Dr. Michael Klaper, author of the new book Moving Medicine Forward, discusses with Glen the toxic red tide of destructive chemicals that disrupt the bloodstream after people eat animal foods.

To know more about Dr. Klaper's work visit: www.movingmedforward.org

www.doctorklaper.com

Moving Medicine Forward, by Dr. Michael Klaper and me, available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264

Go to www.buddhistblues.com to watch the trailer and sign up to be notified of the release of Glen's film.

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me : https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

What if a disease labeled “incurable” wasn’t the end of the story?

In this episode of The Glen Merzer Show, Sam Shepherd, creator of ValAsta, returns with a bold and controversial perspective that challenges conventional thinking about cancer, chronic disease, and the role of inflammation in human health. A physicist, engineer, and inventor with over 40 patents, Shepherd shares his personal journey after being diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare blood cancer widely considered non-curable.

Refusing to accept that prognosis, he spent years researching the underlying mechanisms of disease. What he discovered led him to astaxanthin, a naturally occurring compound found in algae, and eventually to the development of a modified form designed for improved absorption. According to Shepherd, targeting inflammation at the cellular level may play a critical role in addressing a wide range of chronic conditions.

This conversation explores:

• The link between inflammation and chronic disease

• Why some conditions may be misunderstood or underexplored

• The role of antioxidants and nutrient compounds in cellular health

• How personal research and lived experience can shape new perspectives

• The tension between anecdotal evidence and clinical research

• Broader questions about healthcare systems, patient education, and access to information

Watch the full episode and decide what resonates.

Subscribe to The Glen Merzer Show for more bold, thought-provoking conversations on plant-based living, health, and the ideas shaping our future.

To know more about Sam Shepherd's work visit www.valasta.net

Moving Medicine Forward, by Dr. Michael Klaper and me, available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264

Go to www.buddhistblues.com to watch the trailer and sign up to be notified of the release of Glen's film.

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me : https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

#PlantBasedHealth #Inflammation #Longevity #HealthDebate #TheGlenMerzerShow

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

Danielle Medina studied health, adopted a better and better diet, and overcame her health challenges. With her daughter Maya, she demonstrates how to make an Omega-3-rich Chia Seed Pudding.

To know more about Danielle and her work, visit www.fitnplaymama.com

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

To order the new book Moving Medicine Forward by Dr. Michael Klaper and me:

https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Medicine-Forward-Doctors-Nutrition_and/dp/1637748264

Get my book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me : https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

What happens when plant based athletes build a private wildlife preserve dedicated to art, wellness, and ethical living 🌱

In this episode of The Glen Merzer Show, Raven Morgan and Dustin Weatherby share how they created Ravens Retreat in Hocking Hills Ohio. They discuss plant based strength, silent retreats, men’s wellness programs, wildlife conservation, mushroom foraging, and the power of intentional living.

From martial arts to forest bathing, this conversation challenges stereotypes about masculinity, veganism, and success. If you are interested in plant based living, sustainable retreats, eco tourism, wildlife preservation, and holistic wellness, this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

Plant based athletes and strength

Silent retreats and mental clarity

Men’s wellness and lifestyle coaching

Wildlife preservation and eco retreats

Mushroom foraging and plant based cuisine

Martial arts and functional fitness

Building a values aligned business

Visit www.ravensretreathockinghills.com for more information about Raven's Retreat.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to Raven's Retreat

00:57 Evolving Retreat Offerings

02:48 Introducing Men's Lifestyle Wellness Programs

04:06 Nature and Wild Food Integration

05:25 Artistic Expressions in Retreats

07:50 Health and Sleep Medicine Insights

09:36 Creative Activations and Art Retreats

11:23 Silent Retreats and Their Impact

14:24 Accommodations and Future Developments

18:10 Diverse Retreat Types and Experiences

20:51 Culinary Experiences and Plant-Based Focus

25:10 Martial Arts and Self-Defense Integration

27:47 Veganism and Personal Transformations

30:42 Wildlife and Nature Preservation

35:43 Food Gathering and Cultivation Practices

39:17 Contacting Raven's Retreat for Experiences

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get my new book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

How do you build a successful vegan business while helping people transition toward plant-based living?

In this inspiring conversation, Rey Ortega, founder of Sunflower Baking Company, joins Glen Merzer to share his powerful journey from chronic illness to becoming a 31-year vegan entrepreneur.

Rey explains how years of being sick led him to study nutrition and eventually remove eggs, dairy, and meat from his diet. After experiencing dramatic improvements in his health, he decided to dedicate his life to helping others move toward plant-based foods. His mission ultimately led him to create vegan cookies and build a thriving baking company that now distributes products nationwide.

Rey also shares the realities of launching a vegan business, including the challenges of labeling products, building long shelf life foods, and convincing distributors that vegan products could succeed in the mainstream market.

Today, he continues to mentor other entrepreneurs through Start a Vegan Business, helping plant-based founders turn their ideas into successful companies.

If you are interested in vegan entrepreneurship, plant-based health, or building a mission-driven business, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

🍪 Learn how one vegan baker turned a passion for healthier food into a thriving company and a platform for change.

Key Topics Covered

🌱 Rey Ortega’s journey from chronic illness to becoming vegan

🍪 How Sunflower Baking Company started and grew into a successful vegan brand

📈 Building a vegan business with limited startup capital

🏷️ The debate around using “vegan” vs “plant-based” on product labels

📦 How food companies create long shelf life products for national distribution

💼 Advice for entrepreneurs starting vegan food businesses

🥗 Evolving toward healthier plant-based ingredients and formulations

🏫 Bringing vegan snacks into schools and expanding plant-based options

📌 Get to know more about Rey and his work here:

https://www.sunflourbaking.com

https://www.startaveganbusiness.com

Chapters

00:00 Rey Ortega's Journey to Veganism

09:25 The Birth of Sunflower Baking Company

19:16 Business Consulting for Vegan Entrepreneurs

23:12 Navigating the Vegan Market: Plant-Based vs. Vegan Terminology

25:52 The Role of Cookies in Vegan Advocacy

27:07 The Saturated Fat Dilemma: Coconut Oil and Processed Foods

29:13 Innovations in Vegan Baking: Shelf Life and Ingredients

32:09 Exploring Alternative Proteins: Tofu and Beyond

36:10 Healthy Snacks for Schools: A New Vegan Initiative

37:53 Theater and Food: A Playwright's Journey

42:55 The Psychology of Food Choices: Tongue vs. Body

44:57 Introduction to Dr. Michael Clapper

48:12 Early Experiences in Medicine

53:47 The Shift to Plant-Based Medicine

57:54 Teaching Nutrition in Medical Schools

01:03:25 The Impact of Diet on Blood Health

01:09:20 Conclusion and Book Promotion

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get my new book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

What if the system behind your food was designed to stay invisible?

In this powerful episode of The Glen Merzer Show, investigative journalist Gail Eisnitz, author of Out of Sight and Slaughterhouse, reveals what she uncovered inside America’s slaughterhouses and factory farms.

From animals skinned alive to ventilation shutdown “depopulation” practices, Gail exposes the harsh realities that most consumers never see. She also shares her deeply personal story of a rare neurological condition that shaped her empathy and fueled her decades of advocacy.

This conversation explores:

• Humane slaughter myths

• Factory farming corruption

• Government oversight failures

• Whistleblower retaliation

• The psychological cost of bearing witness

• Why transparency threatens the system

Is “humane meat” real — or just marketing?

Can the system ever truly be reformed?

And what happens when the truth becomes impossible to ignore?

This episode will challenge what you think you know about animal agriculture.

👉 Watch now and decide for yourself.

