Holly Johnson of Vegan Food & Living on Misinformation, Community and Staying Optimistic

Lorraine and Steve speak with Holly Johnson, Senior Editor of Vegan Food and Living about her path into veganism, the realities of plant-based journalism, and why community matters so much in the movement. The conversation covers activism through food, misinformation about ultra processed foods, and how to keep showing up with optimism in a noisy world. ###### **Key points:** - Holly’s compassion for animals began in childhood - A vegan bootcamp and cooking workshop changed everything at age 39 - Veganism transformed both her health and her career - She enjoys the creative process of sourcing recipes and making content - Learning the truth about factory farming has been the hardest part - Ultra processed food narratives are often unfairly used against vegan food - Cooking impressive vegan meals is her favorite form of activism - Community at events like Vegan Campout helps people stay motivated - Her call to action is to stay positive, hopeful, and lead by example ###### **Timeline:** 00:00 Introduction to Holly Johnson and her work 01:33 Why the Vegan Food and Living podcast paused 03:15 Vegan Campout and the energy of vegan community 05:21 The creative side of editing a plant-based magazine 07:09 Rejoining the magazine and testing recipes 08:40 How recipes are sourced and commissioned 12:32 Holly’s childhood roots in animal advocacy 14:23)The bootcamp workshop that changed everything 15:20) Going vegan at 39 and feeling the benefits fast 16:04 How veganism reshaped her career 17:08 The hardest part: learning the truth and facing resistance 22:04 Robbie Lockie and foodfacts.org 23:26 The best part: community, feedback, and meaningful work 27:28 Why cooking is Holly’s most effective activism 30:15 Alexis Gauthier and 123V 31:44 Seitan ham and Christmas food 34:54 Challenging the assumption that vegan food is unhealthy 42:07 Hospitals, nutrition training, and food choices 46:49 Favorite meals and restaurants 51:18 Vegan Dining Club and building local community 57:05 Holly’s call to action 59:45 Closing thanks ###### **Keywords:** veganism, plant-based living, activism, community, misinformation, ultra processed food, factory farming, whole food plant based, recipes, seitan, tofu, Vegan Campout, Vegan Food and Living ###### **Resources** - foodfacts.org - Vegan Food and Living - https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/ - Vegan Campout - https://www.vegancampout.co.uk/ - Vegan Women’s Club - https://www.veganwomensclub.com/