T.O.F.U. Talks: #OurNewNormal

As I mentioned in the post for the last episode I shared, I’ve decided to wrap-up the #OurNewNormal series thanks in part to the shift in focus of much of the world to the need to address systematic racism, police violence, and other issues related to the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Since I don’t want to detract from such discussions, but I also want to acknowledge the time people spent in talking with me, I decided to simply post ...

When I first approached my vegan friends about my idea for a series to highlight the experiences of people, organizations, and businesses around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-April, I’m sure none of us could have predicted where things would be at this point almost two months later.

Obviously, in many places the conversation has shifted to other serious issues such as racism and defunding the police, and I’m happ...

In the first episode to involve a vegan organization, I chat with Eloisa T. from Chilis On Wheels to find out what sort of impact the organization has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the disproportionate ways in which the restrictions affect communities in New York City (and even the rest of the United States) to her personal disconnect from friends and family as she continues to work outside of her home, Eloisa help...

Shifting the focus to vegan businesses, I connect with my friends, Carmella Lanni & Carlo Giardina, in Philly to talk about their experience running their vegan grocery and convenience store, V Marks The Shop, during the COVID-19 pandemic. From adapting quickly as a two-person team determined to maintain safety for themselves, their customers, and the suppliers they work with to trying to find the balance between their business...

Heading back to Oregon again, I chat with Chelsea Lincoln in Hillsboro about her personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. From changing her wedding plans to facing the implications of working from home long-term, Chelsea provides an idea of what’s involved in her new normal.

To find out more about Chelsea, please visit her website.

Heading back to the UK for the second time this season, I chat with Jenny Marie about her life in Manchester during the COVID-19 pandemic. From realizing a dinner with her stepfather might be the last time she saw him for a long time to putting her mother’s sewing machine to good use while at home, Jenny offers tips for others while also sharing how she’s coping with her new normal.

Covi...

In the third episode of the third season of the #OurNewNormal sessions, I chat with another friend in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to find out how their life has been during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s the concerns around continuing to work due to being a healthcare worker or considering the mental health implications brought about by a global disaster, LP and I cover plenty of ground involving their new normal.

To find o...

Originally streamed live on Facebook on April 27, the second episode in the third season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, involves long-time friend, Michele Truty, sharing her experience living in Chicago, Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic. From moving while the city shelters in place to dealing with being in a higher risk category, Michele and I chat and engage with the audience to learn about her new normal....

Starting the new season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, I chat with Charlotte Hubbard from the United Kingdom about her personal experience in Leeds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether she’s dealing with the shift from office work to a kitchen office, or learning to slow down and take things as they come, Charlotte sheds some light on what’s involved with her new normal.

For more on Charlotte, please check o...

In the tenth episode of the second season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, I catch-up with Sarah Rice to talk about her family’s life on the big island of Hawaiâ€i during the COVID-19 pandemic. From small town jungle living with several foster children and a biological child to the slower pace of island life, Sarah shares just how much has changed over the last few months to shape her new normal.

Recording Date...

Originally streamed live on Facebook on April 25th, this episode sees me catching-up with fellow vegan traveller, Kristin Lajeunesse of Will Travel For Vegan Food, to see what life has been like in Las Vegas during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the strip shutting down to living life in one spot for awhile, Kristin shares plenty to illustrate her new normal.

For more on Kristin, please visit her website.

In the eighth episode of the second season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, I get to connect with a long-term friend, Cinthia, to talk about her life in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic. With international media focused on the Swedish government’s relaxed approach to the threat and the majority of Swedes trusting their government’s advice, I was excited to get the chance to find out just what these unique condi...

Originally streamed live on Facebook on April 24th, the seventh episode of the second season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, sees me talking with Sam and Veren of Alternative Travelers about their experience in Salt Lake City, Utah during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a couple that house sits full-time, we talk plenty about just how their lives have changed, the health scares they’ve had with friends and themselves, ...

Originally streamed live on Facebook on April 24th, the sixth episode of the second season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, involves a conversation with Jacqueline Adamescu about her life in LA during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a public school teacher, union representative, and fellow independent activist publisher, the talk gets political pretty quick, but plenty is covered to give you an idea of Jacqueline’s new ...

In the fifth episode of the second season of #OurNewNormal, I hop back to this side of the world to chat with Jessica Freedman on the island of Phuket in Thailand to see what life has been like for her fuzzy family and her during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the decision to stay put instead of going back to Canada (and the complications that would have entailed with seven animals in tow) to having to put their future moving plans on...

In the fourth episode of the new season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, I head further north along the Pacific Coast of North America to talk with Ashley Fineberg in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada about life on the island during the COVID-19 pandemic. We touch on everything from her life as a new teacher to the problems of seemingly great vegan or local companies not protecting their employees and how it all ...

In the third episode of the new season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, we travel north from the focus of the last episode to talk with Janessa Philemon-Kerp in Portland, Oregon about her experience both there and in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the most Portland statement ever about strip club mac and cheese to dealing with pulling the plug on a long-term adventure in Europe to head back home, Janess...

In the second episode of the new season of #OurNewNormal, a T.O.F.U. Talks limited series, Stacy Owens shares what life has been like in Half Moon Bay (part of the San Francisco Bay area), California during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether she’s running her small business or helping one of her kids with school, Stacy explains the complications of finding balance in her new normal.

Recording Date: April 20, 2020

Originally streamed live on Facebook on April 21, 2020, the next episode in the #OurNewNormal series (and the first episode of the new season) involves Michael Harren sharing a bit of what his life is like in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. From shifting his music lessons online to realizing just how much has become routine already, Michael and I touch on plenty of things that make up his new normal.

To find out more...