W

BM

/AU

TR

TOMMY REYNOLDS PERSONAL TRAINER, MODEL & HEART-THROB

SONYA LOONEY: BETWEEN HAITI AND THE HIMALAYAS.

VO

LU

ME

2 A

PR

IL-M

AY

2013

BARNIVORE: VEGAN BOOZE

VERSUS

TAXIDERMIED SQUIRRELS

Meet “The

Blissful Chef”:

NYC’s YOGA216 PRACTICE AND

PEACE IN THE CITY

+

WELLN

ESS

CHRISTY MORGAN ON NUTRITION, PURPOSE AND WHOLENESS

AINSLEY RODRIGUEZ

GORDIE HOLT

MALIN JOHANSSON

ROCHELLE WHITE

WBM / AUTR

www.areyouthereason.com

VOLUME 2 APRIL-MAY 2013

EDITORS

DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ramzi Hashisho, Javier Hernandez of Inline

Photography, Jonathan Hillis, Roger Kirby,

Gary Leung, Sonya Looney, Lenny Mazliah,

Marc Brian Queyquep, Heather Schramm of

Austin Vivid Photography, Melissa

Schwartz of Schwartz Studios, Brett Seely,

Fellipe Silva, Cathy Snider, Mateuscz

Stachowski, Petr Vins, Bas van de Wiel.

WRITERS / INTERVIEWERS

A. L. Roberts

Lital Khaikin

Production Management A. L. Roberts

Lital Khaikin Features Editor

Design Direction and Editing Lital Khaikin

“WELLNESS”

Why Blue Matters is an inspirational and

aspirational platform that provides a look as

well as a sound for those in pursuit of their

goals and dreams.

Earlier this past February, we released our first digital magazine, highlighting the

incredible talent of a few fashion designers

from Nolcha Fashion Week 2013, as well as

some photographers and visual artists.

This new issue celebrates the diverse

aspects of a life of wellness. We believe

that, like anything else in life, wellness is a

multifaceted experience that involves mind,

body and spirit. Our features for April-May

represent the best of these qualities through

their accomplishments, perseverance, good

humor and positive impact upon others.

Why WBM?

In 2009, we were inspired to do something

very amazing. Our mission: Identify those

not only in pursuit of their aspirations, but

those who had the vision, patience, and

determination to turn their aspirations into

something tangible. The result: The

discovery of individuals and organizations

who would become hue-man interest pieces

while giving new significance to the color

blue.

Stories were told. Hundreds of them, about

people from all around the world. People

all striving for the same thing– to have their

impact felt and their efforts acknowledged.

So as a means of inspiration, we curate

stories about those who personify creativity

and resilience while etching into time new

legacies to share.

WHY BLUE

MATTERS

CONTENTS

TOMMY REYNOLDS AINSLEY RODRIGUEZ GORDIE HOLT

MALIN JOHANSSON SONYA LOONEY NICOLE KATZ

ROCHELLE WHITE CHRISTY MORGAN BARNIVORE

PERSONAL TRAINER, MODEL PERSONAL TRAINER, MODEL PERSONAL TRAINER, DANCER

PERSONAL TRAINER, GYMNAST PRO MOUNTAIN BIKER YOGA 216

FITNESS YOGA WORKS “THE BLISSFUL CHEF” IS YOUR BOOZE VEGAN?

REY

NO

LDS

INTERVIEWED BY

ANDRE L. ROBERTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

BRETT SEELY

REY

NO

LDS

Passion--it's the fuel that drives the

human heart. Entrepreneur and

personal trainer, Tommy Reynolds

has a significant amount of it. It has

moved him in a direction of living a

life of wellness, while also enabling

him to start a business that

encourages others to be fit.

Just a regular guy who works hard, believes in living life in positive manner, and is very loyal to his close

ones.

The fitness aspect has always been a part of my life, growing up playing sports. When I was 18 or so, I started

taking the gym much more seriously, and when I was about 24 is when I really took my training and fitness to another level. The modeling thing…I still don't consider

myself a model or anything like that. It was never something I aspired to be or do, but I have just been

blessed with some awesome opportunities.

PASSION

“

“

“I absolutely love to train. I look forward to it every day. Keeping myself motivated is easy when I surround myself with positive motivating people. I feel like I have a lot of people looking up to me and I'd be letting people down if I didn't do what I do. I will never take it for granted.”

“Motivating and inspiring others. Having people write to me and come up to me to tell me that they look up to me or that I have inspired them in any way is by far the coolest and biggest accomplishment I have received during this journey.”

“Honestly, this past year or so, I haven't had any. If I do have some spare time I enjoy going out to dinner and watching movies. I love spending time with my friends and family. Really my life has been revolved around fitness, food, and health for so long now that down time mostly involves working.”

I originally started bartending as I started my personal training business, and allowed it to grow at the pace that I wanted it to. Until just recently, I was given an opportunity to work

with a great company, at Muscle Egg. My business is booming and I'm opening a gym in the process. So, I can truly say I'm doing what I

love and don't consider it work for a second.

I actually graduated college with a Real Estate degree, worked in the field for three years

after I graduated, and did really well until the market crashed. When that happened, I

switched my mindset and decided to focus on doing something that I love to do, and if I'm

good at what I love the financial benefits will then follow. I haven't looked back since.

WHAT TYPE OF

OPPORTUNITIES HAVE

YOUR ENDEAVORS

PROVIDED FOR YOU?

WHEN DID YOU KNOW

THAT THIS WAS

SOMETHING THAT YOU

WANTED TO PURSUE?

I think the first step is to really want to make a change. Everyone I know wants to

be in shape, everyone wants to look good, be fit, and eat healthy. The problem is everyone

just wants it without the work and dedication. I always tell my clients to take

baby steps. You can't go from living a unhealthy life to just cold turkey and eating

the perfect diet and have the perfect exercise regimen. It takes time and if you

really want the change it will come.

HOW CAN SOMEONE

BEGIN TO TAKE CHARGE

OF THEIR LIFE IN A

HEALTHY WAY? HOW IMPORTANT ARE

SUPPLEMENTS OR VITAMINS

TO MAINTAINING PEAK

PERFORMANCE? They are important just as much as any other aspect of health and fitness. I think you should get most of

your nutrients from whole foods, but I also know that there are plenty of times when our body needs more. I think, depending on your goals, supplements can be

crucial to your peak fitness physique.

This is funny. A day in my shoes is nonstop. It starts around 7 am, wake up, and it's a

combination of cardio, eating, or working. And that combo usually lasts until 10 pm. I love being

busy and, like I said before, when you do what you love it really doesn't feel like work. But some days

I just wish I had a little more me time.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL

DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

“You have to love what you’re doing. You have to love it so much that not a day goes by that

your dread going to "work". If you truly are passionate about what you do the possibilities

are endless.”

TO

MM

Y R

EYN

OLD

S

“If, when I leave this earth, I know that I have

made a change in people's lives in a

positive way, I will know my job was done.

