Raising GenV

CHEF SUPREME

Episode Summary

What if changing the world started with a single meal? In this episode, Naomi Hallum sits down with Chef Supreme Dow, a lifelong vegan, military veteran, and community leader whose mission is to make plant-based food accessible to all. From cooking meals for fellow soldiers in the military to breaking a Guinness World Record for serving the most vegan meals in under an hour, Supreme has dedicated his life to nourishing both bodies and minds. As a father of six, he shares his unique parenting philosophy, his experience raising both vegan and non-vegan children, and how he approaches food as a tool for education, empowerment, and change. His story is a powerful reminder that great food, shared with love, has the potential to bring people together and challenge long-standing misconceptions about veganism.

Episode Notes

What if changing the world started with a single meal? In this episode, Naomi Hallum sits down with Chef Supreme Dow, a lifelong vegan, military veteran, and community leader whose mission is to make plant-based food accessible to all. From cooking meals for fellow soldiers in the military to breaking a Guinness World Record for serving the most vegan meals in under an hour, Supreme has dedicated his life to nourishing both bodies and minds.

As a father of six, he shares his unique parenting philosophy, his experience raising both vegan and non-vegan children, and how he approaches food as a tool for education, empowerment, and change. His story is a powerful reminder that great food, shared with love, has the potential to bring people together and challenge long-standing misconceptions about veganism.

Key Takeaways

Parenting with Flexibility & Leadership

• Raising six children across different life stages, from toddlers to adults
• Why he chose to raise two of his kids vegan while letting the others decide for themselves
• How leading by example, not force, has helped his kids respect and understand veganism

A Lifelong Vegan Perspective

• Growing up vegan in a Black community in Philadelphia before "vegan" was mainstream
• The historical and cultural roots of plant-based eating and why it’s not just a modern trend
• Breaking stereotypes—veganism isn’t just for one type of person, culture, or background

Cooking in the Military & Feeding Communities

• How Supreme Dow cooked plant-based meals for soldiers during deployment
• Transitioning from military service to feeding unhoused individuals in Los Angeles
• Why food justice is crucial and how he’s making nutritious vegan meals more accessible

How to Inspire Others Without Preaching

• The importance of leading with understanding, not judgment
• How to introduce kids (and adults) to vegan food in a way they’ll enjoy
• Why good food is the best form of activism—if it tastes good, people will eat it

Chef Supreme’s Must-Try Vegan Dishes

• Buffalo Fried “Chicken”
• Vegan Lobster Roll
• Mac & Cheese (the kids’ favorite)
• The secret to making plant-based meals taste just as good (or better) than the original

Resources Mentioned

• Chef Supreme Dow’s Website & Work: [Chef Supreme’s Work & Initiatives: The Harvest Academy Club

Time-Stamps & Key Topics

01:08 – Meet Chef Supreme: His background, family, and journey into veganism
02:31 – Parenting Journey: Raising six kids with different dietary choices
05:11 – Vegan Lifestyle and Philosophy: Growing up vegan and breaking stereotypes
10:59 – Cooking and Military Experience: Feeding soldiers and transitioning into community work
14:13 – Challenges and Advice: Handling social resistance to veganism and making plant-based food accessible
29:28 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts: "If you want people to go vegan, make the food taste good"

Join the Conversation

Have questions about vegan parenting? Drop us a comment.
Suggestions for future guests? Send us a DM on Instagram.
Like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us grow.