157: Menopause, Metabolism, and Mindset: Dr. Laurie Marbas on Thriving with Plant-Based Nutrition

Emmy Award-winning composer, vegan chef and Refractor Piano™ inventor Peter Manning Robinson joins Kathleen Gage on Plant-Based Eating for Health to share his remarkable journey through veganism, plant-based nutrition, personal adversity and creative reinvention. Peter's transition to vegan living began with an unexpected encounter with a chicken at the San Diego Zoo. That experience eventually led him to eliminate animal products and discover a passion for creating nutritious, flavorful plant-based meals. When severe tendonitis threatened to end his performing career, Peter refused to surrender his love of music. Through extensive physical retraining and experimentation, he developed new techniques and eventually created the Refractor Piano™, an innovative instrument that transforms acoustic piano sounds during live performances.

What is it really like to complete 75 Hard and the full Live Hard program in your 70s? At 72, I've completed Live Hard, and now I'm doing the 75 Hard Challenge again with an even greater focus on strength, fitness, whole food plant-based nutrition, protein, healthy aging, and discipline. In this episode of Plant-Based Eating for Health, I share my firsthand experience with 75 Hard for women over 70, what completing Live Hard taught me, what I'm doing differently this time, and why I believe getting older does not automatically mean slowing down. I've been weight training for about 40 years. During this round of 75 Hard, I'm completing two 45-minute workouts every day, following a whole food plant-based diet, tracking my nutrition, aiming for approximately 98 to 100+ grams of plant-based protein, and training for a 5K. I also address an important misconception about 75 Hard. It is not a weight-loss program. It is designed as a mental toughness program built around discipline, consistency, and following through on the commitments you make to yourself. In this episode, I talk about: Completing the full Live Hard program at 72 Why I decided to do 75 Hard again My experience with 75 Hard as a woman over 70 What I'm doing differently this time Eating a whole food plant-based diet during 75 Hard Getting enough plant-based protein Strength training and weight training in my 70s Completing two 45-minute workouts every day Walking, running, cycling, yoga, and gym workouts Training for a 5K at 72 Why I believe older women can challenge themselves physically What I like and don't like about the 75 Hard culture How 75 Hard has affected my discipline, consistency, energy, and mindset I've heard people say that 75 Hard isn't appropriate for women over 40, much less women in their 60s or 70s. I don't believe age alone should determine what we're capable of doing. The key is knowing your body, choosing appropriate activities, and approaching fitness intelligently. If you're searching for information about 75 Hard for women, 75 Hard over 60, 75 Hard over 70, Live Hard, fitness over 70, strength training for older women, vegan fitness, plant-based protein, whole food plant-based eating, mental toughness, or healthy aging, this episode gives you the perspective of someone who has actually done it. I completed Live Hard at 72. And now I'm doing 75 Hard again. Plant-Based Eating for Health with Kathleen Gage explores whole food plant-based nutrition, vegan living, fitness, strength, healthy aging, and creating a vibrant life at every age. Learn more: https://www.VeganVisibility.com

Do older adults need meat to maintain muscle and strength? Registered dietitian Brenda Davis joins Kathleen Gage to discuss what the research says about plant-based protein and healthy aging. Brenda, co-author of Plant-Powered Seniors, explains why protein needs deserve more attention as we age and why eating a whole food plant-based diet still takes planning. She and Kathleen discuss age-related muscle loss, resistance training, creatine, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Brenda also shares the conversation that led her to become vegan in 1989. Later, she offers simple ways to eat more plants, from adding beans and greens to familiar meals to finding recipes you genuinely enjoy. The episode closes with a discussion of chronic inflammation, hydration, and alcohol. Listen to Episode 179: Brenda Davis on Plant-Powered Seniors, Protein, and Healthy Aging https://www.veganvisibility.com/179-Brenda-Davis Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating and review.