I think I have been given certain skills, and

inspiring people and spreading the word of positivity is all part of

the plan for me.”

TO

MM

Y R

EYN

OLD

S

T

OM

MY

RE

YNO

LDS

TO

MM

Y R

EYN

OLD

S

REASON? WHAT’S YOUR

For some, fighting is a way out.

We’re fighting our way in.

Photograph courtesy of Stokkete via Photodune.

www.areyouthereason.com

INSLEY RODRIGUEZ

When you live your life to the absolute fullest, there's no telling how many people you will inspire along the

way. What started off for Ainsley Rodriguez as a personal decision to dedicate her life to healthy living has now enabled her to become not only a role model,

but also someone whose professional insight and experience is well sought after.

INTERVIEWED BY ANDRE. L. ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAVIER HERNANDEZ

WHAT'S THE MOST AMAZING THING

ABOUT LEADING A LIFE OF WELLNESS? How I feel on the INSIDE! Being fit has not only changed my body

but, more importantly, it has changed my mind, and given me both

physical and mental wellness. I am content and confident, and that

is something that NOBODY can take from me!

I was born and raised in the warm city of Miami, Florida, and

I’m currently still living in paradise!

WHAT PART OF THE WORLD DO YOU

CALL HOME?

I have been coaching and training others to

succeed not only in attaining their dream

body on the outside, but also toward

helping them find that positive attitude

that will help take them anywhere they

want to go in life. I try to help shift clients’

attitudes from “this is what I want” to “look

how far I have come”. The majority of my

coaching is done online, which has been so

rewarding for me because it gives me the

opportunity to work with people all

around the world!

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN

COACHING AND TRAINING

OTHERS TO SUCCEED?

My success in the fitness industry is

attributed to staying true to myself. The

fact that people can relate to me on a

personal level is what has allowed me to

get me this far today.

YOU HAVE A HUGE

FOLLOWING ACROSS THE

SEVERAL DIFFERENT

SOCIAL NETWORKS. WHAT

CAN YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR

SUCCESS TO?

FIT

NES

S I

S…

A LIFESTYLE!

Being “fit and healthy”

doesn’t happen overnight.

Most of the people who

struggle expect results

too quickly and resort to

crash diets that are not

realistic or sustainable.

The key to fitness is

consistency! It’s

something you work at

every single day, just like

anything else in life.

Change requires time and

effort, but after you get

started, it’s nearly

impossible to stop!

When you have passion in your life towards a

particular goal, you become unstoppable. When

passion takes over, you are able to tap into your

reserves of mental and physical energy to drive

you toward what you want. That’s pretty much

where I’m at now, and helping others achieve

this same mental state is something I find

essential to getting what you want and long for!

Opportunities are presented to us every day but

it’s our perception, passion and a positive state

of mind that will determine the outcome.

HOW HAS YOUR PASSION

FOR WELLNESS CREATED

OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU?

FAVORITE MUSCLE GROUP

TO WORK ON?

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Shoulders and abs

Rest Day

Quads and calves

Biceps and triceps

Shoulders—rear

delts—and abs

SATURDAY Hams and glutes

SUNDAY Chest, back and

calves

My legs are my weak point in my

opinion, and I am constantly

struggling to build them and put

mass on them, so they are

definitely my favorite to train. Thus,

I split them in order to hit them

twice a week! Plus, I always make

sure to eat more on my leg days and

I usually have a cheat meal here!

Sure is! Taking classes or

changing your setting is a

great place to start.

I personally just started

incorporating calisthenics and

Bikram Yoga into my routine.

Try out something new or take

your workout outdoors one

day! It’s not easy to stay

motivated, so changing things

up to avoid boredom is

definitely a great way to stay

on track!

WORKOUT

WEEK

FAVORITE MUSCLE GROUP

TO WORK ON?

FIT

NES

S M

OD

EL

“I NEVER THOUGHT I

WOULD GET TO THIS

POINT OR EVEN BREAK

INTO THE INDUSTRY. I

WAS LIVING A

DEDICATED AND

HEALTHY LIFE FOR

MYSELF AND

EVERYTHING ELSE JUST

KIND OF FELL INTO

PLACE.”

I would have to say that would be inspiring as many people as I do. I never thought I would get to this point or even break into the industry. I was living a dedicated and healthy life for myself and everything else just kind of fell into place. I guess it’s all intertwined as fitness builds a confidence that in turn illuminates everything else in your life. My experiences have shaped me into who I am today, but by no means am I done learning or growing!

I never saw myself impacting the world at

all! I was just your everyday girl who found

pleasure in staying in shape, and slowly

but surely my name and message started

to spread. I am forever blessed and

thankful for all that has come my way,

and the people I have touched.

Many of my followers and fans help

me TREMENDOUSLY. The amount of

love, support and respect I get from

them constantly keeps me

motivated. As many times as I may

hear that I inspire others, they really

don’t realize that they in turn inspire

and motivate me too! EVERY single

email I get from someone telling me I

have helped them on their journey

puts a smile on my face. The fact that

someone would take the time out of

their day to reach out to me is more

motivation than anything else.

5 TA

KIN

G

CHARGE SET A GOAL.

KNOWING WHAT

YOU WANT IS THE

FIRST STEP TO

MAKING IT

HAPPEN!

Maintain a positive mindset.

So many people spend their

time and energy reflecting on

what they “haven’t” done or

“didn’t accomplish”. If you gear

this energy toward thinking

about what you WILL do, it

keeps you upbeat and less likely

to fall off track!

STRIVE FOR

PROGRESS…NOT

PERFECTION!

PERFECTION IS

UNATTAINABLE

AND WILL ONLY

LEAD TO FUTURE

FAILURE.

FOCUS. Make the mind-muscle

connection and keep your eyes

on your priorities.

BE PATIENT,

STAY

CONSISTENT

AND DON’T GET

FRUSTRATED.

1

2

Everything will fall

into place with

time, just do your

part and don’t let

anyone or anything

get in the way!

3

4

IMPACT CREATING

“FOR NOW, I HOPE TO

CONTINUE INSPIRING

AND MOTIVATING OTHERS

AS WELL AS BEING A HELP

TO THOSE IN NEED OF

GUIDANCE WITH THE

PERSONAL ONLINE

COACHING I PROVIDE…

…FITNESS PUT ME ON A

ROAD TO PERSONAL

DISCOVERY AND MOVED

ME TOWARD THE REALM

OF BETTERING MYSELF

AND LIFE ALONG WITH THE

PEOPLE SURROUNDING

ME. I WISH TO

ENCOURAGE PEOPLE AND

SHOW THEM THAT FITNESS

SHOULD ENHANCE THE

QUALITY OF THEIR LIFE,

NOT TAKE OVER IT.”

INSLEY RODRIGUEZ

INSLEY RODRIGUEZ

GORDIE

HOLT Our ability to move gives our lives shape.

The movement of Gordie Holt enabled him to find opportunity. Through his steps, he has danced on many stages and inspired

with his grace.

