In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Tracy and Eden welcome Nicole Brecht, founder of The Good Life Refuge in northern Colorado — a haven for more than 70 rescued farm animals and a community built on empathy, healing, and second chances.
Nicole shares how her lifelong love for animals evolved into creating a full-scale sanctuary and a movement of compassion that transforms both animals and people.
Over plant-based holiday favorites — from seitan roasts to coconut-curry casseroles — the trio explores what it really means to live your values, how personal connection inspires dietary change, and why education may be the most powerful form of rescue.
Key Highlights
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Nicole’s vegan awakening: how caring for one sick chicken led her to go vegan overnight.
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Inside The Good Life Refuge: home to 11 species — including cows, pigs, goats, alpacas, horses, and birds — supported by nearly 60 volunteers.
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Meet Conrad & Sarah, the turkeys: their quirks, intelligence, and a bittersweet reminder of how Thanksgiving can be reimagined with compassion.
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The power of gentle advocacy: Nicole’s inclusive philosophy welcomes everyone, no matter where they are on their plant-based journey.
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Education > Rescue: why one person shifting their diet can save ~400 animals per year.
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How to help: from donations to volunteering, board service, or simply spreading the word to keep the sanctuary sustainable.
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Website: https://goodliferefuge.org
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Instagram: https://goodliferefuge.org
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Learn more about Nicole Brecht: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-brecht-a163535/
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Eden’s family-favorite homemade seitan roll with leek-mushroom gravy
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Tracy’s classic plant-based stuffing
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Nicole’s potato–lentil–coconut curry casserole
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How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger — evidence-based nutrition guidance
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The Joyful Vegan by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau — navigating the emotional and social aspects of living compassionately
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