Religion, in its pure sense is to reconnect, in this sense, humankind to the transcendent. So I think it's actually a positive word, but you have to reclaim it, much like the LGBTQ plus community has taught us to reclaim the word queer, which can be a very positive word if understood correctly. So in that sense, I think veganism can be religious in that positive sense. But when religion becomes about erecting unnecessary walls and drawing lines with those walls regarding who is in and who is out, that's when it becomes problematic.   -Stevan Mirkovich Embarking on a plant-based journey can be as transformative as it is challenging, something Stevan Mirkovich knows all too well.  Stevan is co-owner of Planted Expo, a plant-based trade show, platform, and network designed to support you, no matter where you are on your plant-based journey.  Join me for this intimate conversation with Stevan, where we peel back the layers of his own transformation, revealing the heart and soul behind choosing a life nourished by plants. We explore the profound impact of our relationship with food, the quiet revolution in our kitchens, and the way our plates can reflect our deepest values. It's not just about what we eat; it's the stories, the culture, and the love that simmer in every bite. Steven generously shares his complex and evolving relationship with food and his body, including his profound weight-loss journey, the endlessly rewarding adventure of fatherhood, veganism, and how he came to embrace a more mindful approach to eating and wellness. Our discussion then turns to the philosophy of veganism, challenging the notion that it should be anything less than a progressive journey. With empathy at its core, veganism, as Steven describes, is akin to laying down walls to pave a path toward unity and understanding, leaving dogmatic approaches and exclusion behind. We invite you to join us at one of the upcoming three epic Planted Expo events coming up in 2024, two of which I'll be speaking at (Toronto and Seattle). Learn more and grab tickets at PlantedLife.com FULL SHOW NOTES, GUEST BIO, AND LINKS HERE LET'S CONNECT! 💝You can also support my mission of making this world a healthier, more compassionate place for all living beings by TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING… Subscribe to the Sexy Fit Vegan YouTube Channel HERE Subscribe to THE SEXY FIT VEGAN Soul-Aligned Newsletter HERE (free!): Get Ella's Top Updates, Badass Discoveries, Insights, and Explorations (Books, Podcasts, Food, Workouts, Gadgets, & More) Delivered to Your Follow Sexy Fit Vegan/Ella on Instagram HERE Follow Sexy Fit Vegan on Facebook HERE Connect with Ella on LinkedIn HERE Check out the Sexy Fit Vegan Website HERE Check out our sister show, The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, HERE Take on the 22Reboot Challenge - The ultimate 22-day transformation system... The simplest, most effective path to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle you can be proud of.