But something changed between the left and the right side (and don’t worry there will be gear comments, I already know). But the bigger shift between the left and the right photos wasn’t just 75 lbs, 13 years, 3000+ workouts, adding gear, competing, and becoming the world’s largest vegan bodybuilder. The biggest difference between the left and the right photo is that I became an activist. See, for most of my vegan journey, even though I started very young at 13 years old, I kept my thoughts to myself. I thought “if I’m a nice guy and I don’t upset people, maybe people will like me, maybe people will learn to care for me and then care about the animals if I tell them the truth.” I didn’t realize that by hiding who I was truly in my core, I was pushing away all those that truly felt the same as me, and I spent the majority of my career as a vegan bodybuilder alone. But not anymore. I proudly wear vegan clothing and vegan tattoos daily. I speak up for those who are silenced. I fight with all I have to help free victims from cages. And. I want to empower you to do the same. Build your body. Create your confidence. Share with others what you really feel in your heart. The result might just break your idea of what is capable in this lifetime. If you’re like me, you love fitness, you hate seeing others in pain and suffering, then speak up. Find a way to show the light to others.

Being vegan is one thing. Being *visible about it* is another. On this episode of the Vegan Squad Pod, we’re joined by @chucktheveganlifter to talk about why it’s important for vegans to speak up, show up, and use their platforms to advocate for animals 💚 Whether it’s sharing veganism on social media, showing that you can be fit and healthy on a plant-based diet, or finding your own unique form of activism, we all have the power to make a difference!! You don’t have to be a protester or an outspoken activist to create change. Find what works for you, use your strengths, and don’t be afraid to let people know you’re vegan! You can listen to the full episode here: vegansquadcoaching.com/vegansquadpod

This world isn’t designed for it to be “easy” to be vegan. The majority of the population isn’t vegan and it seems like animals get used in almost every single product out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessary.

To watch my full mindset masterclass, go to this video right here! https://youtu.be/CtWuw6ppVYc?si=5Xap5qFLU5uLpuvh

On today’s episode, we’re joined by @MyVeganLady to explore a unique approach to vegan activism: using restaurants, food, and community to make veganism more accessible. Raquel takes us behind the scenes of the Vegan Chef Challenge: a month-long event where restaurants create vegan dishes, communities vote for their favorites, and chefs get to see firsthand the demand for great vegan food. But the goal goes beyond a competition. We talk about how encouraging non-vegan restaurants to add better vegan options can create lasting change, which sometimes leads restaurants to keep those dishes on their menus permanently. We also dive into: 🌱 Making vegan food more mainstream and accessible 🌱 The role of supply & demand in expanding vegan options 🌱 Communicating about veganism without blame 🌱 Different approaches to animal activism 🌱 Collaboration, community, patience & measurable impact Sometimes, changing the menu can help change minds. And changing minds can help create a more compassionate world. You can listen to the full episode here: vegansquadcoaching.com/vegansquadpod