September 8, 2025
| Hi Friends,Monday was a big day: after a whirlwind weekend in Las Vegas, we flew home, picked up a very happy Shilloh from the pet sitter, and celebrated my 48th VEGANniversary the best way I know how — with our favorite sandwiches at Auburn Bodega.And what a weekend it was. The very first Plant Powered Party wasn’t just good, it was — in one word — EPIC.Why This Event Stands OutEver since my very first presentation at the McDougall Celebrity Chef Weekend back in 2009, I’ve spoken at more than 100 plant-based conferences, VegFests, cruises, and even luxury spas like Rancho La Puerta.And Charles and I have produced 23 of our own events over the years. But I can honestly say none of them can hold a candle to this one. Benji Kurtz brought panache, pizzazz, glamour, and glitz — and most importantly, he made it FUN.In my opinion, Benji was already the premier event producer before the pandemic. I’m so glad he decided to get back in the game — and even happier that he asked me to host this year and invited me back to host again in September 2026. Mark your calendars now: September 4–6, 2026 |
| Highlights from the Weekend💜 A Heartfelt Opening:The evening began with a beautiful tribute to Dr. John McDougall. A touching video presentation was followed by vocalist Tricia Grey’s stunning rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings.Dr. Neal Barnard presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Heather McDougall and gave a moving speech that set the tone for the whole event. |
🎤 Inspiration and Knowledge
- Chris Wark shared his deeply personal story of overcoming colon cancer, and spoke about the role of stress and forgiveness in recovery.
- Saturday morning kicked off with fitness choices: a fall-prevention class with John Pierre or gentle yoga with Angelica Govaert.
- Dr. Barnard followed with a wonderful presentation on The Power Foods Diet.
- Brenda Davis, RD, gave a powerful talk on Unleashing the Power of the Plant-Based Diet. She not only shared her groundbreaking research from the Marshall Islands, but also a moving personal story about her father’s health struggles.
👩🍳 Culinary Fun
- Raw Food Romance’s Lissa and Nate Maris (lovebirds in real life!) wowed the crowd with raw wraps, sun-dried tomato cashew cheese, and a mind blowing dill pickle dressing which was served at lunch.
🩺 Science & Healing
- Dr. Alan Goldhamer delivered a scintillating talk on the research behind water-only fasting.
- Dr. Will Bulsiewicz (Dr. B) followed with an eye-opening presentation on taming inflammation.
- The day ended with a joint Q&A between Dr. Goldhamer and Dr. Doug Lisle, who’ve been friends for 55 years and still manage to crack each other up.
🎶 Food, Music & Laughter
After a delicious WFPB buffet dinner, Tricia Gray returned to the stage with more music — including a hilarious parody tribute to Dr. Joel Fuhrman to the tune of I Feel Good.
Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: The Vegan Comedy Show.
My dear friend and longtime comedy coach Cary Odes emceed and performed a hilarious bit about how much vegans chew. Eight comedians performed, including me, Charles and Dr. Joel Fuhrman who not only told jokes, but even sang and danced!
It’s worth watching the replay just to see Dr. Fuhrman like you’ve never seen him before. Replays are available now in the Whova app for all attendees. If you’re an annual community member, you’ll also find them in the Courses section. The virtual party pass is still available for purchase for those who did not attend. Click here to purchase your access to the replays.
Sunday’s Finale
- Attendees started with either yoga or a Balance & Coordination class.
- Dr. Kristi Funk gave a powerful talk on Cancer-Fighting Foods.
- Dr. Joel Fuhrman followed with a passionate reminder that eating WFPB isn’t always enough.
- Later, Instagram sensation Javant of Healthy Vegan Eating showed us how dessert can be both decadent and healthy with Carob Fudge Balls, Raw Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Sweet Potato Pudding (which, to everyone’s delight, was served at lunch).
- Dr. Rosane Oliveira made us think with her talk, Is It My Genes, My Hormones, or My Dinner?
- Together, Joel and Cara delivered an educational (and entertaining!) joint Q & A to close out the weekend and he sang a touching song he wrote for his daughter, Dr. Cara Fuhrman.
The Big Picture
Over 500 people attended live, with many more joining virtually. Six incredible buffets fueled not just our bodies but our connections — new friendships were made, old ones rekindled, and community was strengthened.
This was truly the Party of the Year. I hope you’ll join us for the next one in 2026 — because I promise, you’ll leave nourished in every way.
Love & Kale, Chef AJ.