Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation on Steno.fm

Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

Join hosts Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan for intimate conversations with leading vegan activists, animal rights advocates, and changemakers transforming our world. Each week, Our Hen House brings you inspiring stories from the frontlines of animal liberation, practical activism strategies, and the latest developments in the fight for animal rights. Whether you're a seasoned activist or newly vegan, discover how to make a difference for animals through engaging interviews and actionable insights.

Fri, April 18, 2025
Going to Prison for Rescuing Hens?!? Animal Activism on Trial with Zoe Rosenberg
This week, we welcome hero activist Zoe Rosenberg, who generously joined us amid her ongoing legal battle to discuss Direct Action Everywhere’s campaign against Petaluma Poultry. Zoe provided valuable context about the deceptive marketing of this Purdue subsidiary, which claims to offer “free range” and “organic” chickens while investigations reveal deplorable conditions. She shared her personal journey from early investigations to her brave June 2023 rescue of four sick chickens from a slaughterhouse, an act of compassion that led to her arrest and upcoming felony trial beginning May 16th. Despite facing harsh pretrial conditions, including an ankle monitor and travel restrictions, Zoe remains steadfast in her commitment to the power of open rescue and animal rights activism. Petaluma Poultry uses cartoon chickens and pastoral imagery in marketing, while DXE investigations documented birds suffering in factory farm conditions After years of reporting animal cruelty to authorities with no action taken, Zoe rescued four chickens requiring urgent medical care from Petaluma’s slaughterhouse The rescued chickens (Poppy, Ivy, Astrid, and Azalea) were suffering from parasites, respiratory infections, and injuries, that received immediate veterinary attention Zoe now faces one felony conspiracy charge and four misdemeanors for her open rescue activism, with her trial beginning May 16th in Santa Rosa, California Supporters can attend the trial (register at dxe.io/register) or sign the petition at righttorescue.com to stand with Zoe and the right to rescue animals in need ABOUT OUR GUEST Zoe Rosenberg is the founder of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a sprawling farm animal rescue on the Central Coast of California that has saved over 1,000 animals. She is an organizer, lead investigator, and social media coordinator for the grassroots animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere. In recent years, Zoe has been awarded the Youth Activist of the Year Award from the National Animal Rights Conference and the Paul McCartney Veg Advocate Award. She has delivered a popular TEDx talk about her ongoing
Fri, April 11, 2025
A Year of Compassion with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
In this heartfelt conversation, author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau joins Jasmin and Mariann to discuss her eighth book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero Waste, Plant-Based and Cruelty Free , exploring how compassion can be a guiding force during challenging times and offering practical ways to manifest it in everyday life. This episode explores: How compassion is often misunderstood and how we can reclaim its true meaning in secular contexts The psychological barriers that prevent people from aligning their actions with their compassionate values Practical ways to make a difference, from rewilding our gardens to support native pollinators to embracing a zero-waste mindset The importance of starting where you are rather than doing nothing because you can’t do everything How Colleen’s personal journey, including her relationship with her mother, shaped her compassionate worldview ABOUT OUR GUEST Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is a recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately, healthfully, and sustainably. She is an award-winning author of eight books — including the bestselling The Joy of Vegan Baking, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge, The Joyful Vegan, and her newest book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero-Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free. Colleen is also an acclaimed speaker, a regular contributor to National Public Radio, the host of all-inclusive luxury sustainable, vegan, animal-friendly trips around the world, and the Host/Producer of Food for Thought Podcast (one of the longest-running podcasts). She can be found at JoyfulVegan.com and on Substack at https://colleenpatrickgoudreau.substack.com . RESOURCES </h
Fri, April 04, 2025
Fur is Dead!: How Local Advocates Are Ending Fur Sales Across America with Kara Holmquist, Max Broad, and Conor Lamkin
This episode reveals the winning strategies behind successful fur ban legislation, featuring advocates who have convinced communities to ditch cruel fashion! From Massachusetts towns passing bans unanimously to a creative campaign strategies in Washington DC, our guests share how grassroots advocacy, coalition-building, and strategic planning are creating a domino effect of animal protection laws across the country. This episode explores: How Massachusetts advocates built an unstoppable fur sales ban movement that spread from town to town with overwhelming support The creative DC campaign that included a sustainable fashion show featuring alternatives to animal fur Why fur bans are the perfect “gateway” animal protection legislation that builds momentum for bigger changes How coalitions between national organizations and local advocates create the perfect recipe for legislative success The economic collapse of the fur industry and why now is the perfect time to push for these bans ABOUT OUR GUESTS Conor Lamkin is the Assistant Policy Counsel on the Public Policy team at The Humane League . Conor provides legal and policy research, legislative drafting, and strategy development for the Animal Policy Alliance , focusing on state and federal policies. Max Broad is the Founder and Executive Director of DC Voters for Animals . As a long-time climate advocate, Max saw how influential a small group of passionate citizens can be in the policy process. He has worked on successful legislation to ban ivory and rhino horn in DC, to require DC buildings to use bird-safe building materials that prevent collisions, to prohibit cat declawing, breed restriction in housing, and pet store sales of animals, and food procurement standards to support climate-forward dining in DC schools, jail, and more. With a master’s in environmental science and management from UC Santa Barbara, Max has worked at the National Wildlife Federation, as a contractor at the US Department of Energy, and AmeriCorps NCCC. Kara is the Director of A
Fri, March 28, 2025
Building Effective Legislative Campaigns with Natalie Ahwesh and Hannah Truxell
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Natalie Ahwesh of Humane Action Pennsylvania and Hannah Truxell of The Animal Policy Alliance about creating effective animal protection legislation at the local level. Learn how grassroots organizations can work with national resources to pass meaningful laws for animals, from foie gras bans to broader farmed animal protections. This episode explores: • How to build relationships with local legislators • Strategic approaches to animal protection legislation • The importance of language and messaging in animal advocacy • Building from local victories to state-level change • Working across different advocacy approaches • Resources available for grassroots organizations • Tips for starting local animal protection efforts ABOUT OUR GUESTS Natalie Ahwesh monitors and evaluates pending policy, regulatory, and legal action at the federal, state, and local levels that may impact animal protection. She works with local stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement, and community members, to ensure current laws and policies are being enforced. As Executive Director, she directs and supervises all campaigns, programs, and personnel at Humane Action Pennsylvania, while also spearheading educational initiatives. Natalie has several awards and accolades, including the 2024 City & State Above and Beyond , 2023 City & State PA Power 100 , 2019 Incline’s “Who’s Next” Animal Advocates and PUMP’s and Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees, 2017 Humane Society District Leader of the Year, and is a founding member of The Humane League’s Animal
Fri, March 21, 2025
Inside the Psychology of Animal Advocacy with PHAIR Society’s Kristof Dhont and Jared Piazza
Leading researchers from the Psychology of Human Animal Intergroup Relations (PHAIR) Society join us to explore the science behind effective animal advocacy. Social psychologists Kristof Dhont and Jared Piazza share evidence-based insights about why people resist changing their behavior toward animals despite claiming to care about them and what this means for vegan advocacy and animal rights activism. This episode explores: Understanding cognitive dissonance and the “meat paradox” – key psychological barriers to veganism Research-backed strategies for effective animal rights advocacy and behavior change How social identity, masculinity, and food familiarity impact plant-based eating Science-based approaches to reducing animal product consumption and promoting veganism ABOUT OUR GUESTS Dr Kristof Dhont is a Reader in Psychology at the University of Kent (UK). He is founder and director of SHARKLab and co-founder and President of the PHAIR Society, dedicated to the psychological study of human-animal relations. He investigates the psychological underpinnings and ideological roots of speciesism, racism, and sexism, and the moral psychology of eating and exploiting animals. He has co-edited Why We Love and Exploit Animals (Dhont & Hodson, 2020) and currently serves as Associate Editor for the journal Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations (PHAIR). Previously, he served as Associate Editor for Group Processes & Intergroup Relations (GPIR) and as Consulting Editor for the European Journal of Personality (EJP). Dr Jared Piazza is a Senior Lecturer of Psychology at Lancaster University (UK). He studies moral decision making as it relates to consumer choices, our treatment of animals, and one another. His research applies perspectives from moral, social, and developmental psychology. He is co-founder and Vice President of the Society for the Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations (PHAIR), serves as an Associate Editor of the PHAIR journal, and chief editor of the PHAIR blog. RESOURCES <ul class="indent-res
Fri, March 14, 2025
Keeping Families Together: Housing Justice for People and Their Pets with Christine Kim
Christine Kim, founder of My Dog is My Home, joins us to discuss the critical intersection of housing justice and animal companionship. This eye-opening conversation explores how homeless services, emergency shelters, and housing policies can better serve people and their companion animals, challenging systemic barriers that often force families to choose between shelter and keeping their pets. This episode explores: The difference between “pet-friendly” and truly “pet-inclusive” housing policies How co-sheltering programs successfully keep people and pets together The connection between breed restrictions and racial discrimination in housing Emergency disaster response protocols for families with companion animals Innovative solutions for accessible homeless services ABOUT OUR GUEST Christine Kim is a macro social worker with a specialized interest in building programs and policies that recognize the power of the human-animal bond. During her time working in supportive housing, Christine became acutely aware of the barriers people experiencing homelessness with animals face when attempting to access shelter and housing services. Christine’s research and work with human-animal homeless families includes a publication in the pioneering book Animals in Social Work: Why and How They Matter (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014), an exhibition for The Animal Museum called My Dog Is My Home and the founding of the non-profit organization by the same name. She served as the first director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare under Mayor Bill de Blasio, and she is the recipient of the ASPCA’s 2021 Public Service Humane Awards for her leadership at the NYC Mayor’s Office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Christine currently serves as Vice Chair of the board of directors for Animal Care Centers of NYC. RESOURCES <a hr
Fri, March 07, 2025
Creating Vegan Safe Havens: Transforming Tragedy into Healing with Frances Gonzalez
In this powerful episode, we welcome Frances Gonzalez, founder of Little Logan’s Farm , who shares her inspiring journey of creating a veganic sanctuary and educational space in New York’s Hudson Valley. After experiencing profound personal loss, Frances channeled her grief into building a community space that champions veganic farming and compassionate living. Through innovative farm-to-table events and educational programs, she’s breaking new ground in showing how sustainable, animal-free agriculture can bring people together and heal communities. This episode explores: The story behind Little Logan’s Farm in Gardiner, NY, and how it became a safe haven for both humans and animals Biocyclic vegan agriculture and its importance in creating truly cruelty-free farming systems How farm-to-table experiences can showcase plant-based cuisine without exploiting animals Frances’s work with Puerto Rico VegFest and expanding vegan education globally The intersection of sustainable farming, community building, and healing through nature ABOUT OUR GUEST Frances Gonzalez is a pioneering force in the vegan movement, serving as both the founder of Vegfest Puerto Rico and co-founder of Little Logan’s Farm, a sustainable sanctuary in New York’s Hudson Valley. At Little Logan’s Farm, she has created an innovative fusion of veganic farming practices and elegant event spaces, offering farm-to-table experiences, sustainable wedding venues, wellness retreats, and educational programming. Through her work in both Puerto Rico and New York, Frances demonstrates how plant-based living, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare can harmoniously combine in modern spaces while maintaining a deep connection to nature. RESOURCES <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF4FF7ZzsD
Fri, February 28, 2025
The Hen Report: “It’s the only thing that makes any sense” – A conversation about animals, truth, and hope
On this week’s Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann explore how we maintain focus on animal advocacy during times of broader crisis, discussing everything from the power of repetition in countering industry narratives to the latest developments in vegan food innovation. Through personal stories and current events, they examine why animal rights remains a crucial lens for understanding and addressing global challenges. Key Discussion Points: How the “illusory truth effect” impacts animal advocacy Recent developments in vegan alternatives and industry response The significance of the UK’s first vegan Michelin star restaurant Updates on the bird flu crisis and egg alternatives Personal experiences navigating vegan advocacy in daily life The enduring importance of animal rights in times of crisis @media (min-width: 768px) { .content-wrapper { display: flex; gap: 20px; align-items: flex-start; } .image-container { width: 360px; flex: 0 0 360px; } .resources-container { flex: 1; min-width: 0; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { .content-wrapper { display: block; } } RESOURCES Mariann’s article in The Cornell Law Review: Desperate Times and Desperate Measures Animal Law Podcast 117: The Case of the Frankenchicken The effects of repetition frequency on the illusory truth effect Vegan Restaurant Wins Michelin Star In UK First Is Fake Meat Better for You Than Real Meat? <a href="https://www.today.com/food/drinks
Fri, February 21, 2025
Systems Thinking & Factory Farming: A Strategic Approach with Dr. Rachel Mason
Scientist Dr. Rachel Mason joins us to break down her groundbreaking research on dismantling industrial animal agriculture through systems thinking. From her work with Animal Charity Evaluators to her current research using AI to track factory farms globally, Dr. Mason reveals how different forms of activism can work together for maximum impact in challenging factory farming. This episode explores: How the mechanisms supporting factory farming extend beyond the farms themselves Why coordinated activism across different approaches creates more effective change The role of emerging technologies in tracking and challenging industrial agriculture How local initiatives like Denmark’s plant-based food plan demonstrate systems thinking in action Ways activists can contribute to systemic change from their individual positions ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Rachel Mason is a multidisciplinary scientist whose research bridges agriculture, data science, and sustainable food systems. After earning her PhD in Astronomy and working at leading observatories worldwide, she redirected her focus to address urgent environmental challenges on Earth. Through her MS in Plant & Soil Science, she specialized in sustainable agriculture and food system transformation. Dr. Mason’s groundbreaking research examines the environmental impact of animal agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and food system sustainability through innovative approaches including machine learning and remote sensing. As an independent researcher, she tackles complex intersectional issues in food justice, agricultural systems, and animal welfare, applying her unique scientific perspective to advance more ethical and sustainable food production methods. RESOURCES <a href="https://sentientmedia.org/factory-farm-pollution-space/?utm_content=bufferbc0f7&utm_mediu
Fri, February 14, 2025
The Power of Play: Using Improv to Strengthen Animal Advocacy with Zoe Novic and Austin Meyer
In this engaging episode, documentary filmmaker Austin Meyer and sanctuary director Zoe Novic share how improvisation techniques can revolutionize animal advocacy. From their work leading “Advocacy Playground” workshops at the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit to Austin’s compelling animal-focused documentaries, the couple demonstrates how creativity and playfulness can strengthen activism while building essential skills like listening and adaptability. Their unique approach combines professional expertise with a deep commitment to animal protection, offering fresh perspectives on advocacy techniques. This episode explores: How improv principles like “Yes, and” can enhance activist communication and campaign planning The importance of incorporating play and creativity into serious advocacy work Strategies for telling compelling animal stories through documentary filmmaking Ways to build connection and trust within animal advocacy organizations The value of bringing National Geographic-style storytelling to farm animal narratives ABOUT OUR GUESTS Zoe is the Executive Director of the Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE). By day, she combines her passion for animal advocacy, public health, and education at the CAPE animal sanctuary. By night, Zoe can be found playing music, performing in live theater, or leading improv-based leadership workshops with her partner, Austin. Austin is a documentary filmmaker, National Geographic Explorer, and theatrical improviser. By day, he takes the chaos around him and tries to arrange it into meaningful stories, both with his camera and on stage. By night, Austin can be found running in the mountains, playing mandolin, and wondering how he got so lucky to call Zoe his partner in crime and in life. RESOURCES Water Bear documentary <a href
Fri, February 07, 2025
Rethinking Rat Control: Wildlife Conservation and Compassionate Solutions with Dr. Bec Gooley
In this eye-opening episode, conservation scientist Dr. Bec Gooley challenges our perceptions of one of the most maligned animals – rats. From debunking disease myths to exposing the devastating environmental impact of rodenticides, Dr. Gooley shares groundbreaking research about how rat poisons are affecting entire ecosystems. As both a scientist and policy advocate, she discusses California’s landmark legislation restricting anticoagulant rodenticides and explores compassionate alternatives for human-wildlife coexistence. This episode explores: • The truth about rats’ intelligence, social behavior, and role in ecosystems • How rodenticides impact wildlife, with over 90% of mountain lions testing positive for rat poison • California’s groundbreaking legislation restricting anticoagulant rodenticides • Science-based, humane alternatives to lethal rat control • The One Health approach to human-wildlife conflict resolution ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Bec Gooley is a conservation scientist specializing in wildlife disease ecology and environmental toxicology, with groundbreaking work on rodenticide impacts on ecosystems. After completing her Ph.D. at the University of Sydney and postdoctoral research at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, she now serves as a David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellow at UC Davis. Her research on rat poison’s devastating effects on wildlife led to landmark legislation prohibiting anticoagulant rodenticides in California. Combining scientific expertise with advocacy, she champions compassionate coexistence strategies and develops innovative solutions for human-wildlife conflict, particularly focusing on ethical approaches to rodent populations. Contact her at rebecca.m.gooley@gmail.com RESOURCES <li style="list-style-type: n
Fri, January 31, 2025
The Truth About Regenerative Grazing with Jennifer Molidor and Ashley Capps
In this essential episode for animal advocates, environmental experts Jennifer Molidor ( Center for Biological Diversity ) and Ashley Capps ( A Well Fed World ) expose how the meat industry uses “regenerative grazing” claims to greenwash factory farming. From debunking myths about grass-fed beef to revealing the devastating impact of cattle grazing on wildlife and climate change, this conversation equips our flock with science-backed responses to common pro-meat environmental claims. This episode explores: • The scientific evidence debunking regenerative grazing as a climate solution • Why grass-fed beef requires more land and produces more methane than factory farming • How the meat industry co-opts environmental terminology to mislead consumers • The connection between cattle grazing and global deforestation • Plant-based solutions for genuine environmental sustainability ABOUT OUR GUESTS Dr. Jennifer Molidor is Senior Food Campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity, where she leads the “Take Extinction Off Your Plate” campaign and drives Population and Sustainability program initiatives addressing industrial agriculture’s impact on wildlife conservation and climate change. With expertise in sustainable food systems and environmental policy, she previously served at the Animal Legal Defense Fund and as an assistant professor at Kansas State University. Dr. Molidor, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, focuses on the intersection of food choices, farming practices, biodiversity protection, and environmental sustainability. Ashley Capps is a writer, researcher, and poet who combines her creative background with animal rights advocacy at A Well-Fed World, where she focuses on food justice and climate solutions. As founder of the Mothers Against Dairy campaign and a frequent contributor to Free from Harm, she brings a unique perspective to environmental and animal rights activism. An NEA fellowship recipient and published poet, Ashley le
Fri, January 24, 2025
Plant-Based Medicine and Healthcare Reform with Dr. Zach Burns
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with family physician Dr. Zach Burns about transforming healthcare through plant-based nutrition. From examining the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on medical education to exploring practical solutions for chronic disease prevention, discover how integrating lifestyle medicine could revolutionize our approach to health. Through candid discussion about medical training, patient care, and systemic change, Dr. Burns shares insights about creating a more compassionate and effective healthcare system. Key Discussion Points: • The pharmaceutical industry’s impact on healthcare • Integrating plant-based nutrition into medical education • Making lifestyle medicine accessible to all patients • Balancing ethics and medicine in clinical practice • The future of preventive healthcare • Breaking down barriers to healthy eating ABOUT OUR GUEST A plant-based nutrition advocate, Zach Burns, DO, MPH practices medicine to improve the lives of human and non-human beings. He is an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Rochester as well as associate director for Moving Medicine Forward, a non-profit led by the pioneering plantrician Michael Klaper to cultivate a new generation of health professionals who have the nutritional literacy to tackle chronic disease. His writing and blog can be found at www.herbivores.life. Dr Zach Burns’s website Moving Medicine Forward website RESOURCES Jan Dutkiewicz on Bluesky Meatpacking Companies to Pay $8 Million for U.S. Child
Fri, January 17, 2025
Insect Sentience with Bob Fischer
Philosopher and researcher Bob Fischer joins us to explore the fascinating and complex world of insect consciousness. From fruit flies being used as depression models to bees playing with marbles, discover how new science is challenging everything we thought we knew about sentience. Through candid discussion about the scale of insect farming, the evidence for insect consciousness, and the practical implications for animal advocates, Bob helps us navigate these challenging ethical waters with both wisdom and humility. Key Discussion Points: • Current scientific evidence for insect sentience • The scale and scope of insect farming • Practical implications for animal advocates • Balancing different forms of animal advocacy • The future of insect welfare science • Navigating moral uncertainty ABOUT OUR GUEST Bob Fischer is a senior researcher at Rethink Priorities and associate professor of philosophy at Texas State University, where he specializes in animal ethics and applied ethics. As director of the Society for the Study of Ethics and Animals, he has published extensively on animal rights, ethics, and epistemology. His current research focuses on insect sentience and the moral implications of emerging science about animal consciousness. Bob Fischer’s website RESOURCES The art of normalizing (and boycotting) violence As Bird Flu Concerns Increase, Don’t Forget About Normalcy Bias Antibiotic emergency ‘could claim 40 million l
Fri, January 10, 2025
Building an Animal Rights Community Center: Sue Spahr and Wishbone Lab
Step inside Toronto’s Wishbone Animal Rights Lab, an innovative 1,270-square-foot activist hub providing everything from recording equipment to fake blood (yes, really) for animal advocates. This groundbreaking community space serves as a prototype for activist centers worldwide, combining practical resources with a strict “no drama” policy and the occasional karaoke night to create sustainable, accessible advocacy. Key Discussion Points: • Creating and managing sustainable spaces for animal rights activism • Building bridges between activist communities and the general public • Developing replicable models for community organizing • Using arts and entertainment to advance animal advocacy ABOUT OUR GUEST Sue Spahr is the co-founder and Lab Director of Wishbone Animal Rights Lab, an innovative community space in downtown Toronto dedicated to developing strategies for animal liberation. With over four decades of animal advocacy experience, Spahr brings her ‘Mad Scientist’ approach to reimagining activism and challenging systemic animal exploitation. Alongside co-founders Sharon Spahr and Alec Bosse, she creates collaborative spaces for activists to think critically, share ideas, and develop effective approaches to animal advocacy. Having advocated for all species – from insects to farm animals – since 1980, Spahr brings determination and strategic thinking to the movement for animal liberation. RESOURCES Mexico’s President Supports Constitutional Reforms Against Animal Cruelty <a href="https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2025/01/02/jasen-urena-vice-president-of-nestfresh-talks-
Fri, January 03, 2025
“Meet the Neighbors”: Exploring Animal Intelligence with Brandon Keim
Science journalist and author Brandon Keim joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book “Meet the Neighbors,” exploring how recognizing animals as thinking, feeling beings transforms our relationship with nature. From urban wildlife to conservation ethics, Keim bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding of animal intelligence, while offering hope for meaningful change in how we interact with the creatures around us. Key Discussion Points: • How scientific understanding of animal intelligence has evolved • The intersection of journalism, activism, and animal advocacy • Indigenous perspectives on wildlife and conservation • Creating change at both systemic and personal levels • Finding hope for animals in uncertain times ABOUT OUR GUEST Brandon Keim, contributing editor at Nautilus and acclaimed science journalist, explores animal consciousness and human-wildlife relationships in his work. His latest book, ‘Meet the Neighbors,’ investigates animal personhood and cognitive abilities, examining how recognizing animals as thinking, feeling beings transforms our relationship with nature. His groundbreaking reporting on animal intelligence, wildlife conservation, and environmental science appears in The New York Times, National Geographic, and The Atlantic. Based in Maine, Keim bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding of animal sentience. RESOURCES 20 big cats die from bird flu at Washington wildlife sanctuary <a href="https://www.poker.pro/poker-news/wsop/liv-boeree-
Fri, December 27, 2024
The Hen Report: “Look back, but don’t stare” – A New Year’s Conversation
In this special year-end episode, Jasmin and Mariann reflect on Our Hen House’s journey through 2024 while looking ahead to 2025. From discussing standout interviews and emerging food technology to examining media coverage of animal issues, our hosts provide their unique perspectives on the state of animal advocacy. Their candid conversation balances hope with realism, offering insights into how activists maintain resilience while working toward progress. Key Discussion Points: • Memorable guest interviews from 2024, including sanctuary founders and whistleblowers • Analysis of cultivated meat developments and state restrictions • Media coverage of animal agriculture and food innovation • The growing impact of local animal advocacy initiatives • Reflections on maintaining activist energy and hope To Our Amazing Listeners: As we wrap up another year of changing the world for animals, thank you for being part of these crucial conversations. Your engagement and support help keep these important discussions going. RESOURCES Steve Wise remembrance The Goat Conspiracy episode 772 Lancaster Farm Sanctuary on episode 767 Tom Harris on episode 769 Tom Conger on episode 730 Patch Plays on episode 744 Animal Policy Alliance episode 748 Jim Mason on episode 747 Animal Law Podcast episode 115 Cultivated Meat Is
Fri, December 20, 2024
Exposing Animal Research: From Lab Worker to Activist with Maddie Krasno
Whistleblower and animal rights advocate Maddie Krasno exposes the dark reality of animal experimentation in university research facilities. After caring for 500+ primates at UW-Madison’s testing laboratories, Krasno reveals how the industry systematically silences workers while continuing questionable experiments with taxpayer funding. Now, as co-founder of Justify , she’s building a groundbreaking support network for former lab workers while advocating for ethical, non-animal research methods. • Inside look at primate research facilities and animal testing laboratories • How NIH-funded animal experiments waste taxpayer dollars while suppressing criticism • Why the “Three Rs” (Reduce, Refine, Replace) fail to protect research animals • Landmark legal victories challenging research facility censorship • Building Justify: supporting whistleblowers and advancing animal-free science ABOUT OUR GUEST Madeline Krasno, Executive Director of Justify and former primate lab worker, advocates for transparency and ethical scientific practices without animal experimentation. Her groundbreaking free speech lawsuits against the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the National Institutes of Health, featured in The Washington Post, expose the reality of animal research while supporting laboratory whistleblowers. Through Justify, she creates safe spaces for current and former lab workers to share their stories and advance animal-free science. Madeline holds a master’s in Humane Education from Valparaiso University and degrees in Zoology and Child Development from UW-Madison. RESOURCES For Wild Anima
Fri, December 13, 2024
Factory Farming’s Hidden Link: Investigating Livestock Auctions with Pete Paxton and Cailen LaBarge
Undercover investigator Pete Paxton and attorney Cailen LaBarge from Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development (SEED) discuss their groundbreaking investigation of livestock auctions across America. After infiltrating 17 auctions in 10 states, they reveal how these largely overlooked facilities serve as crucial links in industrial animal agriculture while fostering systematic abuse. The conversation explores how cultural dynamics perpetuate cruelty, SEED’s innovative environmental litigation strategy against factory farms, and the importance of understanding rural communities in creating lasting change. This episode explores: • How livestock auctions serve as a crucial but overlooked link in industrial animal agriculture • The cultural dynamics that perpetuate animal cruelty in rural communities • SEED’s innovative approach to environmental litigation against factory farms • The intersection of worker exploitation and animal abuse • Strategies for building alliances with rural communities to create lasting change ABOUT OUR GUESTS Pete Paxton, Director of Investigations at SEED, has conducted groundbreaking undercover investigations exposing animal cruelty across multiple countries since 2001. His work, featured in HBO documentaries “Dealing Dogs” and “Death on a Factory Farm,” has unveiled abuse in puppy mills, factory farms, slaughterhouses, and beyond. A recipient of the US Attorney’s Office Coin of Excellence and co-author of “Rescue Dogs,” Paxton’s investigations have not only exposed animal cruelty but also highlighted the exploitation of undocumented workers in industrial agriculture. Cailen LaBarge is an attorney, animal activist, and founder of Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development (SEED), where she works at the intersection of animal protection, environmental justice, and human rights. A member of Sentient’s Board of Directors and admitted to practice law in New York and Massachusetts, LaBarge focuses on challenging industrial animal agriculture’s impact on animals, people, and the planet through legal advocacy and strategic development. <h2 class="interview-transcript-h2" style="text-align: c
Fri, December 06, 2024
Age Like a Yogi with Victoria Moran: Veganism, Spirituality, and Animal Rights
Vegan pioneer Victoria Moran discusses her new book “Age Like a Yogi” and explores how yoga’s principle of non-violence (ahimsa) connects with animal advocacy. Drawing from 40 years of activism, Victoria shares how spiritual practices can sustain long-term advocacy while preventing burnout. Key topics include: Why yoga philosophy naturally leads to veganism Using meditation to process activist trauma Connecting animal rights with spiritual wisdom Sustaining advocacy throughout different life stages Maintaining energy through Ayurvedic practices Victoria also updates us on Main Street Vegan Academy’s advocate training program and her groundbreaking vegan podcast. Pre-order “Age Like a Yogi” (releasing January 2025) for exclusive access to Victoria’s activism webinar and plant-based cookbook at victoriamoran.com. ABOUT OUR GUEST Victoria Moran, featured twice on Oprah and named among VegNews Magazine’s “Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors,” has authored fourteen groundbreaking books including “Creating a Charmed Life,” “Main Street Vegan,” and her latest, “Age Like a Yogi.” A pioneering voice in veganism since authoring the first traditionally published book on vegan philosophy in 1985, she founded Main Street Vegan Academy and hosts the Main Street Vegan Podcast. Recently inducted into the Vegan Hall of Fame (2023), Victoria is currently co-writing “Miss Liberty,” a feature film about a cow’s escape from a slaughterhouse, and lives in New York City with Thunder, her rescued visually impaired pigeon companion. RESOURCES A Bird Flu Pandemic Would Be One of the Most Foresee
Thu, November 28, 2024
Animal Rights in Europe with Benny Andersson
Join Our Hen House for an illuminating conversation with Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882 (aka Djurens Rätt), Sweden’s largest animal rights organization. Learn how this groundbreaking organization combines grassroots vegan activism with corporate outreach and legislative advocacy to create meaningful change for animals across Europe. ABOUT OUR GUEST Benny Andersson is the CEO of Project 1882, an animal rights organization based in Sweden. He became involved in the animal rights movement in the late 1990s and joined Project 1882 as a volunteer in 1997. After more than a decade of working with campaigns, vegan outreach, digital communication, and fundraising, he became the CEO of Project 1882 in 2010. Before joining Project 1882, Benny worked within the banking sector and moved to Gothenburg, Sweden, the melodic death metal capital of the world, to study history. That’s where he and a dedicated team began to reform an old and somewhat dysfunctional organization to align with the new millennium. Project 1882 has since 2013 doubled its number of donors and staff. He’s also currently on the boards of Eurogroup for Animals and World Federation for Animals. Fun or not, but a fact; he daily macrodoses coffee and energy drinks and eats vegan tacos every Friday. RESOURCES Bird flu detected in raw milk sold in California as fears rise of virus spreading The truth about raw milk and why experts are ‘absolutely horrified’ by the trend Help us win $5000 by donating on Giving Tuesday! Mariann on Bluesky Jasmin on Bluesky Our Hen House on Bluesky Project 1882 website Project 1882 on Instagram <a href="https://www.fac
Tue, November 26, 2024
Thanksgiving Special - Sanctuary: A Radio Play
We are thrilled to present this very special holiday episode of Sanctuary: A Radio Play , an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This special performance marks the world premiere of John Yunker ’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation ’s Compassion Arts Festival . ABOUT THE PLAY A dark comedy by John Yunker , Sanctuary tells the story of Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), a happily married couple whose blissful retirement to small-town Oregon is thrown into disarray when Lisa suddenly decides to go vegan and insists on celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey AND alongside her new friend and animal activist, Meg (Jasmin Singer). Husband Richard invites his unsuspecting buddy Charley (Michael Harren), who also happens to be the local exterminator, in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Sanctuary tells the story behind the struggles and joys of navigating vegan ethics around loved ones who don’t quite understand. (Sound effects are by Emmy winner Eric Milano.) TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/donate-button2-2-300x111.p
Fri, November 22, 2024
Combatting Misinformation w/ Robbie Lockie
Misinformation, disinformation, fake news, outright lies. When it comes to the horrific harms caused by factory farms, the truth can be hard to come by. This week, we are joined by Robbie Lockie to discuss The Freedom Food Alliance, which is helping both consumers and policymakers get the real story. ABOUT OUR GUEST Robbie Lockie is the founder and CEO of The Freedom Food Alliance, which spearheads initiatives to combat misinformation in the food system. Through the Alliance’s flagship platform, foodfacts.org , the volunteer-led team empowers consumers with fact-checked insights on nutrition, environmental sustainability, and ethics, countering deceptive narratives in both social and mainstream media. Robbie is also the co-founder of Plant Based News, one of the most influential platforms for plant-based and sustainable living, with a community of nearly 4 million followers across social platforms and a monthly reach of 85 million people, and has also been one of the hosts of the Plant Based News Podcast. RESOURCES Freedom Food Alliance website Freedom Food Alliance on Instagram FoodFacts.org on Instagram Freedom Food Alliance on Facebook Freedom Food Alliance on LinkedIn Humans From the Future on Spotify INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/don
Fri, November 15, 2024
Hungry, Beautiful Animals w/ Matthew Halteman
Is the key to reaching more people with a vegan message to stop talking about the horrors that we want to end and start talking more about what we want to create? That’s what Matthew Halteman is aiming for with his new book Hungry, Beautiful Animals, and he joins us this week to discuss details of the book and his theory of change. ABOUT OUR GUEST Matthew C. Halteman is professor of philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and fellow in the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, UK. He is the author of the just-released Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, as well as Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation, and the co-editor of Philosophy Comes to Dinner: Arguments About the Ethics of Eating. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hungry, Beautiful Animals website Matthew C Halteman on Facebook Matthew Halteman on LinkedIn Hungry, Beautiful Animals on Hachette Books RESOURCES Trump’s Con Squirrels, whales, bears: why is the road to the White House strewn with dead animals? Starbucks won’t charge extra for plant-based milk. Other companies should follow. California County to Pay $300,000 Over Butchering of Girl’s Goat 43 lab monkeys esca
Fri, November 08, 2024
Lady Freethinker Combats Cruelty w/ Nina Jackel
From unmasking fake “rescues” on social media to getting stories placed in major media outlets, the work of Lady Freethinker tells people all over the world about some of the worst things that are happening to animals and, crucially, what they can do about it. This week, we are joined by Nina Jackel to hear about her work publicizing and fighting to shut down cruelty to animals. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nina Jackel is a global activist and journalist effecting change for animals through her nonprofit media organization, Lady Freethinker, which has published thousands of news articles and petitions against animal cruelty. Nina’s work has been covered in major media outlets, including The New York Times , People , Newsweek, National Geographic , The Guardian , Salon , The Daily Mail , and many others. She believes that humans can evolve for the better through reason and compassion and feels that animal protection is among the most important social justice issues of our time. RESOURCES Why are people still moving to high-risk climate areas? Rescued cows inspire S. Korean village’s vegan move to draw younger residents Landmark Victory In Romania After Fur Farming Ban Is Approved By Parliament Lady Freethinker website Lady Freethinker on Instagram Lady Freethinker on Facebook Lady Freethinker on X (formerly Twitter) <h2 c
Fri, November 01, 2024
The Hen Report: "Don't ask me that. You're not going to like the answer."
Join us this week as Jasmin and Mariann discuss the latest news from the world of animal rights. Plus, we share Jasmin’s keynote address to the Rochester UN as a special treat. RESOURCES Vegan Posse podcast on Youtube Animal Law Podcast #113 Tracking the U.S. bird flu outbreak has been hard. It’s about to get harder Exclusive: State and industry input led US farm agency to relax bird flu testing order for cows Fish farming was supposed to be sustainable. But there’s a giant catch. Why celebrities like Lizzo are ditching the vegan diet Do Not Pin Your Hopes for Guilt-Free Hamburgers on Seaweed Can an elephant sue to leave a zoo? Colorado’s top court must now decide Fluffy Feeling Ill? N.Y.C. Workers May Get Sick Leave to Care for Pets. Current and former CPW commissioners endorse Prop 127 THE FBI’S WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION PROGRAM HAS A NEW TARGET: ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to rea
Fri, October 25, 2024
The Goat Conspiracy w/ Nicole Schonemann
Turning a goat dairy farm into a goat sanctuary isn’t something that happens every day. But that’s exactly what just happened in Bloomington, Indiana, and Nicole Schonemann is here to share the whole beautiful story. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nicole Schonemann is one of the four original founders of the Goat Conspiracy , a former goat dairy farm in Bloomington, Indiana, that is now a goat sanctuary. She began this journey with a very naive understanding of dairy, and, as a result, she learned that dairy, even when done as well as possible, leaves sustainability and animal welfare gaps that are impossible to close. She and her partner thus began their own journey towards veganism, away from dairy farming, and helped to start the Goat Conspiracy Sanctuary. In the fall of 2023, they started Planted Bloomington (a plant-based food truck and catering biz) and are now immersed in their current project of converting the former creamery into a vegan commercial kitchen. RESOURCES ‘The Sting’ Oscar Winner David S. Ward to Direct Biopic on Plant-Based Nutrition Pioneer Dr. T. Colin Campbell (EXCLUSIVE) Inside the Bungled Bird Flu Response, Where Profits Collide With Public Health Watermelon Seed Milk Is The Latest Dairy-Free Innovation SECRET RECORDINGS SHOW UGLY CONDITIONS AHEAD OF DENVER’S SLAUGHTERHOUSE BAN REFERENDUM The Goat Conspiracy website The Goat Conspiracy on Instagram The Goat Conspiracy on Facebook Planted Bloomington website Planted Bloomington on Instagram <a href="
Fri, October 18, 2024
Planted Society w/ Britty Mann
More vegan options for everybody? Yes, please!!! Britty Mann of Planted Society joins us to tell us about their Plant Based for the Planet Initiative, which encourages local restaurants to put delicious plant-based options on the menu. ABOUT OUR GUEST Britty Mann is the Founder & Executive Director of Planted Society, a nonprofit whose mission is making plant-based eating more accessible to ensure a better future for the planet and all living beings. Planted Society manages the Plant Based for the Planet initiative, which works closely with climate offices, small businesses, and local governments to help cities reduce their environmental impact. Britty believes that we all have the capacity to help improve the food system, starting with fostering change in our own small networks and local communities, and affirming our instinctive connection with animals. RESOURCES Therisina on X (formerly Twitter) Dr Crystal Heath on X (formerly Twitter) Online course: The science behind alternative proteins ‘Shocking’: Bird-Flu Infected Cattle Dumped at California Roadside Physicians Committee Survey Finds Most Americans Favor Ending Animal Research Tim Spector, Chris Packham, And Health Experts Urge NHS To Go Plant-Based Italian Meat Giant Gruppo Tonazzo Stops Selling Meat Planted Society website <a href="http://instagram.co
Fri, October 11, 2024
Veganic Gardening & Farming w/ Meg Kelly
Interested in keeping chicken poop out of your garden? If we want to overhaul the food system, we are going to have to start from the ground up, literally. This week, Meg Kelly of the Veganic Summit joins us to share her tips and tricks for converting your garden, or your farm, to a veganic wonderland. ABOUT OUR GUEST An avid gardener, Meg Kelly has been growing food veganically for 15 years in backyards, on balconies, and in the countryside and is an outspoken advocate for veganic growing. In 2008, she co-founded the Veganic Agriculture Network to promote organic food production that uses fully plant-based fertilizers without any animal byproducts. She also teaches the Learn Veganic online gardening course to empower people to grow their own fruits and vegetables at home using sustainable vegan techniques. Meg is organizing the upcoming Veganic Summit , a free 3-day online event about veganic gardening and farming happening from November 8th-10th, 2024. RESOURCES Animal Rights Are Women’s Rights: Why British Suffragettes Went Vegetarian First Human Cases of Bird Flu in California Confirmed <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/10/08/plant-based-burgers-vs-real-meat/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzI4MzYwMDAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzI5NzQyMzk5LCJpYXQiOjE3MjgzNjAwMDAsImp0aSI6IjVkN2VhZTAwLWM4NTUtNGI1Zi1hOTAzLWE4NDNlMjZjN2RiOSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS93ZWxsbmVzcy8yMDI0LzEwLzA4L3BsYW50LWJhc2VkLWJ1cmdlc
Fri, October 04, 2024
“Your Neighbour Kills Puppies,” w/ Tom Harris
We are joined this week by Tom Harris to discuss his new book, Your Neighbour Kills Puppies : Inside the Animal Liberation Movement , which tells the story of the legendary SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) campaign, which not only forever changed how the animal rights movement was viewed by the powers that be but also ended up with Tom, along with many others on both sides of the Atlantic, serving years in prison. ABOUT OUR GUEST Described as ‘a firebrand’ by the Daily Mail and ‘highly successful’ by Hampshire Police, Tom Harris (author of Your Neighbour Kills Puppies ) has twenty years of experience in the animal liberation movement. He has launched and coordinated numerous pressure campaigns, successfully closing puppy farms, shuttering chicken units, and ending military diving experiments on goats. He was a prominent organizer of the infamous SHAC campaign, for which he was set up by the state and spent several years in prison. RESOURCES VICTORY! Rat Birth Control Trial Passes Unanimously in New York City Council BioCraft’s cultivated mouse meat reaches price parity with premium pet food Our Taste for Flesh Has Exhausted the Earth Is Meat Eating a Religion? What is the role of motivated ignorance in what we believe? Microplastics in the human body: the hidden threat SHAC Justice website <a hr
Fri, September 27, 2024
Puppy Mills Go Underground w/ Alene Tchekmedyian and Melody Gutierrez
California’s ban on the sale of puppies in pet stores solved the puppy mill issue for the state, right? Not so fast! LA Times’ investigative reporters Melody Gutierrez and Alene Tchekmedyian join us this week to discuss all they uncovered in their deep dive into the dark underbelly of the puppy trade in California. Also, Midge Raymond and John Yunker of Eco-Lit books tell us about their latest mystery-thriller, Devil’s Island. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Melody Gutierrez and Alene Tchekmedyian are investigative reporters at the Los Angeles Times. They recently co-authored an investigation into California’s brutal underground market for puppies. Inside California’s brutal underground market for puppies: Neglected dogs, deceived owners, big profits Did your dog come from the puppy pipeline? California’s underground puppy trade ‘raises serious alarms’ and demands for state action RESOURCES Our Taste for Flesh Has Exhausted the Earth Pro-Animal Awards website EcoLit Books website Midge Raymond & John Yunker’s website Devil’s Island on bookshop.org photo © 2024 Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/ep7
Fri, September 20, 2024
Sanctuary for Everybody w/ Sarah Salluzo & Jonina Turzi
Sanctuaries play a vital role in connecting people to the victims of animal agriculture. This week, we are joined by Sarah Salluzo & Jonina Turzi, co-founders of Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, to discuss the sanctuary, its residents, and the challenges that come along with running a refuge. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Sarah Salluzzo co-founded Lancaster Farm Sanctuary (LFS) in 2017. She holds an MSW and MA in media studies and previously worked in substance abuse rehabilitation. She now works full-time at LFS as the Executive Director and is the board president. Jonina co-founded Lancaster Farm Sanctuary in 2017 to advance the well-being of humans and animals. She previously founded a yoga studio and led yoga classes and teacher trainings. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and owns a private PT practice in Lancaster City. RESOURCES Macrophysiological System’s post on X (formerly Twitter) Confessions of a Former Carnivore Lancaster Farm Sanctuary website Lancaster Farm Sanctuary on Patreon Lancaster Farm Sanctuary on Instagram Lancaster Farm Sanctuary on Facebook Scarlet Spark website Scarlet Spark’s Skill Sparks landing page Scarlet Spark’s free leadership skills workshops Scarlet Spark’s leadership tools INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ______________________________________
Fri, September 13, 2024
No New (or Old) Slaughterhouses w/ Shannon Blair & Malaina Watts
Without slaughterhouses, animal agriculture is over. So let’s do it! This week, we are joined by Shannon Blair and Malaina Watts, who both worked tirelessly to block the creation of two new slaughterhouses in Florida and helped put an end to an illegal slaughter operation as well. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Shannon Blair’s journey toward animal liberation began at age nine after she saw footage of animals suffering for food and became an activist on the spot. After years as a vegetarian, she went vegan on the same day as her son, VeganEvan, and since 2017, Shannon and her family have been on a mission to advocate, educate, and activate, traveling across the country to support animal rights. She is a Certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach & Educator, President of Solutionary Species, co-founder of Animal Activism Mentorship, a co-organizer for Plant Based Treaty Florida, and the Plant Based Community Coordinator for Solid Rock Community School. Malaina Watts has been dedicated to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world since 2016. A committed vegan, Malaina has also journeyed across the country, immersing herself in activism that bridges the gap between grassroots movements and large-scale institutional change, including pressure campaigns, protests, food giveaways, council meetings, workshops, livestreams, marches, vigils, disruptions, educational events, and more. As a Mentor with Animal Activism Mentorship, Malaina has nurtured the next generation of activists, and she is also the U.S. Liaison and Campaigner with the Plant Based Treaty, advocating for policies prioritizing sustainability, animal rights, and environmental stewardship. RESOURCES Ellie CG on X (formerly Twitter) Effects of increasing the availability of vegetarian options on main meal choices, meal offer satisfaction and liking: a pre-post analysis in a French university cafeteria No Evidence Haitian Immigrants Are Eating Ducks, Geese or Pets in Springfield, Ohio Plant Based Treaty Florida on Faceb
Fri, September 06, 2024
Voting for the Animals w/ Aidan Kankyoku
Don’t you wish you could vote on whether you want a slaughterhouse in your city? Well, this year, in Denver, you can. Aidan Kankyoku of Pro-Animal Future joins us this week to tell us about the ever-growing movement to use citizens’ initiatives to put animals on the ballot. ABOUT OUR GUEST Aidan Kankyoku is a researcher focused on developing new strategies for the social movement wing of the farmed animal advocacy space. He co-founded Pax Fauna for that purpose in 2021, which led in 2023 to the launch of Pro-Animal Future, marrying the mass grassroots energy of the animal rights movement with a sober political strategy. Since getting started as a community organizer with Direct Action Everywhere in Colorado in 2015, Aidan has been immersed in studying the craft of disruptive mass movements. Besides spending years organizing in the animal freedom movement, Aidan has gained a broad perspective on mass movement building through hands-on experience at the Standing Rock #NoDAPL protests in South Dakota, Extinction Rebellion in London, and elsewhere. He has spent years seeking out new tools and methods for organizing, from better digital communication platforms to organizational governance systems like Holacracy, in order to lay the groundwork for Pax Fauna and a new mass movement for animal freedom. RESOURCES How climate change is disrupting wildlife and displacing animal sanctuaries Namibia plans to kill more than 700 animals including elephants and hippos — and distribute the meat Pro-Animal Future website Pax Fauna website Pro-Animal Future on X (formerly Twitter) Pro-Animal Future on Instagram Pro-Animal Future on Facebook Scarlet Spark website <a href="http
Fri, August 30, 2024
The Hen Report: “Veganism is Where My Money Goes”
We are back this week with another Hen Report to bring you up to date on what’s happening in the world of animal rights, as well as what’s going on in the lives of our own two hens. RESOURCES Animal Law Podcast Ep 111 A Whole New Chrissy: Love, laughs and fresh starts on Bondi Beach London Zoo removes Banksy work for ‘safekeeping’ The livestock lobby is waging war on ‘lab-grown meat’. This is why we can’t let them win Our Hen House ep 669: After Meat w/ Karthik Sekar Opinion | U.S. can learn from indigenous tribes in setting nutrition policy FBI Records Reveal Ironic Accusations Against Animal Activists: A recent investigation finds the FBI considering ‘weapons of mass destruction statutes’ against activists. INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today . Subscribe to our show on <a href="https://itu
Fri, August 23, 2024
Keeping Wild Animals Wild w/ Liz Tyson
We all love lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), but is seeing them in captivity really the way people should get to know them? Liz Tyson of Born Free USA joins us to discuss the organization’s goal of #KeepingWildlifeInTheWild, the legislative and policy work they are pursuing, and all about the monkeys of Texas!! ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Liz Tyson is Born Free USA’s Director of Animal Welfare and Advocacy. She helped to establish the very first locally run sterilization program for street dogs in the Middle East; worked with indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon to end the hunting of wild primates; ran a U.K. charity campaigning to end the exploitation of animals in circuses and zoos; and helped design a new rehabilitation complex for rescued monkeys at Ensessa Kotteh, Born Free’s sanctuary in Ethiopia. In 2018, she earned her doctorate in animal welfare law, and in 2023, she completed a master’s in Social Justice and Community Organizing. Now, she heads up Born Free USA’s Primate Sanctuary and leads the organization’s advocacy work. RESOURCES AVMA Passes Resolution Deeming Depopulation ‘Ethical,’ Only One Delegate Abstains Pioneering Cattle Methane Vaccine Project Launched with $9.4M Grant from Bezos Earth Fund North American Veganic Certification Standard Grants and Opportunities Slaughter-free meat hits the grocery shelf California’s Factory Farms Are Perilously Close to Your Produce, New Report Finds Born Free USA website Born Free USA on X (formerly Twitter) Born Free USA on Facebook Born Free USA on Instagram <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bornfreeusaorg
Fri, August 16, 2024
Animal Lives and Deaths w/ Sarah Bowen
Why do many people see some animals’ deaths as devastating while most animal deaths are considered irrelevant and meaningless? This week, animal chaplain Sarah Bowen joins us to discuss her book, Sacred Sendoffs, and religion and spirituality as they relate to humanity’s treatment of animals. ABOUT OUR GUEST Sarah A. Bowen is co-founder of Compassion Consortium and the executive director of the Consortium’s Animal Chaplaincy Training program, where she teaches evidence-based techniques that support people struggling with animal care or animal protection challenges such as grief, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout. In addition to writing and speaking widely, she is also a columnist on animal/human relationships for Spirituality & Health magazine and the award-winning author of Sacred Sendoffs: An Animal Chaplain’s Advice for Surviving Animal Loss, Making Life Meaningful, & Trying to Heal the Planet. RESOURCES Rochester’s animal shelter is at a pivotal moment as new challenges face homeless pets How Factory Farming Ends Sarah Bowen’s website Sarah Bowen on Facebook Sarah Bowen on Instagram Sacred Sendoffs book Sarah Bowen’s articles on Spirituality & Health Magazine Com
Sat, August 10, 2024
Juicy Marbles w/ Vladimir Mićković
There are hundreds of vegan burgers on the market to help take cows off the menu, but what to do about steak lovers? Enter Juicy Marbles, whose Chief Brand Officer, Vladimir Mićković, joins us this week to give us the scoop on their plant-based whole cuts and the vegan scene in their home country of Slovenia. ABOUT OUR GUEST Vladimir Mićković is the Chief Brand Officer / Communication Strategist / Gabagool for Juicy Marbles. Before the business of plant-based whole-cuts, Vladimir was a brand strategist, designer & lecturer. Most recently, he was also a restaurateur and one of the founders of Kucha, an award-winning restaurant in Europe. In its short time, Kucha ranked 25th among the top vegan bistros in Europe and was recognized as one of the top destinations in Slovenia, his home country. Vladimir’s primary interests lie in how we talk about food, wanting it to be viewed in a creative and approachable way. His work is heavily influenced by comedy, theater, and art. He believes the utilization of comedy and other “non-rational” forms of communication will play a vital role in our transition to a more just and responsible food system. RESOURCES Matthew Hayek on X (formerly Twitter) Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt Animal Law Podcast #110: Will JBS Investors Get the Truth about Animals and Climate? Exes & Ohs Substack: It Could Turn on a Dime Juicy Marbles website Juicy Marbles on Instagram Juicy Marbles on Facebook Juicy Marbles on X (formerly Twitter) Scarlet Spark website Scarlet Spark’s Skill Sparks landing page <a href="https://lu.ma/s
Sat, August 03, 2024
The Hen Report: “We Were Offended First”
On this week’s Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann bring you the latest news about animal activism and veganism, along with a few random thoughts on whatever. Then, they are joined by the incomparable Michael Dorf with a special report on this year’s Vegan Summerfest. Plus music! RESOURCES Butch Home Economics on Youtube The Vegan Grocery Store website The bird flu doom loop Study confirms mammal-to-mammal avian flu spread How Livestock Farming Affects Climate Change, Explained Multilab Replication Challenges Long-held Theories on Cognitive Dissonance AI Animal Communication Breakthroughs Could Revolutionize Our Relationship With Animals Elephants Are Doing Something Deeply Human How Two Wandering Cows Started a Culture War Advocates cheer new standards that could save horseshoe crabs from bloodletting The Edge of Sentience: Risk and Precaution in Humans, Other Animals, and AI Charity and the JAM Band website INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _________________________
Sat, July 27, 2024
Our Survival is at Stake w/ Poorva Joshipura
“Why don’t you care about humans?” is an accusatory question that most animal advocates have encountered. This week, we are joined by Poorva Joshipura to discuss her new book, Survival at Stake, which connects the dots between our treatment of animals and the future of humans. ABOUT OUR GUEST Poorva Joshipura is the author of For a Moment of Taste: How What You Eat Impacts Animals, the Planet and Your Healt h (2020) and Survival at Stake: How Our Treatment of Animals Is Key to Human Existence (2023) . She is the Senior Vice President of International Affairs for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation UK. She has spent over two decades with PETA entities, during which time she has conducted eyewitness investigations and campaigns. She is a regular guest on television news and radio shows and speaks on animal rights at universities and at other events, and can usually be found in London, Mumbai, Delhi or Wadi Musa. RESOURCES Internet warns JD Vance after video resurfaces implying Kamala Harris is childless cat lady Anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson arrested in Greenland. He faces possible extradition to Japan Free Paul Watson – take action now! Urge the International Olympic Committee to Ban All Equestrian Events <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/23/sports/charlotte-dujardin-e
Sat, July 20, 2024
Humans and Other Animals w/ Mark Devries
Wouldn’t it be great to have a single place laying out all the information and reasons behind animal rights? Well, now there is! This week, filmmaker Mark Devries joins us to discuss his new film, Humans and Other Animals, which aims to do just that. ABOUT OUR GUEST Mark DeVries is a documentary filmmaker whose award-winning work, including his prior film, Speciesism , has been seen by millions internationally and whose new film, Humans and Other Animals , builds on that work. He also pioneered the use of aerial drones to investigate environmental issues, and he is an attorney licensed to practice law in Washington, DC. Humans and Other Animals website Mark Devries Studio on Facebook Mark Devries Studio on Instagram Mark Devries Studio on X (formerly Twitter) INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today . Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s othe
Sat, July 13, 2024
Veganizing Cyprus w/ Farah Shammas
What happens when you’ve dedicated your life to the family business and suddenly become vegan? This week, we are joined by Farah Shammas, who tells us all about how she has helped make her family’s resort hotel and the restaurants therein into a vegan-friendly oasis. She also dishes on the vegan scene in Cyprus and tells us about her books! ABOUT OUR GUEST Farah Shammas is the Managing Director of the St Raphael Resort and Marina in Cyprus. After learning about the meat and dairy industry, she obtained a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies through eCornell and started to institute vegan changes in the hotel. Her passion has driven her to share her knowledge and recipes via her social media platform ‘Cook Vegan’ and publish 40 Delicious Vegan Recipes, as well as two children’s books, Theo the Pig and A Little Boy Called Noah . RESOURCES Exes and Ohs Substack: Does God actually matter? Should animals care whether you are an atheist or a believer? How public universities hooked America on meat Bird flu: How US states are testing cattle and humans for the virus St Raphael Resort website St Raphael Resort on Facebook St Raphael Resort on Instagram St Raphael Resort on Youtube St Raphael Resort on X (formerly Twitter) Cook Vegan on Youtube Cook Vegan Facebook group Farah’s Club on Instagram Scarlet Spar
Sat, July 06, 2024
The Hen Report: “Who’s gonna match my freak?”
This week, we try something completely new as Jasmin and Mariann discuss recent happenings. Tune in for the latest animal rights and vegan news in pop culture, potlucks, activism, climate, rising anxieties, and also some wins from the movement! RESOURCES Danish livestock farmers to be taxed for cow and pig-made greenhouse gases Renowned Plant-Based Physician Dr John McDougall Dies Aged 77 West Hollywood Announces ‘Groundbreaking’ Plant-Based Policy New York Times Opinion on Instagram Loud Activism by Bryant Research Animals Australia on X (formerly Twitter) No, Fake Meat Wasn’t Found to Cause Heart Disease, as Some Headlines Suggest INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today . Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forge
Sat, June 29, 2024
The Impactful Vegan w/ Robert Cheeke
How can we do the most good for animals with the resources available to us? This week, we are joined by author and vegan bodybuilder Robert Cheeke to discuss the answers to that question in his most recent book, The Impactful Vegan. ABOUT OUR GUEST Robert is the author of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness , Shred It! , Plant-Based Muscle , the New York Times bestseller, The Plant-Based Athlete , and his latest, The Impactful Vegan . Robert founded Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, maintains the website VeganBodybuilding.com, is considered one of VegNews magazine’s Most Influential Vegan Athletes, and is known as the “Godfather of Vegan Bodybuilding.” He tours the world, sharing his story of transformation from a skinny farm kid to a champion vegan bodybuilder, and regularly contributes to Forks Over Knives, The Center for Nutrition Studies, Vegan Strong, The Vegan Gym, and No Meat Athlete. Robert lives in Colorado with his wife and two rescued Chihuahuas. RESOURCES Sipsworth novel Simple Heart Podcast: How the Law Covers Up Animal Cruelty w/ Mariann The Impactful Vegan website <a href="https://www.veganbodybuilding.
Sat, June 22, 2024
Our Kindred Creatures w/ Bill Wasik & Monica Murphy
What lessons are there to be learned by studying the history of the movement, and how can we apply those lessons to our activism today? This week, we are joined by Bill Wasik & Monica Murphy to discuss the research and writing of their book Our Kindred Creatures: How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do About Animals. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Bill Wasik is the editorial director of The New York Times Magazine . Monica Murphy is a veterinarian and a writer. Their previous book, Rabid: A Cultural History of the World’s Most Diabolical Virus, was a Los Angeles Times bestseller and a finalist for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. They live in Brooklyn, New York. Our Kindred Creatures book Bill Wasik on Facebook mur Monica Murphy on X (formerly Twitter) Bill Wasik on X (formerly Twitter) RESOURCES Elephants have names — and they use them with each other Who Do You Trust? on Exes and Ohs Substack Dorf on Law: Is the Nathan’s Disqualification of Joey Chestnut Good for the Cows? INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/donate-button2-2-300x111.png" alt="Donate Now!" w
Sat, June 15, 2024
How Do You Sell Compassion? w/ Chris Bryant
The question constantly on our minds is how to figure out the most effective ways to reach people regarding what is happening to animals and maybe even get them to stop eating them. Chris Bryant joins us this week to discuss the work of Bryant Research, a company conducting social science research to aid in the protein transition. ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris Bryant is the Director of Bryant Research. He is an expert in alternative proteins and has published dozens of papers on the social dimensions of the protein transition. He has an MSc in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Bath. Bryant Research website Bryant Research on LinkedIn Bryant Research on X (formerly Twitter) RESOURCES Environmental Connections: Plant-Based Nutrition Keto Search Term Down 80 Percent In US Since 2019 Planet-first diet cuts risk of early death by nearly a third, study says Which States Are Banning Lab Meat, and Why? Animal rights comes to ‘America’s Provence’ and farmers are worried From Lab to Law: Envigo’s $35M Fine Sends Message on Animal Welfare INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <a href="https://www.ourhen
Sat, June 08, 2024
Save the Animals, Save the Planet w/ Leif Cocks
Almost everyone loves an elephant. Or an orangutan. Or a tiger. So, how can we leverage that love to save the planet? This week, Leif Cocks joins us again to discuss his many projects that help protect forests, including The International Tiger Project. ABOUT OUR GUEST Leif Cocks is the Founder of Wildlife Conservation International, which incorporates The Orangutan Project, International Elephant Project, International Tiger Project, and Forests for People. Amongst many roles, Leif is currently: a Technical Advisor for PT Alam Bukit Tigapuluh (a company leasing and protecting rainforest), Head of International Elephant Project, head of International Tiger Project, Vice President of Orang Utan Republik Foundation and on the Advisory Board for Forest, Nature and Environment of Aceh. Leif is also the author of the books Orangutans and their Battle for Survival (2002); Amazon best seller, Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends (2016); and Finding our Humanity (2019). In 2019 Leif was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) from the Australian Government, and his university’s highest award, the John Curtin Medal, for his work in species conservation. RESOURCES A streetcat named Stanley I’m Worried About Overfishing. Should I Give Up Fish? Commercial fisheries in the Great Lakes borrow an idea to help revive their industry Big Milk has taken over American schools Animal Law Podcast 108: The Case of Compelled Dairy Promotion <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/0
Sat, June 01, 2024
Listening to the Animals w/ Mickey Pardo
We all wish for the superpower to understand what animals are communicating. This week, we are joined by biologist Mickey Pardo to discuss his work studying animal communication and social cognition in animals ranging from elephants to woodpeckers. ABOUT OUR GUEST Mickey Pardo is a biologist specializing in animal communication, animal cognition, and wildlife conservation. He earned his PhD from the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University, where he studied vocal communication and social cognition in Asian elephants and Acorn Woodpeckers. He then completed a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at Colorado State University, where he studied vocal communication in African elephants and made the discovery that elephants have names for one another. He is currently a postdoctoral associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where he is using audio recorders and AI to non-invasively monitor threatened bird populations in Southern California. Mickey regularly volunteers with Anonymous for the Voiceless and is an organizer with Pro-Animal Future, which is seeking to ban fur and slaughterhouses in Denver, CO, through ballot initiatives. He is also assisting the Nonhuman Rights Project as an elephant behavior consultant and has recently signed up as a mentor for Animal Activism Mentorship. Mickey has published multiple pro-animal op-eds and has a relatively new YouTube channel where he discusses studies on animal cognition and makes a scientific case for animal rights. RESOURCES NEWS: Casar Introduced a Farm Bill Amendment to Hold Companies Accountable for Illegal Child Labor in Meat Packing Plants — Republicans Blocked It NC will pay $885K in attorneys’ fees after unsuccessfully defending “ag-gag” case Mickey Pardo’s website Mickey Pardo, PhD on Youtube Mickey Pardo on X (formerly Twitter) </
Sat, May 25, 2024
Vegan Land Movement w/ Gina Bates
Wouldn’t it be great if we could keep land from falling into the hands of animal agriculture and just give it to wild animals instead? That is exactly what the U.K.’s Vegan Land Movement is doing, and Gina Bates is here to tell us how they are doing it and why you should do it too. ABOUT OUR GUEST Following art college and a career in design, Gina Bates left London for the far north of Scotland. In 2018, she bought the assignation for an 80-acre Highland croft along with 100+ acres of common grazing, which will soon be reforested under a Native Forest Scheme. Named Highland Veganics, it’s being designed as the first vegan plant protein croft in crofting history. Gina is also one of the founders of Vegan Land Movement, a Community Interest Company that aims to buy areas of animal agricultural land to restore to nature. The aim is to also eventually transform some parcels of land to produce food veganically alongside creating wildlife and animal sanctuaries, raising awareness of complex ecosystems, and working with nature rather than against it under the vegan principles of least harm. RESOURCES Are Plants Intelligent? If So, What Does That Mean for Your Salad? YES ON J A citizen initiated ballot measure to prohibit Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Sonoma County Vegan Land Movement website Vegan Land Movement on X (formerly Twitter) Vegan Land Movement on Instagram Vegan Land Movement on Facebook Vegan Land Movement on Threads INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! C
Sat, May 18, 2024
Scotch and Hope w/ Marc Bekoff
Darwin was onto something. So how did scientists then go so completely wrong in understanding who animals really are, and where are we now? This week, we are joined by field biologist, professor, and author Marc Bekoff for a glimpse into The Emotional Lives of Animals. We also hear more about his friendship with Jane Goodall and how that led to the recent Jane Goodall at 90 essay collection. ABOUT OUR GUEST A professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Marc Bekoff has published 31 books and won many awards for his research on animal behavior, animal emotions, compassionate conservation, and animal protection, worked closely with Jane Goodall, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow. His latest books are Dogs Demystified: An A to Z Guide to All Things Canine, the second edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy ― and Why They Matter , and Jane Goodall at 90: Celebrating an Astonishing Lifetime of Science, Advocacy, Humanitarianism, Hope, and Peace. He also publishes regularly for Psychology Today . <br style="font-weight:
Sat, May 11, 2024
Animal Policy Alliance w/ Gabriel Wildgen
How do we put farmed animals on the agenda for policymakers? This week, Gabriel Wildgen joins us to discuss the Animal Policy Alliance, a project of The Humane League that is working to connect state and local animal organizations across the US to each other and help them get what they need to compete with animal agriculture. ABOUT OUR GUEST Gabriel Wildgen is the Director of Public Policy for The Humane League and is heading up the new Animal Policy Alliance, a national network of local and state level policy organizations uniting to end large-scale animal cruelty through policy change. Gabriel formerly represented the Good Food Institute on Capitol Hill, where he helped secure the first-ever Congressional appropriation for alternative protein research. Gabriel holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University. Animal Policy Alliance website The Humane League website The Humane League on X (formerly Twitter) RESOURCES Environmental Connections Got Milk? Then you need the full story on bird flu Kristi Noem has somehow made her puppy-killing scandal worse Kristi Noem defends killing dog: ‘I’m tired of politicians pretending to be what they’re not’ Scarlet Spark’s Leadership Skill Sparks Scarlet Spark’s FREE Leadership Skills Workshops Scarlet Spark’s Leadership Tools Scarlet Spark website <h2 class="interview-transcript-h2" style=
Sat, May 04, 2024
An Unnatural Order w/ Jim Mason
How did humans’ relationship with the other animals go so completely awry? The incomparable Jim Mason – author, lawyer, thinker, and animal rights OG – joins us to discuss his seminal work, An Unnatural Order: The Roots of Our Destruction of Nature, for a discussion about where humanity went wrong, why it matters now more than ever, and how we can start to put it right. ABOUT OUR GUEST Jim Mason is an author and attorney focusing on human/animal concerns. He is the author of An Unnatural Order: The Roots of Our Destruction of Nature and co-author with Peter Singer of Animal Factories and The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter . He is a contributor to A Cultural History of Animals and The Oxford Handbook of Animal Studies, and his writings have appeared in Audubon, The New York Times, New Scientist , and numerous other publications. RESOURCES Avian flu outbreak raises a disturbing question: Is our food system built on poop? THE TRUTH ABOUT ORGANIC MILK: Cows are suffering on even the most “humane” dairy farms. Jim Mason’s website Jim Mason on X (formerly Twitter) INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/donate-button2-2-300x111.png" alt="Donate Now!" width="192" heig
Sat, April 27, 2024
Rescuing Animals from Climate Change w/ Kathy Stevens
Rescued animals at some sanctuaries are now facing a new hurdle before they can be truly safe: climate change. We are joined this week by Kathy Stevens of Catskill Animal Sanctuary to discuss this new challenge. ABOUT OUR GUEST Kathy Stevens is the co-founder and executive director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary. Since then, Catskill has saved more than 5,000 non-human individuals through direct rescue — and exponentially more through programming that encourages humans to adopt veganism. Kathy is also the author of Where the Blind Horse Sings and a contributor to books, podcasts, and articles on animal sentience, animal rights, and veganism. Catskill Animal Sanctuary Website Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Facebook Catskill Animal Sanctuary on TikTok Catskill Animal Sanctuary on Instagram Catskill Animal Sanctuary on X (formerly Twitter) Catskill Animal Sanctuary on YouTube RESOURCES Exes & Ohs Substack The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness Environmental Connections on WXXI Sanctuaries Can Protect Animals From Abuse, but Not From Climate Change Our Hen House Episode 272 w/ Bob Comis</a
Sat, April 20, 2024
The Human-Animal Bond w/ Dr Pia Salk
Humans’ relationships with the other creatures on this planet range from deep love to dreadful cruelty and everything in between. What are the roots of this confused and contradictory reality? This week, we are joined by Dr Pia Salk to discuss the mysteries of human psychology as it relates to animals. ABOUT OUR GUEST Pia Salk is a clinical psychologist and expert on the human-animal bond. In her clinical work and her writing, Dr. Salk addresses topics ranging from the loss of a companion animal to the unique stresses of animal welfare work and the climate of animal welfare as it relates to social justice on a larger scale. Dr. Salk’s media appearances cover topics such as how adopting an animal not only saves lives, but is also good parenting that promotes prosocial behavior in today’s youth. She lives and practices in Sleepy Hollow, NY. RESOURCES Damien Mander on Instagram Help Stop the World’s First Octopus Farm In Move to Protect Whales, Polynesian Indigenous Groups Give Them ‘Personhood’ Dr Pia Salk’s website Scarlet Spark’s Leadership Skill Sparks Scarlet Spark’s FREE Leadership Skills Workshops Scarlet Spark’s Leadership Tools Scarlet Spark website INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <a hre
Sat, April 13, 2024
How Theater Can Change the World for Animals w/ Grace Howarth & Anastasia Bunce
What does a night out at the theater (or theatre, in this case) have to do with activism? A whole lot if it’s up to Anastasia Bunce & Grace Howarth, who join us this week to discuss Patch Plays, the vegan troupe that is producing theater that pays attention to the lives, and deaths, of animals. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Grace Joy Howarth is a playwright, author, and composer from London. She is one of Patch Plays’ Associate Writers and has been vegan since birth. Theatrical writing credits include ‘ Blood on Your Hands ’ (Southwark Playhouse, The Cockpit Theatre, BBC Writers Room Longlist, Masterclass Pitch Your Play Longlist), ‘ Birdie’s Adventures in the Animal Kingdom’ (The Greenhouse Theatre, Harrow Arts Centre, Polka Theatre R&D) and ‘ She is Taken Lightly ’ (Hope Mill Theatre). Her work has been produced in scratch nights across the UK, and she self-produced a radio play, ‘ Until We Can’t See the Sky ,’ on Resonance FM and Chapel FM. Grace has been shortlisted for the New York New Plays for Young Audiences showcase and longlisted for the British Youth Music Theatre Award. She has over a dozen short stories published in publications such as the H.G. Wells Short Story Award Collection , The National Archives Writing War , Writing Peace anthology, and Miniskirt Magazine . She holds a First Class degree in Songwriting and works as a freelance sustainability writer and editor. Anastasia Bunce is a theatre and film director based in London who specializes in directing new writing with a political heart. She is the Artistic Director of Patch Plays, a company devoted to staging work that explores animal ethics and the environment. Stylistically, she is interested in utilizing expressionistic devices that enable the poetry of a piece to become its focal point, as this, for her, is where stories start to shape into art. Anastasia trained in MA Theatre Directing at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2020. Recently she directed the critically acclaimed Offest finalist one-woman show ‘ Meat Cute ‘ by Bibi Lucille (Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Gilded Balloon 2023), ‘ Darkie Armo Girl’ by Karine Bedrossian (Finborough Theatre 2022), ‘ Birdie’s Adventures in the Animal Kingdom ‘ by Grace Joy Howarth (Harrow Arts Centre 2022/Greenhouse Theatre 2023), ‘ Blood On Your Hands ‘ by Grace Joy Howarth (Southwark Playhouse 2024, Cockpit Theatre 2022). Short films include ‘ Meat Cute ‘ by Bibi Lucille, ‘ Push ‘ by Julia Melinek, ‘ Swipe Left ‘ by Bella Glanville and ‘ Yoghurt is Not Sexy ‘ by Jessica Friend. RESOURCES
Sat, April 06, 2024
When Animals Dream w/ David Peña-Guzmán
Everyone who lives with an animal would think it rather obvious that they dream, but believe it or not, this is not an accepted fact in the scientific community. This week, we speak with David Peña-Guzmán about his book When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness. ABOUT OUR GUEST David M. Peña-Guzmán is an associate professor of humanities at SF State and co-host of the podcast Overthink . He specializes in animal studies, the history and philosophy of science, theories of consciousness, and 20 th century French philosophy. He is the author of When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness , and co-author of Chimpanzee Rights: The Philosophers’ Brief . Overthink Podcast website David Peña-Guzmán on X (formerly Twitter) When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness book RESOURCES Eating for the climate: exploring sustainability and food choices Scarlet Spark’s Leadership Skill Sparks Scar
Sat, March 30, 2024
Horseracing Wrongs w/ Patrick Battuello
Horseracing’s popularity has declined over the years, so how is this industry still alive? This week we are joined by Patrick Battuello of Horseracing Wrongs , who sheds light on the brutality and corruption that is the horseracing industry. ABOUT OUR GUEST Patrick Battuello has been writing on animal rights issues since 2009, when he launched the Animal Rights blog for the Albany Times Union, one of the first of its kind in the nation. His work from this period appeared in a high-school textbook, “The Case for Animal Rights.” Patrick launched Horseracing Wrongs in 2013, and incorporated as a non-profit in 2017. Patrick has had racing op-eds published in The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, MSNBC, and Katie Couric Media , among many others. He has appeared on CNN and ESPN multiple times, and in 2019, was featured on a groundbreaking segment of HBO’s “Real Sports.” Patrick has also testified before the New York State Senate. RESOURCES Should Wildlife Advocates Help Set Hunting Rules In Vermont? Exes and Ohs Substack Scarlet Spark workshops Horseracing Wrongs website Horseracing Wrongs on Facebook Horseracing Wrongs on X (formerly Twitter) Horseracing Wrongs on Youtube Horseracing Wrongs on Instagram INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/ep742/#pod-transcript"
Sat, March 23, 2024
Animal Justice Academy w/ Kimberly Carroll
Have you ever thought, “Animals are suffering, I have to DO something!!! But what?” Kimberly Carroll of Animal Justice Academy joins us to discuss the amazing, free, online program designed to help people who care about animals turn themselves into people who are doing something about it. ABOUT OUR GUEST Kimberly Carroll is a coach for changemakers , campaigns strategist with Animal Justice , director of Animal Justice Academy , and a director with the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank . With over 13 years as a coach and 18 years as an activist, Kimberly works with mission-driven leaders, social entrepreneurs, and activists on the inner shifts, high-performance habits, and strategies to make them unstoppable. She’s helped empower thousands of activists and counseled those in high-stress positions like undercover investigators. Kimberly Carroll – Coach for Changemakers Kimberly Carroll on Facebook Kimberly Carroll on Instagram Kimberly Carroll on Youtube RESOURCES Ridglan Farms beagle ‘rescue’ case dismissed Why the Ridglan Prosecution Fell Apart The vivisection industry faced a greater threat than our rescue: a growing movement for animal rights. <a href="http://www.animaljust
Sat, March 16, 2024
Stop Ventilation Shutdown! w/ Dr Crystal Heath
The work of activists brought the use of ventilation shutdown as a “depopulation” method during avian flu and COVID slowdowns to light, but what is the status of this cruel method of killing? Dr. Crystal Heath joins us once again to discuss the use of heat stroke in factory farms and the campaigns to combat this cruelty. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Crystal Heath is a graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and currently works as a shelter veterinarian for several shelters and non-profits throughout Northern California. She won a Jefferson Award for her volunteer work providing medical services to animals in Fiji. Dr. Heath became involved in the Animal Rights movement just three years ago while volunteering for the Fur Ban campaign (AB-44) in California and just recently worked on the campaign to get the City of Berkeley to set a goal of shifting its food purchases to 100% plant-based . She is on the founding committee of Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown and founder of Our Honor , an organization committed to supporting animal professionals who want to speak their conscience, work to create more ethical systems and foster connections between like-minded professionals to create real systemic changes. She owns Vet Harmony , a veterinary practice committed to providing access to care and public education. RESOURCES These 15 Vegan Costco Products Wi
Sat, March 09, 2024
Plantega w/ Nil Zacharias
Every once in a while, someone comes up with a brand new idea for getting people to try and love delicious vegan food. Nil Zacharias joins us to talk about how he is making his brilliant idea a reality with Plantega, a ready-to-launch vegan menu that has been adopted by bodegas across New York City and is getting ready to take over the world. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nil Zacharias is an entrepreneur, author, and strategic advisor with a passion for food systems change. He is the Founder and CEO of Plantega, a company that’s on a mission to make plant-based food easier to access everywhere. He also hosts the Eat For The Planet Podcast and co-authored the Eat For the Planet books. Nil has previously co-founded a number of startups and continues to advise several organizations in the climate solutions space. Nil Zacharias on X (formerly Twitter) Nil Zacharius on LinkedIn RESOURCES Plantega on Instagram Random Word Generator Scarlet Spark Workshops INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/suppo
Sat, March 02, 2024
Defending Animals w/ Kendra Coulter
When animals are neglected or abused, whose responsibility is it to respond? Kendra Coulter, author of Defending Animals, joins us to discuss her book’s deep dive into the patchwork of governmental and non-profit organizations that make up animal response teams. ABOUT OUR GUEST Kendra Coulter is a Professor in Management and Organizational Studies at Huron University College at Western University and a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Dr. Coulter is an award-winning author of influential scholarly and trade books, and her fiction debut, The Tortoise’s Tale, has been purchased by Simon & Schuster for publication in 2025. Her latest book, Defending Animals: Finding Hope on the Front Lines of Animal Protection , was acquired by The MIT Press after a multi-publisher auction. Dr. Jane Goodall calls it “a powerful call to action.” RESOURCES New York Mourns Flaco, an Owl Who Inspired as He Made the City His Own Animals at a New Jersey Petting Zoo Find Their Happily Ever After Christspiracy website Whether or not to have kids amid the climate crisis How the future of rainfall will affect our communities Defending Animals book Dr Kendra Coulter on X (formerly Twitter) <a href="https
Sat, February 24, 2024
Hip Hop is Green w/ Keith Tucker
What do animal rights and veganism have to do with hip hop? So much more than you might think! Keith Tucker of Hip Hop is Green joins us this week to discuss the organization’s extraordinary work spreading the word in the hip hop community. ABOUT OUR GUEST Keith Tucker founded the nonprofit Hip Hop is Green, the first hip hop organization to provide BIPOC families plant-based meals nationwide. A unique visionary and social entrepreneur for over 30 years, he has worked with hundreds of businesses, youth groups, community organizations, and icons in the entertainment industry as an ambassador for the culture of hip hop. In 2017, Keith was nominated for Michelle Obama’s Partnership for a Healthier America “Catalyst for Change” award. He now focuses his nonprofit on fighting climate change and promoting holistic wellness in low-income communities across America with the global power of hip hop culture. RESOURCES Steven Wise, Coral Springs animal advocate of international renown, dies at 73 ‘A Damn Good Brain’: Pigeons Possess Problem-Solving Skills ‘Similar To AI’ Scarlet Spark workshops Hip Hop is Green website Hip Hop is Green on Instagram Hip Hop is Green on Facebook Hip Hop is Green on X (formerly Twitter) INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <a href="ht
Sat, February 17, 2024
Thrive Philanthropy w/ Jessika Ava
There is so much animal activism going on around the world, but how does it all get funded? Jessika Ava joins us to discuss the work of Thrive Philanthropy, a global grantmaker that accelerates alternatives to industrial animal agriculture and amplifies just, sustainable, plant-based food systems across the world. ABOUT OUR GUEST Jessika Ava , MS, MPA is one of the first Native Americans to sit in a leadership position in the vegan philanthropic space. Jessika is the CEO and founder of Thrive Philanthropy , an initiative launched to dismantle accessibility barriers for non-USA grassroots organizations and ensure food justice advocates across the globe have equitable access to funding opportunities. She is a co-founder of A Just World , an organization with a mission to strengthen food justice organizations within India. She is co-founder of Africa Vegan Restaurant Week and Africa Vegan School Lunch Campaign, domestically-led initiatives to advance plant-based eating across the African continent. In 2020, she launched the Africa Accelerator to expand funding opportunities across Africa, which has since resulted in increased financial or capacity support to over 150 Africa-based food systems advocates. Jessika is a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation, and she shares her life with a beloved 3-legged feral street dog from Kathmandu and chosen family all across the globe. RESOURCES The Chippo is Australia’s first-ever all-vegan pub <a href="https://documentarynight.wordpress.com
Sat, February 10, 2024
Greener by Default w/ Katie Cantrell & Ilana Braverman
When it comes to food, taking away people’s choices generally won’t work, but it’s entirely possible to help them make better ones. Greener By Default’s Katie Cantrell & Ilana Braverman join us this week to discuss their successes in making the plant-based choice the obvious one on event menus and in cafeterias and dining halls around the world. ABOUT OUR GUEST Katie is a social entrepreneur passionate about creating a healthy, sustainable, and just food system. As the founder of the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, Katie spent a decade leading food policy workshops at universities, government agencies, and Fortune 500 corporations. She is now utilizing her expertise to implement plant-based defaults in corporate foodservice. Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. Ilana’s work focuses on the nexus of climate change and food; she gave a TEDx talk on the topic, “ Moving Beyond a Hamburger Default World .” Prior to co-founding Greener by Default, Ilana served as the Director of Outreach for Better Food Foundation and Program Manager at Farm Forward. Ilana holds a Master’s degree in Animals and Public Policy from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences with a focus in Human Dimensions from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. RESOURCES Animal Law Podcast #104: The Biogas Nightmare Today for Animals Solar Foods and Fazer Unveil World’s First Air-Protein Chocolate Bar in Singapore Greener By Default website Greener By Default on LinkedIn <a href="https://tw
Sat, February 03, 2024
Who Are We Having for Dinner? w/ Molly Elwood
Molly Elwood joins us to discuss how Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat has brilliantly channeled repulsion into activism that gets people thinking about who they might have on their plate. ABOUT OUR GUEST Molly Elwood is a writer, copywriter, storyteller, and creative strategist. Between creative agencies and in-house creative teams, she has spent more than ten years writing and humanizing for her clients. She is also the creator of Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat, a satirical, comprehensive, and wickedly effective social media phenomenon. What began as a grassroots movement designed to provoke a conversation about how we treat animals is now creating meaningful and tangible social change. Molly Elwood on X (formerly Twitter) Molly Elwood on Instagram RESOURCES WXXI Environmental Connections: The power of electrification to address climate change WXXI Environmental Connections: Environmental responsibility in the food sector Xoiiku on X (formerly Twitter) The power of positivity Special Feature: Oatly and Industry Figures Fight Back Against Widespread Anti Vegan Disinformation Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat website Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat on Instagram Elwood’s Organic Dog Meat on Facebook <a href="https://twitter.com/ElwoodDogMeat?ref_sr
Sat, January 27, 2024
Picturing Pigs w/ Jane Casteline & Shannon Johnstone
Billboards. They’re everywhere, whether you like it or not, so why not use them to help animals? Jane Casteline & Shannon Johnstone join us this week to discuss their project, Picturing Pigs , and the challenges they had to overcome to get their message onto billboards in the home of factory farming and why this is a form of activism that we can all get involved in. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Shannon Johnstone’s photographic work deals with themes that reclaim what has been discarded and make visible that which is hidden. Her project, “Landfill Dogs,” was featured on ABC World News and CNN. Her newest award-winning work is entitled “Roadside Zoo.” She is a three-time recipient of Creativity Grants from the Culture and Animals Foundation, most recently, along with Jane Casteline, for the billboard advocacy project “Picturing Pigs.” She is also a tenured professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a PhD candidate in Human-Animal Studies at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Jane M. Casteline’s photography explores the nuances and unique qualities of the natural, human, and built environment through photography, including her current project, “Mushrooms in Raleigh,” and a documentary photography series currently in development on the journey of homeless Turkish dogs from abandonment to rescue to adoption. She is also a research administrator at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. RESOURCES We Asked Women If Vegan Men Give Them the Ick Scarlet Spark Workshops Picturing Pigs website Picturing Pigs on Facebook Picturing Pig on Instagram Jane C Photography on Instagram Shannon Johnstone on LinkedIn <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2
Sat, January 20, 2024
Can China Go Vegan? w/ Jian Yi
We all know that China is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to vegan advocacy, but what is the status of advocacy there? Join us as Jian Yi sheds light on his work with The Good Food Fund and China Vegan Society. ABOUT OUR GUEST JIAN Yi (简艺/簡藝) is an independent filmmaker and food activist. He is currently a Visiting Fellow at Harvard Law School’s Animal Law and Policy Program (2022-24) and the founder and president of Good Food Fund, a leading initiative in China’s food systems transformation, whose Mama’s Kitchen project was named one of the ten global Top Visionaries by the Rockefeller Foundation’s 2050 Food Systems Prize. In 2021, Jian served on the Core Leadership Team of Action Track 2 of the United Nations Food Systems Summit and led its Work-stream on Food Environments. He founded the China Vegan Society in 2021 and is at the forefront of the nation’s plant-based movement. RESOURCES I’m Being Forced to Wear a GPS Ankle Monitor Because I Rescued a Duck NYC Will Soon Be Home to 15 Robot-Run Vegetarian Restaurants From Chipotle’s Founder Jian Yi on LinkedIn Jian Yi on Facebook Jian Yi on Twitter Zodiac 12 Film Website Good Food Fund Website Good Food Fund on Facebook Good Food Fund on X China Vegan Society Website China Vegan Society on X </
Sat, January 13, 2024
The Smell of Money w/ Jamie Berger
Factory farms destroy lives, both animal and human. Jamie Berger joins us this week to discuss the making of the documentary The Smell of Money and the devastation caused to eastern North Carolina and its residents by this evil industry. ABOUT OUR GUEST Jamie Berger is a writer and filmmaker born and raised in North Carolina. Her writing has been featured in Vox, The Guardian, USA Today, NowThis, The News & Observer, and more. Throughout her career, she has used writing and visual storytelling to draw attention to issues ranging from environmental racism to the climate crisis to other injustices wrought against people, animals, and the planet. Jamie Berger on Instagram Jamie Berger on X RESOURCES Continued Decline in US Meat Consumption is “Long-Term Industry Disruption” Creating Significant Opportunity Meat Consumption Is Rising — But Not in the Way You Think The Smell of Money website watch The Smell of Money trailer The Smell of Money on Instagram The Smell of Money on TikTok The Smell of Money on X INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/202
Sat, January 06, 2024
AI for Animal Activists w/ Tom Conger
Are you excited about ChatGPT? Do you hate the very thought of Chat GPT? Have you never heard of ChatGPT? No matter, you need to listen to this episode to find out how generative AI can help activists get more done for animals in less time. Join us as Tom Conger reveals all about new tools to help us help animals. ABOUT OUR GUEST As Executive Director, Tom oversees grantmaking, research, and collaborations for Stray Dog Institute, which works to cultivate dignity, justice, and sustainability in the food system in order to build a more compassionate world for people, animals, and the environment. Tom began his career in philanthropy service ten years ago when he founded a social venture to help donors and nonprofits make the best use of charitable giving. The affiliated 501(c)(3) now operates as the Blackbaud Giving Fund, which granted $266 million to more than 100,000 nonprofits in 2020. RESOURCES WXXI Connections: Navigating personal growth in a transforming world Netflix’s You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment chatGPT website Stray Dog Institute Website Tom Conger on LinkedIn INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast!</str
Sat, December 30, 2023
Creating Sanctuary for Wild Animals w/ Matt Perry
Recently, we had a very special excursion that we cannot wait to share with you. Land that used to be a farm is now overflowing with native plants, which, of course, draw in native insects. So then the native birds move in, and suddenly, it’s heaven! And did we mention the beavers??? Join us for this guided tour with Matt Perry, our guest this week, and find out what the world should look like. ABOUT OUR GUEST Matt Perry is the Conservation Director and Resident Naturalist at Spring Farm CARES in Clinton, New York. Since 1999, he has overseen a rewilding project that is converting 260 acres of former agricultural fields into biodiverse wildlife habitat. In Central New York, Matt is recognized as an authority on wild birds, their behavior, and their habitat. He is the President and Co-founder of the Utica Peregrine Falcon Project, a long-time board member of Beavers Wetlands & Wildlife – an organization that advocates for wild Beavers and is dedicated to solving Beaver/Human conflicts and has written hundreds of nature-themed articles for “Mohawk Valley Living Magazine” (a publication circulated throughout Central New York and available on the web). He is also a former regional editor of “The Kingbird,” which is a quarterly journal published by The New York State Ornithological Association. Matt is an ethical vegan, and vegan principles play a major role in all the ecological projects he is involved in. RESOURCES ASPCA Commends Gov. Hochul for Signing Bill to Protect New York Horses from Slaughter Beavers: Wetlands & Wildlife INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ___________________
Sat, December 23, 2023
Literary Animals w/ Sangamithra Iyer
It isn’t easy to write about animals, especially if the goal is to actually portray them as they are and not just use them, as so often happens, as symbols, metaphors, and mirrors. In order to confront these difficulties, Sangamithra Iyer recently launched The Literary Animal Project to bring writers and readers into conversation to explore the many quandaries in writing about animals and try to find effective, and literary, ways forward. ABOUT OUR GUEST Sangamithra Iyer is a writer, engineer, environmental planner, and literary animal. Her first book, Governing Bodies , a lyrical reckoning of the ways bodies—human, animal, and water— are controlled and liberated, is forthcoming from Milkweed Editions. She served as an editor of Satya magazine, and her work has been published in numerous outlets and anthologies, including our very own Hen Press, which published “The Lines We Draw.” Most recently, she is the founder of The Literary Animal project, a habitat for conversations and writings about the ways animal lives are portrayed on the page and how we forge a more just and compassionate multi-species world, for which she was awarded a Culture and Animals Foundation grant. RESOURCES Eat Differently Theatrical Commercial The Lines We Draw ebook Sangamithra Iyer’s Website Literary Animal Substack Invisible Cities Writing for Animals (w/ Are You Willing Essay) Satya Magazine archive <a h
Sat, December 16, 2023
Scarlet Spark w/ Tania Luna
Organizations in the animal protection movement are overflowing with passion, but how can they create more efficient systems and healthy workplaces? Tania Luna is here to tell us more about her organization, Scarlet Spark, which just might have the answers to make the movement more effective. ABOUT OUR GUEST TANIA LUNA, who is the author of LEAD TOGETHER: Stop Squirreling Away Power and Build a Better Team , is an entrepreneur, psychology researcher, and writer. She has founded and grown multiple companies, including Scarlet Spark, a nonprofit that creates human-friendly workplaces for organizations that help animals, and LifeLabs Learning, one of the fastest-growing leadership development companies in the world. Her other books include The Leader Lab and Surprise. She is also a TED speaker and lives in a micro-sanctuary with 32 rescued animals and one human partner. RESOURCES Scarlet Spark website Tania Luna on Instagram Lead Together: Stop Squirreling Away Power and Build a Better Team Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank y
Sat, December 09, 2023
Plant Futures w/ Samantha Derrick
Students today really want to learn about the future of food, but sadly, and amazingly, most universities have little or nothing to offer that is of value. Enter Samantha Derrick, who decided to do more than complain about it and just make it happen, not only in her own university but everywhere! Join us to be inspired by Samantha and the Plant Futures Initiative. ABOUT OUR GUEST Samantha Derrick is the Founder and Executive Director of Plant Futures Initiative, a 501c3 academic course and global student movement with a mission to accelerate the transition to a plant-centric food system. Samantha received her Master’s of Public Health from UC Berkeley and prior to graduate school, worked for a variety of environmental organizations in the US, Mexico, and India. Samantha Derrick on LinkedIn RESOURCES Connect for Animals Our Hen House ep 665 w/ Zoe & Sherstin Rosenberg Animal rights activist Wayne Hsuing gets 90 days in jail over protests that shut Sonoma farms Three Animal Rights Activists Were Abruptly Arrested Following a Sentencing Hearing for One of Their Friends Plant Futures Website Plant Futures on Instagram Plant Futures on LinkedIn Plant Futures on Threads Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.or
Sat, December 02, 2023
The Vegan w/ Andrew Lipstein
It’s not every day that you come across a book that has been reviewed in The New York Times with “vegan” in the title, but somehow Andrew Lipstein managed it. He joins us this week to discuss his latest novel, The Vegan . ABOUT OUR GUEST Andrew Lipstein is a New York-based writer. He is the author of Last Resort (2022), The Vegan (2023), and the forthcoming Something Rotten (2025). Andrew Lipstein’s website Andrew Lipstein on X Andrew Lipstein on Instagram RESOURCES The Vegan on Bookshop.org Veganizing Thanksgiving: Rochester’s dining scene leads with plant-based options Our Hen House TV for Vegan Knitting 101 Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! We will soon be kicking off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between October 30 and December 31, your donations will be MATCHED, dollar-for-dollar , up to $25,000! That means, with your donation, we are hoping to raise $50k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $25k from our loyal supporters b
Sat, November 25, 2023
Christspiracy w/ Kip Andersen & Kam Waters
What started with the question, “Is there a spiritual way to kill an animal?” has become the newest investigative documentary from Kip Anderson, of Cowspiracy fame, and Kam Waters. Join the journey to discover why so many religions who hold compassion as a sacred tenet turn a blind eye to animal suffering. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Kip Andersen has changed the way the world looks at eating animals. After producing some of Netflix’s most-watched documentaries, Cowspiracy, What The Health, and Seaspiracy, working alongside the likes of Joaquin Phoenix and Leonardo DiCaprio as executive producers, Christspiracy is his biggest chapter yet. Kam Waters is a former gospel songwriter and musician for Sony and Interscope Records turned filmmaker. After growing up in the bible belt with a family lineage of gospel singers and a minister, Kam was entrenched in the church from the day he was born. It wasn’t until he realized how people use Christianity to justify animal abuse that he started this journey and, eventually, co-created this revolutionary documentary. RESOURCES My Girlfriend Wants a Real Diamond Ring. Can It Be Lab-Grown Instead? Beans Is How website Christspiracy website Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! We will soon be kicking off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between October 30 and December 31, your donations will be MATCHED, dollar-for-dollar , up to $25,000! That means, with your donation, we are hoping to raise $50k
Tue, November 21, 2023
Annual HOLIDAY SPECIAL: “SANCTUARY: A RADIO PLAY” RECORDED LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY
We are thrilled to present this very special holiday episode of Sanctuary: A Radio Play , an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This special performance marks the world premiere of John Yunker ’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation ’s Compassion Arts Festival . ABOUT THE PLAY A dark comedy, Sanctuary tells the story of Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), a happily married couple whose blissful retirement to small-town Oregon is thrown into disarray when Lisa suddenly decides to go vegan and insists on celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey AND alongside her new friend and animal activist, Meg (Jasmin Singer). Husband Richard invites his unsuspecting buddy Charley (Michael Harren), who also happens to be the local exterminator, in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Sanctuary tells the story behind the struggles and joys of navigating vegan ethics around loved ones who don’t quite understand. (Sound effects are by Emmy winner Eric Milano.) Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! We will soon be kicking off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between October 30 and December 31, your donations will be MATCHED, dollar-for-dollar , up to $25,000! That means, with your donation, we are hoping to raise $50k total.
