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If you want to hear from a seriously multi-talented (I’m talking singing, acting, cooking, and more!) person about living vegan–this episode is for you!
Today on the podcast I have Joi Liayé (@veganwithjoi) here to share her vegan story, inspirations, and about her life in Los Angeles pursuing her passions.
Joi Liayé is a vegan actress and singer from Detroit, MI and is based in Los Angeles. She also hosts the talk show, The Vegan View on Youtube with episodes airing every Monday. She began her vegan journey gradually over the years by removing meat out of her diet in high school, becoming a pescatarian and ultimately becoming vegan in 2011.She shares her love for vegan food and lifestyle on her instagram Vegan With Joi. She is passionate about uplifting people in her community, specifically young girls and women.
Joi’s interest in health and food systems began when she was a young girl, and she shares, “I think I was made to be a vegan.” Naturally, she disliked eggs and dairy and tried her best to avoid eating them, while also noticing that she was able to taste the chemicals in many of the typical processed snacks that most children loved. On the podcast episode, you’ll hear her share a story of sitting at a McDonalds drive thru and asking herself, “If I can get chicken here at any time, and there are thousands of other restaurants serving chicken at the same time across the country, where was all this chicken coming from?” The idea sparked an interest and concern for our food systems, and Joi began making the transition (over time and many phases) to veganism.
This podcast episode is a great listen for aspiring vegans still trying to ‘find your why’ and commit to going vegan. Joi explains her journey, the ups and downs, and what led her to finally make the jump from pescatarian to vegetarian to vegan over the years.
We talk about:
Giving up pork as a teenager and the friendship that inspired this decision
How it felt to give up childhood family meals that were not vegan
Making southern country cooking vegan (and how it’s surprisingly easy)
What makes vegan restaurants stand out and the importance of quality ingredients
Eating vegan in Los Angeles vs Detroit, and the growing vegan scene in Detroit
Our food systems and why learning about them helps in going vegan
What is the Vegan View and how they produce their vegan lifestyle content
Joi’s acting career and passion for R&B music
The importance of reclaiming healthy food choices for black women
What Joi is cooking at home