Episodes

  • Tear-Gassed and Pepper Sprayed For Rescuing Beagles: What Really Happened at Ridglan Farms

    Tear-Gassed and Pepper Sprayed For Rescuing Beagles: What Really Happened at Ridglan Farms
    Apr 24 2026
    We came prepared to carry beagles to safety. Instead, we walked into tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, manure trenches, chaos, fear, and what felt like a war zone. In this raw episode of Food Heals, Allison sits down with fellow beagle rescuers Hannah, Ella, and Alex to talk about what really happened at Ridglan Farms, where thousands of beagles are still trapped inside a facility breeding dogs for research. We trained to carry 15 to 30 pound dogs. We prepared for possible arrest. We knew there could be resistance. But we did not expect to be tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, and shot with rubber bullets. We did not expect to see people choking, crying, falling, getting injured, and helping each other breathe. We did not expect police and security to use force against people who were there for abused dogs. Allison, Hannah, Ella, and Alex share the moments they cannot stop replaying: the tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, hay bales, manure trenches, panic, fear, strangers holding each other up, and the heartbreak of leaving without the beagles. They also push back on the false media narrative that rescuers came to hurt anyone. They came to help dogs who have never known freedom, grass, sunlight, or loving human touch. And the fight is not over. Because the beagles are still inside.We wo’nt give up until every beagle is free to feel the sun on their face, the grass on their paws, and the love of their family. Follow the rescuers on Insta: Hannah Golanski: @hannahgol11 Alex Tello: @furthestfromthewild Ella Magers: @sexyfitvegan Allison Melody: @allisonmelodytv Learn more: blog.simpleheart.org Take action now: SaveTheDogs.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • They Tried to Stop Rescuers Like Jennifer Tourkin. On April 19, Ella, Alli, and Jennifer Are Going Back to Free the Beagles.

    They Tried to Stop Rescuers Like Jennifer Tourkin. On April 19, Ella, Alli, and Jennifer Are Going Back to Free the Beagles.
    Apr 6 2026
    They were born into cages, raised for experiments, and when brave people tried to get them out, those were the people placed in handcuffs. In this episode, Allison is joined by Ella Magers and Jennifer Tourkin for an emotional conversation about the beagles at Ridglan Farms and the growing movement to rescue them. Jennifer shares the story of carrying a beagle to safety during the March 15th rescue. Allison, Ella, and Jennifer also share why all three of them are going back on April 19 to help save the nearly 2,000 beagles still inside. Jennifer also opens up about what she witnessed on the ground, what happened when police showed up, and why the arrests only strengthened the urgency of this movement. If you love dogs, this episode will move you. If you care about justice, it will light a fire in you. Join us April 19: SaveTheDogs.io. Follow for updates: Jennifer: @jetmissionbeagle Ella: @sexyfitvegan Allison: @allisonmelodytv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Arrested Saving Beagles: Pete Reimann’s Journey From Mocking Vegans to Becoming a Plant-Powered Hero

    Arrested Saving Beagles: Pete Reimann’s Journey From Mocking Vegans to Becoming a Plant-Powered Hero
    Mar 30 2026
    He went from mocking vegan videos to being arrested for carrying a rescued beagle to safety. In this episode, I sit down with vegan animal activist Pete Reimann to talk about the unexpected path that led him here, from a single video that changed his mind forever to the rescue effort that put him on the front lines at Ridglan Farms. Pete shares how he went vegan in an instant after watching one video, why he devoted his life to animal activism, and what it was like getting arrested for saving beagles from a life of testing, torture, and abuse. He also tells the story that stayed with me most: carrying a terrified beagle to safety while the dog fought to get away, until Pete called him by the name of his childhood dog, Tracker. In that moment, the fear shifted, the dog calmed down, and what happened next is something I’ll never forget. We also talk about what really happened during the rescue, the dogs who made it out, the ones who were taken back, what activists are risking, and why people are returning on April 19. Pete also shares more about The True Cost Project, his new nonprofit aimed at exposing the financial incentives behind animal testing and pushing for real change. If this episode moves you, please share it, post it, and send it to someone who needs to hear it. Resources + LinksSave the dogs:savethedogs.io Pete on Instagram:@for.petes.sake.official The True Cost Project:gofundme.com/f/help-launch-the-true-cost-project Donate to Help Pete save the rest of the beagles on April 19th:givesendgo.com/helppetesavethedogs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • They Rescued 31 Beagles From Abuse at Ridglan Farms. Then 8 Were Taken Back.

