When I transitioned to veganism, I found several vegan podcasts to be sources of invaluable information.  I simply loaded them on my iPod, and educated myself while I walked, worked out, or participated in life. These podcasts are easily available through iTunes, free of charge. (Of course, if you really appreciate them, the sponsors do appreciate donations, too.)

The first podcasts that I discovered were Colleen Patrick-Goudreaux and her Vegetarian Food for Thought series.  Colleen is a great teacher with well-researched information delivered in a kind but relentless manner – she gives you the straight scoop, so be prepared. She also gives you some literary offerings, some dietary suggestions, and loads of truth about the current state of being an animal in the world today.  She offers cooking classes and sells her DVDs and cookbooks (a new one has just been released!) on her website, and adds a host of other informative ideas.  You can even buy her helpful DVDs in bulk at a very low cost, so you can inform your friends and family who might be interested.  See her Compassionate Cooks website.

Not to be missed is the Vegan Freaks podcast series with Drs. Bob and Jenna Torres.  ”Coming to you from their elite fortress of moral superiority,  here are your protein-deprived hosts…” begins each segment.  This is always entertaining and informative and has a bit of spice to it – they are not concerned about telling it with a bit of color (in the language that is!).  Bob has written a few books well worth checking out too, and they run Tofu Hound Press, which supports vegan authors.  This podcast lets you feel like a visit with the best of friends who are also smart and cheeky.  Check out Vegan Freak for more information. And get a copy of his books while you are at it.

Vegan Radio is the podcast about the vegan culture and happenings, including information about the vegan bus that runs on used food oil, spreading the word  about veganism. Listening to their podcasts is like being on the road with them — always an adventure, always educational, always worth the trip.  They keep you abreast of current vegan events and culture while allowing you into their world, their sense of humor, and their most obvious compassion and thoughtfulness.  A recent listen was something about George Clooney’s sweat and tofu (???)….well, you just have to listen to make the connection.  Check out  the Vegan Bus or Vegan Radio for more information.

One of my new faves is Alternative Vegan, where one can garner information about cooking, veganism, produce, herbs, cooking, storing food and a host of other pragmatic and helpful topics — I am left feeling like I have my own personal vegan mentor.   Our host, Dino, is very down to earth and very aware of the culinary options for us vegans.  I relisten to these podcast more than any others, because they are like going to a Vegan University — without the tuition. Good podcast, good information! I am a BIG Dino fan and just purchased his book, which is all produce, all the time.  Dino’s blog is also wonderful; be sure the check it out.

And A Couple More…

There is a good fitness podcast that is also helpful to those of you who are fitness buffs: Fitness Rocks.  Dr. Monte Ladner gives well-researched information about a host of topics.  Since I try to keep my recipes, like my lifestyle, pretty simple and healthy, I really appreciate the passion Dr. Monte puts into helping me do the same.  He is also involved in a new venture, Fit Talk, an interactive fitness podcast with a wider net. This M.D. also has a blog.

For the animal lover in you, there is Animal Voices. This Toronto-based program gives an update on news that concerns animals, interviews with leaders in the field of animal rights, and discussions on relevant animal-related topics. This is a very professionally produced program, filled with good information and jam-packed with data and resources.  Kudos, AV!!

Be sure to support these excellent podcasters by leaving reviews and votes on iTunes and Podcast Alley. They offer a wealth of free information and support to all of us looking for a healthy, compassionate lifestyle.

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