Amanda Leigh Walker is the Co-founder + Head of Operations of vegan fast food institution, Lord of the Fries. She's also a life coach + teaches people how to recalibrate their power, lead with love, live authentically + with purpose. We caught up to discuss her journey from french fry mogul to spiritual healer.  We could all do with some healing right now - we hope you enjoy this conversation.  And for those who haven't tried the fries - we strongly encourage you to do so.  Everyone needs a salty potato treat to cheer up an iso day.

Joshua Katcher is the founder of Brave GentleMan, a NYC based menswear brand offering tailoring with an edge - that also happens to be completely animal free in raw material use.  Joshua has been a passionate advocate for animals for over 20 years, and a pioneer in the vegan fashion space for 12 years.  He's also written a book called Fashion Animals, and has co-founded a plant based cheese business called Rind Cheese - this is one busy gentleman.  Enjoy the read.

CW went to the stunning K'gari in September (2019).  It was a a yoga retreat with the inspiring Ashley Freeman + a bunch of like minded women, all intent on recharging, moving their bodies, soaking up the natural environment.. and eating mouth-watering vegan food for 7 days + nights.   Josh was the chef for the week + by all accounts, the meals were incredible. Cath writes about her stay on K'Gari + chats to Josh about how he manages to cook inspiring, colourful + healthy plant based meals, while travelling + living in a van.

Last week Cathryn went to Shanghai, on the invitation of ActAsia, to participate in the Compassion in Fashion forum.  ActAsia are a not for profit organisation who build + drive education programmes in China, with a focus on animal welfare + environmental responsibility.  Read the overview of her talk, and some of the cross cultural challenges in discussing the Sans Beast ethos with new audiences. 

More stories from CW's travels.  In this post, we've included excerpts from an interview with the wonderful Laura Callan of The Bright Store in London + a few go-to vegan spots for eats in London, Paris + Amsterdam.

CW has been in London + Europe for a few weeks, talking with inspiring people, getting the mood of retail + street style, seeking out plant based options along the road to share with the SB community back here in Melbourne + attending the Copenhagen Fashion Summit.  Read her take on the Summit here.

Impromptu destinations, living in a van for months on end + discovering new perspectives on the road.  We talk to some fascinating people about their traveling lives and share a few dream destinations for the traveller wanting to tread lightly on this earth...and escape Winter.  Get that travel wishlist happening...thoughts become plans become actions.

We talk with consummate traveller, Karissa Sparke about her recent 5 month European trip with husband Tom + discover the pros and cons to van life on the road.  Karissa + Tom certainly show a beautiful - and loved up - life on the road, and we are feeling the inspiration big time.  Be prepared to add 'vanlife' to your bucket list.

From day 1 of Sans Beast, we wanted to ensure we were walking our talk by committing to animal welfare in a tangible way.  We donate the gross profits from the sales of bag charms to animal rescue sanctuary, Edgars Mission.  The sanctuary is open to visitors + is a delightful day trip for anyone visiting or living in Melbourne.  You will learn from the caring + knowledgeable volunteers + staff at Edgars Mission + be inspired by the non human residents of this peaceful property.