Veganism Isn’t About Giving Up—It’s About Gaining Everything: A Joyful Journey with Matthew Halteman
In this episode of Plant Based Curious, host Diane Randall sits down with Matthew Halteman, philosophy professor, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics fellow, and author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. Together, they flip the script on veganism, exploring how it’s not about restriction—but about abundance, joy, and alignment with our deepest values.
Key Takeaways:
- Matthew reframes veganism as a celebration of what we’re for—creaturely flourishing, emotional coherence, and moral alignment.
- Quote: “Vegans aren’t just avoiding harm—we’re harmonizing with the world.”
- Why self-compassion and small steps matter more than perfection.
- How to navigate social pressures (like Thanksgiving!) without guilt.
- Start with curiosity, not obligation. Try a “Vegan Weeknight” to experiment joyfully.
- Matthew’s tip: “Feed your curiosity with what feels natural—whether it’s plant-based recipes or documentaries about animal intelligence.”
- Why judgment backfires—and how leading with empathy invites others to join the journey.
Standout Quotes:
“Going vegan aggregates joy in ways I’ve never seen—better health, richer relationships, and a planet that thrives.” —Matthew Halteman
“Progress over perfection. Even 1% shifts create 100% transformation.” —Diane Randall
Resources Mentioned:
📖 Matthew’s Book: Hungry Beautiful Animals
🎧 Free Excerpt: “Vegan Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude & Love”
🌱 Diane’s Book: A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach
Listener Action Steps:
- Try One Small Win: Swap one meal this week for a plant-based dish.
- Share the Episode: Tag someone who’s curious about veganism!
- Leave a Review: Help others discover Plant Based Curious.
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you’ve ever felt veganism was about sacrifice, this conversation will change your mind. Matthew’s blend of philosophy, humor, and practicality makes abundance feel not just possible—but irresistible. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and the plant-based curious!
Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?
This episode got you curious? Wait until you see what else we’ve got to help you thrive!
Want Support? Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for motivation, recipes, and a community that’s rooting for you.
Craving Knowledge? Dive into our FREE eBook—packed with meal plans, pantry staples, and science-backed tips to make plant-based living deliciously simple.
Hungry for More? Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library to keep learning and growing.
Click here to grab your copy of my book, "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach" and discover all the tools you need to succeed!
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