Plant Proof

In Episode 89 I sit down with a long time friend of mine, Sean Ryan. Sean and I recently caught up for dinner and he expressed interest in changing his lifestyle. Particularly given that cardiovascular disease runs in his family and he is ticking quite a few of the boxes when it comes to modifiable risk factors for having a heart attack or stroke. In fact lifestyle changes are something that Sean has been embarking on for the better part of a year with mixed results. He cannot help but feel confused by all of the mixed messages that that exist across the internet and among health professionals in his community and in many respects has been left feeling disempowered and unsure what to do. As Sean and I got talking during our dinner I realised how valid his questions were and suggested we shared our conversations, and his journey to better health, as a series on this show to hopefully inspire others. He generously agreed and here we are - the first of a handful of episodes with Sean. In this episode we cover: 1 - Why Sean wants to change his lifestyle 2 - We hear bit's and pieces about Sean's past and life growing up 3 - Why he is confused about what to eat 4 - Why some of the things I say are evidence based are different to what the Heart Association recommend 5 - Answers to questions he has about a plant-based diet 6 - A plan from here Over the course of the next few months I will upload follow up conversations with Sean where we check back in, get an update, go through any questions he has and make plans for the next period. In the next episode we will be discussing his baseline blood tests, his first grocery experience, how he is feeling physically and mentally, what it's been like creating meals without animal products and of course any new questions that he has. Slightly different format that I hope you enjoy. If you do, please share the episode on social media (I know Sean would love your support) and leave a review on the Apple Podcast app. Either or both would be greatly appreciated! Happy listening friends, Simon Hill Instagram - Book coming out 2020 published with Penguin that I cannot wait to share with you (all proceeds being donated to charity)

In Episode 88 I sit down with Seb Alex to talk about the importance of animal welfare and what life looks like through the lens of an Animal Activist. Specifically we cover: Normalising veganism The impossible burger: Does he eat it and what does he think about their practices? Things to consider when supporting large chains like Hungry Jacks who have added vegan burgers onto their menu What is a vegan? What is a sentient being? Different levels of sentience Are oysters sentient beings? What is speciesism? Growing up in Lebanon and his transition to a vegetarian diet and then ultimately a vegan diet Is veganism extreme? Developing the courage to be an activist The notion of 'humane' slaughter - does it exist? Ag-Gag laws protecting the animal agriculture industry and much much more I completely understand this episode and the topic of animal welfare is often a little uncomfortable (I totally get it) and perhaps you have a stereotypical view of an animal activist being angry, weird and violent. I know I used to. Today’s guest, Animal Activist Seb Alex, is anything but that and I urge all of you, vegan or not, to listen to this conversation with an open mind. Even if you’re not interested in veganism it’s interesting to listen to what people from different walks of lives have to say…how they see the world. 10 years ago if I came across this podcast - I would probably keep scrolling. In fact I definitely would of. I often think about my early University days and why I never stopped to think about eating animal products. I grew up loving dogs and farm animals…but I never once fully appreciated the connection between my food plate with an animals life and how my consumption affected their happiness. The odd thing is I look back on myself a decade ago and I see the same person…the values and beliefs were there but I was closed. I was not in a place to allow new ideas to challenge the way I had been programmed. Now that I understand the power of opening your mind I have discussions with people all the time who see things differently to me not just about nutrition but all things in life. I can escape the echo chamber that we so often comfortably find ourselves in. A place where there is the natural tendency to only surround yourself with people who share your thoughts. I always walk away from these conversations. Happy that they give me the opportunity to challenge my beliefs and think a little deeper. Happy they gave me an opportunity to learn something new. It’s these types of conversations that allow our minds to expand. You may find todays message resonates with you. You may find it takes you to places in your mind that you have never visited. You may find it doesn’t. The point is, you will be better informed with regards to how an animal activist sees the world, you will better understand their perspective and then with that you can do what you want! If this isnt an episode for you right now -thats completely fine, jump over to any number of previous episodes on nutrition and come back to this one when it feels right. RESOURCES: Book coming out 2020 published with Penguin that I cannot wait to share with you (all proceeds being donated to charity)

In Episode 87 I sit down with Marie Fe & Jake Snow who are arguably two of the most inspiring individuals that I've come across using social media to build a powerful community with purpose. It was a pleasure to sit down with them, share their story, talk about various aspects of their life that they place great importance on and celebrate the positives of using social media. Specifically we covered: Both of their back stories How they met How they funded their first travels The importance of a plant based diet & their inspiration to change the way they eat The evolution of their social media content Why they feel the desire to share information about important global issues Do Good Monday's and much more Resources: Book coming out 2020 published with Penguin that I cannot wait to share with you (all proceeds being donated to charity)

In Episode 86 I sit down with AFL player and vegan athlete Chris Mayne to talk about his transition to a plant-based diet as a professional athlete. Chris plays for the Collingwood football club, the largest club in Australia, and in the past few years despite immense pressure from the media has been able to take his game to the next level. In this Episode we cover: The Ups and Downs of his career Why he left the Fremantle football club for Collingwood When he changes his diet and why The impact that changing his diet has had on his life and football A typical day of eating What his teammates, friends and family think of the way he eats Advice for young players and the importance of a good support group Raising a baby on a plant-based diet and much more Hope you enjoy this episode friends. It was great to sit down with someone like Chris who is living proof that you can eat a plant-only diet and perform optimally at the top level . Perfect timing with the Game Changers documentary having just been released. If you enjoyed the episode please let Book coming out 2020 published with Penguin that I cannot wait to share with you (all proceeds being donated to charity)

In Episode 85 I sat down with plant based athlete Catriona Bisset, Australian track athlete who currently holds the national record for the 800m event. If you haven't heard of Catriona chances are you will very soon - seemingly coming out of nowhere she is destined to represent Australia at the 2020 Tokyo olympics. Specifically we cover: Catriona's days as a young track athlete and the pressures she felt Her struggles with anxiety, depression and disordered eating Adopting a plant based diet and her purpose for doing so The ins and outs of her diet and how she has worked through specific aspects to improve her well-being and performance Setting the Australian national record for the 800m event Being an olympic hopeful and voice for positive change and much more RESOURCES/REFERENCES: Book coming out 2020 published with Penguin that I cannot wait to share with you (all proceeds being donated to charity)