SHAUN MONSON

In this episode of Raising Gen V, Naomi Hallum sits down with filmmaker and dedicated vegan activist Shaun Monson, father of two daughters raised vegan from birth. Shaun shares his personal journey, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of vegan parenting, including ethical considerations, nutritional concerns, and societal pressures. He also discusses how his upbringing in a Mormon household shaped his views on belief systems, questioning authority, and ultimately, his decision to embrace veganism. Drawing from his acclaimed documentary Earthlings, he explores how social conditioning influences our food choices and how parents can guide their children toward a more compassionate lifestyle.

Shaun also offers a thought-provoking perspective on the future of food, predicting that plant-based cuisine has yet to reach its full potential. He challenges the need to replicate meat and dairy, envisioning a future where innovative plant foods take center stage. Whether you're new to vegan parenting or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation provides valuable insights and practical advice for raising the next generation of conscious eaters.

Key Takeaways

The Reality of Vegan Parenting

• Shaun reflects on the joys and difficulties of raising vegan children, emphasizing that while it requires effort, it’s deeply rewarding.
• He discusses how children naturally embrace kindness and curiosity, making veganism a natural fit when framed positively.

Understanding Social Conditioning & Food Choices

• Shaun and Naomi explore how society normalizes the consumption of animal products and how this conditioning affects parents’ choices.
• They break down the persistent myths about plant-based nutrition, particularly concerning children’s growth and development.
• He shares how his own exposure to documentary footage of animal agriculture made him question the disconnect between loving animals and consuming them.

The Future of Food & Breaking Away from Old Habits

• Shaun challenges the idea that all plant-based foods must mimic meat and dairy, arguing that we haven’t yet unlocked the full potential of plant-based eating.
• He points out that 80% of the world’s population eats only 12 plants and 5 animals, limiting our understanding of what food can be.
• Naomi and Shaun discuss how plant-based innovation is still in the “valley of death,” meaning we are at an early stage of widespread adoption.

Navigating Social Pressures & Family Dynamics

• Many parents worry about their children feeling left out at social gatherings. Shaun shares how he prepared his daughters for questions and peer interactions.
• Strategies for dealing with family members or friends who may not support vegan parenting.
• He recalls his own upbringing in a Mormon household and compares it to the way people raise children within specific belief systems, reinforcing that instilling compassion through veganism is no different.

Raising Confident, Compassionate Kids

• Naomi and Shaun discuss how parents can empower their children to make informed choices without feeling alienated.
• How leading by example and fostering a positive mindset can help children advocate for themselves and their values.

Final Advice for Vegan Parents

• Shaun encourages parents to stay strong in their beliefs, reminding them that raising a vegan child is no different than instilling any other deeply held values.
• Naomi highlights the importance of community and finding support through like-minded parents.

Resources Mentioned

• Earthlings – Documentary directed by Shaun Monson
• Unity – Another powerful film by Shaun Monson exploring interconnectedness

Time-Stamps & Key Topics

[00:00] Introduction to Raising Gen V
[01:04] Meet Shaun Monson: His journey as a vegan activist and father
[02:22] Parenting Challenges and Joys of Raising Vegan Children
[07:01] How Social Conditioning Shapes Food Choices and Misconceptions
[10:50] His Mormon upbringing and how belief systems shape childhood
[16:19] Dealing with Social Pressures and Family Pushback
[19:30] The Future of Food: Why We Haven’t Discovered the Full Potential of Plant-Based Eating
[28:01] Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Vegan Parents
[30:16] Closing Remarks & Call to Action