Rip welcomes Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, “The Joyful Vegan,” to the PLANTSTRONG Podcast for a long overdue celebration of the massive growth and interest in all things plant-based - especially in the 15-20 years. An empath and advocate her whole life, Patrick-Goudreau, first began her life’s purpose and awakening at age 19 after reading John Robbins’ Diet for a New America and then later, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry by investigative journalist Gail Eisnitz. This awakening led to her life’s work, which now includes multiple books, podcasts, radio/TV appearances, cooking classes, and group vegan trips around the world. She and Rip discuss:Her Awareness, Sensitivity, and Compassion toward animal suffering as a young girlFinding a Balance in Activism and Emotional Well-beingBeing a Joyful Vegan: Finding Wonder and Gratitude in VeganismStruggles and Difficulties of Coming Out as Vegan to FamilyDeveloping Empathic Communication SkillsManaging Emotions and Compassion in Difficult InteractionsThe Power of Openness, Vulnerability, and Compassion in ConversationsFinding a Balance between Belonging vs. Staying True to ValuesOvercoming Challenges in Relationships with Different DietsEffective Advocacy and Communication in Relationships“Eating the Rainbow” and Exploring Different Phytochemicals and Their ColorsExploring Culinary Delights in France and Italy with her Joyful Vegan TripsHer Passion for History and What it Can Teach Us About the Present If you’re a fan of Colleen’s, then, of course, you’ll love this episode. If you’re not familiar with Colleen and her work, prepare to be impacted by her deep, deep compassion and empathy for all of life, and especially how to help others in their own transitions. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, affectionately known as the joyful vegan, is a recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately and healthfully. A long-time animal advocate and vegan, Patrick-Goudreau is a bestselling author of seven books, an acclaimed speaker, producer of one of the longest-running podcasts, a regular contributor to National Public Radio, and the host of luxury vegan trips around the world. She can be found at JoyfulVegan.com.Visit PLANTSTRONG Foods and stock up on all of our latest products:https://plantstrongfoods.com/ Join our PLANTSTRONG Sedona Retreat - October 9-14, 2023:https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/2023-sedona-retreat Purchase Tickets to our 12th Annual Plant-Stock - September 22-24, 2023https://plantstrongfoods.com/pages/plant-stock-landing-page-2023 Follow PLANTSTRONG on Facebook for tips, recipes, and the chance to see Rip live each weekhttps://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong PLANTSTRONG Instagram - Check us out and share your favorite PLANTSTRONG products and why you love it! Don’t forget to tag us using #goplantstrong ??https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/PLANTSTRONG Meal Plannerhttps://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ PLANTSTRONG Coaching Programhttps://myplantstrong.com/b/trailblazer Theme Music for Episodehttps://app.soundstripe.com/songs/10845