Sat, November 18, 2023
Doing All Things Vegan, w/ Naijha Wright-Brown
Vegan SoulFest, the Black Veg Society, Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month, plus fabulous vegan soul food restaurant, The Land Of Kush. What do all of these things (and more) have in common? Naijha Wright-Brown, that’s what. Join us to find out how Naijha does it all, and how she keeps it all edu-taining (education and entertaining) for her audience. Plus, we have a quick update from Almira Tanner, lead organizer of Direct Action Everywhere, about the recent trial and conviction of activist Wayne Hsiung. ABOUT OUR GUEST Naijha Wright-Brown is on the Baltimore Sun’s list of 25 Black Marylanders to Watch in 2023 and a 2021 Baltimore Business Journal Enterprising Women of Excellence Honoree. A native New Yorker, raised in the South Bronx, Naijha has an MBA in Business from the University of Phoenix and is a serial entrepreneur and co-owner of The Land of Kush, a multi-award-winning vegan soul food restaurant, co-founder of Vegan SoulFest and Maryland Vegan Restaurant Month and Vice Chair of the Board of the Restaurant Association of Maryland. She is also the Executive Director of the Black Veg Society, a non-profit organization that is on a mission to help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color close the gap in health disparities by educating on holistic health, veganism, and plant-based lifestyles. Her digital talk show, Naijha Speaks, helps others find their vegan soul through food, people, events, and culture. RESOURCES Right to Rescue website Write to Wayne Hsiung Court Support & Protest for Sonoma Rescue Sentencing Hearing Support Our Hen House Naijha Speaks Website Naijha Wright-Brown on LinkedIn Naijha Wright-Brown on Instagram Naijha Speaks on Instagram Naijha Speaks on X Interview
Sat, November 11, 2023
How to End Injustice Everywhere w/ Melanie Joy
Ever wondered where the movement would be if we could just stop infighting? Melanie Joy joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her most recent work that aims to tackle the issue of infighting and to get activists communicating more compassionately. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Melanie Joy (she/her) is an award-winning psychologist and educator and she’s the author of seven books, including the bestselling Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows ; Beyond Beliefs ; and How To End Injustice Everywhere . Her work has been featured in major media outlets around the world, and she has received a number of awards, including the Ahimsa Award – previously given to the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela – for her work on global nonviolence. Melanie has given talks and trainings in over 50 countries, and she is also the founding president of the international NGO Beyond Carnism. You can learn more about her work at carnism.org . RESOURCES Can a social media “pigfluencer” turn people off bacon? OHH Episode 337: Esther the Wonder Pig Dads Steven Jenkins & Derek Walter! Karen Davis, President and Founder of UPC, Has Passed Away Episode 523: Karen Davis on Chickens and Fowl Language Audio Player How to End Injustice Everywhere Beyond Carnism website Center for Effective
Sat, November 04, 2023
Activism and Octopuses w/ Laura Lee Cascada
Factory farming octopuses? Hell, no! Laura Lee Cascada joins us to tell us what happened when she found out about a planned octopus farm in Hawaii and how she got to work putting an end to it. ABOUT OUR GUEST Laura Lee Cascada (she/her) has led environmental and animal protection campaigns for 15 years, overseeing victories like the protection of Virginia’s decades-long ban on uranium mining with the Sierra Club and putting vegan options on the menus of major chains including Starbucks and Subway with Animal Outlook. In her current role as Sr. Director of Campaigns at the Better Food Foundation, she spearheads campaigns like DefaultVeg, which is making plant-based food the norm at universities, coffee shops, events, and more. Laura is the founder of The Every Animal Project, a powerful storytelling blog with an upcoming print anthology series, showcasing powerful, true animal stories that help transform readers’ relationships with animals. Her investigation of Kanaloa Octopus Farm in Hawaii exposed it as a petting zoo propping up the factory farming industry and led to its eventual shutdown. Laura is also the author of Dellie’s Run , a novel, and her writing has been featured by outlets like One Green Planet, The Dodo, and The Ecologist. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Policy from Johns Hopkins University. RESOURCES Every Animal Project website Every Animal Project on Facebook Laura Lee Cascade on Instagram Laura Lee Cascada on X Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! We will soon be kicking off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between October 30 and December 31,<a href="http://ourhenho
Sat, October 28, 2023
A Vegan Veterinarian w/ Daniela Castillo
Do you ever wonder where all of the vegan veterinarians are? This week, we talk to one of the few, Daniela Castillo, about animal rights, wildlife conservation, environmentalism, and medicine for farmed animal rescues. ABOUT OUR GUEST Daniela Castillo is a veterinarian born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. She earned her Veterinary Medicine degree from Universidad Veracruzana and Master’s degree in Wildlife Conservation at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. In 2011, Daniela began volunteering at St. Francis Wildlife Association, a wildlife rehabilitation which led her to become the Director and licensed wildlife rehabilitator in charge for nine months. Currently, in addition to her practice, she dedicates her efforts to performing High-Quality High-Volume Spay and Neuter surgeries and practicing shelter medicine for several non-profit organizations. In addition, she has gained valuable experience working with sanctuary farmed animal and sits on the boards of The Paw Project, Our Honor, Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and The Hailey Foundation. RESOURCES Animal Help Now Website Castillo Animal Vegan Veterinarian Website Castillo Animal Vegan Vet on Instagram Castillo Animal Vegan Vet on Facebook Our Honor Website Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! We will soon be kicking off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between October 30 and December 31, your donations will
Sat, October 21, 2023
Pop-up Activism w/ Carmella Lanni
Philadelphia is known as a great destination for vegan food, but it wasn’t always so. This week we talk with Carmella Lanni, one of the activists who helps to cultivate the plant-based abundance Philly is known for via pop-up events and Philly Vegan Restaurant Week. ABOUT OUR GUEST Carmella Lanni is co-owner of V Marks the Shop, which operated Philadelphia’s first all-vegan grocer/convenience store, proudly a Black & Queer-owned business. She is also the creator of Philly Vegan Pop Flea/Philly Vegan Events, hosting vegan-centric community pop-up markets and events since 2016. She is also one of the co-organizers of Philly Vegan Restaurant Week, Philadelphia’s premiere vegan restaurant week launched in 2018 (founded by Nicole Koedyker). Her background includes over 20 years in digital commerce, working as an analyst and consultant to small businesses & Fortune 500 companies. She believes that business can be compassionate and community-connecting all year round. A native of Bronx, New York, Carmella enjoys baking, watching anime and crime dramas, pulling Tarot cards, making playlists, and hanging with cats. RESOURCES V Marks The Shop Website V Marks The Shop on Instagram V Marks The Shop on Facebook Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today<
Sat, October 14, 2023
Transfarmation w/ Tyler Whitley
Can factory farms become real farms growing real food? Of course they can! But they might need a little help. Tyler Whitley is here to tell us all about Transfarmation, a program of Mercy for Animals working with contract growers of chickens and other animals to help them get out from under corporate agribusiness and shift to plant-based production. ABOUT OUR GUEST Tyler Whitley brings more than a decade of experience in agricultural and financial systems to his role as the Director of Transfarmation. As part of earning a master’s of public health from Tulane University he interned for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on a project in Cambodia administering cash transfers and community reinvestments for more than 7,500 smallholder farmers. He then managed a food and farming intervention program in two rural Haitian provinces. After moving to North Carolina and working for a small farmer-advocacy organization, he joined Mercy For Animals as the director of the Transfarmation project. RESOURCES The Transfarmation Project Website The Transfarmation Project on Instagram The Transfarmation Project on Facebook The Transfarmation Project on X Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please ma
Sat, October 07, 2023
Stop Wasting Food! w/ Max La Manna
Ever thought about eating a banana peel? Ok, that’s an extreme example (sort of) but if you want to know more, you will love this week’s interview with Max La Manna, a self-taught plant-based chef who is looking to end food waste with easy-to-recreate recipes that use every part of the ingredients. ABOUT OUR GUEST Born and raised in North America, Max La Manna is a self-taught chef and the award-winning author of More Plants, Less Waste and You Can Cook This! He has been featured in Vogue, Food Network, The Times, BBC News, and Vice and, boasting over one million followers, has electrified social media with simple, delicious, low-waste recipes that put vegetables at the heart of his cooking. His down-to-earth, few-ingredient approach means that he advocates for low-waste living in a truly accessible way. Max lives in the English countryside with his wife and their thirty-three houseplants. RESOURCES Symposium in honor of Professor Sherry Colb Max La Manna’s Website You Can Cook This! Max La Manna on Instagram Max La Manna on Facebook Max La Manna on TikTok Max La Manna on YouTube Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show yo
Sat, September 30, 2023
A Strategy Session w/ Aidan Kankyoku
What can we do to convince people to change their behavior? Strategy is always the hottest of topics amongst activists in the animal rights community. This week we are joined by Aidan Kankyoku of Pax Fauna to discuss just what it may be that is holding people back from behaving in a more pro-animal way. ABOUT OUR GUEST Aidan found their way into the animal freedom movement through Direct Action Everywhere. His years as a DxE organizer and glimpses of other mass protest events left him convinced of the power of mass-participatory social movements as a force for change. Now, as a researcher at Pax Fauna, Aidan is pulling together evidence to explain the power of these movement strategies and how they can be most effectively deployed for animals. in 2023, Pax Fauna launched Pro-Animal Future, an organization of volunteers, voters, and small donors merging the power of participatory movements with the unique political opportunity presented by citizen ballot initiatives. RESOURCES Pax Fauna Website Pro-Animal Future Website Unidos Por Callejerito on X Pro-Animal Future on Instagram Pro-Animal Future on Facebook Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make
Sat, September 23, 2023
Love for Animals in Uganda, w/ Musisi Mike
We love hearing from people around the world who care about animals, and this week’s guest definitely fills the bill. Tune in to hear about all of the work Musisi Mike, founder of Luv4All Uganda, is doing to grow compassion for both animals and humans, including running Uganda’s first all-vegan school. ABOUT OUR GUEST Musisi Mike is the Founder of Luv4All Uganda, a group dedicated to caring for all lives, human and non-human, through vegan advocacy and other local programs, including The Atlas Vegan School. He received his diploma in agribusiness management and now uses his education to spread veganic farming to fight hunger in his region. Luv4All: Uganda Website Musisi Mike on Facebook Luv4All: Uganda Instagram Luv4All: Uganda on X Luv4All: Uganda on Vimeo RESOURCES Farmed animals living out their lives with dignity: an audio postcard Our Hen House Episode 502: Angela Lovell on Animals, Psychic Energy, and Empaths Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie
Sat, September 16, 2023
Veganism in Taiwan and China w/ Gina Song Lopez
We love hearing what’s going on in the world of veganism and animal rights around the world, and this week we catch up with Gina Song Lopez, who is conducting research on the vegan and animal rights movement in Taiwan and China. ABOUT OUR GUEST Gina Song Lopez is a PhD candidate at the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies and a member of the Lund University Critical Animal Studies Network at Lund University in Sweden. Her research focuses on the Veg*n/plant-based movement in Taiwan and China. Meatless diets in East Asia have been traditionally associated with religious practice. However, in recent years there has been a noticeable expansion of motivations to adopt veganism and vegetarianism. The new generation of vegans and vegetarians are concerned about issues of animal protection, climate change, health, and self-cultivation. This shift brings attention to changing narratives around veg*n food and identity. As such, her project is also concerned with how ‘new’ veganism is translated into the regional cultural (and political) contexts and the actors involved in this translation. RESOURCES Farm Sanctuary Gina Song Lopez on Instagram Lund University Critical Animal Studies Network Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a dona
Sat, September 09, 2023
An Animal Rights Strategy Session w/ Esther Salomon
Strategy is a big topic of debate amongst animal activists. What is the best way forward to create the most change? Esther Salomon of Animal Think Tank joins us to discuss the strategies and many lessons the animal rights community can learn from other justice movements throughout history. ABOUT OUR GUEST Esther Salomon helped kick-start Animal Rising as a full-time member in 2019 and supported it through its first wave of resistance to later become a founder and director of Animal Think Tank. She is currently working towards establishing VARC (the vegan and animal rights conference), a grassroots gathering for animal advocates in the UK. She is a certified Kingian Nonviolence Level One Trainer and has a background in nonviolent strategy and civil resistance for Animal Freedom. Animal Think Tank website Animal Think Tank on X Animal Think Tank on Facebook Animal Think Tank on YouTube RESOURCES Direct Action Everywhere activists face felony and misdemeanor charges Animal Law Podcast #99: The Case of the Prohibited Protest Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century Doing Democracy: The Map Model for Organizing Social Movements In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma Interview transcript available on our website. ______________________
Sat, September 02, 2023
Animal Journalism w/ Jessica Scott-Reid
Every activist knows that journalists who are willing to cover serious animal stories are all too rare, but this week we will be talking to someone who has carved out a career doing exactly that. Freelance journalist and animal advocate Jessica Scott-Reid shares her experience in the world of animal-related journalism. ABOUT OUR GUEST Jessica Scott-Reid is a freelance journalist and animal advocate. She has been writing about animal rights and welfare, climate change, vegan culture, and plant-based foods for nearly a decade. Her work is regularly featured in mainstream media across Canada and beyond, such as The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star, as well as in advocacy publications like Sentient Media and Planet Friendly News. She was the co-host of the Paw and Order Podcast and the mother to one daughter, two dogs, and a rescued fish and snail. Jessica Scott-Reid on Facebook Jessica Scott-Reid on Twitter Jessica Scott-Reid on Instagram RESOURCES Recycling and other myths about climate change The Vegan on Bookshop.org Jessica Scott-Reid on Sentient Media Jessica Scott-Reid on MuckRack Jessica Scott-Reid on Canada’s National Observer Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement t
Sat, August 26, 2023
Saving Animals in Nepal w/ Sneha Shrestha
There’s nothing we love more than talking to people who are saving animals in places we’ve never been to, and today we’ll be talking to Sneha Shrestha in Nepal about her extraordinary work saving dogs, helping farmed animals, and spreading veganism through her organization, Sneha’s Care. ABOUT OUR GUEST Sneha Shrestha is a prominent animal advocate and vegan activist based in Nepal. She is the founder of Sneha’s Care, a nonprofit committed to protecting farmed animals and community dogs from cruelty through rescues, welfare initiatives, and education. To date, Sneha’s Care has rescued over 15,000 animals as part of its mission to create a society that treats animals humanely. Sneha’s Care Website Sneha’s Care on Facebook Sneha’s Care on Instagram Sneha’s Care on X RESOURCES The mystery of the social media disinformation war on plant-based meat The Backlash to Plant-Based Meat Is No Coincidence The New Science the Plant-Based Industry Needs To Know Grazed and Confused: In ‘The Vegan,’ a Guilty Hedge Funder Eats His Feelings Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream
Sat, August 19, 2023
The EATS Act is a “Race to the Bottom” w/ Chris Green
Do you try to keep up with animal-related legislation but sometimes find yourself wondering what it all means? This week we get some answers regarding the hugely important EATS Act and the effort to eradicate state animal welfare laws from Chris Green, Executive Director of the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law . ABOUT OUR GUEST Chris Green is the Executive Director of the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School , former Chair of the American Bar Association’s TIPS Animal Law Committee, and, previously, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. A graduate of Harvard Law School and the University of Illinois, Chris regularly testifies at legislative hearings on animal protection matters and has been quoted on animal legal issues in dozens of major media outlets. In 2022, Chris received the American Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law . RESOURCES Brooks McCormick Jr Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School Harvard Animal Law & Policy Program on Facebook Harvard Animal Law & Policy Program on X Harvard Animal Law & Policy Program on LinkedIn Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=track&a
Sat, August 12, 2023
The Veganic Grower’s Handbook w/ Jimmy Videle
There is no place more relaxing than a beautiful garden, and nothing better to eat than homegrown fruits and vegetables, but what is a vegan to do when all of the potting soils and fertilizers are riddled with animal products? Jimmy Videle has the answers, and he joins us today to discuss his new book, The Veganic Grower’s Handbook: Cultivating Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs from Urban Backyard to Rural Farmyard , as well as the new North American Veganic Certification Standard . ABOUT OUR GUEST Jimmy Videle is a farmer, activist, naturalist, consultant, and researcher. He has been a consultant and researcher with A.U.M. Films (producers of Cowspiracy and What the Health), Humane Party USA, and the Animal Protection Party, Canada. He lives with his wife, Mélanie Bernier, and five rescue cats on the small-scale veganic farm, La Ferme de l’Aube, in Boileau, Québec. A full-time organic farmer since 2005, he is also the author of the recently released The Veganic Grower’s Handbook: Cultivating Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs from Urban Backyard to Rural Farmyard , the host of The Veganic Grower’s Hour YouTube show, and the co-founder of the North American Veganic Certification Standard. RESOURCES ‘Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food’: Everything You Need to Know The Truth About Your Bacon A new investigation exposes the stomach-churning practice that goes into making your bacon Activists call it rescue. Farms call it stealing. What is ‘open rescue’? The Veganic Growers Handbook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.p
Sat, August 05, 2023
Sweet Farm Climate Sanctuary w/ Nate Salpeter & Shira Jacobson
Panicked about climate? Wondering what to do? Nate Salpeter and Shira Jacobson join us to discuss Sweet Farm , a sanctuary that is attacking the climate crisis from many different angles. From animal rescue to the most sophisticated agriculture technology, from plant-based regenerative ag to composting, Sweet Farm will give you hope and inspire you on your journey! ABOUT OUR GUESTS Nate Salpeter, who holds a Ph.D. in engineering, is, along with Anna Sweet, a co-founder of Sweet Farm, which is a place of education, inspiration, and innovation through farm animal rescue, regenerative agriculture, and technology initiatives to scale accessible change in the food and climate systems globally. Nate is also an investor in the alternative protein, agriculture technology, and sustainability sectors and a general partner at SNØCAP, an emerging climate innovation fund that aims to enable sector shifts and unlock the potential for previously unimaginable companies to exist. Shira Jacobson is a marketing and social media specialist and the Development and Communications Manager at Sweet Farm, where she works to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place for all. RESOURCES Save the Planet, Put Down that Hamburger What’s a Plant-Based Diet? Here’s What You Need to Know to Eat Less Meat. Calling Plant-Based Food ‘Vegan’ Makes Fewer People Choose It, Study Finds Sweet Farm’s website Sweet Farm on Instagram Sweet Farm on Facebook Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! I
Sat, July 29, 2023
Designing for the Movement w/ Zeynep Sağlamöz
Ever felt motivated to be more active but didn’t know where to find the resources to get started? This week Mariann speaks with Zeynep Sağlamöz, Global Graphics Coordinator for Animal Save Movement , about the fantastic resources they have made available to activists. She also tells us about animal rescue efforts during Turkey’s recent devastating earthquakes and the awe-inspiring progress made by activists in the municipality of Didim. ABOUT OUR GUEST Zeynep Sağlamöz is an animal rights activist in Türkiye. After seven years in the ad-land as an art director & graphic designer, she became vegan and left her corporate job, having realized that she was creating work promoting a speciesist industry. She now uses her expertise and know-how to expose the truth about animal agriculture by directing and producing thousands of powerful multilingual graphics for Animal Save Movement, where she serves as the Global Graphics Coordinator. She has two cat friends, Delilah and Pixel. Zeynep on Instagram zeynep@animalsavemovement.org RESOURCES The next pandemic could spring from the US meat supply, new report finds The Save Movement website Plant Based Treaty Website Interview transcript available on our website. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, <a
Sat, July 22, 2023
State of the Union w/ Jane O’Hara
Has a painting or piece of artwork ever stopped you immediately, demanding your full attention? Such is so often the case with Jane O’Hara’s paintings. This week, Jane joins us for a conversation about her artwork, which highlights “ the failure of the human-animal bond and the tendency of humans to impose their own agenda despite the risks.” We specifically discuss her extraordinary new series State of the Union , currently on exhibit at the New Bedford Art Museum in Massachusetts. The series, at once appearing extremely familiar and yet vaguely surreal, is a visual and auditory examination of the animal experience across the US. We dig into Jane’s artistic process and the pivotal moment she realized she wanted to embrace a vegan lifestyle, and she also shares the story of her late cat Nellie, why she decided to use Nellie as an anchor in the State of the Union series, and the difference in how we tend to treat companion animals and farmed animals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Jane O’Hara* Jane O’Hara is a contemporary American artist, curator and founder of Jane O’Hara Projects. She received a BFA in painting from Boston University. Jane’s work has been presented and exhibited across the US. She is an honoree of the Courage of Conscience Award from the Peace Abbey, honoring individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves through humanitarian causes, peace and social justice activism. “The art s have played a strong part in opening my eyes.” – Jane O’Hara Resources: What will we be eating in 2040? Highlights for Episode 706: An overview of Jane’s St
Sat, July 15, 2023
Animal Rights ASAP! w/ Faraz Harsini
Faraz Harsini, Ph.D. , realized something was missing from the animal rights movement and decided to fill that gap. The organization he founded, Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), is helping university students and others on campus build ongoing, lasting advocacy organizations. We discuss ASAP’s long-term plans for expansion, how students can get help starting their own chapter, the support ASAP offers, and why Faraz believes connecting animal rights folk on campus is crucial. He also tells us about his role at The Good Food Institute and the research they’re doing to scale the production of cultivated meat. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Dr Faraz Harsini* Dr. Faraz Harsini has advocated for animal rights for over ten years. He is a biomedical scientist and Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP) CEO and founder. This non-profit organization supports students interested in advocating for animal protection and pursuing careers that can make a difference. He is also a Bioprocessing Senior Scientist at Good Food Institute, where he works on advancing scientific and technological methods to produce alternative proteins on a large scale. Dr. Harsini believes that the root cause of many global issues affecting humans and animals is linked to the food system. Therefore, he aims to change the food system through his work at GFI and to train and support students to become future leaders in animal protection through ASAP. “I’m sick of animal rights organizations and student organizations becoming inactive because of a lack of support, lack of infrastructure, or lack of mentorship.” – Faraz Harsini Resources: Pale and gelatinous: I tried vegan seafood so you don’t have to Highlights for Episode 705: The three key areas ASAP focuses on: outreach, education, and empowerment How they’re supporting student dining halls to go plant-based and make veganism as accessible as possible
Sat, July 08, 2023
Saving an Endangered Species w/ Chris Allieri
Chris Allieri is on a mission to save the Piping Plover, a species of beach-nesting shorebirds at risk of extinction. Founder of the NYC Plover Project, Chris, tells us about these delightful birds, their habitat, and the factors driving their potential demise. Chris discusses how he, alongside his team of volunteers, helps ensure the birds’ safety as best they can in the shoreline areas of New York City and New Jersey. Chris also discusses the importance of activism and how vegan activists who see the big picture regarding animals can reach others by focusing their activism in a positive way on the members of a single, vulnerable species. He also shares the story of Bean, the lop-eared bunny he rescued in 2016, and how their bond set him on the path to veganism. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Chris Allieri* Chris Allieri is the founder of NYC Plover Project, a non-profit organization he began in March 2021 upon seeing a need to protect endangered Piping Plovers in New York City, who were otherwise left to fend for themselves. In just over two years, the organization has grown to a staff of 4 and a force of 250 volunteers who have performed more than 10,000 volunteer hours protecting nesting plovers and their chicks on the busiest beaches in the city. NYC Plover Project was awarded the 2021 Hartzog Award as the non-profit volunteer group of the year for the entire National Park Service, with whom they have a partnership. In 2023, the group forged a partnership with NYC Parks & Recreation, the largest city park system in the U.S. Chris is also the founder of Mulberry & Astor, a communications firm focused on climate tech startups. A long-time resident of NYC, Chris grew up on the beaches of southern New Jersey, where he first saw a Piping Plover at a young age with his late father, Carl. “My challenge to the birding community is that it’s not enough just to look at these birds. We have to do something about their survival.” – Chris Allieri Resources: Surging vegan food demand inspires RIT to trade tenderloin for tempeh <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2023/06/orca-kil
Sat, July 01, 2023
A new type of DELINQUENT w/ Aiyana Goodfellow
Writer, liberator, and self-described DELINQUENT Aiyana Goodfellow joins the podcast this week for an eye-opening conversation that just might shift your perspective on many things, including veganism, anti-speciesism, and activism. Aiyana shares their thoughts on the mainstream vegan movement and the importance of developing one’s own ideology instead of simply “performing goodness” in your lifestyle and activism. We dive into why strategy is the backbone of successful activism and how Aiyana tailors their message of anti-speciesism to meet their audience where it’s at. Aiyana also discusses themes of their first book, Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood and Embracing Our Multispecies World, and shares details of their upcoming book, INNOCENCE AND CORRUPTION . *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Aiyana Goodfellow* Aiyana Goodfellow (he/she/they) is a writer, liberator, and DELINQUENT artist and organizer based in London, UK. They are the author of Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood & Embracing Our Multispecies World , which they published at the age of 15. “The exploitation of animals has always existed in tandem with the exploitation of marginalized humans.” – Aiyana Goodfellow Resources: Jimmy Turner, MD on Twitter Highlights for Episode 703: What Aiyana means when they describe themself as a DELINQUENT and how, along with their writing and liberation work, this identity intersects with their animal activism Aiyana’s book, Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood and Embracing Our Multispecies World, <
Sat, June 24, 2023
Vegan Comedy is Not an Oxymoron w/ Myq Kaplan
Comedian Myq Kaplan is back on the podcast this week to discuss the intersection of animal rights, activism, and the creative arts. We discuss Myq’s latest comedy album, A.K.A. , as well as the recently widely released Live In Between Albums , and he gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his creative process. The vegan comedian also dishes on his upcoming appearance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, his “ImPerfect” show (which he co-created with his girlfriend, Rini), and what he has in store following his summer in Scotland. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Myq Kaplan* Myq Kaplan has appeared on the Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, and America’s Got Talent. He has a one-hour standup special on Amazon, “Small, Dork, and Handsome,” and two podcasts, The Faucet and Broccoli and Ice Cream. His debut album, “Vegan Mind Meld,” was one of iTunes’ top 10 comedy albums of the year, and his newest album, “A.K.A.,” debuted at #1 and was called “invigoratingly funny” by the NY Times! “I want to talk about things that are important to me. I want to talk about things I care about.” – Myq Kaplan Highlights for Episode 702: Why Myq recorded Live Between Albums and how it might represent a little downtime for vegan activists How Myq collects and collates his reflections on life and turns them into content that resonates with other people The two key phases of Myq’s creative process: the blooming phase and the pruning phase Why Myq isn’t worried that he’ll be replaced by artificial intelligence Trends in com
Sat, June 17, 2023
Weighing Animal Welfare w/ Bob Fischer
When it comes to thinking about animals, Bob Fischer believes we should be doing it more often and more deeply. A professor of philosophy at Texas State University and the author of, among other things, Animal Ethics—A Contemporary Introduction , Bob joins the podcast this week for a conversation about animal ethics, philosophy, and activism. Bob shares how empirical data and philosophical considerations can help challenge society’s cruel treatment of animals and even encourage more compassion toward them. We also discuss why people might be persuaded to care about chickens and even have their heartstrings tugged by cows but generally fail to empathize with insects. Plus, Bob tells us why quantifying animal suffering can help activists prioritize the best use of their resources, including both time and money. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Bob Fischer* Bob Fischer is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Texas State University, a Senior Research Manager for Rethink Priorities, and the Director of the Society for the Study of Ethics and Animals. His most recent books are Animal Ethics—A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge) and Weighing Animal Welfare: Comparing Wellbeing across Species (Oxford University Press). “Veganism is the very beginning of a long journey toward actually doing what’s right.” – Bob Fischer Highlights for Episode 701: The complexities behind one of the basic tenets of animal activism: If we don’t have to cause extraordinary suffering, then we shouldn’t Why Bob doesn’t follow any particular school of philosophical thought How we can assess what pain and pleasure look like for animals <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level
Sat, June 10, 2023
Rowdy Girl w/ Renee King-Sonnen & Tommy Sonnen
From Texas cattle ranchers to vegan sanctuary founders, Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen have turned around their lives and are helping others, both animal and human, to do the same. Now, the incredible story of how they have rescued and continue to care for 137 animals has caught the attention of filmmaker Jason Goldman, who embarked on capturing their daily lives at the sanctuary and has recently released Rowdy Girl, which premiered at Toronto’s prestigious Hot Docs film festival. The film tells the story of Renee and Tommy’s tireless dedication, their profound impact on the lives of the animals they have rescued, and their remarkable ability to reach others with their message of compassion and the rejection of violence. Renee and Tommy join us on the podcast this week to share this remarkable journey. Renee tells us how forging a deep and meaningful relationship with a cow named Rowdy Girl set her on a transformative path and changed her life forever (and Tommy’s along with it). Renee and Tommy share what it’s like to run a sanctuary in cattle country and also tell us about their Rancher Advocacy Program , which supports farmers and ranchers looking to transition away from animal agriculture. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen* Renee King-Sonnen, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary’s founder and executive director, along with her husband, co-founder Tommy Sonnen, were featured on the CBS Evening News in 2016, launching an international following and fan base. In 2016, Renee won the VegNews “Vegan Rookie of the Year” Award and can now be heard on podcasts, news stories, documentaries, and magazine interviews all over the world. Rowdy Girl is the first documented beef cattle ranch to transition to a vegan farm sanctuary and veganic farm and has been at the forefront of the farm transition conversation. Renee and Tommy are currently featured in the documentary Rowdy Girl, which had its world premiere in Toronto at Hot Docs, the largest documentary film festival in North America. “The v
Sat, June 03, 2023
Total Liberation w/ Yvette Baker
Longtime animal advocates may be familiar with the term total liberation, but what exactly does this mean? Yvette Baker joins us today for an exploration of total liberation activism and its profound influence on her own animal advocacy. In our conversation, she sheds light on oppressive language commonly used when representing animals and urges everyone to unlearn and challenge it for the sake of progress. Yvette also tells how growing up in an Indigenous household impacted her perspective on animal activism, lending a unique lens to her advocacy work. We also explore the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, illustrating how animal activism is an integral part of a broader continuum. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Yvette Baker* Yvette Baker is a writer, educator, social critic, and animal liberation activist. Her work is devoted to exposing and analyzing the intersections of human and nonhuman oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens. As a lifelong social justice advocate for human rights with experience in strategic grassroots organizing, she has become passionate about furthering collective liberationist frameworks and aims to empower the vegan movement as a movement for total liberation. “Language is powerful, and we could learn a lot from other social justice movements by understanding the power of language and how it can help reframe the dialogue within society.” – Yvette Baker Highlights for Episode 699: What total liberation activism means to Yvette and how it guides her animal activism How people can make a shift toward embracing a total liberation approach How local pressure campaigns fit into the puzzle of deconstructing animal exploitation Yvette’s journey into animal activism, veganism, and how her activism can be traced back to local civil unrest after the Rodney King assault Yvette’s upbringing in an Indigenous household and its impact on her animal activism <
Sat, May 27, 2023
Animal Liberation Now w/ Peter Singer
This episode of Our Hen House features an animal rights legend, renowned philosopher, and ethicist, Peter Singer . In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore a range of topics, including the principle of equal consideration of interests, the nuance between sentience and consciousness, and the evolution of the animal movement since Peter’s groundbreaking book Animal Liberation was first released 50 years ago. Peter and Mariann also discuss the importance of individual actions while moving toward systemic change and the shifts in thought regarding animal welfare. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Peter Singer* Peter Singer has been called the “world’s most influential living philosopher.” He’s authored more than 50 groundbreaking books including Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics , T he Expanding Circle, Rethinking Life and Death, One World, The Ethics of What We Eat (with Jim Mason) and The Point of View of the Universe (with Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek). Peter’s work on the ethics of our treatment of animals is often credited with starting the modern animal rights movement, and his writing has greatly influenced the development of effective altruism. He is the co-founder of the Australian Federation of Animal Societies, now Animals Australia, the country’s largest and most effective animal organization. Peter is the recipient of the 2021 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture, and has committed to donating the accompanying $1 million to the most effective organizations working to assist people in extreme poverty and to reduce the suffering of animals in factory farms. After teaching in England, the United States, and Australia, he became the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. “If a being is feeling pain, then what matters is how much pain they’re feeling, not what species the being is.” – Peter Singer Highlights for Episode 698: The paradox of changing awareness
Sat, May 20, 2023
Documentaries That Change the World w/ Louie Psihoyos
This week we dive into the world of documentary filmmaking with renowned photographer and documentary film director Louie Psihoyos . Louie is perhaps best known for his 2009 film, the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove , which shed a brutal light on the remarkably cruel dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan . In our conversation, Louie shares how movies can help change the world and why he’s passionate about telling stories that impact animals, human health, and the environment. He also tells us about his current projects, including a film about Gunung Leuser, a National Forest in Indonesia known to be the last place wild animals such as tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans coexist and where local activists are trying to shut down illegal palm oil plantations. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Louis Psihoyos* Louie Psihoyos, Executive Director of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), is recognized as one of the top photographers in the world. He was hired directly out of college to shoot for National Geographic and created images for the yellow-bordered magazine for 18 years. His ability to bring humanity and wit to complicated science stories carries over to his filmmaking. An ardent diver and dive photographer, he feels compelled to show the world the decline of our planet’s crucial resource, the oceans. Psihoyos’ first documentary film, The Cove, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Film of 2009 and over 75 other awards worldwide. The film garnered immense critical praise and has been seen by millions of viewers worldwide. His second film, Racing Extinction, premiered on Discovery in 220 countries and territories on the same day, was nominated for an Emmy and an Academy Award, and sparked the #StartWith1Thing movement. Louie finished directing The Game Changers in 2019, executive produced by James Cameron. In the first 30 days the documentary was on Netflix, Google searches for “plant-based diet” went up 350% worldwide. Psihoyos most recently finished directing Mission: Joy in 2021, which explores the friendship and wisdom of two of our generation’s greatest spiritual leaders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. <p style="te
Sat, May 13, 2023
Jumpstarting a Vegan Lifestyle w/ Ted & Carol Barnett
The Standard American Diet—heavy in dairy and meat products—has long been known to contribute to chronic, diet-related illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Long-time vegans know this quite well, but what about the general public? Dr. Ted Barnett and Carol Barnett join the podcast to discuss the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and how they support those looking to switch to a whole food plant-based lifestyle. The husband-and-wife team tells us about their mission to educate folks about the benefits of a vegan diet and how their 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart program is helping them do just that. Plus, we get into the Barnetts’ involvement in the Rochester Area Vegan Society (RAVS), why they go to Vegan Summerfest every year, and what gives them hope for the future of our world. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Ted & Carol Barnett* Dr. Ted Barnett is a highly regarded physician and health advocate known for his innovative yet practical approach to patient care. He holds an MD from Tufts University and is board certified in Diagnostic Imaging and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He is the Founding President and Board Chair of Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and a partner at Borg and Ide Imaging in Rochester, NY. Dr. Barnett is also a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine physician and a lead lecturer for “Jumpstarting Health,” a 24 CME lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition course. He and his family have thrived on an exclusively plant-based diet since 1991. Dr. Barnett is widely recognized as the “High-Tech Doctor with Low-Tech Solutions.” Carol Barnett, who holds two graduate degrees from Yale University, found her true calling as a vegan advocate when, in 1995, she and Ted took over running the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society (RAVS), which later became the Rochester Area Vegan Society. Carol works with Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute to create plant-based content, and she attends just about every session of the 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart as well as the Alumni Group, Plant-Based Together. Carol is active in her town, where she serves on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a parcel along the Genesee River, and she can o
Sat, May 06, 2023
Environmental and Animal Rights Journalism w/Spencer Roberts
Last autumn, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game canceled the crabbing season for the Alaskan snow crab for the first time in history after the crustaceans’ population dropped an astonishing 87 percent. This is only one of the stories recently covered in depth by ecologist and journalist Spencer Roberts, who joins us on the podcast for an overarching conversation about animals and conservation, including the story behind the crabs’ devastating dwindling numbers and how the industry uses climate change as a cover for the damage caused by overfishing. Spencer also shares his thoughts on bridging the gap between the conservation and animal rights movements through his work and why folks continue funding the industries they oppose through their lifestyle choices. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Spencer Roberts* Spencer Roberts is a Colorado-based science writer, musician, ecologist, and engineer. As a science writer, he particularly focuses on animal agriculture, marine life, and the climate crisis. Find his work in Jacobin, The Intercept, Wired, and more. “The conservation movement and the animal rights movement are natural allies; if we build that coalition, we can have a lot more of an impact.” – Spencer Roberts Highlights for Episode 695: Spencer shares why marine life is currently his biggest passion and gives us an overview of what’s happening in the oceans right now Spencer’s thoughts on the High Seas Treaty recently agreed upon at the UN and why he’s cautiously optimistic Why aquaculture is not a solution to the damage marine ecosystems are enduring, including the issues of bycatch and disease spreading The impact one person can make by refusing to consume animal products Why people ethically oppose factory farms but continue funding such operations through their lifestyle choices Wh
Sat, April 29, 2023
The Tiny Chef! w/ Rachel Larsen
Just five years ago, a very small herbivorous chef who resides in a modest tree stump took Instagram by storm, impressing thousands with his culinary expertise and tiny, plant-based eats—and he hasn’t slowed down since. In fact, he even helms his very own show on Nick Jr . The Tiny Chef has captured hearts worldwide, and this week, director and animator Rachel Larsen joins us for a conversation about the tiny culinarian. Rachel shares how her personal journey led her to embrace veganism and how adhering to a plant-based lifestyle has influenced her creative work, including The Tiny Chef Show . Plus, we’re joined by a surprise guest you’ll certainly want to hear from. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Rachel Larsen* Rachel Larsen is a Writer, Director, and Animator with credits to her name like Coraline, Tumble Leaf, ParaNorman, and Isle of Dogs . An Annie and Emmy-nominated animator, with lots of experience working with, and sometimes breaking, tiny things, Rachel now dedicates most of her time to helping Tiny Chef bring his tiny vision to the world. Chef counts on Rachel to help him with his on-camera performance, drive him to his voice lessons, and to taste test his new dishes. In the fall of 2022, The Tiny Chef Show aired on Nickelodeon and has earned a Kidscreen Award and a converted Annie Award. “Compassion and empathy are key to creating positive change.” – Rachel Larsen Highlights for Episode 694: How Rachel’s views on veganism changed after conversations with a vegan friend Why change is difficult and uncomfortable but necessary for societal growth Why the word “vegan” carries weight, but, at its core, is a simple choice <li style="font-w
Sat, April 22, 2023
The Foster Farms Rescue and Trial, w/ Alexandra Paul and Alicia Santurio
In September of 2021, Alicia Santurio and Baywatch actor Alexandra Paul rescued Jax and Ethan , two gravely ill chickens, from a transport truck heading for a slaughterhouse owned by Foster Farms. The activists faced misdemeanor charges for petty theft, and this March, they stood before a 12-person jury as part of a nine-day trial, previously unheard of for such charges. Alexandra and Alicia join us to discuss the rescue and how they ultimately chose to take the case to trial despite being offered five different plea deals. They describe the importance of shining light on the cruelty in animal agriculture through court trials and the “necessity defense” as it relates to animals in the eyes of the law. We also get into Alicia and Alexandra’s thoughts about personhood for animals and how organizations can help promote ethical choices. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Alexandra Paul & Alicia Santurio* Alicia Santurio is a committed animal rights activist who dedicates herself full-time to the cause. Currently serving as a Fellow with Direct Action Everywhere, she plays a crucial role in the organization as a Paralegal/Legal Aide and Lead Investigator, working closely with the legal team. Before this, Alicia gained valuable animal care experience, which informed her passion for animal welfare. Alexandra Paul, a well-known actress, political activist, and environmentalist, has been advocating for animal rights for more than three decades. She has been a member of PETA since 1991 and has been actively involved in promoting animal welfare through various campaigns and demonstrations. Alexandra has been arrested multiple times for her involvement in animal rights protests. She is also the cohost of the Switch4Good podcast. “We need to continue doing grassroots open rescues all over the world, shedding light on what goes on behind closed doors, and challenging these systems in courts.” – Alexandra Paul “Animals have protections under the law, and that shows that they’re not just things—they are someone.” – Alicia Santurio Highlights for Episode 693:
Sat, April 15, 2023
Farm Sanctuary’s “Food Systems Shift” w/ Aaron Rimmler-Cohen
Since its founding in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has advocated for farmed animals and large-scale institutional reform with the ultimate goal of removing animals from the food system. Senior Director of Advocacy Aaron Rimmler-Cohen joins the podcast this week to discuss Farm Sanctuary’s Food Systems Shift program. In our conversation, Aaron discusses the disastrous policy of government subsidies of animal products and explains why the nonprofit is shifting resources to community-based organizations building sustainable, plant-based food systems. He also highlights three key ways it encourages the federal government to support such a community-focused shift. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Aaron Rimmler-Cohen* Aaron Rimmler-Cohen (he/his) is the new Senior Director of Advocacy at Farm Sanctuary. He has spent the last 18 months as the Senior Manager of Farm Sanctuary’s “Food System Shift” program, investigating how a platform of just and sustainable food system transformation can end animal agriculture over the long term. He has previously held relevant, director-level roles in politics, agriculture, and at a community-based food system consultancy in North Carolina, has a Master of Public Policy degree from Duke University, and has also served as a co-instructor on “Well-Being Economics.” “We need systems change. We can achieve this by organizing together and building a food system where crops are grown, and money flows back into the community.” – Aaron Rimmler-Cohen Highlights for Episode 692: How Farm Sanctuary aims to shift financial, social, and political resources toward community-based organizations that build sustainable, plant-based food systems Why farmed animal sanctuaries provide a good starting point for advocacy How Farm Sanctuary approaches coalition building by meeting people where they are and working together to build a food system that works for everyone, including animals, people, and the planet The allies Farm San
Sat, April 08, 2023
Coffee Wars w/ Kate Nash
Humor can be a powerful tool to promote change – and vegan actress and musician Kate Nash knows how to wield it to hilarious effect. We’re thrilled to welcome Kate for a discussion about her recent film, Coffee Wars , which manages to deliver a powerful pro-animal message while, at the same time, making everyone laugh. As we all know, that’s not that easy to do. In our conversation, Kate introduces us to her character Jo, who owns a vegan coffee house, and explains how the film uses the snobbery that surrounds that particularly favored caffeinated brew as a central joke to encourage viewers to think about what they are putting in their coffee and in their mouths. Plus, Kate tells us about how she first learned about the cruel treatment of animals trapped in agriculture and how that realization changed her life in unexpected ways. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Kate Nash* Kate Nash studied at the BRIT School before launching her music career in 2005. Her 2007 single “Foundations” became a sleeper hit and brought her to public attention in the UK. Her debut album, Made of Bricks, peaked at #1 in the UK. Kate subsequently won the award for Best British Female Artist at the 2008 Brit Awards. Aside from music, Kate has acted in various films and TV series. Most notably, she starred in the 2012 film Greetings from Tim Buckley , as well as the 2013 films Powder Room and Syrup . Kate was part of the cast of the acclaimed Netflix series GLOW , where she portrayed Rhonda “Britannica” Richardson for its entire three season run. She is a supporter of the LGBTQ community and has a large LGBTQ following, and has described her 2010 song “I’ve Got a Secret” as “an anti-homophobic rant.” She is a vocal feminist and campaigns to fight gender inequality within, and beyond, the music industry. In 2013, she became the Global Ambassador for Because I Am a Girl and partnered with them for her own campaign, Protect a Girl. <span style="font-wei
Sat, April 01, 2023
Plant-Based Nation w/ Dr. Milton Mills
Dr. Milton Mills , a prominent advocate for plant-based diets and a practicing physician, joins us this week for an in-depth discussion about the misconceptions surrounding vegan diets and how such misunderstandings have evolved over time. Dr. Mills, who offers extensive evidence that humans aren’t innate omnivores, thoroughly debunks the myth that humans need meat to be healthy and explains how taking responsibility for our own health through our diet can be more effective than relying solely on Western medicine. But for Dr. Mills, it’s not just about your health. He also shares his thoughts on the deeply problematic societal norm of killing animals for food and how his spiritual beliefs align with his vegan lifestyle. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Dr. Milton Mills* Milton Mills, MD, practices urgent care medicine in the Washington DC area and has served previously as Associate Director of Preventive Medicine and as a member of the National Advisory Board for Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). He has been a major contributor to position papers presented by PCRM to the United States Department of Agriculture regarding Dietary Guidelines for Americans and has been the lead plaintiff in PCRM’s class action lawsuit that asks for warning labels on milk. Dr. Mills earned his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine and completed an Internal Medicine residency at Georgetown University Hospital. He has published several research journal articles dealing with racial bias in federal nutrition policy. He frequently donates his time by practicing at free medical clinics and travels widely, speaking at hospitals, churches, and community centers throughout the country. He was featured in the wildly popular film “What the Health.” “It’s important not only to be vegan for the animals, but to be vegan for yourself, and that means being a healthy vegan.” – Dr. Milton Mills Highlights for Episode 690: Why it’s encouraging to see that veganism is surpassing vegetarianism as a popular lifestyle choice, and why this shift is happening Dr. Mills debunks the idea that
Sat, March 25, 2023
Supplements without Suffering w/ Maria Cebrian
Did you know dietary supplements often contain hidden animal-based ingredients, and there are no requirements for this to be disclosed on the label? This week, Terraseed founder Maria Cebrian joins the podcast to discuss vitamins for vegans and the challenges of sourcing high-quality plant-based ingredients and truly eco-friendly packaging. She also describes how Terraseed has partnered with Animal Save Movement for the Transparent Label Campaign . Maria, an entrepreneur with 13 years of experience, tells us how becoming vegan inspired her to create a company that puts animal equality at its center and why she believes it is important to build a person-first business that treats team members as human beings, not resources. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Maria Cebrian* Maria Cebrian, the co-founder and CEO of Terraseed, is a third-time entrepreneur and a Forbes 1000 honoree. She has 14 years of experience in the digital and wellness industries, and her second company was acquired by Gaia. Her current company, Terraseed, was the first vegan company to be selected by the accelerator Techstars and has already been recognized by the Natural Products Industry with a NEXTY award. “I wanted to build a supplement that was fully aligned with the values and the lifestyle of a vegan person.” – Maria Cebrian Highlights for Episode 689: How Maria’s interest in food and nutrition led her to gradually remove meat and fish from her diet and eventually adopt a healthy, whole-foods vegan diet Why removing animal products from her diet improved not only Maria’s digestion but also enhanced her athletic performance, mood, sleep, and sense of connection with the earth and its animals Why fish are middlemen when it comes to sources of Omega 3, and how we can farm a plant-based source for use in supplements <span s
Sat, March 18, 2023
High Impact Athletes w/ Marcus Daniell
When Marcus Daniell isn’t on the tennis court winning Olympic titles, he’s focused on high-impact charitable giving. He joins us on the podcast from New Zealand for a conversation about his organization, High Impact Athletes , which helps athletes create world-changing impacts through charitable donations. In our discussion, Marcus details athletes’ historical donating patterns and how High Impact Athletes helps connect them with effective charities. Marcus also shares his thoughts on the benefits and limitations of Effective Altruism, the future of cultivated meat, and the cognitive dissonance some folks have when it comes to eating certain animals but not others. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Marcus Daniell* Marcus is the founder and Executive Director of High Impact Athletes. He is also an Olympic bronze medallist tennis player with 5 ATP titles, quarterfinal appearances at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open (twice), and numerous caps for the New Zealanc Davis Cup Team. He has been Giving Effectively since 2014. On January 4th, 2021, Marcus took the Giving What We Can pledge to donate at least 10% of his annual winnings to effective organizations for the rest of his life. Alongside his tennis career, Marcus has completed a B.A. from Massey University in Psychology and Spanish and has been awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for his work with HIA, joining recipients such as Nelson Mandela and Roger Federer. “Every inch of progress that we make will result in a better world.” – Marcus Daniell Highlights for Episode 688: High Impact Athletes, the organization’s goals, and how it hopes to make giving back in meaningful ways the norm in professional sports How millennials view philanthropy and why it may differ from other generations’ views How High Impact Athletes works to make donations as impactful as possible Some of Effective Altruism’s blind spots, includ
Sat, March 11, 2023
A Cat Rescuer You Need to Hear From w/ Sterling “TrapKing” Davis
Before he was a cat rescuer, Sterling “TrapKing” Davis was a rapper—a unique trajectory in the field of animal rescue. Sterling—who dedicated himself to improving the lives of stray cats after a lifelong connection to them—joins us today for a delightful conversation about, among other things, trap-neuter-return (TNR) and how he’s working to increase diversity within cat rescue. In our discussion, Sterling tells us stories about trapping cats, explains how he’s using his personal experiences and insights to make cat rescue more inclusive, and tells us why, for him, veganism is such an important part of caring about animals.. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Sterling “TrapKing” Davis* Sterling “TrapKing” Davis is a well-traveled, ex-military, music and cat enthusiast who has always loved entertaining and interacting with people. Since childhood, he was also the only guy in his neighborhood that loved cats. After working at a local shelter and learning about trap-neuter-return (TNR), the only way to humanely control cat overpopulation, in 2017, he started his own nonprofit, Trapking Humane Cat Solutions , where he focuses on educating, assisting, and doing TNR and community cat management. Davis has also made several national television appearances on shows such as the Drew Barrymore Show , Access Hollywood, and Shark Tank , as part of his business representing a cat dating app called Tabby Dates. In 2021, he was also featured on the Netflix documentary, Cat People . A longtime vegan, he lives in his Trapking RV with his three cats, Damita Jo, Alanis Mewisette, and Nipsey Cuddle. “I love showing people something that I never saw growing up. I never saw some cool guy that was hip and compassionate at the same time.” – Sterling “TrapKing” Davis Highlights for Episode 687: How Sterling became involved with his local cat rescue while in between music tours </
Sat, March 04, 2023
Food System Innovations w/ David Meyer and Galina Hale
Disrupting the global food system is one of the most pressing issues of our lifetimes—and it’s no small lift. Today, we welcome two powerhouses working to help the world shift to a kinder, plant-based food system. David Meyer and Galina Hale serve as the CEO and Chief Research Officer, respectively, of Food System Innovations (FSI) . They join us this week to discuss the nonprofit’s mission to transform the food system, diving into, among other things, the enormous funding disparities between research beneficial to animal ag and that geared toward alternative proteins. They also discuss the public perception of “processed” plant-based foods and the differences in labeling requirements for animal-based and plant-based foods. Plus, they share details of some projects FSI is currently spearheading. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with David Meyer & Galina Hale* David Meyer is an executive with deep experience at the nexus of the nonprofit and for-profit sectors and a strong interest in environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and working to find sustainable solutions that benefit a diverse set of stakeholders. He is co-founder and CEO of Food System Innovations and Humane America Animal Foundation . He is also a trustee for the Food System Research Fund. He was the interim Executive Director and is a strategic advisor to the Plant Based Foods Association, and advises the Good Food Institute, the Plant Based World Conference and Expo, the Material Innovation Initiative, Pivot Food Investment, and many other nonprofits and for-profits in the space. Galina Hale is a Professor of Economics at UC Santa Cruz and the co-founder and Chief Research Officer of Food System Innovations. She served as a Research Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and as an assistant professor in the economics department of Yale University. Galina is a director of the CEBRA’s IFM program and a co-director of the UCSC Center for Analytical Finance (CAFIN). Galina has been recently working on ways economists can inform policymakers on how to make the food system more sustainable. She serves on editorial boards of a number of Economics journals and on multiple boards and committees in animal welfare and animal agriculture space.</sp
Sat, February 25, 2023
Always for the Animals w/ Dr. Krista Hiddema
Why do women in the institutional animal rights movement often feel unable to speak up? Why are animal rights organizations losing too much talent to burnout because of negative employment experiences? Dr. Krista Hiddema joins us to discuss her doctoral research on women’s experiences working professionally within the animal rights movement and the factors that, she asserts, too often drive them away. Krista details her findings and shares recommendations on how organizations can improve working conditions, as well as the experience of volunteer advocates. She also shares myriad ways in which she believes this could positively impact the success of animal activism across the board. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Dr. Krista Hiddema* Dr. Krista Hiddema is the Executive Director of For The Greater Good, where she consults with animal protection organizations on organizational development, strategic planning, and board governance. Krista holds a doctorate in social sciences, where her research focused on the need to utilize ecofeminist principles in matters of board governance within the animal rights movement, with an emphasis on economic health, ecological health, and social health. She holds five other degrees in human resources, was formerly a partner at an employment law firm, and was also the vice president of human resources for an international software company. “If we do not focus on collective power, then we are never going to win because unearned power, money-based power, is the very definition of privilege. And unearned power is the engine behind much of what’s happening in our movement.” – Dr. Krista Hiddema Highlights for Episode 685: What good governance looks like and why Krista introduced a governance model in her dissertation that ensures volunteers feel as valued as paid staff Krista’s goals when interviewing women regarding their employment experiences within the institutional animal rights movement Why Krista wanted to record the experiences of both cisgender and trans women in her research <li style="font-w
Sat, February 18, 2023
The Importance of Sanctuary w/ Elan Abrell
Sometimes it is easy for all of us who care about animals to forget what an extraordinary contribution sanctuaries make to our understanding of the animals we try to serve. Elan Abrell joins us this week to remind us never to take sanctuaries for granted. Elan is a cultural anthropologist who’s dedicated himself to animal studies and, recently, to a close and thoughtful look at animal sanctuaries. His book, Saving Animals: Multispecies Ecologies of Rescue and Care, examines how sanctuary caregivers respond to an extraordinary range of moral issues while working with minimal resources. He describes what his role as a cultural anthropologist entails, walks us through his decisions on which sanctuaries to study, including one for companion animals, one for exotic animals, and one for farmed animals, and shares how he evaluated their general philosophy in regard to interacting with and caring for animals. Elan also gives an overview of the differences in various sanctuary approaches and whether he believes sanctuaries can provide animals with genuinely happy lives. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Elan Abrell* Elan Abrell is a cultural anthropologist whose research and writing focus on human-animal interactions, environmental justice, and food politics. His book, Saving Animals: Multispecies Ecologies of Rescue and Care (University of Minnesota Press 2021) — an ethnography of animal sanctuaries and winner of the 2022 Gregory Bateson Book Prize from the Society for Cultural Anthropology — examines how sanctuary caregivers respond to a range of ethical dilemmas and material constraints while attempting to meet the various and sometimes conflicting needs of rescued animals. Elan is an assistant professor of the practice in Environmental Studies, Science in Society, and Integrative Sciences at Wesleyan University. He is also the coordinator of Wesleyan’s new Animal Studies Minor. “Just the idea that sanctuaries exist shifts the way that others see animals—from objects that satisfy your needs or desires to beings who are worthy of care and support.” – Elan Abrell Highlights for Episode 684: <span
Sat, February 11, 2023
Odd Man Inn w/ Josh & Wendy Smith
When Josh and Wendy Smith adopted Roswell, the dog, they didn’t imagine caring for him would lead them to start their very own animal sanctuary. We’re thrilled to welcome Josh and Wendy to the podcast this week to hear this and more inspiring stories about their sanctuary, Odd Man Inn, their animal advocacy work, and their recent move across the country. That move involved relocating the sanctuary and its many animal residents from Washington state to a much bigger property in rural Tennessee, where they assumed the care of an additional 160 rescued pigs. Whether they are talking about their breakdown on the highway, trailer full of rescued pigs in tow, the challenges involved in refitting their new property, or the stories about what their new Southern neighbors think of their animal advocacy, the animals are always at the center of the story. Wendy also shares how a career as a nurse prepared her not only to run a farmed animal sanctuary but also to educate people from where they are. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Josh & Wendy Smith* Josh Smith is the Facility Manager and co-Founder of Odd Man Inn animal rescue; he is the Farm Dad, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a personal interest in “Scroungineering.” Wendy Smith is the Executive Director and co-Founder of Odd Man Inn; she is a military veteran, emergency room trauma nurse, and Farm Mom. Josh and Wendy started Odd Man Inn because their dog Roswell, who suffered from fear-based aggression and a tendency to bite, made him extremely difficult to manage. Instead of giving up on him, they purchased land so he could leave city life in Portland behind and created a safe space for him and other animals who were out of options. “It felt like we blinked our eyes and had 60 animals on our small three-and-a-half-acre property.” – Wendy Smith “Our discussions have to be: ‘I, as your citizen brother, want you to succeed and do better than you’re doing now, not on the backs of animals.'” – Josh Smith Highlights for Episode 683: How Josh and Wendy’s desire to give t
Sat, February 04, 2023
A Vegan Food Bank w/ Gwenna Hunter and the Tule Elk w/ Sue Fischer
You’re in for not one but two interviews with incredible activists in this episode! We’re thrilled to welcome both Gwenna Hunter and Sue Fischer back to the podcast for updates. First, we catch up with Gwenna about her newest project, the Vegans of LA Food Bank . Gwenna tells us how she turned a longtime dream into a reality after partnering with Hope On Union Food Pantry to launch a monthly all-vegan food bank. Housed in a former meat market, the Vegans of LA Food Bank provides fresh produce and plant-based meats to the community. We dive into the importance of food banks, the community’s response to vegan specialty products, and the negative impacts of food deserts. Then, Sue joins the show for an update about the Tule Elk of California’s Point Reyes National Seashore. Sue first joined us on episode 618 to tell us about the damage cattle ranchers and dairy facilities are inflicting on the members of this native elk species who call the National Seashore home. Sue tells us about the lack of water and forage available to a herd penned in by fences and how local activist groups continue to bring attention to the heartbreaking situation. She also updates us on an ongoing lawsuit regarding the promised lease extensions for dairy and cattle businesses that will allow them to take this land away from the elk and other wildlife, in spite of the fact that, as a national park, it belongs to us all. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Gwenna Hunter and here to read the interview with Sue Fischer* Gwenna Hunter is the founder of Vegans of Los Angeles, aka Vegans of LA. In May of 2022, she launched the first Vegan Food Bank in Los Angeles and is now the first Black woman to have a brick-and-mortar vegan food bank in the United States. Gwenna went vegan in February of 2016 after experiencing a supernatural awakening and sharing the same consciousness with a cow in a dream state. This experience allowed her to fully unders
Sat, January 28, 2023
Global Sanctuary for Elephants w/Scott & Kat Blais
This one just might move you to tears. Why? Because it’s about ELEPHANTS! Need we say more? Scott and Kat Blais have dedicated their careers to helping captive elephants live out the rest of their lives the way nature intended. This week they join the podcast from rural Brazil, home to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, a project by the organization they founded, Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE), and the new home of some magnificent and fantastic creatures. In our conversation, we discuss the worldwide mission of GSE as well as its plans for the future. Scott and Kat also tell us why it’s essential that animal lovers avoid visiting “sanctuaries” that allow elephant-human interactions and why that kind of contact can be so damaging for these extraordinary animals. We also get into the broader issues of why it’s crucial for humans to start living within our means instead of further encroaching on animals’ habitats. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Scott & Kat Blais* Scott Blais, the CEO and co-founder of Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE), carries a lifetime of experience working for captive elephants. He is an expert in natural habitat elephant sanctuary development and the co-founder of two elephant sanctuaries: the largest in North America – The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES) – and the only sanctuary for elephants in South America -Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. His ground-breaking work has transformed how the world views the lives of captive elephants. Kat Blais, the cofounder of GSE, began her career with 15 years as a licensed veterinary technician, practicing in all realms, including orthopedics, emergency care, holistic medicine, and wildlife. She worked as lead caregiver and veterinary liaison at TES for six years, supervising and participating in the care of 15 resident elephants. Kat’s past elephant experiences guide her in creating a safe and healing space for elephants in South America. “People don’t stop and think about what human interaction means to the elephants. It means they were pulled away from their mothers and taken from the wild to live a life of isolation that is very unnatural for them.” – Kat Blais “It’s just amazing what happens when you give elephants space to be themselves—it’s a journey of discovery and rediscovery.” – Scott Blais Highlights for Episo
Sat, January 21, 2023
Why Mouse Meat? Because Animals w/ Shannon Falconer
What if you could feed your companion animals real meat without ever having to slaughter an animal? Because Animals is working to make this dream a reality, and the CEO and co-founder, Shannon Falconer, Ph.D., joins the podcast this week to tell us how they’re doing it. Traditional companion animal foods are made with byproducts of animal agriculture, including meat found unsuitable for the human food supply chain. In our conversation, Shannon tells us how Because Animals can create cultured meat, such as mouse and duck meat, for companion animals using cell samples obtained only once and without cruelty. Plus, she tells us how cultured meat fares against a vegan diet for dogs and cats. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Shannon Falconer* Shannon Falconer is the CEO and co-founder of Because Animals, a biotech start-up creating nutritious, sustainable, cultured meat pet food. Shannon holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology and worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at Stanford University prior to founding Because Animals. Shannon has spent decades volunteering in the animal rescue community and is a fur mom to her amazing rescue dog, Nori. “More than a quarter of the devastating side effects of the animal agriculture industry—in terms of deforestation, water, and fossil fuel use—are directly attributed to the foods that people feed their cats and dogs.” – Shannon Falconer Highlights for Episode 680: How Because Animals is working to revolutionize food for companion animals How traditional food for companion animals, made from slaughtered animals, can be damaging How Because Animals makes cultured meat without harming animals Shannon walks listeners through the process of getting cell samples and how they ensure the cultured meat is safe for consumption The risk to people and animals of eating disea
Sat, January 14, 2023
An Animal Rights Activist in Zimbabwe w/ Linda Ncube
We love hearing from fellow animal advocates in different parts of the world, and this week we are thrilled to welcome Linda Ncube for an exceptional conversation about animal activism in rural Zimbabwe. Linda is the founder of Humane Africa Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a “compassionate, healthy, and just environment” for animals. She joins us to explain how she’s educating her surrounding communities on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle as well as the importance of caring for all animals. A devout Seventh-day Adventist, Linda shares how her faith impacts her relationship with animals and guides her advocacy work. Plus, we get into the current state of factory farming in Zimbabwe, how colonialism has changed the traditional Zimbabwean diet, and how Linda teaches children to respect and care for animals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Linda Ncube* Founder & Executive Director of Humane Africa Trust, Linda Ncube, is an animal lover advocating for the welfare of animals in Lupane, Zimbabwe. Humane Africa Trust is a non-profit organization with the mission of creating a better world for all animals. Her love for animals and Christian background makes her want to see human and non-human animals coexist perfectly as God’s creations. Linda is also an advocate for plant-based education and teaching communities about the benefits of eating plant-based. She is a devout member of the Seventh Day Adventist church and holds a diploma in Development Studies, Bachelor’s Degree, and a Master’s Degree in Local Governance Studies. She lives with her three human kids and four non-human kids (two dogs, Fender & Copper, and two cats, Kiratile & Jelly B Precise). A day well spent in her life is when she gives service to any non-human animal. “It’s not that people are resistant to making new connections to animals, but people need to be taught.” – Linda Ncube Highlights for Episode 679: Linda’s vegan advocacy work Why people in Linda’s community are more likely to try a plant-based diet through concern for their health than concern for animals <li style="font-weight
Sat, January 07, 2023
Where are All the Fictional Vegans? w/ Christine Melanie Benson
How annoying is it when you are just getting into a good book, starting to identify with, or at least sympathize with, the protagonist, and then get thoroughly turned off when they sit down to enthusiastically eat a dead animal? Today, author Christine Melanie Benson joins us for a conversation about her recently published debut novel, Marrying Myself, in which, happily, the heroine just happens to be vegan. Christine actually switched to eating plants while she was already working on her novel, and she tells us how she ended up incorporating veganism and animal advocacy into the book. But, of course, her purpose was not just to make her vegan readers happy, but to reach others, and she shares her thoughts on why the arts seem to make people more receptive to veganism and how she carefully balances vegan messaging with storytelling. Plus, she also shares details of her new podcast, The Vegan Posse , and the community support groups for vegans that she has hosted for the last five years in her hometown of Nashville. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Christine Melanie Benson* An attorney who’s been running from the law her entire professional life, Christine Melanie Benson is also a short story author, legal writer, news satire writer, and host of the Vegan Posse podcast. Her experience includes over a decade as a regular freelance legal writer for Baltimore’s The Daily Record law digest, and her fiction works have been featured in An Eclectic Mix Anthology, RomanticShorts.com, The Binnacle Maine Literary Journal, and satire website TheSpoof!. Marrying Myself is Christine’s first novel. Formerly of Boston and New York City, Christine now makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee. “Vegans are craving representation in fiction.” – Christine Melanie Benson Highlights for Episode 678: How Julia, the main character in Marrying Myself , changed Christine as she was writing her The power of the arts
Sat, December 31, 2022
Vegan for the Animals, in Uganda W/ Nabaasa Innocent Kashobera
Have you been wondering about the state of veganism and animal rights in Uganda? Well, we’ve got you covered! Nabaasa Innocent Kashobera, founder of the Uganda Vegan Society and a passionate advocate for animals, joins us this week and fills us in on the state of veganism and, on the other hand, the growth of factory farming, in Uganda and Africa in general. She explains some of her methods for advocating for plant-based diets, including teaching people how to make affordable vegan meals at home, organizing Vegan Restaurant Week in Kampala and beyond, helping people organize potlucks, and how the annual Uganda Vegan Festival is helping her bring veganism to the forefront. We also discuss the impact of diet on the health of the average Ugandan, the unfortunate growth of dairy consumption, and why Nabaasa believes that sharing the health benefits of a vegan diet is often the most effective route when persuading people to change their habits. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Nabaasa Innocent Kashobera* Nabaasa Innocent Kashobera is the Founder of the Uganda Vegan Society and Africa Regional Coordinator for ProVeg International. The Uganda Vegan Society is a volunteer nongovernmental organization that advocates for reduced animal consumption, healthy eating habits, compassion towards animals, and environmental conservation. “We need to promote and also invest in the production and accessibility of dairy alternatives.” – Nabaasa Innocent Kashobera Highlights for Episode 677: Some of the diet related health issues Ugandans face Reasons why dairy products are such an important part of the Ugandan diet, and the difficulty finding affordable dairy replacements How the Ugandan president sharing his diet has been helpful The need for funding to help address the issues of diets heavy in animal products The dangers of industrial farming being introduced widely in Africa <li sty
Sat, December 24, 2022
Bones and All (And So Much More!) w/ Camille DeAngelis
Wow! Camille DeAngelis visits the podcast this week and does she have a story to tell!! She is, of course, the author of Bones and All , an inverted fairy tale with a sympathetic girl monster protagonist that has since been turned into an award-winning film starring Timothee Chalamet and Taylor Russell. At heart, though it may not be obvious at first read, this is a book that is steeped in Camille’s personal disgust at the way we treat animals and, in our discussion, we go into detail about how that led to the decision to write a story about ‘eaters,’ as she calls the ghouls in her story. Camille has clearly cracked the code on bringing her message to the mainstream, and, happily, she is more than willing to share how. In aid of that, she tells us why she wrote her non-fiction book, A Bright Clean Mind, which is a self-help motivational book for artists and creatives that encourages readers to recognize the effect changing our diet can have on our creativity. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Camille Deangelis* Camille DeAngelis is the author of several novels for adults, a middle-grade novel called The Boy From Tomorrow , a travel guide to Ireland, and two more books of nonfiction, Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People and A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation . Her young adult novel Bones & All won an Alex Award from the American Library Association in 2016, and Luca Guadagnino’s film adaptation arrived in theaters in November 2022. She lives in Washington, DC. “Whether you are a cannibal or a law-abiding omnivore, you are consuming flesh of a person who did not want to die.” – Camille DeAngelis Highlights for Episode 676: <li style="fo
Sat, December 17, 2022
How to Talk About Animals w/ Ryuji Chua
We’re thrilled to welcome filmmaker Ryuji Chua to the podcast this week. You may already be familiar with Ryuji, and his animal rights-focused work, thanks to his appearance on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah earlier this year. In our conversation, Ryuji tells us why it’s important for humans to shift our messaging from broad generalizations, such as saving a species, to recognizing the plight of individual animals who are struggling. We discuss the cognitive dissonance many people have when it comes to the way the animals they eat suffer and why it’s easier for them to believe that animals lack that capacity than it is to change their habits. Plus, Ryuji shares how he came to be a late-night talk show guest, and how his conversation with Trevor Noah went in an unexpected direction. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Ryuji Chua* Ryuji Chua is a filmmaker who seeks to create a kinder world by connecting humans with non-human animals. He currently works as a video producer at Surge Activism, is an advisor for the Vegan Hacktivists, and was recently featured on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah to talk about animal rights and his latest independent documentary, “How Conscious Can A Fish Be?” “My goal was to try to get people to see animals a little bit differently—not as something, but as someone.” – Ryuji Chua Highlights for Episode 675: Ryuji’s appearance on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Why he thinks it’s so essential to help non-vegans feel like they’re not being judged when we share information about animals Why Ryuji decided to focus on fish and why there’s such huge potential to make the world better for fish, more so than other animals <span style="f
Sat, December 10, 2022
From Jainism to Activism w/ Nirva Patel
We’re delighted to welcome Nirva Patel to the podcast this week for a wide-ranging conversation about the different ways she’s working to make the world a better place for animals. We begin by discussing Nirva’s background in Jainism, how the religion informs her beliefs regarding the treatment of non-human animals, and the work she has done in that realm to create change, despite some surprising pushback. Nirva also tells us about her work at Harvard Law School as a Global Policy Fellow and her role as Chair of the Board of Directors at Farm Sanctuary . Plus, Nirva shares her reasons for going back to school for a Master’s degree and how it’s helping her meet her goals of bringing animal rights issues to the forefront of people’s minds all over the world. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Nirva Patel* Nirva is the Global Policy Fellow in the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School and a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She is also a registered patent attorney, biomedical engineer, and executive producer for several plant-based films, including The Game Changers , The End of Medicine , and Meat Me Halfway . For nearly a decade, Nirva worked in animal advocacy in Mumbai, India. In the U.S., she has sparked many advocacy campaigns, including successfully pushing to ban the sale of fur in the town where she lives and encouraging Jain temples across the U.S. to remove ghee and dairy from their offerings. She has provided strategic fundraising efforts for numerous non-profit capital and development campaigns in Boston. Nirva holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University, a J.D. from The New England School of Law, and an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University. Her passion for animals is predicated on the Jain philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence), which advocates a vegan lifestyle. She lives in Boston with her husband, four children, and two rescued rabbits, Goji and Spice. <p style="text-align: ce
Sat, December 03, 2022
The Accidental Ecosystem w/ Peter Alagona
Author Peter Alagona, PhD , joins us on the podcast this week for an illuminating conversation about the wild creatures that coexist alongside humans as part of the fabric of city life, as well as the habitat the city itself creates for these animals. Since World War II, populations of wild animals have increased in urban areas largely due to, as Peter explains, the vast amount of resources cities provide, including food, water, and shelter. We also delve into some of the animal stories he covers in his book The Accidental Ecosystem , such as the shocking revelation that, once upon a time, squirrels actually had to be reintroduced to urban areas! We discuss the wildlife found in and around our cities today—think mountain lions, bears, and gray squirrels—and Peter offers solutions to help humans peacefully live alongside urban wild creatures. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Peter Alagona.* Peter Alagona is a professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He is the recipient of several awards, including a National Science Foundation CAREER grant, and is the author of more than three-dozen publications in the areas of environmental history, geography, philosophy, and policy—including After the Grizzly: Endangered Species and the Politics of Place in California , and, most recently, The Accidental Ecosystem: People and Wildlife in American Cities . Prior to arriving at UCSB, Peter received his Ph.D. at UCLA and completed fellowships at Harvard and Stanford Universities. “Coexistence is all about thinking differently about the habitats that we share.” – Peter Alagona Highlights for Episode 673: Peter’s thoughts on urban wildlife and how views have changed overtime <span style="f
Sat, November 26, 2022
Artists for Animal Rights w/ Weronika Kolinska
Artist and Our Hen House’s own beloved graphic designer Weronika Kolinska joins us this week for a conversation about the ways in which art can be a means to help bring people’s attention to what is happening to animals. Weronika, who specializes in t-shirt design, tells us why she believes wearable art is a particularly effective form of activism and how art can help ignite critical conversations about animals and the planet. We also discuss her decision to avoid cartoonish animal depictions in her work and how unrealistic animal illustrations can affect people’s real-life relationships with animals. Plus, she tells us about her own clothing line and the dangers of fast fashion. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Weronika Kolinska.* Weronika is a vegan artist from Poland, based in Amsterdam, who specializes in designing t-shirts with vegan motifs. For as long as she can remember, she was fascinated with nature and animals. As a child, she spent days observing the lives of insects and other small creatures in her garden or watching David Attenborough’s documentaries. Nature still continues to inspire her deeply, and she expresses her admiration for the beauty and multitude of life forms through her art. She wants to share what she has learned and make people stop and think. She focuses on portraying animals as unique individuals deserving of our love and respect. “It’s so cool to wear a piece of art that everyone sees, and they can approach you about it . It’s often a conversation starter.” – Weronika Kolinska Highlights for Episode 672: Weronika’s experience working with Our Hen House on brand management and logo design The illustrations Weronika creates for Menima, her clothing brand, and the message she is trying to send Why Weronika loves drawing sanctuary animals and experiencing their individuality Weronika’s work with Andy Tabar, founder of vegan apparel brand Compassion Co., and how they first connected<
Tue, November 22, 2022
Holiday Special: “Sanctuary: A Radio Play” Recorded Live In New York City
Welcome to this special holiday presentation of Sanctuary: A Radio Play , an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This performance marked the world premiere of John Yunker ’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation ’s Compassion Arts Festival . We were thrilled to have been a part of this witty, engaging, and incisive production that portrays the different journeys we embark on when we begin to open our eyes to animal exploitation. Here at Our Hen House, we are longtime proponents of the arts, including theater, as a tool for animal advocacy; this funny, and moving, play serves as a lens into human behavior and motivation and encourages the audience to safely explore their feelings around why they choose to eat (or not to eat) animals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of the play this year by offering the written script! Click here to read the script for Sanctuary: A Radio Play .* A dark comedy, Sanctuary tells the story of Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), a happily married couple whose blissful retirement to small-town Oregon is thrown into disarray when Lisa suddenly decides to go vegan and insists on celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey AND alongside her new friend and animal activist, Meg (Jasmin Singer). Husband Richard invites his unsuspecting buddy Charley (Michael Harren), who also happens to be the local exterminator, in the hopes of getting Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Sanctuary tells the story behind the struggles and joys of navigating vegan ethics around loved ones who don’t quite understand. (Sound effects are by Emmy winner Eric Milano.) “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests. But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” – John Yunker Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter <p style="text-align:
Sat, November 19, 2022
Including Animals in Disaster Relief w/ Altamush Saeed
We are joined this week by Altamush Saeed for a conversation about the critical disaster relief work he’s spearheading in response to the devastating floods that occurred in Pakistan earlier this year. Altamush updates us on the current status of the floods and the effects this climate disaster has had on both the human and animal populations within the country. The co-founder and director of Charity Doings Foundation, Altamush also shares how he incorporates animals into the organization’s disaster relief work and why it’s crucial for animals to be included in relief work, not only in Pakistan, but around the world. He also tells us why Charity Doings Foundation was started, how they aim to empower distressed local communities, and more about some of their current projects. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Altamush Saeed.* Altamush Saeed is an in-person LLM in Animal Law Candidate at the Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis and Clark Law School, and a legislative advocacy Intern at Best Friends Animal Society, USA. He is a lawyer based in Pakistan and is a co-founder/director of Charity Doings Foundation, a non-profit that aims to save all life, be it human, animal, or the environment in Pakistan. He is also an Ambassador for Comprehensive Disaster Response Services, a non-profit that runs Pakistan’s 1st TNVR and biggest animal rescue services. “The animal welfare movement is also a human welfare problem.” – Altamush Saeed Highlights for Episode 671: The current status of the floods in Pakistan and how the situation is affecting animals in the region Charity Doings Foundation and its goals and vision for the future How caring for animals fits into the broader dynamic of the situation in Pakistan as a developing country The two central focuses of Altamush’s disaster care for animals Why Altamush wanted to address both the issues of animalki
Sat, November 12, 2022
Vegan Caribbean w/ Liz Ross
Liz Ross has made it her mission to help people of Caribbean heritage embrace vegan living. She joins us on the podcast to discuss how Rethink Your Food , the nonprofit she founded, is helping her reach Caribbean people, in the islands and beyond, to promote the benefits of a plant-based food system. Liz discusses how she hopes to engage, not only the local population, but everyone in the diaspora with the Vegan Caribbean Kickstart initiative through ready-made meal plans and tips to help participants stay on track. Liz also explores why the Caribbean region is ready for a discussion about the impact of our food system, and touches on issues in the realm of food justice and celebrating her Caribbean plant-based food culture. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Liz Ross.* Liz Ross is a recipe developer and the Founder and Executive Director of Rethink Your Food, a nonprofit organization that focuses on diet-change initiatives, primarily among Caribbean people in the Caribbean region and the diaspora, via public events, campaigns, and menu-consulting services. Liz was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, where her family owns 300 acres of agricultural land within a rainforest in Tobago where they grow cacao, fruit, and other crops. She is a resident of the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago, and her background in sustainable food systems and plant-based culinary arts sets the foundation for her work at Rethink Your Food. Liz was the first food justice advocate to appear on a national Caribbean talk show on CNC3 TV to discuss the ethics of leaving animal products off one’s plate. “We have the responsibility, as the ancestors of future generations, to make the world a better place.” — Liz Ross Highlights for Episode 670: How the global food system is impacting the lives of people in the Caribbean The Vegan Caribbean Kickstart program and how it enables people to make better food choices and help build a movement Some of the recipes that Liz developed for the kickstart program <li
Sat, November 05, 2022
After Meat w/ Karthik Sekar
Karthik Sekar, PhD wants to see the world move beyond an unsustainable, inefficient animal-based food system. He joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about his recent book, After Meat , which details why animals are an outdated “production technology,” as the agricultural industry calls them. We discuss why plant- and microbial-based foods are far superior to their animal counterparts in terms of taste, nutrition, and affordability. Karthik, a data scientist focused on innovating the future of food, also explores the argument for why governments worldwide should invest in replacing animal agriculture with a viable alternative. Plus, he explains why he’s not necessarily choosing to champion cultivated meat. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Karthik Sekar.* Karthik Sekar has a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. His research career has spanned many topics related to the future of food, such as bioreactors, quantitative biology, biochemical engineering, and metabolism. He currently works as a senior data scientist in the alternative food space in Berkeley, California, and has written a non-fiction science/technology book, After Mea t, to explain why animals are awful technologically, and why humanity will move on and do better. “The better model is to understand that we’re actually going to be replacing animal-based foods with things that are just better in every single way that we care about.” – Karthik Sekar Highlights for Episode 669: Why animals are fundamentally limited and outdated as a “production technology” and what that means in practical terms What the term fermented means when talking about meat alternatives How products like Quorn are created and why they’re not always vegan <span style="font-weight: 400
Sat, October 29, 2022
Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity w/ Lisa Dumas
Lisa Dumas is on a mission to make the world a better place. This week she joins us on the podcast for a conversation about how she’s working toward expanding access to plant-based food options to those in need. Not only is she increasing accessibility for healthy alternatives, Lisa is also helping underserved communities access critical educational information on making informed choices when it comes to health and well being. Lisa—the founder of Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc. —discusses why some communities may associate plant-based diets with cultural stigmas and whether she believes this will change in the near future. She also tells us why she was inspired to launch the non-profit, shares the group’s vision of community support, and discusses their ideas for future programs to achieve their goals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Lisa Dumas.* Lisa Dumas began her career in marketing and communications for the diversity consulting firm The Winters Group. She is presently a freelance journalist and editor. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in journalism and is currently working on a Master’s in Communications at the Rochester Institute of Technology. In June of this year, Lisa created Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc., and she is the founder of the Facebook group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans, which has over 700 national and global members. Lisa also founded the local Facebook group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans in Rochester. “Diverse groups of people want to eat more healthily and they want to shift their diets, but there’s a certain stigma that can hold them back.” – Lisa Dumas Highlights for Episode 668: Some of the barriers underserved communities face in accessing healthy plant-based foods Why there is a cultural stigma for some communities about making the switch to plant-based foods Examples of what cities can do to make it easier for people to eat healthily on a budget <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-lev
Sat, October 22, 2022
Painting the Way to a Better World w/ Hartmut Kiewert
Imagine a world where cows, chickens, pigs and humans not only coexist, but live and flourish amongst each other within the same communities. For vegan artist Hartmut Kiewert , this is the definition of utopia, and he joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about his truly unique artwork. Hartmut’s Animal Utopia series, which depicts animals and humans thriving alongside one another in urban spaces, is the artist’s vision for the next step toward an ideal, vegan world. In the midst of a worsening climate crisis and horrific animal agriculture industry, Hartmut tells us why he believes it’s crucial to show people what life on Earth could be and why he’s committed to doing so through his work. Hartmut also discusses why so many artists struggle with authentically depicting and exploring animal rights issues and why he feels the next generation will help shape the conversation on human/animal relations. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Hartmut Kiewert.* German-born Hartmut Kiewert studied painting and graphic arts at the Burg Giebichenstein Academy of Art in Halle (Saale) from 2003 to 2010, graduating in 2010 “with distinction.” From 2007 to 2009, he was a German National Academic Foundation scholarship holder. Since 2008, Kiewert has been dealing with the social human-animal relationship. His paintings open up counter-images to today’s human-animal relationship, which is characterized by exploitation and repression. Perspectives of an equal coexistence of humans and other animals are anticipated. In addition to many solo exhibitions, Kiewert’s works have been shown in exhibitions such as ANIMAL TRANSITION (Städtische Galerie Ehingen), FoodFuturesART (Kunsthalle Faust, Hannover), ArtGenossen – Das Tier und wir (Städtische Galerie Fähre, Bad Saulgau), ANIMAL LOVERS (ngbk, Berlin), “we, animals” (Meinblau, Berlin), and “HABITAT – Wem gehört der Raum?” (Galerie KUB, Leipzig). Hartmut Kiewert lives and works in Leipzig, Germany. “ I hope to be a part of the bigger movement or bigger influences on people to change the way they act or the way they see other animals .” – Hartmut Kiewert Highlights for Episode 667: <li style=
Sat, October 15, 2022
International Cooperation on Behalf of Animals w/ Dr. James Yeates & Jessica Bridgers
The World Federation for Animals (WFA) is a new membership organization that seeks to harness the collective strength of the animal protection movement to advocate for the inclusion of animals in global policy making. This week, CEO Dr. James Yeates and Policy Director Jessica Bridgers join us on the podcast for a conversation about how the organization is spearheading this global movement. While WFA was created by and for animal protection groups working at the regional, national, and global levels, they emphasize the importance of working at the international level to ensure countries everywhere take animals into consideration when drafting policy. Dr. Yeates and Jessica also outline WFA’s Animals’ Manifesto and how it’s helping member organizations elevate their work to the national level. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Jessica Bridgers & James Yeates.* Jessica Bridgers is Policy Director at the World Federation for Animals. Previously she was Executive Director at World Animal Net. Her focus is on increasing consideration of animals in international policy. She achieves this by creating and supporting platforms for animal protection organizations to collaborate to influence policy. She holds an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and a B.S. in Biology with minors in Anthropology and Chemistry. Dr. James Yeates is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). James has over a decade of experience in advocacy for animal welfare. He was previously the CEO of NGO Cats Protection and the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer. As well as his CEO role at WFA, James is a member of both the Scottish Government Animal Welfare Commission and DEFRA Animal Welfare Committee, advising Scottish and English politicians on companion animal welfare. He is the author of four books and other publications, has veterinary and ethics degrees, a Ph.D. and MBA, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. “We have a real opportunity now for policymakers to finally recognize animals.” – Dr. James Yeates “We wanted to create a big tent so everyone who cared about animals in the world could work together towards a common vision and a better life for animals everywhere.” – Jessica Bridgers </
Sat, October 08, 2022
The Family that Saves Together w/ Zoe & Sherstin Rosenberg
Zoe and Sherstin Rosenberg are an unstoppable mother-daughter activist duo, and we’re thrilled they’re joining us on the podcast this week. You may remember Zoe as the brave activist who chained herself to the goalpost during a Memphis Grizzlies NBA game earlier this year in protest of the cruel use of ventilation shutdown on the team owner’s factory egg farm. Zoe joins us to discuss her headline-making demonstration and how she came to establish the Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary at just 11 years old. Sherstin, Happy Hen’s Executive Director and around-the-clock veterinarian, also fills us in on why the animal sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries in the country that is able to welcome animals in need of urgent procedures and long-term rehabilitation. Plus, the mother-daughter duo shares how they’re highlighting animal cruelty and calling for urgent policy change through their various advocacy activities. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Zoe & Sherstin Rosenberg.* Zoe Rosenberg is the founder of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a sprawling farm animal rescue on the Central Coast of California that has saved over 1,000 lives. Additionally, she is an organizer and the social media coordinator for the grassroots animal rights network, Direct Action Everywhere. In recent years, Zoe has been awarded the Youth Activist of the Year Award from the National Animal Rights Conference and the Paul McCartney Veg Advocate Award. She has also delivered a popular TEDx talk about her ongoing activism. Zoe is currently a student at UC Berkeley, where she is leading a campaign calling on the school’s dining halls to stop buying from factory farms and to transition to a more sustainable and humane plant-based food system. Dr. Sherstin Rosenberg is the Executive Director of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a licensed veterinarian for 24 years, and has been an expert witness in a number of legislative, civil, and criminal cases involving animal welfare. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California at Davis, and has served on the board of directors of several animal advocacy organizations, including Humane Society Silicon Valley. As Executive Director at Happy Hen since 2014, Dr. Rosenberg has overseen the care of more than a thousand abused and abandon
Sat, October 01, 2022
Reporting the Truth about Animal Agriculture w/ Marina Bolotnikova
Award-winning journalist Marina Bolotnikova is writing the story to change the way mainstream media covers farmed animals. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the podcast this week for a conversation about her eye-opening work to alert people to the horrifying reality of animal agriculture. Marina discusses her thoughts on objectivity and integrity within journalism and why she chooses to free-lance with a focus on the animal ethics beat, despite the occasional struggle with the differing viewpoints of commissioning editors and mainstream publications. She dives into how investigative journalism can play a large part in uncovering essential animal rights issues that are in danger of being swept under the rug. We also highlight some of the stories she has recently covered, including the use of ventilation shutdown as the primary method used to mass murder chickens during the current avian flu outbreak, as well as to exterminate pigs en masse at the height of the COVID pandemic. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Marina Bolotnikova.* Marina Bolotnikova is a journalist focusing on factory farming, animal ethics, and the criminalization of activism targeting the meat industry. She’s written for publications including The Guardian , The Intercept , Vox , The New York Times , and many others. She’s covered many different subjects over the years, and her work has been taught in university curricula. Earlier this year, she was awarded an animal law media fellowship at Vermont Law School, where she got to think deeply about the legal implications of undercover investigations and present her work on how ventilation shutdown, a gruesome method used to mass exterminate animals via heatstroke, became meat industry standard. She’s obsessed with Bollywood films and long-distance running. “The vast majority of reporting on animal agriculture takes for granted that farmed animals are food, and it’s uncomfortable thinking about what it means for sentient creatures to live in this system.” – Marina Bolotnikova Highlights for Episode 664: How Marina successfully pitches stories she believes in as a freelance reporter with a ve
Sat, September 24, 2022
Love, Ital, and Animals w/ Bodybuilder Torre Washington
Torre Washington has caused quite a stir in the world of professional bodybuilding with his plant-powered, all natural approach to the sport. This week, he joins the podcast to discuss his personal journey to veganism through Rastafari and the Ital diet, as well as how and why he got into the art of bodybuilding. Torre shares his reasons for following a plant-based diet, including how his upbringing in the US and Jamaica have influenced his eating habits. The bodybuilder walks us through the dietary staples that help ensure he’s consuming the right amount of protein to build muscle and compete as a professional. We also cover Torre’s coaching programs, which are not only for aspiring bodybuilders, and why maintaining integrity is intrinsic to how he lives his life. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Torre Washington.* Torre Washington is a NASM-certified coach and IFBB Pro. Raised vegetarian and vegan since 1998, Torre built his physique entirely on a plant-based regimen without the aid of supplements since 2009. Torre’s training style focuses on physical symmetry and aesthetics “he disassembles your physique and reassembles it back the way you want it to be” and has therefore become one of the most sought-after coaches of celebrities and bodybuilders globally. Torre also advocates for veganism to his global fan base and brings to light the plight of animals and the need to heal mother earth through living a more plant-based vegan lifestyle. “Rasta has always been about love and Ital. You love the animals just as much as you love each other so you don’t want to consume them to get what you need.” – Torre Washington Highlights for Episode 662: Torre’s experience moving from the US to Jamaica as a child Why the plant-based, Rastafarian Ital diet attracted Torre The significance of the Ital way of eating in the Rastafarian religion Other people’s opinions on Torre’s vegan diet when he started his body-building journey <li style="font-weight
Sat, September 17, 2022
Growing Grassroots in Iowa w/ Amy Luebbert
Amy Luebbert is the definition of a community powerhouse, and this week she joins us for a conversation about Des Moines, Iowa’s growing vegan scene and the importance of approaching activism through an antiracist lens. Amy, a founding member and the President of VegLife Des Moines , tells us about the nonprofit’s commitment to fostering community and connecting vegans—and the vegan-curious—to resources. She gives us an inside look into coordinating VegLife’s summer market series and how the organization screens vendors to ensure their work aligns with VegLife’s inclusive, anti-racist approach, as well as their sweet Halloween event designed to get vegan kids in on the fun! We also discuss how activists can continue the important antiracist work pioneered by the erstwhile organization, Encompass. Last, but certainly not least, Amy tells us how she’s making her dream of opening a liberated vegan sex shop a reality. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Amy Luebbert.* Amy Luebbert (she/her) is a queer, vegan, antiracist activist in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2017, Amy founded VegLife Des Moines, a nonprofit with a mission to connect and grow the local community around veganism and anti-oppression. She is currently working towards opening a liberated sex shop because all bodies deserve pleasure, acceptance, comfort, and joy. In her downtime, you can find Amy snuggling cats, dancing, or cooking! “All of us have a role to play in breaking down systems of oppression.” – Amy Luebbert Highlights for Episode 662: Why Amy believes the general population is ignoring animal rights Why it’s so important to create safe spaces for people of color within the animal rights community How Amy envisions the animal rights movement continuing to chip away at white supremacy through training, education, and relationship building Why VegLife Des Moines is all about connecting folks and creating a community interested in veganism and anti-oppression work</sp
Sat, September 10, 2022
State Fairs are No Fun for Animals, w/ Rachel McCrystal & Hervé Breuil
Summers in the United States are often synonymous with state and county fairs. Advertised as idyllic family fun, these fairs are replete with animal exploitation and the horrors of animal cruelty. Rachel McCrystal and Hervé Breuil of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary join the podcast this week to talk about what really happens to animals at such events. They outline the cruel realities of these fairs’ live birth demonstrations, petting zoos and the dangers of overfeeding, and how state and county fairs perpetuate the myth of the small family farm. Luckily the Fair Coalition , a group of farmed animal sanctuaries and activist organizations, are working together to increase awareness about the realities of state and county fairs. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Rachel McCrystal & Hervé Breuil.* Rachel McCrystal has been working in animal rights and sheltering since 2005. Prior to that, she worked as a journalist. Rachel has been the Executive Director at Woodstock Sanctuary since 2017 and has been at the organization since 2014. She has worked on national advocacy and fundraising campaigns at large and small nonprofits. She writes and speaks on animal rights, radical ecology, and farmed animal activism. Rachel is also a nonprofit consultant—focusing on strategic planning and equity-focused leadership. Hervé Breuil has been fighting for animal rights both in France and the United States since 2007. He previously conducted undercover investigations and was the Campaign Manager for the French animal rights organization L214, where he now is a board member. Since 2012 he has worked at Woodstock Sanctuary doing animal care, humane education, and outreach. He has been the Shelter Director since 2018 and is a national leader in animal care, shelter leadership, and advocacy for farmed animals. “State farms are a propaganda machine for farming. They perpetuate the myth of the small farm, and that isn’t reality.” – Rachel McCrystal “4H and FFA programs teach children that compassion for animals is not something you should have and that you should see them as commodities.” – Hervé Breuil Highlights for Episode 661:
Thu, September 08, 2022
A tribute to the life and genius of Sherry Colb
This very special extra episode is a compilation of interviews we have conducted over the years with our dear friend and passionate animal advocate Sherry Colb, who, as you may know, died last month. These interviews range from our first encounter with Sherry, when she came on to talk about her book, Mind if I Order the Cheeseburger? And Other Questions People Ask Vegans , to an interview, along with Michael Dorf, about their book Beating Hearts: Abortion and Animal Rights , to a discussion on the Animal Law Podcast about her choice to teach a law school class in Animal Rights rather than Animal Law, and a few shorter appearances to enlighten us on specific issues. They are all characterized by her incisive thinking, her clarity of thought, her sometimes biting sense of humor and, fundamentally, her unrelenting advocacy for animals. Sherry Colb was the C.S. Wong Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. She had been valedictorian of her high school class and then valedictorian of her class at Columbia College. After Harvard Law School, she clerked with Second Circuit Judge Wilfred Feinberg and then Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun. She was frequently quoted in The New York Times and elsewhere, and was a prolific writer, including in her regular columns on Verdict and Dorf On Law . Beyond her amazing genius, she was also a truly wonderful person and will be dearly missed. Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast!<
Sat, September 03, 2022
Every Animal in Ukraine w/ Tamara Human
Tamara Human is the definition of a fearless, compassionate leader and activist, and this week she joins the podcast from Kyiv, Ukraine. Tamara is the force behind Every Animal , a Ukraine-based NGO founded in 2019 committed to mobilizing the vegan movement among Ukrainians. In our conversation, the founder shares how Every Animal is supporting vegan soldiers on the frontlines of the ongoing war. Tamara also tells us about Every Animal’s food giveaways through the NGO’s Vegan Kitchen Ukraine program, and how they go about feeding soldiers, volunteers, and those displaced by the war. Plus, she outlines the difficulties the country’s animal shelters are currently facing and how Every Animal is supporting their efforts to get animals to safety. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Tamara Human.* Tamara Human is the founder of the Ukrainian organization Every Animal, a vegan NGO committed to promoting veganism and the animal rights movement. Every Animal was founded in 2019 and, in addition to responding to the current emergency, is known for its vegan educational outreach, street actions, and for encouraging vegans to become involved in activism and in rescuing animals in need. “We’re not only helping people who need it, we’re also spreading the vegan message.” – Tamara Human Highlights for Episode 660: How Every Animal helps Ukrainian soldiers obtain vegan food Every Animal’s food giveaways and how they make vegan dishes to share with soldiers and civilians displaced by war Why the NGO has to be flexible with the recipes they offer due to food shortages Reactions to veganism during these desperate times and why Tamara feels that Ukrainians are more receptive than ever to understanding animals’ needs How Every Animal gets the word out about their Vegan Express online course <span style
Sat, August 27, 2022
Activism by the Numbers w/ karol orzechowski
The brilliant karol orzechowski joins the podcast this week, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! karol currently serves as the Content Director for Faunalytics , a nonprofit whose mission is to empower animal advocates with access to thorough, reliable data. While Faunalytics is best known for using research and statistics to strengthen pro-animal, anti-suffering activism, the organization is now also producing visual resources. karol shares why Faunalytics decided to incorporate visuals and how they hope access to this new resource will help animal activists. We discuss recent factsheets Faunalytics has created, including one detailing the pros and cons of cultured meat and another about the greyhound racing industry . karol also outlines what’s next for the Faunalytics visual program and how they plan to move forward and share their data as widely as possible. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with karol orzechowski.* karol orzechowski is an animal advocate with a passion for blending activism and art. In addition to producing numerous short films on various animal issues, karol is the director of Maximum Tolerated Dose , a full-length documentary about the psychological toll of vivisection on both animals and humans. When he’s not working for Faunalytics, karol is usually planning, hosting, or performing events in his local arts scene. “Our mission is to empower animal advocates with reliable data.” – karol orzechowski Highlights for Episode 659: Why Faunalytics decided to begin producing visual resources How the visual program is organized and information contained within its three key categories: Fundamentals, Infographics, and Explainer Videos
Sat, August 20, 2022
Underdogs w/ Andrew Rowan
We’re honored to welcome Andrew Rowan, DPhil, to the podcast this week for a critical conversation about companion dogs and poverty. Dr. Rowan has a long tenure in the animal protection movement and is currently the President of WellBeing International , an NGO dedicated to achieving optimal wellbeing for animals, people, and the environment. He joins us today for a discussion about a recent book that he co-authored with Arnold Arluke, Underdogs: Pets, People, and Poverty . Based on a study that involves two communities, one in the United States and one in Central America, Underdogs examines the role that income inequality plays in how people relate to their companion animals across countries and cultures. Dr. Rowan discusses the realities of accessing veterinary care and outlines the barriers members of low-income communities often face when seeking medical care for their companion animals. Plus, Dr. Rowan shares how different organizations in the US and abroad are working to improve the lives of animals living in poverty. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Andrew Rowan.* Andrew Rowan founded the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy and started the first graduate degree in the world on animals and public policy in 1995. He is the founding editor of Anthrozoos and author and editor of numerous books on human-animal issues, including the four-volume State of the Animals series. He is president of WellBeing International, a new NGO seeking solutions for people, animals, and the environment. “Poverty affects not just people, but the animals they share their homes with.” – Andrew Rowan Highlights for Episode 658: Key contrasts between the lives of animals when they live with wealthy guardians vs. guardians living in poverty Underdogs’ focus on two specific locations, one in the US and the other in Costa Rica, and fundamental aspects of poverty such as li
Sat, August 13, 2022
APEX Advocacy w/ Christopher Soul Eubanks
Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is an unstoppable force, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the podcast this week to discuss his new nonprofit, APEX Advocacy . The organization is committed to increasing the number of activists from the global majority. Christopher describes the three central missions driving APEX Advocacy: the Black Vegan Everything website highlighting Black-owned businesses, the Global Majority Caucus committed to building greater equity in the animal protection movement, and the No Backyard Slaughter campaign fighting the presence of slaughterhouses in low-income BIPOC communities. Christopher also shares why people of color often feel an atmosphere of white-centricity in the animal rights movement and therefore don’t feel welcome. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Christopher Eubanks.* Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is a social justice advocate, creative, and public speaker raised in Atlanta, GA who has dedicated himself to advocacy work that combats all forms of injustice. After learning the horrors of animal exploitation, Christopher became vegan, began doing community organizing, and has helped co-organize Atlanta’s first-ever animal rights march. Christopher is the founder of APEX Advocacy, a non-profit animal rights organization that uses digital content and grassroots activism to help communities of color defend themselves against animal industries and fight for collective liberation. “There are a variety of oppressions that impact not only the animals, but those of us that are fighting for the animals, and we can’t ignore those systems of oppression.” – Soul Eubanks Highlights for Episode 657: Where the name APEX Advocacy came from, and how the acronym highlights their central purpose How Soul and APEX Advocacy are collaborating with the local community in Lithonia, GA to create a pressure campaign that will force the county to take action against an illegal slaughterhouse The enormous soci
Sat, August 06, 2022
Vegan Dogs & Cats w/ Andrew Knight
There are few issues more contentious amongst vegans than what to feed companion animals. So, this week, we are going there! Veterinarian, researcher, and animal welfare specialist Andrew Knight knows more about this topic than pretty much anyone, and we are thrilled that he is joining us for a discussion about his recent peer-reviewed study exploring the health impacts of vegan and meat-based diets and how he’s helping companion animals lead their best lives on plant-based food. Andrew not only counters some of the stigmas attached to plant-based diets for companion animals but explains the potential benefits, including fewer gastrointestinal problems and healthier skin. He also offers listeners his advice on transitioning animals from a meat-based diet to a vegan diet and tips on finding nutritionally balanced vegan food for companion animals. Please note: Since we recorded this episode, there have been dramatic developments in the ongoing story we discussed regarding the dispute over two rescued cattle involving Asha’s Farm Sanctuary in Newfane, New York, including the arrest for grand larceny of the sanctuary’s founder, Tracy Murphy. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Andrew Knight.* Andrew Knight is a European, American, New Zealand, and RCVS-recognized Veterinary Specialist in animal welfare. He worked in UK small animal practice for nearly a decade before teaching for two years at Ross Uni School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean. In 2015, he established the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester, where he is a Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics. He leads a distance learning MSc in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law. He has numerous academic and popular publications and a series of YouTube videos on animal welfare issues. Andrew has delivered around 200 external presentations on such issues; these include an extensive series examining scientific and educational animal use and alternatives, which formed the basis for his Ph.D. and subsequent book, The Costs and Benefits of Animal Experiments . His recent research focuses on the contributions of the livestock sector to climate change and on plant-based diets for companion animals. “It is impossible for us to address the changes that are needed within our societies without addressing the food system, and t
Sat, July 30, 2022
Coextinction w/ Gloria Pancrazi & Michael Bronner
Documentary filmmaker Gloria Pancrazi and Michael Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s join us this week for a conversation about the recent film, Coextinction. We discuss the stars of the film: the Southern Resident Orcas of the Pacific Northwest who are currently facing extinction and the salmon, whose brutal exploitation is contributing to the to the starvation of the orca and other wildlife. As this film, and its title, make clear, the disappearance of the orca isn’t an isolated issue; it’s one facet of a complex, crumbling interconnected system linking ecosystem collapse, injustice against Indigenous peoples, and the most urgent environmental threats of our time. Plus, Michael explains why Dr. Bronner’s felt that Coextinction was such an important film to fund and describes his role in the project and in the wider world of animal activism. The pair also discuss why it is so important to emphasize the critical role that Indigenous people play in teaching the rest of us how to live in harmony with the Earth. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Michael Bronner & Gloria Pancrazi.* Gloria Pancrazi is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and impact campaigner. Her work focuses on telling heartfelt stories of healing and resilience for environmental and social justice. Her first love are the orcas, a guiding light that led her to the Pacific Northwest to help protect them. Her first feature film, Coextinction , was screened at Vancouver International Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and more. Gloria has spent 500+ hours monitoring the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas, Northern Resident orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life with organizations like OrcaLab and Cetus Research & Conservation Society. She has spearheaded impact campaigns like the March 4 The Dams, a 320km walk from Portland to the Snake River Dams, to bring global attention to the controversial dams pushing orcas and salmon to extinction, violating Tribal Treaty rights, and contributing to the climate crisis. Michael Bronner is President of Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling natural brand of soaps i
Sat, July 23, 2022
Maasai Vegan w/ Jack Lekishon
Powerhouse environmentalist, wildlife conservationist, and animal advocate Jack Lekishon joins the podcast this week from Maasai Mara, Kenya. A native Maasai, Jack shares traditions from the people of The Mara and tells us about the land on which they live and the plethora of wild animals that also know the Maasai Mara as home. Jack also shares why the traditional Maasai diet is so reliant on animals as a food source and outlines how he is encouraging his community to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Plus, Jack highlights the importance of educating the region’s young people on looming climate change issues and how they can play their part in slowing the progression of the climate crisis. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Jack Lekishon.* Jack Lekishon is a native Maasai currently residing in Maasai Mara, Kenya. He is committed to preserving the natural environment and teaching young leaders how to be future stewards of the land. Jack aims to inspire youth in Kenya, and more broadly East Africa, to become involved in both wildlife and environmental conservation efforts while raising awareness of the natural world’s great economic, cultural, and aesthetic value. Jack holds a diploma in Wildlife and Tourism and Management and Conservation from Wildlife Clubs of Kenya – Center for Tourism Training and Research. He currently works with Million Dollar Vegan to promote veganism and raise awareness about animal rights and the challenges facing our planet. “There is a very positive impact when it comes to educating young people.” – Jack Lekishon Highlights for Episode 654: Jack shares why he made such a huge shift in the way he eats and why he became a vegan Jack’s experience with a vegan food relief program during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the community received the initiative He talks about why the Maasai people traditionally resisted farming and how Jack is working to change the view that a healthy diet has to contain meat He discusses the impact of drought and clim
Sat, July 16, 2022
Cruelty Free International w/ Monica Engebretson
Monica Engebretson is working to end cruel animal testing practices, and this week, she joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about the state of medical and cosmetic animal testing. The North American Head of Public Affairs for Cruelty Free International , Monica breaks down how the global organization is working to bring an end to animal testing worldwide. Plus, she explains the difference between animal research and animal testing, the most cogent arguments for its ineffectiveness, and the existing non-animal alternatives. She also gives us an overview of animal research and testing in the United States and discusses various legislative and regulatory initiatives on behalf of animals trapped in labs. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Monica Engebretson.* Monica Engebretson is the North American Head of Public Affairs for Cruelty Free International – an organization working to end animal testing worldwide. Monica has worked in the field of animal protection since 1999 with a range of experience, including fieldwork, undercover investigations, lobbying, and media and public education campaigns. She has also worked on various issues in addition to animals in research, including human-wildlife conflicts, trapping, farmed animals, and captive birds. She has helped write and pass several state laws on many of these issues. Before working professionally in the animal protection movement, Monica earned a Bachelor of Science in wildlife with a minor in environmental ethics from Humboldt State University in Northern California. Monica’s work for Cruelty Free International has focused on initiatives in the US and Canada to end cosmetic testing on animals, working to accelerate the replacement of animals in FDA regulatory testing through the Make Alternatives a Priority (MAP) campaign, advancing humane science funded by the NIH with the Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Sciences Testing (HEARTS) Act, and maximizing the number of animals released from laboratories through the Companion Animal Release from Experiments (CARE) Act. “Every year, it’s estimated 192 million animals are used in experiments around the world, and the US is one of the largest users of animals.” – Monica Engebretson Highlights for Episode 653: <li style="font-weight:
Sat, July 09, 2022
Pig Little Lies w/ Jane Velez-Mitchell
Jane Velez-Mitchell is a media powerhouse known for speaking up for animals, and today, we welcome her back to the podcast for a conversation about UnchainedTV, the free streaming platform committed to amplifying vegan, animal rights content. In our conversation, Jane explains how people can access this critical content worldwide, why she decided to make it available free of charge, and the metaphor behind the UnchainedTV name. She also shares the details of how the new network came to develop the world’s first reality show starring a family of pigs, Pig Little Lies , and why she believes the show has become wildly popular. We also discuss her focus on climate change and the importance of sharing animal rights content beyond our vegan bubbles and making sure it reaches as many people as possible. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Jane Velez-Mitchell.* Jane Velez-Mitchell is a nationally known TV journalist, best-selling author, and founder and Managing Editor of UnchainedTV. She is the winner of four Genesis awards and commendations from the Humane Society of the United States and is committed to covering crimes against animals and the environment. Unchained TV is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Previously, Jane worked as a television journalist anchoring local news at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and WCBS-TV in New York. Jane also hosted her show on CNN Headline News (HLN) for six years. “We’re trying to normalize veganism.” – Jane Velez-Mitchell Highlights for Episode 652: How saving Dante and Beatrice from a high-kill shelter came to be featured on UnchainedTV’s programming, plus how a twist in the tale led to even more drama than the team anticipated The importance of having animal media that makes people laugh The cast of Pig Little Lies and the popularity of the show The horror of unscrupulous pig breeders s
Sat, July 02, 2022
Kindling w/ Linnea Ryshke
Visual artist and author Linnea Ryshke joins the podcast for a conversation about her recent book, Kindling , a collection of poems and mixed media artwork inspired by the artist’s difficult, but instructive, experience working as a laborer at an organic meat farm. During the conversation, Linnea outlines what she initially hoped to gain by working there and describes her day-to-day life on the “farm,” including the difficult, and disagreeable, roles she was asked to take on. The artist also shares why the term “activist art” doesn’t describe her creative work most accurately, the role her art serves in the context of animal protection, and the ethics behind creating images of animals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Linnea Ryshke.* Linnea Ryshke creates paintings, drawings, artist books, installations, and poetry that seek to restore the value of nonhuman animals as kindred beings worthy of our adoration, respect, and empathy. She received her B.F.A. in Painting from Pratt Institute and M.F.A. in Visual Art from Washington University in St. Louis. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she released her first book, Kindling , with Lantern Publishing and Media in the fall of 2021. She is currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. “I feel so much sensitivity toward the animals that I’m representing that I want to be considerate in the process of doing so.” – Linnea Ryshke Highlights for Episode 651: The psychological tension between empathy and apathy and care and harm in Linnea’s poems Some of the poems from Kindling , read by Linnea The difficulty of looking after your mental health when faced with the reality of how animals are rout
Sat, June 25, 2022
Can Vegans be Funny? w/ Zach Sherwin
The multi-talented Zach Sherwin joins the podcast this week for a can’t-miss conversation about using comedy, rap, and wordplay to make the world a better place for animals. Zach explains how he incorporates his vegan ethos into each of his artistic endeavors while taking care not to isolate his audience. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his epic duck rap saga and shares how he came to know, and save, Brutus the duck. We look at the entertainment world at large, and Zach discusses whether people’s attitudes toward veganism have changed in the 20 years he’s been vegan. He also tells us about The Crossword Show , the famous vegans who have played the game, and what having had one of his crossword puzzles published in The New York Times means to him. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Zach Sherwin.* Zach Sherwin is a Los Angeles-based comedian and the creator and host of The Crossword Show, in which a celebrity guest panel solves a crossword puzzle live onstage in front of an audience. The Crossword Show has toured on the West and East Coasts, including appearances at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament; in February 2022, Zach published his first crossword puzzle in the New York Times. Since 2011, Zach has also written for and performed with the popular web series “Epic Rap Battles of History.” His writing for the show has received numerous Streamy Awards and Emmy nominations. His own YouTube videos have been viewed many millions of times, and his other writing credits range from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW) to Problematic with Moshe Kasher (Comedy Central) to MAD Magazine. As a solo artist, Zach has released several albums of comedy and music, toured extensively on the college entertainment circuit, worked as an audience warm-up comic on various TV shows, and performed on Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell (FX) and The Pete Holmes Show (TBS), both long canceled, as well as America’s Got
Sat, June 18, 2022
Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory w/ Eva Haifa Giraud
Eva Haifa Giraud joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about her recent book, Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory . In our discussion, we deep dive into the constraints of veganism within a capitalist system, what this means for activism, and whether capitalism itself is putting veganism at risk. Eva elaborates on veganism’s political, activist roots and how they have historically created new paths of communication within communities that lead to debate regarding ethics, animal rights, and how the world at large treats animals. She also explains why she believes adopting a universal definition of veganism could be detrimental and breaks down how it might uproot veganism from specific social and national constructs. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Eva Haifa Giraud.* Eva Haifa Giraud is a senior lecturer in Digital Media & Society at the University of Sheffield. She is interested in how activists negotiate tensions associated with the media platforms they use, particularly the challenges posed by social media. Her work has engaged with this theme in the context of environmental, animal, and food activism, with more recent research focusing on anti-racist politics. Her publications include What Comes After Entanglement? Activism, anthropocentrism and an ethics of exclusion (Duke University Press), Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory (Bloomsbury Academic) and articles in journals such as Theory, Culture & Society, New Media & Society, and Social Studies of Science . “Are there still points of entry into more politicized, activist forms of veganism?” – Eva Haifa Giraud Highlights for Episode 649: <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-leve
Sat, June 11, 2022
Racism, Classism and Speciesism w/ Christopher Sebastian
Christopher Sebastian has a lot to say about what animals need from us and how we could all do better in working to change the world, and we are pretty sure you will want to listen. One of the most thoughtful contemporary commentators on how our relationship with animals has gone so far astray, he joins the podcast this week for a discussion about the intersections of racism and speciesism, and so much more. We delve into some of the shortcomings of the animal rights “movement,” and the crucial work of recognizing the work and leadership of people of the global majority in changing the world for animals. Christopher also shares overlaps between the movements for LBGTQ rights and animal rights, and we reflect on whether queer folk should be more sensitive toward animal protection. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Christopher Sebastian.* Christopher Sebastian is a technical writer, journalist, and digital media researcher. He is the director of social media for Peace Advocacy Network , a senior fellow at Sentient Media , and former guest lecturer at both Columbia University and Cornell. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes media theory, political science, sociology, and mass communications, he writes about how our attitudes about racial, sexual, and political identity shape our relationships with other animals. “We’re very aware of what we do to animals. It’s not that we don’t know . . . it’s not that we don’t care—it’s that we don’t care enough.” – Christopher Sebastian Highlights for Episode 648: Christopher discusses why he believes speciesism is situated inside a racist and classist system Why many animal activists don’t think about how they engage with one another in their advocacy, and why it’s a problem within the current institutional animal protection movement in North America and Europe The shortcomings of the animal rights movement tha
Sat, June 04, 2022
My Days of Dark Green Euphoria w/ A.E. Copenhaver
Author, science communicator, and climate interpreter A.E. Copenhaver joins the podcast this week for a conversation about her recent debut novel, My Days of Dark Green Euphoria . A.E.’s book follows the flawed, eco-anxious Cara as she crosses paths with Millie, her boyfriend’s mom who represents everything Cara is against. In our conversation, A.E. tells us why she decided to make Cara far from perfect, and how this helps make the book’s theme of animal and environmental advocacy more accessible. We also discuss other themes in the book, including why A.E. highlights self care as a form of pleasure to help counter the violence activists often come across in their lines of work. Plus, the author shares how winning the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature helped get her manuscript out to as wide an audience as possible and why that was important to her. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with A.E. Copenhaver.* A.E. Copenhaver is a writer, editor, science communicator, and climate interpreter. She’s worked in the environmental and nonprofit sectors for nearly a decade. She has ghostwritten book chapters about cities plagued by factory farming, air pollution, and automobile traffic, and she has written about migrating white sharks, threatened sea otters, and depleted Pacific bluefin tuna. She holds degrees in English and environmental studies from Santa Clara University, and in 2009, she earned her master of art degree in culture and modernity from the University of East Anglia in England. Born in Bellevue, Washington, A.E. Copenhaver has lived in Carmel, California, for most of her life. Her debut novel, My Days of Dark Green Euphoria is published by Ashland Creek Press . “Fiction has an ability to sit with people—even if they didn’t like a book, a character, or a portion of a book—it’s still in their psyche.” – A.E. Copenhaver Highlights for Episode 647: Why <span style="font-weight: 4
Sat, May 28, 2022
Ecoflix w/ David Casselman
David Casselman is paving the way for a new era of media, and he joins us on the podcast this week for an in depth conversation about Ecoflix, the world’s first not-for-profit media group committed to helping animals and the planet. The philanthropist explains how the platform aims to provide its viewers with inspiring, educational content relating to animals that, in turn, financially supports the very animals featured. We also discuss the environment, and David emphasizes the devastating impact climate change has on all animals and how Ecoflix shines a light on the subject matter. Plus, he tells us how Ecoflix ensures that its partners’ values align with the media group’s overarching purpose of saving animals and protecting the planet. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with David Casselman.* David Casselman is a philanthropist, a trained psychologist, and a trial lawyer. After a 42-year career trying cases, writing, and teaching law in Los Angeles, David moved full time into his area of passion: saving animals. As a lawyer, he provided over 40 years of pro bono legal assistance to animals of all kinds. As a co-founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), David partnered with Lek Chailert and her husband, Darrick Thompson, to develop CWS and support their Elephant Nature Park sanctuary in Thailand. Mr. Casselman also serves on various other boards, including the Whale Sanctuary Project and the Wolf Connection , as a pro bono advisor and donor. Mr. Casselman founded Ecoflix , the first not-for-profit global media service dedicated to saving animals and the planet. In this capacity, Mr. Casselman has been supporting animal causes around the world. Ecoflix is now streaming worldwide on all forms of media, including Apple and Android TV. All subscription dollars are donated as just one part of the efforts of Mr. Casselman and Ecoflix to save animals and protect ecosystem biodiversity around the world. “We’re trying to find a better way to provide information and motivation about the critical issues that affect us — particularly animals on the planet — without lecturing.” – <span style="font-w
Sat, May 21, 2022
Animal Rights and Human Rights in Uganda w/ Dash Meizler
The inimitable Dash Meizler joins the podcast this week from Kampala, Uganda, for a truly inspiring conversation about leveraging our activism to better advocate for animal rights and marginalized communities. Founder of the Podrska Foundation , Dash outlines how the organization is fighting for farmed animals while empowering women, providing schools with vegan meals, fighting poverty through home-based vegetable gardens, and more. The Ugandan activist also tells us about his upbringing on a poultry farm and shares the moment his life trajectory changed forever, ultimately leading him down the path of animal activism, veganism, and humanitarianism. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Dash Meizler.* Fahd Kharim Ssevume, commonly known as Dash Meizler, is an accomplished humanitarian and founder of the Podrska Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a world of equity, compassion, and justice by supporting vulnerable people and improving their day-to-day lives. Dash’s projects address immediate needs and have the long-term goal of enabling participants to become economically and educationally independent enough to live in harmony with others – not only with other human beings but also with non-human animals. Dash has a longstanding vision of multispecies justice, which is informed by his deep commitment to human and animal rights. In addition to his humanitarianism, Dash is also known for his effective and efficient animal activism throughout Uganda. His love for non-human animals inspired him to incorporate friendly, inspiring methodologies to spread veganism all over his country. He’s currently using his untiring commitment, drive, and leadership skills to bring more dignity and autonomy to both human and non-human beings in Africa — and looks forward to bringing these same values to regions all over the world. “Let’s lift people out of poverty, let’s uplift animal lives, let’s uplift education for kids, and let’s uplift animal rights at the same time.” – Dash Meizler Highlights for Episode 645: The Podrska Foundation’s food distribution programs, including the Vegan School Campaign and the Vegan Food Program <l
Sat, May 14, 2022
Speaking with the Fishes w/ Gwendolyn Church
The remarkable Gwendolyn Church joins the podcast this week for an awe-inspiring conversation about Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, the aquatic animal sanctuary she founded, based in Reno, NV. Gwendolyn tells the tale of Philip, the betta fish that changed the trajectory of her life and inspired the sanctuary. This passionate animal activist also discusses the misconceptions around fish sentience and explains why humans must reframe their thinking when it comes to caring for aquatic animals. Shining a light on the horrors that farmed and wild-caught fishes destined for the pet trade face, she tells us why she is so committed to rescuing all types of fish. We also discuss how Friends of Philip is navigating, and funding, the process of becoming a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, and caring for, aquatic animals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Gwendolyn Church.* Gwendolyn Church runs Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, an aquatic animal sanctuary, and rescue in Reno, Nevada. Friends of Philip aims to expand the rescue conversation to include fishes and other aquatic animals and foster the connection between humans and aquatic life by sharing their rescued animals’ stories and vibrant personalities. The organization provides sanctuary and rescue for animals in need, and advocates for ending the consumption and commodification of fishes and other aquatic species. “The simple misconception that fishes don’t feel pain is still so tragically prevalent.” – Gwendolyn Church Highlights for Episode 644: Why betta fish are particularly vulnerable in pet stores Why the plural of “fish” is “fishes” How the sanctuary is growing, how they’re working to establish and fund themselves as a nonprofit What Gwendolyn is looking for in people looking to adopt a fish from her sanctuary Where the fishes who arrive at the sanctuary come from, and why pet stores are often open to people rescu
Sat, May 07, 2022
Jainism, Feminism and Veganism w/ Mamta Valderrama
Mamta Jain Valderrama joins the podcast for an insightful discussion about Jainism and the many ways in which its beliefs intersect with veganism. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in existence, having taken form in ancient India some time between the 7 th and 5 th centuries BCE. In our conversation, Mamta explains the philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, that practitioners of Jainism follow. She shares the Jain belief that all living beings have souls and discusses how this belief drives Jains’ eating habits and way of life, both of which often align with a vegan lifestyle. Mamta also digs into feminism and why she believes it’s vital for the animal protection movement to not only focus on hiring women but also to create a culture that uplifts their voices. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Mamta Jain Valderrama.* Mamta Jain Valderrama is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Mercy For Animals . Prior to working in animal rights, Mamta led operations for various healthcare companies and start-ups. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. She took time off from the corporate world to write A Girl In Traffick , a thriller novel about human kidney trafficking. Her book is self-published and made it to the Amazon bestseller list in the thriller category. Mamta comes from the Jainism culture, which teaches nonviolence toward all beings. She has been vegetarian for 38 years, and on-and-off vegan and raw almost her entire life. She is now fully vegan for three years and is never going back. Originally from Los Angeles, Mamta lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with her husband and daughter. “In Jainism, we believe that all living beings have souls and that’s the reason that we abstain from violence towards them.” – Mamta Jain Valderrama Highlights for Episode 643: Mamta’s role as Global Senior Vice President of Operations for Mercy for Animals What incentivized her to make the leap from healthcare into animal activism Mamta shares her experience of growing up in the Jain religion and how it shaped her worldview</l
Sat, April 30, 2022
LEAP into Saving Animals w/ Danielle Hanosh
The remarkable Danielle Hanosh joins us on the podcast for a conversation about a revolutionary new program that you will definitely want to hear about. LEAP —short for Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet—offers high school students humane education, hands-on experience caring for rescued farmed animals, volunteer experience at animal sanctuaries, and scholarship opportunities. Teaching compassion instead of slaughter, LEAP, teaches students to be thoughtful and deliberate about their choices and encourages them to question the current societal constructs around using animals for food. She also tells us about her life at Blackberry Creek Sanctuary , the animal rescue she co-founded, and how a pig named Sebastian inspired LEAP. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Danielle Hanosh.* Danielle is the Executive Director of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary in Colfax, CA, which she founded with her husband, Joshua Hanosh, in 2014. She leads Blackberry Creek’s rescue, education and advocacy programs, event planning, fundraising, and community partnerships. Her work includes public education and advocacy for practical solutions to the complex problems arising from animal agriculture, human-caused climate change, overpopulation, animal abuse and neglect, and the current system’s impact on mental and physical human health. Her current projects include advocating for more aggressive, inventive veterinary care for traditionally farmed animals who end up in sanctuaries, building the LEAP pilot program, and conducting research for a future non-fiction book focused on anti-speciesism. “We try to show students there’s another way besides the traditional system of animal agriculture.” – Danielle Hanosh Highlights for Episode 642: LEAP’s goals, vision, and how the program offers a different perspective on working with farmed animals Who can participate in the program and why Danielle is happy to take both students who are already vegan and active in animal rights alongside students who are part of their local FFA or 4-H programs where they raise animals for animal agriculture How LEAP compares to the 4-H program FFA student Audori and Sebastian the pig’s story How
Sat, April 23, 2022
The Spirit of Soul Food w/ Dr Christopher Carter
Dr. Christopher Carter joins us on the podcast this week to discuss his new book The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, and Food Justice . This groundbreaking work covers everything from the history of soul food to choosing how to eat in a way that helps us “live into our fullest sense of self.” Dr. Carter shares why he centers the discussion on three fundamental principles for eating practices—seeking justice for food workers, caring for the earth, and soul-full eating—and describes how soul-full eating helps us understand the impacts of our diets on not just our bodies, but on the bodies of animals. He also dives into a deep discussion of the meaning and practices of Black veganism and why it is a movement that can and should be embraced by all. Dr. Christopher Carter is an assistant professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego and a pastor in the United Methodist Church. While working on his doctorate, his dissertation— Eating Oppression: Food, Faith, and Liberation —would be the foundation for his recent book, The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, and Food Justice . He is on the board of directors of Farm Forward, an anti-factory farming nonprofit. “The concepts around Black veganism bring to light the purpose and guiding principles of not consuming animals as a way to call out the racism that’s in our food system.” – Dr. Christopher Carter Highlights for Episode 641: What soul food looks like and tastes like for Dr. Carter, plus why it has a considerable part to play in preserving and promoting community and passing on a particular kind of Black ancestral wisdom Some of the challenges that white supporters of the animal rights movement might have in fully embracing the arguments in the book including the trauma of facing their own internalized racism Why we need to embrace the interconnectedness we have with both human and non-human beings to reach a sustainable, transformative, and healing liberation An ordained clergy member whose family history is intertwined with Christianity, food justice, and food sovereignty, Dr. Carter explores why his veganism is rooted in his religion and reimagines how soul food can help those who want to eat in a way that is consistent with their theological and social values The current role of ch
Sat, April 16, 2022
Love Activism w/ Stacy Russo
She’s an activist, artist, librarian, professor, and more. The multi-hyphenate Stacy Russo joins us on the podcast for a deep dive into Love Activism. Created by Stacy in 2013, Love Activism is a daily, holistic, and radical activism rooted in kindness. In our conversation, Stacy outlines the eight elements of this activist approach and describes how they can empower us every day. She explains why she firmly believes creativity is an element of Love Activism and how people can practice creativity by making their own or supporting others’ art. For those not drawn to traditional art forms, Stacy also shares how to find your own creative outlet. Empathy, another element of Love Activism, is also up for discussion. Stacy details how empathy can sometimes act as a barrier and prevent people from seeing, understanding, and fighting for the rights animals should have in this world. Plus, we discuss the author’s own journey toward animal rights activism, beginning with her introduction to the punk scene of the 1980s. Stacy Russo, librarian and Associate Professor at Santa Ana College, is committed to creating books and art for a more peaceful world. She is the author of several nonfiction books, the editor of two essay collections, a published poet, a collage artist, a DIY oral historian, and the author/illustrator of children’s picture books. Stacy’s books have been featured on National Public Radio, Pacifica Radio, the Canadian Broadcasting System, Sirius XM Radio, KCET Artbound, LA Weekly, and various other media channels. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in transformative studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Stacy is a longtime vegan. “I definitely feel that service is a very powerful form of love — there are so many different ways that we can serve each other and serve animals.” – Stacy Russo Highlights for Episode 640: Stacy describes why service is an element of Love Activism and provides examples of how acts of service can be construed as long term activism, including her role in caring for her elderly dog Walter How the principles of Love Activism can also be understood as self-care and empowerment for individuals Techniques that activists can use to truly take care of themselves while still keeping their focus on their activism How Stacy’s relationship with feminism and her immersion in the punk rock scene of the 1980s led to her discovery of the animal equality movement Why Stacy’s unashamed veganism and animal equality
Sat, April 09, 2022
Undercover Investigations Have Changed Everything w/ Gemunu De Silva
The trailblazing Gemunu De Silva, a United Kingdom-based undercover investigator of animal exploitation, joins us this week on Our Hen House. Gem, one of the first and longest-serving investigators of the worldwide hidden mistreatment of animals, tell us about his path into the world of animal activism and the animal rights movement. It was his very first factory farm investigation in the 1980s that not only horrified him but, fortunately, inspired him to devote his life to helping to amplify unheard voices. After years of international investigations, he founded Tracks Investigations , an investigation agency working to support the important work of animal protection organizations around the globe. Plus, Gem highlights the impact and influence of investigative filmmaking on legislation. Gemunu De Silva is a filmmaker and activist who has been investigating and documenting animal rights abuses since the 1980s. He was the first person in the UK to film inside industrial farms and expose the atrocities within. In the early 1990s, he went on to direct and produce a number of documentaries for UK national television relating to animal issues. Gemunu’s path led him to establish and operate the Investigations Unit at Compassion in World Farming . In the early 2000s, he went to work as the Director of Research and Investigations at Cruelty Free International , where he specialized in exposing the vile international trade in primates for research. In 2006, Gemunu co-founded Tracks Investigations, an ethical investigation agency undertaking projects for animal protection groups around the globe. To date, Tracks have completed over 260 investigative film projects for 38 animal rights and protection organizations in 58 countries. “I think investigations are probably the most powerful tool that you can have in your armory in the animal rights world. Not only do they change public opinion, they also change legislation.” – Gemunu De Silva Highlights for Episode 639: Why Gem first stopped eating meat and how that led to him becoming involved with animal rights activism at a local level The difficulties of using cumbersome VHS equipment in initial investigations and how they managed to film the conditions in animal hellholes How Gem manages the trauma <li
Sat, April 02, 2022
Veganism as Decolonization w/ LoriKim Alexander
LoriKim Alexander can do it all—from her core organizing role with Black VegFest to her work in the fields of anthropology and biology. She joins us on Our Hen House to discuss how The Cypher, the organization she founded, places emphasis on veganism’s true, anti-oppressive meaning. LoriKim shares how The Cypher started off as an educational, political book club on Facebook and how it evolved into an expansive, multigenerational, and multi-orientation space for Black femme leadership. LoriKim also tells us how she became involved with Black VegFest and the importance of having a community space where she, a Black femme vegan activist, can be her true self. Jamaican-born and world-bred, LoriKim Alexander has dedicated her life to working for social and environmental justice, specifically organizing around centering justice for LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and people of the global majority. She uses her work in biology, anthropology, and environmental education in a synergistic way to forward Black liberation. She sees veganism as a central platform for decolonization, food justice, and combating environmental racism to galvanize the struggle to liberate all marginalized beings. “These deeper relationships [with animals] prepared me to understand that we as sentient beings are not very far apart from each other.” – LoriKim Alexander Highlights for Episode 638: How LoriKim’s childhood in Jamaica led her to a lifelong friendship with and admiration for animals Why LoriKim’s anguishing experience of farm-to-table eating transitioned her into veganism Growing up with Lulu Belle the calf and how this experience helped her form deeper relationships with non-human animals How vegan or vegetarian festivals can avoid being experienced as racist, homophobic, xenophobic, or misogynistic and how Black VegFest aims to create a community space LoriKim’s response to the pushback Black VegFest has received How The Cypher connects Black and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ femmes of all genders so they can work together and share their voices What the term “vegan minded” means and how it can be central to communities Why The Cypher will be taking Black trans and queer femmes into the woods for hikes LoriKim’s biological and anthropological research and how it has influenced her work on environmental racism The implementation of environmental educ
Sat, March 26, 2022
Pheonix Zones w/ Hope Ferdowsian
Hope Ferdowsian , President and CEO of Phoenix Zones Initiative (PZI) —a non-profit organization committed to advancing the interconnected rights, health, and wellbeing of people and animals—joins us on the podcast to discuss how the organization is striving to realize optimal health outcomes for humans and non-human animals alike. More specifically, Hope shares how, by expanding upon the One Health approach, PZI is centering justice as a primary mechanism for realizing such outcomes. We also discuss why PZI focuses on transforming animal research in their advocacy. Plus, Hope explains the Belmont Report , including why the ethical principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, as outlined in the report, should also be applied to non-human beings. Hope Ferdowsian is a double board certified physician who has cared for individuals who have experienced displacement and violence and has worked on policy to address structural inequities and human and animal exploitation. Her work across six continents has included collaboration with the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States and the development of medical, public health, and educational resources for nongovernmental organizations, national governments, and intergovernmental organizations. As a result of her work, Hope was named a Humanitarian of the Year by the American College of Physicians in 2017. Many of her publications, including her book Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives , focus on ethics, global public health, and the link between human and animal rights, health, and wellbeing. In 2019, she co-founded Phoenix Zones Initiative to translate insights in the book into a movement for systemic change. She now also serves as an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. “We need to push forward the idea that we can only have optimal health outcomes in humans and non-human beings through justice.” – Hope Ferdowsian Highlights for Episode 637: How Phoenix Zones Initiative supports animal rights Why we cannot have health for both humans and non-human animals without rights and justice </li
Sat, March 19, 2022
Grass Fed and Vegan w/ Rob Nipe and Nora Rubel
Faithful listeners will know this to be true: we can’t get enough of Grass Fed, Rochester’s premier vegan butcher shop and deli. Thus, this week, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Rob Nipe and Nora Rubel, founders of Grass Fed, to the podcast. The husband-and-wife team joins us to dish why they view Grass Fed as training wheels for veganism, and they give us the breakdown of the vegan meats Rob makes, including breakfast sausage, pastrami, and barbecue brisket. Plus, they tell us how Bruce Springstreen prompted them to explore making small-batch, handcrafted plant-based meats in earnest. In our conversation, Nora also shares the joy the duo finds in connecting with customers, building relationships with Rochester’s vegan community, and the unexpected individuals who have expressed interest in their products. Grass Fed vegan butcher shop and deli is the joint venture of Rob Nipe and Nora Rubel, offering delicious small-batch, handcrafted vegan meats made from good, plant-based ingredients. Rob (the Butcher) hails originally from New Jersey and, as a former omnivore, seeks to create delicious cruelty-free versions of the meats he previously enjoyed. He loves a challenge and has spent years perfecting his mad meat-making skills. Sharing them with his adopted city of Rochester is a dream realized. Nora (the Butcher’s Wife) loves to cook and eat. She also writes and teaches about food, culture, and religion at the University of Rochester. She understands the cultural and nostalgic connection folks have to the foods they grow up with and is excited to help them feel those connections in a cruelty-free way. “We try to trumpet the idea of veganism as something that is attainable.” – Rob Nipe “There’s only so much we can do in the world to ease suffering, but there are certain things we can do to limit our impact.” – Nora Rubel Highlights for Episode 636: Why Rob and Nora became vegan and how a plant-based diet helped Rob’s health issues How a novel helped move Nora from vegetarianism to “ethical” omnivorism to veganism What Nora means by the phrase “non-practicing vegan” and how vegan meats allow people to make the leap into going entirely plant-based The story of Rob’s decision to develop vegan meats How they developed an amazing vegan Passover cele
Sat, March 12, 2022
Creating International Standards for Animal Protection w/ Joan E. Schaffner and Rajesh K. Reddy
Joining us on the Our Hen House podcast this week are Joan E. Schaffner, JD and Rajesh K. Reddy, JD, PhD. Joan and Raj are founding members of Lawyers for the Convention on Animal Protection, an international team of law practitioners and academics committed to advocating for a global animal protection agreement. They join the podcast to share details about the Convention on Animal Protection (CAP) , and how the concept came to fruition just in time for the pandemic. In our conversation, we discuss how zoonotic viruses, including COVID-19, are directly related to animal exploitation and mistreatment, as well as how the CAP aims to mitigate the risk of future pandemics. But the proposed treaty goes further than that. Joan and Raj also explore how the treaty seeks to provide certain minimum protections for all animals in human hands as well as their different lived realities—from animals used in research and testing to companion animals to farmed animals and captive wildlife—and also discuss some of the roadblocks that face such an effort. Joan E. Schaffner, JD, is an Associate Professor of Law at The George Washington University Law School. Ze received a JD from the University of Southern California and an MS in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Joan is co-chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) International Section, International Animal Law Committee; Past Chair and Newsletter Vice-Chair of the ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Animal Law Committee; Founding Chair of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) Section on Animal Law; and Fellow, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Joan has received the ABA TIPS Andrew C. Hecker Memorial Award, the AALS Excellence in Animal Law Award: Scholarship Teaching-Service, and the ABA TIPS Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award. Dr. Rajesh K. Reddy directs the Global Animal Law and Animal Law Advanced Degree Programs at the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School, where he teaches International Animal Law, Animal Legal Philosophy, and Emerging Topics in Animal Law, among others. Raj also serves on the Lewis & Clark tri-campus Committee on Equity and Inclusion, the Law School’s International Law Committee, and as a Confidential Advocate. Outside of Lewis & Clark, he chairs the International Subcommittee of the Animal Law Section of the American Bar Association and serves as a board member of Mindi
Sat, March 05, 2022
Vegan Activist Alliance w/ Eloísa Trinidad
According to powerhouse activist and community organizer Eloísa Trinidad, an anti-colonial framework is fundamental to how she approaches activism. Eloísa, who serves as Executive Director of both the Vegan Activist Alliance and the food justice organization Chilis on Wheels New York, is a total liberation activist. She is unapologetically adamant that species does not define personhood and emphasizes the importance of the language we use in our narratives as activists. In our conversation, we also dive into Eloísa’s work with Chilis on Wheels, where she helps provide plant-based groceries to students and families experiencing food poverty in New York. She also tells us about the Overthrow Vegan Community Fridge , New York City’s first plant-based community fridge, which Eloísa helped launch last year, alongside fellow activists. Plus, she shares why she believes true change always stems from genuine connection. Eloísa Trinidad is a total liberation activist who approaches liberation praxis and veganism with an anti-colonial framework to raise awareness of how Western colonization has affected and continues to affect the plight of human and beyond-human persons (animals), and how it has changed the food system and our relationship with each other and to the natural world. Through her role as Executive Director at Chilis on Wheels New York , Eloísa focuses on making veganism accessible to communities in need. She is also co-founder and Executive Director at Vegan Activist Alliance , a systems change focused, community-driven anti-speciesist organization. Eloísa sits on the Board of Directors at Plant Powered Metro NY , is NY Chapter President at Hip Hop is Green , and is on the following Advisory Boards: Center For Science in the Public Interest , Agriculture Fairness Alliance , The Vegan Museum. “We are all persons — we just happen to be different species.” – Eloísa Trinidad Highlights for Episode 634: Eloísa’s childhood growing up with her great grandparents in the
Sat, February 26, 2022
Creating the Market for Plant Based Foods w/ Rachel Dreskin
Rachel Dreskin, CEO of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), joins the podcast this week to discuss why it is so vital for vegan foods to have a trade association. Rachel tells us how the organization, which advocates at both the federal and state levels, is working to even the playing field to help plant-based brands compete against animal-based products and succeed. In this behind-the-scenes look, Rachel also breaks down the way products in a supermarket are organized, and she explains whether it’s best for plant-based foods to be allocated their own section or for them to be integrated alongside their animal-based counterparts. She also dives into the thorny issues of labeling, including why the term “plant-based” has become muddied, and how we can ensure people are fully aware of what they are purchasing. Rachel Dreskin is the CEO of the Plant Based Foods Association , the first and only trade association representing the nation’s leading plant-based food companies, as well as the CEO of the Plant Based Foods Institute, PBFA’s sister nonprofit dedicated to driving transformation to a plant-based food system. She also serves as a board member of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, has guest lectured at top US universities like Stanford and New York University, and has been featured in Bloomberg , Fortune Magazine , and the Chicago Tribune . “We’re finding that when products are integrated within the sections of the store that have animal-based products, the sales increase quite dramatically.” – Rachel Dreskin Highlights for Episode 633: The types of companies that have joined PBFA How and why PBFA represents the interests of completely plant-based food brands, but also accept companies as members who have animal products in their portfolio Rachel’s thoughts on the elements that separate a successful company in the plant-based arena from one that doesn’t make it “Vegan” versus “plant-based” terminology and why PBFA uses the term “plant-based” Major drivers leading people to purchase plant-based foods Why PBFA is planning lifecycle assessments across the plant-based and animal-based categories so they can demonstrate the environmental benefits<sp
Sat, February 19, 2022
The Vegan Hacktivists Are Here to Help w/ David van Beveren
The ingenious David van Beveren, founder of Vegan Hacktivists, joins the podcast this week for an inspiring conversation about using our unique skill sets to help propel the animal rights movement forward. A software developer by trade, David details the important work Vegan Hacktivists is doing to help animal rights organizations and activists expand their web presence. The organization, composed of…
Sat, February 12, 2022
CreatureKind w/ Aline Silva
CreatureKind ’s Aline Silva joins the podcast this week for a discussion about food, animals and Christianity. Reverend Silva, who serves as CreatureKind’s Co-Director, gives us an overview of the religious nonprofit, which encourages Christians to recognize faith-based reasons for caring about the well-being of all living creatures and helps them implement plant-based practices within their church communities. Founded on the belief that all animals are God’s creations and humans’ love and care must extend to all of His creations, and not just fellow humans, CreatureKind has developed a six-week course for churches that focuses on self-reflection to help individuals see how they contribute to factory farming and the oppression of animals, and how they can take steps to change. Reverend Aline Silva serves as the Co-Director of CreatureKind. Before coming to CreatureKind, she was a local parish pastor of rural and farming populations in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado for more than 10 years. Aline shares herself as a queer, Black & Indigenous immigrant of Brazil to the US. She chooses not to eat non-human animals, her fellow worshippers of God. Aline is a pastor, a preacher, and a life coach who writes today from the un-ceded lands of the Tequesta, Taino, and Seminole peoples, namely South Florida, USA. “CreatureKind is a part of creating an overarching community of Christians who hold a deep concern for what animals are going through today.” – Aline Silva Highlights for Episode 631: Why churches and religious organizations are motivated to get in touch with CreatureKind How Aline and her team help groups and individuals fulfill a commitment to consume plant-based foods rather than animals Their philosophy on consuming animals for food and why it is rooted in the question of whether God cares for the welfare of animals How a plant-based diet does not rely on the oppression of fellow worshipers of God and how we don’t need to rely on eating animals to obtain nutrients What CreatureKind is doing to help people who want to become more active for animals and understand how large scale factory farming also damages humans Whether preachers are nervous about approaching their congregations to promote a plant-based lifestyle and how CreatureKind advises them What the CreatureKind Food Friendly Challenge is and how their toolkit helps members of a church community choose plant-based meals by starting conversations about Christianity and farmed animals Aline’s t
Sat, February 05, 2022
Is India Going Vegan? w/ Richa Mehta
Vegan Outreach India ’s Richa Mehta joins us this week to talk about the spread of veganism in India. As Director of Programs, Richa tells us how Vegan Outreach is focusing on college students and explains in detail what they are doing to educate those students about the atrocities of the dairy and meat industries while advocating for veganism, as not only more compassionate, but as a greener, more environmentally conscious approach to living. In this conversation with Jasmin, Richa also focuses specifically on dairy, and delves into the Western perception of the sacred status of cows in India, explaining the dichotomy between this belief and the reality of the country’s large dairy industry. Richa Mehta is based in Agra, India, where she is the Director of Programs at Vegan Outreach India, an organization founded in 1993 that aims to end violence towards animals. Richa has many years of experience with animal and environmental protection nonprofits and has been instrumental in the success of Vegan Outreach’s Green Tuesday Initiative, in addition to her extensive in-person outreach activities in India. Richa is also the Vice President of the Pratibha Foundation, Gujarat, India, which focuses on facilitating quality education and healthcare for underprivileged children in rural areas. “In the long term, veganism and a complete evolution in the way we eat are the only ways we can change what is happening to animals.” – Richa Mehta Highlights for Episode 630: How the 10 Weeks to Vegan program works and why it smooths the transition to becoming vegan How Richa and her team’s outreach activities help bust the myths people believe about veganism How COVID-19 changed the way Vegan Outreach pursues their campaigns The surprising discovery that webinars are even more effective than in-person outreach Measurable results they’ve seen as a result of their efforts to help people become vegan How the Green Tuesday campaign works with corporations and other organizations to change the way that people eat Why it’s so crucial in any outreach effort to not just talk about problems, but offer a solution Richa’s factory farm investigations and why she focuses on the environment when encouraging people to change their eating habits The background of vegetarianism in India and how it fits with modern vegetarian and vegan practices Whether arguments regarding animal welfare have more traction In India than in other places Richa’s work with the Pratibha Foundation and what th
Sat, January 29, 2022
Saving Animals, Saving Ourselves w/ Jeff Sebo
On this week’s podcast, we are joined by Jeff Sebo , who is the director of New York University’s Animal Studies M.A. Program , to discuss his brand new book, Saving Animals, Saving Ourselves: Why Animals Matter for Pandemics, Climate Change, and Other Catastrophes. Jeff apparently can see into the future, since he began writing this incredibly prescient book in 2017—three years before the world plunged into COVID-19. We discuss why pandemic and climate change preparedness has been so inadequate and why governments even now are slashing pandemic preparedness budgets, despite what we have been through the past two years and the likelihood that things could get even worse in the future. Jeff’s forthcoming book doesn’t just outline why societies need to end factory farming to save ourselves, it’s intensely about the animals themselves. He points out that taking responsibility for this ever increasing amount of non-human suffering is both necessary and possible and ponders what we need to do for animals to be taken seriously. Jeff also tells us about an important new report from New York University’s Guarini Center that he co-authored entitled Towards Plant-Forward Diets: A Toolkit for Local Policy Makers . This important guide is custom made for activists working with local governments to move laws and policy in a vegan direction. Jeff is a Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, Affiliated Professor of Bioethics, Medical Ethics, and Philosophy, and Director of the Animal Studies M.A. Program at New York University. His current research focuses on bioethics, animal ethics, and environmental ethics, with a particular focus on animals, pandemics, and climate change; the moral, legal, and political status of animals; and the ethics of activism, advocacy, and philanthropy. His book Saving Animals, Saving Ourselves: Why Animals Matter for Pandemics, Climate Change, and Other Catastrophes will be published soon, and he has co-authored the books Chimpanzee Rights and Food, Animals, and the Environment . Jeff also works with animal protection and animal studies organizations. He is a board member at Minding Animals International, a mentor at Sentient Media, and a senior research affiliate at the Legal Priorities Project. “Our treatment of animals is absolutely relevant to these global threats. The way we treat animals in fa
Sat, January 22, 2022
Bridges to Other Movements w/ PJ Nyman
PJ Nyman joins the podcast this week to discuss how understanding animal exploitation on a global landscape creates bridges to other movements which, in turn, help us address the exploitation of animals in a more multifaceted way. PJ, a contributing author featured in Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation , shares what prompted them to investigate the overlap between the history of human control over nature and eating animals. They also touch on their experience coming out as LGBTQ and as an animal advocate and how the two experiences intersected. And, as an added bonus, PJ shares the books—written by a diverse array of authors—they would recommend to new vegans for varied perspectives on the importance of animal advocacy and how it overlaps with other social justice issues. PJ Nyman earned their Master’s degree in Social and Political Thought from York University and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Simon Fraser University. Formerly a program manager for Animal Place , a sanctuary for farmed animals in Northern California, PJ now works as a Corporate Relations Specialist for Mercy For Animals in Toronto, Canada, and sits on the Board of Encompass, a capacity-building organization that helps animal protection organizations and advocates advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Animal advocates who are experienced in marginalization and oppression approach animal advocacy with added depth.” – PJ Nyman Highlights for Episode 628: The work PJ does for Mercy for Animals in corporate relations and how they work with food companies to improve animal welfare policies PJ’s involvement with Encompass, their role there, and their essay for Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation Why PJ turned their back on an academic career in favor of animal advocacy Tendencies that disappointed PJ when they became active within the mainstream animal rights movement Why we need to expand how we do advocacy in order to encompass a broader message as a movement so that we’re meeting people where they are and speaking to a wide range of people in many different ways Understanding animal exploitation as a tool of oppression and a system of domination and why that approach makes our movement more powerful Whether PJ believes that there are different levels to the advocacy movement to change the world for animals
Sat, January 15, 2022
Personal Narrative and Liberation w/ Rachel Krantz
Author and award-winning journalist Rachel Krantz has written a truly extraordinary book, Open: An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation, and Non-Monogamy. This week, she and Jasmin sit down to discuss this raw, vulnerable, and truly inspirational account of Rachel’s journey into the sometimes complicated world of polyamory and how that journey of self-discovery has interwoven with her veganism and animal rights activism. This wide-ranging conversation between two friends is not only a fascinating exploration of self-discovery, but depicts a story that will resonate with anyone who allows their instincts about the importance of animals and veganism to influence the course of their life. Rachel Krantz is on the advisory board for Sentient Media , and we are lucky to have her on the board of directors of Our Hen House. She is the recipient of the Peabody Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights International Radio Award, the Investigative Reporters and Editors Radio Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for her work as an investigative reporter. Rachel was a Lead Writer for Mercy for Animals and is also one of the three founding editors of Bustle, where she served as Senior Features Editor and before that as Senior News Editor. “When it comes to veganism, people are so defensive; there’s so much cognitive dissonance. Vegans in pop culture are often the brunt of a joke, but we are understandably trying to advocate for the animals.” – Rachel Krantz Highlights for Episode 627: Why Rachel wanted to tell the story of her first open relationship, which was also the relationship that saw her turn vegan How personal narrative can be an essential ingredient for social change and why it is crucial to put aside our egos in telling our truth <
Sat, January 08, 2022
Direct Action in Iowa (and Everywhere) w/ Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson of Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is an investigator, a press coordinator, and an animal rights activist extraordinaire. About to go to trial in Iowa on felony charges, including under Iowa’s infamous Ag Gag statute, for rescuing a piglet, now named Gilly, from certain death, he shares with us the harrowing story of entering factory farms under conditions of ventilation shutdown during the early days of the pandemic, after being tipped off by a company truck driver that animals had been left to slowly suffocate to death. He also tells us about the philosophy and legal arguments behind the Right to Rescue that DxE activists argue render their actions in rescuing animals who are at risk of suffering and death justified under well-established law. While, in addition to Matt’s, a number of trials where this theory will be argued by the defense will be coming up in the next few months, we learn in some detail how this has played out so far under very real world circumstances with his inside look into the recent trial of Wayne Hsiung, founder of DxE, for rescuing a baby goat named Rain from a farm in North Carolina in 2018. Matt Johnson is an investigator and Press Coordinator with DxE , a global grassroots network of animal rights activists. DxE activists have rescued hundreds of animals from slaughterhouses, laboratories, and other places of violence. Matt is personally facing felony burglary charges because of his part in saving Gilly the piglet from certain death. He has also been involved in many other animal rescues and in highlighting the plight of animals facing violence and pain. “The genesis of the Iowa Select Farms case was not brought about by animal rights activists saying that they object to what’s happening inside of these facilities; it was somebody who sees it all day, every day and is part of this industry.” — Matt Johnson Highlights for Episode 626: Matt’s role in the May 2020 expose of Iowa Select Farms and its use of ventilation shutdown to kill thousands of pigs How DxE learned what was happening at Iowa Select Farms from a local truck driver for the company and how they investigated and gathered intel on the atrocity How Matt rescued Gilly the piglet from certain death and how she is today Why the police picked up Matt during a raid after the rescue, despite him offering no resistance to arrest and not being a flight risk Why the FBI seemed more interested in discrediting Matt than learning the specifics of why he removed
Sat, January 01, 2022
The Plant Based Treaty w/ Anita Krajnc & Nicola Harris
We’re so honored to welcome Anita Krajnc and Nicola Harris to help us start off 2022 with dynamic and effective activism for animals and the planet! Anita is the co-founder of Animal Save Movement and Nicola serves as the nonprofit’s Director of Communications. They talk about their decision to establish climate- and health-focused chapters of Animal Save Movement, in addition to the animal rights chapter, in order to connect with a larger audience. They also share why, as part of the climate chapter, Animal Save Movement has launched the Plant Based Treaty, an international movement fighting for a treaty that will center food systems in the fight against climate change. They also tell us how they are currently working to gather grassroots support from communities around the globe so that, ultimately, the treaty can be positioned as a companion to the Paris Agreement. They also share with us their related efforts to end animal-gifting programs that provide communities in developing nations around the world with farmed animals. Anita Krajnc co-founded Animal Save Movement with the mission of spreading the idea that we all have a moral duty to bear witness, end animal agriculture, and reforest the earth. Animal Save Movement first launched in December 2010. Toronto Pig Save came soon after, after Anita adopted her dog, Mr. Bean. Anita Krajnc is a co-founder of Toronto Pig Save. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Toronto and her doctoral thesis was based on the role of scientific knowledge and public education in building international environmental regimes. Nicola Harris is a communications director at Animal Save Movement . She became a vegan activist and Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) campaigner in 2002. When she took on the role of communications in 2007, Nicola became a victim of state repression and, alongside other campaigners, received a prison sentence for her activism under controversial and undemocratic legislation targeting freedom of expression. Nicola is currently a core participant in a UK Government inquiry into the policing of protests and is listed in the miscarriage of justice category. “Having something slightly less bad is not an option—this is code red for humanity.” —Nicola Harris “The root cause of our climate crisis is how we treat o
Sat, December 25, 2021
Animals and God's Love w/ Father Massimo da Qumran
Father Massimo da Qumran of the Sacred Order of the Hesychasts of San Giovanni Climaco, a spiritual community with residences near Milan and Florence, joins the podcast for this Christmas episode. He shares with us how he practices Christianity, how that practice relates to animals and veganism, and why religion often neglects the relationship between God and animals and their purpose on Earth. A priest and monk in the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, with a belief system rooted in the very early practice of Christianity by the Essenes, Father Massimo explains his belief in the equality of humans and animals. He illustrates how he and others practice this belief by keeping animals off their plates, rescuing animals from slaughterhouses, running animal sanctuaries, rehabilitating wildlife, and incorporating animals into prayer. The Sacred Order of the Hesychasts of San Giovanni Climaco teaches people to truly connect with themselves to experience a deeper relationship with God and nature. Among their outreach efforts, during the ongoing pandemic, they launched a vegan food program for the surrounding community and increased their digital outreach efforts, helping them grow their community. Father Massimo belongs to the Sacred Order of the Hesychasts of San Giovanni Climaco established by Archiepiscopal Decree and belonging to the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht. Members of this community do not eat meat or fish and believe in the equality of humans and animals. The community is part of the religious and spiritual tradition of the Christian Church of the East, that values above all the spiritual development of man, a contemplative life of quiet prayer, and attaining a mystical union with the Divine. Their two residential communities, Eremo degli Angeli and Montecuccoli Abbey, where Father Massimo is based, include animal sanctuaries and accept visitors who are interested in cultivating a lifestyle based on respect for nature, for others, and for animals. Very special thanks to Julia Klauss to providing translation for portions of Father Massimo’s interview. To listen to the entire interview, complete with full Italian replies, click here. “Jesus Christ came for animals, too.” —Father Massimo Highlights for Episode 624: How the Sacred Order of the Hesychasts of San Giovanni Climaco <span style="font-weight: 400
Sat, December 18, 2021
Shining a Light on Factory Farming w/ Monica Chen
The trailblazing Monica Chen, Executive Director of Factory Farming Awareness Coalition (FFAC) , joins the podcast this week for an inside look into how the nonprofit is working to change the world for animals through education and mentorship. FFAC has recently shifted its educational programming to focus on high school and college students, and is seeing outstanding results. Also, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, FFAC’s outreach and programming continues to inform the public about the enormous harms of animal agriculture to animals, the environment, and human health. Among other strategies, they are connecting with community and religious organizations to deepen relationships and open minds about what’s really happening behind closed doors in our broken food system. Monica Chen is is responsible for overseeing FFAC’s administration, programs, and strategic planning. She joined the team in 2018 and helped found the organization’s intern program. Before joining FFAC, Monica worked in residential environmental education, taught sexual health, and served as an instructor for the Prison University Project at San Quentin. She currently volunteers her time as a crisis support counselor, and her activism is focused on the interconnectedness of social justice issues. Monica also loves walking and spending time with her guinea pig, Emcee. “It’s so much more powerful when students come to their own conclusions and recognize the impact they can have in choosing to eat differently and partaking in various campaigns. We’re thinking about systemic solutions, institutional solutions, and individual solutions.” – Monica Chen Highlights for Episode 623: Topics covered in FFAC’s programs for students, educators, and individuals How FFAC connects with students via the Student Mentorship Program and why linking high school students with college student mentors has proved so beneficial on an individual and organizational level How 2020 changed the way the organization conducts outreach activities What prompted the FFAC team to reflect and be intentional about what they wanted to achieve How they pivot their messaging so it resonates with each unique audience The importance of networking to spread the message of equality for animals Why Monica was initially reluctant to call herself an animal-rights activist and how her perspective changed Why diversity and inclusivity in the animal-rights movement is essential The importance of meeting people where they are at Monica’s belief that people are starting to become more aware of the c
Sat, December 11, 2021
They're Trying to Kill Us w/ Keegan Kuhn and John Lewis
Keegan Kuhn and John Lewis , the remarkable filmmakers behind the new documentary, They’re Trying to Kill Us , join the podcast this week for a critical conversation about the deadly effects of the meat-centric standard American diet, how it impacts Black communities with particular harshness, and how hip-hop artists are a crucial part of the movement to save Black lives through diet change. In our discussion of the film, which is executive produced by vegan NBA player Chris Paul and vegan Grammy Award-winner Billie Eilish , Keegan and John share why they see hip-hop as such an important tool for the empowerment and survival of Black communities and why artists of the genre—such as M ý a, Ne-Yo , Styles P. , and Mathematics from the Wu-Tang Clan (all featured in the film)—are so passionate about the need to change what people eat. We talk about intentionality, whether there’s an effort to destroy Black communities through a lack of nutritional education, and, regardless of intent, that the obvious bottom line is that profits consistently are considered more important than people. We also discuss the questions that arise regarding communicating the facts of animal abuse when a film centers primarily on the health impacts of an animal-centered diet. Keegan Kuhn is the award-winning co-director of the highly acclaimed documentary film Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret , which was executive produced for Netflix by Leonardo DiCaprio, What The Health , executive produced by Joaquin Phoenix, and Running For Good: The Fiona Oakes Documentary, executive produced by James Cromwell. He is also the owner and operator of First Spark Media , a digital film
Sat, December 04, 2021
10 Million Black Vegan Women w/ Tracye McQuirter
We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Tracye McQuirter, MPH, back to the podcast this week to discuss her remarkable program: 10 Million Black Vegan Women . Initially launched last year as 10,000 Black Vegan Women, Tracye is back after she realized she had been thinking too small about how many people this accessible, online program could reach. So, after exceeding expectations by helping 15,000 Black women go vegan the first time around, this time her improved and expanded plan will help 1 million Black women adopt a plant-based lifestyle every year for the next 10 years. In discussing this not-for-profit program, much of which will be available for free, Tracye talks about why Black women are in the midst of a health crisis and how a shift in diet can positively impact so many chronic health conditions. But her goals are not just related to individual health. She also shares why the Black Lives Matter movement has played a role in incentivizing people to think seriously about adopting a plant-based lifestyle and how changing one’s diet can open one up to so many social justice issues, including animal rights. Tracye McQuirter is a vegan change agent, award-winning public health nutritionist, speaker, and best-selling author of By Any Greens Necessary , the first vegan diet book for Black women. In 2020, Tracye created the 10,000 Black Vegan Women program, which encourages women to go vegan for 21 days and experience the extraordinary health benefits of the plant-based lifestyle. Tracye was a health advisor for the Black Women’s Health Imperative, an advisor for the Spelman College Wellness Revolution, an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia Center for Nutrition, Diet, and Health, and the program director of the first federally funded vegan nutrition program. “I would love for half of the women, half of the Black women in the United States—Black women and girls—to go vegan in 10 years.” – Tracy McQuirter Highlights for Episode 621: Why COVID-19 highlighted the health and social issues Black women face How the results of the 10,000 Black Vegan Women program encouraged Tracye to launch a campaign with the goal of reaching 10 million women What it’s like participating in the 10 Million Black Vegan Women program, including recipes, exercise advice, and guest speakers Tracye’s vision for her next ten years in promoting the vegan lifestyle Tracye’s future plans to start a certification program for Black women to be trained as vegan coaches for other women The major obstacles that people face when first trying a plant-base
Sat, December 04, 2021
10 Million Black Vegan Women w/ Tracye McQuirter
We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Tracye McQuirter, MPH, back to the podcast this week to discuss her remarkable program: 10 Million Black Vegan Women. Initially launched last year as 10,000 Black Vegan Women, Tracye is back after she realized she had been thinking too small about how many people this accessible, online program could reach. So, after exceeding expectations by helping… The post 10 Million Black Vegan Women w/ Tracye McQuirter appeared first on Our Hen House .
Sat, November 27, 2021
Move Over, Harry Potter; a Memoirist Has Been Born! w/Evanna Lynch
Wow! We are truly over the moon to be joined this week by the incredibly talented actress and activist, Evanna Lynch , who you undoubtedly recognize from her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films. Yup, you read that right! A passionate vegan animal rights advocate, Evanna joins Jasmin for a thought-provoking conversation that ranges from advocacy approaches, to overcoming challenges through self-reflection, to the power of personal narrative, to her personal history with disordered eating, and so much more. In discussing her recently released memoir The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting , Evanna gets personal, opening up about her inspiration to write a book that shifts the narrative regarding eating disorders from the physical aspects to the existential pain of the disease. She also shares the scoop about her podcast, ChickPeeps, and how it showcases vegan living in an uplifting way. Evanna Lynch made her film debut in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and reprised her role in subsequent sequels to critical praise, concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 . As an activist, she advocates for veganism and animal rights and has launched both a vegan-themed podcast and the cruelty-free cosmetics brand, Kinder Beauty . Evanna’s new memoir, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting, reveals how she overcame a life-threatening eating disorder, began to conquer her self-hate, and confronted her fear of leaving girlhood for the unpredictable journey of being a woman. “Veganism can be such a healing device for people; it can also give people a sense of purpose—a purpose for their eating that is an extension of their values, their heart, and their sensitivity.” – Evanna Lynch Highlights: Why Evanna initially felt nervous about sharing her experiences in The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting Why Evanna was so surprised that so many people were interested in her memoir — particularly her mother’s neighbors! The parallels between writing and acting Evanna’s thoughts on the mindset of people who hide disordered eating behind veganism How the ‘crowding out ‘method of moving to a plant-based diet works Evanna’s reaction to the fact that so many eating disorder treatment facilities refuse to cater to vegans The animals who shared Evanna’s childhood and the role they played in shaping her relationship with animals. Evanna’s podcast ChickPeeps an
Tue, November 23, 2021
Episode 619.5: “Sanctuary: A Radio Play” Recorded Live In New York City
Welcome to this very special holiday episode in which we present Sanctuary: A Radio Play , an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This special performance marks the world premiere of John Yunker ’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation ’s Compassion Arts Festival . We were thrilled to have been a part of this witty, engaging, and incisive production that portrays the different journeys we embark on when we begin to learn about animal exploitation. Here at Our Hen House, we are longtime proponents of theater as a tool for vegan advocacy; the medium serves as a lens into human behavior and allows the audience to safely explore their feelings around animal equality and why they choose to eat animals. A dark comedy, Sanctuary tells the story of Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), a happily married couple whose blissful retirement to small-town Oregon is thrown into disarray when Lisa suddenly decides to go vegan and insists on celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey AND alongside her new friend and animal activist, Meg (Jasmin Singer). Husband Richard invites his unsuspecting buddy Charley (Michael Harren), who also happens to be the local exterminator, in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Sanctuary tells the story behind the struggles and joys of navigating vegan ethics around loved ones who don’t quite understand. (Sound effects are by Emmy winner Eric Milano.) “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests. But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” – John Yunker Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________
Sat, November 20, 2021
Episode 619: The Lives and Deaths of Shelter Animals with Katja M. Guenther
The remarkable Katja M. Guenther, PhD joins the podcast this week for an eye-opening interview about companion animal shelters and their practices, and the intersections of poverty, race, stigma, and animals. This is an interview you won’t want to miss. Dr. Guenther, a sociologist and author of The Lives and Deaths of Shelter Animals , describes her three years of ethnographic research at a high-intake shelter in Los Angeles and uses what she learned there to discuss the dichotomy between our love for the animals we claim to treat as our best friends and our continued use of shelter killing as a ‘solution’ to unhoused companion animals who live in underserved communities. She breaks down how shelters may deflect blame onto what they characterize as “irresponsible owners” instead of looking at the social problems that give rise to situations which result in harsh, and often deadly, outcomes for animals. She also discusses acts of resistance by both the humans and the animals in the shelter and explains why she believes animal rescue and shelter advocates should be doing more to end poverty. Katja M. Guenther is a Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. Her main areas of research, writing, and activism are feminist politics and the human exploitation of non-human animals. Her newest book, The Lives and Deaths of Shelter Animals , is the 2021 recipient of the Distinguished Book Award given by the American Sociological Association’s Section on Animals & Society. She is currently developing a feminist analysis of how rescuers of companion and free-roaming animals represent and negotiate those relationships. She is also researching the roles community (“feral”) cats occupy in low-income communities and the relationships they build with human caregivers. “People who are involved in animal rescue—if they’re truly committed to helping companion animals stay with their original guardians […] and avoiding the severing or disruption of relationships with companion animals—absolutely need to be doing more to work against poverty.” – Katja Guenther Highlights: The dramatic contrast between what happens to animals in wealthier communities when they lose their homes, as opposed to those in poor communities. How pit bulls epitomize attitudes towards Black masculinity and how shelter policies against pit bulls can act to discriminate racially Adverse conditions that pit bulls experience at the shelter, regardless of any kind of behavior
Sat, November 13, 2021
Episode 618: Save the Animals, Save Ourselves w/ Sue Fischer and Dr. Judy Brangman
This week, Our Hen House is excited to welcome two amazing guests to the show, each an inspirational example of what is happening at the grassroots of the vegan movement! Our first guest, animal rights activist (and flock member!) Sue Fischer joins us to discuss the damage cattle ranchers and dairy farmers are inflicting on the land and wildlife of California’s Point Reyes National Seashore . She explains why politicians don’t seem to be paying attention to local residents and animal advocates who are questioning the practice. Sue also describes the collaboration between activists, private citizens, biologists, photographers, conservationists, and others who share the common cause of saving the National Seashore and saving all of its inhabitants, including the iconic and rare Tule Elk. Related to the campaign, Our Hen House is also honored to share a very moving song written by talented musician (and also flock member!) Charity Kahn and her band The Invisible Bee. The Tule Elk Song supports the movement to save the indigenous elk in Point Reyes National Park from the threat of starvation and murder as a result of the private ranching industry’s stronghold on our public lands. Vegan since 2012, Sue Fischer has worked as a registered dietitian for about 15 years. Her previous advocacy had predominantly been related to food—encouraging people to eat more plants and less (preferably no) animals. It was the fall of 2018 when Sue viewed the documentary, The Shame of Point Reyes . Her discovery left her feeling incredibly sad for the suffering elk and cows, launching her activism in this area. Her current work brings together many of the most critical issues we currently face when advocating for wildlife impacted by climate change, the harms of animal agriculture, and the importance of our national park system. Our second guest on today’s show, Dr. Judy Brangman , is a board-certified internal medicine and lifestyle medicine physician. An advocate for whole food plant-based diets, Dr. Judy is affectionately known as “The Plant Based MD.” She joins us to share her extensive knowledge of plant-based nutrition and gives us the inside scoop into the medical profession. She describes about how she became involved in promoting the plant-based lifestyle (both virtually and in person), the goals of her practice, and her experience with CO
Sat, November 06, 2021
Episode 617: Do Veterinarians Really Care About Animals? w/ Dr. Crystal Heath
The extraordinary Crystal Heath, DVM, joins the podcast this week for a desperately needed conversation about the veterinary profession and the alarming attitude of so many of its members toward animal rights. Dr. Heath, who is a vegan animal rights activist herself, shares shocking truths about the influence the animal agriculture industry holds over veterinary schools across the country. In fact, the very industry killing billions of farmed animals is shaping the vets of tomorrow. Dr. Heath also tells us about Our Honor , the organization she founded to provide support for veterinarians who want to buck the system, and shares her incredible activist efforts, including how she’s helping veterinary students advocate for more humane medical practices, how she’s empowering other vegan veterinarians, how she’s challenging the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and how she and other veterinarians are fighting to stop the hideously cruel practice of ventilation shutdown . Dr. Crystal Heath is a resident of Berkeley, California, and a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She currently works in shelter medicine and high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter. She has a lifelong love of animals and enjoys volunteering in rural communities and providing veterinary services to needy populations. Dr. Heath is on the founding committee of Veterinarians Against Ventilation Shutdown , urging the AVMA to re-classify ventilation shutdown as a “not recommended” depopulation method. She is also the founder of Vet Harmony , a veterinary practice providing accessible care and educating the public, and Our Honor , an organization empowering animal professionals who want to speak their conscience and create more ethical systems within the field. “We have to get the conversation going and talk with veterinary medical associations about envisioning the future of animals that doesn’t rely on exploitation. That future exists.” – Dr. Crystal Heath Interview Highlights: Why certain veterinary schools continue to kill healthy animals to practice surgical techniques and how students are working tirelessly to bring that practice to an end The prevalence of imposter syndrome in veterinary school and how it harms animals How future veterinarians can learn everything they need to know without harming animals Why Dr. Heath believes that ventilation shutdown could be a turning point in opening veterinar
Sat, October 30, 2021
Episode 616: Why is Vegan Media Essential? with Richie Bowie
Our Hen House welcomes Richie Bowie, Senior Editor of VegNews Magazine, for an engaging, critical conversation about what vegan media is and what it needs to be in order to change the world. Richie joins Jasmin to discuss how the misperception that veganism is a white movement has withstood the test of time despite the higher percentage of Black Americans identifying as vegan or vegetarian than the rest of the US population. Richie also shares how the world’s leading plant-based magazine is challenging this false idea, including how it is promoting the values of the Black Lives Matter movement within vegan communities. But that’s not all! On the lighter side, Richie gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his day-to-day role at VegNews and shares some not-to-be-missed inside tips on the recent food trends he’s especially excited about. Richie Bowie is the Senior Editor of VegNews, the largest vegan media brand in the world. His passions for plant-based living, storytelling, photography, editing, and design mean that Richie has found his perfect fit managing VegNews Magazine. A full-blown lover of food media, you can usually spot this Southern California native at vegan restaurants and pop-ups standing on chairs and borrowing other people’s drinks to compose the perfect Instagram shot. Richie reports that the vegan dish he would cook to dazzle a veg-curious but still carnivorous friend would be Beyond Meat tostadas with cabbage and cashew sour cream. “Veganism is not a perfect movement, and we don’t want to pretend otherwise. We want to be honest about what’s going on, be accountable to ourselves, and actually make change.” – Richie Bowie Highlights: How Richie progressed from intern to Senior Editor at VegNews in just six years How VegNews incorporates the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement How COVID-19 impacted vegan media The importance of incorporating diverse perspectives Why it is important to Richie to cover deep societal issues within VegNews How Richie and his team deal with the backlash over controversial topics they cover Vegan taste testing Exactly how much Richie loves the food-focused part of his job Whether there is still a place for print media How Richie’s path towards veganism began with self-introspection and reflection into his internalized prejudices Why Richie sees overlap between identifying as LGBTQ and identifying as vegan The times when Richie has felt the need to step away from activism and what made it feel safe to come back What people can expect from future issues of VegNews Magaz
Thu, October 28, 2021
Episode 615.5: “Antiracism in Animal Advocacy” Audio Series Part IV – Leading
Our Hen House is honored to bring you the final episode of the four-part audio series of the groundbreaking book, Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation . Our Hen House’s very own Jasmin Singer is the editor of this recently released anthology published by Lantern Books and Media , in collaboration with Encompass , Sentient Media , and, of course, Our Hen House . The book is a collection of essays written by farmed-animal protection advocates who are committed to exploring and prioritizing racial equity as we work to create a more just animal protection movement. We wish to document our stories and processes in an exploratory space from which we can grow and use our words to hold ourselves and our peers accountable, ultimately creating new paths forward. The final episode of this audio series is labeled Leading, corresponding with the fourth section of the print copy of the book. In this episode, we hear from the following four essay authors, each of them sharing their insights: Michelle Rojas-Soto (she/her) is the Chief Talent and Equity Officer at KIPP SoCal charter schools. She previously served as Managing Director of Encompass, where she trained, coached and consulted with animal protection leaders and organizations. Stien van der Ploeg (she/they) leverages her management and fundraising experience pro bono for effective animal advocacy organizations in order to help make our world more hospitable to all. Michelle Graham (Michelle/Michelle’s) is the Executive Director of Wild Animal Initiative and a Ph.D. candidate in the Socha Lab at Virginia Tech. Aryenish Birdie (she/her)
Sat, October 23, 2021
Episode 615: Plant-Based Politician with Pearl Brunt
Our Hen House is excited to welcome plant-based food advocate and political candidate Pearl Brunt to the podcast this week. Pearl is running for a seat on the Town Council in Pittsford, NY. She joins Mariann to discuss how her political aspirations intersect with her love of promoting healthy, ethical food choices and introducing people to plant-based foods. A firm believer in the power of the dollar, Pearl explains how we send businesses a strong message when we choose to purchase food that is good for us. She also shares how she started Le Twisted Spoon , a community of plant-based foodies and advocates, and how the passion project evolved from the simple desire to feed her family healthy meals. Pearl Brunt wears many hats: she is a US Business Liaison/Foreign Relations Consultant, a home educator, public speaker, and a passionate plant-based food advocate. She is currently running for Pittsford Town Council on a plant-based platform and is endorsed by the Democratic Party and Working Families Party. Pearl has hosted a series of innovative conversations engaging her community in discussions on zoning, community solar plans, and community composting. She is the organizer of the nationally recognized Pittsford Community Celebrates Juneteenth. “I genuinely believe that once you start thinking about the choices you’re making in one area of your life, it opens the door to start thinking about other things you can do. Education is always a great place to start—educating people as to the damage and the harm that can come from these unsustainable practices and farming .” – Pearl Brunt Highlights: Why it’s difficult to talk about real sustainability and change without addressing the things that people can do on a daily basis Why it’s so important to support sustainable agriculture How food, environmental issues, pesticides, and promoting organic gardens are interrelated and how Pearl, as a town board member, could inspire people to include them in their lifestyle Why diversity and inclusion should be about culture, not just demographics, and how that relates to what we eat Why living in other countries gave Pearl the opportunity to see issues in the US from the outside and the two main lessons she learned from living abroad Why Black veganism has taken off, and why the Black community is at the forefront of promoting a healthy food system Pearl’s passion project, Twisted Spoon, and how she has developed it to inspire others Why Pearl views plant-bas
Thu, October 21, 2021
Episode 614.5: “Antiracism in Animal Advocacy” Audio Series Part III – Accountability
Welcome to the third episode of the four-part audio series of the groundbreaking book, Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation. Our Hen House’s very own Jasmin Singer is the editor of this recently released anthology published by Lantern Books and Media , in collaboration with Encompass , Sentient Media , and, of course, Our Hen House . The book is a collection of essays written by farmed-animal protection advocates who are committed to exploring and prioritizing racial equity as we work to create a more just animal protection movement. We wish to document our stories and processes in an exploratory space from which we can grow and use our words to hold ourselves and our peers accountable, ultimately creating new paths forward. The third episode of this audio series, produced by Our Hen House, is labeled Accountability, corresponding with the third section of the print copy of the book. In this episode, we hear from the following essay authors, each of them opening up with us about their experiences: Cailen LaBarge (she/her) is co-founder of Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development (SEED), a nonprofit organization focused on dismantling capital-intensive industrial animal agriculture and advocating for a just transition that is fair and sustainable for animals, people, and the planet. Dana McPhall (she/her) is a lawyer, humane educator, antiracism activist, and animal advocate who has led an Institute for Humane Education alumni working group examining racial justice and white supremacy issues since 2017. Brooke Haggerty (she/her) is a life-long animal advocate and is currently the executi
Sat, October 16, 2021
Episode 614: Allowed to Grow Old w/ Isa Leshko
The incredibly talented Isa Leshko joins the podcast this week for an inside look into her one-of-a-kind photography book, Allowed to Grow Old: Portraits of Elderly Rescued Farm Animals . Isa’s black-and-white portraits of aging animals, members of species whose other members, numbering in the billions, are typically killed in their infancy, would make anyone think twice about what, or who, is on their plate. The vegan photographer shares how the project came to be, and how it helped her process grief and examine her fear of aging. Isa also talks about the ethics of photographing animals and how she learned, largely from the animals themselves, how best to approach the images as portraits. Her insights into why photography has become a critical part of advocacy help inform why her photos evoke such strong emotion and spark critical thinking. Isa is an artist and writer whose work examines animal rights, aging, and mortality. Her images are published in The Atlantic , The Boston Globe , The Guardian , Harper’s Magazine , and The New York Times . In May 2019, the University of Chicago Press published her first monograph, Allowed to Grow Old: Portraits of Elderly Rescued Farm Animals , including essays by activist Gene Baur, bestselling author Sy Montgomery, and curator Anne Wilkes Tucker. Isa has received fellowships from the Bogliasco Foundation, the Culture & Animals Foundation, the Houston Center for Photography, the Millay Colony for the Arts, and the Silver Eye Center for Photography. “Aging can be a luxury and is a luxury — these animals are survivors, and I did want to celebrate that.” – Isa Leshko Highlights: How Isa resisted treating the animals as proxies for her own concerns, and why it seemed exploitative for her to treat animals as metaphors or teaching tools for humans Why it is equally thought-provoking to approach advocacy with photos that appeal to the heart as it is to take photos that horrify the viewer The media’s reaction to Isa’s work and the recognition of the ageism that also exists in how we perceive animals The challenge for animal advocates in going beyond preaching to the choir Isa’s process of taking the photographs in her book and how she spent time getting to know the animals The ethics of photographing animals and the importance of respecting who they are as individuals Isa’s further plans to continue working with animals Connect with Isa Leshko: <
Thu, October 14, 2021
Episode 613.5: “Antiracism in Animal Advocacy” Audio Series Part II – Introspection
Our Hen House is proud to offer you the second episode of the four-part audio series of the groundbreaking book, Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation . Our very own Jasmin Singer is the editor of this new anthology published by Lantern Books and Media , in collaboration with Encompass , Sentient Media , and, of course, Our Hen House . The book is a collection of essays written by farmed-animal protection advocates who are committed to exploring and prioritizing racial equity as we work to create a more just animal protection movement. We wish to document our stories and processes in an exploratory space from which we can grow and use our words to hold ourselves and our peers accountable, ultimately creating new paths forward. The second episode of this audio series is labeled Introspection, corresponding with the second section of the print copy of the book. In this episode, we hear from the following four essay authors, each of them sharing their eye-opening experiences: Christopher “Soul” Eubanks (he/him) is a climate, human, and animal rights activist dedicated to doing advocacy work to combat all forms of oppression. Jamie Berger ( she/her) is an independent documentary filmmaker and the chief of staff at Mercy For Animals. Unny Nambudiripad (he/him) is a wellness facilitator and animal activist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Malina Tran (she/her) is a software engineer based in Los Angeles, California who writes for Sentient Media, a nonprofit organization that advocates for animal rights. </span
Sat, October 09, 2021
Episode 613: Vegan Voices with Joanne Kong, PhD
Dynamic vegan activist and speaker Joanne Kong, PhD, joins Jasmin on the podcast this week for an inspiring discussion about her personal journey into veganism and why she has dedicated herself to promoting veganism globally. Dr. Kong also provides insight into the brand new book that she curated and edited, Vegan Voices: Essays by Inspiring Changemakers , which brings together the stories of vegan activists from all over the world. She also shares how animal rights activists not only will be inspired by these essays, but can use them in their own efforts to fight for animals. She strongly believes that this is the moment when the public is finally open to having difficult conversations surrounding animal rights and veganism and that now is the time to bring our activism to a new level. Joanne Kong has been praised throughout the country as one of the most compelling advocates for plant-based nutrition, raising awareness that greater compassion for animals and our planet is vitally necessary for transformative growth and positive world change. She is the author of If You’ve Ever Loved an Animal, Go Vegan and has been profiled in the groundbreaking book Legends of Change, which is about vegan women who are changing the world. She has given presentations in Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and India. Dr. Kong appears in the upcoming documentaries Eating Our Way to Extinction and Taking Note and is a Sustainability Leadership Award recipient at the University of Richmond. “Veganism is really part of a big picture. It’s all about ‘what does your life mean?’ ‘What is your identity?’ ‘What are the things that are important to you?’ And it’s becoming clearer and clearer, of course, how animal agriculture is harming the planet.” – Joanne Kong Highlights: Kong’s vegan story, including her journey from simply going vegan to giving talks about veganism across the world How she uses her personal story to encourage others to listen to what she has to say about animals How she became involved with Vegan Voices: Essays by Inspiring Changemakers and the overarching themes of the book Kong’s target audience for the book, and how Our Hen House listeners can support her in getting the word out and use this book in their own advocacy efforts More about If You’ve Ever Loved an Animal, Go Vegan Why she feels that talking about the plight of animals is something people are more open to than they have been in the past Kong’s advice to peopl
Thu, October 07, 2021
Episode 612.5: “Antiracism in Animal Advocacy” Audio Series Episode Part I – Awakening
Our Hen House is pleased to welcome you to the first episode of the four-part audio series of the groundbreaking book, Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation . Our very own Jasmin Singer is the editor of this new anthology published by Lantern Books and Media , in collaboration with Encompass , Sentient Media , and, of course, Our Hen House . The book is a collection of essays written by farmed-animal protection advocates who are committed to exploring and prioritizing racial equity as we work to create a more just animal protection movement. We wish to document our stories and processes in an exploratory space from which we can grow and use our words to hold ourselves and our peers accountable, ultimately creating new paths forward. We begin the first of this audio series with a glossary of terms to best clarify the meaning of words or phrases relating to antiracism which may be referenced throughout the essays (thank you to Encompass for providing this glossary!). We then bring you the foreword presented by Aryenish Birdie (she/her), the founder and executive director of Encompass, which focuses on building a racially equitable animal protection movement. This is followed by the introduction to the book by Our Hen House’s co-founder and Executive Director, Jasmin Singer (she/her)—editor of this anthology, author, and longtime animal activist and public speaker. The first episode of this audio series is labeled Awakening and corresponds with the first section of the print copy of the book. In this episode, we hear from the following four essay authors, each of them sharing their eye-opening experiences: Shayna Rowbotham (she/her) is the organizing manager for the US for Mercy For Animal