INTERVIEWED BY ANDRE L. ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENNY MAZLIAH

Although dance has been his primary line

of focus, he has been afforded the

opportunity to gain experience in all

things creative, recently working as the

assistant director for a fashion exhibit

for the city of Norcross, and collecting

solo choreography credit for the stage

production of “In The Midnight Hour”.

In addition to dance, he is also a personal trainer, and fitness consultant. He is a “country boy” native of Leesville, Louisiana but has been home in Atlanta for 13 years. He’s a hopeful romantic, the oldest of eight children, and has been the local “big brother” for Atlanta’s growing dance community.

AN OPTIMISTIC, ETHICAL,

VISIONARY, AND

PASSIONATE DANCER AND

ARTIST.

GORDIE IS “

“

…the most important thing in my life. I may

sound like a typical, deeply emotional artist,

but dance has always been.

I WOULDN'T BE GORDIE,

I'D BE SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT IT.

“

“ DANCE IS…

MY IDEA OF

SUCCESS IS

ACCOMPLISHING

WHATEVER GOAL

YOU HAVE SET FOR

YOURSELF. YES, I'VE

KNOWN SUCCESS

OFTEN AND I MEET

HER EVERY CHANCE

I GET.

I got my start when a friend of mine, Cliff Boyce, introduced me to a guy named Javon Simms. At the time, Javon was the choreographer for this new artist KeKe Wyatt. Long story short, he hired me for a promo tour. That was my first “professional” dance job.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?

AS A DANCER, HOW DO YOU

MAINTAIN YOUR PHYSICAL

FITNESS OR IMPROVE UPON IT? I have been able to maintain and improve upon my physical fitness by making it a career. In addition to being a dancer I’ve been a certified personal trainer for 11 years. Fitness is a way of life for me. SU

CC

ESS

INFLUENCES CHUCK MALDONADO

SWOOP JAMAL SIMS

ROGER LEE

TOP 5 DANCERS DEBBIE ALLEN GREGORY HINES

BOB FOSSE MICHAEL JACKSON

BRIAN FRIEDMAN

FOR HER PASSION

AND LOVE OF THE

ART.

FOR THE SOUL OF

HIS SHOES: HE

TRANSCENDED TAP.

HAS THE DOPEST

GROOVES, AND

WAS SO COOL.

IT’S MICHAEL!!!

HE LIVES IT,

THROUGH AND

THROUGH.

With dance I’ve had the opportunity to see the world. I’ve been able to see the magic behind movies and videos.

I was blessed to be one of the first people to see the Martin Luther King memorial. My family hasn't gained directly thus far, but

they get a kick out of seeing me on TV.

OPPORTUNITY

WHICH CAME FIRST: STYLE OR FORM? That’s a very good question, and I think would be debatable per dancer.

For me style comes first. In my opinion you can teach a monkey form, but style is in you. No one can teach it, and it’s difficult to pull it out of

someone. You get there on your own.

THE MUSIC CAUSES YOU TO MOVE; IS

IT SOMETHING YOU HEAR FIRST OR

SOMETHING YOU FEEL? For me, it’s a feeling. Sometimes I don't even know or I’m not cognizant of

music playing, but I'll start moving. It’s definitely felt first.

“When chasing your dreams, just keep swimming.

You will make mistakes, you will get tired, you will have bad days, but if you are diligent, and learn as you go…

...It gets easier, and there is happiness the whole way because

you are doing what you love. If God gives you that fire, passion, and ability, it’s for a reason. Just

keep moving.”

REASON? WHAT’S YOUR

The journey to embody wellness..

www.areyouthereason.com

MALIN

JOH

A

SS

ON

Inspiration can be found anywhere, and we had

something amazing sent specifically from Sweden. With the proper mindset, the things

that you can do are limitless. Fitness enthusiast, personal

trainer and track and field athlete Malin Johansson lends

her insight why.

-Andre L. Roberts

Today I work as a personal trainer, and I have

been doing that for five years.

I have studied to be a physiotherapist, and have had a long and great background of strong and successful rehabilitation of a knee injury—

ripping my cruciate ligament anterior on both knees.

I have always picked myself up and been even more motivated to get back and get stronger than before, in my

heart and body.

WE ALL TRAIN, AND THERE

WILL BE PAIN.

MALIN JOHANSSON, BORN IN

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN IN 1987. I

AM A GYMNAST AND HAVE BEEN

FOR 22 YEARS. I ALSO DO

TRACK AND FIELD ( 100 METER

AND 200 METER), AND

TOGETHER WITH THAT I HAVE

BEEN TRAINING IN THE GYM FOR

ALMOST 12 YEARS . . . I A

M

“ “

BY MALIN JOHANSSON

PO

WE

RFU

L

It is all about you, what you choose to do with what you have, and what you will become in every aspect of your life—your determination and motivation to go as far as you can.

It could be about getting a new lifestyle, feeling comfortable with yourself and your body, getting skinnier, healthier, stronger, building muscles, heading for the Olympic Games, or ending the season in a moment of greatness. We all train and there will be pain.

You choose to train as much as you can, and though sometimes your mind will tell you to stop, but your heart chooses otherwise because your will to reach for the finish line is stronger than giving up.

You are determined to reach for even higher goals and create something more powerful that will last forever as your "best friend, enemy and creator of something extra ordinary".

Together we all train, and a key expression in my life is: you have to have heart to do the things you wish for. Anything is possible if you just work hard and stay focused on your goal.

I didn't say it was going to be easy but you will get there. I promise you nothing is impossible as long as you believe it isn't. You have to give it everything you’ve got, and you have to have patience and strength to be someone beyond measure.

…sometimes

your mind

will tell you

to stop, but

your heart

chooses

otherwise…

…you have to

have

patience and

strength to

be someone

beyond

measure.

REASON? WHAT’S YOUR

www.areyouthereason.com

A DIFFERENT FROM

PERSPECTIVE

Travelling the world between Haiti and Nepal,

Sonya Looney is an inspirational athlete full of

stories for anyone with a passion for cycling

and exploring cultures.

FROM THE SADDLE

INTERVIEWED BY LITAL KHAIKIN

SONYA It seems like Sonya is always on the go, from her training and

races, to sponsorship work with Ergon, and writing for

specialist magazines. Sonya shares with us her bike-borne

adventures and thoughts on what it means to be a

professional cyclist, what it takes to succeed, and what the

bright world looks like from her eyes.

LOONEY

Photo by Brasil Ride/Photo Team

I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and

moved to Boulder in August of 2005 to go to

CU Boulder for grad school. I had been

racing and riding for two years and really

wanted to pursue mountain biking so I chose

Boulder. I entered in the PhD program for

Electrical Engineering. I opted out with my

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

with an emphasis on Electrophysiology and

Biomedical Instrumentation.

HER STORY

I grew up playing soccer and tennis, and was a band nerd through high school. Education has always been an important part of my life, and I have dedicated the same amount of hard work towards my schooling as I have towards my bike. I got into cycling by accident. I started running during my senior year of high school because it made me feel more confident in myself. I ran my first marathon at 18, but kept getting nagging injuries.

