In the latest episode of the Plant Based On Fire podcast, Bryan sits down with Angela Yvonne, the dynamic force behind Vegan Pop Eats, a lifestyle brand revolutionizing how people perceive veganism and plant-based living. Angela’s journey from a curious vegetarian to a leading vegan advocate and media personality is not just inspiring but also a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience and authenticity.
The Journey to Veganism: A Personal and Professional Transformation
Angela Yvonne’s journey into veganism began with a deeply personal motivation—her mother’s battle with breast cancer. This pivotal moment in her life led her to question her own dietary choices, ultimately starting her on the path to a plant-based lifestyle.
"As I started to go more into learning what food does to the body, eight years ago I decided to cross all the way over,"
Angela shares. Her transition wasn’t just about food; it was a holistic shift that transformed how she saw the world and herself.
Angela’s background in journalism and broadcast media provided the perfect platform for her to merge her passion for veganism with her career. She began her media journey in New York, covering red carpets and pop culture, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she found her true calling. With events on hold and the world tuning in online, Angela launched Vegan Pop Eats, a show that explores the vibrancy of vegan culture through cuisine, conversation, and conscious living.
Building a Brand: The Business of Vegan Pop Eats
For Angela, Vegan Pop Eats is more than just a show—it’s a movement.
“The business model is changing the perception of veganism through conversation, cuisine, and conscious living,”
she explains. Angela’s goal is to debunk the myths surrounding veganism and show that this lifestyle can be fulfilling, fun, and accessible to everyone. Whether through her interviews with influential figures like John Salley or her participation in major events like the Black Veg Fest, Angela is dedicated to making veganism mainstream.
One of the key insights Angela offers to fellow entrepreneurs is the importance of authenticity.
“Just do it because there’s room for everyone,”
she advises. In a competitive digital landscape, Angela stands out by staying true to her passion and delivering content that resonates with both vegans and non-vegans alike. Her approach is a reminder that success in the plant-based business world isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating genuine connections and offering value.
Insights You'll Gain From This Episode:
Personal Transformation: How Angela’s vegan journey began as a response to a family health crisis and evolved into a career.
Entrepreneurial Resilience: The challenges and triumphs of building a brand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Content Creation: Tips on creating compelling, authentic content that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans.
Business Strategy: The importance of aligning your business model with your passion and mission.
Future Goals: Angela’s vision for Vegan Pop Eats, including potential expansion to major networks like Good Morning America.
The Power of Authenticity in Business
Angela’s success with Vegan Pop Eats is a testament to the power of authenticity in business. She doesn’t shy away from being herself, whether she’s hosting live interviews, speaking at events, or crafting content that challenges conventional views on veganism.
“I’m pretty dope, and I’m pretty funny,”
Angela says with a laugh, highlighting the confidence that drives her brand. Her journey is a reminder that in the crowded world of digital media, being true to yourself can be your greatest asset.
Angela Yvonne’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to promoting a lifestyle that’s as compassionate as it is cool. Through Vegan Pop Eats, she’s not just changing minds—she’s changing lives. As she continues to grow her brand and reach new heights, Angela’s message is clear:
“It’s dope over here on the green side.”
For anyone considering a shift to veganism or looking to build a plant-based business, Angela’s journey offers both inspiration and practical advice.
Subscribe to the Plant-Based On Fire podcast on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform today and stay connected with our ongoing exploration of the complex plant-based business world.
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Episode’s Transcript
Please understand that a transcription service provided the transcript below. It undoubtedly contains errors that invariably take place in voice transcriptions.
Bryan (00:01)
Hello everybody and welcome to Plant Based on Fire. I am your host Bryan and we are here to talk about plant based businesses and their inspiring stories to thrive in our industry. The best way you can support us and awesome people like the guests I'm about to introduce is by clicking that subscribe button down below and helping spread the word on that. And you can let us know what you love about this episode and maybe you can suggest some other awesome guests that we should talk to.
Joining us today is Angela Yvonne. She is the executive producer and host of the lifestyle show, Vegan Pop Eats. Welcome to the show, Angela.
Angela (00:38)
Thank you so much for having me. I'm super excited to be
Bryan (00:41)
I am excited to speak to you because I've been following you and watching a couple of things that you've got going on and you are a force of nature helping move the industry forward in a big, big way. So you're, you're similar to what we're trying to do with the real, real people eat plants kind of thing with, you know, just trying to be that advocate and stuff. So I'd love to go back to the beginning a little bit and sort of talk to us about like, what inspired you to become vegan and a vegan advocate? And how did you get started in this career?
Angela (01:11)
So the way that I got started was my mother had gotten breast cancer. And when she got breast cancer, I decided that I would start off as vegetarian. And as I started to go more and more into learning more about what food does to the body and things of that nature, eight years ago, I decided to cross all the way over and then the rest is history. can't, you know, I can't describe how it's changed my life and I'm just so excited to grow more into the lifestyle.
Bryan (01:41)
Yeah, I had the same journey. I mean, that cheese is cheese and ice cream is hard to give up. But I promise once you do, there are so many awesome alternatives. So that is awesome. And I, I just love that. And I hope more people are inspired by that little mini story you gave. But like, it's so interesting, like you got into the TV side of it. mean, like the TV side is a really powerful medium still to this day. Can you describe that evolution?
Angela (01:50)
Absolutely.
Bryan (02:11)
of, you know,
Angela (02:11)
am a journalist. went to school. went to University of North Carolina at Pembroke and I have a double degree in public relations and broadcast journalism. So when I moved to New York, I had always wanted to be on air. I am well versed in pop culture. So when I got to New York, I was doing the whole, you know, trying to figure it out, doing the grind, doing red carpets and things of that nature. But then when COVID hit, it was
Bryan (02:15)
Mm -hmm.
Angela (02:40)
Sort of, I think I was maybe a year and a half, maybe two years of being serious about my vegan journey. And at that time I was a talk show host for the L Spot show in Brooklyn, New York out of RIC Media. And we had the opportunity to produce a segment of our own on whatever we wanted to talk about inside the show.
So I was just like, you know what, let me see if someone would be interested in, you know, knowing about some of the hot spaces in, you know, New York and the vegan space. And the first episode was me and my producer going to Urban Vegan Kitchen. And I was trying to convince her to cross over to the green side through vegan mac and cheese. Because mac and cheese is, I tell everyone, it's the gateway drug. Anyone, you...
If you're trying to get someone to cross over, you give them vegan mac and cheese and then they can understand that it's a possibility because cheese is the hardest thing for people to give up. So when that happened, it was just like, huh. And so I started researching like, are there any vegan lifestyle shows? Are there any kind of vegan, you know, media or content and things of that nature? And there was nothing. I mean, there'll be something here and there, but it was more so like just, it was like the bare minimum.
So at that time then COVID hit and you know, if you're a journalist, you weren't going to the red carpet, you weren't going to the events, you weren't going to all these things, were at home. And at that time everyone was like, we're gonna go live, you know. And I was like, I can go live. So I was just like, well, what am I gonna go live about? You know, and that's when Vegan Pop Eats was born because I had a dream and that was the name Vegan Pop
because I'm vegan, I love pop culture, and I love to eat. So when that happened, I just started sending emails to just people that I would see on Instagram saying, would you like to come on live and talk about your vegan journey? Would you like to talk about that? And slowly but surely, people, you know, we were in the house, so everyone was like, sure, I'll come and talk about it. What you want, you know? And then it started to snowball.
But then when I was, when I really secured like a major voice and that was John Sally, that's when I knew I had something. And when he said yes, it was like, it was like all gas, no break. And then, you know, I was just like, well, let me see who else I could get. And so, you know, that was my, my brain just turned four years old. So that was, when was COVID like two years ago?
Bryan (05:17)
I love
I know, it seems like only yesterday, but it was a while.
Angela (05:31)
I think it I think it was, wait, COVID was 2020? So yeah, I'll say, I'll say, cause it, it sort of wrapped up around 21, 22, right? Okay. So then it was, then we just got a role and now four years later I have spoken at Harvard. just wrapped up my pilot for PBS, Plant Forward Show and it's named,
Bryan (05:41)
lasted for about two years.
Angela (06:00)
Vegan Pop Eats with Angela Yvonne. I've spoken with the Hoos. I still speak to the Hoos who that are inspirational in our space. Senator Cory Booker, Taffa Brown, Bryan Cary, Eris Latham. It's been over 100 interviews. It's been over 100 interviews and I've spoken at different plant -based events and things of that nature. I also have my own event that I just started last year.
