Viva! Vegan Podcast
Viva!
Welcome to the Viva! Vegan Podcast and News Minisode!
Co-hosted by Viva!'s head of comms, Faye Lewis, and Viva!'s head of investigations, Lex Rigby, each month they'll be serving up some cracking in-depth chats with some of the most interesting figures in the vegan movement.
Each Podcast episode features a different individual – breaking down their vegan journey and recounting their highs and lows – followed by a candid chat between Faye and Lex on everything from mushroom-based leather alternatives to terrible cooking blunders.
In our Vegan News Minisode, we deep-dive into the world of vegan news and politics in a quick ten-minute round-up of newsworthy events in veganism.
No matter where you are in your vegan journey, there'll be something for you in the Viva! Vegan Podcast and News Minisode.
The show is presented by Faye Lewis and Lex Rigby and is released on the first of every month.
Co-hosted by Viva!'s head of comms, Faye Lewis, and Viva!'s head of investigations, Lex Rigby, each month they'll be serving up some cracking in-depth chats with some of the most interesting figures in the vegan movement.
Each Podcast episode features a different individual – breaking down their vegan journey and recounting their highs and lows – followed by a candid chat between Faye and Lex on everything from mushroom-based leather alternatives to terrible cooking blunders.
In our Vegan News Minisode, we deep-dive into the world of vegan news and politics in a quick ten-minute round-up of newsworthy events in veganism.
No matter where you are in your vegan journey, there'll be something for you in the Viva! Vegan Podcast and News Minisode.
The show is presented by Faye Lewis and Lex Rigby and is released on the first of every month.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 16, 2026 • 47min
Activists Jacqui and Fiaz - Where Passion Meets Purpose
In this episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, Fiaz and Jacqui join us at the Base in Bristol to talk about their exciting new project, a documentary film in the making. We chat about what inspired the film, the stories they hope to tell and why documenting the realities of animal exploitation and the power of vegan activism matters more than ever. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the Base retreat, the challenges of filmmaking and the passion driving this powerful new project.
Mar 16, 2026 • 1h 1min
Charlotte Roy on Greenwashing, Vegan Myths & Kitchen Secrets
In this episode, award-winning vegan chef Charlotte Roy chats with Viva! PR Manager Rachael Simpson-Jones about the ever-evolving plant-based restaurant scene, her approach to delicious vegan cooking - and why she's got such beef with greenwashing. Covering everything from the "de-veganisation" of iconic restaurants to the store cupboard ingredients Charlotte can't live without, this cosy yet contentious chat is unmissable viewing for aspiring chefs and environmentally conscious cooks.
Mar 16, 2026 • 1h 2min
Undercover Truths & Sonic Protest: Gemunu De Silva Unfiltered
In this episode of the Viva! Vegan Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Gemanu De Silva following the release of his powerful new album Industry Standard. Known for his fearless work as an undercover investigator exposing animal cruelty, Gemanu reflects on his extensive career on the frontlines of animal rights. We talk about the emotional toll and motivation behind his investigations, how music has become another outlet for activism and how he has hope for the future. Trust us, you don't want to miss this one!
Mar 16, 2026 • 50min
Tom Ward on Laughs, Life & Taking Nothing for Granted
In this episode, Faye is joined by stand-up comedian Tom Ward. He talks about the inevitable go-to vegan jokes, shares his personal journey into veganism, reflects on what becoming a new father means to him, and explains why he believes we should all be questioning the systems currently in place.
Mar 16, 2026 • 60min
From Animals to Scandals: Chas Newkey-Burden Tells All
In this episode, author and journalist Chas Newkey-Burden joins Faye for a wide-ranging chat about his fascinating career, from diving deep into animal rights issues to penning headline-making biographies of pop culture heavyweights like Simon Cowell. Expect sharp insights, a few surprises, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories along the way.
Mar 16, 2026 • 30min
Exposing the Lies: Chris Packham's Battle Against Climate Myths
Juliet sits down with Chris Packham to discuss climate denialism and his efforts to challenge misinformation, including pushing back against the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in the UK. In this honest, thirty-minute conversation, Chris reflects on the importance of confronting false narratives, the resistance he's faced, and why speaking out has never been more critical.
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Why Top Chefs Hate Hearing This - Alexis Gautier in Conversation With Juliet Gellatley
Recorded live from the Education Stage at Vegan Camp Out, this lively episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast features French chef Alexis Gautier in conversation with Viva! founder Juliet Gellatley. Gautier shares his journey into vegan cuisine and how he's inspiring other chefs to embrace plant-based cooking – spoiler alert: it often means challenging their egos in the kitchen. Passionate, engaging, and full of insight, he captivates both the live audience and listeners alike, while Juliette's brilliant questions draw out the stories behind his culinary philosophy. This episode is a feast of inspiration for anyone interested in vegan food, creativity, and pushing boundaries.
Sep 4, 2025 • 7min
Inspeckta Veg: The Rapper They Never Saw Coming
In a playful and energetic episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, rapper and activist Inspeckta Veg talks about the unexpected journey that catapulted him into the spotlight with his viral hit Birdseye Baby Mums'. Blending sharp lyrics with a passion for plant-based living, he reflects on how music became his platform for spreading a positive message while breaking stereotypes about veganism. With humour and honesty, Inspector Veg shares the story behind his rise, the inspiration that fuels his creativity, and why he believes culture and music are powerful tools for change.
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
The Truth About Burnout No Activist Wants to Admit - Emily (Bite Size Vegan)
In a heartfelt episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, educator and content creator Emily Moran Barwick – better known as Bite Size Vegan – speaks openly about the realities of burnout and the importance of prioritising her health. Known for breaking down complex issues into clear, accessible content, Emily reflects on the pressures of constant creation and the challenges of sustaining activism online. Yet at the heart of her work remains a deep passion for helping others: she shares how meaningful it is when teachers use her videos in classrooms to inspire and educate the next generation about compassion and veganism. Honest, vulnerable and deeply committed, Emily offers an unfiltered look at both the struggles and the rewards of using digital platforms to create change.
Sep 4, 2025 • 27min
BOSH! How Two Friends Made Veganism Impossible to Miss
In a lively and insightful episode of the Viva! Vegan podcast, BOSH! founders Henry Firth and Ian Theasby sit down to talk about the journey that has made them two of the UK's most recognisable vegan voices. The duo reflect on stepping into their individual fortes – from recipe creation to big-picture strategy – while Henry opens up about the joys and challenges of raising his daughter on a vegan diet. Looking ahead, they reveal exciting plans to launch a new range of supermarket foods, designed to make plant-based living more convenient and accessible than ever. With their trademark humour and down-to-earth honesty, Henry and Ian share not only their passion for food, but also their vision of a future where veganism is mainstream, affordable and inspiring.