I started going to spin class at the gym and a coworker told me to try mountain biking. I got out on my first ride on my brother’s old bike from middle school. I did my first race a month later and the rest is history! I started riding right around my 20th birthday. These days, if I’m not riding, I love to play guitar and sing, go running, frequently go to yoga, go camping and hiking, and I love to cook—especially for my friends. I’d love to start a band someday!

I actually don’t have any embarrassing crash stories, but I have had some bad crashes. I don’t feel embarrassed, but

I feel angry with myself. I’ve smashed up my face, had concussions, broken my wrist, hurt my knee, and lost a lot

of skin. It’s all part of the sport I guess! If you want an embarrassing story, I have some of those. One involved

getting stung on the butt and having to pull down my pants after eight hours on the bike in front of a cute doc to remove the stinger… or having some bowel problems and

crapping my pants and having to wipe with leaves! Fortunately, this is a very rare occurrence!

CRA…SH?

It’s not about how many races you’ve won and how

badass you are on a bike. A sponsorship is a

partnership. How are you going to help them sell

more products? Will they get their investment back

by giving you something for free? Are you an

ambassador? What else do you do in the community

besides ride your bike fast in a race? How do you

make others feel? Are you approachable? Do you

have outreach? If you are sponsored by a brand and

wearing their logo, you are representing them. How

would you want someone to represent you? SP

ON

SO

RS

ULTRA-ENDURANCE I started as an XC racer—meaning a race that has multiple laps on the same course and normally is around 20 miles. I started in the ultra-endurance realm because I love a challenge and an adventure. I got tired of the stressful environment of XC racing where one mistake can cost you the race, and I was bored with riding around in circles. With ultra-endurance, you can cover a large distance and be way out into the mountains or forest. In foreign countries, you really get to see the raw culture. It also gives me a great sense of self-confidence.

The mental aspect of a long race is

almost as important as the physical

aspect. I love the accomplishment of

finishing and of overcoming all the

inevitable things that come up along the

way. I race ultra-endurance because it

makes me a better person not only on

the bike, but everywhere else in my life.

I do get scared while riding sometimes. The more common and less intense fears are usually if I’m riding something

where I think I’m going to crash. I either get off and walk, or I go for it and hope for the best. For fear regarding

technical riding, I make myself forcefully exhale to make me relax and make sure I’m breathing.

The only time I’ve felt truly scared on my bike were during a couple intense lightning storms in the mountains and

walking on a sloped, icy, narrow, snow-packed trail carrying my bike in the dark, and being off balance with a cliff on

one side. Breathing in the nose and out the mouth is what calms me down the most. I focus on what I need to do to

fix the situation, and try to concentrate on getting to safety instead of all the bad things that could happen to me. FE

AR

F

AC

ING

Success can have different meanings to different people. In the mountain biking world, there really isn’t a lot of money, and sponsorships themselves are very limited. To be successful at anything, it requires commitment, enthusiasm, and discipline. I think to be a “good” mountain bike racer you have to really have a positive attitude and the ability to genuinely love riding your bike, because there are a lot of challenges along the way.

Being a pro often means giving up a lot of things in order to train. I strive to maintain balance in my life, so it’s not 100% bike-focused. Some would say I don't take it seriously enough. Personally, I need to have that balance to truly enjoy racing. When it becomes all about winning and being fast, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and why you are racing your bike.

I love to be fast and to win, but I focus on the experience and the journey. Racing is also a very hard financial battle. Most sponsors don’t give money, yet race entries and travel add up quickly. Almost all of my free cash goes to racing, which I gladly will pay. A lot of pros will take a lower paying job in exchange for flexibility.

My success in racing has been tied to not giving up on my dreams. I’ve been racing for nine years and it wasn’t until maybe two years ago that I’d say things really started to fall into place for me. It’s been a long term commitment and lifestyle I’ve stuck by, and I really believe that if you work hard and not give up on your dreams, almost all really great things are possible.

SUCCESS “When it becomes all about winning and

being fast, it’s easy to lose sight of who

you are and why you are racing your bike.”

I have to choose every day. There are many different

career opportunities I see for myself. I choose to

spend my time traveling, training, and racing. I also

work two jobs to make it all work. I could choose the

conventional route and use my Master’s degree. I had

even taken pre-requirements to go to Physician

Assistant School after I finished grad school.

If I didn’t race, I’d probably have a house, a husband,

and children, which are all wonderful, but my lifestyle

makes it hard to have those things. I do want them

someday! I choose to go to races instead of fun

vacations. I choose to spend money on plane tickets

instead of save for a down payment on a house. I

choose to follow my heart even though sometimes it

sounds crazy.

I sometimes have to choose the bike over friends and

family. I hate that part. I have doubts at times, but I

see that what I’m doing is working for me. I believe

that I will make good choices in my life, so it tends to

quell any feelings of doubt. Plus, I know that I have a

ton of different options if I want to change my mind,

and most of those things will always be there for me.

CHOICE

I’m truly doing what I

want to do in my life.

I find that empowering

and I feel very

fortunate. I don't live

day to day thinking,

“someday I’ll do that…”

I live doing it.

BALANCE I work really hard to maintain my friendships and relationships with the amount of time cycling requires. The advances we’ve had in technology make it way easier with my iPhone and laptop! I like to be connected. I’ve had to learn when to decide that the bike or the training has to wait and not come number one. I just do the best I can.

DIETS Diets are a very personal thing. I haven’t seen a huge difference in styles between cycling or triathlon disciplines. The common theme I see is that most elite endurance athletes try to eat a lot of unprocessed and organic foods; diets are rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. I see many different things that work for people including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and paleo. It really is what works for you and makes you feel the best both physically and psychologically.

The crazy thing is that most people assume that because we—endurance athletes—train a lot, we can eat whatever we want. The truth of the matter is that endurance athletes really try hard to eat a super healthy diet, and even restrict calories, and it’s still somewhat of a battle.

For aspiring cyclists, I think that finding a diet that makes you feel good and balanced is the most important. Restricting yourself to the point of being unhealthy or miserable isn’t worth it. Focusing on being healthy rather than being skinny has been good for me. I also love red wine—especially Michael David Winery—and microbrews, but I drink in moderation. I don’t see anything wrong with throwing a few back with friends a couple times a week.

I also love baked goods, and having cookies or chocolate every once in a while is nice! I tried restricting all the things I love, and I didn’t see an increase in my performance. What I saw was a decline in my motivation approaching burnout.

There seem to be less financial sponsorship

opportunities for women in mountain biking. A

lot of races have stepped up in the last couple of

years pushing equal payout for both men and

women. It’s tough because the male fields are

much bigger than the female fields, hence the

validation of prize money discrepancy.

I don’t think that women mountain bikers are

frowned upon in any way. Sure, you get the

occasional guy who automatically assumes he’s

better than you on a bike because he’s a man,

but I let the pedal strokes speak for themselves.

