Vegan TV Chef Jason Wrobel on Eating for Longevity and Finding Inspiration in the Kitchen

Written by Matt Frazier

People seem to get upset when I say this, but it’s true, so here goes: I’ve never enjoyed cooking as a vegan or vegetarian the way I used to before I started eating this way.

That’s not to say I don’t love being vegan … the benefits in virtually every other area of my life far outweigh whatever passion for cooking I’ve traded in.

But does it have to be a tradeoff at all?

Jason Wrobel, our guest on today’s episode, doesn’t think so. His passion for cooking didn’t start until he went vegan, and he turned that drive into the first ever vegan cooking show on a major TV network.

And he does it by focusing on how to eat for health and longevity, one of my favorite topics of all.

In today’s episode we discuss how Jason went from failing actor to celebrity chef, his new book, how to ignite your passion in the kitchen, and using food as a tool for healing.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

How Jason went from actor to celebrity chef and host of the world’s first vegan cooking show on mainstream TV
Why his approach to spreading the plant-based message is on health
Raw foods, nutrient density, and can they help you live longer?
How to reignite your passion for cooking
Plant-based food as a healing tool
Oil and alcohol … okay in moderation?

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4 Factors in a Successful 100-Mile Ultramarathon

Written by Doug Hay

The 100-mile distance ultramarathon is a tough one to crack. Even when things goes right, you can still count on experiencing low points and doubts.

And with the race being so long, it’s difficult to practice or mimic those circumstances throughout training.

So when I crossed the finish line of the Thunder Rock 100 feeling stronger and faster than expected, I was ecstatic. On my third 100-mile attempt, it felt like I finally took control of the distance.

In today’s episode Matt and I discuss four factors I believe contributed to the success of this race. Factors or lessons I’ll begin applying to ultramarathons of every distance, and even many non-ultramarathon races.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

Will running make you sick?
How Doug mentally prepares for an ultramarathon
Why it’s better to stop and adjust than to keep running
Sticking with your race strategy (even when you feel great)
The basics of ultramarathon nutrition
How to let go of what you can’t control

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To Race or Not to Race?

Written by Doug Hay

That is the question … or at least the question we tackle in today’s episode.

It’s no secret that when it comes to running, Matt is a goals guy. He chases massive race goals that inspire and motivate him through training … sometimes for years. And in many ways, I’m the same. I know first hand just how powerful a dream race can be.

But I also love running for the sake of running, and can maintain months of consistent training with no race in sight.

So when a listener asked this question on the No Meat Athlete Facebook page, it sparked an interesting conversation.

Do runners need races, or should they run for the joy of running?

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

The power of a race goal
When racing is a bad idea
Alternatives to races … that can be just as motivating
The mistake most non-racers make
Why Matt wants you to give racing a try

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The Life-Changing Habit to Start Today

Written by Doug Hay

“Life-changing” is a big claim. Especially when it involves cleaning out your closet …

This conversation started back in January, when Matt read Marie Kondo’s bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. He said it was one of the best books he’d read in years, I said it wasn’t for me.

Boy was I wrong.

Today’s episode departs from our traditional topics of fitness and nutrition, and focuses instead on a habit we’ve both recently adopted. A habit that will free you from clutter, bring new energy to your home, and take you completely by surprise — I know it did me — with how good it feels.

Yup. It may even change your life.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

Do your items spark joy?
How to start decluttering your home
Why it’s acceptable to throw away that ugly sweater
Thanking your items (Doug actually does this)
What to do with books, race medals, and other items you love

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Nicole Antoinette Interviews Matt Frazier

Written by Matt Frazier

This week on No Meat Athlete Radio, we’re doing something a little different.

Instead of me doing the interviewing (or shooting the breeze with Doug), I’m the one being interviewed — by my friend and fellow vegan runner and “big goals” advocate Nicole Antoinette.

This interview was first published on Nicole’s popular podcast, Real Talk Radio, and she was kind enough to let me rebroadcast it on our show.

It’s a long one, nearly two hours in length, but one of my favorite interviews that I’ve done, which is why I chose to share it. Nicole and I dig deep into a lot of topics — and not just the typical running and diet stuff, but a more personal discussion of achievement, failure, and the messy reality that setting big, ambitious goals.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! Big thanks to Nicole for doing the interview and letting me share it; be sure to check out Real Talk Radio for lots more conversations like it.

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How to Maintain Your Healthy Habits When You’re Traveling

Written by Doug Hay

We’ve all be there … traveling in a new city, thrown off from our regular routines, and struggling to maintain a healthy habit.

How on Earth can I keep a daily meditation practice in a crowded hotel room?

Should I even bother running when I’m off my training?

Isn’t it impossible to eat healthy food on the road?

While on a recent vacation to Florida, Matt’s family found themselves asking questions just like these. Hopping from place to place, their healthy eating habits were put to the test.

In today’s episode, Matt shares a few of the lessons he put in place during that recent trip, and we discuss when it’s acceptable to let your habits adapt.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

A Grapple? Seriously?
The effects of routine change on your habits
Planning for the challenges
Why something is better than nothing
How to embrace the new experiences

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3 Health and Fitness Goals to Avoid?

Written by Doug Hay

Is there a right way and a wrong way to set health and fitness goals?

That’s the question Matt and I were asking ourselves after reading a recent article on the site Precision Fitness. The author, John Berardi, challenges the reader to structure your goal setting with his formula.

But after reading through, there were a few major points where we all disagreed.

In today’s episode, Matt and I discuss John’s model, and lay out or own strategies on how best to set health or fitness goals that prime you for success.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

Should you set a big outcome goal?
Success through small habits and changes
Matt’s lead and lag measure theory
Does your brain understand negatives?
The pros and cons of dabbling

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Things We Wish Vegans Did Even More

Written by Doug Hay

A few weeks ago we published an episode called “Things We Wish Vegans Didn’t Do.” It was Matt and I’s attempt at pointing out the trends, or aspects of our community that we’re not crazy about. I’m not going to lie, it got a little negative.

So we couldn’t leave it there.

This community awesome. It’s inspiring, welcoming, and is constantly up to outrageously cool things that Matt and I wish happened more often.

In today’s episode, we flip the conversation and focus our attention on those — the wonderful trends, accomplishments, and approaches we want to see even more.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

Big, tough, strong, and vegan
Plant-based restaurants and dishes going mainstream
Inspiring others in less obvious ways
How Gene Baur does it right
The sneaky approach to spreading your message

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More on How to Start Your Movement

Written by Matt Frazier

A few months ago we published episode on how to start your movement. In it, Doug and I shared the lessons we’ve learned from spreading our messages through a blog and podcast. It’s a blueprint if you ever decide to take a similar leap.

While that episode wasn’t the most downloaded, it garnered such a big response that I dedicated an entire month to the subject in the No Meat Athlete Academy.

I’ve selected portions from two of those Academy seminar interviews to share with you today. These guests take a completely different approach, spreading their messages through physical products.

The first is with Leanne Hilgart, founder of the vegan clothing line Vaute Couture.

In the second interview, I speak with Andy Levitt of the vegan food delivery service The Purple Carrot.

My hope in sharing these is to ignite a spark, or give you the small push you need to start your own movement. Whatever that may be.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

Using a business to make an impact
The psychological hurdle of going from from idea to business
Finding your first customer
Playing an infinite game
Promoting the activism side of your movement

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The (Second) Big Q&A Episode

Written by Doug Hay

Matt may be sipping non-alcoholic cocktails — mini-umbrella and all — on the vegan cruise right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t address your questions!

Several months ago we published an episode of NMA Radio called the Big Q&A Episode, where Matt and I answered (or attempted to answer) common questions directly from listeners. That episode turned out to be one of the most popular we’ve published, I believe in part because it’s reassuring to hear the questions and struggles from others.

Today we’re at it again, this time with 7 hand selected questions we hope will also answer some of your own. Ranging from running to meal prep, we tried to cover all the bases with these questions.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode: