Today, I am joined by author Ray Star. You might remember her from episode 51, Make the connection. If you’d like to hear Ray’s vegan journey, how hummus shows up in her life check out that episode. 

Ray is an award-winning author with a passion for nature, animals, and the Earth. Ray is most known for the internationally bestselling fantasy fiction trilogy Earthlings, a coming-of-age dystopian read for lovers of climate fiction and magical realism, the final book of the trilogy “Land of Hope & Glory’ was released earlier this year.

Ray's writing style has been praised as 'a millennial Enid Blyton', and her debut trilogy reviewed as 'genre-defying', 'the Narnia of our time', and 'a masterpiece' across UK media.

When Ray isn't writing, she is happiest spending time with her family and friends, exploring nature with her children and rescue dogs or teaching Writing For Nature workshops. A firm believer of magick, Ray can often be found stargazing under the moon with a tarot deck in one hand and a strong cuppa in the other. It is Ray's dream to one day open The Peridot Animal Sanctuary and Wildlife Reserve in England and that dream inspired Ray to close her business of fifteen years to pursue a writing career.

Since this is Ray’s second time on the pod we jump right into her latest book, what’s she’s up to now, Ray offers tips on how to write your own book, and much more!

To connect with Ray:

Visit her website https://www.raystarbooks.com/ 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raystarbooks 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raystarbooks 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RayStarBooks/

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]
Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by podcast host extraordinaire Michele Olender of Vegan at any Age and Vedge Your Best Podcast.  Michele proves that it’s never too late to go vegan.  A life coach and podcaster, who went vegan at age 56, Michele knows how to help you move in a vegan direction without blowing up your life.

On her Vedge Your Best podcast, she translates the tools of life coaching, philosophy and behavior change to help you start, RE-start, or re-ENERGIZE your vegan lifestyle.

With over 250 consecutive weekly episodes, Michele meets you wherever you are on your vegan journey.  She is also committed to introducing new voices and amplifying the work of veteran vegans around the world.

Michele holds a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell, a B.A. from Smith College, and an M.A. in the History of Art. 

As a lifelong language learner and history nerd,  Michele believes there has never been a better time to be an autodidact. She and her husband have seven grandchildren, live most of the year near the Atlantic Ocean and love to search out vegan options near historic sites in North America and Europe.

Michele has lots of inspiration for you in this episode!

To connect with Michele:

Visit her website: https://veganatanyage.com/

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedge_your_best/

Listen to Kimberly on Vedge Your Best: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vedge-your-best-vegan-ideas-for-everyone-at-any-age/id1531858713?i=1000706475936

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]
Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by Plant-Based Susy. PlantBased Susy is one of the founders of VeganSusy.com, a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond to achieve sustainable weight loss and long-term wellness through a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. With a mission to make plant-based eating enjoyable, accessible, and deeply transformative, Susy offers personalized meal plans, online courses, and one-on-one coaching under the mantra “More PlantsLess Pounds.” Her approach is holistic, focusing not only on diet but also on mindset, strength training, and mindfulness to create lasting health improvements.

With years of experience guiding women through their health journeys, Susy is passionate about tackling common dieting frustrations and fostering a supportive community centered on compassion, health, and personal empowerment. Her methodology, coined “SAFE”—Sustainable, Adaptable, Fulfilling, and Encouraging—offers a blueprint for women to reclaim their health with a gentle, results-driven approach that is as rewarding as it is effective.

Her blog post “Find Your Health and Wellness Mindset with Vegan Susy” captures her philosophy that true health begins in the mind, blending nourishing plant-based food with strength training and self-compassion. Through VeganSusy.com, she continues to inspire and guide her audience toward living vibrant, healthful lives, providing both practical tools and heartfelt encouragement along the way.

To connect with Susy:

Visit her website:  https://www.vegansusy.com/

Find her on Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/PlantBasedSusy/

https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedsusy/

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]
Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today I am joined by Angela Crawford, Ph.D.  Angela is a psychologist, vegan educator, and author of The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (Lantern, April 2025). She is passionate about empowering people toward plant-powered living for physical, mental, and emotional health; compassion for all sentient beings; and caring for our planet.

