The Jazzy Vegetarian

Today host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Native Thai author Chat Mingkwan, who is the celebrated owner of the “Unusual Touch Cooking School” in San Francisco. We’ll discuss and share delicious Asian inspired, vegan recipes. Chat’s overall philosophy is similar to his cooking simplicity. “Untie the knot, either the one in your stomach or the unclear one in the recipe. Make it simple, straight and true to yourself. Let’s walk this path together.” Chat conducts gourmet tours of southeast Asia and he is also the author of "Vietnamese Fusion" and "Buddha’s Table." His new cookbook, “Asian Fusion,” focuses on his culinary odyssey of vegan translations of signature dishes from all corners of the Asian continent; from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand and India to Laos, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Burma, and the Philippines. Readers learn how to use and find herbs and spices unique to these areas and will enjoy Chat’s practical approach to creating authentic Asian flavors for Western kitchens. Visit: www.un

Today host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  welcomes Robin Gager, author of "Don't Eat Me" to discuss delicious meat-free recipes! I'll also welcome Gene Baur, President and Co-founder of Farm Sanctuary to discuss the ways that Gene helps farm animals nationwide, raising awareness about industrialized farming. Robin Gager: Robin's first passion has always been animals. As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Robin has bottle-fed and raised countless racoons, squirrels and birds. Robins first cookbook, “Don’t Eat Me!” is for animal lovers. The book is dedicated to the amazing world of imitation meat dishes, or veggie-meat.  “Don't Eat Me!” can help you easily transition into a vegan diet, without missing out on anything! Gene Baur adopted a vegan lifestyle in 1985. Farm Sanctuary is America's leading farm animal protection organization, which runs the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America. 

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Shelley Marcy, Vice President of “Friends for Life Forever Farm,” whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home senior and special needs companion animals. I’ll also welcome Julie Snyder, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Julie has a private therapy practice and works as a Director at Bridge of Hope. We’ll hear great animal rescue stories! Guest, Shelley Marcy has been with Friends for Life for 5 years. Since rescue has always been a part of her life, she was looking to work with an organization such as Friends For Life, where the mission was solid and adhered to. Shelly and her husband have a house and barnyard full of beautiful rescues! Located in North Carolina, the Friends for Life Forever Farm mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home senior and special needs companion animals, providing lifelong sanctuary if needed, for every single animal that enters the doors. Compassion for, and a commitment to, these special animals is paramount in

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with "Nutritionist to the Stars," Oz Garcia, Ph.D., who is recognized as the world's leading authority on healthy aging. As "Nutritionist to the Stars" Oz is the go-to nutritionist for A-List celebrities and Fortune 100 CEO's. Some of his celebrity clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Swank, Kim Cattrall, Heidi Klum, Winona Ryder, Veronica Webb and Naomi Campbell. We’ll discuss his book "Redesigning 50: The No-Plastic-Surgery Guide to 21st-Century Age Defiance" and talk about tips for looking and feeling younger and healthier. His unique and customized approach to nutrition and anti-aging coupled with more than 30-years of experience has made Oz one of the most recognizable names in the industry. He has lectured all over the world and has been a pioneer in the study of nutrition and anti-aging. Oz is bestselling author of three books, The Balance, Look and Feel Fabulous Forever, and Redesigning 50: The No-Plastic-Surgery Guide to 21st-Century Age Defiance

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Rob Ventre, an independent Personal Trainer based in New York City who has recently coined the phrase: Do Something! We’ll chat about doing “something” by learning how to eat more nutritious meals and getting enough exercise in 2011. We’ll share some great recipes to help you get started! Do something, Eat something nutritious and Join the "Nutrition Revolution!" Rob Ventre, who is an independent Personal Trainer based in New York City is certified in both Personal and Group Fitness Training by the International Sports Sciences Association and the International Fitness Association, as well as First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross. In addition to private training, Rob is also affiliated with established fitness companies NYC Fitness Experts, Go Green Boot Camp, and The Rock Health and Fitness. He has studied and utilized a myriad of training techniques from athletic based strength and power conditioning, stage combat and fight choreography, to the h

Today host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Dr. Pam Popper, Ph.D., N.D. who is a naturopath, nutritionist and the Executive Director of The Wellness Forum. We'll discuss how to improve our diet and lifestyle for preventing, reversing, and stopping the progression of degenerative disease. The Wellness Forum offers educational programs designed to assist individuals in changing their health outcomes through improved diet and lifestyle habits; to assist employers in reducing the costs of health insurance and medical care for employees; and to educate health care professionals about how to use diet and lifestyle for preventing, reversing, and stopping the progression of degenerative disease. Dr. Popper is currently featured in two widely distributed documentaries, “Processed People” and “Making a Killing” and will be appearing in the full-length feature film, “Forks Over Knives” about diet and health. Dr. Popper is the author of several books and cookbooks, as well as several programs offered fo

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with super star bassist, Marcus McLaurine, who is a composer, leader and sideman. We’ll chat aobut great jazz and great vegetarian recipes! What could be better I say! Marcus McLaurine, has become one of the most sought-after artists in jazz, sharing bandstands with Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Lou Donaldson, Dame Cleo Laine, Joe Williams, Jon Hendricks, Abbey Lincoln, and the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones. For the past twenty-five years, Marcus has toured with legendary trumpeter Clark Terry. In 1981 Clark Terry called looking for a bass player. One evening at home, the phone rang. Marcus picked it up and the voice on the other end said, “This is Clark Terry.” Marcus immediately thought someone was playing a joke on him. Terry said he needed Marcus to play two gigs – a week at the Blue Note and a week in Canada. Still thinking it was some kind of hoax, Marcus agreed to meet at the Blue Note, and sure enough, it was i

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Lance Horne who is an Emmy Award winning composer, lyricist, singer, pianist, producer and music director. We’ll chat about his  CD, "First Things Last," and share some recipes and views on vegetarian food! Mr. Horne writes in various genres such as musical theater, rock, classical, film and broadcast television. Mr. Horne received a 2008 Daytime Emmy for Best Original Song (“Chemistry,” One Life to Live), 2010 Bistro for Best Album (Alan Cumming), 2006 Jonathan Larson Award (composer-lyricist), and multiple ASCAP Young Composer/Member Awards. His CD, "First Things Last," is his debut recording bridging pop, rock, theater and jazz. The CD features stage and screen stars such as Alan Cumming, Cheyenne Jackson, Ricki Lake, and more. Lance served as a musical consultant for the film Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher. He co-produced Alan Cumming’s album I Bought A Blue Car Today and has served as Music Director for the NBC Orchestra and perform

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Vesanto Melina who is an internationally known nutrition consultant and speaker, academic instructor and writer. We’ll discuss common food allergies and share user-friendly recipes to avoid them. Vesanto has worked with numerous groups and organizations such as Central Washington University, Heart Month, Washington State Dietetics Association and American Dietetics Association. She has taught nutrition on the faculty of the University of British Columbia and at Seattle's Bastyr University. Speaking engagements and consulting have taken her across North America, the U.K. and Europe. She is a regular consultant for the Government of British Columbia. Vesanto specializes in scientific writing on nutrition, computerized nutritional analysis of recipes, menus and products along with food writing for press, product sleeves and websites. Vesanto Melina’s undergraduate training was at the University of London, England and the University of Toronto, Ontario, Cana

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with author and private chef Robin Asbell, who has been creating fabulous food in the homes of private clients for 15 years. We’ll share new vegetarian recipes to inspire a happier kitchen and a healthier you for the new year! Robins’ first book, The New Whole Grains Cookbook, is filled with flavorful, beautiful food that just happens to be whole grain. Her second book, The New Vegetarian Cookbook, explores delicious cuisine that nourishes the body and soul that even meat lovers will enjoy. Robin also writes for magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Real Food, Experience Life, Taunton’s Fine Cooking, Vegetarian Times, and others. She also teaches and speaks around the country and audio blogs at amillioncooks.com. More: www.robinasbell.com

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Chart Topping Singer/Songwriter Victoria Shaw, whose songs have been staples on the charts since the early 90s. We'll talk about her solo CD, songwriting career and chart topping music. I'll share some great tummy warming, cold-weather recipes along with my short list of "Top Winter Super Foods!" Victoria Shaw's #1 compositions include Garth Brooks' "The River" and "She’s Every Woman," Ricky Martin's “So’lo Quiero Amrte,” and Jim Brickman's "Sending You A Little Christmas." Ms. Shaw co-produced Lady Antebellum’s self-titled debut CD release for Capitol Records. She has had four of her songs nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award and won the Emmy with "This is Our Moment,” co-written with Earl Rose and Olivia Newton-John, and featured on the daytime drama, "As the World Turns.” She was awarded her second Emmy for the song, "When I Think of You," which was featured on the long-running daytime drama, "One Live to Live." Other hits include the Ricky Martin/Chris

Host, Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  chats with Rob Ventre, an independent Personal Trainer based in New York City. Well chat about getting in shape through diet and exercise. I’ll share some great low fat and low calorie recipes to help you get started on the path to losing a few pounds this year. Rob is certified in “Personal and Group Fitness Training” by the International Sports Sciences Association and the International Fitness Association and he is certified in First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross. In addition to private training, Rob is also affiliated with established fitness companies NYC Fitness Experts, Go Green Boot Camp, and The Rock Health and Fitness. He has personally trained British TV personality Trisha Goddard and served as resident trainer at Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership where he worked alongside world-class ski coach Jeff Hawksley. In addition to being a personal trainer, Rob is also an experienced professional actor and member of Actor’s Equity Associati

Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  welcomes Michael Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated entertainer dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.” We’ll chat about his new CD, his PBS series, upcoming performances and great vegan food for the New Year! I’ll share some tips for creating a Healthy and Happy New Year Celebration, by sharing recipes and green entertaining ideas from my own party table. We’ll top off the show with some fabulous music from Mr. Feinstein. Michael Feinstein is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards. More than simply a performer, Mr. Feinstein is nationally recognized for his commitment to celebrating America’s popular song and preserving its legacy for the next generation. He serves on the Library of Congress’ National Recording Preservation Board and his love of song can be heard in The Sinatra Project and in the PBS series Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook. Feinstein serve as artistic director of the Center fo

Host Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian, shares delicious "Dairy-Free Desserts for the Holidays!" I'll welcome Cathe Olson, author of “Lick It! Creamy Dreamy Vegan Ice Creams your Mouth will Love.” We’ll share easy dairy–free dessert recipes for the holidays and beyond. Cathe Olson has studied nutrition and cookery both formally and informally for over fifteen years, specializing in vegetarian, macrobiotic, and whole foods diets. She is the author of Lick It! Creamy Dreamy Vegan Ice Creams your Mouth will Love, The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook and Simply Natural Baby Food, and has had articles published in national magazines such as Mothering, Natural Family Online, and Natural Awakenings. Cathe has cooked at natural foods restaurants and delis in both the San Francisco Bay and Central Coast areas of California. Cathe is passionate about helping parents make healthy food choices for themselves and their families. She is a frequent speaker at parenting classes, schools, natural foods stores, libraries, and w

Host Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian, chats with Leslie Cerier, “The Organic Gourmet,” who specializes in whole foods and organic cuisine. We’ll share fantastic holiday cooking and baking recipes; and we’ll also discuss eating for health and vitality and how to lose weight after the holidays! Leslie is Author of Gluten-Free Recipes for the Conscious Cook, presenting over 100 delicious recipes for easy-to-make, gluten-free, vegetarian meals. Leslie cooks and teaches all over the United States and is author of several other cookbooks, including Going Wild in the Kitchen; Sea Vegetable Celebration; Taste Life! Organic Recipes; and The Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet. Cerier is a chef, educator, environmentalist, photographer, and recipe developer, and is sought after by health professionals and private clients for her expertise in local, seasonal, organic cooking for health and vitality. Visit: www.lesliecerier.com/

Today, host Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian, chats with Neal D. Barnard, M.D, who is author of the "Cancer Survivor's Guide: Foods That Help You Fight Back." We’ll discuss cancer fighting foods and healthy recipes! Neal D. Barnard, M.D., is a nutrition researcher, author, and health advocate. He established The Cancer Project, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritional services for cancer patients and survivors and public education geared toward prevention, and the Washington Center for Clinical Research, an organization dedicated to studies of diet and health. As an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Barnard conducts studies on the role of nutrition in diabetes, obesity, and lipid management, among other health issues. Dr. Barnard’s articles have appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the American Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Scientific American, the American Journal of Ca

Appearing on the show  Jazzy Vegetarian, today is Victoria Boutenko, the award-winning author of Green for Life. We’ll discuss green recipes and I’ll share my Berry Smoothie recipe. I’ll also welcome Pam Vieau of “Chocolate Inspirations,” to discuss the Chocolate for Charity campaign. Music from the talented flutist Ali Ryerson with the late, great guitar virtuoso, Joe Beck! Victoria Boutenko, is also author of Green Smoothie Revolution, Raw Family Signature Dishes, 12 Steps to Raw Foods, and Raw Family: A True Story of Awakening. In 1994, Victoria sought out alternative health paths and discovered the raw food lifestyle, which enabled her family to achieve vibrant health. Now a raw gourmet chef, teacher, inventor, researcher, and artist, she teaches classes on healthy living all over the world. As a result of her work, millions of people are drinking green smoothies and eating raw food internationally. Victoria continues traveling worldwide, sharing her gourmet raw cuisine and her inspiring story of determ

Today, host Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian, shares her “No-Turkey” Holiday Recipes and earth friendly menu plan for serving a delicious holiday dinner! Then I’ll chat with author Kathy Stevens about her new book Animal Camp. She’ll share heartening tales of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, one of the country’s leading havens for farm animals. Kathy Stevens, Founder and Director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, gave up a thriving eleven-year teaching career, and bought a disastrously rundown farm on a vast number of acres. With sheer determination, boundless compassion, and limited funds, she turned it into an acclaimed haven for livestock, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Her books, Where the Blind Horse Sings and Animal Camp present heartening stories of the difficult work that has gone into saving more than 2,000 lives since the sanctuary's 2001 founding. Stevens lives in Saugerties, New York.

In a special one-hour show, host Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian,  welcomesMusical Superstar Jim Brickman, America’s Romantic Piano Sensation, to help celebrate the one-year anniversary of Jazzy Vegetarian Radio, with his new CD Home! HOME, echoes the warmth of tradition, the reflection of memories, and the welcome feeling of being with family and friends. Then I'll share favorite Jazzy Vegetarian recipes and green tips for your HOLIDAY HOME! We'll hear “Thank You,” (featuring American Idol’s 8th season fifth place finalist Matt Giraud), which is the first single release. Since the release of his debut album “No Words” in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has made him the best selling solo piano artist of our time. Jim Brickman’s playing and songwriting has brought him two Grammy nods, six Gold and Platinum albums, and 30 charted adult radio hits. He tied for most number one CDs on Billboard’s New Age chart, and currently holds four of its top ten spots. Other guests: Rick Diamond of Book Publis

Today, host Laura Theodore, the Jazzy Vegetarian, chats with Fran Costigan, Queen of the Vegan Desserts, to chat about tasty and healthy dessert recipes to prepare for your family and friends this holiday season. I’ll also share my famous Chocolate Pots de Crème recipe ...jazzylicious! Fran Costigan, is an internationally recognized culinary instructor, author, consultant, recipe developer and the pioneering vegan pastry chef who marries healthy eating with sumptuous tastes. Fran’s book, More Great Good Dairy-Free Desserts Naturally, is designed as a complete course in vegan baking. Fran’s recipes feature organic whole grains, fair trade natural sweeteners and chocolates, and clean seasonal ingredients. In Fran’s recipes, ‘nothing is missing except the dairy, eggs, white sugar and excess fat.’ She is the authority on all things related to vegan baking and desserts. A graduate of the New York Restaurant School, the Natural Gourmet Institute, and Nick Malgerie’s Professional Pastry Intensive, Fran and her deca