Dr. Akil Taher is the author of OPEN HEART a book that chronicles his transformational journey. Dr. Taher had angioplasty at 56, open heart surgery at 61, and ran his first half marathon less than a year later. He then proceeded to run the Chicago, Boston, and Mumbai marathons, and also climbed mountains. He transformed from a middle-aged couch potato with a dangerously bad diet into a vital, energetic athlete, ever seeking new challenges and adventures. His whole food plant-based diet played a major part in his transformation.

Guy Vaknin is a renowned chef famous for his innovative plant-based creations. After serving in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), Vaknin moved to New York in 2005 to study computer engineering. But he quickly realized that his calling was in the food industry. Chef Vaknin then enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education. Upon graduating in 2007, he became the Executive Chef at Esprit Events, an established kosher catering company in Manhattan. In this role, he met his future wife and co-founder Tali. Together, they developed their signature vegan sushi and the Beyond Sushi brand was born. He is the founder and owner of City Roots Hospitality, New York City's leading vegan restaurant group, which includes Beyond Sushi, Willow, and his latest vegan restaurant, Coletta. beyondsushi.com willownewyork.com colettanyc.com cityrootsnyc.com

Rachel McCrystal is the Executive Director at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. She has been at the Sanctuary for seven years. Rachel has volunteered for and worked at various animal rights, conservation, and sheltering organizations over the last 15 years with a focus on development, marketing, campaigns, and strategic planning. She's been widely published with stories on animal rights and liberation.

Sarah Strickland is currently a junior in high school and the Lead Outreach Raven at the Raven Corps, a youth-led activist organization. Raven Corps current goal is to get big dairy out of schools and increase plant-based milk access in the over 100,000 schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. The Raven Corps is a youth-centered movement of activists devoted to building a just and sustainable future for ALL animals and our natural world. We take action through a consistent anti-oppression lens and trust that we can achieve liberation for ALL if we join forces and strike at the roots of oppression.

Jamie Logan is a NYC-based filmmaker, podcast host, and animal advocate who uses humor, health and fitness, public speaking, and social media to inspire others and cultivate change.

Stefanie Ignoffo is a plant interventionist, CEO & Founder of Plantspiration NFP Inc., and Food For Life Instructor with the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine and has completed the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Coaching program. She advocates and promotes Lifestyle Medicine by educating, motivating, and inspiring people to adopt a plant-based lifestyle in order to prevent and reverse chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and chronic illnesses.

Kartikeya Talreja is a Los Angeles based certified Ayurvedic Nutritionist, Digestive Health and Lifestyle Coach. Ayurveda is one of the oldest health systems in the world which originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Ayurveda believes that most diseases originate with imbalances in the digestive system. Kartikeya guides his clients who are suffering from digestive issues by educating them to eat a healthy whole food plant-based diet, spices, herbs, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle using the principles of Ayurveda.  

