In this monthly podcast, Guardian supporters share their experiences and put questions to a panel of journalists and industry experts. This episode focuses on veganism’s evolution into a mainstream lifestyle choice. What does it mean to become a vegan and what impact could veganism have on climate change, animal welfare and personal wellbeing?

What is the relationship between a meat-based agricultural economy and climate change? Why do we allow such a disconnect between the food we eat and where it comes from? How nutritious are the meat alternatives currently available? Will veganism’s adoption by big business mean pound signs are to override the ethical considerations in the manufacturing process?

These are just some of the questions Guardian supporters asked columnist Decca Aitkenhead to put to our panel in this edition of We Need to Talk About. Joining Decca is food journalist Joanna Blythman, Guardian environment editor Damian Carrington, chef and author Meera Sodha, and Rosie Wardle, programme director of the Jeremy Coller Foundation.

And if you enjoy this, and want to catch up with the rest of the series, you can listen to discussions on Brexit and nationalism, among other subjects, here. Guardian supporters can also suggest future topics for discussion by emailing us at weneedtotalkabout@theguardian.com.

Thanks for listening!

Please note: Contributor Tom Lewis suggested there wasn’t an organisation providing legal advice to Vegans, but the International Vegan Rights Alliance have specialist knowledge in this area. The Vegan Society also has an advocacy team that can help with specific issues.