Sat, October 02, 2021
Episode 612: Wildlife in Crisis with Kate Wall
Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome Kate Wall, Senior Legislative Manager for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), to the podcast this week. Kate give us an overview of her work lobbying at the federal level and provides a detailed breakdown of the worsening biodiversity crisis and what can be done to limit it. The bottom line is that we are losing wild species at an unprecedented rate that is simply too fast for evolution to keep up with, and there is still far too little attention being paid. Kate also shares her legislative priorities, some possible upcoming good news and her passion for educating people about the inextricable links between humans and wildlife—including zoonotic diseases and pandemics. Since adopting a kitten from her local SPCA at the age of two, Kate’s love and compassion for animals have been an unwavering pillar of her life. While working toward an undergraduate biology degree in Philadelphia, Kate pursued her love for animals by working as a veterinary technician and volunteering at a wildlife rescue facility. Kate now serves as IFAW’s Senior Legislative Manager for the US office, presenting wildlife and habitat conservation, wildlife trafficking, and appropriations priorities before Congress. Her skills and knowledge of the strategic legislative framework are anchored in both experience and a never-ending commitment to ensure the wellbeing animals, humans, and our shared ecosystems. “There is a false belief held by people in all levels of society, from individuals all the way up to decision-makers, that there is a dichotomy, that it’s a sort of a zero-sum game. You either protect the economy or you protect the environment. But actually, the majority of our economy is based on the environment .” – Kate Wall Highlights: How IFAW is working on issues of animal welfare across the globe Kate’s lobbying, legislative, and policy work in the United States How climate change drives biodiversity loss and why biodiversity loss contributes to climate change How human economies are tied to biodiversity Why our decision-makers must take biodiversity into account when planning for the future Why ending animal exploitation could protect us and future generations from more global pandemics like COVID-19 The reasons that it is so detrimental to humans to encroach on animal’s habitats Whether Kate feels that we are seeing progress in Congress under the current administration, particularly in relation to the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act The difference between wildlife corridors and wildlife crossings and why they are s
Sat, September 25, 2021
Episode 611: One Hundred Dogs and Counting with Cara Achterberg
PLAY THIS EPISODE Cara Achterberg joins the podcast this week for an important conversation about the many dogs currently in animal rescues and shelters waiting for a home that may never come. Author of 2020’s One Hundred Dogs and Counting: One Woman, A Thousand Miles, and a Journey into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues , Cara shares how she gradually came to the realization that shelters will never have enough money or space to care for all the dogs in need. She dives into the reasons so many have the mistaken belief that we have fixed the homeless dog problem and why she set out to educate herself about the real story behind the headlines. Cara also discusses why she has focused her interest on dog pounds in the rural south, why so many abandoned dogs are still being killed, and how fostering is absolutely crucial to saving dogs and how people interested in fostering can dip in their toes. Cara and her family have fostered nearly 150 dogs and puppies, plus two kittens, for Operation Paws for Homes, an all-breed rescue made up of a network of foster homes in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, and south-central Pennsylvania. She is an author, blogger, and creative writing teacher who is passionate not just about saving dogs, but about organic gardening, writing fiction, and the mountains of Virginia. A successful novelist, Cara has written two non-fiction books about her experience fostering rescue animals and working with shelters all over the southern United States: Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs , and One Hundred Dogs and Counting: One Woman, A Thousand Miles, and a Journey into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues . “The bare fact is that we don’t have an overpopulation of dogs. If just one third of all the people who are currently looking for a dog chose to adopt, we would empty our shelters in a day.” – Cara Achterberg Highlights: How Cara and her family became involved with Operation Paws for Homes Why Cara’s mission is to tell people what is still going on in shelters and rescues across the southern states, and elsewhere in the Unite
Sat, September 18, 2021
Episode 610: How to Lobby for a Plant-Rich Future with Laura Reese
Laura Reese, co-founder of Agriculture Fairness Alliance (AFA) , joins the podcast this week for a riveting conversation about food and farm policy and how each of us potentially has the power to influence it. A former Silicon Valley engineer, Laura explains how she shifted from product planning to federal policy in hopes of helping farmers and policymakers craft policy to allow for a plant-rich future. She gives us a bird’s eye view of the current problems with American food policy and describes what is happening at the United States Department of Agriculture under President Biden. Laura also shares how she finds motivation and hope for the future even when there are so many hurdles between her and what AFA aims to accomplish. Laura Reese co-founded Agriculture Fairness Alliance in 2019 and now leads a team of volunteers lobbying for change in federal farm policy. She is an ex-Silicon Valley engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California in biomedical and electrical engineering. Prior to 2019, the bulk of Laura’s career was spent in semiconductor product planning, culminating in her publishing a book about co-planning with customers called A lign: Get Your Team on the Same Page, Discover Clients’ Needs, Develop Better Products . “We don’t have to be experts in everything; we can work with experts and have that inform our lobbying agenda, so we can focus on the things that are opportunities.” – Laura Reese Highlights: The AFA’s mission and vision for the future How subsidies currently work and who’s getting what The types of changes AFA is focusing on Why AFA has a current lobbying agenda, a long-term lobbying agenda, and the difference between the two Laura’s interest in the Farmer and Rancher Mobility Sustainability Amendment, which was set up to prioritize helping socially disadvantaged farmers Why it’s so essential to subsidize transitions for farmers currently engaged in animal agriculture Why Laura expects discussion around climate change in Congress to increase Tips and advice on what listeners can do right now to support good food and farm policy Connect with Laura Reese: Agricultural Fairness Alliance Website <
Sat, September 11, 2021
Episode 609: Animal Activism: The Next Generation with Genesis and Genelle Butler
Our Hen House couldn’t be more excited to welcome youth activist Genesis Butler back to the podcast, this time joined by her powerhouse mom, Genelle Butler! In this awe-inspiring conversation, Genesis and Genelle share how the cruel reality behind chicken nuggets encouraged the 14-year old activist to stop eating meat at only three years of age. Genelle also shares how her daughter’s curiosity about breastfeeding and cow’s milk ultimately encouraged Genesis and her family to go vegan. A passionate animal rights activist, Genesis shares why she founded Genesis for Animals and Youth Climate Save, and Genelle tells us the importance of honoring kids’ questions and their innate desire to do good. Genesis Butler is the founder of Genesis for Animals , a non-profit organization aiming to provide funding to sanctuaries and rescues who give animals a permanent home, and the youth environmental charity, Youth Climate Save . One of the youngest people ever to give a TEDx Talk, Genesis is an ethical vegan who has traveled the world advocating for animals and encouraging people to eat plant-based for animals and the planet. Genelle Butler is an activist, organizer, and mother of five vegan children. She went vegan after Genesis convinced her it was the right thing to do for the animals. Genelle is the co-director of Youth Climate Save , alongside Genesis. In addition, she is also a coordinator for the Animal Save Movement . “There are a lot of ways to get the message out—you just have to find a way to start. Once you start, it will show you a lot of things in a way that you didn’t see them before.” – Genesis Butler Interview Highlights: What Genesis thinks about the portrayal of animals on TV programing for kids Why Genelle always knew that Genesis would be a leader, even when she was a baby Why Genesis was inspired to become vegan and why the whole family followed her lead Genelle’s commitment to emboldening her daughter to be an ambassador for animals How Genesis sees the disconnect between concern about the climate and consuming animal products Ways listeners can work with their communities to make changes in their lives to benefit animals What Genelle has done to help Genesis realize her goals How other kids react to Genesis’ animal advocacy How Genesis got to be a Marvel superhero AND meet the Pope Genesis’ collaborat
Sat, September 04, 2021
Episode 608: How to Love Animals in a Human-Shaped World with Henry Mance
Our Hen House welcomes author Henry Mance to the podcast this week for an insightful conversation about his debut book, How to Love Animals In a Human-Shaped World . Henry tells us how his young daughters inspired him and his hopes for the impact his book will have on readers: to help them understand what it truly means to love animals and learn how we can demonstrate this in our everyday lives. He shares why he believes social media is changing the ways we treat animals, discusses how individual choices to eschew animal products make room for governments to act on a larger scale, and how zoos negatively warp children’s understanding of animals. Henry Mance is the chief features writer for the Financial Times, where he focuses on long-form pieces. He was named interviewer of the year at the 2017 British Press Awards and frequently appears on BBC radio and TV news programs. His new book is a personal journey into our evolving relationships with animals and a thought-provoking look at how those bonds are being challenged and reformed across disciplines. “We make a choice every time we have breakfast, every time we have lunch, every time we have dinner. We make choices all throughout our lives about how to affect other animals, so it’s possible to do better.” – Henry Mance Interview Highlights: Why Henry believes that his book can inspire people to make dramatic changes in their lives His hopes that society will progress through the cognitive dissonance that allows us to both love animals and accept abhorrent practices such as factory farming Why it makes more political sense to seek subsidies for plant-based foods rather than seek a “meat tax” The problem with how we shape children’s views of animal rights and welfare, including meat in school meals Why veganism is part of a positive vision for restoring much-needed forests, wetlands, and grasslands all over the world The problems with teaching children about animals by taking them to zoos, where animals are not in their natural environment Why he firmly believes that loving animals has become an integral part of being a good human being Connect with Henry Mance: Henry Mance’s Website Henry Mance on Twitter Henry Mance on LinkedIn Connect with Our Hen House: <a href="https://www
Sat, August 28, 2021
Episode 607: The Politics of Meat ft. Jan Dutkiewicz
Political economist Jan Dutkiewicz, PhD , joins the podcast for a fascinating conversation about the ethical, political, legal, social, and environmental intersections of meat consumption. A policy fellow at Harvard Law and a postdoctoral fellow at the Swiss National Science Foundation, Jan shares his thoughts on something we have all wondered about — why does mainstream media fail to cover animal agriculture’s contributions to worsening climate change? He also discusses strategies for reforming factory farming, explains why politicians may be weary of discussing the detrimental effects of eating animal flesh, and shares his views on the future of cultured meat. Jan is a political economist whose research examines the design, production, circulation, and consumption of everyday commodities, with a primary focus on meat and other food products. He has published articles and books on topics related to agriculture and food politics, corporate social responsibility, biodiversity, environmental politics, and the theory and practice of animal ethics. Most recently, Jan has turned his attention to the emergence of cellular agriculture and its potential to transform the global food landscape. “The proliferation of alternative protein […] is extremely positive in helping speed along the shift away from an animal-based food system.” – Jan Dutkiewicz Interview Highlights: Are more people are making the connection between animal agriculture and climate change? Jan’s perspective on whether chickens will continue to be the most abused animals on the planet Why Jan is cautiously optimistic that treatment of animals and meat reduction is slowly becoming more visible in the mainstream media Jan’s views on the future of cultured meat, the financial investments made, and why he thinks we’ll see the industry grow Strategies for reforming factory farming Why animal rights organizations should seek to maximize their efforts by increasing costs for animal agriculture and decreasing the throughput of factory farms How to achieve a food system so that as many people as possible can have access to healthy, animal-free food options Connect with Jan Dutkiewicz: Jan Dutkiewicz’ Website Jan Dutkiewicz on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook
Sat, August 21, 2021
Episode 606: If the Law Took Animals Seriously, ft. Dr. John Adenitire
John Adenitire, PhD, joins the podcast this week for a truly fascinating episode about the philosophical underpinnings of animal law. A lawyer and a lecturer in the School of Law at Queen Mary University of London, John explains the differences between legal and moral philosophy, outlines the substantive theory of animal rights, and underscores why the rule of law is relevant, and crucial, to the lives of nonhuman animals. He also explores the role of animal welfare laws under current theories of philosophy of law and shares why those theories fail to protect the sentient beings who desperately need legal protection. John Adenitire, who was born in Nigeria and grew up in Italy, is now a Strategic Lecturer in the School of Law at Queen Mary University London and a Fellow of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences. He completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Law, Fitzwilliam College. He has taught and researched at Cambridge, Durham, Birmingham, the UCL Constitution Unit, the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, and the UK Commission on a Bill of Rights. In the beginning of this episode, we are honored to be joined by Peter Brandt, Senior Attorney for Farm Animal Litigation at the Humane Society of the United States who has played an instrumental role in fighting some of the most challenging cases of animal abuse in the last ten years. Peter joined us as a guest in episode 559 and we’ve invited him back now to read a section from his book, Indefensible: Adventures of a Farm Animal Protection Lawyer . The book is part memoir, part manifesto and chronicles the development of Peter’s awareness of factory farming and the harm it does not only to animals but to human health and the environment, especially for those who live near them. “Once we recognize a certain being has sentience and important basic interests—interest in living, interest in being alive and free from torture and physical intervention, a life of freedom to do as as they please, within limits—then we should recognize that they have certain fundamental rights that the law should recognize.” – John Adenitire Interview Highlights: The problems with various philosophical theories of the rule of law as they pertain to animals John’s alternative theory that animals should be seen as victims of arbitrary power Why aquatic animals are often left unprotected by law The difference between power and arbitrary power How the law works to protect the fundamental interests t
Sat, August 14, 2021
Episode 605: Berkeley Shuns Meat! ft. Almira Tanner
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome animal activist and Direct Action Everywhere organizer Almira Tanner onto the podcast this week to discuss the groundbreaking legislation recently passed in Berkeley, CA drastically limiting the amount of animal-based products the city purchases, with a long-term goal of phasing out all animal products. Almira shares a behind-the-scenes look into Direct Action Everywhere’s first-of-its-kind campaign. She explains how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made their work all the more urgent while presenting new outreach challenges. Almira also discusses her veganism and the felony charges she is facing for rescuing animals, and gives listeners advice on how they can start a campaign similar to the one waged in Berkeley in their own communities. Almira Tanner is a lead organizer with Direct Action Everywhere , a grassroots network of animal-rights activists working to achieve revolutionary social and political change for animals in one generation. The organization has mobilized thousands of people to take action in cities across the globe and has rescued hundreds of animals from slaughterhouses, laboratories, and other places of violence since 2013. “Being vegan is a very powerful expression of anti-speciesism, and it’s one of the ways I think that we can express our values in our day-to-day actions.” – Almira Tanner Highlights: Why Direct Action Everywhere had to switch up some of its campaign tactics in light of the COVID-19 pandemic Almira’s goal of total divestment from animal agriculture in Berkeley and how the campaign played out Direction Action Everywhere’s central focus on preventing harm to animals and how that key goal intersects with convincing stakeholders that animal agriculture is a climate disaster Why Almira believes that local activism is an essential strategy for the movement How listeners who want to become politically active within their communities can advocate for divesting from animal cruelty Why symbolic victories can help spread the word and make legislative victories even more meaningful Direct Action Everywhere’s No More Factory Farms campaign and how they are hoping to persuade the state of California to place an immediate moratorium on the expansion of or construction of slaughterhouses or factory farms Connect with Almira Tanner: Direct Action Everywhere Website Almira Tanner on Facebook Connect with O
Fri, August 06, 2021
Episode 604: Ambassador for Animals ft. Amy Jackson
Actress and animal-rights advocate Amy Jackson joins the podcast this week for an engaging conversation you definitely don’t want to miss! Known internationally for her work in award-winning Indian films, Amy discusses the very moment she realized animals are sentient and why she decided to devote her life to advocating for them. She shares the movie set experience that compelled her to work alongside People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the heart-wrenching trip that motivated her to work with the Elephant Family . The actress also shares the cultural differences in India, the US, and the UK, where she grew up, when comes to caring deeply about animal issues. Amy Jackson is an actress, animal-rights advocate, and has served as a PETA ambassador since 2016. Passionate about justice and equality, Amy is a strong supporter of the Elephant Family , an organization dedicated to protecting Asia’s wildlife and enabling coexistence between living beings. Amy also works with the Sneha Sargar Society orphanages for girls and, in 2018, was honored with the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child award. When Amy isn’t advocating for animals, she can be seen acting in film and television. “We are their mouthpiece, we stand up for them. When I see injustice, especially towards somebody who can’t fight for themselves, whether they’re human or animal, I have an instinctive calling to do something about it.” – Amy Jackson Highlights: How Amy’s trip to Zambia expanded her awareness of animal issues and how it provided the inspiration for her TEDx talk How people can support animal welfare charities The Coexistence Story , and how the multisensory exhibition of carved elephants represents coexisting in harmony with Mother Nature Amy’s insights on the global ivory ban How cruelty-free cosmetic brands provide a positive entry point for talking about the exploitation of animals Amy’s interest in vegan fashion and the trends helping people get animal products out of their closets How Amy winds down at the end of the day Connect with Amy Jackson: Amy Jackson’s TEDx Talk Amy Jackson on Wikipedia Amy Jackson on social media: Twitter , <a href="http
Sat, July 31, 2021
Episode 603: The Way of the Rabbit ft. Mark Hawthorne
Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome author and longtime animal activist Mark Hawthorne back on the podcast for an engaging conversation all about rabbits. Mark is here to talk about his latest book, The Way of the Rabbit , which explores the world of rabbits and hares and their unexpectedly large influence on human culture. Obviously this book was a work of the heart — this is a man who truly loves rabbits — but Mark also hopes for this book to have an impact on those who, perhaps unthinkingly, contribute to one of the many ways that rabbits are exploited, whether as food, in experiments, as sometimes poorly treated companions, etc., etc., as well as on those who too often consider them mere “pests” when seen in the garden. Mark also tells us why he fosters rabbits and the joys of having these beautiful animals hopping around his home. Mark Hawthorne is the author of four books on animals, animal rights, and social justice including The Way of the Rabbit , Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism , A Vegan Ethic: Embracing a Life of Compassion Toward All , and Bleating Hearts: The Hidden World of Animal Suffering . Through his writing, Mark aims to empower people across the globe to get active in the fight to make the world a better place for animals. He stopped eating meat after an encounter with one of India’s many cows in 1992 and became and ethical vegan a decade later. Mark’s writing is also featured in Vegan’s Daily Companion , journals, and several anthologies written on behalf of animals. “I have always been fascinated by what rabbits represent, such as magic and abundance and creativity and rebirth.” – Mark Hawthorne Highlights: Why Mark decided to write this affectionate and warm-hearted history and how it’s a departure from his usual books on animal exploitation and activism Why rabbits are nature’s most surprising species How rabbits became such an integral part of human culture and still play play such a significant role in mythology, literature, and art today Why and how the rabbit came to be associated with Easter Mark’s favorite rabbit stories, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit , Watership Down , and the poetry of William Cowper Why Mar
Sat, July 24, 2021
Episode 602: Plant Dining Partnerships ft. Thomas Goodman
Thomas Goodman joins the podcast this week for an engaging conversation about advancing the accessibility of plant-based foods and how we can all get involved in this crucial work. Founder of the non-profit Plant Dining Partnerships (PDP), Thomas discusses how PDP provides resources to help increase vegan options in restaurants, schools, hospitals, and more. He outlines their two-pronged approach: raising awareness of the plant-based lifestyle nationally and promoting change by ensuring that consumers are offered a range of vegan food wherever they fall on the dietary spectrum. Thomas also shares how the organization builds relationships with restaurants across the country and partners with social meetup groups to build a supportive plant-based community. Thomas Goodman, Founder and President of Plant Dining Partnerships , is a lifelong animal lover who was raised meat-free and became a professional advocate in 2014. Throughout his career, he has worked across various initiatives, including corporate outreach; federal, state, and regulatory advocacy; and the promotion of Meatless Mondays. He is committed to promoting healthy, environmentally friendly plant-based options and offer compassionate and tasty alternatives to our current mainstream food system. “People are asking for change, and they’re willing to spend their dollars to create change.” – Thomas Goodman Highlights: How Thomas started out as an activist and campaigner bringing plant-based options into the mainstream Thomas’ tips for how to succeed with online petitions How to leverage technology to build relationships with big brands How Thomas and the Plant Dining Partnerships team are promoting dietary change at a grassroots level How they empower their volunteers to engage with local restaurants Why Thomas likes to get to know other people involved in advocacy and build valuable relationships How people can get involved and volunteer for Plant Dining Partnerships Thomas’ story of growing up meat-free Connect with the Plant Dining Partnerships: Plant Dining Partnerships Website Plant Dining Partnerships on Facebook Plant Dining Partnerships on Instagram Plant Dining Partnerships on Twitter Connect with Our Hen H
Sat, July 17, 2021
Episode 601: The Shift Away from Vivisection ft. Aysha Akhtar
Our Hen House is excited to welcome back Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH, to the podcast this week for a critical conversation about animal testing and experimentation. President and CEO of the Center for Contemporary Sciences , Aysha outlines how the Center is working with academic institutions, governmental agencies, investors, and researchers to catalyze a shift away from the outdated use of animals in science and towards animal-free research methods that are not only more humane but are far superior. Aysha discusses the extraordinary scientific developments that are changing the attitudes of many scientists and also shares her opinions on the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and why she believes they could have been produced without testing on animals. Aysha Akhtar is a double-board certified neurologist, preventive medicine specialist, and serves as president and CEO of the Center for Contemporary Sciences. She is a former Deputy Director of the U.S. Army Traumatic Brain Injury Program where she developed the Army’s brain injury prevention and treatment strategies. As a Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Aysha was frequently deployed to assist with national public health emergencies. She is also a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and author of the two books, Our Symphony With Animals: On Health, Empathy and Our Shared Destinies and Animals and Public Health , which argues for the need for health institutions to include animals as part of the “public” in public health. “We want to build the next generation of scientists and create academic curriculums that are integrated into programs so that the next generation of medical students are trained in human-based testing methods and not in animal testing.” – Aysha Akhtar Highlights: Why Aysha believes we need to get back to studying human biology instead of creating artificial models and using animals to study human disease Whether animal research is actually reliable in predicting human outcomes Why the Center for Contemporary Sciences is a proponent of human-based technology and what that means in terms of research Who the opponents of their mission are and why some people are still fighting to keep animal research Why Aysha believes the Center’s primary purpose is supporting and educating the public abou
Sat, July 10, 2021
Episode 600: Celebrating Milestones with The Bearded Vegans ft. Andy Tabar and Paul Steller
Join us for our very special 600 th episode (!!!) as we celebrate with Andy Tabar and Paul Stellar, hosts of The Bearded Vegans, who are also observing a milestone of six years on-air! In this episode, Jasmin, Mariann, Andy, and Paul provide a unique behind-the-scenes look into the world of podcasting. The podcasters break down their approaches to discussing veganism’s ethical gray areas, why they’re committed to creating a sense of community among listeners, and how they work through on-air disagreements. The group also discusses how their podcasts have changed over time, and they touch on so many other intriguing topics. This is a must-listen episode!!! Andy Tabar and Paul Steller launched The Bearded Vegans to move beyond the vegan 101 and create more nuanced discussions for the seasoned vegan. Andy is an animal rights activist and owner of Compassion Co , an organic, USA-made vegan apparel brand. As an activist, Andy has completed three tours with the 10 Billion Lives Tour, traveling to nearly every continental state to have over 10,000 one-on-one conversations about the cruelty inherent in animal agriculture. Paul works in data and has taught math at both the high school and college level. He also fronts a band called Continuous Improvement and loves playing Dungeons and Dragons while simultaneously podcasting about it on the Roll to Hit podcast . “Providing community is such a hugely important thing, even if you’re not an activist or on the front line, so to speak, there is just so much value in creating content for other vegans to feel a sense of community.” – Andy Tabar “My hope with the podcast is that, in having these discussions, it promotes people to think more deeply and critically, not only about the topics that we’re discussing but just in general. ” – Paul Steller Highlights: The role of a podcast in helping to build a strong network of activists Andy and Paul’s relationship to humility as white cis-men and how that impacts the reactions to their podcast How the podcast hosts stay accountable to each other and their audience How Andy and Paul prevent burnout, whether physical or emotional, when they are so committed to being fully available to the show How The Bearded Vegan podcast has deepened Andy and Paul’s friendship over the years Connect with The Bearded Vegans:
Sat, July 03, 2021
Episode 599: Supporting Community ft. Seb Alex
Our Hen House is honored to welcome animal rights activist Seb Alex onto the podcast this week. Seb, a Lebanon-based activist, explains how he shifted his activism from focusing on speaking engagements, in Europe and beyond, to online activism in the wake of COVID-19. He also outlines how the newly established Lebanese Vegans Social Hub serves as an animal rights center, why it’s so critical for activists to have a safe space, how they’re helping people eat more plant-based, and the events the center hosts. The former architect discusses how activist group Lebanese Vegans rallied together to support the local community in the wake of the horrific 2020 explosion in Beirut and the onset of the pandemic. Seb also highlights the importance of activists looking after their mental health and shares the boundaries he sets to better care for himself. Seb Alex is a passionate activist who moved to Europe from Lebanon to pursue his career in sustainable architecture but soon decided to leave the corporate world behind to pursue animal activism. He is now creating animal rights content for social media, organizing grassroots activism events, and writing an animal rights ebook, When Animals and Logic Meet . He also helps run the world’s first animal rights and vegan support center, the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub , in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. “We are here for justice, we are here out of compassion, and to help as many people and animals as we can.” – Seb Alex Interview Highlights: How Lebanese Vegans Social Hub provides a space for activist groups to come together and make the world a better place Seb’s social media work and his goals for the content he makes Why he decided to write When Animals and Logic Meet to lay bare how people justify what is done to farmed animals by appealing to a logical fallacy and how to get past this in discussions of animal rights How Seb frames his messaging to best impact others and allow them to listen to what he has to say The disconnect between people’s emotional reactions to cute companion animals and their disregard for the exploitation of farmed animals Seb’s feelings about plant-based and cell-based meat, why he’s not a fan, and whether he thinks they will lead to massive change when it comes to how we treat animals Why it’s easy and cost-effective for people in Lebanon to eat a plant-based diet and how the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub is spreading the word on what they do Resources: <a
Sat, June 26, 2021
Episode 598: The Rise of Black Veganism ft. Omowale Adewale
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Black VegFest founder Omowale Adewale back to the podcast this week! A passionate social justice activist fighting for the liberation of all beings, Omowale discusses food accessibility and why he believes we are at a critical moment in helping Black communities gain access to healthy produce at a low cost. He explains how he himself was tipped into veganism by his concern for animals and offers his thoughts on how Black veganism relates to Black liberation. He also shares his philosophy on decolonizing our diets and explains how vegan festivals are a gateway tool that can help nonvegans learn about plant-based eating and animal equality. Omowale Adewale is the co-founder of the Grassroots Artists MovEment , a non-profit organization that uses hip-hop, art, and social justice programming to empower Black and Latino communities in their fight against socioeconomic and political injustices. Omowale is committed to organizing events to advance the socio-political climate for poor and working-class Black people that center on activism through community, food, fitness, and art. He is also the founder and curator of Black VegFest and is certified in plant-based nutrition. He is the author of An Introduction to Veganism & Agricultural Globalism and the editor of Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society . “Two things happen when you go vegan: you get a higher sense of consciousness and compassion, and you want to look and do more research.” – Omowale Adewale Interview Highlights: Why Omowale believes Black veganism connects to Black liberation The COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of George Floyd’s killing on the Black community in the context of Black veganism The conception of Black VegFest and how Omowale and his community first established the festival How Omowale’s concern for animals led him to veganism and why going to animal sanctuaries helped him understand animal equality Omowale’s philosophy on decolonizing food Ways we can show up in non-vegan communities and advocate for veganism Connect with Omowale Adewale: Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society <a href="https://omowale.org/#d876b581-e4ca-497f-a3
Sat, June 19, 2021
Episode 597: The Liberation Pledge ft. nico stubler
Our Hen House is excited to welcome activist and animal studies scholar nico stubler onto the podcast this week for a riveting conversation on animal rights activism. This conversation will make you think critically about different approaches to vegan activism, whether you agree with them or not. The scholar and activist shares their commitment to the Liberation Pledge —in which vegans make the commitment to never eat around individuals who are eating animal products—and tells us how receptive people have been thus far. nico also provides insight into how the pledge can be used to actively dismantle carnism, how veganism helped them connect to a Nicaraguan community while serving with the Peace Corps, and how simply being vegan doesn’t equate to active animal activism. nico is an activist and a scholar. They completed their their M.A. in Animal Studies from New York University, and has led grassroots campaigns in Colombia, New York, and California. They focus on activism and scholarship that address animal agriculture’s devastating harms with the urgency they demand, and is currently working on a forthcoming book, Ban Meat: A Pragmatic Approach for Ending Animal Ag . “The big power and the potential of veganism to affect change is through showing other people that we’re eating vegan, why we’re eating vegan, and encouraging other people to eat vegan. Consuming and demanding animal products is an act of violence.” – nico stubler Interview Highlights: Why it’s so important to nico not to compromise their principles or mental health by not eating with people who are consuming animal products The benefits and criticisms of the Liberation Pledge and why it is effective activism What the ideology of carnism is and how we can move away from it being seen as the norm Why society views animals as usable and abusable, and how we can stop conceptualizing animals as edible Connect with Nico Stubler: Liberation Pledge Website nico stubler on Facebook Liberation Pledge Support Group on Facebook nico stubler on Instagram Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House
Sat, June 12, 2021
Episode 596: DefaultVeg ft. Katie Cantrell
Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome Katie Cantrell, Director of Corporate Outreach at the Better Food Foundation , to the podcast this week. Katie gives us the low-down on the Better Food Foundation, how they’re focusing on food justice, and their efforts to transition society to a more just and sustainable food system, specifically by encouraging more plant-forward food policies. She discusses the DefaultVeg project and how they are currently targeting corporate organizations and universities to encourage them to make plant-based diets the norm. Katie also catches us up on what’s happening at the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition , an organization she founded and for which she currently serves as board chair and, on a personal front. shares the story of a devastating diagnosis and her fight to regain her health. The Better Food Foundation was launched in 2017 to support dietary change initiatives to build a healthy, equitable, environmentally sustainable, and kinder food system and to work toward an acute reduction in the consumption of animal products worldwide. Before Katie served as the foundation’s Director of Corporate Outreach, she was the Founder and Executive Director of Factory Farming Awareness Coalition. “You’re planting seeds that have impacts years later.” – Katie Cantrell Interview Highlights: Why Katie thinks there has been increased awareness around the benefits of a vegan diet The power of defaults and how laziness and the desire to fit in play a major role in people’s choices What it means for vegan food to be the default and what mass catering might look like in the future How Katie helps corporations transition to a plant-based diet as the default with ideas for menu options, including suggestions for ways to broaden their cultural horizons Why big corporations are motivated to be seen as more sustainable than their competitors and how that supports the Better Food Foundation’s initiatives The earth-shaking reasons that Katie left her daily job at the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition but why she ultimately feels that the situation had a silver lining Connect with Katie Cantrell: Email Katie to bring DefaultVeg to your workplace or school Better Food Foundation Website Greener By Default
Sat, June 05, 2021
Episode 595: Justice for Humans AND Animals, ft. Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray
Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray joins the podcast today for a riveting conversation about the intersections of animal rights, food justice, and the environmental movement. An attorney, professor, minister, and activist, Dr. Gray discusses how these social movements are often isolated from each other and how his varied roles in ministry, law, and academia help him see these connections more clearly. He explains why animal rights can sometimes be of low priority within marginalized communities, tells us how he is actively prompting conversations about animal rights through his work as a minister, and shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed his approach to activism. Dr. Gray also discusses his goals as a new board member at Mercy for Animals. Dr. Gray is a founding member and president of Green Community Vision Inc ., a non-profit organization aimed at increasing environmental consciousness and environmental activism within minority communities. He is currently a Research Associate at The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Stern Business School with an interest in holding industries accountable to environmental regulations and preventing greenwashing via deceptive food labeling. Dr. Gray also serves as a minister in the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. and is a board member for Mercy for Animals and Green the Church . “We have to fight for the now. We have to fight for the alleviation of animal suffering now. We have to fight for more stringent standards as they pertain to environmental laws, regulations, and animal rights now with the end goal and the vision of something better in the future.” – Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray Interview Highlights: How Dr. Gray’s faith intersects with social justice, political activism, and environmental issues Our duties to animals, regardless of individual faith, and whether attitudes toward animal rights are shifting Dr. Gray’s work at Green the Church and why they are pursuing the mission to get churches involved in environmental justice, sustainability issues, and food justice within Black communities How he approaches working with people who are just beginning their shift toward plant-based living and why coming at veganism from a health perspective is often the first step Dr. Gray’s insight into how communities can broaden the Black Lives Matter movement to incorporate nutrition and spark conversations abo
Sat, May 29, 2021
Episode 594: Veganish ft. John Yunker and Midge Raymond
We’re excited to switch things up this week to bring you a discussion of vegan representation in the arts and an unforgettable performance! John Yunker and Midge Raymond, co-founders of vegan publishing house Ashland Creek Press , join Mariann and Jasmin to perform the radio play Veganish: A John Yunker Play. There, we meet Jessica as she comes across her vegan idol and grapples with the reality that he may not be the dedicated vegan he claims. John also does a reading from his book (one of our favorites), The Tourist Trail , and John and Midge stay on to discuss vegan literature, how they are redefining environmental writing, and how the genre has changed over the last ten years. Midge Raymond has more than twenty years of experience in writing, editing, and publishing. In addition to being a published fiction writer and journalist, she has worked as an editor and copywriter with several major publishing houses, including Penguin and St. Martin’s. Midge has written two books for writers, Everyday Writing and Everyday Book Marketing , and is also the author of the novel My Last Continent and the award-winning short story collection, Forgetting English . John Yunker is the author of the full-length plays Sanctuary , Paleo , Species of Least Concern , and Meat the Parents , which was a finalist in the 2014 Centre Stage New Play Festival. His novel, The Tourist Trail, began as a short story by the same name and won the Phoebe Journal 2010 Fiction Prize. Where Oceans Hide Their Dead , the sequel to The Tourist Trail, was published in February 2019. “You can never have too many books about animals and the environment out there, especially fiction and texts that make the connection between what we eat and how we live in the world. We think that’s especially important.” – Midge Raymond “Just like food feeds your body, literature feeds your soul.” – John Yunker Interview Highlights: What is vegan literature? Why it’s just as important to feed the soul nutritious food as the body How Midge writes about food in her fiction in ways that remain true to her vegan convictions The piece of writing that Midge is most proud of and how her animal rights convictions enter into what she writes Why The Tourist Trail was a transformational book for John to write The fascinating process of writing characters wh
Sat, May 22, 2021
Episode 593: Sinergia Animal ft. Carolina Galvani
Carolina Galvani, founder and CEO of the global animal-advocacy organization Sinergia Animal , joins Mariann on the podcast today for an insightful conversation about animal protection and veganism in the Global South. Carolina shares why she felt the need to launch Sinegeria Animal, how the organization is working to eradicate cruel treatment of animals while promoting plant-based diets, and how she’s helping to convince major dairy industry players to forgo the use of antibiotics and the killing of male calves. She also shares how rising incomes are leading to a rise in meat consumption in the Global South and discusses opportunities to slow down the rising popularity of meat by steering consumers toward vegan alternatives. Carolina founded Sinergia Animal , an animal protection organization based in Brazil that focuses its efforts on reducing the suffering of farmed animals in the countries of the Global South. Her work on animal welfare has been featured in prominent media outlets including the BBC, The New York Times , and Le Monde . Carolina has worked with several NGOs in 30 countries to highlight animal welfare issues, including serving as Senior Campaign Manager at Humane Society International in Brazil and as the Latin American Campaign Director for farmed animals at Forum Animal , Brazil’s largest animal protection network. “We face the risk of veganism becoming a trend that only the elite can afford. Our mission should be to make it accessible to everyone.” – Carolina Galvani Interview Highlights: Why Carolina founded an organization that exclusively focuses on farmed animals in the Global South How Carolina is collaborating with Open Wing Alliance on global initiatives Why Sinergia Animal is working with The Coalition for Aquatic Conservation to highlight the plight of aquatic animals Carolina highlights the aims of the Cage-Free campaign, explains how Sinergia Animal is approaching corporate players, and when they expect achieve their goals Whether the Global North has an obligation to help solve climate and other environmental problems facing the Global South Sinergia Animal’s strategic plan and how they see their work progressing over the next 10 years Connect with Carolina Galvani: Sinergia Animal Website Sinergia Animal on Facebook <a href="http
Sat, May 15, 2021
Episode 592: Saving Animals ft. Catherine Kelaher
Author, animal activist, and founder of Australia’s NSW Hen Rescue Catherine Kelaher joins us today to provide insight into her rescue work, share her most harrowing rescue experience (and the subsequent court case!), and detail how she goes about the rehoming process for rescued hens. She also tells us about her latest book, Saving Animals , a how-to guide for aspiring activists, and just wait till you hear about how Our Hen House helped bring it into existence! (We’re kvelling!!) Catherine and Jasmin also discuss everything from the many problems with hatching programs in schools to the importance of taking care of yourself when caring for others. Catherine is a vegan animal activist, feminist, and children’s book author who has dedicated her life to liberating caged hens. Catherine’s NSW Hen Rescue works to rehabilitate and rehome hens and other animals from factory farms. Both she and NSW Hen Rescue have received awards for animal activism and rescue. Catherine was born and raised in England and studied English literature and creative writing at Kingston Upon Thames University. She moved to Sydney, Australia, in 2006 and has been rescuing animals and trying to make the world a better place ever since. “By using your own narrative you can bring about change for animals.” – Catherine Kelaher Interview Highlights: Why Catherine decided to write Saving Animals and some of the amazing young activists she spoke to Catherine’s best care tips for companion animals Why we need to be honest with children and young people about what happens to animals How to introduce children to animal rights and the need for equality Insights into Catherine’s work at the NSW Hen Rescue, the hens she is currently caring for, and where they have been rescued from The difficulties and joys of rescuing roosters and how to deal with them as compassionately as possible Resources: Saving Animals Connect with Catherine Kelaher: NSW Hen Rescue’s Website Ashland Creek Press Website NSW Hen Rescue on Facebook NSW Hen Rescue on Instagram <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWHenResc
Sat, May 08, 2021
Episode 591: VegeProject Japan ft. Haruko Kawano and Mian Osumi
We’re thrilled to welcome Haruko Kawano and Mian Osumi of VegeProject Japan to the podcast this week for an informative and fascinating conversation about Japan’s growing vegan movement. Founder of VegeProject Japan, Haruko discusses how she successfully helped implement vegan-friendly options at Kyoto University during her time there as a student and how, after graduation, inspired by her dog, she founded VegeProject to help make vegan-friendly options more accessible throughout Japan. She also shares how a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with Paul McCartney encouraged her to continue doing this critical work. Haruko is joined by Mian Osumi, VegeProject’s International Representative, who gives us a can’t-miss historical overview of how colonialism introduced dairy and beef into the modern Japanese diet. Haruko’s VegeProject Japan is a non-profit organization that helps industries produce vegan products, issues vegan certifications, collaborates with companies, and works with local administrators on community development. Mian Osumi is a vegan content creator and former Food and Nutrition Intern with The Humane Society of the United States. “There are many reasons to be vegan: for animals, for the environment, for health. When we start talking to our listeners, we care about what they are most interested in and start there. More and more, we’re able to start talking about animals and environmental issues. We talk about the points that attract them first and talk about how connected the issues are.” – Haruko Kawano and Mian Osumi Interview Highlights: How Haruko initiated a vegan food program within Kyoto University How dairy and beef were introduced in Japan How VegeProject Japan is working with corporations and what their long term goals are The products that VegeProject Japan has been instrumental in getting introduced into supermarkets The two central purposes of VegeProject Japan How Haruko plans to popularize vegan products and create more demand Haruko’s outreach and educational work around the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle The factory farming situation in Japan and where the majority of the country’s animal products come from The national VegeMap project and why Haruko was inspired to create an accessible way for vegans to find plant-based restaurant Resources: Jasmin’s Jargon @the_informed_vegan Connect with VegeProj
Sat, May 01, 2021
Episode 590: Creativity and Activism with Christopher “Soul” Eubanks
We’re excited to welcome activist Christopher “Soul” Eubanks to the podcast today for an empowering conversation about the importance of intersectional, vegan activism. A longtime creative—often using hip-hop, drawing, and film to express himself—Christopher tells Jasmin about his decision to leave his job in corporate America and use his talents to address political and social issues as an entrepreneur. Christopher discusses the interconnected nature of veganism, human rights activism, and climate activism and explains how injustices often stem from individuals feeling disconnected from the world at large and their fellow beings. He also gives us an inside look into the exciting work he’s spearheading thanks to a grant from Mercy for Animals. Christopher ‘Soul’ Eubanks is a creative and activist using art and education to fight for animal liberation. Through his creative skillset, Christopher produces intersectional animal-rights content—ranging from university lectures and presentations to taking portraits of formerly farmed animals at sanctuaries and making YouTube videos—to help end oppression for all beings. “I’m not sure if veganism will be the thing that saves us all, but I think it will be the thing that gets us closer to saving us all. And I honestly think the thing that’s going to save us is for us to understand that we are all interconnected. We are all each other in different forms and different shapes.” – Christopher “Soul” Eubanks Interview Highlights: The different ways Christopher incorporates his love for photography into his activism Why Christopher is passionate about helping people understand their individual actions can help reduce animal exploitation How Christopher built his own platform as an animal activist and whether he thinks this is a good model for people to follow (rather than attaching themselves to an organization that’s already working to help animals) What the word veganism means to Christopher and how it is more than following a plant-based diet Christopher’s recent grant from Mercy for Animals, his vision for the type of content he will create, and where he’d like to present it How Christopher has emerged as a leading Black voice for animals while navigating institutional barriers and whether he feels veganism has become a more inclusive movement How Christopher became involved with Encompass to help make the animal-rights movement more equitable Resources: As a Black Man, I Felt Uncomfortable Beco
Sat, April 24, 2021
Episode 589: The Animals in That Country ft. Laura Jean McKay
Laura Jean McKay joins us on the podcast this week for a riveting, literary conversation. Author of the award-winning novel The Animals in that Country , Laura discusses the challenge of writing dialogue for animals, why she rewrote her novel more than once, and shares her thoughts on anthropomorphism in literature. Laura reads a captivating passage and reflects on a chance encounter with a lone male kangaroo in the Australian bush that influenced her decision to do away with the communication barrier between humans and non-human animals in her book. Laura and Mariann also discuss how The Animals in that Country unknowingly predicted a pandemic and how it affected the book’s reception. Laura is a creative writing lecturer at Massey University of New Zealand and holds a Ph.D. focusing on literary animal studies from the University of Melbourne. Her book, Holiday in Cambodia , was shortlisted for three national book awards in Australia. She is an animal expert presenter on ABC’s Listen Animal Sound Safari , and her work appears in Meanjin , Overland , Best Australian Stories , The Saturday Paper , and The North American Review . “In literature and art, animals are seen as cute, stuttery, and stumbly, or very prophetic or poetic—they are here in this world to tell humans great truths about ourselves. But of course, they’re not here for us, they have their own lives that they’re living out. Sometimes we get in the way and prevent those lives from happening purposefully.” – Laura Jean McKay Interview Highlights: Why the language of The Animals in That Country feels so poetic, why it may seem confusing at first, and how the reader gains clarity Why it’s difficult to recognize who the novel’s hero, and what we eventually come to realize about their journey The storyline of the human and animal protagonists meeting the pigs who escaped a truck and why it’s so fascinating Whether Laura Jean felt presumptuous representing the role that animals have in humans’ lives Connect with Laura Jean McKay: Laura Jean McKay’s Website The Animals in That Country by Laura Jean McKay Laura Jean McKay on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website <a hr
Sat, April 17, 2021
Episode 588: Shining Light on Serious Topics ft. Myq Kaplan
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Myq Kaplan back to the podcast this week for an episode guaranteed to make you laugh! A renowned comedian and vegan activist, Myq tells Jasmin how he uses humor as a means to speak his truth regarding animals and veganism—without alienating his audience. Myq shares how he works to weave social justice advocacy into his stand-up comedy and tells us why this is of utmost importance to him as a white, cisgendered man. Myq discusses his multi-pronged approach to social change, how he’s working to propel the vegan movement forward, and why it’s important to ensure your audience that you’re on the same team. Myq is a vegan stand-up comedian who has appeared on the Tonight Show , Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing , and America’s Got Talent . His first album, Vegan Mind Meld , was one of iTunes’ top 10 comedy albums of the year. His newest album, A.K.A. , debuted at number one and was included among The New York Times’ five “coronavirus best new comedy specials … to remind you of the old normal” for being “invigoratingly funny.” Myq also has a one-hour standup special on Amazon, Small, Dork, and Handsome , and two podcasts, The Faucet and Broccoli and Ice Cream . “The wonderful thing about comedy is that it’s not necessarily only about bright, shiny, light things. In fact, it’s often about shining that light on serious topics with humor.” -Myq Kaplan Highlights: How Myq feels about the pressure on comedians to constantly be funny The difference between self-deprecating and thoughtful comedy in prompting meaningful discussions The importance of understanding the effect of the language we use on others How thought-provoking comedy can work to highlight social issues and the nuances of promoting a deeper understanding of animals without sounding facile The ways people present to the world and how that can work for or against them as they work toward their goals Why speaking up for marginalized communities through comedy is walking a fine line between inclusion and judgment How Myq uses humor to propel the vegan movement forward and not alienate anyone in the community Connect with Myq Kaplan:</stron
Sat, April 10, 2021
Episode 587: Going Undercover for Animals ft. Erin Wing
We’re incredibly excited to welcome Erin Wing to the podcast today for a deep dive into the role of animal cruelty investigators. Erin is the Deputy Director of Investigations at Animal Outlook , a national animal-advocacy nonprofit formerly known as Compassion Over Killing. In her conversation with Mariann, she provides a rare, inside look into the day-to-day lives of investigators who go undercover at factory farms, and, in Erin’s case, a fish farm, to expose the horrors of animal agriculture. Erin shares how she first became involved with investigations early in her career, how long her investigations last, and what kind of information she generally seeks. Erin also tells us why her physical and mental health demanded that she no longer go undercover and about her current role at Animal Outlook. A former undercover investigator, Erin left the field after her last investigation at the Dick Van Dam Dairy in California, where she witnessed heartbreaking cruelty, abuse, and suffering every day. Through her new position with Animal Outlook, Erin now works closely with investigators still in the field, providing support and resources. “The footage that we get serves as an epitaph that the animals leave behind, and we’re the keepers of that. It’s a role that’s really important and I don’t take it lightly.” – Erin Wing Highlights: Why people find it easier to detach from the effects of aquaculture and some of the moments of horror and, perhaps surprisingly, compassion Erin witnessed when she infiltrated a fish farm Why it’s so vital to detach from your compassionate self when working undercover and how Erin did that The effects of being isolated while undercover and the ways Erin tried to protect her mental health Some background on Erin’s investigation at the Dick Van Dam Dairy and some of her experiences there How undercover investigators avoid being caught and the possible consequences of being exposed The events that finally influenced Erin to retire from investigations completely, and the visceral memory that transported her back to her traumatic past and made her decide that she needed to move into another role to protect her health The kind of results undercover investigations are hoping to achieve and how they do it Erin’s current focus in her animal-advocacy work Connect with Erin Wing: Animal Outlook Website Animal Outlook on Facebook</
Sat, April 03, 2021
Episode 586: Women-Owned Businesses in the Post-Animal Economy ft. Jennifer Stojkovic
Jennifer Stojkovic joins us on the podcast this week for a powerful and information-packed conversation about the role of women and women-owned businesses in the post-animal economy. Jennifer is the founder of Vegan Women Summit (VWS) , a global events and media organization dedicated to empowering women as they work to incorporate vegan ethics and values into their careers. In her conversation with Jasmin, Jennifer explains why she felt it necessary to focus on women working to build the post-animal economy and how women are crucial to the success of the vegan beauty, food, fashion, and overall lifestyle movement. She also tells us about the huge buzz created by VWS’ first virtual summit and pitch competition held in December 2020.. Jennifer built her career as a community relations leader for the world’s largest tech companies before blending her passion for change in the food system with her experience and network in Silicon Valley. In 2018, she launched the Future of Food partnerships bringing together CEOs and founders from leading tech brands with emerging leaders from the burgeoning food tech industry to establish food as “Tech 2.0.” Jennifer launched VWS in 2020 with a focus on building an equitable and diverse representation of vegan women leaders from around the world to partner with major tech brands. “Women, statistically speaking, make better founders. There is a lot of information that shows that women have higher valuations upon exit. Women are much better with per dollar investments compared to male founders; they make a lot less money but go a lot farther.” – Jennifer Stojkovic Interview Highlights: Why the creation of plant-based foods, sustainable textiles, and clean beauty solutions is the way of the future The obstacles that women face in receiving funding for food ventures Why the inequalities inherent in Silicon Valley lead to a networking gap for women Who attended the Summit and what stage their businesses were in How women founders develop their ideas into realities Jennifer’s perspective on what funders are looking for What you need to know about the venture capital world in order to start a business in an increasingly animal-free economy The Summit’s prize-based pitch competition and some examples of entries What Jennifer is most proud of in terms of building the virtual conference and the most important thing she learned from the process What’s next for VWS and the possibility of a hybrid conference in the future Resources: <a href="https://jasminsinger.substack.c
Sat, March 27, 2021
Episode 585: Food Love ft. Kimberly Renee Barnes
We are so pleased to welcome Kimberly Renee Barnes, Founder of Might Be Vegan , to the podcast this week for a truly one-of-a-kind episode! But first, Jasmin and Mariann speak with Chilean activist (and Our Hen House Flock member!) Soledad Robledo to tell us about an urgent extradition campaign in which Chile is seeking to bring an animal abuser from New Zealand back to Chile to stand trial and how we can all help (see the resources below). She also provides us with an overview of the animal rights movement in Chile and tells us about her podcast, Narices Húmedas (Wet Noses), that showcases animal rights and vegan activists. Soledad is also a monthly columnist for CEDA (Center for Chilean Animal Law Studies) and is currently working with two other activists, both lawyers, on a new organization called Justicia Interespecie (Interspecies Justice) which focuses on strategic litigation and education. Next, as promised, Mariann speaks with Kimberly Renee Barnes, who shares why she founded Might Be Vegan , a plant-based media and marketing consultancy. Kimberly tells us how she became increasingly overwhelmed with information early in her vegan journey and wanted to simplify things for other people who were thinking they might be vegan, but weren’t actually sure yet. Her consultancy’s latest project, Food Love, is an award-winning national plant-based hunger relief program that has introduced families impacted by the pandemic to nutritious and delicious plant-based meals. Kimberly also shares Food Love’s project partners and tells us how she successfully pitched them. Don’t miss hearing about this amazing collaboration and how it will help push veganism into the mainstream. Kimberly is the founder of Might Be Vegan, a plant-based media and marketing consultancy designed to help people live a more healthful life by eating more plants. She is the creator behind the national #FromMeatsToBeets Challenge , the web series Might Be Vegan Presents The Trap Kitchen , and the world’s largest vegan-only tailgate— #VeganAtTheGame —which served
Sat, March 20, 2021
Episode 584: Sentient Media ft. Ana Bradley
Ana Bradley joins the podcast today, and this is an episode that no one is going to want to miss! Ana is the Executive Director at Sentient Media , a non-profit journalism organization seeking to create transparency around the role of animals in our daily lives. In her conversation with Jasmin, she shares the most significant challenges she and her colleagues face as they usher issues of animal equality into mainstream media. She also fills us in on her incredibly useful digital marketing strategies and offers insight into the sometimes intimidating, but crucially important world of “Search Engine Optimization” for writers and animal activists who want to make their voices heard loud and clear online. A true media expert, she discusses how attitudes toward animal rights have changed within media and gives invaluable advice for young, emerging writers who want to champion animals to a mainstream audience. Ana Bradley is the Executive Director of Sentient Media , and has an extensive background in content production and startup consultancy. Under Ana’s direction, Sentient Media is working to create transparency regarding non-human animal lives and the impact of animal agriculture on our planetary crisis. Before leading Sentient Media, she managed social impact within Black communities in her role as Digital Director of the open innovation organization Do it Now Now . “If you’re new to writing or if you’re new to animal advocacy, actively have open conversations with people and try to engage in different communities that aren’t wholly vegan.” – Ana Bradley This Week’s Highlights in Our Hen House: Sentient Media’s core mission, goals, and how they work with news outlets and writers The six stages of the transtheoretical model of behavioral change, with a particular focus on the stage people are in when they begin to question their beliefs How Sentient Media finds and investigates its stories, given that animal rights issues are often deeply buried How to work with up-and-coming young writers and engage more seasoned ones Causes of COVID-19 and other zoonotic infections and how we should go about tackling them The stories that Ana is most proud of having placed in prominent publications Resources: How to Have a Good Day: Harness the Power of Behavioral Science to Transform Your Working Life by Caroline Webb Animal Justice
Sat, March 13, 2021
Episode 583: Half-Earth Socialism ft. Troy Vettese
Troy Vettese joins us on the podcast this week for an insightful, and sometimes provocative, conversation about the intersections of animal rights and Marxism. Troy shares why he believes all vegans need a Marxist worldview, and you may be surprised by exactly what he means by this assertion. He also discusses how various political and economic systems can help, or deter, the furthering of animal equality, and, in particular, how capitalism has been and will continue to be a disaster for animals in its relentless, and inevitable, prioritization of profit. Given that we are on the cusp of a global crisis, there is no time to waste in reforming the way we treat animals, and the earth. Troy Vettese is an environmental historian and a William Lyon Mackenzie King research fellow at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center. His academic focus is the study of energy, animals, and neoliberal environmental thought. His writing has also appeared in n+1, Jacobin, New Left Review, and In These Times. Troy’s book Half-Earth Socialism: A Manifesto to Save the Future , co-authored with Drew Pendergrass, will be published by Verso in 2022. “It should be easy to see the personhood and the suffering of other creatures. If you’re a socialist and you’re motivated by the outrage of injustice, then that should extend to other creatures as well.” – Troy Vettese This Week in Our Hen House: What will happen to the world if we continue to find domesticated roles for all animals Why the capitalism requires growth, and why that is such a disaster for animals The link between domestication of animals and disease What we mean by the humanization of nature theory and where it comes from The moving story of an act of human kindness on a factory farm and how presence of compassion amongst so much cruelty can help us think about a new way to exist Troy’s upcoming book, Half-Earth Socialism: A Manifesto to Save the Future , written with Drew Prendergast, and why they felt compelled to write it The link between the theories explained in Half-Earth Socialism: A Manifesto to Save the Future and Frankenstein’s monster Resources: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Porkopolis-American-Animali
Sat, March 06, 2021
Episode 582: Plant-Powered in Nigeria ft. Hakeem Jimo
Hakeem Jimo joins us this week for an insightful and inspiring conversation about Nigeria’s growing vegan movement and the meat alternative making a splash there: Vchunks. Hakeem tells us all about developing Vchunks specifically for the Nigerian palate. Not an imitation of meat substitutes commonly found in European and US markets, Vchunks—Hakeem shares—are designed to serve the needs of vegans in Nigeria without sacrificing traditional flavors. Originally from Germany and now based in Lagos, Hakeem has a unique perspective on the global African diaspora and tells us how it is trending meat-free, including how Black vegans in the US are leading the country’s vegan movement. Hakeem is a vegan entrepreneur and co-founder of Nigeria’s first plant-based restaurant, Veggie Victory . After he introduced VChunks to the restaurant’s menu, the innovative product went on to become the first commercially produced meat alternative in Nigeria. Hakeem comes from a Nigerian-German background and has previously worked in journalism and public relations in West Africa. “ This battle of winning the plant-based war will be decided in developing worlds .” – Hakeem Jimo This Week in Our Hen House: How and why Hakeem and his wife founded the Veggie Victory restaurant in Lagos, Nigeria Why Hakeem is so proud of veganizing traditional Nigerian cuisine and some of the dishes they offer at the restaurant, which tempt locals to try a plant-powered diet Hakeem’s work in vegan outreach in schools and churches and why he feels it is so vital to educate people in Nigeria on the benefits of the plant-based lifestyle Why it can be so challenging for people to get animal products out of their diet and how Hakeem and Vchunks provide the link between traditional African food and the modern day diet The trends in meat consumption across Africa and how the situation there differs from that in the US and Asia How religion plays a role in encouraging people to move toward veganism and why that is such an exciting development Why climate change is also a hugely important food security issue in Nigeria Connect with Hakeem Jimo: Veggie Victory website Veggie Victory on Facebook Veggie Victory on Instagram Veggie Victory on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House:
Sat, February 27, 2021
Episode 581: Sentientism ft. Jamie Woodhouse
Jamie Woodhouse joins us this week for an intriguing, dare-we-say captivating, conversation about “sentientism,” a philosophical worldview that encompasses vegan values. First developed and named in the 1970s, sentientism, quite simply, grants moral consideration to all sentient beings. Jamie tells us what he believes are the two central pillars of sentientism and what sentientists think about compassion, consciousness and morality. He also dissects the common issues that arise within sentientism, such as the burden of proof (who should we consider to be sentient and why?), the connection between levels of sentience and moral action (how should we behave towards beings with differing levels of sentience?), and questioning the sentience of plants. Jamie also shares how and he is working to bring sentientism into the mainstream, connect with others, and further build the movement around this worldview. Jamie is a sentientist, humanist, and vegan who believes in compassion for all sentient beings. He left a 23-year career as a management consultant in 2017 to concentrate on working to refine sentientism as a potentially unifying, baseline ethical philosophy, and is currently focusing his efforts on building a fully fledged movement. Jamie’s papers and seminar materials on sentientism are available to read on Academia.edu , ResearchGate , and PhilPeople , and he hosts the Sentientism podcast . “ Use evidence and reason and have compassion for all sentient being. Even a minimally sentient being still warrants meaningful moral consideration.” – Jamie Woodhouse This Week in Our Hen House: How to define morality from from a sentientist point of view Where to place the burden of proof and how to weigh the evidence in deciding who is sentient Whether levels of sentience matter in determining what is a moral action, e.g., should behave differently toward a shrimp than we should to a pig or a dog Could plants be meaningfully sentient and what would that mean for vegans? How and why sentientism can make sense to both people of faith and to atheists Anthropomorphism and anthropocentrism from a sentientist perspective How the human ability to project our own experience on to others adds or subtracts from our knowledge of other sentient creatures Jamie’s personal perspective on senti
Sat, February 20, 2021
Episode 580: Pediatricians and Plant-Based Diets ft. Dr. Reshma Shah and Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster
This week, plant-based pediatricians Dr. Reshma Shah and Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster join Jasmin to share their thoughts on how both adults and children can best transition from a standard diet to a plant-based diet, and discuss how they each made that change themselves during their medical careers. Dr. Yami shares how she got lost in a plant-based rabbit hole on her search for facts, while Dr. Shah provides insight into how veganism helped her connect to her roots. They discuss how the medical community often adopts an extreme point of view in regards to veganism, and whether this dissuades people from trying to live more plant-based. Both doctors also give their number one tip for advocating for veganism and share how we can change society as we know it if we all go vegan. Dr. Reshma Shah is a board-certified pediatrician with nearly two decades of experience caring for children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a Master’s degree in Public Health and also received additional training in plant-based nutrition, leading her to write Nourish , a guide for plant-curious families who want to support their health and well-being. Also a board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster is a lifestyle medicine physician, a health and wellness coach and a passionate champion of the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. The founder of VeggieFitKids, she also hosts the podcast Veggie Doctor Radio where she explores plant-based nutrition and healthy living. This Week in Our Hen House: Why, as adults, we have to be more aware of how we behave around food in front of children Why and how we should avoid becoming too anxious about our diet Why the plant-based offerings at fast-food restaurants are a great way for people to explore plant-based diets Why both doctors are so outspoken on the issues of veganism and plant-based living Their go-to resources for up-to-date information Intuitive eating, what it is, and why Dr. Yami created her parent’s guide to intuitive eating from a plant-based standpoint Why Dr. Shah decided to sit down during a global pandemic and write a book about eating and feeding your family a vegan diet The current, inadequate role of nutrition in medical training How to use nutrition to manage your h
Sat, February 13, 2021
Episode 579: Born Free ft. Angela Grimes
