A Philosopher’s Unique Journey to Veganism
What do a philosophy professor, a bulldog named Gus, and a French dip sandwich have in common? For Matt Halteman, the author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, these were the unlikely catalysts that transformed his worldview and inspired his transition to veganism. Halteman, a professor of philosophy, uses his academic expertise to explore how the principles of compassion, ethics, and joy intertwine with our dietary choices.
The Realization: Animals as Unique Individuals
Halteman credits Gus, an unsuspecting bulldog, as the emotional spark for his vegan journey. Gus was the first animal Matt truly recognized as a unique individual with preferences, dislikes, and emotions. This realization challenged his previous views, forcing him to consider the lives of other animals beyond the societal norms of treating them as commodities.
This emotional awakening coincided with a direct intellectual challenge from a fellow philosopher, who questioned how Halteman’s pacifist values aligned with eating meat. This thought-provoking conversation compelled him to reconsider his food choices, setting the stage for a life-changing transformation.
The Culinary Adventure That Sealed the Deal
While philosophy and ethics laid the foundation, it was Halteman’s wife, Susan, who added the practical and culinary dimension to their vegan transition. A culinary enthusiast, Susan turned plant-based eating into an exciting and delicious adventure, dispelling the myth that a vegan diet is restrictive. Her creativity in the kitchen helped Matt realize that veganism could be joyful and abundant, not just ethical.
The Joyful Case for Veganism
In Hungry Beautiful Animals, Halteman reframes veganism as a lifestyle rooted in joy, compassion, and interconnectedness rather than obligation or sacrifice. By exploring themes such as intellectual integrity,
emotional coherence, and social justice, the book invites readers to align their personal values with their daily choices. Halteman’s goal is not to preach but to inspire curiosity and self-reflection.
The Role of Philosophy in Changing Perspectives
As a professor, Halteman uses his platform to encourage students to think critically about the ethics of food systems. He integrates philosophical discussions with practical applications, helping students explore questions like, “Why do we value some animals as companions while consuming others?” His approach emphasizes self-discovery, allowing students to come to their own conclusions without feeling pressured or judged.
The Bigger Picture: Creating Positive Change
Veganism, according to Halteman, is about much more than individual dietary choices. It addresses systemic issues such as worker exploitation, environmental degradation, and the ethical treatment of animals. By living in alignment with values such as fairness and kindness, individuals can contribute to broader societal transformations.
An Invitation to Flourish
Halteman offers a fresh perspective on veganism, focusing on its potential to enhance personal well-being and create a better world. He emphasizes starting with small, meaningful changes and embracing the journey with kindness and curiosity. Whether it’s reducing inflammation, discovering cruelty-free products, or simply experimenting with plant-based recipes, every step toward veganism can be a step toward flourishing.
Where to Learn More
To explore Matt Halteman’s insights and philosophies, visit Hungry Beautiful Animals. His book provides an engaging roadmap for anyone curious about the ethical, practical, and joyful aspects of vegan living.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction.
[02:00] How it began for Matt Halterman.
[06:30] The connection between pacifism and veganism.
[11:00] Atheism, drug addiction and veganism… what???
[18:30] Focusing on what we are for rather than what we are against.
[27:00] What motivates vegans to get out of bed in the morning.
[34:00] From a professor’s perspective.
[40:00] The opportunities for change we can all impact.
[46:00] Setting the stage for a sustainable journey.
[49:00] Transforming the world begins with each of us.
About Matthew C. Halterman
Matthew C. Halteman is a professor of philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has been teaching since 2003. He has been a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in the UK since 2008, contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship on animal and food ethics. A passionate advocate for compassionate living, Halteman’s work focuses on the ethical dimensions of human and animal relationships, as well as the philosophical exploration of life as a lived practice.
He is the author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan (Basic Books, November 2024), a book that invites readers to embrace the abundant joys of vegan living. His other works include Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation (2008; 2010) and the co-edited volume Philosophy Comes to Dinner: Arguments About the Ethics of Eating (with Andrew Chignell and Terence Cuneo, 2016). In addition to his books, Halteman has published numerous academic articles, book chapters, and online writings, available through platforms like Philpapers.org.
Halteman teaches and writes on twentieth-century European philosophy, particularly hermeneutics and philosophy as a way of life, and on applied ethics, with a strong emphasis on animal and food ethics. His dedication to education extends beyond the classroom—he founded and leads initiatives like the Animals and the Kingdom of God Lecture Series at Calvin University and the Wake Up Weekend festival, both aimed at fostering dialogue and action on animal and food ethics.
Through his teaching, writing, and public engagement, Halteman seeks to inspire others to reflect on the moral responsibilities we share toward animals, the environment, and one another, encouraging a more compassionate and interconnected way of living.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.