So I can honestly say that it's been really, really good, but I know that I still have more work to do because the ultimate goal is to land a permanent on -air position on a major network like Good Morning America, just talking about our lifestyle as a whole, because people don't understand we have so much going on in this space. We have vegan hotels, vegan fashion shows, know, electric cars, sustainability. We have all of those different things, and it's important for us
Bryan (06:48)
Yes.
Mm -hmm.
Angela (06:56)
have a voice in these spaces so people can understand that one, it's important because of our planet, and two, it's important because of our health. And you can switch those around. I'd normally say health is the number one reason. And it's important for us to have a voice so people can choose how they want to be part of the lifestyle, because the lifestyle is not to separate anyone. It's supposed to bring everyone together.
Bryan (07:12)
Mm -hmm.
That's right. Yeah, that is awesome. It's so like, and I was looking at your website, and I saw many of your videos, you say, you know, come on over to the green side. I love your little slogan. Yeah, absolutely. So like, that's ultimate message you're just trying to convey, right? I mean, it's similar. like I'm real men eat plants, I'm trying to really focus on, you know, helping these men wake up that you can dish the bacon and still be manly. But
Angela (07:36)
It's dope over here on the green side. Yes! Yes!
Absolutely.
Bryan (07:54)
You know, the way I don't just the way you say it is just phenomenal.
Angela (07:54)
You have to make it fun. Yeah, real meat and real meat, eat plants. That's good. I think how people were able to, I guess, gravitate to my brand and gravitate to who I am, it's my authentic self. So I don't try to fit into the old way of seeing veganism. Because I always say baby steps count.
Bryan (08:00)
That's right.
Angela (08:24)
So however you come over here, I'm tickled. If you just want to do a meatless Monday, if you just want to have vegan hair products, if you just want to do vegan Fridays or whatever you want to do, I'm still happy about it and I don't try to enforce a certain way to do it. Because when you're telling people to give up meat, you have to understand that you're asking them to change a habit that they probably had all their lives.
Bryan (08:24)
Mm -hmm.
Mm -hmm.
That's right.
Angela (08:54)
telling them to change their thought process of, you know, family gatherings, history, you know, just different things. So you do have to be a little bit, you do have to have a little bit more patience and you have to have a little bit more grace with people who are not exposed to, you know, the lifestyle. So that's where I come in.
Bryan (09:10)
Mm -hmm.
That's right. And I know you hit it on the head, right? I mean, there's, know, we, we want to reduce suffering as vegans in general. And it's just that concept of like, you know, any step forward is, awesome. I don't, I'm not expecting you to convert to where I am then it's been almost 15 years of a journey for me. You know what I mean? Like, and I started out vegetarian. You know what I mean? Like I didn't, I didn't come straight over.
But I do challenge everybody out there to give it a try for 30 days and see how you do. So what do you sort of see is like that special way in this competitive digital landscape in this post -COVID world and stuff, how do you sort of grow and connect with your audience?
Angela (09:50)
yeah, absolutely.
For me, I'll just stand by my authenticity and I actually have a passion for wanting people to live a life in abundance. And you can't have a life of abundance if you are harming something. Because karma is real or whatever you believe in, everything comes around and everything has a consequence. So if you're doing
Bryan (10:33)
Mm -hmm.
Angela (10:37)
if you're doing your justice or doing your, you know,
as in how am I going to show up in this world, that's how I'm able to connect with my audience. And I'm pretty dope, so there's that. And I mean, I'm pretty funny. And I just love being in this lifestyle because it literally has changed the way that I see things. It literally has changed my way of how
Bryan (10:54)
I agree.
Angela (11:12)
you know, self -acceptance. And it's just one of those things that is like, why not? Why wouldn't you want to be in a space where you are, you know, trying to level up to your highest self?
Bryan (11:17)
Yeah, yeah,
That's right.
Mm hmm. That's right. And it and it's interesting, like whether it's your first time traveling abroad or having kids or giving up something, you know what mean? Like you have to you have to do it to see it because it's just hard to quantify like people can tell you about it all the all that you want. But like you have to try it and do it and see it and then you'll see all these little things that you're like, now I get it kind of thing. But that I guess the fascinating thing for me is like, then some of the videos I was watching is like, it feels very like
Angela (11:46)
Right.
Bryan (11:59)
I feel like my content is very much so on the vegan agenda to a degree and you somehow managed to weave both the vegan and non -vegan things so well together. Is there some secret to creating some compelling content like that? Give me some tips, would you?
