Veg Out 587: Restaurant Adventures in and Around the GTA

Towards Ahimsa Secondary School is a non-profit, fully accredited, independent secondary school operating out of the GTA. On this episode we interview one of the co-founders, Ambika Jain, who tells us how the school works, what inspired it, and how to get involved.Links:https://www.imjmcanada.org/tass Credits:Guest: Ambika JainHosts: Barbi and SteveEditing: SwetaEpisode Summary: BarbiTheme Music: Matt Judge

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the grocery store as a vegan trying to read labels and figure out what to feed your family, what to feed yourself, and how to find the best vegan products out there, or accidentally vegan products, this is the episode for you. Kimberly is the brains behind the instagram account @Accidentally_Vegan_Canada. She joins us to share tips on label reading, navigating the grocery store, and what products are amazingly and surprisingly accidentally vegan.Links:Animal Liberation Kitchen Holiday Market@Accidentally_Vegan_Canada⁠Summary: JeanetteSocial Media: JenEditing: JeanetteTheme: Matt Judge

On this episode, we compare the classic pepperoni and cheese pizza, vegan of course, from five different pizza chain restaurants. We rank everything from crust and sauce to overall flavour to see which chain delivers the most satisfying plant-based slice. Who will win the Great Vegan Pizza Taste Test?Links:241 PizzaPanangoPizzaioloPizza NovaPizza PizzaCredits:Hosts: Barbi, Jeanette, Sweta and RajivDescription: JeanetteEditing: JeanetteTheme: Matt Judge

On this episode, we are chatting about some of latest animal issues happening in the province. We touch on such topics as the recent exposure of dog experimentation research in London and the fate of the remaining whales and dolphins at Marineland. We also explore the opinions provided by province on these issues and their impact, if any, on their outcomes. Credits:Cohosts:Sweta and JenEpisodeSummary: JenEditing:SwetaThemeMusic: Matt JudgeLinks:Bad Attitude at Outpost Coffee  https://badattitudebread.ca/https://outpostcoffee.com Dollarama stops selling glue traps https://www.peta.org/news/dollarama-glue-trap-ban/Aunty Em’s Holiday Pop-Up https://www.instagram.com/p/DQaHEIokX2W/Soy Boys opening in Leslieville https://www.instagram.com/p/DQVibGQDnnx/

On this episode, we are joined by Lesley Sampson from  Coyote Watch Canada. which is an all-volunteer Not-For-Profit wildlife organization that advocates positive human-wildlife coexistence with a focus on canids. We learn all about coyotes, why they are important, and how we can help them in our communities. Links:New vegan items at Ikea CanadaHalloween at the FarmInternational Vegan Film FestivalEcofair TorontoToronto Climate Week ChallengeCredits:Hosts: Jeanette and BarbiGuest: Lesley Sampson, Co-Founding Executive Director at Coyote Watch CanadaSummary: JeanetteEditing: JeanetteTheme: Matt Judge

On this episode, Sweta and Barbi share their favourite vegan YouTube channels, from local cookbook authors to famous vegan chefs. Hear about the channels they watch for recipes, travel tips, nutrition info, and more.Credits:Hosts: Barbi and SwetaSummary: BarbiEditing: SwetaTheme music: Matt Judge

Why eat one, and love the other? For vegans, it is simple. We love all animals! Companion animals share our homes and are in our hearts, and on this episode, we offer advice about pet ownership, and share stories of our beloved dogs, cats and rabbits that have been part of our lives over the years. Links:The Vegan Pantry in Barrie is now The Gentle CrumbU of T Law School Animal Law Program10th Anniversary of Kindness at Sweet Acres Pig SanctuaryThe Walrus Talks: The Power of AnimalsThistledown Pet MemorialCredits:Hosts: Steve, Sweta and JeanetteSummary: JeanetteEditing: JeanetteTheme music: Matt Judge

Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary provides a place of peace and safety for lemurs and monkeys that have been rescued from various industries, such as the exotic pet trade, research laboratories, roadside zoos and show business. On this episode, we talk with Executive Director and Co-owner, Daina Liepa, who shares with us the history of the sanctuary and highlights the numerous issues surrounding these industries. Join us as we learn about the rescue stories of the residents, as well as the incredible work of the Story Book Farm team, whose compassion and dedication enable these beautiful beings to finally experience the freedom of choice, the freedom from fear, and a chance to heal. Links:Save Boogie: Lonely Monkey Self Harms at Roadside ZooPeterborough Veg Fest (Sep 14)VegTO Fest (Sep 20 and 21)Caked Coffee BurlingtonYves Cuisine DiscontinuingCredits:Guest: Daina Liepa, Executive Director and Co-owner of Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary (@storybookmonkeys)Cohosts: Jen and JeanetteEditing: JeanetteEpisode Summary: JenTheme Music: Matt Judge

Join Barbi and Sweta as they compare five different vendors' plant-based treats, rating them on flavor, texture, and melt factor. Whether you're a longtime vegan or just curious about dairy-free options, this fun and tasty podcast is your guide to the best vegan soft serves around!CreditsCohosts: Barbi and SwetaEditing: SwetaTheme Song: Matt Judge

This summer has certainly brought us the heat, and with it, has come some interesting headlines! On this episode, we’ve grabbed a few recent stories from the news and social media to chat about - from animals on trampolines, to rats in Toronto, to a public appeal from a European zoo, to vegan snack wars! Join us as we share our thoughts on some of the latest videos and articles that have come out this summer.Links:Burlington VegFest (Aug 16)Vegan Night Market (Aug 21 is postponed to May 2026)Dolce Vita Vegan Dinner (Aug 29)Vegan Art Show (Sept 27)BBC article on Danish Zoo and Unwanted PetsCBC article on Rats in TorontoSnack Wars with Pamela Anderson and Liam NeesonPig and Chicken on TrampolineIdentifying AI - Analysis of Animal Trampoline VideosThe case for the humane control of pigeonsCreditsCohosts: Sweta and JenEditing: SwetaEpisode Summary and Title: JenTheme Song: Matt Judge