How it all began - The Did You Bring the Hummus story

The meme that inspired the name of my podcast/business

I began exploring ways to create my own business after embarking on a coaching journey at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) In 2017. My husband joined me in that 9 month training program and we first set out to create a coaching business together. Ultimately, while he learned a lot about himself, my husband decided he didn't want to coach and it became a solo venture for me.

I worked on my niche but nothing was landing. Any time I talked with my coach or other business owners in the various mastermind or networking groups about focusing on some aspect of veganism they all told me it was "too limiting" or that I shouldn't use the word vegan because It's bad and "makes people uncomfortable." What Is most likely Is that the word vegan made those people uncomfortable.

So, I kind of just kept trying things without gaining much traction. Then in 2020, I began Level 4 in my first Toastmasters Pathway, Leadership Development. One of the projects was to do a podcast. I had to create 60 minutes of content and publish it out in the world. Then I had to write a brief speech and present a few minutes of the produced podcast to my Toastmasters club. I had never listened to a podcast before and wasn't sure I would like the process but it was the project in level 4 that made me the most nervous so I chose the podcast project and it changed my life.

Did You Bring the Hummus was born of 3 short, not so well produced episodes where I share a bit of info on some of the basic ideas and concepts in veganism. The learning curve was steep as I don't consider myself very tech savvy and I needed to learn not just how to present a podcast but how to edit and produce it. I didn't have a theme song until episode 5. I wasn't really consistent until season 3, after a coaching session with someone who did get me (a vegan entrepreneur himself, David Pannell, then of The Vegan Business Tribe). As of today, I have released 117 episodes and have interviewed vegans from around the world doing all kinds of amazing work.

What made me focus on veganism? The topic for the podcast and then the naming of the podcast came very easily to me. When I realized the level of work this project required (the hours worth of content, publishing it for anyone to hear...) I knew it needed to focus on something that really mattered to me so veganism was an easy fit. I LOVE talking about veganism.

I initially thought the podcast would be just me sharing information about veganism in a way that would help listeners feel empowered to make the change in their life and go vegan. What it has evolved into though is still a space for people to learn about veganism while also showcasing the many talents within and incredible work being done in the vegan movement. I think it also shows that vegans come from all walks of life and that it is possible to be vegan, even if you don't see how you could make it work in your own life right now.

Through my podcast journey I have had the opportunity to speak to so many incredible vegans. I have also been able to dig into other things I love like writing this blog, leading meditation sessions both online and in-person, guide people on their vegan journey, and continue to grow in my public speaking adventure by presenting talks and classes whenever the opportunity arises. I'll share more on those events in future blogs.

Stepping into something scary and stretching beyond what I ever thought I was capable of gave me one of the greatest gifts and passions in my life. Next time you're faced with the thing that can help you level up, I encourage you to say yes.

Tell me in the comments about a time you said yes to something and it changed everything!

You can listen to Did You Bring the Hummus wherever you get your pods and right here on my website.

---

Stay connected!!

Join the Did You Bring the Hummus mailing list here. Become a member of my site and you'll get my blogs right to your mailbox! Check out the latest episode of Did You Bring the Hummus podcast with "The Pigeon Lady" Sue Joyce of Little Green Pigeon here. I'll let you guess who we talk about.

Meditate with me on Wednesday, October 15th at 8pm ET via Zoom - sign up here. I pull a card for each attendee, we spend some time grounding and tuning in, then move through a guided meditation. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned meditator, you'll find just what you need!

Join the That Vegan Morning Show mailing list and get a FREE recipe ebook with some of our favorites! Click here. Subscribe to the show on YouTube here