In a recent episode of the Veganpreneur REVOLUTION™ Podcast, hosts, Kathleen Gage and VLynn Hawkins, had the distinct pleasure of talking with Meryl Fury, a luminary in the realm of plant-based nutrition and the CEO of PBNM, the nonprofit organization, dedicated to fostering education and health for children and adults alike.
Against the backdrop of the pivotal role of nutrition in shaping the trajectory of young lives, the conversation traversed through personal narratives, advocacy endeavors, and the pressing need to prioritize wholesome, plant-centric foods for the betterment of future generations.
Personal Journey: From Nurse to Advocate
Meryl embraced a plant-based lifestyle at the age of 15. Her passion for health transitioned into a career in nursing to becoming a fervent advocate for holistic health. Her story serves as a poignant testament to the profound impact of lifestyle choices and the remarkable synergy between passion and purpose in catalyzing positive societal change.
The Role of Plant-Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM)
The focus for much of the conversation was on the mission of the Plant-Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM), a pioneering initiative spearheaded by the visionary Dr. Steven Lome. The
vision of PBNM is to champion plant-based nutrition as a potent prophylactic against chronic diseases, particularly concerning the health of our children. With a strategic focus on advocating for the integration of healthier food options within educational institutions and communities, PBNM strives tirelessly to address the root causes of health disparities and foster a culture of wellness for all.
Addressing Health Disparities and Social Determinants
A poignant segment of the conversation gravitated towards the intersection of nutrition and social determinants of health, shedding light on the stark reality of health inequities exacerbated by socioeconomic factors such as poverty and systemic discrimination. Meryl underscored the imperative of adopting holistic interventions to bridge these divides, emphasizing the indispensable need for equitable access to nutritious food, high-quality healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Kathleen and VLynn echoed her sentiments, advocating for systemic reforms aimed at dismantling barriers to health and fostering inclusivity.
Empowering Children and Parents
Education emerged as an indispensable cornerstone in empowering both children and parents to make informed, health-conscious choices. Meryl expounded upon the pivotal role of nurturing enriching dialogues around nutrition, equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proactive advocates for their well-being.
By fostering meaningful connections over meals and furnishing families with practical tools like conversation starter cards, she articulated a compelling vision of cultivating a nurturing environment conducive to fostering a culture of holistic health and wellness within our homes and communities.
Vision for the Future
The Veganpreneur REVOLUTION™ Podcast episode featuring Meryl Fury serves as a clarion call to action, urging us to prioritize nourishing, plant-based foods as a cornerstone of children’s health.
By challenging entrenched norms, spearheading systemic change, and imparting essential life skills to the younger generation, we can chart a course towards a future where every child can thrive and flourish.
Reach Meryl to have her speak at your conference, school, assembly or wherever you want to learn more about improving the health and wellbeing of children at: merylfury@pmnm.org
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[01:15] Where it started for Meryl Fury.
[05:00] The truth about “women of a certain age”.
[07:00] The trap of the “profit model” for the healthcare industry.
[10:00] The connection between depression, violence and consumption of animal products.
[15:00] The lack of awareness of what’s in our food supply is destroying our health.
[18:45] Getting involved with school meal options… go to www.pbnm.org
[24:15] The truth of redlining communities and food deserts.
[26:45] Robbing entire zip codes of their human potential.
[31:00] Who’s benefitting from keeping people down.
[35:00] The lies we continue to be fed.
[37:45] The shift needs to occur with the parents.
[40:30] The increase in chronic diseases in children.
[46:45] The art of conversation in families.
[49:50] Calling on Dolly Parton to help get the message out.
[53:15] Getting outside the echo chamber.
[59:00] Simply put, “Feed your children healthy food.”
About Meryl Fury
Meryl Fury, MS, RN, stands as a stalwart leader in the realm of public health, renowned for her thirty-year tenure as a dedicated nurse and her fervent advocacy for vulnerable communities. Transitioning from a distinguished career in healthcare, she has embraced her true passion: harnessing the power of food as medicine.
As the Co-Founder and President of the Plant Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM), Meryl has galvanized a nonprofit initiative dedicated to enlightening our most at-risk communities about the transformative potential of whole plant foods in saving lives. Her visionary leadership extends beyond PBNM, as she also serves as a driving force behind the Sage Circle Alliance—a collective endeavor aimed at amplifying the voices of partners within the Plant-Based Network.
Meryl’s journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to holistic health and wellness. Reflecting on her extensive experience in healthcare, she shares poignant narratives of witnessing the cycle of illness and medication dependency among her patients. Driven by a relentless desire to effect meaningful change, she co-founded the Sage Circle Alliance—a beacon of unity and empowerment within the Plant-Based Network. Through this alliance, Meryl and her fellow advocates champion a message of hope, resilience, and empowerment, challenging the status quo and advocating for a paradigm shift towards holistic health and wellness.
Within the Plant-Based Network, the Sage Circle Alliance serves as a unifying force—a safe haven for individuals seeking to be part of something greater than themselves. Through its collaborative efforts, the Alliance aims to uplift the missions of its members, creating a unified voice that resonates across the sector. Together, they stand as one voice, echoing the call for a healthier, more compassionate world.
Meryl Fury epitomizes the spirit of transformative leadership, tirelessly working towards a future where health disparities are eradicated, families thrive, and every individual has the opportunity to flourish. Her legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of all.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility and co-founder of Vegan Visibility Productions. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.
About Vlynn Hawkins
VLynn Hawkins is a formidable figure at the intersection of vegan entrepreneurship, extreme athleticism, and business leadership. As the Co-Founder of Vegan Visibility Productions and the Chief Executive/Engagement Officer at P3Academy, she channels her expertise to elevate health and wellness businesses. With over three decades in commercial real estate lending, VLynn boasts a track record of leading high-performing teams to exceptional success, consistently generating substantial revenue for multi-billion dollar enterprises.
Transitioning from her corporate career, VLynn’s journey towards holistic wellness began after a knee injury redirected her focus. Exploring healing modalities like tapping, NLP, and hypnotherapy, she discovered a passion for holistic health practices. Today, armed with certifications in business development, hypnotherapy, joint venture brokering, and digital marketing, VLynn empowers Healthpreneurs to thrive in their endeavors.
As a Certified Plant-Based Ambassador, VLynn passionately advocates for the transformative power of a Whole Food, Plant-Based Vegan lifestyle. She hosts the insightful “Health Wisdom & Wealth Show,” sharing invaluable insights into holistic living. Additionally, VLynn serves as the CEO of CrowdfundingHacker.org, assisting small businesses and nonprofits in fundraising for impactful projects.
Based in Atlanta, GA, VLynn enjoys an active lifestyle, often engaging in workouts and leisurely walks with her Cairn Terrier, Hiro. Her multifaceted skill set and unwavering dedication make her an influential advocate for veganism, health entrepreneurship, and impactful business strategies.
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