Vegan and Vibrant Episode 11: Meredith Marin on Mindfulness and Making the World More Vegan

NOTE: As of October 2021, this podcast is no longer publishing new episodes; however, you can download mp3 files of all existing episodes at these show notes posts on the blog.

Meredith Marin is a freaking POWERHOUSE in the vegan community (and beyond).

I don’t have a lot to say to preface this one because I just want you to go listen to it 😆 You’re going to leave this conversation inspired to go MAKE SHIT HAPPEN!

In this conversation, Meredith tells the unique story that brought her to veganism, shares about how she used her community organizing skills to make Aruba the most vegan-friendly island in the Carribbean, and shares some hilarious horror stories of bad therapists she’s had (and what to look for in a good one).

To listen to this episode, download the mp3 file HERE.

About Meredith Marin

Meredith Marin is a vegan entrepreneur and mindfulness-based life coach with a master's in social work. She specializes in helping vegans lead with confidence, live with purpose, and make an impact on the world. She is the Founder and CEO of global brand Vegan Hospitality, helping vegans create more plant based options in their communities. Through private coaching and group programs, Meredith brings mindfulness and community organizing tools to vegans to help them become more effective activists and entrepreneurs.  Meredith currently lives in Florida with her vegan family and virtually coaches and teaches vegans all over the world to make an impact. You can find her online at meredithmarin.com, veganhospitality.com, and on Instagram at @meredithmarin.

Vegan and Vibrant Episode 10: Clare Mann on Vystopia & Seeing Each Others' Worth

NOTE: As of October 2021, this podcast is no longer publishing new episodes; however, you can download mp3 files of all existing episodes at these show notes posts on the blog.

If you’ve been vegan longer than 10 minutes, you’ve probably heard Clare Mann’s name, and/or her concept of “vystopia”— the term she coined for the “existential crisis experienced by vegans which arises out of an awareness of the trance-like collusion with a dystopian world.”

Since going vegan 11 years ago (and vegetarian many years before, “until I realized I was not a baby cow” 😂), Clare has dedicated much of her career as a psychologist to supporting the vegan community, as well as direct activism work with animals.

Clare was a big inspiration to me for deciding to target some of my work specifically for vegans. At first, the imposter syndrome voice said, “well she’s already been doing it, and much longer, and much better than you could. So why bother?” But then… according to research compiled from national surveys in numerous countries, there are likely around 79 million vegans in the world. And I’m pretty sure Clare can’t help them ALL.

So once I decided to get out of my own way, I felt empowered knowing that the more mental health providers there are out there supporting the vegan community, the more we can all collectively help the animals.

In this conversation, Clare and I got into so many rich topics— not just about veganism and how to survive the experience of vystopia, but also the importance of stepping back to see each other’s perspectives from a place of honoring everyone as valuable living beings, no matter our differences.

To listen to this episode, download the mp3 file HERE.

About Clare Mann

Clare Mann has practiced as a psychologist and organizational consultant for over twenty years. She is the author of numerous books and training programs. Beyond her work which clearly sits inside an ethical leadership model, Clare is an ethical vegan and a staunch defender of animal rights. She has studied the psychology of ethical veganism for over a decade, and is an active support within the community. You can find Clare's books and courses on her website at veganpsychologist.com, as well as information about her online counseling services.

Additional Resources + Stuff Mentioned in the Episode

• Follow Clare on Facebook and on Instagram @clare_mann

• Book: Vystopia - the anguish of being vegan in a non-vegan world

• Book: Myths of Choice - why people won't change and what you can do about it

• Essential Skills for Vegan Advocacy free video course

• George Monbiot OpEd for The Guardian: “I’ve converted to veganism to reduce my impact on the living world”

• George Monbiot video interview: “Is the rise in mental health issues linked to consumerism and toxic media?”