    They Rescued 31 Beagles From Abuse at Ridglan Farms. Then 8 Were Taken Back.
    Mar 24 2026
    Dogs like my beagle Lily are being bred for experiments in the U.S. Kept in cages.Used. Abused. Denied sunlight, freedom, play, safety, and love. But there are a brave group of people fighting back. In this episode of Food Heals, I share what happened when Wayne Hsiung and fellow rescuers entered Ridglan Farms in Wisconsin and carried 31 beagles out of a breeding facility tied to animal testing. Some made it to safety. 8 beagles were taken back. As a beagle mom, this story hit me hard. What Wayne and these rescuers did took extraordinary courage. They refused to look away. They risked everything to expose the truth and bring these dogs into the light. This episode is about cruelty.But it is also about heroes.About hope.And about how you can help. Listen to hear what happened, why this rescue matters, and what you can do for the beagles still waiting to be saved. Accounts worth following: @waynehhsiung@kameronwaters@animalactivismcollective@thealexandrapaul@for.petes.sake.official@sexyfitvegan Resources:SaveTheDogs.ioblog.simpleheart.org Take action by contacting Dane County authorities and urging them to rescue the remaining dogs: (608) 266-4211 ismael.ozanne@da.wi.gov danecoda@da.wi.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • 8 Out of 9 Dietary Guideline Authors Had Ties to Big Meat and Dairy. So What Are We Supposed to Eat? Dr. John Lewis Breaks It Down

    8 Out of 9 Dietary Guideline Authors Had Ties to Big Meat and Dairy. So What Are We Supposed to Eat? Dr. John Lewis Breaks It Down
    Mar 17 2026
    Eight out of nine people writing the U.S. dietary guidelines had ties to Big Meat and Big Dairy. Hmm. So what does that mean for the nutrition advice we’re all supposed to trust? I asked a doctor to break it down. And why is cheese so hard to quit?Spoiler alert: it might not be your willpower. There’s actual biology behind it. You know how much I love talking to doctors who are plant-based, and today’s guest is bringing the receipts. Dr. John Lewis is a plant-powered physician, former associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and a researcher who has published more than 180 scientific papers. His Alzheimer’s research has shown significant improvements in cognitive function using plant-derived nutrients that support the brain. In this conversation, we connect the dots between diet, brain health, Big Food influence, and the chronic diseases affecting millions of Americans. If you’ve ever wondered whether Alzheimer’s is inevitable… or whether what’s on your plate could actually help protect your brain… this episode will change the way you think about food. • The real reason cheese is so addictive (and why quitting it feels impossible for many people)• The massive fiber crisis in America and why it’s wrecking gut health• Why the carnivore, keto, and high-protein craze may be setting people up for long-term health problems• The simple dietary shifts that can dramatically improve digestion and inflammation• What actually happens inside your body during fasting and why it may activate powerful cellular repair• The plant foods that may help support memory and brain health Some of what you’ll hear may sound shocking. But once you understand the science, it changes everything you thought you knew about nutrition. And once you hear it… you can’t unhear it. If you want to support your brain health right now, check out Daily Brain Care by Dr Lewis Nutrition®, a daily formula designed to help protect and restore brain function. Go to:https://drlewisnutrition.com/foodheals Use promo code ALLISON to save 10%. In this episode you’ll discover:Support Your Brain Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Every Anti-Vegan Argument Debunked: Danny Ishay Uses Logic and Humor to Destroy the Meat Industry’s Lies

    Every Anti-Vegan Argument Debunked: Danny Ishay Uses Logic and Humor to Destroy the Meat Industry’s Lies
    Mar 10 2026
    Why do people get so angry about vegan food? Why do the same illogical arguments about meat keep showing up over and over again? And what happens when someone finally starts dismantling them… one by one? Today on Food Heals, Allison Melody is joined by plant-powered content creator Danny Ishay, Instagram’s favorite vegan. If you’ve ever heard someone say: “Humans need meat for protein.” “It’s the food chain.” “Plants feel pain.” …and you’ve wanted to stick a carrot in their face and ask who actually feels pain, Danny has probably already made a video about it. Using logic, satire, and a little sass, Danny has built a massive following by calmly dismantling the myths people cling to about meat, dairy, and vegan diets. In this episode we talk about how he got started, why humor works better than yelling, and what really happens when trolls flood his comment section. You’ll hear: • Why comedy disarms people faster than confrontation • What actually happens when trolls show up in Danny's comments • The psychology behind why people defend meat so passionately • What made Allison say, “Follow the money.” • Why misinformation about nutrition spreads so easily • The surprising role community plays in sticking with a plant-based lifestyle If you’ve ever had one of these debates at a dinner table, in a comment section, or with that one friend who swears they “need meat for protein”… This episode might change the way you respond at next year's Thanksgiving. (You're welcome:) Follow Danny on Instagram: @dannyishay Get his book HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • James Van Der Beek: A Dawson's Creek Tribute with Industry Insiders Ryan Bailey & Jessica Sirikulbut

    James Van Der Beek: A Dawson's Creek Tribute with Industry Insiders Ryan Bailey & Jessica Sirikulbut
    Feb 13 2026
    Today's episode is a deeply personal one. I was devastated to hear of the passing of James Van Der Beek. Like so many of you, I grew up watching Dawson's Creek. But for me, it was even more than a show. My very first job was working on Dawson's Creek in Wilmington, North Carolina. My parents got to see their little girl step onto a set they watched in our living room every week... and that memory means everything to me. Years later, I had dinner with James and his wife Kimberly (who was one of the very first guests ever on Food Heals episode 6). That night, James sat with me, looked me in the eyes, and told me my parents were proud of me. He held space for me in a way most people never do. He didn't have to. But that's who he was. In this episode, I'm joined by: Reality TV producer Jessica Sirikulbut, who shares her heartfelt reflections on James' character, his spiritual depth, and the emotional impact this loss has had on our generation. Ryan Bailey, host of So Bad It's Good, who brings his thoughtful pop culture lens to James' legacy and the profound way he shaped so many of our lives. Together, we reflect on: • The impact Dawson's Creek had on our generation • James' powerful final interviews about love and worthiness • What cancer teaches us about presence and perspective • The emotional and spiritual layers of healing • Why "I am worthy of love" might be the most important mantra of all James wasn't just a talented actor. He was a light. A father of six. A devoted husband. A man who meditated, journaled, and led with love. And in a world that feels so divided, his passing feels like a wake-up call to return to what actually matters. Love. Presence. Connection. Forgiveness. Sweetness in life. If this episode moves you, and you feel called to support his family during this unimaginable time, you can contribute here: 💛 GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek's Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family Thank you for being part of Food Heals Nation. Hold your loved ones close. Forgive quickly. Believe you are worthy of love. Because you are. 💛
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Dark Side of Dairy and the Secrets of Sexy Food, with a Side of Beverly Hills Tea (featuring Ellen Kanner of Miami Vegan)

    The Dark Side of Dairy and the Secrets of Sexy Food, with a Side of Beverly Hills Tea (featuring Ellen Kanner of Miami Vegan)
    Jan 25 2026
    In this episode, Allison Melody opens with a no filter Q&A that goes everywhere the mainstream won't. From the hidden reality of the dairy industry and why cows only produce milk when they're pregnant, to what really happens when creators are censored, reinstated, and quietly invited back after years of being silenced. She shares her personal experience with peptides, what she's learned so far, and why she believes they should be approached thoughtfully and with the right medical support. Then things get a little spicy. Allison spills the tea on a former Food Heals guest who is now making waves on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the rise of manifestation gurus, and what happens when empowerment crosses the line into grifting. After the Q&A, Allison welcomes award winning author and longtime vegan Ellen Kanner, author of Miami Vegan, for a vibrant conversation about food, culture, and sex. They talk about: Tropical flavors and plant based living inspired by Miami Why vegetables should be the star of the plate How to make vegan food sexy, flavorful, and accessible Aphrodisiac foods you should be cooking for date night The surprising connection between watermelon, nutmeg, avocado, and sex How plants can support intimacy, circulation, and connection Plus, practical tips for eating plant based on a budget, navigating restaurants as a vegan, and making the transition without feeling deprived. If food is medicine, this episode proves it can also be pleasure. Get Ellen's book Miami Vegan and learn more at soulfulvegan.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins