Breaking Out of the Vegan Echo Chamber with the Vegan Bros

This week's episode is a bit of a unique one. Our two guests — Matt & Phil Letten — are known as the "Vegan Bros", and definitely fit the bro characteristic. After growing up in the Midwest and being about as anti-vegan as they come, these brothers eventually made the switch to veganism after seeing the shocking realities of what goes on in factory farms. Fast forward through their time spent as activists and social media entrepreneurs, they just released a brand new book, Vodka is Vegan: A Manifesto for Better Living and Not Being an Asshole. Their goal is to step outside of the vegan echo chamber and reach the mainstream with their message, which is to live more compassionately by not being an angry vegan, and reaching people where they're at. Their book appeals to a sector of the population that many vegans write off as being impossible to convince to start eating compassionately, yet the Vegan Bros believe they're the easiest to reach. The book is chalk full of helpful strategies for vegan living as well as supporting others in their journey. It's worth a read, especially for the bro in your life or the new vegan who's not sure how to talk about veganism with skeptical friends and family. In the episode, we discuss:

* Why we need to break out of the vegan echo chamber

* Strategies for dealing with skeptical friends and family

* The process and struggle of business and being an entrepreneur

* How Matt and Phil dealt with being physically assaulted by vegans at a VegFest

* How food tech will save the world

* and more!

WARNING: this episode contains profane and crude language. The Vegan Bros don't hold back in this conversation, and as we're sure you know, we can unleash the potty mouth every once in a while. Probably smart to not listen to this one with the kids.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

-Jackson and Aaron

Thanks to our incredible supporters on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, the easiest way is to become a subscriber at patreon.com/thoughtforfood. If you'd like to make a quick cameo on the podcast (such as this week - thanks Martha!), you can send us a voice recording of your name, where you're from, and why you became a supporter of TFF on Patreon through Google Drive and email it to [email protected].

Show Notes

Connect with the Vegan Bros:

Vodka is Vegan: http://book.veganbros.com

Vegan Bros on social media:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/veganbros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganBrosOfficial/

Plant-Based Cycling Camp:

Learn more and secure your spot: http://bouldercyclingcamp.com

Connect with TFF:

Website: tfflifestyle.com

Instagram: instagram.com/tfflifestyle

Facebook: facebook.com/tfflifestyle

Thought For Food Club: http://facebook.com/groups/tffclub

Thought For Food Thursday Newsletter: http://tfflifestyle.com/newsletter