119: The Joyful Vegan: Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s Mission to End Animal Suffering

Every day, billions of people consume animal products without considering the impact on their health, the environment, and animals. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, celebrated advocate and bestselling author, dedicates her life to unraveling this disconnection. Known as the "Joyful Vegan," she has transformed countless lives through her books, podcasts, and innovative approaches to promoting compassion and ethical living.

On the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, Colleen shared her personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped her commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. From her early experiences to her groundbreaking projects, Colleen offers a blueprint for creating a more compassionate world.

The Social Disconnect: Why Compassion Is Suppressed

From childhood, most people are taught to love animals through stories, toys, and films. Yet, these same animals often appear on dinner plates, leading to a subconscious compartmentalization of compassion. This societal norm not only numbs empathy but also perpetuates harm on a massive scale. Colleen explores this phenomenon in her work, helping people recognize and reconcile this internal conflict.

Pivotal Moments: The Journey to Advocacy

Colleen’s journey began with a profound awakening sparked by reading Diet for a New America by John Robbins and later Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisnitz. These books exposed the grim realities of industrial farming and the culture of violence it perpetuates. These experiences led her to align her values with her actions, igniting her passion for advocating for animals and ethical living.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Advocacy

Through her seven bestselling books, including The Joyful Vegan, and her long-running Food for Thought podcast, Colleen provides practical tools and inspiration for those seeking to make more compassionate choices. Her Joyful Vegan Trips further illustrate how plant-based living can be abundant, joyful, and culturally enriching, breaking down myths about veganism being restrictive or inaccessible.

Upcoming Projects and Expanding Impact

Colleen’s upcoming book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free, set to release in March 2025, is a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to live more ethically and sustainably. This work reflects her ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with knowledge and practical steps to align their values with their daily lives.

A Call to Action

Colleen’s message is simple yet powerful: Start where you are. Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, consistent steps toward reducing harm and embracing compassion can lead to transformative outcomes for individuals, animals, and the planet.

To explore Colleen’s work and discover how you can create meaningful change, visit JoyfulVegan.com.

Full post at: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/119-colleen-patrick-goudreau/