, and she is also the founding president of the international NGO Beyond Carnism. You can learn more about her work at carnism.org.

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Music by Matthew Baxley

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Carly Jean Puch Podcaster

As I stumbled through the perils of answering the ultimate question, "what do you want to do with your life?" I knew somehow my answer would incorporate helping others. This translated into paths that, when I tuned into the universe, I realized were very connected. (Funny how that always happens!)

People are complicated, messy, and layered with identities. So is this space. I am a meditation enthusiast that sits in quietness every morning and a lover of blasting 90's hip-hop at full volume. I'm a gym rat and a yoga instructor. I am both learner and a teacher. We are all many things. Together we can make them all work.

I love to share all the things I'm learning along the way. Learning how to be your most fabulous self but being honest about how damn hard and messy it can be along the way lets you speak your truth. It allows you to best use your voice for the causes that matter to you. Let's get healthy and change the world together!