Vegan Festivals and The power of Community

I just got back a few days ago from attending and recharging at Vegan Summerfest, one of my favorite and most formative vegan conferences that I’ve been attending for over 25 years and has had a huge impact in shaping who I am today! 



This year I had the honor of giving four different lectures and including a keynote on “Why Humane Meat is a Myth” plus leading a youth workshop where we discussed navigating the the (very) non-vegan world as a compassionate kid!



One of my favorite lectures I’ve been giving the last year and that I shared at this conference was on “Deconstructing the Ex-Vegan Phenomenon” and doing a deep dive into why people quit being vegan leave plant-based eating and how to prevent this from happening. (HINT: Community is key!)



I also got to connect in-person with so many amazing vegan educators as well as spend some time chatting with my brilliant friend Dr. Faraz Harsini and his organization ASAP who is focused on empowering college students and doing the incredible work of spreading veganism on university campuses! 



And OF COURSE, I also ate tons of delicious vegan food that ranged from some decedent vegan stuff, to the more health-promoting oil and sugar free options they had as well, and are more in line with my current health and fitness goals. 



This experience was yet another powerful reminder of why I do the work I do: helping compassionate, conscious people (both vegans and the vegan-curious) to thrive in a world that doesn’t always support or reflect our values.



We don’t just need more vegans.

We need more supported, empowered, healthy, thriving and connected vegans.



If you’re craving this kind of community, inspiration, and are ready to stop feeling alone and find your people… don’t miss the event I’m organizing this September:

Thrive Alive Vegan Fest just outside Kansas City. It’s a 5-day transformational experience of veganism, plant-based living, community, and conscious connection. 

Learn more and get your Thrive Alive Fest tickets here: https://www.thrivealivefest.com/