NBSV 206: Busting fitness & menopause myths with Christopher Barker

Coach and clinical nutritionist Christopher Barker (author of Mansplaining the Menopause) is here for a no-B.S. tour through female health, strength, and longevity. We tackle the most persistent menopause myths (including HRT fears), what habits *actually* affect body composition, RED-S and under-fuelling, sane protein targets on a plant-based diet, and performance vs aesthetics. We also chat GLP-1 drugs in the culture, cycle tracking, and using tools like the Oura ring without obsessing.

What really matters for getting stronger on a vegan diet? Spoiler: it’s not spending hours on cardio or obsessing over tiny details. In this episode, I break down the 4-part health and body composition hierarchy we use with our coaching clients. It’s a simple pyramid that shows where to focus your energy for the biggest results. You’ll learn why nutrition is the foundation of strength, how to use plant-based eating to fuel muscle, and why supplements and advanced strategies come much later in the pyramid. No guilt, no fad diets, no B.S. Whether you’re new to lifting or a seasoned vegan lifter, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to building strength, fuelling recovery, and keeping it all sustainable for real life.

From rowing as part of the first all-Black women’s 8 at the world’s largest regatta, to helping steer over $8 million in grants that fuel plant-based change, Candace brings the same grit from the boat to her work in philanthropy. We dive into her journey to veganism while training as an athlete, the lessons she’s carried from sports into leadership, and how Thrive Philanthropy is funding a just, global plant-based food system—supporting everything from women-led tofu production in Uganda to vegan restaurant weeks and school lunch programs. We also explore what it means to make a difference beyond what’s on your plate, and how you can support systemic change in food systems worldwide.

We discuss Anne’s new children’s book, Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change. We also explore how Anne’s Cherokee heritage and commitment to diversity shape her writing, why kids need books that act as “windows and mirrors,” and how young readers (and the rest of us) can take climate action through our food choices. From sobering stats to inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in raising the next generation of compassionate change-makers, without being, as Anne says, a “vegeterrible.”

Iain Tolhurst is a pioneer of stock-free organic farming who’s been growing vegetables for nearly 40 years without a single animal input. No manure, no bone meal, no grazing animals—just thriving soil, rich biodiversity, and 120 tons of vegetables per year. You’ll learn how this groundbreaking system works, why it’s more climate-resilient than conventional or even organic farming, and what it means for the future of food. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, food justice, or simply want to know where your veggies come from, this conversation will shift your perspective on farming, animals, and what’s possible for our planet.

 Is “ethical meat” just a comforting bedtime story for omnivores? Philosopher and author John Sanbonmatsu joins me to unpack the myths that keep animal exploitation hidden in plain sight — from the illusion of “humane” farming to the deep cultural stories we tell ourselves to feel morally innocent. Drawing from his new book The Omnivore’s Deception, John explores why confronting speciesism, and the civilizational systems built on it, is essential not just for animals, but for the future of life on Earth. This is a thought-provoking, no-B.S. conversation that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable realities.

For the first time ever, The No-Bullsh!t Vegan Podcast goes LIVE! Join me in my Powell River recording studio (with a tiny kitten desperately trying to break in) as we celebrate 200 episodes of myth-busting, strength-building, and plant-powered badassery. I’m joined by amazing listeners, clients, and members of the K.I. team for an unscripted, community-powered conversation. We chat about vegan strength training, climate-friendly diets, suspension trainers, home gym hacks, and more — plus I take live questions, suggestions, and even cat name ideas. Thank you for being part of this no-nonsense, ad-free corner of the internet. Let’s do this!

What happens when going vegan transforms more than just your plate? In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Angela Crawford to explore the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual shifts that often come with the vegan journey. We talk about the myth of deprivation, the reality of abundance, and the inner alignment that comes from living according to your values. We also dig into the challenges of being “the one vegan at the table,” how to navigate tricky social dynamics, and why emotional wellbeing isn’t about being happy all the time. Whether you’re vegan-curious or decades into the lifestyle, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and plenty of practical takeaways.

In this episode I speak with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, a nonprofit organization working to end factory farming through evidence-based giving. Thom shares his personal journey to veganism and why he left a legal career in nuclear energy policy to pursue systemic change for animals. He discusses the unique approach FarmKind takes in identifying and supporting high-impact charities, how donations can rival or even surpass individual dietary change in reducing animal suffering, and the importance of pragmatism in creating long-term shifts toward animal liberation. Thom also emphasizes how even small actions—whether donations or activism—can help dismantle a $2 trillion industry built on animal exploitation.

In this final volume of my free strategy call series, you’ll listen in on two coaching sessions packed with plant-based problem solving, strength training tweaks, and behaviour hacks. Anna wants to build muscle alongside MMA and dance without being sore for days, while Rebecca’s focused on navigating menopause, portion sizes, and protein goals (with a side of DIY vegan high-protein ice cream). We cover everything from barbell boredom and tofu techniques to food prep strategies and how to outsmart your own brain so you don’t need to rely on willpower.