“I say just do it. No matter what your niche is or your interest, there’s always going to be people that you’re going to impact with your message and your knowledge. And if you’re passionate about something, people will be attracted to that.”
Carolyn Scott
Her Journey
In this week’s episode of the “Who’s Judging?” podcast, host Connor had the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn Scott, also known as The Healthy Voyager. Carolyn is a renowned media personality, show host, chef, nutritionist, bestselling cookbook author, consultant, and speaker. She has made a significant impact in the vegan community and has become a leading voice for veganism and sustainable living.
One of the key topics discussed in the episode was Carolyn’s journey to veganism. In the late 90s, she stumbled upon a book called “Fit for Life” which delved into the effects of food on the body. This book not only opened her eyes to the healing power of food but also shed light on the negative impact of animal products. Inspired by this newfound knowledge, Carolyn decided to try veganism. At the time, there were no resources or restaurants catering to this lifestyle, so she took it upon herself to learn and educate others about veganism.
Social media, particularly Instagram, has played a crucial role in the vegan movement. Carolyn highlighted how platforms like Instagram have showcased delicious vegan food and debunked the misconception that vegan options lack taste. Through mouthwatering food photography and recipe sharing, social media has made veganism more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
The Healthy Voyager
One of Carolyn’s notable achievements is the launch of her travel show in 2006. Originally focused solely on vegan food, the show has evolved into a comprehensive exploration of different cities, countries, and regions, highlighting sustainable practices, adventure, and, of course, vegan cuisine. This groundbreaking show recently premiered on Go Traveler, making it the first and only vegan travel show on a mainstream channel. Carolyn is thrilled to be in the company of travel show hosts like Anthony Bourdain and Rick Steves, further cementing the importance of veganism in the travel industry.
Veganizing The World
Carolyn’s impact extends beyond media and entertainment. She has actively worked with various establishments to promote vegan options. In 2014, Carolyn collaborated with Knott’s Berry Farm to make them the first theme park to offer fully vegan options. She created recipes and trained their staff, resulting in ongoing vegan offerings. Carolyn’s innovative approach even led to the veganization of their famous funnel cakes, creating a gluten-free and vegan version.
During the episode, Carolyn shared her experience visiting a mountain town in New Mexico and noticing a lack of vegan options in local restaurants. In response, she offered to help the tourism board organize a restaurant retreat or symposium to educate and assist the restaurants in offering vegan options. The tourism board was receptive, as they had been receiving requests for vegan options from visitors, especially young people and families. Carolyn presented tips, recipes, and ideas to several restaurants during the retreat, emphasizing that even incorporating one or two vegan options can make a significant difference. The restaurants and locals in attendance were enthusiastic about the possibilities, illustrating the growing demand for vegan options in diverse communities.
Furthermore, Carolyn is currently working with a major hotel chain in Mexico to improve their restaurant offerings. One hotel in Puerto Vallarta is undergoing renovations to add more restaurant options, with Carolyn’s expertise guiding the process. Her dedication to expanding vegan options extends to assisting other hotels within the same chain.
Managing multiple projects and running her own business can be challenging for Carolyn, but she prioritizes sleep and exercise to maintain her energy levels and focus. Her commitment to living a healthy lifestyle aligns with her mission to inspire others to make conscious choices.
Cookbook
Carolyn’s passion for veganism and her extensive knowledge have culminated in a cookbook called “The Healthy Voyager Global Kitchen.” This cookbook showcases veganized versions of traditional recipes from different countries and regions. Recently, Carolyn released a 10th-anniversary edition, adding 25 more recipes and updating existing ones to reflect changes in products and techniques. The cookbook has received rave reviews and is available on Amazon, allowing people worldwide to explore the diverse flavors of vegan cuisine.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Carolyn emphasized the importance of being positive, open, and leading by example when dealing with cultural traditions and family expectations. She encourages vegans to approach conversations with happiness and tolerance, allowing others to come to them with questions or interest, rather than forcefully pushing their beliefs onto others.
Finally, Carolyn shared her advice for aspiring vegan chefs, nutritionists, and travel enthusiasts. She encourages them to pursue their passions and share their knowledge with the world. Regardless of niche or interest, Carolyn believes that there will always be people who resonate with one’s message and knowledge. Starting small with a blog, podcast, or social media platform is a great way to begin making an impact and connecting with like-minded individuals.