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From Butcher to Badass Vegan: John Lewis on His New Book, NatureAid, and Staying the Course

John Lewis, known online as Badass Vegan, joins the show to talk about his upcoming book, a protein shake company, and hosting a nine-city vegan festival tour.

Vegans Explore Podcast

Episode 53 · Dec 23, 2025 · 49 min

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A Book Timed to Pi Day

Lewis's book, Badass Vegan, launches March 14 through Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House, with a goal of becoming one of the few books with vegan in the title to hit the New York Times bestseller list. Alongside the philosophy and health content, it includes 80 recipes developed with chef Tara Punzone of Pura Vida.

Hosting the Vegan Street Fair and Building NatureAid

Lewis is hosting all nine stops of the Vegan Street Fair's expansion tour, including a first-ever Miami date, an event that draws roughly 30,000 people in Los Angeles and charges vendors a flat $1,000 for a fully equipped booth. He is also a partner in NatureAid and VeganSmart, protein shake brands sold at Costco, Whole Foods, and Target, co-founded with backing from Magic Johnson and Grant Hill.

Badass Vegan releases March 14, timed to Pi Day and his mother's birthday
The Vegan Street Fair tour includes Atlanta, Miami, LA, Seattle, Las Vegas, New York, Austin, and Oakland
NatureAid protein shakes are sold at Costco, Whole Foods, Target, and Amazon

Lewis also talks candidly about losing 30 pounds in five months after his mother's passing, and the follow-up documentary to What the Health he is co-directing, called Hungry for Justice.