I Went Vegan in Texas. Germany Changed Everything.

Texas, veganism, Germany, Americans in Germany, vegan in Germany, living in Munich, cultural differences, plant-based lifestyle, and what it's really like being vegan after 11 years. In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I share my story of becoming vegan nearly 11 years ago and what it's been like navigating that decision while living in two places where meat plays such a central role in the culture: South Texas and Bavaria. Growing up in a Tex-Mex household just minutes from the Mexican border, eating meat was simply part of everyday life. After studying environmental geosciences in college, one documentary challenged the way I thought about food, sustainability, and the choices I make every day. What started as a one-week experiment eventually became a lifestyle that has now lasted more than a decade. I reflect on what it's really like being vegan in Texas versus Germany, why Munich has been surprisingly easy to navigate as a vegan, and why I believe respectful conversations about food are far more productive than judgment. Along the way, I answer many of the questions I've been asked over the years—from whether I ever miss meat, to dating as a vegan, traveling the world, family reactions, and whether I could ever see myself eating meat again. This isn't an episode about convincing anyone to become vegan. It's simply the story of how one decision gradually became a normal part of my life. 🎙️ In this episode: Why I became vegan in 2015 Growing up in a meat-loving Tex-Mex family Texas vs. Germany: which is easier for vegans? How my family reacted Dating as a vegan and meeting Tim What I actually eat every day Do I ever miss meat? Traveling the world as a vegan My favorite vegan restaurants in Munich Can you love animals and still eat meat? Would I ever stop being vegan? Why I believe small changes matter more than perfection ⏰ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why I'm finally talking about this 02:18 – Why I became vegan 08:47 – Growing up in a Tex-Mex household 13:20 – How my family reacted 18:45 – Being vegan in Texas 24:10 – Is Germany actually easier? 29:32 – Dating, relationships & living with a non-vegan 35:58 – What I actually eat 42:27 – Do I ever miss meat? 46:15 – Traveling as a vegan 51:08 – My favorite vegan spots in Munich 56:20 – Would I ever stop being vegan? 59:47 – My final thoughts 🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD Howdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world. 👉 New episodes every Tuesday. 🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad Instagram →   / thepod.abroad   TikTok →   / thepodabroad   Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad Inquiries → [email protected] 🎥 CREW Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik