SADRAH SCHADEL

In this episode of Raising Gen V, Naomi Hallum sits down with Sadrah Schadel, a mother of two, lifelong advocate for animal rights, human rights, and food justice, and Marketing Director at Generation Vegan.

Sadrah shares her unique journey from growing up in a vegetarian household to briefly reintroducing animal products, only to later reconnect with veganism through a deeper understanding of its ethical, environmental, and social justice implications.

Naomi and Sadrah discuss the challenges and rewards of raising vegan children, the importance of creating an inclusive movement rather than striving for perfection, and how to equip children with the knowledge to make compassionate food choices. They explore the social dynamics of vegan parenting, the role of food in activism, and how veganism intersects with other social justice movements, including racial and environmental justice.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that no journey is perfect—what matters is staying curious, learning, and allowing room for growth while recognizing how our food choices impact people, animals, and the planet.

Key Takeaways

Embracing Imperfection in Parenting & Veganism

• Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up authentically and adapting to new information.
• Sadrah emphasizes that growth, not perfection, is key to making meaningful change.

Sadrah’s Path from Vegetarian Childhood to Vegan Advocate

• Raised in a vegetarian household, food ethics were ingrained in her early life.
• As a teen, she was drawn to social justice movements that expanded her awareness of veganism.
• Founding a plant-based meat company helped her fully align her lifestyle with her values.

Raising Vegan Children with Compassion and Choice

• Sadrah’s kids have been raised vegan but are given the autonomy to make their own choices.
• Instead of enforcing strict rules, she prioritizes education and open discussions.
• Helping kids understand the "why" behind their food choices fosters lifelong habits.

Navigating Social Situations as a Vegan Family

• Social pressure can be a challenge for vegan kids, especially at birthday parties and school events.
• Strategies like offering plant-based alternatives and teaching kids how to respond to questions help build confidence.
• Instead of making them feel excluded, she ensures they are included in celebrations while honoring their values.

Food as a Form of Activism

• Every meal is an opportunity to make a compassionate choice—food is a powerful tool for activism.
• Parents can introduce veganism in a way that feels natural and exciting, rather than restrictive.
• The more families integrate plant-based meals, the easier and more accessible it becomes.

Time-Stamps & Key Topics  (Audio)

[00:00] Embracing Imperfection: The Reality of Parenting & Veganism
[00:47] Meet Naomi Hallam: The Mission Behind Raising Gen V
[01:35] Introducing Today’s Guest: Sadrah Shadel, Marketing Director at Generation Vegan.
[03:06] From Childhood to Advocacy: Sadrah’s Vegan Journey
[03:58] Growing Up Vegetarian: Early Influences & Family Values
[08:07] The Shift to Veganism: Challenges & Eye-Opening Moments
[16:04] Navigating College as a Vegan: Limited Options & Learning to Cook
[20:01] Realigning with Veganism: The Role of Advocacy & Entrepreneurship
[24:03] Raising Vegan Kids: Fostering Autonomy & Compassion
[31:02] Advice for Parents Exploring Plant-Based Family Life
[36:05] Final Thoughts: Making Vegan Parenting Inclusive & Sustainable

Video

[00:00] Introducing Today’s Guest: Sadrah Shadel, Marketing Director at Generation Vegan.

[02.27] From Childhood to Advocacy: Sadrah’s Vegan Journey

 [38:29] -Raising Vegan Kids: Fostering Autonomy & Compassion

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