Raw Food for Health + The Future of Vegan Investing

About this episode

What does it take to create a healthier life, not just for ourselves, but for the animals, the planet, and future generations? In this episode of the Main Street Vegan Podcast, Victoria explores 2 very different, yet deeply connected, ways of putting our values into action. First, Victoria talks with Karen Ranzi, M.A., a vegan and raw food health coach who has been sharing the benefits of raw vegan nutrition since 1998. Karen is an award-winning author of six books, an internationally acclaimed speaker, founder of an online health coach certification focused on the raw vegan niche, and a speech pathologist with 43 years of experience. Then, Victoria turns to an increasingly important question for anyone who wants their money to reflect their ethics: Can our investments be vegan, too? Victoria speaks with Claire Smith, CEO of Beyond Investing, about the launch of the International Vegan Climate ETF (VEGX). Beginning September 10, 2026, VEGX offers investors exposure to international companies screened according to vegan and climate-conscious principles. In This Episode With Karen Ranzi: Why Karen believes predominantly fresh, unprocessed foods can support long-term health The personal and family experiences that shaped her approach to healing The potential benefits of a raw plant-based lifestyle for people of all ages Why obesity and chronic health problems have become so widespread Protein and calcium on a vegan and raw food diet Helping children develop healthy relationships with plant-based food The connection between food choices, animals, the environment, and our own health How spending time in Nature can deepen our sense of connection with other living beings Other lifestyle factors that can support vibrant health Why sharing the raw vegan message has become Karen's life's mission With Claire Smith: What makes an investment genuinely vegan and climate-conscious The new International Vegan Climate ETF (VEGX) Why ethical investors may unknowingly support industries that conflict with their values How Beyond Investing screens companies for animal cruelty, fossil fuels, weapons, and human rights abuses The importance of aligning our financial lives with our personal values How vegan investing can support businesses creating a more compassionate and sustainable future Beyond Investing's engagement with companies and shareholder voting The growing global movement toward vegan and climate-conscious investment About Our Guests Karen Ranzi is an award-winning author of six books on raw vegan nutrition, an internationally acclaimed speaker, founder of an online Health Coach Certification focused on the raw vegan niche, and a speech pathologist with 43 years of experience. Karen has presented at events including London Vegfest and the Woodstock Fruit Festival, as well as hundreds of events across Australia, Borneo, Russia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Canada, the UK, and the United States. Through her education, personal experiences, and passion for helping others, she has guided thousands of people toward better health through simple plant-based living. Learn more about Karen: https://feelfabulouswithfood.com/ Instagram: @superhealthyraw YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/feelfabulouswithfood A Spotlight on Vegan Investing with Claire Smith Claire Smith is CEO and co-founder of Beyond Investing, a US-based registered investment adviser created to develop investment products for people who want their portfolios to reflect vegan and environmental values. Claire spent 34 years in the finance industry, including roles at UBS and as a partner at Albourne in hedge fund research. She is also co-founder of Beyond Animal and Beyond Impact, and chairs the Beyond Cruelty Foundation. The new International Vegan Climate ETF (VEGX) complements Beyond Investing's US Vegan Climate ETF (VEGN), giving investors another way to consider vegan and climate-conscious principles when making long-term financial decisions. Learn more about Beyond Investing: https://beyondinvesting.com/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/beyondinvesting/ Main Street Vegan Academy The 39th cohort of Main Street Vegan Academy begins in October 2026 via Zoom. If you've ever wanted to deepen your knowledge of veganism, compassion, nutrition, advocacy, and the vegan movement, this could be your opportunity. Podcast listeners can receive $250 off with the code VEGCOACH250. Subscribe, rate, and review the Main Street Vegan Podcast to help more people discover the joy of living with vitality, spirituality, and compassion. Sign up for the Main Street Vegan blog and newsletter at https://www.mainstreetvegan.com and receive your FREE e-book, Recipes to Help You Age Like a Yogi. And become an insider by joining the Main Street Vegan Podcast Listeners Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/207997266555049