Show Notes for Plant Your Seed Podcast: Episode with Dr. Mari Mitrani In this episode of Plant Your Seed Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Mari Mitrani, a physician-scientist and co-founder of Gattaca Genomics. With a passion for regenerative medicine and a vegan lifestyle, Dr. Mitrani shares her journey and insights into the world of preventive health and the power of plant-based living. What You'll Learn: Dr. Mitrani's transition to a vegan lifestyle and the motivations behind her choice. The supportive role her family played in her vegan journey. Advice for those curious about starting a plant-based diet. The challenges Dr. Mitrani faced early in her vegan journey and how she overcame them. How she addresses curiosity about her plant-based diet and educates others. The importance of the motto "Dare to Fail" in Dr. Mitrani's personal and professional life. Leading by example to help others understand cognitive dissonance regarding diet and lifestyle. Dr. Mitrani's involvement in projects like Slay, They Are Trying To Kill Us, and Christspiracy. The particular resonance of veganism with women and Dr. Mitrani's perspective on this connection. The impact of being a vegan scientist-physician on Dr. Mitrani's life and career. Dr. Mitrani's passion for regenerative medicine and its future. Observations on the trend of doctors adopting plant-based diets and the responses from the medical community. Dr. Mitrani's experiences with pushback regarding her child's vegan diet and navigating those conversations. Recommended resources for those interested in exploring a plant-based diet. Insights into maintaining physical fitness and understanding one's body on a vegan diet. Strategies for staying committed to a plant-based diet amidst a busy schedule. Exciting developments in Dr. Mitrani's practice and what she looks forward to. Timestamps: 1:07 - Vegan Diet Transition 3:42 - Family Support for Veganism 4:49 - Beginning a Plant-Based Lifestyle 5:49 - Initial Struggles with Veganism 7:02 - Educating Others About Vegan Diet 8:00 - "Dare to Fail" Philosophy 9:03 - Leading by Example 10:34 - Involvement in Vegan Projects 14:32 - Veganism's Appeal to Women 15:23 - Veganism in Science and Medicine 16:24 - Love for Regenerative Medicine 17:43 - Doctors Going Plant-Based 20:05 - Navigating Pushback 21:09 - Resources for Starting Vegan 22:52 - Veganism and Physical Fitness 24:13 - Staying Vegan While Busy 25:34 - Excitement in Practice 28:03 - Contacting Dr. Mitrani Resources & Links: Follow Dr. Mitrani on Social Media: @marimitrani Dr. Mitrani's Recommended Resources: Slay and They're Trying To Kill Us Dr. Mari Mitrani's story is a fascinating blend of scientific rigor and compassionate living, demonstrating that health and wellness thrive on a foundation of plant-based nutrition and preventive care. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Subscribe to Plant Your Seed Podcast and leave a review. Let's spread the message of health, wellness, and compassion together. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and actionable advice from leaders in health, wellness, and sustainability.

Welcome to an insightful episode of Plant Your Seed Podcast, featuring the dynamic Jessica Karwat, a renowned Health Coach for Women, Vegan Nutritionist, TEDx Speaker, and Reiki Healer. Jessica shares her transformative journey and provides valuable insights into holistic health and vegan nutrition.   What You'll Learn: The inspiration behind Jessica's transition to a plant-based diet. The obstacles she faced while switching to veganism and how she overcame them. An intimate look at Jessica's struggle with an eating disorder and her path to recovery. Practical advice for those considering a plant-based lifestyle. The story of Jessica's entrepreneurial journey and the bravery behind starting her business. Unique challenges women face in losing weight, especially on a plant-based diet. The relationship between food, menstrual cycles, and weight loss. Jessica's passion for women's health, veganism, and why it matters. How to connect with Jessica and follow her work for more insights and guidance.   Timestamps: 00:55 - Jessica's Motivation for Plant-Based Diet 10:44 - Challenges in Transitioning to Veganism 19:10 - Jessica's Personal Battle with an Eating Disorder 23:20 - Top Tips for Adopting a Plant-Based Diet 32:05 - The Courage to Start Her Business 36:54 - Women's Weight Loss Challenges on a Plant-Based Diet 39:56 - Syncing Food with Menstrual Cycle for Weight Loss 49:25 - Jessica's Passion for Women's Health and Veganism 56:01 - Connecting with Jessica Karwat   Resources & Links: Follow Jessica Karwat on Social Media: iamjessicakarwat Jessica's website and contact information: womensacademyoftransformation.com   Connect with Jessica: Instagram: iamjessicakarwat   Thank you for tuning into this powerful episode with Jessica Karwat. Her journey and dedication to improving women's health through plant-based nutrition are truly inspirational. Whether you're new to veganism or looking to deepen your understanding of holistic health, Jessica's insights offer something for everyone.   Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Plant Your Seed Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice aimed at fostering a healthier, more compassionate world.

Cassie Gaffaney is a tattoo artist and musician originally from New Zealand and now currently based in Las Vegas. Her vegan journey started after she saw the film, Joker. Joaquin Phoenix's performance in that movie had such a profound effect on her that it led her to LA Animal Saves Pig Vigils at Farmer Johns. She is passionate about living a compassionate lifestyle and supporting local animal rescues/organizations and sanctuaries and sharing the message of kindness for all beings.