Angela (12:19)
I've never really had someone ask me that question because when I look at my content, I'm like, I haven't done enough. Like when I see my stuff, I'm just like, okay, you know, I might need to change a little bit, change something. But at the end of the day, I just look at it as in, you know, it's something that. It's a message that I truly want to serve. And so for
Bryan (12:25)
heheheheh.
Angela (12:49)
try not to look at other people's, I guess, content. Of course, you get inspired by certain things, but it's best for you just to show it authentically and don't get caught up in, I think we get so caught up in this space with being in the straight and narrow, if that's the best way to say it. And I think that we get so caught up in, okay, you know, I have this script, I need to make sure I hit all these
But that's not how people gravitate to you or that's not how people gravitate to this lifestyle. They want a safe space. They want a safe space. They don't want someone condemning them for whatever they're doing. I always tell people that my conversion rate is 100%. Because once I show you, you're like,
I can do that? Like you mentioned earlier that cheese was the hardest thing to give up. And I always tell people, I have some cheese that'll make you just throw everything out the window. Like, have you had Rebel cheese yet?
Bryan (13:49)
That's right.
That's right.
I have not but I mean the plant based cheese won the awards and then they got taken away from them. So like you're spot on like we're coming around the corner here. So yeah.
Angela (14:10)
Rebel Cheese will change your life! And I have, you know, they sent me some products and I had to save it for my friends. Cause I was just like, I'm telling you, it's crap. It is crap. It is the best vegan cheese that I've had. And I love, you know, like Neoco's, love like BioLife, I love Good Planet, I love, you know, all of them,
Bryan (14:13)
Right. That's right.
Mm -hmm.
Angela (14:38)
Rebel Cheese just, they just get it. And also Riverdale has, I don't know if you're in New York, but Riverdale is a vegan cheese monger that we have here New York, and you can go there and get the different types of cheeses. Just this.
Bryan (14:42)
That's right.
I have a long list of places I want to go see when I'm back up in New York. I grew up there, but I'm down in Charlotte now. yeah.
Angela (15:00)
You in Charlotte, North Carolina? I used to live in Fayetteville. Yeah, I went to University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Yeah, in Pembroke. But yeah, I'm in Brooklyn now, but yeah. New York is definitely culinary vegan space.
Bryan (15:04)
that's awesome. So when you get down here to visit, awesome, awesome.
That's, that's right. That's right. I was going to say I got, I got Asheville close by, but you know, Charlotte's Charlotte's. Yeah, you've got to it's it's got some great, mean, I think New York's got everybody beat, but, Ash Asheville is definitely up there for sure. So, well, I'm just curious, like what's the, know, cause this is, this podcast is meant to help other vegan entrepreneurs get started with their business. So I'm always looking for tips and tricks to help other vegan businesses. So what do you sort of see?
Angela (15:21)
I'm wanting to go to Ashfield.
Yeah, yeah, yeah,
Bryan (15:46)
as the core business model of vegan pop eats and how is it supporting your mission and just break down some of the business
Angela (15:52)
Well, from the business side, I am a journalist. And I'm also a content creator. And for
There's just so many things up underneath that window, if that's the best way to say it, because I am a speaker, I am an activist, and I also operate in the media space. So I would say the business model is changing the perception of veganism through conversation, cuisine, and conscious living. And so I'm showing you that
Bryan (16:33)
That's right.
Angela (16:36)
trying, well not trying, debunking the myths that this life cannot be full.
Bryan (16:43)
That's right.
Angela (16:44)
I guess that's the best way to answer your question.
Bryan (16:48)
No, I mean, it's true because like people always ask me like, well, what what are you going to talk about next on the podcast? And and just like, I've got I've got a list of 1000 things like that I want to talk about. You know what I mean? So but some people are like, I don't know how you do it. And I'm like, I don't know. It's just like, we're built for. Yeah.
Angela (16:58)
Absolutely,
It's just so much to talk about. There's so many things to do. But as a creative and as when you are an entrepreneur, I can say that, you know, you really have to have a passion for it because being an entrepreneur is not the same as you having a nine to five. It is not the same, not even close because there are days, there are months where you're like, you know, I'm making
Bryan (17:18)
Mm -hmm.
Yeah, for sure.
That's right.
Angela (17:33)
X amount of dollars and then there's months where you're like there's crickets You know where you either have to decide if I'm to do a part -time job to keep me afloat or you'll have a thought process of I'm over this. Let me just go to corporate, you know, but then but then when at the end of the day, think it just boils down to Your passion for it and I think what it boils down to is
Bryan (17:37)
Yeah, yeah.
