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Welcome to this episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), inspired by Judie Mancuso’s memoir of the same name.
In this conversation, Judie is joined by T.K. Pillan, a longtime plant-based food entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, for a thoughtful discussion on the past, present, and future of plant-based advocacy.
Judie and T.K. reflect on the early momentum of the plant-based movement, the cultural and industry forces that helped it grow, and the resistance that has slowed progress in recent years. Drawing on his experience building and investing in mission-driven food companies, T.K. discusses the need to re-educate consumers about the benefits of plant protein and address misconceptions around health, processing, and nutrition.
Judie shares her perspective as a 35-year vegan and longtime advocate, highlighting how powerful meat and dairy interests have shaped public narratives and policy outcomes. Together, they explore why messaging matters, how polarizing labels have created confusion, and why focusing on the benefits of plant protein—rather than ideology—may be key to accelerating adoption.
The episode concludes with a forward-looking conversation about collaboration, content strategy, and how advocacy, business, and policy can better align to rebuild momentum and expand the reach of the movement.
Topics Covered
- New USDA Food Pyramid and Guidelines
- Lessons from the early plant-based movement
- Why progress has slowed in recent years
- Industry influence and public perception
- Health myths and misunderstandings about plant-based foods
- Reframing the conversation around plant protein
- The role of business, investment, and policy
- Strategies to reach broader audiences and regain momentum
More on T.K. Pillan:
T.K. is a 20-year plant-based and better-for-you food entrepreneur and business leader, currently serving as a strategic advisor to multiple companies while also advancing the “Prioritize Plant Protein” initiative.
He began his career in technology receiving an engineering degree from MIT and co-founding an e-commerce firm in the mid-90’s. After exiting from his tech company, T.K. concluded that one of the most impactful ways to create a better future was to inspire and empower plant forward eating and co-founded the Veggie Grill chain of restaurants in 2006, which went on to become the leading 100% plant-based restaurant company in the U.S. with 37 locations across the country.
T.K. also co-founded private equity firm Powerplant Ventures (now GroundForce Capital) to support and grow companies that deliver better nutrition in more sustainable and ethical ways with investments that included Beyond Meat, Ripple Foods, OWYN, Miyoko’s Creamery, Liquid Death and Thrive Market.
In addition to his bachelor's degree from MIT, T.K. received an MBA from UCLA. While at MIT, he was captain of the school’s baseball team and a starter on its basketball team.
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