I thought, “Well, I could talk to you for four hours, Ella, about a carrot… every bit of nutrition, it's energetic quality, all of it. And then you leave me and you still don't know how to cook that carrot. I gave you nothing. But if I could do both, then I'm doing something.” - Christina Pirello

Get ready for a super fun and inspiring episode, because today we’re cooking up some serious compassion with the fabulous Christina Pirello! Christina is not only the Emmy award winning host of 'Christina Cooks' vegan activist, bestselling author, gym rat and food lover, environmental activist and educator about wellness.

Christina is not just any chef though — she’s a culinary wizard from Philly, and she’s a total firecracker both in and out of the kitchen!

We dive into her wild vegan culinary adventures across the globe and get all the juicy details about her plant-based cooking course. Spoiler alert: no butter, eggs, or white flour allowed! Christina shares some seriously inspiring stories, like one of her students who totally rocked the vegan cooking game while embracing Chinese medicine principles.

But that’s not all—meet a couple who are living proof that love and global sustainability go hand in hand. Their journey is a rollercoaster, from kicking cancer to the curb at a young age to getting real about climate change. And if you think recycling is boring, wait till you hear how the Italian system turned it into a lifestyle!

We also chat about handling those tricky convos about climate change with humor and empathy, plus why Qigong and meditation might just be your new best friends. And oh, the difference between American and Italian lifestyles? Let’s just say the Italians know how to live it up and keep it balanced.

We wrap up with a heartwarming reminder that life is short, so let’s spread positivity, support each other, and savor every moment. So, what are you waiting for? Hit play and let’s get cooking with compassion!

VIEW THE FULL SHOW NOTES AND GUEST BIO & LINKS HERE

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...

I thought, “You know, I need another adventure,” and I was worried it was going to ruin my career. But it turned out to actually be very good for my acting career. Because after you come off a series like Baywatch, everyone thinks you're just incompetent and dumb and I don't know, they just don't give you any credit for anything. And then you go do an Ironman. -Alexandra Paul

In today’s encore episode, we dive deep into the life and mission of Alexandra Paul, beyond the accolades, discovering who actress Alexandra Paul is at her core and what drives her.

Alexandra shares her incredible story of deciding in 6th grade to remain child-free by choice and how that decision has shaped her activism, including her TEDx talk on overpopulation—a topic she passionately believes needs more attention.

We discuss her transformation to vegetarianism at 14, inspired by Diet for a Small Planet, and how a year between high school and college sparked her love for acting, leading to a career where she stood firm in her ethics, refusing to wear fur or use makeup tested on animals.

She also opens up about her battle with an eating disorder during her teens and early 20s, her fears around restricting dairy, and the profound moment at 47 when she went vegan and her heart “cracked open,” seeing the injustices of the world more clearly.

We touch on her direct action activism, where Alexandra literally takes a stand—physically—for her beliefs, having been arrested over 25 times. She discusses the privileges that allow her to engage in civil disobedience, her training in it, and some of the experiences that have stood out, including moments of fear and claustrophobia.

This conversation is rich with reflections on activism, personal growth, and the ongoing journey of recovery from bulimia.

Alexandra’s story is not just about overcoming challenges—it’s a powerful reminder of how our choices, big and small, can shape a better world. You won’t want to miss this one!

VIEW THE FULL SHOW NOTES AND GUEST BIO & LINKS HERE

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...

When I was pronounced dead, I knew it, not because they said it, but because all of those emotions were gone. I only felt peace, I had a deeper understanding and I was so hyper aware and it was like that's me, but I'm me and I'm just an energy, I'm just a presence. - Elayna Fernandez

Have you experienced the transformative power of pain?

Today’s episode is extra special… The extraordinary experience that my guest, Elayna Fernandez shares, from her upbringing in the slums of the Dominican Republic, to being kidnapped and assaulted, to literally dying in a terrible accident, to her incredible rise to the top as a world-renowned speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, are insanely inspiring.

As a 4x TEDx Speaker, TEDx Organizer, and Certified Speaker Coach, Elayna is a bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and award-winning storyteller who was named one of the 125 Top Impactful Leaders to Know worldwide by SUCCESS Magazine and has been sponsored by over 500 brands.

I personally stumbled upon Elayna, who also happens to be vegan, when I was seeking support to take my own professional speaking career to the next level, and I hired her as a coach, which was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

In this episode, Elayna guides us through the philosophy of harnessing pain as a catalyst for growth, sharing her own remarkable journey to highlight how adversity can lead to profound positivity.