It’s much more satisfying that way! Talk is cheap

baby! There are lots of great opportunities for

women to get into the sport. I see tons of

women-only rides, clinics, camps, and bike

brands growing the female specific market. WO

ME

N

IN M

OU

NTA

IN B

IKIN

G

BIGGEST

MISTAKE A

MOUNTAIN

BIKER CAN

MAKE…

The biggest mistake you can make is to take yourself too seriously. This mistake applies really anywhere in life, not just to mountain biking. Take yourself too seriously and you probably aren’t much fun to be around, and honestly, you probably aren’t having that much fun yourself. Normally, people take things too seriously when they are trying to prove something, whether it be to themselves or someone else. Putting too much pressure on yourself can really make things a drag.

I have been in this boat during the first year or two, racing as a pro on the XC circuit. I was actually miserable in most of my races because I could never meet my own expectations. When I realized what I was doing, I was able to fix it and started wearing funny socks and focusing on what I was doing and how much I loved it rather than how “slow” I was or what I didn’t have. It’s still a very tough balance to manage reasonable expectations for improvement versus the “just have fun” factor.

When you make a lot of sacrifices and put so much into something, it’s hard if it doesn’t turn out the way you want. However, learning to deal with it when it doesn’t go your way is a much better lesson than when everything goes perfectly—but it’s not always fun when that happens!

MA

NA

NG

I was lucky enough to do the Yak

Attack for the second time this year.

It’s a 10 day mountain bike stage

race across the Annapurnas in

Nepal. I was the first woman to

finish it last year and was so excited

to return. We had an

acclimatization day in Manang,

which sits around 12,000 feet

surrounded by the 22,000+ feet of

the Annapurna peaks.

It’s really a magical and enchanting

place. Everything is really simple

and happy. It’s inspiring to see how

little people have and that the best

things in their life are in fact, not

the things that they own. It’s also a

very spiritual place with bright

prayer flags, prayer wheels, and a

monastery. My favorite times in

Manang this year were going on

some hikes with fellow racers. I

liked slowing down, snapping

photos, and sharing the experience

and views with other people.

NE

PA

L

I never felt that I was in danger except

when I was going over Thorong La Pass.

There are some spots where if you

slipped, you’d slide down the mountain

for a long time.

I actually do not enjoy dangerous

routes. However, what’s dangerous in

my mind is probably different than what

someone else would find dangerous. I

don’t like routes where I would die or

get severely injured if something

happened. When I’m in foreign

countries especially, I do not take big

risks. I go a little bit slower on the

downhills and am more likely to walk

technical sections.

It’s all about risk versus reward.

Getting badly injured in a remote place

in a country with limited medical care is

not worth the reward of going a teeny

bit faster. No narrow trails and high

altitude aren’t dangerous in my mind! I

guess mountain biking can be seen as

a dangerous sport, but it’s really only as

dangerous as you want to make it and

riding within your own limits. Of

course, these limits tend to expand

with more experience!

TRAVEL My favorite mountains in the world are the San Juans in Southwest Colorado. They are beautiful. I started camping there with my family when I was very young and it’s been a very special place. Other than Nepal, I’d say my favorite country I’ve visited is Brazil. The people are so warm and fun!

The most interesting place was Haiti. I did the first mountain bike race ever in Haiti this year called MTB Ayiti. It was a 3 stage race starting in Port au Prince, traversed the mountains, and ended on the coast near Jacmel. It was very hard to see the poverty, but also really inspiring to see some people still taking pride in their lives despite everything that has devastated Haiti.

I prefer traveling with my bike because you tend to get out of the touristy areas and can really see a country in a way that you couldn’t experience in a car. You feel the terrain in your body, the smells, the light, the sounds and it’s all self-powered. I wouldn’t have had the travel experiences I’ve had if I didn’t ride. It brings me to places I never imagined and it’s fun to meet other like-minded people along the way. Travel limitations for me are the same as they are for anyone else: time and money!

Photos by Sonya Looney

I never thought I’d be a writer, it was always

a hobby. I’ve always enjoyed writing and

started my blog in 2005. It was mostly a

journal to keep track of where I’ve gone and

what I’ve done in my earlier racing days. I

had no idea other people really read it until

people started coming up to me at events

saying they read my blog. It’s still really

flattering that people care what I have to

say!

I did a couple pieces for Competitor to get

started and from there, it’s become a pretty

big part of my career. I love sharing my

stories and things I’ve learned with other

people. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to

help people learn new things or to maybe be

an enabler to try something they’ve always

wanted to try. I also love photography, and

it’s just fun to take photos and write!

WRITING

CLICK HERE TO VISIT SONYA’S BLOG!

WHAT’S NEXT?

Between work and racing, I’m traveling at least two weeks per month. On my work trips it’s also extremely hard to train, so I actually do not have very consistent training. I’m not sure what opportunities are out there for me to have that.

I have it really good right now. However, my dream job would be to write like I’m doing, make videos—I don’t have time to do much video editing—do more clinics, do three to four international stage races a year, and continue racing domestically. I’m doing all these things already, but having less of a financial burden and having more time to train, rest, and actually have down time where I’m home for more than seven days at a time would be absolutely tremendous! It’s very rare that I have time to relax or sit still because I’m fighting to get everything into my action packed day from the moment I wake up to when I go to bed.

I plan to keep racing and searching for the hardest stage races in the world and traveling off the beaten path with my bike. My next big adventure will be the Mongolia Bike Challenge in September. I can’t wait! I also have some fun domestic races coming up including the Transylvania Epic Stage Race and the Breck Epic—my favorite race!

My dream is to be a fully

sponsored professional athlete.

I work for my title sponsor, Ergon,

which has been great and opened

a lot of doors for me! I do sales

and marketing so I travel to bike

shops all over the country and

work at events. It does impede

my training and racing quite a bit

because I’m always tired from

traveling for work.

216 YOGA

Passion is personified by, and exists beautifully within, Nicole Katz. As the

founder and lead practitioner of YOGA216 in New York City, it's never

business as usual. For Nicole, Yoga isn't some fad or just a means of fitness—it’s

a lifestyle. Through her efforts, other people are now able to improve the

quality of their own lives, starting first on the mat while finding peace and joy

in the process.

* INTERVIEWED BY ANDRE L. ROBERTS

Our goal is to rock the Yoga world! We want to change the way people think about group classes! Our mission to “teach” Yoga in your body, not just lead you through a group flow. Our bodies take such a beating in the modern world of sitting at desks and staring at our smart phones, that we need to be clear about how to realign the body before we do any sort of training, or we are just further exacerbating a problem that will most likely lead to injury at some point.

We wanted to make the attention of private Yoga available to more people. Right now, you can either pay a lot of money for an hour long private session, or take a $12 group class with up to 60 people in the room. There really isn’t anything in between—that’s where we come in. You get lots of attention from a highly trained teacher with plenty of space to move around. It’s really a calming experience from the second you walk in the door. You get your butt kicked, don’t get me wrong, but in an environment that’s rejuvenating.

Why is what you do so important?

True! Okay, so I use the following example a lot. Say a person sits at their desk all day; most likely, their shoulders have adapted to that posture—short tight muscles on the front shoulder and long weak postural muscles on the back body. If I take that person and lead them through a Vinyasa sequence, that has lots of Chaturangas without first realigning that structure. They are just further exacerbating the problem and reinforcing a shape that will most likely lead to pain and injury. Instead, we spend time at the beginning of every class teaching proper alignment of a pose and then gradually transition into the peak pose, so that by the time you get there, you have a healthy shape that is not only counteracting your day, it’s balancing your muscle groups allowing them to do the jobs they were designed to do.

“YOGA IS NOT JUST A

PHYSICAL PRACTICE.” You specialize in a type of Yoga that neutrally

aligns and eliminates pain from the body. How

do people’s experiences cause them to

become misaligned and hurt?

[In terms of] the physical practice, that really depends on the person. But my answer is generally, “any amount you can stick to”. Five days a week for three months is nothing compared to two times a week for years.

In general for myself, I find three days a week a doable amount. It is also very important to mention that yoga is not just a physical practice. Asana, as we know it, is part of an eight limb system that addresses all parts of our lives and can easily be incorporated every day!

Yoga changed my life. In little permanent ways over the course of my practice, I can easily say Yoga changed my body, calmed my mind, gave me the courage to follow my dreams and avenue to deal with all the pain along the way.

YOGA In what ways has Yoga made an impact in your life?

As a practitioner of Yoga, how do you improve upon

what you're mastering?

How has your passion for wellness created opportunity

for you?

By practicing every moment of every day. I have a teacher I love and a Satang of people who support my journey - that is the most important thing!

Because I am doing what I love, what I feel my purpose is I have juice to keep going, keep doing, keep trying. What you feed will grow- so it seems to keep growing!

“I want to share people

with their bodies…

Our biography is our biology, and by working through it on the mat we can find peace and joy off of it.”

Seeing and experience others who are braving to live their passions and purpose. We all have one, we all know what it is, standing in that light can be terrifying so something we step into it. I find inspiration and bravery from seeing that in others.

Honestly, I still almost can't believe I was brave enough and lucky enough to leave a stable, financially successful job—that was slowly sucking me dry—and follow my dream.

The first step is by far the hardest and that is what I am the most proud of.

The universe takes care of the rest!

MATTERS? WHY BLUE

SO GREEN DOESN’T HAVE TO.

WWW.AREYOUTHEREASON.COM

Photograph courtesy of Lesser via Photodune.

WE HAVE OUR REASONS.

ARE YOU ONE?

THERE ARE 121 CALORIES IN ONE

LARGE (8" TO 8-7/8" LONG) BANANA.

WWW.AREYOUTHEREASON.COM

Photograph courtesy of Dotshock via Photodune.

YOGA POP!

ROCHELLE WHITE

The stressors that the work week brings can weigh upon us heavily, taxing both our minds and bodies. Rest assured,

you can find peace amidst the chaos. With a way to improve the quality of your life, you no longer have to wait to exhale.

Your path to wellness starts here.

What is Yoga? As a teacher, I get asked all the time about Yoga, what it does for the body, and if touching the toes is a

requirement to practice—no, it is not by the way. Yoga is about uniting the mind, body and breath into a physical

practice as preparation for meditation.

YOGA

BY ROCHELLE WHITE.

- ANDRE L. ROBERTS

There is a slow unification taking place between employee health and the workplace. Fitness is becoming part of the corporate health and wellness structure, with Yoga at the forefront of holistic exercises that reduce stress. Insurance companies are rewarding employers for their participation in preventative care choices made toward the benefit of their employees.

In the wake of new health care reforms and increasing premium costs, people are looking for ways to escape some of the monetary costs that are associated rates. Not to mention, fitness programs decrease burnout and costly employee turnover.

Yoga programs remedy the situation in two ways. The first way is through physical activity that is modified to suite the practitioner. Second, meditation gives additional health benefits that help to reduce cardiovascular heart disease, high blood pressure. Overall, Yoga helps to decrease most major chronic health issues that demand costly long term care and decrease productivity.

A study done by the American Psychological Association in 2012 called “Effective and Viable Mind-Body Stress in The Work Place”, showed statistically significant reductions in stress and sleep difficulties. There were also improvements in the employees’ breathing rates and heart rhythms. Caring for the body is essential to reducing costs of future medical expenses and is vital in maximizing potential in a person. The effects of a practice such as Yoga have long term positive effects. Long after the practice is over, the body continues to mend and heal itself, becoming stronger with more vitality.

IT’S

GROWING!

IT WORKS!

SCIENCE!

These programs are becoming

more popular in the workplace

because they are convenient,

approved by the employer,

and compliment the

employee’s schedule.

Employers become more

significant when empowering

their workers toward a healthy

lifestyle. It is a good feeling to

know your employer cares.

In light of the Affordable Health

Care Act, many businesses are

attempting to learn strategies

that can help reduce costs of

healthcare insurance. Big

corporations have already

sought out fully fledged health

and wellness programs that

give monetary incentives to

their healthcare savings

accounts. These include

discounts to gyms, health care

screening, check-ups at

company wellness clinics, and

smoking cessation programs.

ROCHELLE WHITE

Photos by Marc Brian Queyquep

Hair and Makeup by Randy Darden

How can smaller businesses

implement a health and wellness

program for their employees?

One solution is, they can start by finding a program that gives options based on services and cost. Classes can be an out of pocket expense by the employees who wish to participate, reimbursed through health saving accounts, or paid directly to the service provider by the employer. If you as the employer take on the expense for your workers there are a few tax credits and incentives that can be taken to reduce tax liability.

Keep in mind, any new health and wellness program should be launched with an event that acknowledges that services exist. Sign-up sheets, information on nutrition, health care screening call all are able to be set up on ground for virtually no additional cost.

It is safe to say Yoga is going to be a vital fitness form to these programs. There is no bulky equipment to carry besides mats,

set up is easy, and people who have never done Yoga can easily participate. In addition to other fun forms of fitness,

Yoga is a great way to teach meditative techniques that can be used throughout the day to reduce stress, management

conflict, or simply just take a breather.

Both employees and employers have options. Learning how to effectively launch a wellness program that is enjoyed by employees will

generate productivity, happiness, and peace in the workplace.

YOGA POP!

One of the first and most satisfying steps towards a healthy lifestyle is a

conscious diet. Veganism has never before been so popular, and the

reasons have never been more urgent. Christy Morgan, currently based in

Austin, Texas, is “The Blissful Chef”, an author, and an encouraging role-

model for anyone interested in the irresistible benefits of healthy eating.

