Wall Of Fame

I am on a mission to inspire others toward healthier eating through whole, plant-based, nutrient dense foods. I am also continually inspired by others. There are so many plant-based and vegan pioneers, doctors, scientists, chefs, advocates, coaches and entrepreneurs who do this for me. As I am fortunate enough to meet them, one by one, I am also honored to add them to my Wall of Fame!

This is a wonderful and loving world filled with whole and nutrient rich foods that nourish our bodies toward optimal health, while providing a sustainable healthy environment for the future and our children.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman has long been one of the leading medical authorities in the field of nutrition. He has authored several books, including Eat to Live, Fast Food Genocide and The End of Dieting. His nutritarian approach means eating foods that contain the highest concentration of micronutrients which are beans, greens, mushrooms, berries, and seeds.

I had the opportunity to sponsor the event where he spoke to a large audience in Asheville and I couldn’t wait to meet him in person.

Dr. Brian Asbill has been practicing cardiology for over 16 years. He came to realize that his patients needed more than stents, and surgery…they needed a sure fire way to prevent and reverse their heart disease. Watch this short video where Dr. Asbill shares his ideas.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell was one of the first doctors and researchers to provide scientifically proven data about the immense health benefits surrounding plant-based eating. He authored the renowned book ‘The China Study’. I was so inspired by his work, I sought to obtain my certificate in plant-based nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies.

Dr. Garth Davis, MD, is the medical director of of Mission Hospital Weight Management Center in Asheville, NC. He was featured on the documentary Forks Over Knives, and starred on the hit TLC show Big Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis also competes in marathons and Ironman triathlons. He also wrote the book Proteinaholic: How Our Obsession With Meat Is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It.

Dr. Davis moved to Asheville with his family from Houston in early summer 2018. He was gracious enough to speak at both the Vegan Fest in June, and the September VegFest. We, who live in Asheville, couldn’t be happier that he’s here!

Engine 2 Founder Rip Esselstyn was educated at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a three-time All-American swimmer. Rip spent a decade as one of the premier triathletes in the world. He joined the Austin Fire Department where he introduced his passion for a whole-food, plant-based diet to Austin’s Engine 2 Firehouse, and documented his success by writing a national bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet, which shows the irrefutable connection between a plant-based diet and good health.

Rip teamed up with Whole Foods Market in 2009,  has authored 4 books including The Engine 2 Diet, the Seven Day Rescue Diet, and Plant-Strong Recipes.

I met Rip Esselstyn at his second book promotion at Whole Foods in May, 2013. Rip and his family were at the forefront of the plant-based movement with  attainable and irrefutable facts and information with the Engine 2 Diet. His never-ending encouragement for others to adopt this life-changing movement is glorious!

Dr. Terry Mason isn’t just a urologist; he’s the CMO of the Cook County Health and Hospitals Systems in Chicago. I was lucky enough to listen to one of his fun and energy-filled talks in the summer of 2014 at the VegFest in suburban Chicago. I met Dr. Mason again at the Food=Medicine conference in November 2015. He tells it like it is and I admire him so much!

Chef Jason Sellers is co-owner of the first ‘fine-dining’, all vegan restaurant in Asheville, NC. He was gracious enough to grant me a sit down interview and I had such a good time with him. He’s thoughtful, innovative and loads of fun! Roger and I have been to his restaurant Plant several times and you can be sure we’ll keep going back!

LeAnne Campbell graciously invited me to attend their first Plant-Based Cooking Summit in October, 2016 in beautiful Lake Lure, NC. LeAnne is also the Founder of Global Roots, with the mission of educating communities how to take back control of their health. LeAnne also happens to be Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s daughter!

Carla Hall is a hoot, and I’ve always admired her as a chef and entrepreneur! I was so happy to meet her at the Chipotle Cultivate Festival in Chicago, Fall 2013.

Lindsay S. Nixon is the Happy Herbivore. Her site was one of the first ones I used to help me navigate through my early plant-based journey. She’s open about her own struggles, and has motivated thousands (called ‘Herbies’) to stay on their healthy path. Lindsay reminds us to strive for “progress, not perfection”.

Chef Kirk Fiore leads the catering department at the famous and historical Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC. He and his family were neighbors of ours when we first moved to Asheville. I was fortunate enough to sit in on a cooking demonstration presented by Chef Kirk on the Estate grounds in the summer of 2015. He is so talented, creative and makes cooking look easy!