What We Eat Is Political: Reframing Veganism with Joy feat. Matthew C. Halteman

Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health Conversations for Perfectionists

What we eat isn’t just personal — it’s political. In this thought-provoking episode, Matthew C. Halteman, philosopher and author of Hungry, Beautiful Animals, joins Jennifer to reframe the ethics of veganism through the lens of joy, flourishing, and resistance.

Instead of guilt or perfectionism, Matt advocates for ethical and vegan eating as an act of joyful defiance — a way to challenge systems of oppression while embracing personal and collective well-being. Together, they explore:

• How vegan ethics intersects with moral philosophy and political activism
• Why joyful resistance is more effective than guilt in driving change
• The role of food justice, sustainability, and compassionate living in ethical eating
• How to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance-based approach to activism

Whether you're vegan, veg-curious, or simply interested in the political and ethical dimensions of what’s on your plate, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

🎧 Tune in and rethink what it means to eat with intention.

Grab Matt’s book Hungry, Beautiful Animals at hungrybeautifulanimals.com
or connect with Matt on LinkedIn
See you on the Scenic Route.

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Visit jenniferwalter.me – your cosy corner where recovering perfectionists, misfits, and those done pretending to be fine find space to breathe, dream, and create real change."

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1. What We Eat Is Political: Reframing Veganism with Joy feat. Matthew C. Halteman (00:00:00)

2. Redefining Veganism through Joy and Flourising (00:02:49)

3. The Common Perceptions of Veganism (00:10:38)

4. The Heart of "Hungry Beautiful Animals" (00:27:07)

5. Veganism as a Radical Act (00:36:44)

6. Mental Health and Slowing Down (00:57:07)

7. Finding Joy and Inner Harmony (01:12:39)

8. Closing Thoughts and Takeaways (01:31:35)