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Today, I’m joined by Shawna Barker—a long-time vegan, nutritionist, plant-based chef, and college instructor who brings a rare depth of experience to the plant-based health space.

Vegan for over 20 years, Shawna holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a diploma in Holistic Nutrition. With more than a decade working in the field, she’s seen what works—and what causes confusion—when it comes to supporting people on their plant-based journey.

In this conversation, we explore what she wishes her younger self had known starting out, how she blends evidence-based science with a more individualised, whole-person approach, and the gaps she’s working to fill as she teaches the next generation of plant-focused health professionals.

In this conversation we cover:

• If Shawna’s younger self starting nutrition school could hear one thing from her today—what would she say?
• Shawna’s trained in both the evidence-based world and the holistic space—how does she decide what to trust and teach if the two approaches seem to clash?
• What’s one mainstream nutrition belief Shawna often has to “un-teach” her students?
• On filling in the gaps around plant-based nutrition in traditional programs—what’s the biggest gap Shawna is seeing right now?
• What would she love to see taught as standard?
• Has Shawna seen a shift in attitudes among younger nutrition students?
• Are they more open to plant-based eating—or still stuck in old protein myths?
• The difference between being vegan and eating plant-based.
• After 20+ years vegan—what has Shawna changed her mind on so far as nutrition, if anything?
• After hundreds of “but where do you get your protein?” convos—how does Shawna  keep those discussions energising rather than exhausting?
• For vegans navigating burnout or fatigue in advocacy—what’s helped Shawna stay engaged and hopeful over the long haul?
• When Shawna is not feeling hopeful or optimistic about the state of the world—what brings her back to centre?
• What inspired On Vegan Boss Apparel—and how does Shawna see clothing as part of advocacy?

Whether you’re new to plant-based living, deep in the nutrition world, or simply navigating what it means to live in alignment with your values—Shawna’s perspective is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to choose between science and heart.

I hope this conversation left you feeling more grounded, more confident, and more curious about what’s possible when we take a balanced, compassionate approach to health and deliciousness.

You can connect with Shawna via the links in the show notes, and be sure to check out her Vegan Boss Apparel—because sometimes, what we wear is just another way we show up for what we believe in.

Shawna’s website:

Shawna’s podcast, Vegan Boss Radio:

Vegan Boss Apparel:

Connect with Shawna across the socials: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter.

That’s it for this week in Healthification.

Plant Positive Journal Version 2 (printed and fillable PDF)

This journal and daily planner follows a twelve month format however is not dated so it is perfect to use at ANY time of the year.

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With love and gratitude plant friends.

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