In a heartfelt narrative, we explore the significance of compassion, the alchemy of transforming pain into possibility, and the importance of setting bold visions for a future filled with love and abundance.

Elayna's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, from her early struggles to her current influence as a global thought leader.

Wrapping up this inspiring conversation, we reflect on how personal tragedies can redefine our sense of self-worth and purpose. Through the creation of the Positive Mom brand and the values Elayna strives to impart to my children, she underscores the importance of embracing our painful experiences to forge a path of growth for ourselves and for future generations.

>> VIEW THE FULL SHOW NOTES AND GUEST BIO & LINKS HERE <<

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

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Religion, in its pure sense is to reconnect, in this sense, humankind to the transcendent. So I think it's actually a positive word, but you have to reclaim it, much like the LGBTQ plus community has taught us to reclaim the word queer, which can be a very positive word if understood correctly. So in that sense, I think veganism can be religious in that positive sense. But when religion becomes about erecting unnecessary walls and drawing lines with those walls regarding who is in and who is out, that's when it becomes problematic. -Stevan Mirkovich

Embarking on a plant-based journey can be as transformative as it is challenging, something Stevan Mirkovich knows all too well.

Stevan is co-owner of Planted Expo, a plant-based trade show, platform, and network designed to support you, no matter where you are on your plant-based journey.

Join me for this intimate conversation with Stevan, where we peel back the layers of his own transformation, revealing the heart and soul behind choosing a life nourished by plants.

We explore the profound impact of our relationship with food, the quiet revolution in our kitchens, and the way our plates can reflect our deepest values. It's not just about what we eat; it's the stories, the culture, and the love that simmer in every bite.

Steven generously shares his complex and evolving relationship with food and his body, including his profound weight-loss journey, the endlessly rewarding adventure of fatherhood, veganism, and how he came to embrace a more mindful approach to eating and wellness.

Our discussion then turns to the philosophy of veganism, challenging the notion that it should be anything less than a progressive journey. With empathy at its core, veganism, as Steven describes, is akin to laying down walls to pave a path toward unity and understanding, leaving dogmatic approaches and exclusion behind.

We invite you to join us at one of the upcoming three epic Planted Expo events coming up in 2024, two of which I'll be speaking at (Toronto and Seattle).

Learn more and grab tickets at PlantedLife.com

FULL SHOW NOTES, GUEST BIO, AND LINKS HERE

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...

I ended up getting on [The Great American Baking Show] which was crazy... went over to London and shot for six weeks and just had the time of my life. When I got home I was like, I don't want to go back to doing hair. I feel like this is my actual calling, like this is what I should be doing. And it was from that moment on that I kind of started transitioning my hair clients into food clients. - Chris Tucker

Join us on a delectable journey with Chris Tucker, the vegan baking maverick who whisked his way from hairstyling to the heart of the culinary scene.

In this candid conversation, Chris unveils his transformation, sharing stories of his grandmother's influence, the rush of competing on The Great American Baking Show, and the birth of 'Betta with Butter'.

His personal anecdotes extend beyond the kitchen, touching on his path to veganism and the importance of embracing one's true self.

This episode is a feast for the ears, seasoned with tips for veganizing desserts and Chris's adventures from his TV debut to crafting plant-based delights for the stars. The aroma of charity work fills the air as we explore his contributions to PETA and community fridges, and the sweetness of his global Cake Initiative.

Chris's story is a testament to following your passion and the joy of finding fulfillment in unexpected places.

>> VIEW THE FULL SHOW NOTES AND GUEST BIO & LINKS HERE <<

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...

I heard a lyric from a song the other day... that said, "There's no one more thankful to sit at a table than the one who best remembers hunger's pain." And so when these hard times come and these moments, it really is like a gut punch. But then you look back and it just makes you appreciate things going forward. - Shane Martin

When Shane Martin decided to swap his Southern comfort food for kale and quinoa, he didn't just change his diet to plant-based —he transformed his life.

In our heartwarming conversation, Shane takes us through his journey of self-discovery, from his days as a high school athlete to becoming a beacon for plant-based living with his Shane and Simple brand and the Real Men Eat Plants podcast. His tales are filled with authenticity and humor, particularly when he reminisces about our zany first encounter during a food demo that perfectly captured the beautiful chaos of transition.

This episode isn't just about food or plant-based diets and weight loss; it's about finding harmony in the unexpected symphony of life. Shane, an ex-musician, strings together his experience with weight gain, personal loss, and career shifts, showing us that it's possible to compose a new life score, no matter the setbacks.

