Speakers
Central Florida Veg Fest features several great speakers on a variety of vegan-related topics! Veg Fest speakers are sponsored by Earth Sponsor Vegetarians of Central Florida and emceed by Shannon Blair of Jungle Sponsor Solutionary Species.
If you are interested in being a speaker at Veg Fest, please fill out the Speaker Application. If you have any questions about speaking at Veg Fest, please contact Larry Rumbough at [email protected] or 321-331-1859. 11:00 a.m. Steven August, "How to Advocate Veganism to Christians" The Vegan Heretic The presentation provides a fresh and engaging perspective on veganism, focusing on its intersection with Christian values. Drawing from over 55 years as a Christian and a decade of advocacy, Steve equips animal rights activists with strategies to address biblical arguments often used to justify the consumption of animal products. His talks emphasize "Teaching, not Preaching" and foster open dialogue among people of all faiths—including agnostics and atheists—encouraging compassion-driven choices. Steve August is a Las Vegas-based magician and juggler with a remarkable 50-year career in entertainment. He has performed globally, from juggling chainsaws in Rome to balancing burning barbecue grills on the David Letterman Show. Since 2008, Steve has focused on vegan activism, inspired by his Christian faith, and authored Vegans Vs The Verses, a guide for countering religious hostility toward veganism. He now speaks internationally on the ethical treatment of animals, particularly within the Christian church. 1:00 p.m. Jessica Malki, "Preventative Health Through Whole Foods Plant-Based Diets and the Ethics of Our Food System"
Health is more in our control than we think! Evidence-based articles will be used to showcase the benefits of a whole-foods plant-based approach, provide nutritional education and debunk previously held mistruths. The information presented will be broken down to be easily digestible and unforgettable. Throughout the presentation minor and major impacts of the animal agriculture industry will also be discussed. The more we know the more we can grow, protect ourselves and others. Jessica Malki is an Internal Medicine-trained physician who began exploring plant-based diets at the start of her residency just a few months after becoming vegan. Initially motivated by ethical reasons to change her lifestyle, she was later on inspired to do further research on whole foods plant-based diets by her patients’ desire for nutritional guidance and the deleterious effects of the Standard American Diet. A recent graduate, she plans on completing her board certification for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and teaching students in the pre-health tracks in schools. 3:00 p.m. Timaree Hagenburger, "Filling Up, Not Filling Out: Food Volume & Body Weight" The Nutrition Professor Know someone who doesn't seem to eat very much, but still struggles with their weight? Discover how to satisfy your cravings and feel full without excess. Dive into the art of making strategic food decisions that cater to your taste buds while supporting your health and weight goals. Timaree Hagenburger, The Nutrition Professor, is a registered and licensed dietitian, exercise physiologist with a master's degree in public health, speaker and author. She works with private clients and corporate wellness, published cookbooks, "The Foodie Bar Way: One Meal, Lots of Options, Everyone's Happy," and created an online membership community, The Foodie Bar Way of Life, that makes loving the food (and living a life) that loves us back....simple, satisfying, sustainable & FUN! |
Special Guest!
10:30 a.m. VeganEvan, VeganEvan's Mission "Welcome to Central Florida Veg Fest and Vegan Rap" |