What happens when compassion becomes more than a feeling and turns into a lifetime of action? Kathleen Gage welcomes Ella Magers, a vegan of more than 30 years, holistic fitness coach, speaker, animal rights advocate, and co-founder of the March to Abolish Animal Testing. Ella's journey began at seven years old when she connected the food on her plate with the living animal it had once been. By age 15, she was fully vegan and actively campaigning for animals. In this conversation, Ella shares how she built strength and muscle without animal products and why fitness should be about far more than appearance. She explains how strength training, functional movement, mobility work, and a strong core can help people remain active, capable, and independent as they age. Ella also takes listeners behind the scenes of Hogs and Kisses Farm Sanctuary, where rescued farmed animals receive lifelong care. She discusses the financial and physical realities of sanctuary work and how creative events, monthly donations, matching gifts, and meaningful donor relationships help sustain that care. One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Ella's story of Jane, a beagle bred for laboratory experimentation. Jane spent the first year and a half of her life in a small wire cage without grass, walks, a bed, or a loving home. After being released during the campaign that helped close Ridglan Farms, Jane was placed in Ella's arms, fell asleep, and began snoring. Ella knew she was home. Ella also discusses the 207-mile March to Abolish Animal Testing and the growing movement to replace animal experimentation with modern scientific alternatives. This episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful change does not belong only to professional activists. Every person can take action by choosing cruelty-free products, volunteering, donating, supporting legislation, sharing reliable information, or helping others expand their circle of compassion. Learn more and listen to Episode 178: https://veganvisibility.com/178-Ella-Magers

What happens when your compassion for animals begins to shape not only the way you live, but also the work you choose to do? In this episode of the Plant Based Eating for Health Podcast, Kathleen Gage talks with Stephanie Mathers, founder and CEO of Grants 4 Animals. Stephanie shares how her journey from animal lover to vegan advocate inspired her to create a purpose-driven business that helps animal nonprofits secure sustainable funding. Since launching Grants 4 Animals, Stephanie and her team have helped animal-related nonprofits secure, manage, and report on more than $6 million in grant funding. Stephanie's journey began when she adopted her first cat, Shakespeare. That relationship led her into animal rescue, TNR work, sanctuary advocacy, and eventually veganism. After learning about the treatment of dairy cows, she committed to a 30-day vegan experiment in 2012. That decision became a permanent way of living that aligned her food, purchasing decisions, and professional life with her compassion for animals. Kathleen and Stephanie also discuss her transition from a 20-year career in education to entrepreneurship. Although her first business idea did not unfold as planned, it introduced her to animal sanctuaries and helped her recognize where her skills could make the greatest difference. Is Your Animal Nonprofit Grant-Ready? Many animal nonprofits begin searching for grants before they have the foundation needed to apply successfully. Stephanie explains why receiving 501(c)(3) status does not automatically make an organization grant-ready. Grant readiness may include: • Clear financial and animal-tracking systems • Established policies and procedures • Strong organizational and program descriptions • A compelling and consistent story • An active and engaged email list • Realistic funding goals • The ability to manage and report on awarded funds Becoming grant-ready takes time, but the process can strengthen every area of nonprofit fundraising. The same information required for grant applications can also improve donor communication, email marketing, major-gift conversations, social media campaigns, and corporate sponsorship proposals. Grants Are Only Part of the Solution Grants can provide valuable support, but they are rarely the answer to an immediate financial crisis. Stephanie explains why animal nonprofits need multiple sources of revenue, including individual donations, monthly giving programs, corporate sponsorships, merchandise, educational programs, tours, events, and grants. She also shares why nonprofit leaders must consider the time, labor, and resources required for each fundraising activity, not simply the amount of money it might generate. In This Episode, You'll Discover • How Stephanie's love for animals led her to veganism • Why learning about dairy cows became a turning point • How an unsuccessful business idea helped reveal her true path • What animal nonprofits frequently misunderstand about grants • The essential elements of grant readiness • Why grants should not be an organization's only funding strategy • How an email list supports fundraising and grant compliance • Ways to develop multiple nonprofit income streams • How to create work that reflects your vegan values • Why grant-writing systems are essential for long-term sustainability Train Your Own Grant Writer Stephanie created Train Your Own Grant Writer to help animal nonprofits develop grant-writing skills within their own organizations. A staff member, board member, or committed volunteer can learn the tools, systems, and strategies needed to build and maintain a sustainable grant campaign. Learn more about Train Your Own Grant Writer: https://www.grants4animals.com/TrainYourOwnGrantWriter Listen to the full episode: https://www.VeganVisibility.com/177-Stephanie-Mathers