In this deeply moving and wisdom-filled conversation, Sean A. Russell sits down with the iconic Chef Babette to explore her Vegan origin story, her 33-year wellness journey, and the mindset that keeps her thriving in her 70s. From the first Vegan meal that changed her life to the books that transformed her relationship with food, Chef Babette shares powerful lessons on digestion, self-love, longevity, mindful eating, and emotional wellness. The episode also dives into the creation of her restaurant, Stuff I Eat, her philosophy on movement, and how compassion guides everything she does.
1. Chef Babette’s Vegan Origin Story
- How a first date and a home-cooked Vegan meal changed her entire life
- The books that opened her eyes to digestion and food combining
- Why knowledge became the foundation of her lifestyle transformation
2. Healing Through Knowledge and Lifestyle
- Overcoming eczema, asthma, rashes, and chronic digestive issues
- Understanding food combinations and why they matter
- The power of eliminating refined sugar, dyes, preservatives, and processed foods
3. The Birth of Stuff I Eat
- The early days selling Vegan meals from a hot dog cart
- Opening their restaurant in 2008 with community support
- Navigating survival through COVID and staying committed to integrity and organic ingredients
4. Mindful Shopping and Ingredient Awareness
- Why reading labels matters
- The hidden challenges of processed foods
- Understanding where food comes from and how it affects the body
5. Emotional Wellness and Self-Love
- Why staying in the present is essential
- How she learned to choose her words with compassion
- The role of gratitude and emotional awareness in healthy living
- Understanding connection, energy, and the oneness of all beings
6. Movement, Longevity, and Living with Purpose
- Why movement is non-negotiable at every age
- How stretching and core strength influence long-term quality of life
- Her daily routines, juicing habits, and commitment to vitality at 72
- Why quality of life matters more than any number
7. Compassion, Oneness, and Everyday Mindfulness
- How compassion shapes her interactions with others
- Why she refuses to cause harm, even to insects
- Learning to embrace people where they are and lead with understanding
- The role of self-awareness in spiritual and personal growth
8. The Legacy of Stuff I Eat and What Comes Next
- The importance of community, honesty, and teaching
- The story behind the restaurant’s name
- Her new acting role in The Right Turn Series on Tubi
- What she hopes listeners take away from her journey
Featured Guest
Chef Babette Davis
Chef, Wellness Educator, Creator of Stuff I Eat
Advocate for Self-Love, Movement, and Conscious Living
About the Show
The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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