She speaks and teaches about thriving emotionally and socially as a vegan, the connection between food and mood, overcoming barriers to lifestyle change, and values alignment and compassion. Dr. Crawford previously worked as a psychotherapist for 25 years, empowering clients toward greater holistic well-being. She holds certifications as a Master Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator, licensed PCRM Food for Life instructor, and Transformational Coach.

She is passionate about the power of personal transformation to create a more fulfilling, healthy, and purposeful life - and a kinder, more sustainable world.

To connect with Angela:

https://angelacrawfordphd.com/book/

https://www.facebook.com/AngelaCrawfordPhD/

https://www.instagram.com/angelacrawfordphd/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacrawfordphd/

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]
Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by Veena Birajadar owner of Pure Vegan Cafe. Pure Vegan Cafe is a 100% Plant Based restaurant in NC with locations in Raleigh and Durham. With a focus on using high-quality, healthy ingredients to make great-tasting, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and 100% plant based food. Veena is an IT professional turned restauranteur. 

To connect with Veena:

Visit her website  www.purevegancafe.com

Follow her on insta and Facebook @Pure Vegan Cafe

 https://www.instagram.com/purevegancafe/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/purevegancafe/

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]
Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by Tara Stone. Tara is a speaker, holistic success coach, and passionate advocate for conscious living. Her journey into veganism began with a deep-rooted love for animals, leading her to years of hands-on experience in animal rescue. This commitment to compassion naturally evolved into a plant-based lifestyle, inspiring her to found Grounded for Life, a plant-based café  dedicated to nourishing the body and soul with good food that tastes great and just so happens not to have animal products in it!

With a background in real estate, business coaching and leadership development, Tara helps high-achievers move beyond burnout and into sustainable success both personally and professionally. She empowers entrepreneurs and executives to align their work with their values, prioritizing well-being, impact, and purpose. Through her work, she has helped countless individuals shift from the toxic hustle mentality to a more intentional and fulfilling way of living.

Tara’s expertise spans across mindset coaching, workplace culture transformation, and accountability, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant. Whether she’s leading executive retreats, coaching high-performing teams, or helping individuals build habits that align with their holistic success, her mission remains the same: to  end suffering and empower people to create a life by design, embrace struggle as a gift and fund the life they love. 

To connect with Tara find her on all social media @The_Tara_Stone

Mentioned in this episode:

Shel Silverstein poem - Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony - https://allpoetry.com/Little-Abigail-and-the-Beautiful-Pony

The China Study - https://nutritionstudies.org/the-china-study/

Grounded For Life Cafe, Clinton, NJ - https://groundedforlifecafe.com/

Newark Animal Save - https://www.instagram.com/newarkanimalsave/?hl=en

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]

Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by long-time vegan Tim Barford of VegFest UK and new venture, Why Go Vegan. 

From his bio: Tim was born in the 60's in the UK, conceived the same day as Ringo Starr joined the Beatles, brought up on impeccable musical tastes & at 6 years old 50 miles downwind of Woodstock, he was born to rock n roll. Living in Greece as a child in the early 70's, Tim forged a long-standing bond with what he calls a true friend and trusted & revered companion through life - hummus of course. 

One of the UK’s most dynamic voices in the vegan movement, Tim has spent decades igniting change and inspiring action. You don't want to miss this!

To connect with Tim and support his work:

www.vegfest.co.uk

www.yaoh.co.uk

www.whygovegan.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/vegfestuk 

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]

Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by Behavioral Change Specialist Karen Bartle. Karen’s focus is on supporting people to Identify and implement evidence-based behavioral solutions to make and maintain sustainable lifestyle changes. 

Karen is passionate about sharing her insights and wisdom from her own journey, as well as from a professional and clinical perspective of behavioral & dietary change, through appearing on podcasts, guest speaking, webinars, blogs, and more.

To connect with Karen:

https://www.karenbartle.com/about-karen

For recipes, Karen suggests checking out https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/

Mentioned in this episode:

Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Hear Essy talk about heart disease: https://youtu.be/EqKNfyUPzoU?si=D89QG9jSD1ReX-uJ

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]

Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by Nisha Narang of Soulful Vegan and Leorah Clinical. Nisha is an experienced Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research Professional pioneering ethical innovation in healthcare development. With a Bachelor of .Pharmacy and Master of .Science. in Biochemical Pharmacology, Nisha has over 15 years of expertise in managing clinical research projects across regulatory guidelines and therapeutic areas.
Her unique vision of combining scientific rigor with cruelty-free principles led to establishing Leorah Clinical, the world’s first dedicated vegan-friendly clinical development consultancy. Through her leadership, Leorah Clinical helps companies develop innovative healthcare products that maintain excellence while adhering to ethical principles.
Nisha’s expertise spans clinical research and development, regulatory compliance, vegan-friendly innovation, and global project management, enabling Leorah Clinical to deliver comprehensive solutions that transform the future of healthcare development.

In addition to her pioneering work at Leorah Clinical, Nisha is a passionate advocate for plant-based living. Through her coaching platform, Soulful Vegan, she empowers individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle by offering personalized guidance on vegan nutrition and wellness. Her coaching sessions are rooted in compassion and tailored to help clients achieve their health goals while respecting their unique journeys.

To connect with Nisha:

For Vegan Product Development: Collaborate with Nisha to bring your cruelty-free product ideas to life. Book a consultation here- https://www.leorahclinical.com/consultation/

For Science-Based Vegan Health Coaching: Start your journey toward optimal health with personalized coaching plans. Choose a plan that works for you here- https://soulfulvegan.com.au/coaching/

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]

Sign up for meditation sessions here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

In this very special milestone episode you'll meet my mom and learn about her vegan journey, how veganism has supported her fight with lung cancer, her thoughts on hummus and so much more! You'll also hear special messages from some of my friends and colleagues who were kind enough to send in messages celebrating this exciting milestone.

Check out Diane's chat with Chef AJ: https://www.youtube.com/live/Pac45h_Haq4?si=gKl2BSWilwXwXVol

Special messages from: (in order they appear, click on the episode number to listen)

Adam Sobel - Episode 47

Check out Adam’s Chili in Hat recipe: https://cinnamonsnail.com/best-vegan-chili-recipe/

David Pannell - Episode 66

Visit Vegan Business Tribe: https://veganbusinesstribe.com

Victoria Moran - Episode 56

Visit her website: https://victoriamoran.com

Sandra Nomoto - Episode 43

Learn more about Sandra here: https://www.sandranomoto.com/

Brigitte Gemme - Episode 34

Become a meal plan master: https://veganfamilykitchen.com

Nancy Ehrlich - Episode 9 (my first guest who wasn’t JP!)

Gregg Rozeboom - Episode 88

Check out Fruitive: https://fruitive.com

Drs. Daisy Lund & Clare Day - Episode 85

Check out their amazing podcast In a Nutshell wherever you get your pods and their website: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/in-a-nutshell-podcast

Katrina Fox - Episode 77

Lean into your story with Katrina: https://katrinafox.com

Lisa Rimmert - Episode 80

Get some funnies and more: https://www.onthenosecomms.com/

Kate Galli - Episode 67

Connect with Kate:https://strongbodygreenplanet.lpages.co/plant-positive-journal-v2/

Tune into Kate’s Podcast here or wherever you get your pods: https://strongbodygreenplanet.com/podcast-the-best-of/

Annette & Graham Henry - Episode 90

Learn how to breathe: www.henryandhenryeu.com

Christine Mania - Episode 69

Do yoga with Christine and check out her book: https://www.christinecookmania.com/event_series/29a8e975-4d8e-4d5a-a443-c319d9fa3672

Kathy Davis - Episode 82

Connect with Kathy: www.veginspired.com

Meredith Marin - Episode 65

See how Meredith is transforming the hospitality industry: www.veganhospitality.com

Jason DeSalvo - Episode 71

Check out the farm: https://coldbrookfarmnj.com/

Jennifer Shlomovich - Episode 86

Quit people pleasing and live your best plant-powered life:: https://www.theconfidentvegan.com/

Angelica Williams - Episode 61

Learn how to live a beautiful compassionate life: https://greenluxuryliving.com/

To connect with me:

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummus

For more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠

Contact me here or send me an email at [email protected]

Sign up for meditation sessions or packages here

Sign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program here

Join my Podcast Fan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/didyoubringthehummus/

To be a guest on the podcast: https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/beaguest

©2025 Kimberly Winters - Did You Bring the Hummus LLC

Theme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