Veganism is becoming quite the lifestyle in many circles, yet rarely do you meet someone who has been vegan from birth. Sarina Farb, featured on the NHA Health Science Podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino, is one such individual. Born and raised vegan in Kansas—a state not exactly known for its vegan culture—Sarina’s unique upbringing has shaped her into a dedicated science educator and passionate activist. Throughout the episode, she shares how her early life experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to advocating for a more compassionate and just world, both for animals and the planet.

Born and Raised Vegan: A Unique Upbringing

Sarina’s vegan journey began before she was even born, thanks to her mother’s decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle after witnessing the horrors of animal testing and factory farming during her career in the pharmaceutical industry. Despite living in Kansas, a place where veganism was far from the norm, Sarina’s mother was determined to raise her children without contributing to the exploitation of animals.

By the age of seven, Sarina was already reading food labels, educating herself about non-vegan ingredients like gelatin, and making her own informed choices about what to eat. This early exposure to vegan ethics and activism set the stage for her lifelong advocacy.

Early Activism: A 14-Year-Old Fighting for the Planet

Sarina’s passion for activism started young. At just 14, she was protesting against a Kansas coal plant, but her activism truly began much earlier. By the age of seven, she was educating her friends about animal rights and the environmental impact of their food choices. “For my 14th birthday, I didn’t want a party—I wanted to protest a coal plant,” Sarina recounts, highlighting her deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place from an early age.

Her homeschooling experience played a pivotal role in fostering this activism, as it allowed her to get involved in civic issues and take part in local government meetings. This blend of education and activism shaped Sarina into a fearless advocate for justice and sustainability.

Combining Science with Activism

Sarina’s love for science was another driving force in her advocacy work. As a high school student, she conducted cell biology research at the University of Kansas, exploring the effects of chemicals like BPA on breast cancer cells. Through this experience, Sarina witnessed the influence of corporate interests on scientific research, which only strengthened her resolve to advocate for unbiased, ethical science.

Her passion for science and critical thinking eventually led her to teach high school chemistry and environmental science, where she emphasized the importance of questioning research and understanding bias. “Science is about asking questions and being open to new information,” Sarina says, echoing her commitment to educating others on how to approach science with a critical and ethical mindset.

Born Vegan: Aligning Actions with Values

Sarina’s advocacy extends beyond science. Through her platform Born Vegan, she encourages individuals to examine their values and ask if their actions align with them. “Most people already care about animals, the environment, and their health,” she explains. “But are they living in alignment with those values?”

Her website offers practical resources, including a vegan starter guide, to help people make the transition to a plant-based lifestyle. Through her workshops, talks, and social media channels, Sarina promotes a holistic approach to veganism, emphasizing not just the dietary benefits but the ethical and environmental implications as well.

Final Thoughts: A Voice for Compassion

Sarina Farb’s journey from a vegan child in Kansas to an international advocate for justice and compassion is a powerful testament to living in alignment with one’s values. By combining her background in science with her passion for animal rights, Sarina continues to inspire others to make conscious, ethical choices that benefit both personal health and the planet.

To learn more about Sarina’s work and to access resources for your own vegan journey, visit her at Born Vegan.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction

[02:30] A solid upbringing to understand compassion.

[06:15] Activism started early. 

[10:00] Sarina featured in her local newspaper for her 14th birthday celebration. 

[16:00] A passion for science sparks Sarina’s life’s work. 

[22:00] Animal testing vs no animal testing.

[25:00] Sarina teaches students how to think… not what to think. 

[32:00] Vegan as a principle of an aligned life. 

[37:00] Awareness through education. 

[40:30] What BornVegan.org represents

[42:30] Aligning actions with stated values. 

[45:00] Understanding urgency vs tolerance. 

About Sarina Farb 

Sarina Farb is a holistic vegan educator, TEDx Speaker, and liberation activist dedicated to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world for all beings. Born and raised vegan in Kansas, Sarina learned from a young age to challenge norms, think independently, and advocate for justice, even when her views were unconventional. She combines empathy and scientific rigor to inspire others to question corporate narratives, embrace ethical living, and make informed, conscious choices.

Sarina is the co-founder of the International Vegan Earth Day March, a global movement raising awareness about the environmental and ethical impacts of animal agriculture. Her advocacy extends beyond traditional platforms—she has traveled across the U.S. in her vegan camper van, giving lectures at universities, conferences, and community events. With a degree in biochemistry and policy studies and experience as a science teacher, Sarina is passionate about bridging the gap between science, ethics, and social justice, making these topics accessible and relatable.

Her educational content, which focuses on veganism, critical thinking, and social justice, has reached over a million people globally. Sarina’s work has been featured in prominent publications and books, establishing her as a respected voice in the vegan and activism communities. Whether through her videos, speaking engagements, or grassroots organizing, she empowers individuals to live more ethically and make a tangible difference in the world.

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/