Geoff Francis: 55 Years Vegan - Music, Art & Activism

Have you ever wondered if following a vegan lifestyle might have implications for your dental and oral health, or if dentistry can be truly vegan?    Wonder no more, because vegan dentist, Dr. Helen Voronina, from Dr. Helen's Dental and Implant Studio in Melbourne, has some advice - and reassurance - for vegans who want healthy teeth and gums.

This episode of the Vegan Pod is a nostalgic celebration of how one man’s commitment to the cause helped spread the vegan word around London’s creative scene in the 1970s and 80s.   Geoff Francis ran a chain of record shops, All Change Records, in London's West End and was involved in animal advocacy, working alongside the likes of Linda McCartney, Carla Lane and Captain Sensible, before establishing himself as an artist, author and film-maker.   Geoff's story isn't just one for vegans of a 'certain vintage'; it's an inspiration for all vegans, young, older and somewhere in-between.

We celebrate Pride Month with a special Vegan Pod guest, as one of the most influential of influencers in the vegan and LGBTQ+ communities, Sean O'Callaghan, aka. Fat Gay Vegan, discusses growing up in Brisbane, moving to London and becoming a high-profile vegan voice in the 2010s, the importance of community spirit in veganism and much more.   *Please note: since this episode was published, we're sorry to say that the 2026 Vegan Beer Fest has been cancelled. Please see www.fatgayvegan.com for more information.

The recent, tragic, case of Georgina Owen has highlighted in the most devastating circumstances the critical importance of Vitamin B12 in a vegan diet. Vegan Society dietitians, Emily Angus and Amber Woodhouse, join Damian Watson to explain what B12 is, what it does and why vegans - and others - must make sure they get enough of it. Please note: this podcast touches on sensitive topics relating to mental health and suicide. If you are struggling with your own mental health or have thoughts of suicide, you should contact a healthcare professional, either via your GP or, in the UK, by calling 111 and selecting the option for mental health support. You can also access a number of supportive resources, such as those offered by Samaritans (www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 in the UK), MIND (www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393 in the UK), or many other organisations – just search online for ‘mental health support’.

Food security is vital for every nation on earth and it's under threat, not just from immediate crises such as the Iran War, but also from long-term environmental and sustainability problems caused by a 'broken' food system.   In this edition of the Vegan Pod, Vegan Society Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Alistair Currie, and Sunita Ramani, Senior Campaigner at the campaigning food charity, Foodrise, discuss how a transition to a plant-based diet is vital if long-term global food insecurity is to be addressed.

The latest episode of the Vegan Pod examines the issue of vegan rights.   Dr. Jeanette Rowley is The Vegan Society's Vegan Rights Advocate and a leading authority on the subject that underpins so much of our work. She has advised vegans in numerous cases concerning employment, education and even prisoners' rights.   Find out about Jeanette's work, that of The Vegan Society's International Rights Network and the fundamental rights of vegans in the Vegan Pod.

‘The Future Is Still Vegan’, says Vegan Society CEO, Libby Peppiatt, after what can be described as a 'testing' period for the movement.  Media, money, meaty name bans...    It’s time to take stock and assess where veganism goes – and how it grows – from here. 

The first Vegan Pod of 2026 welcomes Sarah Bentley and Sareta Puri, two leading Food Justice campaigners with more in common than their roles with Made In Hackney, the grassroots community cookery school-turned international inspiration for vegans.  What is Food Justice and how can veganism help achieve it for all?

In the last Vegan Pod of the year, Vegan Society members, volunteers and staff reflect on 2025 and share their hopes for veganism in 2026 in a special montage of Vegan Voices.  

We're delighted to welcome leading environmental activist and journalist, George Monbiot, to the Vegan Pod. George is a fearless and tireless advocate for sustainability, green living and political and corporate transparency. He is a best-selling author, a high profile media commentator and has even dabbled in the world of music. With four decades of campaigning behind him, is George Monbiot showing any signs of winding down? It seems not...