Dearest readers, we are thrilled to bring you our Fifth Issue!  This, “The Strength Issue,” is an assertion of the cutting-edge activism, bold creativity, formidable athleticism and fearless innovation that is encompassed in compassionate living. Pick up a copy or subscribe to the gorgeous sustainably-produced print edition or the digital version now. Gracing the cover is NFL defensive lineman David Carter, known as The 300 Pound Vegan, who is deconstructing every known myth about veganism and using his stature to speak up for animals.

Alongside him is his wife, and fellow animal rights activist, Paige Carter. In our uplifting profile, they open up about their vegan journey, their natural lifestyle, David’s intense training routine and his rise as an influential activist. As the feature’s photographer, Paige shot the stunning cover of her and David in Costa Rica as a self-portrait — a LAIKA first.

We bring together doers and thinkers who epitomize strength of character and perseverance. Like captivating Senator Cory Booker, who shares his thoughts on veganism and living truthfully in our exclusive interview.

The vegan crew of Sea Shepherd’s the Bob Barker ship give us an unprecedented look into their lives during the groundbreaking four-and-a-half month long Operation Icefish campaign in Antarctica, which demonstrated their endurance and determination. We delve deep into the brilliant mind of pioneering sociopolitical artist Sue Coe, interviewed by fellow tide-shifting vegan artist, Ruby Roth.

With the same level of in-depth coverage, we tell the stories of our animal compatriots. Like in “No Home on the Range,” our 10 page special report and photo essay on the peril of wild horses, themselves a symbol of strength, now being eradicated to accommodate America’s appetite for “range-fed” meat. Yet our feature “Freeborn,” which tells the rare stories of animals born into freedom, and of pig-farmer-turned-vegan Bob Comis, shows how liberating it is when living beings are allowed to become their fullest selves.

As always, we bring you gorgeous and unique stories on vegan style and beauty, and take you around the world in in-depth travel and food features. In this issue, we hop over to Germany, zoom down to Costa Rica, cross the globe to Australia, and explore the United States! We spotlight the hottest restaurants and the dynamic personalities behind them; share amazing and one-of-a-kind recipes; and delight you with the latest product discoveries.

Every page in this issue is created to uplift and inspire. This is our biggest issue yet, with 80 pages of pure ad-free content. It is a summation of the spirit of strength that is the modern vegan and animal rights movement — from the athletes, to the artists, to the activists. We hope you love it as much as we absolutely relished making it for you! Get your copy and subscribe here.  — Julie Gueraseva, Founder

Cover and Solid as a Rock feature photographed by Paige Carter • Cory Booker illustrated by Marina Marcolin • The Defenders photographed by Simon Ager • The Art of Truth photographed by Sasha Bezzubov • No Home on the Range photographed by Jennifer MaHarry • Shine Bright photography by Ash Barhamand • Fun with Food photography by Zoe Spawton