👉 Learn more about plant-based living and community support at www.theglenmerzershow.com

#FactoryFarming #AnimalAgriculture #VeganTruth #PlantBasedLiving #Slaughterhouse

Find more about Gail and her amazing work here: www.gaileisnitz.com and www.hfa.org

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get my new book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

Is going vegan really about perfection or is it about compassion and progress 🌱

In this episode of The Glen Merzer Show, Glen Merzer speaks with pianist, educator, and author Joanne Kong, co-author of Vegan Made Easy, about making plant-based living approachable, realistic, and rooted in kindness.

They explore why most people struggle with change, how social conditioning shapes our food choices, and why compassion for animals often deepens once people understand animal sentience. Joanne also shares practical strategies for navigating social situations, family gatherings, and restaurant dining without conflict or judgment.

This conversation is ideal for vegans, plant-curious listeners, and anyone interested in health, ethics, and sustainable lifestyle change.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

🌱 How to transition to plant-based eating without pressure

🧠 Social conditioning and food habits

🐔 Animal sentience and compassion

🍽 Navigating restaurants and family gatherings

🤝 Leading by example without judgment

📘 Making veganism accessible for everyone

Visit Joanne websites here:

www.vegansmakeadifference.com

www.joannekongmusic.com

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get my new book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.

In this episode, Glen Merzer interviews Maxime Sigouin, founder of Mavy Wellness, who shares his journey from a fitness coach to an entrepreneur focused on promoting whole food plant-based eating. Maxime discusses the rebranding of his business from Fit Vegan Coaching to Mavy Wellness, emphasizing the mission to help people reduce their risk of chronic illness and improve their health. He explains how the name change was influenced by the need to appeal to a broader audience, moving beyond the term 'vegan' to attract those interested in plant-based diets without the stigma associated with veganism.

Maxime also reflects on his personal experiences with health and fitness, including his transition from a bodybuilder to a wellness advocate. He highlights the importance of mindset in achieving health goals and the necessity of adapting fitness and nutrition plans to fit individual lifestyles. The conversation touches on the significance of community support, the role of coaches and doctors in his program, and the insights from his new book, "Forever Fit," which aims to inspire and educate readers on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through plant-based nutrition and consistent exercise.

Pre-order your "Forever Fit" book here: https://foreverfitbook.com/home?

Get to know more about Mavy Wellness here https://mavywellness.com/

Takeaways

"I just want to help people eat plant-based."

"Success comes from consistency, comes from small, imperfect actions."

"Fitness builds the body, nutrition reveals it."

"You can't compound zero percent."

"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast."

"Living a life where you have a fit and healthy body, there's certain lessons you have to learn."

"Goals mean more than timelines."

"You want to protect your body for the long run."

"Eating whole food plant-based can improve your body composition."

"You can be strong and be vegan."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mavy Wellness

01:41 The Mission Behind Mavy Wellness

03:27 Targeting Clients Over 50

04:49 Building a Team for Comprehensive Health

07:00 The Launch of Forever Fit

09:10 Inspiration and Staying Motivated

11:16 Addressing Skepticism Towards Plant-Based Diets

17:45 Understanding Protein Needs

22:57 The Role of Macronutrients in Energy Production

23:57 From Farm Boy to Bodybuilder: Glen's Early Years

28:22 The Modeling Industry: A Double-Edged Sword

29:12 Mindset: The Foundation of Health and Fitness

33:41 Adapting Fitness Plans to Life's Challenges

34:08 The Philosophy of Goals and Timelines

36:44 Lessons from the Journey: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

38:36 Discovering Veganism: A New Perspective on Nutrition

40:40 Family Dynamics and Dietary Changes

42:31 Final Thoughts: Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle

Enter coupon code Glen10 to get $10 off healthy Indian food: https://firstseedfoods.com/

Visit our website: https://www.theglenmerzershow.com

Get my new book, 'America Goes Vegan!' here: https://shorturl.at/dgrLQ

Get "Live Your Healthiest Life" here: https://shorturl.at/bitDE

To order Sweet Indulgence Sweet Indulgence by Chef AJ and me, the healthiest and most beautiful dessert cookbook ever!: https://www.amazon.com/Chef-AJs-Sweet-Indulgence-Guilt-Free/dp/1570674248

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes.