Acclaimed author and educator Victoria Moran joins Jonathan Dickstein for a live episode of the Engaged Jain Studies podcast for an inspiring journey through the evolution of veganism—from its countercultural roots to its mainstream present. Vegetarian since the late 1960s and vegan since the early ’80s, Moran reflects on over five decades of compassionate living, weaving stories from her books such as Compassion: The Ultimate Ethic and Main Street Vegan. Drawing on her work as a coach, teacher, and organizer, Moran shares how veganism has deepened as both a lifestyle and spiritual path—inviting us to envision what compassionate living means today.

 

Join us for a powerful conversation that connects the past, present, and future of compassionate living.

 

 

 

Listen to top figures in the fields of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, Vegan Studies, Compassion Studies, and Social Justice discuss pressing issues of everyday relevance. Together let’s move beyond the realm of personal spiritual growth and connect philosophy, religion, and spirituality to the important task of caring for the wellbeing of society. Learn about your world and how to change it on the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast. Brought to you by Arihanta Institute, an IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Corporation.

 

 

 

Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, the Tirthankara Shreyansanath Endowed Assistant Professor of Jain and Vegan Studies at Arihanta Institute, specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Ecology, and Comparative Religious Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he wrote his dissertation on ancient Indian animal taxonomies and their relevance for religious ritual and dietary practice. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, and accordingly extends into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies.

 

Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals on topics such as veganism and politics, yoga and diet, Jain veganism, and the ethic of nonviolence (ahiṃsa). Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike.

 

 

Vegetarian since the late 1960s and vegan since the early '80s, Victoria Moran she earned a BA in comparative religions and in 1985 wrote her first book, Compassion the Ultimate Ethic: An Exploration of Veganism. She followed up with a dozen more titles including the international bestseller Creating a Charmed Life, the iconic Main Street Vegan, and her new book, Age Like a Yogi. She appeared on Oprah! twice and is included by VegNews on their list of "Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors."
 
A certified life coach, certified holistic health counselor, and RYT-200 registered yoga teacher, Moran is founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, certifying Vegan lifestyle coaches and educators. She hosts of the award-winning Main Street Vegan Podcast and is a founder of the Compassion Consortium, an online spiritual center for people who celebrate all living beings. Moran led the production team for the 2019 documentary A Prayer for Compassion, looking at spirituality and food choices. In 2024, she was inducted into the Vegan Hall of Fame, and along with her husband, Interfaith minister William Melton, was awarded the 2025 Homo Ahimsa award.