CHRISTY MORGAN

Photo by Melissa Schwartz

Interviewed by Lital Khaikin

The culinary school I went to was macrobiotic. It was mostly vegan, except for a few fish classes. Thankfully we didn't have to prepare it or taste it. Since I never really learned how to cook growing up, I don't even know how to prepare meat dishes! There are a few natural food cooking schools in the United States but not enough as far as I'm concerned.

DID YOU HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT MEAT AND OTHER ANIMAL FOODS? ARE THERE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT VEGAN COOKING?

After college, I moved to LA to work in the

wardrobe department on movie sets. It was not an

easy field to break into! I had to volunteer long

hours and wasn't really all that happy. One day my

friend Sue said she was thinking of going vegan—

she had been vegetarian since she was a teenager. We watched the Meet Your Meat video

on PETA and decided to go vegan together. At the

time, almost 11 years ago, there was only one

vegan restaurant, so I had to teach myself had to

cook. That is how I got interested in cooking. We

reached out to the vegan community and had a

few potlucks. I loved seeing people's faces light

up when they ate my food so I moved back to Austin and enrolled in The Natural Epicurean.

At the time, it was a program based in

macrobiotics, so I not only learned how to cook, I

learned about the healing effects of food and how

cook the whole foods way.

FIRST BITES

I feel like I'm constantly growing and finding my own style! The food I'm doing right now is some of the favorite things I've made. I'm constantly trying to make simple meals exciting, so that every home cook can make them, but they have my special flair. Since I was trained as a macrobiotic chef I have a strong Asian influence in my food. But since I've traveled the world, I love blending many cultures together in the same dish. I'm kind of quirky like that!

HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A CHEF AND DEVELOPED YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CRAFT?

ALL I KNEW IS THAT I DIDN'T

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO

THE VIOLENCE AND DEATH

ANYMORE.

I went vegetarian in 2002 as an experiment to see if I could do it. My best friend in college was vegetarian, and I often ate veggie burgers and fake chicken nuggets, so it seemed like a natural progression. It wasn't until I moved to Los Angeles, three months later, that I went vegan overnight after watching the horrific video on PETA about the meat and dairy industries. I honestly had no idea what was happening.

“IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST

DECISIONS I'VE MADE IN MY LIFE.”

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO EAT A VEGAN AND MACROBIOTIC DIET? DID YOU HAVE A SIGNIFICANT TIME OF TRANSITION?

For me personally, I went vegan as an ethical choice. The side benefits of great health, beautiful hair and skin, weight maintenance, more energy, faster recovery time with my workouts, better sleep and sex life, and getting to eat so many amazing foods are pretty awesome too. But I applaud anyone who can take steps to eat more plant-based. If you aren't ready to go whole hog, then do what you can. Slowly start transitioning out the animal foods, like switching to non-dairy milk, while you take away the harmful foods. This is called “crowding out” the bad so that all that is left is the healthful stuff.

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS THAT PEOPLE CHOOSE TO EAT PLANT-BASED DIETS?

This black rice belongs to photographer Heather Schramm

I've become pretty obsessed with fitness lately! In September I will do my first Olympic Triathlon, so I've been training hours a day, six days a week. My recovery is amazing; my body can do high intensity training and heavy lifting that I could never do before, and I've dropped my body fat percentage from 23 to 18% in six months while increasing muscle mass. You do not need meat or whey protein to be strong, it's just a myth. Eating plants gives your body a more alkaline environment, protecting you against stress and boosting immunity. It's a no-brainer; if you are an athlete, try going vegan and see your performance increase.

HOW HAS YOUR

VEGAN DIET

IMPACTED YOUR

ABILITY TO STAY

FIT?

“FOR ME, HEALTH IS CONNECTING TO

MY BLISS. IT'S LIVING OUT MY

PURPOSE.”

Photos by Gary Leung

I don't necessarily agree with all their tactics, but I see there being room for everyone in the vegan and plant-based community. Some people need that kind of in-your-face activism to go vegan, some people want to focus on health, some on the environment. I see all these as spokes on one big vegan wheel. When we work together, the wheel moves smoothly and we can cover more bases.

DO YOU THINK SENSATIONAL AND “LOUD” ADVERTISING LIKE

PETA’S IS NECESSARY RIGHT NOW, OR HAVE YOU SEEN QUIETER

CAMPAIGNS HAVE THE SAME KIND OF EFFECTS ON PEOPLE’S

DIETARY CHOICES?

IN YOUR UNDERSTANDING, WHAT IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING

WITH VEGANISM AND OTHER CONSCIOUS DIETS? HOW ARE

THEY GAINING MOMENTUM, AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE

BIGGER PROJECTS THAT YOU KNOW OF?

In the last year or so, vegan and plant-based diets have become popular and are gaining momentum with media coverage in print and on television. There have been vegan television shows like “What Would Julieanna Do?” on Veria; vegans winning shows like “Cupcake Wars”; influential magazines like the New York Times have written articles on the health benefits of a plant-based diet; Bill Clinton talked about it on national T.V.; new vegan cookbooks come out every month. I think we will continue to see this grow and grow. It's only a matter of time before people realize that we need to eat healthier not only for our health, but for the health of the planet.

Photo by Heather Schramm

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS

AVAILABLE FOR LOWER-INCOME

FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO

ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND

FILLING VEGAN FOODS?

Vegan food is real food that everyone has access to, no matter where you live or your income level. You can get fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds at any grocery store at affordable prices. If you are on food stamps, focus your diet on these whole foods. There is no need to buy processed junk food or vegan faux meat products, which are the specialty items that tend to be more expensive and hard to come by.

IS HEALTHY EATING

INCREASINGLY BECOMING

MORE ACCESSIBLE ONLY TO

MIDDLE OR HIGHER-INCOME

FAMILIES?

Like I said, the vegan diet is available to all people, if you want it. The problem is most people won't take the time to plan meals and cook at home. It's easier to go to the drive thru. Our government and school systems don't support communities in healthy eating, so we need big changes to happen to teach children and families about preventing disease through healthier eating.

People in the East have been

using food as medicine for

centuries, but the advent of

Western medicine threw that all

out the window. I believe we are

in a shift to get back to nature and

eat in a way that's healthful for us,

the animals and the planet. Eating

vegan or plant-based is

becoming quite mainstream

across the world.

As far as my purpose, I really

love feeding people. First I did

that with personal cheffing, but

then I realized what a gift it was to

teach people how to make food

for themselves and their family

that is truly nourishing—the

whole teach a man how to fish

theme. Now my purpose is to

empower others so they can take

control of their health and

become their own health guru.

There is no reason why we can't

be healthy, without sickness, age

gracefully, feel energetic, and

live out our purpose in life. I

really feel that my diet allows me

to be the best version of me

possible, while inflicting the least

amount of harm to others and the

planet. It's just awesome!

