Welcome to Talking Plant Protein, I'm Joey Thurman, and these are this week's trending topics. Vegan chef chops himself in Romanian cooking competition. Chef and professional athlete, Alex Lenghel was participating in Romania's Master Chef. And as part of an elimination challenge, was forced to cook meat or remove himself from the competition. For Alex, he decided to cut himself and responded to Plant-Based News by saying, "I can't cook meat when I believe that it is not normal to kill animals just for our pleasure." Let's see if Alex's decision has the business of cooking shows thinking differently.

Is anti-vegan merchandise, a good idea? Bodybuilder James Kennedy launches a new lifestyle brand, Not Vegan Friendly. That takes a direct stab at vegan's making a clear statement saying, "I'm proud not to be a vegan." According to the brand's website, Kennedy has developed a strong, scientific stance against the tyranny of veganism. In a true ironic twist, most of the products the brand offers, are actually vegan friendly.

No more alligator, snakes, crocodiles, and more says Emmy winning actress, Gillian Anderson. The longstanding animal rights activist is calling for major brands, such as Michael Coors, Versace and Jimmy Choo to stop using exotic animal skins. Many designer labels have decided to stop using exotic animal skins, including Burberry, Chanel and Victoria Beckham. Only time will tell if more brands to decide to end this practice. From Talking Plant Protein, I'm Joey Thurman, and those were this week's trending topics.