Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Sarma Melngailis, Belle Gibson or the Vegan Teacher on TikTok. Although veganism is at the center of this story, it's deeper than that.
This episode opens the conversation about morality.
I talk about these three women because at least one of them, was very close to my raw food orbit during the early 2000's....like, practically right around the corner.
What really struck me about this story was the level of manipulation at play on so many sides. I know so many vegans who put down non-vegans for a variety of reasons, but lest we not forget, vegans are people too and some of them perpetuate a narrative that convinces a lot of people to hand over their money without holding these vegans accountable and asking the right questions of them before it's too late.
The saddest part of this story is, so many people's lives have been completely ruined by some of these vegans. At least one woman went to jail. And millions of dollars were manipulated out of the hands of people who believed in the "message" and lifestyle of being vegan.
Please note...this episode isn't about vegan bashing.
The choice is yours if it's right for you. My hope is, that if you do choose to be vegan, that you think for yourself and really dig into your WHY. Always look at both sides of the issue, not just the ones that confirm your bias. You don't have to follow or trust what celebrities or "influencers" show you on social media. The truth is, you never really know what's going on in their "backstage".
Anyway, I appreciate you listening to this episode and sharing it with someone you love. Take good care of yourselves and I'll see you on the other side of the plate.
Chow,
Michele
