201: Plant-Based Holiday Tips with Molly Patrick: Simple, Joyful, and Sustainable Eating for You and Mama Earth
In this episode, we talk to Molly Patrick, — co-founder & CEO of Clean Food Dirty Girl, certified life coach, and straight-talking expert in whole-food, plant-based eating. Molly shares her unconventional roots, why progress beats perfection, and specific ways to add joyful, plant-powered dishes to your holiday table.
During this episode, Molly shares how her off-grid upbringing shaped a lifelong sustainability compass and the playful, imperfect ethos behind Clean Food Dirty Girl. She busts the “but what about protein?” myth and offers simple swaps to start eating more whole plants today. We dig into a holiday game plan that keeps the joy and nostalgia while adding clean, crowd-pleasing dishes for Christmas—plus mains, sides, plating tips, and pantry staples that make weeknights (and festivities) easy. Along the way, we talk family buy-in without pressure or perfection, and why plant-forward choices create a micro–macro win-win for our bodies and for Mama Earth.
Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:
[00:00]-Intro
[00:00] – Intro – Why the holidays are perfect for plant-based joy
[02:21] – Trash Talk: Eco-Wins and Fails – Host update + new tools/waitlist
[02:34] – Guest – Welcome, Molly Patrick
[04:08] – Off-grid childhood, adobe homes, and a built-in sustainability mindset
[09:52] – Clean Food Dirty Girl: mission, community, and imperfect action
[12:00] – Protein myths, social media noise, and trusting the process
[20:43] – Simple Shifts – Easy day-one swaps for more whole plants
[24:45] – Holiday Playbook – Keep the joy, add the plants (no all-or-nothing)
[26:40] – Holiday Dishes – Mashed potatoes, stuffed squash, tofu “centerpieces,” gravies, glazes
[30:34] – Family Buy-In – Hybrid meals, low expectations, lots of love
[34:56] – Staples – Tofu, soy curls, canned beans, tahini, herbs/spices, nutritional yeast
[36:15] – Food x Planet – Local sourcing, lower footprint, everyday wins
[43:30] – Final 5 – Faves to follow, weekly eco-tip list, hope for the planet
[51:48] – Hope for the Planet – Compassionate, pragmatic optimism
Links from the episodes:
Holiday Receipes from Molly
Where can people find our guest?
Key Takeaways:
- Progress > perfection. Holiday tables don’t need a total overhaul—add a few stellar plant-based sides and keep the traditions you love.
- Simple swaps work. Brown rice for white, whole-grain breads/tortillas, beans instead of chicken one night, fruit at breakfast—easy, meaningful wins.
- Flavor is your friend. Herbs, spices, textures, and colorful garnishes (hello, pomegranate seeds + rosemary) make veggies exciting and festive.
- Build a “holiday staples” kit. Tofu/soy curls, canned beans, tahini, whole-grain pasta, frozen veg, great herbs/spices, and nutritional yeast = quick, delicious meals.
- Family buy-in happens with kindness. Offer tastes, keep pressure low, and try hybrid meals (shared base + optional add-ons).
- Eat close to the source when you can. Local produce and minimally processed foods are better for your body and Mama Earth.
- One choice, many wins. More plants supports your health, the planet, and animal welfare—macro and micro benefits from the same decision.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.