Most people think going vegan means giving things up, but for Paige Parsons Roache and Sherri Johnson, it opened the door to more energy, creativity, and purpose. On this episode of Plant Based Eating for Health, I sat down with the dynamic duo behind Plant-Based in the Burbs. Paige, a communications veteran and Plant Based Treaty campaigner, and Sherri, a certified trainer, nutritionist, and entrepreneur behind W29 Activewear and PennyBea’s pies, share how compassion, curiosity, and community turned their plant-based journey into a lifestyle of joy and impact.
Sherri’s Start: From Gym Desk to Vegan Coach
Sherri’s path began in fitness. A manager nudged her toward personal training, and she discovered a calling to help women grow stronger inside and out. A church fast sparked a two-week meat break that turned into a full lifestyle shift for her and her competitive husband. Learning meant reading labels, exploring swaps, and recreating favorite meals without animal products. Her advice for beginners is simple: start with baby steps. Try Meatless Monday, one plant-based meal a day, or a meat alternative while you learn to season, batch cook, and balance your plate. For women 50 and over, Sherri recommends 30 minutes a day of movement and consistent strength training to protect muscle, bone health, and balance.
Paige’s Pivot: Information, Then Conviction
Paige did not plan to go vegan. Her daughter’s decision lit the spark, and Paige went on an information quest through films, books, and local spots that explained protein, calcium, and iron from plants. Teaching group fitness and working on plastic reduction primed her for a broader view of impact. Producing with UnchainedTV’s Jane Velez-Mitchell deepened her network and skills. Paige’s practical tip for cost concerns is to rework your existing menu. Swap meat for lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, or walnut “meat.” Let spices be your best friend and keep eating at home. Savings grow when you cook.
Food Deserts and Real-World Access
Both women acknowledge the reality of nutrition deserts. Sherri points to budget-friendly staples like beans, rice, and seasonal produce that can feed a family. Paige highlights community solutions, from food bank collaborations to outreach with Vegans of LA and Support + Feed. Their call to action is local and doable. Start where you are, then help create access for others.
Plant Based Treaty: Centering Food in Climate Action
Paige’s advocacy with Plant Based Treaty brings plant-focused solutions into climate conversations. The campaign encourages cities and institutions to meet sustainability goals through food choices, not only energy and transportation. The message is clear. Shifting plates reduces water use, land use, and emissions while improving public health.
Parting Wisdom
Paige invites us to “embrace the new groove” rather than chase an old one. Sherri reminds us to love ourselves right where we are and let small actions build momentum. Whether you begin with a single plant-based meal or a full reset, progress starts with one choice and grows from there.
About Sherri and Paige
Sherri Johnson is a certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience, is a plant-based nutritionist and an accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for empowering others through wellness and style. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and founded W29 Activewear, a brand combining style and functionality to help women look and feel their best. W29 Activewear has been worn by inspiring figures like Tabitha Brown and Jasmine Duke, showcasing the brand’s commitment to style, comfort, and confidence. Her latest venture, PennyBea’s, offers classic home-style pies with a plant-based twist, inspired by her grandmother’s cherished recipes. PennyBea’s pies are already making waves, being sold in a local plant-based restaurant.. PennyBea’s pies are already making waves and are being sold in a local plant-based restaurant. As a dedicated leader in the plant-based movement, Sherri Johnson co-hosts Plant Based in the Burbz with Paige, a cooking show featured on UnchainedTV. She also co-hosts Let’s Chat Live, a talk show that shines a spotlight on changemakers in the vegan community, inspiring others to adopt a plant-based lifestyle. Together with her husband, Sherri is launching a new podcast shares their journey as a plant-based couple, sharing their insights and passion for a compassionate way of living. Through these ventures, Sherri is committed to promoting wellness, sustainability, and a compassionate way of living. Website: www.w29activewear.com
Paige Parsons Roache, Producer/Communications Director/Social Justice Campaigner, exudes an impressive career spanning over three decades in communications, promotions, public relations, and marketing, while consistently demonstrating her ability to elevate the visibility and impact of various non-profit organizations, such as with UnchainedTV’s global streaming network, the Vegans of LA Food Bank and Los Angeles Animal Save/Plant Based Treaty. Currently, Paige is a City Campaigner for the Plant Based Treaty, which centers the food systems in the climate space to create change. She also produces and co-hosts, along with Sherri Johnson, the cooking show Plant Based in the Burbz, plus a live talk show “Let’s Chat”. In addition, teaches compost/repurpose courses for all ages, and volunteers with several food outreach programs, including Vegans of LA and Support and Feed. Paige’s guiding philosophy, “Collective change is possible if we all take personal responsibility. Let’s do this!”
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.
Access her complimentary Podcast Guesting Blueprint at http://veganvisibility.com/podcastblueprint