Mm -hmm.
That's right, that's right.
Angela (18:01)
Do you really want to make a mark in this world and show that you're here? Or do you want to assist with someone else's dreams? I guess that's the best way for me to wrap it all up.
Bryan (18:14)
Mm -hmm.
No, it's, it's so, yeah, absolutely. It's so, so, so true. Right. So like, what would you say on this journey you've been on? What was the key advice you'd give to other entrepreneurs trying to get into this vegan, say lifestyle industry?
Angela (18:32)
would really say that you just do it. Just do it because there's room for everyone. There's room for everyone and just know that your idea was given to you for a reason.
Bryan (18:39)
Right?
Mm -hmm. That's
That's right. That's right. And, I think, I think I would just, I, I 100 % agree. And I think just also know how to, to just pivot and experiment. Some things are going to not work. That doesn't mean your core thing isn't going to work. Go back and talk to some friends, call me, call you. We'll be glad to brainstorm it with you. Like there's a path for you, but just start. agree. So,
Angela (18:59)
Right.
Absolutely. Just
Bryan (19:11)
So Angela, what is some of the future for 2024? Like what upcoming projects, expansions? What are you so excited about? mean, you've already said there's a special coming
Angela (19:19)
I'm excited about, I'm hosting the Black Veg Fest on August 17th here in Brooklyn. And I'm just looking for the green light for me to possibly have a series on PBS, which I'm cross because it did do high numbers. My colleagues did do high numbers in the prime time slot. And I'm just looking forward to creating more content and to possibly partner up with brands that are also
Bryan (19:32)
Woohoo!
Angela (19:47)
Part of the lifestyle brand, also outside of that circle.
Bryan (19:51)
That is awesome. Yeah, I can't wait to see the show when it hits here and we can watch it. We'll make sure those links are in the show. Okay.
Angela (19:57)
I mean you can watch it on YouTube right now because we did do a live, we did do a live launch and then it's also being shown on PBS like right
Bryan (20:07)
Good, good, good. So we're going to get the links and put those in the show notes for everybody to click on and help support Angela. Angela, where is the future of veganism, plant -based living, and how do you plan to be a part of
Angela (20:14)
Yes!
Well, my goal is my very...
Bryan (20:24)
Besides eating more rebel cheese, I think.
Angela (20:27)
is that I want to be on Good Morning America as
Bryan (20:41)
Hold on, I don't know, it might've, is it recording again? Let me just double check one thing, hold on. Yes, it is recording. So let me just ask that question again one more time and you start from the top, we'll cut that part out. Angela, where do you see the future of veganism and plant -based living and how do you plan to be a part of that future?
Angela (20:55)
Okay.
see the future of plant -based and vegan living becoming bigger and being more involved in the conversation instead of being a stepchild. And for me, for Vegan Pop Eat, I see myself, I see my brand being global. I see myself with products and I also see myself as in I really truly believe that I will be the first correspondent on a major
Network talking about our lifestyle and showing you know how fun that living is and how dope it is over here on the green side
Bryan (21:42)
I love it. love it. I want to know how I can support you and I want to see you up there on GMA doing that. you know, let's all help support Angela. You know, so that's my last big question for you then what can we all do as a community to help and what are the best ways to get in touch?
Angela (22:00)
What you can do to help is whenever you see my content, it with people. That's the only thing that I ever ask anyone because the more eyes, the more visibility it alerts America and it alerts the community that it is needed. And don't be afraid to say hello on VeganPopEats2 on Instagram. And of course, you can see me on the other social media and YouTube and things of that nature.
Bryan (22:30)
That's awesome. And it's veganpopeats .com, right? Like that's the best way to get connected to all of it. Go to... That's right.
Angela (22:33)
Yes, veganpopeat .com, veganpopeat. Anytime you see it, just say hello.
Bryan (22:40)
Awesome. Well, that has been super amazing to hear about all the exciting stuff. I can't wait to see that on the TV soon. I'm going to make sure I queue it up. So thank you, Angela, for being here. That is all the time we have for this episode of the Plant Based on Fire podcast. Again, Angela, we really appreciate you joining us and sharing your insights and experiences with us in the community. Until next time, everybody, keep the fire burning.
Angela (22:51)
Yes! Yes!
Yes, stay warm!
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