Sean A. Russell sits down with Dante, also known as The Southern Vegan, live from the Plant Based World Expo. They dive into the strength of the Virginia Vegan scene, the importance of community, and how content creators can uplift local businesses by simply documenting their experiences. Dante shares his Vegan origin story, shaped by a life-changing hospital visit, and explains how that moment sparked a commitment to conscious living. Together, they explore the role of visibility, collaboration, and local culture in building a thriving Vegan movement.
1. The Vegan Scene in Virginia
- Richmond ranked among the top Vegan cities
- Why the restaurant culture is stronger than people think
- The rise of Vegan options in non-Vegan restaurants
2. Must-Visit Spots in Richmond
- Why Blue Atlas is a standout destination
- The Vegan Takeover concept
- Global-inspired Vegan dishes and community connection
3. Advice for Content Creators
- Start documenting with your phone
- Why consistency matters more than perfection
- Tagging, collaborating, and supporting local Vegan restaurants
- Using quantity and visibility to grow your platform and help businesses
4. Dante’s Vegan Origin Story
- A frightening hospital experience that changed his mindset
- Taking control of his health through food
- Gradually cutting out foods until fully Vegan
5. Adapting to the Lifestyle
- Why he no longer misses non-Vegan foods
- The abundance of Vegan alternatives
- How expos highlight the growth of plant-based innovation
6. Advice for New Vegans
- The importance of finding a local community
- Running groups, meetups, and social groups as support systems
- Learning from others to stay encouraged and consistent
7. Connect with The Southern Vegan
- Follow his journey across Virginia and North Carolina
- Instagram: @the.southern.vegan
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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