ean A. Russell checks in live from Plant Based World Expo and recaps the start of his NYC Tour. From the difference in Vegan airport options to an unexpected act of generosity at Veggie Castle in Queens, Sean reflects on how these moments shape the journey. He also shares why New York is a pivotal stop for Vegans Explore, what the Passport community will become, and how listeners can help build the world’s most connected Vegan network ahead of its 1/11/26 launch.

Arrival in NYC

  • Comparing Vegan options at Orlando vs. New York airports
  • How airport food reflects local Vegan culture
  • First impressions upon landing

Visit to Veggie Castle

  • Why the restaurant has a strong reputation online
  • Caribbean comfort food and marketing done right
  • A stranger paying for Sean’s meal and the impact of that gesture
  • Reflecting on NYC’s “rude but kind” stereotype

Settling in Before the Expo

  • Staying in Jersey to keep costs manageable
  • Posting the Day 01 podcast and prepping content
  • Saving energy for a full day at Plant Based World Expo

Plant-Based World Expo and the Mission

  • Why this event is crucial for visibility
  • Creating real connections with exhibitors and attendees
  • Representing the mission publicly and intentionally

The Vegans Explore Passport Community

  • Free early access before January 10
  • Why member input matters before launch
  • Growing a movement built on collaboration rather than solo effort
  • The long-term vision to support Vegan restaurants, businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers

Spreading the Word and Building Together

  • Encouraging listeners to share the platform
  • The role of global tours in expanding awareness
  • Why Sean dresses intentionally at events to be approachable

Community Connection and Feedback

  • Inviting direct messages and emails during the early stage
  • How listener feedback shapes the next phase
  • A hint at “Phase Two” for community members only

Featured Organizations & Mentions

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.

  • Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the latest Vegan news, our podcast, travels, and partners.

  • Check out our Vegan Directory and explore restaurants, events, and other resources.

  • Get your Vegans Explore Passport and join our official community while supporting our mission for $11 per month.

  • Connect with us to ask a question or share an opportunity.

Tell Your Story

Leave a Voicemail for an opportunity to be featured on our daily Vegans Explore Podcast. Let us know how we’re doing or simply share a quick recording about yourself.

Subscribe & Review

Love the show? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! New episodes drop daily.

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Youtube
Amazon Music