His stories offer a candid glimpse into the emotional challenges he faced and the resilience it took to embrace a healthier, plant-based lifestyle for himself and his family. Our chat is sure to strike a chord with anyone who's ever had to pick up a different tune and learn to play along.

We wrap up with a generous helping of inspiration as Shane shares the evolution of his blog, from a simple spark of encouragement to a full-blown career that feeds not just the stomach but the soul. He reminds us that sometimes, the most delectable recipes come from the simple ingredients of vulnerability and transparency.

As Shane stirs the pot of his plant-based wisdom, listeners are bound to feel a dash of motivation to cook up their own changes, whether in the kitchen or in life.

So grab a snack, and join us for an episode that's as nourishing for the mind as it is for the body.

** VIEW THE FULL SHOW NOTES AND GUEST BIO & LINKS HERE **

Catch

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...

At the end of the day, if you are not happy, if you don't have pleasure, if you don't have play and if you're not passionate about something, the number [of dollars] in your bank account doesn't really mean so much. - Mahala Nirvano

I have the wish for you, Rise & Thrive listener...

My wish is that you have a friend in your life that is as full of life and love as my dear friend, and today’s guest, Mahala Nirvano.

Mahala a leader in the vegan and tantra communities, and in this episode we explore her insights on tantric practices, offering you a glimpse into a life enriched with profound pleasure and spiritual connection, and revealing how these ancient teachings can elevate our everyday experience.

Embarking on a vegan path intertwines seamlessly with the spiritual essence of Tantra. This heart-to-heart with Mahala isn't just about plant-based diets or animal compassion; it's about the intuitive harmony that arises when we listen to our inner guide and nature's rhythm.

We share tales of transformation, both personal and collected from our community, spotlighting the significant strides made when we align with principles of kindness and awareness. We also venture into discussions about self-acceptance and aging with grace, areas where society often imposes its harsh standards.

Mahala gifts us practical applications of Tantra for everyday living, from breathwork to sacred tools, encouraging us to honor our divine essence and navigate life's complexities with a sense of pleasure and self-love.

• We also discuss the Pleasure Path, a women's mentorship container for channeling an abundance of joy, love, and pleasure (learn more HERE).

This conversation is an open invitation to awaken love within yourself and carry forward the inspiration to touch lives and embrace conscious living.

I invite you to listen to discover these transformative insights that promise to foster your journey towards a life of authentic joy and compassion!

>> VIEW THE FULL SHOW NOTES AND GUEST BIO & LINKS HERE <<

Listen to Mahala's interview on the Vegan Life Coach Podcast HERE.

Check

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...

Mentioned in the Intro: Get on Ella's NEW coaching program waitlist HERE. (https://sexyfitvegan.com/waitlist/)

I'm down at least two sizes and it feels really good because I did it in a way that was healthier. I was full and eating normally and I worked out. So not only do my clothes not fit, but I also feel really strong and really light... and my numbers, like my cholesterol, are better in three months. - Jen Whorton

This is an incredibly inspiring episode featuring one of my most recent coaching program graduates, Jen Whorton, who, in just 3 short months, experienced extraordinary shifts in not only the size and shape of her body, but also in how she moves through the world, to the point that we joke that her friends are not going to believe it’s her talking on this podcast.

I felt called to invite her to come on the show and share about her journey, with the intention of helping others who are unhappy with their body, who feel out of control when it comes to consistently eating healthfully, who are sick and tired of dieting and quick-fix-type programs out there making promises that lead to 80-90% of people gaining all the weight they lost back, and who are ready to align their lifestyle with true health and finally find FREEDOM.

It's been such a privileged to play a role in Jen's metamorphosis that took her from the shackles of emotional eating to the liberation of a plant-based lifestyle. Her story is nothing short of awe-inspiring and it exemplifies how changing our relationship with food isn't just about what we eat, but why and how we eat.

It's been an emotional voyage, marked by the trials of disordered eating and the joy of finding peace in aligning values with actions. Jen's story isn’t just about weight; it's about unwrapping the layers of self-love and kindness that have been buried under years of struggle. It's clear that the journey to well-being is about more than just the physical—it's a holistic path paved with mindfulness, creativity, and an open heart to the world around us.

>> View the full show notes HERE. <<

Get on Ella's coaching program waitlist HERE.

LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING…

Take THIS FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT to uplevel your relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE

Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE

Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE

Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE

Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE

Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE

Check out our coaching client testimonials HERE.

Take on ...