Plant Based Curious
Are you curious about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle but don’t know where to begin?
The Plant-Based Curious Podcast is your friendly, essential guide. Join host Diane Randall, a certified holistic coach with over 23 years of plant-based and vegan living, as she makes thriving with plants simple, sustainable, and joyful.
In our bi-weekly episodes, we explore:
• Practical Nutrition & Transition Tips: How to start and stick with it.
• Holistic Wellness: Mind, body, and lifestyle shifts.
• The Science of Change: Empowering strategies for lasting habits.
• Inspiring Interviews: Hear from nutritionists, athletes, and everyday success stories.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan, vegetarian, or a curious omnivore just looking to add more plants to your plate, this is your judgment-free zone for transformation—one bite at a time.
Connect & Share: We'd love to hear from you! Visit us at https://www.plant-basedcurious.com.
Plant Based Curious
Honoring Heritage, Plant-Based Style: Jan Brandenburg’s Appalachian Kitchen Revolution
Join host Diane Randall for a soulful conversation with Jan Brandenburg, Appalachian native, longtime vegan, and author of The Modern Mountain Cookbook: A Plant-Based Celebration of Appalachia. Jan shares how she’s won over her meat-loving family with veganized comfort food, the emotional ties between tradition and ethics, and her top tips for making plant-based living accessible—even in the heart of biscuit-and-gravy country.
Key Takeaways:
Start Where You Are
Jan’s advice for beginners: “Think of your favorite foods—master 3 plant-based versions, and build from there.” (Example: Her crowd-pleasing vegan mac and cheese!)
Appalachian Vegan Magic
How to reinvent smoky, hearty flavors without meat: liquid smoke, smoked salts, and tamari bring umami depth to classics like cornbread and broccoli casserole.
Holidays Without Compromise
Jan’s secret to stress-free vegan feasts: “Cook the dishes you love, but plant-based. No one misses the meat when the flavors are right.”
Aquafaba Breakthrough
The game-changing ingredient that let Jan recreate her grandmother’s meringue pies (hint: it’s hiding in your chickpea can!).
Handling Skeptics with Grace
Responding to “Why be so extreme?”: “It’s not about judgment—it’s my choice to live in alignment with my values.”
Featured Recipes & Tips:
- Pantry MVP: Liquid smoke for bacon-esque flavor in greens, beans, and cornbread.
- Comfort Food Hack: Vegan broccoli casserole (no condensed soups!).
- Seasonal Star: Ramps (wild Appalachian leeks) in spring dishes.
Connect with Jan:
- Cookbook: The Modern Mountain Cookbook
- Instagram: @appalachianvegan
Listener Call-to-Action:
- Swap one family recipe with a plant-based twist voice (message us @PlantBasedCurious!).
- Grab Jan’s book for vegan biscuits, gravy, and pies that honor Appalachian roots.
Quotable Moment:
“Food isn’t just fuel—it’s connection, history, and love. You don’t have to abandon tradition to embrace compassion.” —Jan Brandenburg
"Thanks for listening to The Plant-Based Curious Podcast. If this episode helped you, please share it with one friend who might need it. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a step on your journey. For questions or to connect, visit me at plant-basedcurious.com."