AN INTERVIEW

Photo by Mateusz Stachowski

CHASING

THE

VEGAN

SPIRIT

WITH JASON DOUCETTE OF

“BARNIVORE”

WRITTEN AND INTERVIEWED BY LITAL KHAIKIN

An often elusive entity, the vegan diet is filled with mysteries that confound the modern eater. Surprising discoveries are made every day by converts and disbelievers alike, the most popular being, “Wait, so you won’t die from a vegan diet?” Unbelievable as it may be that grains, vegetables, soups, and crafty desserts are enough for a body to be happy and strong, there is still a critical question left unanswered by many: is your booze vegan?

Although it is a heavy sigh of relief that comes when Jack Daniels is officially confirmed as safe for vegan consumption, it is still an unfortunate fact that many other breweries and distilleries produce drinks that are not vegan-friendly. If you are really serious about your diet, alcohol is no exception to your values, and you deserve to know what’s going into your brew. Even if you’re not vegan, there are certainly a few practices that may cause you to think twice before popping those bottles.

WOULD YOU

LIKE SOME

BLOOD WITH

YOUR WINE?

Photo by Roger Kirby

Jason Doucette, along with his partner Angela and an enigmatic central figure known as Sarah, is the mastermind behind Toronto’s Barnivore, the leading vegan alcohol resource board on the net. With close to 12,000 entries that specify vegan and non-vegan beers, wine, and liquors, Barnivore is more than just a database for thirsty vegans.

“Back in the late ‘90s I heard about animal ingredients in alcohol production while I was volunteering at the Toronto Vegetarian Association resource center,” says Jason, “but it was more of a vegan trivia factoid than anything else, without any hard facts behind it. I had an inkling of an idea to call a few companies, but never got around to it.”

Between 2002 and 2008, the initial strides were taken towards the founding of Barnivore as it is today.

“Most of our challenges are in organizing the information, which can get tricky with international brands where products are made in multiple countries, sometimes with different rules. This is getting more problematic with smaller companies being regularly bought by the big ones, but on the bright side, larger companies seem to use fewer animal ingredients.”

So why is Barnivore so important?

As is the case with many foods and beverages, companies may not always advertise the ingredients or the production methods used to create their alcohol. Though animal products are used on a regular basis, they are not always as apparent as yeast in beer.

For vegans, this is about as important as whether their grandma’s pie is filled with baby lambs or that ramen was cooked with pieces of cow. There are also many people who are simply sensitive towards what they consume, and don’t want to be a part of an unnecessary process involving animals’ lives, or have medical reasons for dietary restrictions.

Photo by Fellipe Silva

Photo by Bas van de Wiel

Photo by Petr Vins

“THE BEER AT THE

HOUSE ISN’T WHICH IS WHY

THEY MAKE WHITE VEGAN. I NEVER VISIT.”

Photo by Cathy Snider

-as uttered by Jason Doucette.

WHAT CLASSIFIES A

DRINK AS VEGAN? The obvious connection happens with base ingredients, where a good example would be dairy products present in a milk stout or a crème liqueur. Where it gets more complicated is when products are fined through the addition of a product like isinglass—from fish—or albumin—from egg—or other fun stuff—including blood—to improve clarity and reduce tannins in wine. These products are filtered out, so there’s some debate with winemakers and brewers as to whether they’re actually present at all in the final product, but many vegan consumers prefer a product that avoids them entirely.

And yes, there are meaty drinks produced from time to time, often as marketing gimmicks, like bacon-infused alcohol, or the limited edition beer that BrewDog made with a taxidermied squirrel wrapped around the bottle.

“

”

Photo by Ramzi Hashisho

I don’t know of any company that makes non-vegan product specifically to screw vegans over, so it’s generally a manufacturing or export issue.

It’s frustrating, but international brands are often brewed in each country by a different company who has the facilities and a license to produce the drink. This mostly, if not entirely, happens with beer. A good example would be Australia, where for a time--I’m not sure if it’s still the case—most foreign brands that were otherwise vegan-friendly were all brewed by one company, and that company happened to use isinglass.

Another scenario is when a company uses a different fining and filtration process for bottled beer, and those are the bottles that are shipped worldwide.

There are some vegan restaurants out there who serve alcohol, and many of those use Barnivore as a reference. There’s also Vegan Drinks, a regular event in many cities where vegans get together and drink, and I haven’t been to one but I’d assume the drinks would be vegan as well. And if there was a secret club, well…

There are vegan beers brewed in just about every style. The one sticking point with most people is Guinness, who use isinglass—though this is under heated debate in North America, where it’s possible but difficult to confirm that the licensee here might not. That’s always the hard one to replace, and there are good local stouts that some feel are as good as if not better than Guinness. I haven’t found a replacement that’s as widely available worldwide.

I haven’t seen any really blatant lying, but what can often happen is that the person at the company doesn’t actually know what they’re talking about and they simply give wrong information, because who in their right mind would put fish in beer, right? We deal with this through a standardized question that we ask people to use, combined with a double—and triple—check.

“I don’t know of any company that

makes non-vegan product specifically

to screw vegans over, so it’s generally a

manufacturing or export issue.”

One of the questions you get a lot is whether a drink can be vegan in one country and not in another. How is this possible—are there different understandings of what veganism actually is?

Is there some kind of secret vegan drinking society that people can join? Are there clubs or bars that serve vegan alcohol, or do you have to go through some rite of passage to demand your veg-booze?

Would someone be sacrificing certain elements of taste in a drink to enjoy a vegan beer?

What are some of the wildest or most unbelievable claims that you have seen alcohol companies make?

“THE SURPRISES, TO ME, ARE

THAT SO MANY COMPANIES ARE

WILLING AND ABLE TO SWITCH

AWAY FROM SOME OF THESE

TRADITIONS, LIKE FINING WITH

ISINGLASS, AND STILL MAKING

GREAT QUALITY PRODUCTS.”

Over the years it’s become a lot more tied to my central nervous system, so to speak, so it’s not really an active choice as much as an obvious thing I do. The decisions I make every day are based on veganism, but I feel like it’s a part of my identity, so while the reasons I avoid animal products are still based on fundamental ethical, environmental and health issues, it’s mostly a factor of who I am these days.

Outside of myself, I’ve been lucky to have fostered a healthy vegan environment. My immediate family is vegan, as are many of my close friends, and Toronto is one of the best cities in the world—in my incredibly unbiased opinion—for vegan living.

We’ve been contacted by several companies who let us know that they’ve changed their production process to exclude animal ingredients and I don’t think it’s because we publicly shamed them or anything, but we do raise the awareness that there is a significant customer base who prefer a vegan product. We’re a handy resource for people with fish and egg allergies as well.

How is veganism a part of your own life?

What are some of the most common, or most difficult, questions that you get through Barnivore?

Usually it’s something simple like “do you know if [product X] is vegan?” If it’s not on the site, we generally don’t have it on a secret list for our friends, and we don’t have the resources to ask every company ourselves—it turns out there are a lot of them—in addition to keeping up with the flood of submissions from people who’ve used our standardized question.

How do you believe Barnivore can affect change? Do you think that similar projects can become a vehicle for necessary questions and demands?

Photo by Jonathan Hillis

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