Did You Bring the Hummus? with Kimberly Winters

111 is an angel number and I think you’ll agree that today’s guests were the perfect two to join me for this episode. Today, I am joined by Sarah & Elyza, the duo behind The Harmony Mountain House: a heart-centered retreat space born from a collision of dreams, intuition, and bold action. Though they’d only known each other a few months before joining forces, they’ve since built not only a thriving healing business but a powerful sisterhood rooted in trust, transformation, and co-creation. Elyza, the spark: a fiery Aries with deep Scorpio waters, is a catalyst for change, solo mama, and space-holder who brings fierce devotion to authenticity and presence. Sarah, the visionary: a dreamy Pisces with Virgo grounding, is a quiet manifestor whose gift for nourishing others shines through everything from her cooking to her ability to make magic out of any space. Together, they live what they teach: that healing is nonlinear, intuition is real, and life is meant to be created, not followed.Connect:The Harmony Mountain HouseServices: private retreats, gatherings & celebrations (babymoons, anniversaries, bachelorette weekends, birthday weekends, mother blessings, nonprofit groups, family gatherings, etc) // group retreats // virtual connection & integration platform // classes, workshops & events // studio rental // honoring the wheel of the year Website: www.theharmonymountainhouse.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theharmonymountainhouse/ (@theharmonymountainhouse)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theharmonymountainhouse (@theharmonymountainhouse)Email: theharmonymountainhouse@gmail.comElyzaServices: 1-1 guidance sessions (cacao, prenatal & pregnancy, postpartum, etc) // mother blessings & rituals // womb weaving ritualsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyzainharmony/ (@elyzainharmony) SarahServices: vegan birthday cakes // private vegan cooking classes & demos // custom vegan menus & food prep // working with food as medicine // herbalism & working with herbs to support our bodies (in cooking & beyond)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingwirth/ (@thewanderingwirth)To connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Today, I am joined by Dr. Marina De Leon. Dr. De León does two things well; wildlife conservation and holistic nutrition. Her work bridges disease ecology, molecular biology, and microbiome research to address environmental and ecological challenges. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology from UC Davis, Marina specializes in herpetology focusing on disease ecology, toxin-producing microbes, and conservation strategies for endangered species. In addition to her work in conservation biology, Marina runs a private nutrition consulting practice focused on gut microbiome health. Drawing from her deep expertise in microbiology, she helps clients understand and optimize their gut health through personalized, evidence-based nutrition plans. Marina’s holistic, plant-based approach emphasizes the necessity of a diverse and resilient microbiome in both environmental and human health, grounded in her understanding that that well-being begins at the microbial level.In this episode we talk a lot about community, who needs it and for what, the power of our microbiome and how to feed it, Marina’s focus on frogs from a conservation perspective, and of course, hummus. To connect with Marina: https://microbialfuturenutrition.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-de-leon-microbial-futurehttps://x.com/MicrobialFutureTo connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

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 @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠

Join Michele Olender, a life coach who embraced veganism at 56, as she shares her inspiring journey. Discover the power of gradual adaptation, community support, and personal growth in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. Michele highlights the influence of older generations in promoting dietary changes and the importance of personal choices amidst social pressures. She emphasizes that it's never too late to evolve, encouraging listeners to enjoy the journey without the stress of perfection. Plus, get a taste of the cultural love for hummus!

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 @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme 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 @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme 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.comFollow her on insta and Facebook @Pure Vegan Cafe https://www.instagram.com/purevegancafe/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/purevegancafe/To connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme 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_StoneMentioned in this episode:Shel Silverstein poem - Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony - https://allpoetry.com/Little-Abigail-and-the-Beautiful-PonyThe 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=enTo connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme 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.ukwww.yaoh.co.ukwww.whygovegan.org.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/vegfestuk To connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme 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-karenFor recipes, Karen suggests checking out https://nutritionstudies.org/recipes/Mentioned in this episode:Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell EsselstynHear Essy talk about heart disease: https://youtu.be/EqKNfyUPzoU?si=D89QG9jSD1ReX-uJTo connect with me:Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @didyoubringthehummusFor more info on my Public Speaking 101 program: ⁠https://www.didyoubringthehummus.com/publicspeakingforactivists⁠Contact me here or send me an email at info@didyoubringthehummus.comSign up for meditation sessions hereSign up for The Vegan Voyage, to sponsor the podcast, book meditations packages, or sign up for my Public Speaking program hereJoin 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 LLCTheme Song ©2020 JP Winters ⁠@musicbyjpw⁠