Angela Grimes, the CEO of Born Free USA, joins us for this week’s episode on a very timely and crucially important subject — the highly problematic and cruel conditions within wildlife wet markets. She and Mariann discuss the connections between these hideous markets, which are found all over the world, and human disease outbreaks, including, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Angela also talks about other ways in which human behavior is devastating wildlife, including poaching, trapping, trophy hunting, and roadside zoos, and tells us about Born Free’s Global Nature Recovery Investment Initiative . She reveals what she believes to be the most critical current threat to animals, but also shares with us significant progress and why she is optimistic for the future. In her role as Chief Executive Officer of Born Free USA, Angela upholds a vision of a co-existent future where humans no longer exploit wild animals. She was previously Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation and has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. “ There are any number of diseases out there, which is why, simply put, the wild animals belong in the wild, they don’t belong in our homes, on our dinner plates, hanging in markets, hanging on our walls. It’s in everyone’s interest to let them live in the wild, and just stay clear.” – Angela Grimes This Week in Our Hen House: How Born Free USA started, the main focuses of the organization, and its primate sanctuary in Texas The horrors of the wild animal trade, as well as the reasons people want to own wild animals The links between the COVID-19 pandemic and wildlife wet markets all over the world and how they contribute to the spread of disease Why many wildlife markets include animals bred for sale and why their living conditions equate to a perfect storm for viral transmission Why people aren’t more concerned about the prevalence of wet markets and how we can take steps to ban them globally The most significant threats to wild animals right now The Global Nature Recovery Investment Initiative and the incentives for individuals to support the initiative Angela’s hopes for saving the wild and why she is optimistic for the future The Born Free programs in Africa and how a free mobile
Sat, February 06, 2021
Episode 578: Justice for All, Including Animals, ft Senator Jabari Brisport
This week, we have such a powerhouse interview! Newly elected New York State Senator Jabari Brisport joins us to explain how he successfully showcased his strong support for animal rights and veganism (yup!) while running for election. In fact, he points out, it actually created a platform for discussing all of the social justice issues he is passionate about. He shares his thoughts on why people want to pit human rights against animal rights, and how and why they so often fail to realize that animal agriculture deeply harms marginalized communities. Perhaps best of all, Senator Brisport tells us why he believes we are at a watershed moment — older mindsets are shifting fast, and we are on the cusp of making real progress for both human and non-human animals. Senator Brisport is a third-generation Caribbean-American Brooklynite who represents New York’s District 25 in the state senate. His experiences as a Black LGBTQ+ man, socialist, union member, child of an immigrant father, and a former public school teacher have shaped his drive to make his community more just and equitable. As a newly elected state senator and passionate vegan, he intends to use his platform to advocate for rights, dignity, and protection by the law for all living beings and create a state where humans and animals can safely coexist without exploitation and abuse. “ Whenever we don’t fight for the most marginalized, we end up harming ourselves.” – Senator Jabari Brisport This Week in Our Hen House: Why Senator Brisport ran for the New York State Senate How he first became involved with animal activism, why he became a vegan, and the moment he decided to make a stand against cruelty Why Senator Brisport is so proud to support Black Vegfest, to center Black voices, and why he jumped at the chance to discuss the intersectionality of animal rights and human rights Whether Senator Brisport expects the Democratic Socialist Party to expand their thinking regarding justice for animals, why the Left—in general—has been rather slow to champion the cause of animals, and whether the tide is turning How his fight for same-sex marriage in New York and his ongoing efforts to defend the LGBTQ+ community and, particularly, queer people of color, relate to his fighting for animal equality Why he feels he is the right person to tackle issues of over-policing that emerged from the housing crisis and a lack of well-funded education Senator Brisport’s legislative priorities regarding animals, both short and near term, including current proposed legislation that would e
Sat, January 30, 2021
Episode 577: Archiving Animal Rights ft Kim Stallwood
Kim Stallwood is truly one of the founders of the modern animal rights movement, and we are thrilled to have him join us this week on the podcast. He and Mariann discuss the long term history of the movement, the recent extraordinary acquisition of Kim’s collection of books and artifacts by the British Library, and what the Library selected to preserve for posterity. He shares some of his past heroes and some of the characters throughout history, such as Topsy the elephant, who was electrocuted on Coney Island for not being kinder to the humans who brutally exploited him. Kim also emphasizes why it is essential not only for the humans in the animal rights movement, but also for the animals themselves, to preserve and safeguard historical materials. Vegan for more than 40 years, Kim is not only an animal rights advocate, but an animal rights theorist who has worked with or alongside some of the world’s foremost animal advocacy organizations. He is a speaker, independent scholar, and author of Growl: Life Lessons, Hard Truths, and Bold Strategies from an Animal Advocate . Kim is on the board of directors for Culture and Animals Foundation and, as noted, recently worked with the British Library to curate a collection on the history of the animal rights movement. “It’s important that we know our history, because how else can we understand where we are now, and where we want to go in the future? ” – Kim Stallwood This Week in Our Hen House: How Kim’s quirk of collecting information pertaining to the animal rights movement began What Kim has in his collection, including pamphlets dating back to the 1800s and original reel to reel footage, the often weird and wonderful places he has found historical information, and why he has preserved it so carefully for so long Inspirational figures in the early animal rights movement, including Frances Power-Cobbe and Anna Kingsford , influential anti-vivisectionists of the Victorian era Kim’s favorite pieces, including a model belonging to the globe-trotting vet who founded World Animal Protection Why reflecting on the past gives him hope for the future for animals Why Kim is inspired to write a biography of Topsy the elephant and how he hopes it will shine a light on how we treat animals today Kim’s hush-hush negotiations with a seco
Sat, January 23, 2021
Episode 576: Measuring Wild Animal Welfare ft. Michelle Graham
Michelle Graham joins the podcast today and we love this conversation! Michelle is the Executive Director of Wild Animal Initiative (WAI), where she focuses encouraging and facilitating research on wild animal welfare. We talk to Michelle about why we must focus on wild animal welfare, even when so many domesticated animals continue to suffer at the hands of humans. She also discusses the inherent problems in weighing welfare against beauty and how we must balance the trade-offs necessary to being responsible humans. Among the questions she examines in her work are how to ensure we are not doing more harm than good in the natural world as animal activists, and what steps researchers can take to develop and support safe interventions. In addition to her work at WAI, Michelle is a Ph.D. student in engineering mechanics at Virginia Tech. Her research brings data together to tell the story of the jumping and gliding locomotion of flying snakes and their relatives, ultimately focusing on the physical requirements and different approaches to navigating their arboreal habitats. In addition to her research, Michelle, an avid vegan, has worked with animals in shelters, veterinary offices, farms, and zoos. “I am not only a wild animal welfare advocate. I am not only an animal advocate. I am not only any one thing. I care about realizing the best possible world that we can achieve and that world does not have racism in it.” – Michelle Graham This Week in Our Hen House: How to consider the perspectives of wild animals The kinds of research that can show us how to better help wild animals How we can extend whole species’ protections to individual wild animals Whether extinction in and of itself is a problem System-level consequences, what they are, and why the WAI is looking at long- and short-term research into them Interventions that can be implemented right now to protect individual animals What whitetail deer and pigeons have in common How to develop safe interventions and avoid destructive ones, and the activities we can engage in to safely improve wild animal welfare How Michelle’s Ph.D. in engineering mechanics relates to her animal advocacy work and how she reconciles her research with animal ethics principles The link between welfare for wild animals and farmed animals and how advocates can learn from continued collaboration Why Michelle is spearheading efforts of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the animal advocacy space <a href="https://www.ourhenh
Sat, January 16, 2021
Episode 575: African Vegan Traditions ft. Chef Cola
The incredible Chef Cola joins the podcast from Zimbabwe this week and we couldn’t be more excited. Nicola “Chef Cola” Kagoro founded African Vegan On A Budget in 2016 to raise awareness about plant-based eating and to inspire people to incorporate vegan meals into their diet everyday. She teamed up with the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) to establish a vegan camp kitchen in the bush for the Akashinga Rangers , an all-woman team protecting wild animals from poaching. Chef Cola is also the founder of the grassroots movement Back to Black Roots , an initiative that spreads awareness of the beauty of African vegan culture and cuisine. Chef Cola joins Mariann today to share the steps and strategies that she takes to ensure she is not only feeding the anti-poaching rangers healthy, nourishing, and delicious meals, but also encouraging them to teach their families about the benefits of a plant-based diet and helping them carry the movement out into their communities. She explains why she is so passionate about spreading the word about the vegan diet and shares why it’s important to incorporate nutritional education in schools and clinics. She also talks about how she works to counter the idea that veganism is a luxury Western diet rather than the very basis of traditional African cuisine. “We now know that meat is not right for us, and we now know that meat is a form of exploitation.” – Chef Cola This Week in Our Hen House: How Chef Cola approaches educating the community, and the key process of “unlearning” the prestige of eating meat How she managed to show the Akashinga warriors that plant-based eating can be delicious and healthy The negative effects of the introduction of factory farming in Africa and whether Chef Cola feels that traditional diets are under threat from the availability of cheap meat Impact of colonialism on the African diet as a whole, and why that continues to be a problem for Black, Indigenous, and people of color How the IAPF has helped spread the philosophy of animal rights Why more light needs to be shed on the issue of climate change and its connection to what we eat Chef Cola’s thoughts on how the vegan movement and the Black Lives Matter movement intersect How Chef Cola connected with the IAPF and why she
Sat, January 09, 2021
Episode 574: Effective Business Planning in Animal Advocacy ft. Caryn Ginsberg
Caryn Ginsberg of Priority Visions joins us today to discuss her transition from the business sector into the animal protection arena and how she helps advocacy groups become more effective with their strategic planning to ensure they use their resources in the most effective way possible. She explains her new Corona to Collaboration, Innovation to Inclusion: Issues and Opportunities in Farmed Animal Advocacy report, how she gives a 1,000 foot high view, and why she felt the report was needed. Caryn also shares how she compiled the information, including how she personalized interview questions by whittling down the key themes, takeaways, and trends that came out of the report that reveal possibilities and opportunities in the vegan community. Caryn works with organizations including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, PetSmart Charities, and Farm Sanctuary, ultimately helping animal protection advocates use strategy and marketing approaches to get better results. Caryn is also the author of Animal Impact: Secrets Proven to Achieve Results and Move the World (she is offering a free digital version to our listeners on Smashwords using code RT32W). Caryn holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, an A.B. in economics/mathematics from Dartmouth College, and an advanced certificate in marketing design from Sessions College for Professional Design. “The purpose of strategic planning is to help animal advocacy groups to utilize their resources in the best ways to get the most impact for what they have—strategic planning takes both an outward look and an inward look and then [we] choose what’s most important and promising to do.” – Caryn Ginsberg This Week in Our Hen House: How advocates must respect their own authenticity and be true to their own needs in order to stay in the movement for the long-run How nonprofits can leverage new food products to spread the message about veganism COVID-19 and climate change and how they have created receptivity in savvy businesses and politicians to alternatives to factory farming Are people more open to collaboration with different advocacy movements because of these strange and challenging times? Diversity, equity and inclusion in the advocacy movement, and what can we do to shine a spotlight on them to enact change The most controversial finding in th
Sat, January 02, 2021
Episode 573: Do Aquatic Animals Matter? ft Becky Jenkins
Becky Jenkins, who is the Executive Director of the Aquatic Life Institute , joins us on Our Hen House to explain why aquatic animals should be a primary focus of the animal protection movement and why the Institute decided to focus on the fish farming aspect of animal agriculture. She also provides a brief overview of this far-too-little-known but huge industry, including why fish farming is not only hideously cruel, but is not the sustainable business it is reputed to be. Becky also reflects on whether there is a disconnect between the advocates of effective altruism and other animal activist groups, and how the Aquatic Life Institute promotes improved welfare for aquatic animals without condoning animal exploitation. Becky has a passion for holistic, international, and pro-intersectional approaches to animal issues. She has spoken at conferences and been published in academic journals worldwide and is currently co-authoring a textbook on aquatic animal law. Becky studied at the Aquatic Animal Law Initiative at the Center for Animal Law Studies in Portland, Oregon, and also holds a law degree from Trinity College Dublin and a Master’s degree in Animal Law from Lewis & Clark Law School. “Our mission is to accelerate activities that positively improve aquatic animal lives, focusing on farmed fish as they are the greatest in number.” – Becky Jenkins This Week in Our Hen House: The coalitions the Institute is building, including the Aquatic Animal Alliance, and the shared projects they are currently involved in with their partners Why horribly inhumane slaughter methods are still used in aquatic animal farming and how the Aquatic Life Institute hopes to impact the industry A brief look at current research on the consciousness of fishes and what the evidence shows us about their realities How the program at Lewis and Clark Law School on aquatic animals and her studies with Kathy Hessler influenced Becky Why seafood certifications often aren’t what they seem How we know that fishes have the capacity to have pleasurable and positive experiences and how they play and interact with each other, according to Professor Rebecca Franks ’ recent research What the future holds for aquatic animal agriculture Becky’s hopes for what the Aquatic Life Institute can achieve in the short and mediu
Sat, December 26, 2020
Episode 572: Veggie Mijas ft Amy Quichiz
Amy Quichiz joins Our Hen House podcast co-host Jasmin Singer in this episode to tell us about an extraordinary collective she co-founded, Veggie Mijas, and how it started and how it has since grown. Amy was inspired to found this vibrant community, which has since expanded well beyond its original home on Instagram, because she wanted to show the Latinx community how they could access healthier foods, talk about their rights within the food industry, and bring their perspectives to the issues of animal liberation and environmental justice. As a woman of color from Jackson Heights, New York, Amy has witnessed the environmental racism that has given rise to a lack of resources and opportunity in Latinx communities, and is committed to forging social change. Amy shares why veganism is a vital part of her worldview and heritage, and how white vegans can better center and include vegans (and prospective vegans) of color. Amy also discusses how the movement has changed and developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, how she and her colleagues prioritize their own mental health to continue supporting their community, and her hopes for the future. Amy feels that the work of Veggie Mijas as a social movement has the potential to inspire communities to organize for profound social change while maintaining the authenticity of Latinx culture. In this week’s “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses,” we’re supporting Maxine’s Heavenly , a vegan cookie company, and Veltree , a plant-based soul food restaurant located in Charlotte, North Carolina. “ It’s always about finding your voice, finding your passion and finding what you want to change in the world.” – Amy Quichiz This Week in Our Hen House: How the Veggie Mijas collective expanded and grew, and the unique perspective that draws people to join them What “decolonizing your diet” means and why what you eat isn’t necessarily an independent choice How Veggie Mijas’ potlucks have been successful in building community, Amy’s favorite potluck thus far, and how the potlucks double as a safe place for vegans of color to be open and honest How Amy has steered Veggie Mijas during the pandemic How Veggies Mijas plans to move forward with advocacy and events post-pandemic The internal work that Veggie Mijas coordinators are doing to ensure they can continue to serve their communities, and the personal and collective goals the group is focusing on Why the colle
Sat, December 19, 2020
Episode 571: Life After Labs ft Gina Lynn
This week’s guest is Gina Lynn, founder of New Life Animal Sanctuary , and we couldn’t be more excited. Gina has dedicated her entire life to animal advocacy and activism. After years of organizing protests, conferences, marches, etc., co-producing an internationally distributed grassroots animal rights magazine, and enduring the stress of government harassment, Gina sought a gentler approach to getting the message out. She founded New Life Animal Sanctuary in 2008 to rescue and rehabilitate animals no longer used in laboratories. Gina joins us on the podcast today to tell us how the sanctuary finds and obtains possession of these animals and how she and her fellow caretakers heal them, rehabilitate them, and enrich the remainder of their lives. She explains her strategies in persuading labs to surrender animals rather than killing them and how she conducts her own independent research to see if labs are interested in rehoming their animals to a sanctuary. Gina also shares how she navigates the delicate balance between staying true to her animal advocacy work while maintaining a productive relationship with the research community. In this week’s “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses” program, we’re showing some love to Zoe’s Vegan Delight and Rebel Cheese . Zoe’s Vegan Delight is a Black women-owned, vegan catering business in Greenbelt, MD. Rebel Cheese is a vegan deli, located in Austin, TX known for their vegan cheese baskets. Do you have a vegan business that you want us to shout out? Click here to let us know ! “ We’re able to save lives, and that’s all that matters to me.” – Gina Lynn This Week in Our Hen House: The low-down on who currently lives at the sanctuary, the lives of their newest residents, and what it’s like caring for rescued animals The complexities of the relationship between the animal rights community and the research community and how relations are thawing little by little How the movement to rescue laboratory animals can grow and how rescue organizations are coming together to rehome animals in need How the animals can sometimes be challenging and need extra special care to thrive in sanctuaries, plus why Gina is absolutely OK with her gorgeous dogs releasing their anxiety at home with her Gina’s hopes about future federal funding for the sanct
Sat, December 12, 2020
Episode 570: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Animal Rights ft. Michelle Rojas-Soto
This week’s episode features a riveting interview with Michelle Rojas-Soto that was originally recorded at the Farmed Animal Conference E-summit (FACES) earlier this year. Michelle is the managing director at Encompass , a non-profit that supports animal advocates of the global majority and provides diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting to farmed animal protection organizations. She is a long-time advocate for racial justice, women’s rights, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, and her past leadership roles have always focused on equity, systemic change, and community-building. Michelle was a founding member of Gender Equity in Animal Rights (GEAR) , where she launched the Amplify Career Sponsorship Program for women and gender non-conforming people. We were so inspired by this interview, we wanted to air it again here on the Our Hen House podcast for all of our listeners. Michelle joins Jasmin to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the farmed animal protection movement and why Encompass is committed to creating a sense of community for people of the global majority. Michelle also dives into how falling short of these values impacts the animal rights movement internally and externally, and how a cultural sea change could further the movement’s work. If you like this interview, you can purchase the FACE Summit Pack where you’ll receive life-time access to all 20 talks from the event. In this week’s “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses’” we’re throwing some love out to Shop Like You Give A Damn , an online store, based in the Netherlands, that sells vegan clothing, jewelry, home goods and more. “ As we consider racial equity in our space, the biggest motivator is that when we achieve that, we will be talking to everyone about the movement, not just people who live and look like us.” – Michelle Rojas-Soto This Week in Our Hen House: How Michelle’s vegan journey began Michelle’s career in healthcare and why she subsequently pivoted her focus in order to realize social change Why Michelle initially felt discouraged from working within the animal rights movement, and how that has since changed Michelle’s reaction when she was first a
Sat, December 05, 2020
Episode 569: The Walrus and the Whistleblower ft. Nathalie Bibeau
Nathalie Bibeau, who joins us this week, is a director and producer who began her career at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation with the landmark series, Canada: A People’s History . An award-winning director and producer, Nathalie has since produced documentary projects such as Africa on the Move , which won a Gemini Award—presented by the Academy for Canadian Cinema and Television—for Best Documentary Series in 2011. Her work has taken her everywhere, from the sub-Arctic to Angola and the swamps of Louisiana. Nathalie has also written for the Globe and Mail and volunteered for War Child in Ethiopia. Her most recent project, the controversial documentary film The Walrus and the Whistleblower, was selected for the virtual 2020 Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival . Nathalie tells us why she decided to go back to the rust belt of Ontario, where she grew up, to make a film featuring Niagara Falls’ infamous MarineLand and its nemesis, Phil Demers, a former MarineLand trainer whose love for a walrus consumed his life and turned him into a passionate activist. Nathalie discusses how she set out to explore the multifaceted themes in the movie in a way that could engage a non-activist audience by striking a balance between revealing the animal cruelty behind MarineLand’s success and telling the story of her all-too-human protagonists. In this week’s “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses” segment, we’re showing some love to Drop Squad Kitchen and No Bones Beach Club . Drop Squad Kitchen, Delaware’s only 100% plant-based restaurant, creates boutique style plant-based foods from scratch; every recipe on their menu reflects a story. No Bones Beach Club is a women owned vegan restaurant that started with a humble food truck in Seattle. They’re committed to a plant-based lifestyle and their goal is to spread the word that just because it’s vegan, doesn’t mean it sucks. Like so many restaurants, they have been struggling during Covid and were forced to close their beloved Portland restaurant to the dismay of so many Oregon vegans, but are still serving in Seattle. “Any social change has to happen in waves—the paradigm doesn’t shift overnight .” – Nathalie Bibeau This Week in Our Hen House: The central theme of The Walrus and the Whistleblower a
Sat, November 28, 2020
Episode 568: Researching Ethical Sustainable Materials ft. Nicole Rawling
We’re thrilled to have Nicole Rawling join us on the podcast. Nicole has worked with fashion companies, scientists, and investors worldwide to encourage the development of alternative materials with the aim of replacing animal products. She founded Material Innovation Initiative after identifying the potential of the next-gen materials market through her her work as the Good Food Institute ’s Director of International Engagement. Nicole joins us this week to discuss the role of the Material Innovation Initiative, how it finds viable alternatives to animal-product materials, and why petroleum-based vegan leather isn’t the answer. She offers her tips for avoiding fast fashion while still dressing sustainably and stylishly and shares how to find high-quality, ethical brands that you will last for years. Nicole also shares the most surprising items that have been turned into new wearable leather thus far, from apple skins to mushrooms and even waste from mangos and wine production. “We’re making the ethical choice the easy choice .” – Nicole Rawling This Week in Our Hen House: Nicole’s response to those who say that leather is a byproduct of the meat industry and therefore sustainable The impact of the Rethink Food and Agriculture report and what its findings mean for industrial agriculture The materials in development that Nicole is most excited about The substantial environmental impact of the fashion industry Cruelty issues in the silk industry and the alternatives that the Materials Innovation Institute are exploring Ways for us each to be more ethical in our consumption Why Nicole is so hopeful for the future of alternative materials Why Nicole changed the way she advocates for animals to best use her skills How she envisions the vegan movement as a whole, and Material Innovation Initiative in particular, moving into the future Connect with Nicole Rawling: Material Innovation Initiative website Nicole Rawling on LinkedIn Material Innovation Initiative on Instagram Material Innovation Init
Tue, November 24, 2020
Episode 567.5: “Sanctuary: A Radio Play” Recorded Live In New York City
Welcome to this extraordinary holiday episode in which we present Sanctuary: A Radio Play , an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This special performance marks the world premiere of John Yunker ’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation ’s 2017 Compassion Arts Festival . We were thrilled to have been a part of this fun, engaging, and critical production that demonstrates the journeys we embark on when we begin to learn about animal exploitation. Jasmin is a longtime proponent of theater as a tool for vegan advocacy; the medium serves as a lens into human behavior and allows the audience to safely explore their feelings around animal equality and why they choose to eat animals. A dark comedy, Sanctuary tells the story of Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), a happily married couple whose blissful retirement to small-town Oregon is thrown into disarray when Lisa suddenly decides to go vegan and insists on celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey AND alongside her new friend and animal activist, Meg (Jasmin Singer). Husband Richard invites his unsuspecting buddy Charley (Michael Harren), who also happens to be the local exterminator, in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Sanctuary tells the story behind the struggles and joys of navigating vegan ethics around loved ones who don’t quite understand. (Sound effects are by Emmy winner Eric Milano.) “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests. But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” – John Yunker Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part throu
Sat, November 21, 2020
Episode 567: Living Future ft Melissa Hoffman and Shawn Smith
This week we’re pleased to feature Shawn Smith and Melissa Hoffman of LivingFuture Foundation . The two live on SHO Farm , a 1300-acre regenerative vegan farm in Vermont, where they farm and steward the land so that all occupants can coexist in harmony. Shawn and Melissa are passionate about the long-term viability of food-medicine agriculture and the ecosystems that support life on our delicate, yet resilient, planet. Melissa is the creative force behind SHO Farm and is a perennial, plant-based chef and educator dedicated to the relationship between living land systems and the rich traditions of global plant-based gastronomy. Shawn is an animal rights activist, a lawyer, a real estate professional, and runs the Sanctuary at SHO—home to a rescued flock of ducks. Today, Shawn and Melissa are sharing the details of their wildlife integrated approach to farming and the techniques they use to achieve their goals and further their central purpose. Highlighting the importance of understanding how ecosystems function, they discuss how we can eliminate the use of animals and still feed a growing population by redesigning the way we live and farm. Shawn also explains how SHO Farm disrupted the cycle of violence from another farm by not only rescuing ducks who were on their way to slaughter, but finding non-lethal and caring solutions when rats decided to make the duck barn their home. In this week’s segment to support vegan businesses, we’re showing some love to Renegade Food, which makes 100% plant-based organic smoked meats with the belief that eating well should be easy and taste delicious, as well as to four children’s picture books from Eifrig Publishing by 19 year old author Lotus Kay and illustrator Chey Diehl , including the very timely A Thanksgiving for the Turkeys . “There’s a movement called regenerative vegan. We’re still looking at regenerating ourselves, our communities, and the ecosystem, but we’re doing it in a way that does not use animals.” – Melissa Hoffman This Week in Our Hen House: Bringing together the worlds of homestead farms, veganic farming, and the regenerative vegan movement How sanctuary animals have become partners on SHO Farm</
Sat, November 14, 2020
Episode 566: Nourishment from Within ft Haile Thomas
At just 19 years old, Haile Thomas is already an international speaker, wellness activist, vegan advocate, and the author of Living Lively: 80 Plant-Based Recipes to Activate Your Power and Feed Your Potential . Needless to say, we are thrilled that she is joining us on Our Hen House this week. Haile is the founder and CEO of HAPPY (Healthy, Active, Positive, Purposeful, Youth), a non-profit organization—founded when she was only 12 years old—that seeks to redefine youth empowerment through education and offers affordable peer-to-peer plant-based nutritional education. The youngest person to graduate as a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach in the United States, Haile spreads her message of empowerment and happiness from within everyday on social media with the tagline “Let’s Grow Together.” On today’s interview, Haile shares her story of how she became passionate about holistic wellness and how the foods we eat deeply affect us in so many ways. She talks about her journey thus far (including the frightening event that motivated her to research the benefits of living plant-based), and the inspiration behind HAPPY and its work to nurture and guide the next generation towards becoming happy, informed, and active world citizens. We also discuss what we mean, and what we should mean, when we talk about “self-care,” how to find ways of taking care of yourself that actually work for YOU, and ways to help you avoid succumbing when you feel overwhelmed. In this week’s “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses” segment, we’re shouting out Misha’s Kind Foods and Lily’s Vegan Pantry, both of which are open for online ordering and shipping. Misha’s is a Black-owned plant-based company that makes artisan non-dairy cheeses and cheese spreads. Lily’s Vegan Pantry is a family owned and operated business located in the heart of Chinatown, New York City. Their goal is to offer a wide range of healthy, delicious and enjoyable vegan alternatives. Formerly known as May Wah Market, it was one of Jasmin and Mariann’s favorite shopping haunts when they lived in NYC! “Veganism has been the catalyst for my spiritual growth and finding what really aligns with me. I think that is what veganism encourages and supports, really stepping into your own unique path, listening to your body, and finding what works for you. “ – Haile Thomas This Week in Our Hen House: The three keys to the HAPPY philosophy and why Haile feels they are central to her purpose</li
Sat, November 07, 2020
Episode 565: A Modern Horror Story ft Juliet Gellatley
Juliet Gellatley joins the podcast today and we seriously couldn’t be more excited about this conversation. She’s the founder and director of Viva! , a campaigning charity that has been a foundational force for the advances for veganism and animal rights in the UK and elsewhere (and also kicked off Jasmin ‘s career in animal rights!). Long before many others got on board, Viva! was focusing on ending the abuse of animals exploited and killed for food and promoting a vegan diet. Among other things, we discuss HOGWOOD: A Modern Horror Story , a short film that details a groundbreaking investigation of a notorious UK pig “farm” by Viva!, along with the subsequent campaign that led to the to the facility’s demise. Part of that discussion is how to overcome the fundamental problem of animal rights campaigning — what is happening to animals is so awful that people can just shut down and refuse to watch films depicting it. Perhaps most importantly, we talk about how Viva! managed to bring enormous attention to the film and the horrors it depicts, and to distribute it via the major streaming platforms. This is incredibly effective activism! Juliet also discusses why people in the UK, a country known for, and proud of, its love of animals, believe that they have much better standards for the treatment of farmed animals than most countries, why they are sadly mistaken, and how to disabuse them of that false notion. Juliet directs all aspects of Viva!, from campaigning, to writing articles, to giving public talks, and organizing fundraising events. She also founded and directs its health arm, Viva!Health , which concentrates on campaigning on health and nutrition. She has investigated many farms, revealing devastating animal cruelty, and is also the author of several books, including the The Livewire Guide to Going, Being and Staying Veggie, Born to be Wild: The Livewire Guide to Saving Animals , and, along with Tony Wardle, The Silent Ark . In this week’s “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses” segment,
Sat, October 31, 2020
Episode 564: Plant Based News ft Robbie Lockie
It’s Jasmin’s birthday and also the beginning of Our Hen House’s end of year fundraising! Between now and December 31 our Barnyard Benefactors will donate $20,000, IF (and it’s a big if) that amount is matched by our listeners. Also, this year we’re thrilled announce that there’s a separate anonymous donor who’s willing to match ANOTHER $20,000. This means that, if we meet our $20,000 goal from out listeners, every dollar that comes in will be TRIPLED! So if you want to show your support for responsible, pro-animal, women-run, vegan media, now is a great time to donate. In this week’s Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses, we’re shouting out Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats and Fare Well Diner , amazing vegan dining spots in Washington, DC launched by Doron Petersan. We also celebrate Simply Pure , a Black-owned vegan cafe in Las Vegas, and White Rhino , a vegan leather bag and accessory company, also Black-owned. Robbie Lockie is on the podcast today. He co-founded the incredibly valuable online platform Plant Based News to publish news important to those who care about animals and veganism, and recently received the Compassionate Business Award from PETA. He has been involved in several online animal equality campaigns, including Move Your Money, a charity that helps to raise awareness about ethical banking, and coproducing the documentary SWINE for Viva! Robbie joins us today to discuss why so many of our current problems are rooted in animal agriculture and how to get people to understand the links among animal suffering, health, the environment and what they eat. He shares why he was inspired to found Plant Based News, how it works to spread the news important to vegans and why Plant Based News is a “trojan horse,” using all the tactics of modern media to plant ideas into people’s minds about the joy of conscious living and a plant-based lifestyle in a way that draws people in rather than turns them off. “Every single sentient being on this world is unique, everyone has their own life with their own thoughts, with their own dreams, with their own feelings of fear and loneliness and every single beautiful being is a gift from our universe. Each of us emerges from the void precious in our nature and as human beings we ar
Sat, October 24, 2020
Episode 563: HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene ft. Jo-Anne McArthur
Jasmin and Mariann kick the show off with a discussion of Jasmin’s trip to the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and her visit with her namesake pig. They also chat about My Octopus Teacher , the Netflix documentary, what Jasmin got out of watching it, her reservations about it, and why Mariann is reluctant to give it a try. Mariann delves into a quick discussion of animal philosophy and discusses eminent philosopher Martha Nussbaum’ s recent online lecture on her “capabilities” approach to understanding our obligations to animals. This week’s vegan businesses are Seasoned Vegan , where you can eat delicious soul food in Harlem, along with its Super Vegan Market , the go-to place to order vegan products for delivery nationwide, Rescue Chocolate , an artisan chocolate company which donates all net profits to animal rescue, and VegEvents.com which helps people find vegan events where they can connect with their peeps. Today’s guest is Jo-Anne McArthur, an award-winning photographer, and author, who, through We Animals Media , records our complex relationship with animals in over sixty countries worldwide. She was the subject of the critically acclaimed 2013 documentary The Ghosts in Our Machine , which followed her as she documented the suffering of exploited animals. Jo-Anne’s latest book is HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene , in which she brought together the work of 30 photojournalists recording the plight of animals in numerous settings around the world. Jo-Anne joins Jasmin today to discuss why, despite her experience of the dark parts of life, she thinks that we live in a beautiful world and how that belief forms part of her coping mechanism needed to do the difficult work of documenting the suffering of animals. She gives us the low-down on her new book HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene, and how it aims to break through the wall of denial and help to achieve justice. Jo-Anne also discusses the connection between COVID-19 and animals and whether she thinks
Sat, October 17, 2020
Episode 562: Are There Really Too Many Animals? ft. Stephanie Boyles Griffin
Jasmin and Mariann start off the show with a report from Jasmin on her disturbing discovery from a Facebook group that a local dairy farm is endorsing The Three Percenters, a far right militia group. Yikes! She also tells us about her efforts to educate folks about the enthusiasm of white supremacists for the dairy industry. In this week’s featured vegan businesses include Maya’s Cookies , a San Diego based vegan cookie company that ships nationwide, and VegeTaryn , a vegan ethically made fair-trade clothing company. Today’s guest, Stephanie Boyles Griffin, has worked with federal and state agencies, non-governmental agencies, businesses, and communities for over 20 years to develop and implement humane, sustainable wildlife management programs and policies. She currently serves as the Senior Scientist for the Wildlife Protection Department at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and is the Science & Policy Director of the Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control . She is committed to finding workable solutions that allow wildlife and human communities to exist alongside one another. Stephanie and Mariann discuss what it means when people say a certain species, whether elephants, or kangaroos, or pigeons or wild horses or white tail deer, or whoever, is “overpopulated” and why it is so important, and very often entirely possible, to not only minimize the conflicts between humans and the animals they live alongside but to learn to live in peace with them in a humane, sustainable, effective way. Even when real problems do appear, non-lethal solutions exist and can be used, even for animals often referred to as “pests” or “vermin.” Stephanie shares why it is so important for individuals to learn how to identify the “problems” with wildlife in their community and how to work with wildlife organizations to find the best solutions. Stephanie also discusses the use of contraceptives for controlling populations of wild animals, including the ethical conflicts that arise when those contraceptives are based on animal products. “Animals are responding to an invitation; they’re responding to landscape changes that make our communities overwhelmingly wonderful places for them to live. There’s just a little bit of effort needed on our part to want to share the wor
Sat, October 10, 2020
Episode 561: Supporting Plant-Based Companies ft. Amy Trakinski
“Sustainability” is the word of the week, as Jasmin takes a trip to Vermont to check out a few Net Zero homes and consider her next move. Although Vermont was as lovely and progressive as expected, sadly the dairy industry is alive and well, striking a discordant note. Speaking of self-sustained living reminds Mariann of The Good Life , by Helen and Scott Nearing, which is about the couple’s sixty years of self-sustained, and vegan, living in New England. In Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses we’re shouting out Demi Blue Natural Nails , a Black-owned vegan nail polish company in St. Louis, as well as Impact Veganics , a vegan deodorant company that’s currently donating 100% of profits to animal rights organizations. Last (but not least!), we’re promoting Honest Pastures which offers plant-based meat approved by happy animals. They’re offering a special discount for Our Hen House listeners — use code “ourhenhouse” for 10% off your entire order. Our guest this week is Amy Trakinski, the Managing Director at VegInvest , a vegan investment fund that provides early-stage capital to companies striving to replace animal products. She is a passionate animal activist and lawyer who spent 18 years litigating on behalf of animal protection organizations as a partner in the animal law firm, Egert and Trakinski. Amy also serves on the boards of Animal Outlook and Animal Welfare Trust , organizations that align with her values of promoting the animal protection community, working to end animal abuse, and promoting a vegan lifestyle. Amy joins the show to dive into the details of her role at VegInvest and their mission to invest in and support companies innovating in the alternative protein space. She discusses her personal awakening to animals and why she finds it so inspiring to work with small, mission-based companies looking to scale and bring a plant-based diet into the mainstream. Amy also shares what she’s most excited about in terms of upcoming vegan companies and products and where she thinks plant-based food will be ten years from now. “The world is literally on fire, and animal agriculture is so harmful to us, to the animals, and to the planet, that we need to work as quic
Sat, October 03, 2020
Episode 560: Food is a Tool ft. Olympia Auset
Jasmin and Mariann are all fired up about a recent New York Times article that discusses the new book, The Secret Life of Groceries , by Benjamin Lorr. In exploring the ethical dilemmas regarding the food we buy at grocery stores, it not only comes to some pretty weak conclusions regarding animal agriculture, but conveniently fails to come up with satisfactory (or any!) solutions. So everyone is off the hook regarding what they eat? We don’t think so! In the “Our Hen House Supports Vegan Businesses” segment, we’re shouting out My Cat Jeoffry Books , a bookstore and cat cafe in Phoenix, AZ. We’re also shining a light on Good Girl Chocolate , a Black owned vegan chocolate company that can ship chocolate anywhere in the US, and Shared Planet, a new vegan beauty brand. We are thrilled that Olympia Auset is on the show today, and we’re pretty sure you will be too! Olympia grew up in Los Angeles and returned to live in South Central after studying at Howard University. Although in college she had started following a plant-based diet, when she returned home she found it nearly impossible to obtain healthy food at a reasonable price. Not one to give up, in 2016 Olympia founded SÜPRMARKT , a low-cost organic grocery service that aims to be an oasis in the food desert and make fresh, healthy, vegan food readily available to all. SÜPRMARKT has distributed over 35,000 pounds of organic produce through its pop-up markets and weekly delivery service and is currently fundraising to open the first vegan organic grocery store in South Central. Olympia also serves on the board of Co+opportunity , a community-owned food cooperative based in California. Olympia joins us today to discuss food apartheid and why not having easy access to healthy food and fresh produce has a long term impact on the health of a community. She shares why she began to follow a plant-based diet in college, how her motivations gradually shifted and broadened, and why she is so passionate about educating people about the link between diet and preventable disease. Olympia also discusses how she hopes to expand the work that SÜPRMARKT has done to maximize access to organic produce by providing food scholarships to help make health and healing available to the communities that need it most. “Food is a tool; it can either be a weapon for the destruction of people or be use
Sat, September 26, 2020
Episode 559: Adventures of a Farmed Animal Protection Lawyer ft. Peter Brandt
Before we get to the interview, we have a few things to chat about. Our big news is that Jasmin recently recorded her audiobook for her forthcoming (in December) book, The Veg News Guide To Being a Fabulous Vegan, which she wrote in conjunction with VegNews Magazine . Although the book is fun and colorful and full of recipes, she was reminded while reading it aloud that it also covers many deadly serious topics, from factory farming, to climate change, to fur, to virtually every aspect of animal exploitation. She hopes so much that it will help people realize what’s happening and motivate them to change. Jasmin and Mariann then admit to each other that, while they’re both longing to get out of the house and safely do things and go places, they’ve been hunkered down for so long that some sort of agoraphobia has set in. What’s that all about?!? Jasmin also recounts a particularly frustrating conversation about COVID-caution with her particularly frustrating brother, and Mariann offers her thoughts on the normalization of violence against animals and how people tend to think of going vegan as something akin to becoming a nun — a virtuous thing, but not necessarily for me. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment, we’re enthusing about Sammantha Fisher’s animal photography. We’re also shouting out Feather Roof , an Etsy jewelry store, and This Girl’s Grub , a Black-owned Chicago-based business offering vegan meal plans, a daily menu that can be delivered to your door (in the Chicago area), catering, and more! Peter Brandt is our guest today. He’s the Senior Attorney for Farm Animal Litigation at the Humane Society of the United States and has played an instrumental role in fighting some of the most challenging cases of animal abuse in the last ten years. Currently, he conducts precedent-setting legal campaigns in state and federal courts all over the USA. Peter’s new book, Indefensible: Adventures of a Farm Animal Protection Lawyer , is part memoir, part manifesto and chronicles the development of his awareness of factory farming and the harm it does not only to animals but to human health and the environment, es
Sat, September 19, 2020
Episode 558: Black Lives Matter, Animal Activism, and Healing the World ft. Gwenna Hunter
First, we hear how Jasmin’s dogs and cat are adapting to upstate New York after life in LA. The chihuahuas may or may not hate the rain, but at least they perked up when they were included on a trip to the local drive-in theater, where they met up with Mariann and some friends to watch Slap Shot . Everyone had a blast. In other news, Mariann and Jasmin both recently read an article in the New York Times about a World War 2 refugee camp for Jews rescued from concentration camps. This turns the conversation to darker topics, including the current state of the world, from politics to climate. From the fires in the west to the tropical storms approaching the Gulf, it’s hard to know where to turn. Thinking of moving, Mariann wonders where is safe and posits that maybe we should just all hit the road. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment, we’re shouting out Charlies Acres Sanctuary in Sonoma, CA, as well as Azzizah’s Herbal Green Popcorn , Hella Nuts and L’ Artisane Bakery . The guest this week, Gwenna Hunter, is the founder of Vegans Of LA and coordinator of community engagement and events for Greater Los Angeles at Vegan Outreach . She recently started a Facebook Group called Vegans for Black Lives Matter to engage with the vegan community and share information and events that support the BLM movement. Gwenna is passionate about helping people understand the truth about animals and gives talks that educate and inspire people to incorporate more plants and fewer animals into their diet and lifestyle. In this episode Gwenna tells us why she felt an unstoppable urge to create Vegans for Black Lives Matter and why she feels that animal rights and antiracism connect and complement each other in meaningful ways. We discuss the toxicity that often surrounds conversations online, particularly when talking about multifaceted issues such as animal and race activism, and how she manages that toxicity without getting overwhelmed. Gwenna also shares how she goes about introducing the topic
Sat, September 12, 2020
Episode 557: State Your Grand Intention ft. Jane Velez-Mitchell
Jasmin has landed safely at her new home in the Catskills and is bubbling over about the hiking trails and her new neighbors, who include woodchucks and bunnies. While she’s waiting for her things to arrive, she has caught up in person with Mariann and, most important, with Rose. They have been putting in place the social distancing rules of their COVID Pod, and future events include the local drive-in movie and maybe even some in-person podcast recording. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment we’re shouting out Veggie Victory , Nigeria’s first vegan restaurant, E co Lips , a vegan organic lip balm, and NuVegan , a family owned restaurant with three locations in the Washington, DC area. For the interview, Jasmin is joined by Jane Velez-Mitchell, the founder of JaneUnChained , the popular social media news outlet that produces original video content on animal rights and the vegan lifestyle. Previously a news anchor at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles, WCBS-TV in New York, and CNN’s HLN, she currently hosts New Day New Chef , a fun plant-based cooking show available on Amazon Prime. Jane has won four Genesis Awards from the Humane Society of the United States, and in 2015, she received the Nanci Alexander Animal Activist Award. In this episode, Jane shares what she has focused on during the Covid-19 quarantine period, which include a mind-boggling number of projects rooted in fighting the devastation wrought by animal agriculture and supporting the joys of the vegan lifestyle. Of course, Jane Unchained continues to produce its groundbreaking daily vegan cooking show on Facebook. She also tells us about the Covid edition of her Amazon Prime cooking show, i.e. , New Day New Chef Support and Feed Edition, which reports on those who are helping those in need during the current crisis. Jane also discusses the documentary she directed, Countdown to Year Zero, and explains why 2026 is the critical year in terms of triggering or preventing an environmental apocalypse, and how the key to a positive outcome is for everyone to stop eating animals. “A great change comes with grand intentions – you have to state what you want, and what we want is a vegan world.” – Jane Velez-Mitchell This Week
Sat, September 05, 2020
Episode 556: It’s a Dog’s Umwelt ft Alexandra Horowitz
Jasmin is still driving cross-country in the RV(egan), but will finally be getting to her new home in a few days. Surprisingly, she’s been able to do more curbside vegan shopping while on the road than she thought was possible. Along the way she stopped at Nooch in Denver, 10th Street Diner in Indianapolis, and was greeted with a latte and some vegan snacks from Mud Pie Bakery when she met up with family in Kansas City. Throughout the country Jasmin has noticed the avalanche of competing presidential candidate support signs and has been thinking about some of the similarities of this year’s election politics and animal activism. Mariann, stuck at home, is worrying about mice in the house, the virus, current political tensions, climate change, and the end of summer and is getting a bit overwhelmed. But! Jasmin will be nearby soon and they both can’t wait to hang out. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment we’re shouting out Qltykntrl (pronounced “Quality Control”) which was founded in 2018 and is a Black owned Las Vegas based streetwear brand focused on raising vegan aWEARness. Creating bold designs with a purpose, supporters of all forms of animal liberation activism, from direct action to marches to demos to outreach to lobbying to bearing witness to the slaughter of innocents, QltyKntrl provides designs for the army of activists fighting the war towards animal liberation. F**k speciesism. Today we welcome Alexandra Horowitz to the podcast. She has long been fascinated by the mind of the dog, and her extensive academic research is aimed at answering the question of what it’s like in a dog’s world. She has written three books on dogs, Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know , Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell , and, most recently, Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond , all of which seek to illuminate
Sat, August 29, 2020
Episode 555: How Effective Research Impacts Animal Advocacy ft Brooke Haggerty and Jo Anderson
In the opening of the show, Mariann touches base with Jasmin, who is currently on the road on her way to New York in an RV(egan). Jasmin tells us how her 3 dogs and cat are handling the trip, the ups and downs of cooking and eating all the occasionally weird food she packed in case Covid made buying food too difficult, and plans to visit Nooch in Denver to do a curbside shopping trip. While the road trip is long and moving is stressful, so far the incredible scenery along the way is making up for it. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment we’re shouting out Passion Placement , a job board and community focused on connecting people looking for work with mission-driven organizations supporting sustainable living, animal advocacy and environmentalism. We’re also pleased to tell you about Dodah’s Kitchen, which makes vegan soul food and desserts inspired by Afro-vegan traditions, with a mission of making veganism both accessible and delicious. We have two guests this week! Brooke Haggerty is the Executive Director of Faunalytics and has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her previous roles in the animal advocacy arena include serving as executive director for the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) and being a humane educator for the Animal Protection and Rescue League . Jo Anderson is the Research Director at Faunalytics, and she seeks to empower the animal advocacy community with empirical research and data. She is also co-leader of the RECAP (Research to End Consumption of Animal Products) researcher collective and is an Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University, Ottawa. Brooke and Jo join Jasmin today to discuss Faunalytics’ mission to empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering. They share their research findings on why people leave animal advocacy careers and the patterns that affect retention in advocacy organizations. Brooke and Jo also discuss how to support diversity and inclusion in the animal rights movement and how people can work from within to create an equitable space using research. Wondering whether to say “plant-based” or “vegan”? They also share the findings on that. “Do the research. What does the research say? Whatever type of animal advocacy organization you’re running, there is research
Sat, August 22, 2020
Episode 554: The Vegucated Family Table ft. Marisa Miller Wolfson
Jasmin and Mariann open the show with a review of the National Geographic mini-documentary, Akashinga: The Brave Ones , which follows a group of women fighting poachers in Zimbabwe and why they are so committed to the cause of protecting and preserving elephants from extinction. They also discuss the hot-button issue of mask-wearing and how navigating the conversation around this new norm sometimes feels frustratingly like discussions about veganism. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment, we’re shouting out VedgeCo , a bulk plant-based food delivery that caters to both consumers and restaurants and sells only products from 100% plant-based brands at discounted bulk rates. We’re also featuring the Southern Roots Vegan Bakery , a Black-owned online vegan baked goods company that recreates southern classics and ships them nationwide from San Antonio, Texas. If there’s a vegan business you think we should know about, go to our Vegan Businesses Support Form and fill it out! Animal activist Marisa Miller Wolfson is the co-author, along with Laura Delhauer, of The Vegucated Family Table , which provides vegan parents with a comprehensive recipe-filled resource. She is also the creator of Vegucated, the award-winning feature-length documentary that follows three New Yorkers who try a vegan diet for six weeks, and has led workshops and given talks about the ethical vegan lifestyle all over North America. Marisa joins the show today to delve into why she was inspired to create The Vegucated Family Table as a go-to reference for plant-based parents looking for ways to feed their vegan kids from weaning to elementary school, and why so many folks have reached out to her, eager for the book’s detailed information. As the mother of two, she shares her tips and tricks for introducing new foods to her own children and offers advice on the best way to transition your family to an ethical vegan diet. Marisa also discusses why carnism is currently the mainstream way of eating and why, in addition to her passion for animals, she is deeply committed to fighting climate change through her own vegan lifestyle and by educating others on why it is critical to adapt the way we live to protect our planet. “ We wan
Sat, August 15, 2020
Episode 553: Ending Animal Experimentation ft. Kathrin Herrmann
Jasmin and Mariann open the show discussing a recent article Jasmin edited for Kinder Beauty’s blog about how China is updating its regulations regarding testing cosmetics on animals, which could have enormous impact worldwide on the number of animals suffering in testing labs. Mariann then talks about dealing with the chaos of today’s political climate and the pandemic and how it is taking a toll on everyone, herself included. What to do with the anxiety? One solution seems to be to focus on our companion animals — one more way in which they rescue us all! Jasmin notes the importance of gratitude and remembering that, when when you can’t control the circumstances around you, you can at least try to control how you react to them. In this week’s Vegan Businesses segment, we’re shouting out The Land of Kush , the ultimate soul food experience in Baltimore, along with The Greener Kitchen , which is a cooperative of Baltimore plant-based businesses. In honor of World Elephant Day, we suggest checking out Dr. Tusk’s grooming products — they donate a portion of their profits to save and protect elephants. If there’s a vegan business you think we should know about, go to our Vegan Businesses Support Form and fill it out! Kathrin Herrmann is our guest this week. She’s a veterinarian and assistant scientist at the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) , at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and has recently contributed to and co-edited Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change, which brings together 51 experts to review current animal use in science, present new approaches, and offer a roadmap toward the elimination of animal experimentation. The use of animals in science has been her primary focus since she worked as a research fellow at the Animals Scientific Procedures Inspectorate in Berlin, and she is an accredited European Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law with the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine. Kathrin advocates for openness and public engagement in the animal experimentation discussion and works to raise awareness of the role veterinarians should play as animal advocates. In this episode, we discuss why this is such an important moment to bring together the voices of those who question th
Sat, August 08, 2020
Episode 552: Animal Activism Grows in Mexico ft. Antonio Franyuti of Animal Heroes
Jasmin starts off the show with how excited she is about a new article, Using Research and Data to Create an Inclusive Animal Rights Movement, which is part of Encompass Essays , the new collaboration among Our Hen House, Encompass and Sentient Media that Jasmin is editing. Then, putting on her actor hat, she’s tickled pink about booking a national commercial and explains how she tried hard to bring animal activism and veganism into the improvised shoot! In other news, Mariann is complaining about her poison ivy but raving about the new German film Butenland from filmmaker Marc Pierschel (check him out on Episode 408! ). Butenland, available on Amazon and Vimeo , tells the inspiring story of how a passionate animal rights advocate and a soon-to-be ex-dairy-farmer came together to save his cows from slaughter and found a sanctuary. Check out the trailer , and you will certainly want to watch the whole thing! Of course, we’re still supporting and shouting out vegan businesses, so if there’s one you think we should know about, go to our Vegan Businesses Support Form and fill it out. Today we’re shouting out black-owned Redefine Your Mind , along with Compassion Co and Wilma Bakes Cakes Then, Jasmin welcomes Antonio Franyuti for the interview. Antonio is the president of Animal Heroes , which is committed to improving the treatment of animals across Mexico. Antonio lives in Mexico City and has been an animal rights activist for over 15 years, but, since founding Animal Heroes, has really upped his game. Currently, he is working with his team to plan strategic campaigns to pass legislation that will protect animals now and far into the future. Antonio shares Animal Heroes’ already
Sat, August 01, 2020
Episode 551: Why People Love and Exploit Animals ft. Kristof Dhont and Gordon Hodson
In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin discuss the huge coronavirus outbreaks at slaughterhouses and talk about some Bloomberg reporting regarding how the meat industry is just not going to do anything about it. They also reflect on how they both recently watched Christopher Robin to cheer themselves up during this challenging time and to feel not quite so weird about their deep attachment to their own stuffed loved ones. In our continuing effort to support vegan businesses, Jasmin is shouting out Happy Ice LA . If you’re looking for a summer treat and you’re in Los Angeles, do yourself a flavor and grab a Happy Ice! Lastly folks, don’t forget to Register to Vote! Kristof Dhont , PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Kent and the founder and director of SHARKLab , a research group that studies human intergroup and human-animal relations. He has a particular interest in the psychological and ideological roots of speciesism, racism, and sexism. Gordon Hodson , PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at Brock University in St Catherines, Ontario, where he directs the Brock Lab of Intergroup Processes . His main research interest is political ideology and its relationship to prejudice, intelligence, and climate change denial. Kristof and Gordon have recently edited, and contributed to, a book entitled Why We Love and Exploit Animals: Bridging Insights from Academia and Activism . Kristof and Gordon join the show today to delve into why they wanted to bring together perspectives from academics and animal advocates on why so many people are able to be involved in the exploitation of animals for food, clothing, and entertainment while also professing to love animals. They discuss how we can better understand our relationship with animals through well established findings in political psychology and how maintaining speciesism comes at a psychological cost to individuals who must maintain the denial necessary to continue behaviors deleterious to animals. Kristof and Gordon also share their thoughts on how animal advocates can structure their m
Sat, July 25, 2020
Episode 550: How Dogs Saved My Life ft. Zach Skow
In the intro to the show Mariann talks to Jasmin about her new favorite book, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead , by Nobel Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk, and what a pleasure it is to read a book that really gets it about animals. Jasmin announces that she’ll likely be participating in The Goat Games , a virtual event that challenges participants to finish a 5-kilometer run, walk, bike, hike, or swim at a location of their choosing between August 8 and 16 to raise funds for Catskill Animal Sanctuary . Recently, Catskill, like many other sanctuaries, has lost 30% of it’s funding due to COVID-19. Then, in our continued effort to support vegan-owned businesses, we’re shouting out Charlie Fyffe and his amazing guide to 70+ Black owned vegan businesses in Los Angeles. Over 70! Then, Jasmin talks to Zach Skow. Zach is the founder of Marley’s Mutts , an animal shelter with a difference in Kern County, California. He turned to his dogs to help him when his diagnosis with end-stage liver disease meant that he ha
Sat, July 18, 2020
Episode 549: The Ethics Behind Animal Planet’s Saved by the Barn ft. Kelly Holt and Dan McKernan
In the intro to the show Jasmin announces that she’s moving back to New York, so start spreading the news! Jasmin and Mariann also announce their new Director of Operations, Jen Riley. Jen is a long time animal rights activist and organizer and has long been the mastermind behind the Animal Rights Conference . In other exciting news, Jasmin will be speaking at the Farmed Animal Conference E-Summit . This year the summit will be happening virtually. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out the LA Food Truck, Lettuce Feast . Then, Jasmin speaks with Kelly Holt and Dan McKernan, stars of Animal Planet’s Saved by the Barn and founders of Barn Sanctuary , in Chelsea, MI, which has rescued around 400 farmed animals from abuse and neglect. They launched Barn Sanctuary from Dan’s family farm after the decision to go vegan inspired them to look into the treatment of farmed animals across the world. Their mission is to give their rescued animals a safe place to live out the rest of their lives, and with their Animal Planet show, they want to show how wonderful these animals are and how they deserve to not end up on someone’s plate. Kelly and Dan join us to share why they gave up their jobs in marketing and technology, respectively, to open a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals. They share how the series Saved by the Barn came into being after Dan’s picture of a tender moment with one of the cows went viral, why he rigorously interviewed all of the production companies that wanted to make the show, and the conditions he imposed during filming. Kelly also shares why she feels it’s so important to connect and work together with other farm sanctuaries and organizations to build a collaborative wa
Sat, July 11, 2020
Episode 548: Liz Marshall on her new film, Meat the Future
This week Mariann talks to filmmaker Liz Marshall about her new film Meat the Future , a documentary about the “cultivated meat” revolution in food production. Liz talks about the making of the film, the impact she hopes it will have, and trying to market a film during a global pandemic. Liz Marshall is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker. Since the 1990s she has written, produced, directed, and filmed diverse international and socially conscious documentaries. Her work has been released theatrically, been broadcast globally, made available digitally, and has screened for hundreds of grassroots communities around the globe. Marshall’s visionary feature-length films explore social justice and environmental themes driven by strong characters. The impact of Liz’s critically acclaimed documentary The Ghosts In Our Machine (2013) is reflected in an extensive global evaluation report funded by the Doc Society. Marshall’s current feature documentary Meat The Future (2020), chronicles the birth of the “clean” “cultured” “cell – based” meat industry in America through the eyes of pioneer Dr. Uma Valeti. Previous titles include Midian Farm (2018), Water On The Table (2010), the HIV/AIDS trilogy for the Stephen Lewis Foundation (2007), the War Child Canada/MuchMusic special Musicians in the Warzone (2001) , and the 1995 music documentary archive of folk – icon Ani DiFranco. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann debate the idea of a vegan company hiring non-vegan employees, and a recent “article” from Safeway in the Washington Times about plant-based foods. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Sam & Gertie’s Vegan Jewish Deli and Uptown Veg . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! This episode is brought to you in part by the Barnard Medical Center. To set up a telehealth appointment today call 202-527-7500 or create an account on pcrm.org . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the g
Sat, July 04, 2020
Episode 547: Deb Olin Unferth on her chicken liberation novel, Barn 8
This week Mariann talks to author and activist Deb Olin Unferth about her new novel, Barn 8 , and how she came to the story of auditors going rogue and plotting to free one million chickens. She delves into the research she did leading up to writing the book, how her investigations into the egg industry informed the book, and the inspiration she took from recording the chatter of chickens. Deb Olin Unferth is the author of six books, including the novel Barn 8, which grew out of research she did on the U.S. egg industry . Her essays and fiction have appeared in Harper’s, the New York Times, The Paris Review, Granta, Vice, and McSweeney’s . She has received a Guggenheim fellowship, three Pushcart Prizes, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. She is an associate professor at the University of Texas in Austin. She also runs the Pen City Writers, a creative writing program for incarcerated writers in south Texas. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann present virtually at Main Street Vegan Academy, Jasmin’s interview with Joaquin Phoenix is now available, and Mariann recorded a new Animal Law Podcast episode. We also talk about the new collection of essays Jasmin edited for Encompass and the ongoing quarantine. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Compton Vegan . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! This episode is brought to you in part by the Barnard Medical Center. To set up a telehealth appointment today call 202-527-7500 or create an account on pcrm.org . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.or
Sat, June 27, 2020
Episode 546: Dr. Neal Barnard on his new book, Your Body In Balance
This week Jasmin speaks with Dr. Neal Barnard about his new book Your Body In Balance and how some of the common health conditions that people face may be the result of hormone imbalances caused by foods we eat. Dr. Barnard also tells us about how P hysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is responding in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and the challenges of and opportunities for tele-health services during the Coronavirus pandemic. Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dr. Barnard has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, and chronic pain, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that paved the way for viewing type 2 diabetes as a potentially reversible condition for many patients. Dr. Barnard has authored more than 90 scientific publications and 20 books for medical and lay readers, and is the editor in chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, a textbook made available to all U.S. medical students. As president of the Physicians Committee, Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. His research contributed to the acceptance of plant-based diets in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2015, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2016, he founded the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, DC, as a model for making nutrition a routine part of all medical care. Working with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the American Medical Association, Dr. Barnard has authored key resolutions, now part of AMA policy, calling for a new focus on prevention and nutrition in federal policies and in medical practice. In 2018, he received the Medical Society of the District of Columbia’s Distinguished Service Award. He has hosted four PBS television programs on nutrition and health. In the intro to the show, we play a sample of a new song from Neal Barnard’s band, CarbonWorks . Then, Jasmin and Mariann reflect on the tragic death of animal activist Regan Russell, and the pain of grief. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Planet Protein , <a href="http://nina-raizel.com
Sat, June 20, 2020
Episode 545: David G. Brooks on The Grass Library
This week Mariann speaks with novelist and poet David G. Brooks about his new book, The Grass Library , his life-changing shift to veganism and animal-centric writing, his thoughts on anthropomorphism, and the devastating effects that Australia’s recent fires had on the animal population. David G. Brooks is a poet, novelist, short-fiction writer, and essayist. He has taught literature at various Australian universities, and from 1999 until 2018 was co-editor of Southerly, the premier journal of Australian literature and new Australian writing. Brooks’s work has been widely anthologized and translated, and has won or been shortlisted for numerous awards (the National Book Award, the NSW, WA and Queensland Premiers’ Awards, the Adelaide Festival Award, and an Australia Council Fellowship for his distinguished contribution to Australian and international literature, among others). His novel The Fern Tattoo was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin award, and The Sydney Morning Herald—which called Brooks “one of Australia’s most skilled, unusual and versatile writers”—described his poetry collection The Balcony as “an electric experience.” Currently honorary associate professor in Australian literature at the University of Sydney, Brooks is a vegan and animal rights advocate, and lives in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. In the intro to the show, Jasmin has an interesting intersection with a Trump relative, and Mariann and Jasmin discuss Mary Oliver and what to do with our wild, precious lives in the time of social change and Coronavirus. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Might Be Vegan , Vegan Wines , and Brewing Good Coffee Company . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! This episode is brought to you in part by the Barnard Medical Center. To set up a telehealth appointment today call 202-527-7500 or create an account on pcrm.org . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer .
Sat, June 13, 2020
Episode 544: Kristina Mering on International Animal Rights Movements
This week Mariann speaks with Kristina Mering, founder and president of the Estonian branch of Anima International , Nähtamatud Loomad . She discusses the work that she and her organization have done towards building an animal rights movement in Estonia and how the history of political and social change in the region has affected this movement, the ways that reform campaigns can and should co-exist with abolitionist veganism, and how vital her academic development has been to her activism. Kristina Mering is the founder and president of the Estonian branch of Anima International, Nähtamatud Loomad. She is also a sociologist with the focus on human-animal relations. She has been involved in the animal rights movement for almost 15 years starting as a teenager and helping to build up the animal rights movement in Estonia. Her organization was elected as the best NGO of 2019 in the country and she received the best volunteer coordinator award from the president of Estonia the year before that. She has conducted sociological research among slaughterhouse workers and fur industry representatives and her latest project is about the social norms regarding meat eating. She enjoys long-distance running and reads at least one book per week. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann discuss the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests and the challenge of how to talk to vegans who don’t recognize the importance of social justice movements. Then we present a reading by Z. Zane McNeill from Queer and Trans Voices: Achieving Liberation Through Consistent Anti-Oppression , the new anthology they co-edited with Julia Feliz Brueck and which includes a contribution from Jasmin! We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out VeeCoco , 24 Karrots Cafe, and Slutty Vegan in Atlanta. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! This episode is brought to you in part by the Barnard Medical Center. To set up a telehealth appointment today call 202-527-7500 or create an account on pcrm.org . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-co
Sat, June 06, 2020
Episode 543: Jim Richards of Milkadamia
This week Jasmin interviews Jim Richards, CEO of Milkadamia , about the origins of the company, why Milkadamia is so committed to making products without palm oil which is ravaging the planet , and why he is a big proponent of Regenerative Agriculture . Jim Richards is the Chicago-based CEO of Jindilli Beverages and milkadamia, the brand that melds an artisanal business aesthetic and nutritional desire with eco imperatives. The company produces a full line of macadamia nut-based milks, creamers and butters. Among his stops throughout his varied career, Jim has been an old style butcher, run a large New Zealand health food company, milked goats, owned an amphibious tour bus, created and manufactured breakfast cereal, introduced soy milk into New Zealand, and built and run a peanut butter factory in Papua New Guinea. In addition to his impressive business credentials, Jim is passionate about causes related to the current eco-crisis. He is one of the foremost proponents in the food sector of the farming process known as Regenerative Agriculture. Jim has published several Op-Eds about the impact that issues like the loss of carbon in our soils and the devastation of rainforests for palm oil production are having on the health of our planet. Jim also is a vocal opponent of the dairy industry, touting the company’s tagline “Moo Is Moot” in explaining why dairy milk is immaterial to our lives. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann discuss the Black Lives Matter protests currently happening all over the country, how animal activism and veganism are connected to all social justice movements and activism, and Jasmin’s exciting new project with Encompass. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Simply Mix , vegan drag queen Honey LaBronx , and Trio Plant Based . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! This episode is brought to you in part by the Barnard Medical Center. To set up a telehealth appointment today call 202-527-7500 or create an account on pcrm.org . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . <a href
Sat, May 30, 2020
Episode 542: Eva Meijer on Animal Languages and What They Are Saying to Us
This week Mariann interviews author and scholar Eva Meijer about her books When Animals Speak, Animal Languages, and Bird Cottage. Eva talks about how human perspectives on animal languages have helped to limit the rights of animals in political decisions and social policy, and the incredible recent discoveries that have been made about how non-human animals communicate with each other and how they attempt to communicate with humans. These books, and this conversation, explore the meaning of what language actually is. Eva Meijer is an artist, writer, philosopher and singer-songwriter. She wrote nine books and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. Her first novel Het schuwste dier (Prometheus) was published in 2011 and was nominated for the Academica Literatuurprijs, the Gouden Boekenuil and the Vrouw&Proza DebuutPrijs. Short stories and poems have been published in Dutch and Belgian literary magazines, such as De Revisor, Tirade and De Brakke Hond. Her second novel Dagpauwoog was published in November 2013, to critical acclaim. In 2016 the book Dierentalen (Animal Languages), a popular philosophical book about nonhuman animal languages and the question what language actually is, was published. Her third novel Het vogelhuis (Bird Cottage), was published in September 2016 and chosen as one of the books of the month by DWDD book panel on national television. It won the readers’ prize of the BNG Bank Literatuurprijs and has been nominated for the Libris Literatuurprijs, the ECI Literatuurprijs, the Vondel translation prize and the International Dublin Literary Award. Her academic work has been translated into French, Italian and Spanish. In September 2018 she began working as a postdoctoral researcher in a four year project about nonhuman animal agency in the Anthropocene at the University of Wageningen. She writes philosophical columns for Dutch newspaper Trouw . In the intro to the show, Mariann tries to watch the show “Sweet Magnolia” but is disgusted by the anti-animal references, Jasmin discusses the connections between HBO’s Westworld and animal agriculture, and we continue to anguish over the plight of animals during this pandemic. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Bodhi Bowl and Vegan Viridity . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! This episode is brought to you in part by the Barnard Medical Center. To set up a telehealth appointment today call
Sat, May 23, 2020
Episode 541: Merissa Underwood, the Vegan Miss Montana
This week Jasmin interviews Merissa Underwood , who was named Miss Montana 2020 and caused a stir in that state when she used her platform to talk about veganism, environmentalism and animal rights issues. Merissa tells the story of how she introduced these topics into the Miss Montana competition, the campaign of social media harrassment waged against her because of her outspoken veganism, and how her views about animals were shaped in part by her experience in the Future Farmers of America. Merissa Underwood is a Political Science major and Miss Montana USA 2020, she will be competing at Miss USA this coming fall. She has spent her entire life horseback riding competitively in 3-Day Eventing which led her to become an Animal Rights Activist & Environmentalist, volunteering with various animal rights & environmental organizations. She is passionate about raising awareness about the correlation between Factory Farming and Climate Change. Music has long been a love in her life; she is a poet, songwriter, and DJ in her spare time. In the intro to the show, Mariann examines the animal rights themes in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and Jasmin tries to get a question about veganism answered by Tara Brach. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out The Striped Cat Metalworks, All Y’alls Foods , and Bitchin’ Sauce . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.
Sat, May 16, 2020
Episode 540: Josh Berson on "The Meat Question"
This week Mariann interviews Josh Berson , author of The Meat Question, about what people really mean when they talk about a “paleolithic” diet, zoonotics and the role of animal-source foods in facilitating their leap into human populations, and why meat became regarded as what wealthy people ate. He also shares his insight about “street food,” and tells us why he is hopeful for the future. Josh Berson is an anthropologist and philosopher who has held appointments at the Berggruen Institute and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, among other places. His work develops a critical perspective on how socially patterned behavior mediates the coevolution of community, individual, and milieu over timespans of one day to 1 million years, with an emphasis on food, the ecology of peripersonal space, and relationships between humans and other living things. He is the author of The Meat Question (MIT Press, 2019) and Computable Bodies (Bloomsbury, 2015) and the forthcoming The Human Scaffold (University of California Press, 2021). In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin try to manage their anger towards people who aren’t wearing masks or practicing social distancing. Mariann reads an inspiring section from the book Living The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing, and poet Gretchen Primack reads her beautiful new poem “Covid.” We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Seva Foods , Odeene Soaps , and BeLeaf Vegan’s amazing egg substitute. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of <a hre
Sat, May 09, 2020
Episode 539: Artist Linda Brant and Psychologist Clare Mann
This week we have two interviews for you! First Jasmin interviews artist and psychologist Linda Brant about her recent project, Monument To Animals We Do Not Mourn . She talks about the creation of the project and some of the beautiful symbolism she incorporated into it. Jasmin and Linda also discuss the role of art in activism, and Linda talks about the odd process of collecting and cleaning animals bones–and how that act led to her becoming vegan! You can also learn how to participate in her upcoming project. Linda Brant is a visual artist and clinical psychologist based in Orlando, Florida. She maintains a private practice, teaches graduate-level courses in Psychology at Saybrook University, and serves as Psychological Consultant to Mills Gallery in Orlando, FL. Her art work focuses on honoring and memorializing animals that are not typically regarded as grievable. Brant’s work can be found in Margo DeMello’s text, Mourning Animals (2016) and in Antennae: The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture (Summer 2017). She has received two creativity grants from the Culture & Animals Foundation, partnering with Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York to build a monument dedicated To Animals We Do Not Mourn . Brant has exhibited her work in shows and galleries across the country including the Women’s Research Center Gallery at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL, the Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, IL, the J. K. and Sarah Galloway Foundation Gallery in Winter Park FL, and the Selby Gallery at Ringling College of Art and Design. She has won numerous awards for her work and has presented papers on her various projects at state and national conferences. Later in the episode, Mariann interviews Clare Mann , vegan psychologist and author of the new book Myths of Choice , who explains to us her theory of “life myths” and how these unquestioned assumptions affect people’s choices. What are the myths that people carry, and how do these myths keep people from making changes like becoming vegan? Clare tells us about existential psychology and how we can take control over our lives and choices. Clare Mann is an Australian-based vegan psychologist, communications trainer and animal rights campaigner. She consults with people all over the world to help address the personal and social challenges of being vegan and living in a non-vegan world and is the author of Vysto
Sat, May 02, 2020
Episode 538: Rich Hardy On His Career in Undercover Journalism
This week Mariann interviews Rich Hardy, author of the new book Not As Nature Intended , about his career as an undercover journalist chronicling animal exploitation all around the world, including fur trapping, live animal markets, the chicken industry, and more. Rich shares the challenges of finding new ways to execute undercover investigations and the changes he has seen–or not seen–among systems and people who exploit animals for human consumption. He also reveals how the film Okja led him to the decision to leave this work behind. Rich Hardy has been a professional environment and animal protection activist for over 25 years. He has led campaigns for some of Britain’s most creative and successful non-profit organisations including Surfers Against Sewage, cleaning up Europe’s coastlines and starting their fight against ocean plastic, and Veganuary, a pledge campaign that inspired a quarter of a million people to try a vegan diet in 2019. But all the while, over the course of two decades, he’s been going undercover to document animal suffering, for human gain. His images and testimony have fuelled the work of over twenty international animal protection organisations. His high-risk endeavours saw him awarded a Daily Mirror ‘Animal Hero’ Award in September 2019. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin discuss the new documentary Catnip Nation , and a frustrating NY Times piece about the New York City restaurant industry. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out VegReady , Vegan Street Media , and Riverdel Cheese . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based f
Sat, April 25, 2020
Episode 537: Seth Tibbott on His Search for the Wild Tofurky
This week Jasmin interviews Seth Tibbott, founder of the Tofurky company , about his journey from living in a treehouse to revolutionizing the use of tempeh, how a Discovery Channel star derailed his first career dream and inadvertently led him to where he is today, the history of Tofurky, and why he’s still waiting for its “sexy” break-out product. In 1980, Seth Tibbott founded Turtle Island Foods, now “the Tofurky Company”, on $2500 savings from his 8-year career as a teacher/naturalist. The company’s first product was a tasty fermented Indonesian soy product called Tempeh. Many people, including his midwestern Aunt and fellow elementary school teachers, thought selling moldy soybeans to the meat centric American public was a very bad idea. For 15 years it appeared the naysayers were right as Seth pursued his dream while losing his shirt as a pioneer of the early plant-based foods movement. With an income of only $300/month, Seth built a 3-story treehouse that he called home for 7 years. In 1995, also against the advice of his partners, Seth introduced the first nationally marketed vegan holiday roast named “Tofurky”. The Tofurky brand now includes 35 different vegan products which are sold in 27,000 stores worldwide. Seth has chronicled his “40-year overnight success story” in a new book, In Search of the Wild Tofurky , that is now available “Wherever fine books are sold, or the shelf just below”. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin examine how to practice gratitude during this ongoing pandemic and watch Tootsie together. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Kisses and Cupcakes , Coconut Whisk , Shake Shake Scramble , and No Meat May . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed Worl
Sat, April 18, 2020
Episode 536: Lenore Braford and Paul Drake of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
This week Jasmin interviews Lenore Braford and Paul Drake of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge about the unique animal-specific architecture they designed and built to accommodate the rescued animals at their sanctuary. By paying critical attention to the different needs of the array of animals on site and utilizing their design training, Lenore and Paul have created a sanctuary that aims to mimic as closely as possible the natural habitats of their animal population. They talk about why this is so important, and they share some of their knowledge and tips for anyone who is looking to do similar work even just at the microsanctuary level. Lenore Braford is the founder of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge and serves as the Shelter Manager, directly caring for and helping to coordinate the care for the 120 animal residents who call the Refuge home. Lenore has nearly a decade of experience working with and enriching the lives of animals. Before beginning her work with animals, Lenore served for nearly 10 years as a therapist for children with disabilities. Paul Drake graduated from NC State University with a Master of Architecture where he received both the Catalano Scholarship and the Kamphoefner Fellowship for outstanding design work. Paul Drake is the primary designer and builder at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. His pioneering work at the Refuge calls attention to the plight of farm animals and advocates for a more compassionate animal architecture. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin ask what it would mean to go back to “normal” for animals after a pandemic and if we actually want to go back to that, debate what is “essential” during a pandemic, and share how they spent their Seders. We also continue our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Lagusta’s Luscious , Besties , Nature’s Plate , and Plant-Based Grocery . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episod
Sat, April 11, 2020
Aryenish Birdie on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This week Jasmin interviews Aryenish Birdie about her incredible work with Encompass. She tells Jasmin about the work of the DEI Institute (which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion), and how she and her co-founder managed to switch what was supposed to be the institute’s live conference to a Zoom conference. Aryenish talks with Jasmin about why focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion are vital to the growth of organizations, and how people can foster that growth in their own organizations. She also explains the meaning of the term “global majority.” Aryenish founded Encompass after witnessing firsthand the urgent need for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive animal protection movement. Prior to Encompass, Aryenish spent seven years at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine promoting alternatives to animal tests. As a federal lobbyist, she was part of a four-woman team instrumental in reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act to ensure that animal protection language was integrated into the law. Because of her work on this effort, she was invited by the White House to watch President Obama sign the bill into law, marking one of the highlights of her career. In addition to her more than two decades of experience in animal protection, Aryenish has worked in other social justice movements, including those striving for racial equity, queer rights, and reproductive freedom. She has been trained on how to develop the capacity of organizations by the School of Unity and Liberation, Race Forward and the Center for Social Inclusion. In the intro to the show, Jasmin talks about attending the DEI Institute’s conference via Zoom, Mariann celebrates a birthday while social distancing, we discuss the merits of keeping a diary during a pandemic, and we introduce our Supporting Vegan Businesses program by shouting out Beyond Investing . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World
Sat, April 04, 2020
Jeff Sebo on Centering Animals in Climate Change Policies
This week Mariann interviews Jeff Sebo about how our environmental choices and the way we think and talk about animals continue to have significant effects on climate change and biodiversity. Jeff tells us why it’s so important to center animals in discussions of climate change policies and what a world reshaped by climate change might look like. He also shares some updates on the work of the Animal Studies program at NYU, now in its tenth year! Jeff Sebo is Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies , Affiliated Professor of Bioethics , Medical Ethics , and Philosophy , and Director of the Animal Studies M.A. Program at New York University. He works primarily in bioethics, animal ethics, and environmental ethics. He is co-author of Chimpanzee Rights (Routledge, 2018) and Food, Animals, and the Environment (Routledge, 2018). He is also on the Board of Directors at Animal Charity Evaluators , the Board of Directors at Minding Animals International , and the Executive Committee at the Animals & Society Institute . In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann chat about their continuing efforts to manage daily life as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of helping local communities, Mariann’s upcoming birthday, and Jasmin’s recent interview with Joaquin Phoenix! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part thro
Sat, March 28, 2020
Robin Singh on the Rescue Work of India's Peepal Farms
This week Jasmin interviews Robin Singh, co-founder of India’s Peepal Farms, about the mission and rescue work of the organization, how Peepal Farms is assisting with the growing dog rescue movement in India, why this work has made him so much happier, and his inspirational philosophy of “good vs. bad.” Robin Singh is an Entrepreneur, working for doing good. After starting his career as a hacker in 1998, he then founded Ejunkie in 2003, a service to remove technology barrier for artists and authors wanting to sell their digital content directly to buyers. Later that year, he moved to Tucson, Arizona and continued to build Ejunkie. After successfully exiting in 2011, Robin started working to help animals in February, 2013 starting in Auroville, India and then Delhi. Realizing that the nature of welfare projects in India being such that they can’t be scaled by scaling the infrastructure, He changed the strategy from just “doing” to involving and inspiring. In December 2014 along with two other co-founders he started Peepal Farm – a place for animals to heal, and be heard. He’s been building it, running it, and living there since. This International Spotlight segment is brought to you by Lush Cosmetics . In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about how they are adjusting to life during the COVID-19 quarantines, the challenges of trying to focus on work and everyday tasks during a pandemic, and Jasmin’s new rescued animal companion! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen
Sat, March 21, 2020
In the wake of COVID-19, ACTAsia’s Pei Sui on Banning Chinese Wildlife Markets
This week Mariann speaks with Pei Sui of ACTAsia . In this very timely conversation, Pei discusses the devastating impact of China’s wildlife trade and wildlife markets on the Coronavirus and ACTAsia’s efforts in the wake of the Coronavirus to permanently close these markets and ban the captive breeding of all wildlife for consumption and commercial purposes. ACTAsia is also very involved in childhood education through its Caring for Life children’s program, and Pei tells Mariann about why this international curriculum for educating children about the importance of wildlife awareness is so important, particularly in Asia, and how ACTAsia has been using this terrible Coronavirus situation to educate people about the urgency of protecting wildlife from being bred and used for food and to create more opportunities for activism and education. Pei Sui is the Founder and Chief Executive of ACTAsia. She worked for 20 years in non profit organizations before she set up ACTAsia in 2006. As a sociologist, she focused on the attitudes and behavior of humans towards animals and the impact on civic society. She has conductive investigative studies on numerous issues in Asian countries such as bear farming, illegal wildlife trade and left-behind children in rural China. This International Spotlight segment is brought to you by Lush Cosmetics . In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin discuss the continued importance of community, connection, and communication during the Coronavirus pandemic and Jasmin’s recent powerful experience in a conference conducted by the DEI Institute , which is part of Encompass. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now
Sat, March 14, 2020
Episode 531: Ingrid Newkirk on New Discoveries About Animal Behavior
This week Mariann talks to Ingrid Newkirk (@IngridNewkirk) about her new book, AnimalKind : Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion , co-written with Gene Stone. Ingrid talks about her lifetime of work advocating for animals, why testing on animals is so ineffective and what animal activists can do to help bring the practice to an end, and the deep and intricate levels of emotions that animals experience and communicate. She also talks about her work with PETA on issues such as fur bans and how all of us can continue to work on creating change. Ingrid E. Newkirk is the president and founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the author of newly released book titled AnimalKind : Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion . Newkirk, a former Washingtonian of the Year, has been featured for her work for animals in The New Yorker , Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes , the Financial Times , and numerous other publications. She has appeared on television shows all over the world, including Australia’s 60 Minutes. She is the subject of a BBC special and the HBO documentary I Am an Animal . Visit PETA’s website PETA.org . In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about their concerns about coronavirus, what they are doing to prep for it, and how to keep ourselves safe. They also talk about the wonderful Food For Thought Campaign . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. L
Sat, March 07, 2020
Episode 530: Brittany Michelson on Voices for Animal Liberation
This week Jasmin talks to Brittany Michelson (@brittanyforanimals) about her new book, Voices For Animal Liberation , which features a chapter by Jasmin herself! Brittany is a fantastic and vital activist who has compiled an important book from some of the greatest voices in the animal rights movement. In this interview she tells us about the creation and publication processes for the book and how she hopes it will reach people. She also gives us an amazing reading from her chapter! Brittany Michelson is a teacher, writer, and animal rights activist. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University Los Angeles and teaches writing and activism-related classes in a private K–8 program. Brittany’s writings appear in multiple journals and literary sites. She lives in the Los Angeles area. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about their concerns about coronavirus, their concerns about climate change, and the hazards of picking up a coffee habit. Also, Jasmin reads from her chapter of our guest Brittany Michelson’s book! Try not to touch your face while listening! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a <a href="https://
Sat, February 29, 2020
Episode 529: Allie Feldman Taylor on Voters For Animal Rights
This week Mariann talks to Allie Feldman Taylor, founder of Voters For Animal Rights. Allie works tirelessly to create campaigns that protect the welfare of animals in NYC, and in this fascinating and comprehensive interview she tells Mariann about her work on the foie gras ban, her efforts to ban horse drawn carriages, and how she has worked to protect NYC pigeons. She also tells us about her hopes for a NYC fur ban, the nuances of working with politicians on animal rights issues, and how she approaches political action when up against the opposition of big lobbying groups. Allie founded Voters For Animal Rights in 2016. Over the past year, she co-led the campaign to ban foie gras in NYC which became law in December 2019. She also co-lead the successful campaign to ban wild animals in the circus in NYC in 2017. Previously, she lead Nyclass’ campaign to ban horse carriages from city streets for over five years. She ran the successful “Anybody But Quinn” campaign to defeat an anti-animal candidate for NYC mayor, getting animal rights into mainstream city politics for the first time. She has worked at the NY State Senate, Obama campaign and the NJ Dept of the Public Advocate. She was named to New York Observer’s “Political Power 80” in 2014 and named to City & State Magazine’s “40 Under 40” political people to watch in 2016. She’s an alumni of Florida State University, vegan, and mom of five cats. She lives in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn where she is a volunteer trap-neuter-release cat rescuer. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about Jasmin’s cold, more ridiculous comments from non-vegans about Joaquin Phonenix, the pros and cons of insect protein, Mariann gets a Seeds award from the International Conference on Animal Rights, and Jasmin sees Hannah Gadsby’s new show and hopes she’ll go vegan. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farmi
Sat, February 22, 2020
Episode 528: Colleen Patrick-Goudreau on Being a Joyful Vegan
This week Jasmin talks to the legendary Colleen Patrick-Goudreau about her new book, The Joyful Vegan , and the messages she wants people to take from the book. She also shares how she remains so Joyful in a world that often feels painful, why people continue to eat animals, what tools we can use for navigating and overcoming the most common challenges of staying the vegan course, and solutions for managing the pressure (often self-inflicted) to be a perfect vegan. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s compassionate living philosophy is propelling plant-based eating into the mainstream and forever changing how we regard animals. A recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately and healthfully, Colleen is a speaker, cultural commentator, podcaster, and award-winning author of seven books. She shares her message of compassion and wellness on national and regional broadcast programs and as a monthly contributor to National Public Radio. She lives in Oakland, CA with her husband David and two cats Charlie and Michiko. In the intro to the show, Mariann goes to Miami Beach, prompting a discussion on the horrors of plane travel, Jasmin goes to a street fair and finds some great vegan food, and Jasmin interviews Tulsi Gabbard for VegNews. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please
Sat, February 15, 2020
Episode 527: Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni on Wine and Investing In a Vegan Future
This week Mariann talks to Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni about how he became active in the animal rights movement; what he is excited about in the animal rights world, including the activities of Sea Shepard and Mercy For Animals; why he believes that animal rights organizations are at their best when run by women; and how he uses his venture capital companies use investing to increase the well-being of animals all over the world He also of course talks to us about his wine and how he has been growing it organically and free of animal products since 1989. Lastly, he offers his thoughts about battling climate change. Born in Milan, Italy, in 1966, Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni is an award-winning entrepreneur, investor, activist, and advisor to businesses and governments around the world. He is the Chairman and CEO of NKGB Strategic Advisory (based in Switzerland) with a focus on M&A, international policy, plant-based economy, technology, and impact investing. He is the owner and honorary chairman of one of the most renowned and innovative Italian wine estates, Querciabella, organic since 1988 and biodynamic since 2000. His Tuscan wines have garnered worldwide acclaim, including “Best Italian Wine” in 2004. Querciabella currently holds one of the largest extensions of biodynamic vineyards in Europe, and has pioneered vegan agriculture, viticulture and winemaking for over two decades. He served as Economic Advisor to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy from 2014 to 2016. Mr Cossia Castiglioni is an investor in over 40 companies in the food innovation and plantbased sector, and was one of the early investors in Beyond Meat. He recently created and is about to launch a top quality gluten-free pasta brand (Bontasana), and a baby food brand (PeaKidz). He is a partner of Blue Horizon, and the main partner of Matthew Kenney’s global operations. He serves as advisor, among others, to plantbased companies Lighter, Plantable and The Vurger. In 2017, he joined Impact NRS (New Reality Solutions) – a leading innovation company based in the US and Israel, developing transformative solutions to address persistent global challenges in human health, food production and agriculture – to serve as Senior Strategic Advisor. Among other innovations, NRS recently introduced two new cancer diagnostic and management tools that are poised to revolutionize the sector. He recently launched a new investment fund, with his partner Miray Zaki, called Dismatrix, dedicated to Dynamic Capital Solutions and Vegan Investments. Although his expertise spans the food, finance, wine, technology, life sciences, design and art sectors, his main focus is animals. An impassioned vegan for the past few years, and an animal rights activist for over 35 years, his
Sat, February 08, 2020
Episode 526: Jessika Ava on Supporting International Vegan Advocacy
This week Mariann talks to Jessika Ava about her work with the ProVeg Program’s Global Vegan Advocacy Grants Program, which provides financial support for vegan advocacy around the world. Jessika tells us about some of the projects the program is funding that she is particularly excited about, the grassroots organizations the program supports, the advocacy work they are doing to influence food policy at the government level, and the work that the program hopes to do including providing grants for small businesses. Plus, Jessika reveals an amazing fact about her devotion to Our Hen House! Jessika Ava is the Grants Program Director for ProVeg International, a food awareness organization with a mission to reduce global consumption of animals by 50% by the year 2040. At ProVeg, Jessika directs the Global Vegan Advocacy Grants Program, a join initiative between ProVeg and Beyond Carnism. Jessika’s niche lies in coordinating global projects, statistically analyzing project efficacy, and guiding philanthropic and grantmaking support. Her notable experience includes NGO management, grantmaking, biostatistics, and Asian street animal welfare. She holds an MPA in Nonprofit Management and an MS in Biostatistics and sits as Board Chair of Out to Pasture Animal Sanctuary and is on the advisory boards of Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations and Project Humane Nepal. She shares her life with a much-loved 3-legged dog from Nepal. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann take a trip to New York City and are thrilled by the vegan pizza options, Jasmin films an audition in a restaurant, and some commentary on the Center For Consumer Freedom’s absurd anti-fake meat Super Bowl commercial and the brilliant but unaired response ad from Impossible Burger. Jasmin and Mariann also talk about the advocacy of Elk.org, which you can learn more about here , and the upcoming International Vegan Film Festival ! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed
Sat, February 01, 2020
Episode 525: David Bronner on Veganic Regenerative Organic Agriculture
This week Mariann talks to David Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s about what veganic regenerative agriculture is and the benefits of it for farming, climate change, and the welfare of all beings. This is a fantastic deep dive into a practice that has many ramifications for the future of food. He also tells us about the wonderful work that Dr. Bronner’s is doing to promote fair trade and fair labor practices all over the world. David Bronner is Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling brand of natural soaps in North America and producer of a range of organic body care and food products. He is a grandson of company founder, Emanuel Bronner, and a fifth-generation soapmaker. Under David and his brother Michael’s leadership, the brand has grown from $4 million in 1998 to over $111 million in annual revenue in 2017. Over the years, David and Dr. Bronner’s have been key leaders in fights for GMO labeling, industrial hemp farming in the U.S., high-bar organic and fair trade standards, cannabis reform, and a fair minimum wage. Today, David is helping to lead the effort to establish the Regenerative Organic Certified standard, dedicating time and re-sources to creating an integrated, comprehensive program that addresses soil health, animal welfare, and fair labor practices to advance sustainable and ecological alter-natives to industrial agriculture. Dr. Bronner’s is a founding partner in the Climate Collaborative, which leverages the power of the Natural Products Industry to compel action on climate change. In addition to his support of advocacy for regenerative organic agriculture, David directs Dr. Bronner’s resources to support animal advocacy, wage equality, and drug policy reform. David was born in Los Angeles, California in 1973 and earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University. He is a dedicated vegan and enjoys surfing and dancing late into the night. He currently lives in Encinitas, California. In the intro to the show, Jasmin visits the Hudson Valley, Rose the pitbull escapes Mariann’s yard sending Mariann and Jasmin on a frantic search, we address the coronavirus, and Mariann attends a fascinating talk on animal law at Yale. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/awfwlogo.png" alt="awfwlogo"
Sat, January 25, 2020
Episode 524: C Lou Hamilton on Veganism, Sex and Politics
This week Jasmin interviews C Lou Hamilton about her book Veganism, Sex and Politics: Tales of Danger and Pleasure , the ways that veganism and sex are connected, the similarities between sexual exploitation of animals and of humans, and what The Sexual Politics of Meat by Carol Adams gets wrong. C Lou Hamilton is a feminist writer with a passion for fake fur, animals real and imaginary, and assorted things queer and vegan. She lives in London. Find her on Twitter @clouhamilton1 or on Instagram @veganismsexandpolitics. In the intro to the show, Jasmin has a bit of a bird feeder problem, Mariann wants to move somewhere populated only by vegan dogs, and Jasmin gets interviewed for Tenderly about body positivity . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us cr
Sat, January 18, 2020
Episode 523: Karen Davis on Chickens and Fowl Language
This week Mariann talks to Karen Davis of United Poultry Concerns about the beautiful encounter with Viva the chicken hen that inspired her lifetime of activism, the founding and continued work of United Poultry Concerns, and why the language we use when talking about animals is so important. She also gives us some stories from her latest book, For the Birds: From Exploitation to Liberation: Essays on Chickens, Turkeys, and Other Domesticated Fowl . KAREN DAVIS, PhD is the President and Founder of United Poultry Concerns , a nonprofit organization that promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl including a sanctuary for chickens in Virginia. Inducted into the National Animal Rights Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Liberation, Karen is the author of numerous books, essays, articles and campaigns. Her latest book is For the Birds: From Exploitation to Liberation: Essays on Chickens, Turkeys, and Other Domesticated Fowl (Lantern Books, 2019). In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann listen to some amazing clips from the very first episode of Our Hen House! It involves Jersey accents, fake meat, and sound effects. Also, Jasmin tells why she won’t even act like she’s eating meat. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, i
Sat, January 11, 2020
Episode 522: Aph Ko on Racism as Zoological Witchcraft
This week Jasmin talks to Aph Ko about her new book, Racism as Zoological Witchcraft, A Guide to Getting Out . She breaks down how Jordan Peele’s film “Get Out” uses animals as symbolism for racism, how the film’s portrayal of racism intersects with rituals from witchcraft, and why we need to find new ways to talk about racism. Aph Ko’s previous appearance on Our Hen House was phenomenal and trust us this interview is just as important and not to be missed. Aph Ko is a writer and independent media producer. She is the founder of Black Vegans Rock, co-author of Aphro-ism: Essays on Pop Culture, Feminism, and Black Veganism from Two Sisters , and author of the new book, Racism as Zoological Witchcraft: A Guide to Getting Out . She served as the Associate Producer for the documentary film Always in Season, directed by Jacqueline Olive. The film won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury award for Moral Urgency at the Sundance Film Festival in February 2019. In the intro to the show, Jasmin gives us an update on her rescued chihuahua George, Mariann tells us about her exciting upcoming teaching opportunities, and our recent mention in Parade Magazine . Also, Jasmin is going to a non-vegan potluck. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itune
Sat, January 04, 2020
Episode 521: Dr. Armaiti May on her work as a vegan veterinarian
This week Jasmin talks to Dr. Armaiti May about her work as a vegan veterinarian in California, her efforts to spread vegan awareness to other veterinary practices through programs like the Veterinary Association for the Protection of Animals , and what people need to know about keeping animal companions healthy on a plant-based diet. Armaiti May, DVM is an integrative housecall veterinarian and vegan advocate practicing in Los Angeles. She graduated with a B.S. in Bioresource Sciences from UC Berkeley in 2001. After graduating from University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, Dr. May worked at an emergency dog and cat hospital and then trained in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. Dr. May provides housecalls for dogs and cats in Los Angeles. She also founded a non-profit organization called the Veterinary Association for the Protection of Animals, to educate the veterinary profession about the benefits of veganism and encourage veterinary schools to adopt humane surgical teaching methods in their curriculum. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about our big end of the year victory, Jasmin’s new dog, and the story of how Jasmin helped expose the truth about Fatburger’s “vegan” whipped cream. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course
Sat, December 28, 2019
Episode 520: Martin Rowe on what is Beyond the Impossible
This week Mariann talks to Martin Rowe about his new paper, Beyond the Impossible: The Futures of Plant-Based and Cellular Meats , his work with the Vegan America Project, and his thoughts about the concerns that environmental and whole-food groups have surrounding cellular and plant-based products Martin Rowe is the co-founder of Lantern Books, and the creator of the Vegan America Project , a semi-autonomous project of Brighter Green, an international public policy “action” tank. As part of the Project, Martin has written Beyond the Impossible: The Futures of Plant-based and Cellular Meat and Dairy, a policy paper that explores the prospects of both industries. Martin is based in Brooklyn, NY. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann review their favorite Our Hen House interviews of 2019, as well as their home cooking woes. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from OSEA Malibu : the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. Go to oseamalibu.com/ourhenhouse to receive $10 off your first purchase of $50! Offer will automatically be applied to your cart at checkout. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itun
Sat, December 21, 2019
Episode 519: Evanna Lynch and Daniella Monet on Kinder Beauty, and Neta Rosenthal on Challenge22
This week Jasmin interviews Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films) and Daniella Monet ( Victorious, Zoey 101, Fred ) about their work with Kinder Beauty , how their authenticity influences their veganism, and the challenges associated with being a woman. This interview is not to be missed! Then, Mariann talks to Neta Rosenthal of Challenge22 about the movement to encourage people to go vegan all over the world, the surprising developments of veganism in Israel and other countries, and how you can get involved with this incredible work. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about a harrowing incident in Jasmin’s acting class and Mariann’s climate anxiety. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from OSEA Malibu : the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. Go to oseamalibu.com/ourhenhouse to receive $10 off your first purchase of $50! Offer will automatically be applied to your cart at checkout. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! O
Sat, December 14, 2019
Episode 518: Charles Annenberg Weingarten on Seeing the World Through Explore.Org
This week Jasmin interviews Charles Annenberg Weingarten about his website Explore.org and all the amazing animals around the world that you can see at any time via their network of live streaming cameras. He tells us how his journey to creating this incredible site started, and why getting to view nature and animals all over the world at any time can make such a huge impact on the way we treat and perceive of animals. You can view explore.org’s incredible new Farm Sanctuary streaming camera by clicking this link . Charles Annenberg Weingarten is the Vice President and Director of the Annenberg Foundation and founder of explore.org, a philanthropic multi-media organization. He holds a Master’s degree from USC’s School of Cinema-Television and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University. Charles started explore.org with a library of films and photography from around the world and now features over 250 documentary films, thousands of photographs, and the original Emmy Award-winning opera Fallujah: Art, Healing, and PTSD . After the eco-nomic crisis of 2008 Charles put all of his energy into traveling the United States with his golden retriever Lucky, bringing to life stories of the country’s unsung heroes through a series of documentaries. From Arizona and Mississippi, to Idaho, Virginia, Detroit, and beyond, Lucky’s journey, from his humble beginnings at the pound to his visit to the White House, quickly became historic. Charles encourages everyone to visit explore.org and welcomes you to the family. If you love dogs, animals, and nature, explore.org is your home. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Mariann’s eye surgery, the recent classes they taught together at Main Street Vegan Academy, Jasmin’s encounter with a teenage hero, and Little Shop of Horrors. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from OSEA Malibu : the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line.
Sat, December 07, 2019
Episode 517: Casey Suchan on Her New Film The Animal People
This week Mariann interviews Casey Suchan about her new film, The Animal People , about the Stop Huntington Animal Cruelty (SHAC) 7. She talks about the history of the SHAC campaign and the trial, the experience of producing and screening the film, and how you can see it. This is a fascinating interview about an important part of the history of the animal rights movement, we just know you’re going to love it. Casey Suchan co-directed the critically acclaimed documentary Rock the Bells , a behind-the-scenes look at how a young concert promoter beat the odds to reunite the Wu-Tang Clan for their final performance with O.D.B. Featuring RZA, GZA, Method Man and the other members of the Wu-Tang Clan, alongside Dilated Peoples, Redman, Chuck D, Sage Francis and others. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and earned comparisons to Gimme Shelter and Woodstock. Premiere called it “outright exhilarating” and The Village Voice hailed it as “a nerve-racking knockout of a film.” Prior to directing, Suchan produced a number of documentaries on the history of Hip Hop for Quincy D. Jones’ III’s QD3 Entertainment, including the platinum selling Thug Angel and the critically acclaimed series “ Beef .” She also produced Bold Native, a feature film by Denis Henry Hennelly. Based on real events and weaving documentary and narrative elements, Bold Native is the story of a father searching for his estranged son who is wanted by the FBI for his involvement with the Animal Liberation Front. The film has become an underground phenomenon, racking up half a million views on youtube. Find it at boldnative.com . In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s recent interview with Daniella Monet and Evanna Lynch, Mariann and Rose weather a snow storm, and they also share some thoughts on Greta Thunberg. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about the Dean Foods bankruptcy, the Impossible Burger lawsuit, and a special Christmas Rising Anxiety! We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from <a hr
Sat, November 30, 2019
Episode 516: Chad Sarno on Wicked Healthy Food
This week Mariann interviews Chad Sarno, who tells us about co-founding Wicked Healthy Food , his philosophy of food, how the Wicked Healthy Cookbook puts things in simple terms for any chef of any level, their Wicked Kitchen partnership with Tesco Supermarkets in the United Kingdom, and their plant-based seafood company Good Catch. Chef Chad Sarno is the co-founder of Wicked Healthy Food, a thriving, mission-driven online community that focuses on culinary education, consulting, innovation, training, and product development. Chad is also the co-founder, along with his brother Derek of the Wicked Kitchen product line in Tesco stores across the UK. In addition Chad is Co founder and VP of Culinary for the plant-based seafood company, Good Catch Foods which has received multiple Nexty Awards for New Innovative Product in the plant-based alternatives category, and the Best in Show for New Vegan Product from Veg News. He was the VP of Plant-Based Education at Rouxbe Online Culinary School, the Global R&D Chef for Whole Foods Market, and he has spent his career launching restaurants with a plant-based mission all over the world. Together with his brother Derek, Chad published The Wicked Healthy Cookbook , co-authored the Whole Foods Cookbook with CEO of Whole Foods Market, John Mackey, and has co-authored many others, including the New York Times Best selling book Crazy, Sexy Kitchen with Kris Carr. He has been a guest on dozens of morning shows and food-focused programs on national and international television and radio Chad’s mission is to inspire you to cook and eat more plants, and to make measurable differences in the health and lives of humans and animals globally. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s upcoming appearance on the Mortified Podcast , Mariann’s recent interview for Public Radio International, and Jasmin’s stand-up comedy debut! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about dairy farms, the beef industry, and plant-based burgers. We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous d
Mon, November 25, 2019
Episode 515.5: Sanctuary, A Radio Play Recorded Live in NYC!
Welcome to a very special extra holiday tradition episode of Our Hen House! We are so excited to be releasing our beloved performance of the recording of our world-premiere performance of John Yunker’s radio play, Sanctuary, recorded live at NYC’s Symphony Space during the 2017 Compassion Arts and Culture & Animals Festival! Sanctuary tells the story of Richard and Lisa, a happily-married couple whose blissful retirement to a small town is upended when Lisa not only suddenly decides to go vegan, but offers their guest studio to her new animal-activist friend Meg and decides to celebrate Thanksgiving sans turkey. A blindsided Richard invites his unsuspecting pal Charley in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Equal parts poignant and humorous, the piece provides moments of genuine identification for anyone who has experienced the struggles and joys of navigating their vegan ethics around loved ones who might not quite understand. “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests,” says Yunker. “But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” Sanctuary was written by playwright John Yunker , and this production was directed by John Frusciante. Live sound effects were provided by Eric Milano , with pre-recorded sound effects by Michael Harren . The episode’s cast features John Frusciante as Richard, Michael Harren as Charley, Eric Milano as The Narrator, Jasmin Singer as Meg, and Mariann Sullivan as Lisa. Jasmin, a long-time proponent of using the arts, especially theater, as a way to advocate for veganism, says, “The arts, and theater in particular, offer a unique lens through which an audience can safely confront their own behaviors, such as what they choose to eat, and why. In Sanctuary, Yunker accomplishes just that, with dark humor and quick wit as the moving forces behind this powerful play.” Mariann is pleased that “none of the characters are heroes and none are villains. These are just ordinary people struggling with what happens when they become aware of what is happening to animals and have to do something about it.” As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and <a href="ht
Sat, November 23, 2019
Episode 515: Laura Lee Cascada (Compassion Over Killing) on her debut novel, Dellie’s Run.
This week Jasmin talks to Laura Lee Cascada of Compassion Over Killing about her debut novel, Dellie’s Run , the story of a girl who dreams of escaping the confines of her prison walls and becoming a baseball player. She tells us what brought her to writing fiction and why she chose to not make the novel an overtly animal-rights story, and she shares her tips and advice for self-publishing your book. Laura also shares with us some updates on the incredible work that Compassion Over Killing is doing. Laura Lee Cascada is a coastal Virginia-based writer and advocate. For over a decade, Laura has worked at nonprofits to protect animals and our world, including in her current role as the Senior Director of Campaigns & Outreach with Compassion Over Killing (where she works to make vegan eating more accessible at chains like Subway and Dunkin’ and improve the lives of farmed animals nationwide). She is the founder of Plight of the Hermies , a grassroots campaign advocacy for wild hermit crab freedom, as well The Every Animal Project , a collection of photographs and awe-inspiring stories of animals around the globe. She published her debut novel, Dellie’s Run , in June 2019, highlighting one being’s remarkable journey to freedom through a big dream: baseball. Laura also manages PR for the annual Hampton Roads VegFest , and she has a master’s degree in environmental policy from the Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she masquerades as a land-locked mermaid, using her Vegan Mermaid Warrior Instagram account as a hub for her advocacy for sea life and other animals. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about answering the question of how we come to care about animals, and the preposterous Burger King law suit and whether the person bringing it is actually vegan. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about vegan parents, PETA pig farm investigations, and plant-based protein advice for meat and dairy farmers. We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and
Sat, November 16, 2019
Episode 514: Sean Butler and Raffael Fasel on the Impact of Animal Law
This week Mariann talks to Dr. Sean Butler and Dr. Rafael Fasel from the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law about the Centre’s focus on Animal Law, why changing the law is vital to changing public opinion, their recent Animal Rights Law Conference and their hopes to make it an annual event, and the many programs they offer to help people get involved with their work. Dr. Sean Butler has been a Fellow of St Edmund’s College since 2002; previously he worked at Shell and Nokia. He studied Law at Oxford (St Edmund Hall) and the LSE, as well as Genetics at Cambridge (CPGS) before taking his PhD in social science at Imperial College, London. He specialises in intellectual property strategy in life sciences, and technology-based start-ups. He is also CEO of Cambridge Agritech, a syndicate of investors in agritech startups. He is Director of Studies in Law at St Edmund’s, and teaches Roman Law and Animal Rights Law. Dr. Raffael N Fasel is a Fellow in Law at the LSE Law Department. He obtained his PhD in Law from the University of Cambridge (Sidney Sussex College), with a thesis on the legal theory and intellectual history of human and animal rights. He holds a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Law degree from the University of Fribourg, an MA in Philosophy from University College London, and an LLM from Yale Law School. In 2018, Raffael was appointed Associate Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He currently teaches Animal Rights Law, Introduction to the Legal System, and Jurisprudence in Cambridge and London. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann discuss their memories of New York City’s beloved vegan restaurant Candle 79 which just announced that it’s closing; Jasmin’s return to acting and the ways she blends her ethics with her talents; and some things you may not know about the exploitative history of Thanksgiving. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about the largest dairy company in the US filing for bankruptcy, an infuriating pro-milk website, and Jesus! We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from <a href="https://oseamal
Sat, November 09, 2019
Episode 513: Elizabeth Young on the Beauty of Pigeons
This week Jasmin talks to Elizabeth Young from Palomacy about the differences between pigeons and doves, the pigeon advocacy and rescue work of Palomacy, the myths about pigeons she is trying to dispel, including that they are “dirty,” and how a life-long love of animals guided her from UC Berkley graduate to the work of rescuing pigeons. She also gives us an overview of what pigeons are like and why they are “trending up.” Elizabeth grew up in Las Vegas, graduated with a degree in English from UC Berkeley, worked 13 years on the front lines of the war on poverty as a nonprofit director to reduce poverty and develop self-reliance, spent 6 years making educational toys and in 2007 became an accidental pigeon rescuer. Elizabeth has always loved all animals and had no special interest in pigeons when she began volunteering at the San Francisco Animal Care & Control shelter except concern when she learned they were coming into shelters but not getting out. They were the only animals who had no one helping them. All the others, the dogs and cats, rabbits and rats, parrots and snakes, farmed animals and wildlife, all had at least one rescue to help them. Elizabeth hadn’t intended to start a rescue but she helped a pigeon named Gurumina and then another named Rocky and… now with Palomacy, has saved the lives of more than 1000 directly and helped countless others across the country and beyond. www.PigeonRescue.org & @PigeonDiplomacy In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann discuss some recent Saturday Night Live sketches about eating animals and the foie gras ban, Jasmin’s trip to Denver for her new consulting gig, and the queen’s decision to ditch fur! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties. We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from OSEA Malibu : the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. Go to oseamalibu.com/ourhenhouse to receive $10 off your first purchase of $50! Offer will automatically be applied to your cart at checkout. <a href="https://ww
Sat, November 02, 2019
Episode 512: Daniel Turbert On Photographing Farmed Animals
This week Jasmin talks to photographer Daniel Turbert from The Sentient Project about working to capture the full perspective of how society treats animals, why he chooses to focus on photographing farmed animals, his recent work documenting indigenous tribes in the Amazon, and his new documentary Cows Come Home. Daniel Turbert is an award winning filmmaker and photographer, and the founder of The Sentient Project. He has worked with animal sanctuaries around the world using his photography to help with campaigns, raising awareness, and fundraising efforts. The Sentient Project was started in 2017, to share compassionate perspectives through photography to promote greater awareness for both human rights and for the animals. From civil rights demonstrations to showing the kindness and compassion of animal sanctuaries, the Project has focused on using photography to help remind the world that all beings are sentient and deserve the utmost respect. Photographs from the Project were chosen for use in a 2018 campaign raising awareness of the cruelty of the dairy industry. The photographs were shown in New York’s Times Square and in the NYC Subway System. In 2019, Daniel’s short documentary about a cattle farm turned animal sanctuary, called Cows Come Home, received numerous awards, including Best Short Documentary by the Anaheim Film Festival and the Social Impact Award at A Show for Change Film Festival. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the recent success for legislation in New York banning foie gras and improving working conditions for carriage horses, and the work that has been done to get to this point. They also discuss Mariann’s new teaching position, and Jasmin’s birthday! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about the labeling of plant-based foods, and VEGAPHOBIA! We are now in our end of year matching period, so every donation you make between now and December 31st is doubled! If you’ve been thinking of making a donation to Our Hen House, or renewing an annual donation, do so today. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from OSEA Malibu : the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. Go to oseamalibu.com/ourhenhouse to receive $10 off your first purchase of $50! Offer
Sat, October 26, 2019
Episode 511: Stephen Wells on the Evolution of Animal Law
This week Mariann talks to Stephen Wells of the Animal Legal Defense Fund about the early days of animal law and how the field is expanding with new classes at law schools, partnerships with law enforcement organizations and judges, and general interest from the public. We discuss some of the landmark cases for the field including cases establishing people can have standing in cases involving animals and allowing advocates to be able to intervene in Ag-Gag cases. Stephen also tells us about the challenges still being faced around legal reform for animals. Stephen Wells is the executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. He has committed himself to animal and environmental protection and over the years, in addition to his full-time work, he has continued to volunteer his time for local organizations and projects. Steve joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund in 1999 and until 2006, Steve founded and served as the director of the successful Animal Law Program, which provides support and resources to law professionals and law student members and pro bono opportunities for attorneys and firms to assist the organization with its mission. He has created a highly efficient, passionate, and talented team at the Animal Legal Defense Fund and an environment where egos are out the door and everyone works together with one common goal: to end the exploitation and suffering of animals. He lives in the western woodlands of Sonoma County, California with his two cats. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann celebrate both Jasmin’s birthday and the California fur ban. They also address an email they received asking why podcasts need financial support. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about the realities of climate change, the activism of young people, and the radical vegan agenda. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from OSEA Malibu : the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. Go to oseamalibu.com/ourhenhouse to receive $10 off your first purchase of $50! Offer will automatically be applied to your cart at checkout. This episode is brought to you in part through the genero
Sat, October 19, 2019
Episode 510: Monica Klausner from Veestro
This week Jasmin talks to Monica Klausner of Veestro about the reasons why she co-founded Veestro along with her brother and the benefits for plant-based eaters on the go, how the service is helping to combat climate change, and The Wellness Ride — an 85-day plant powered bike across America challenge Vesstro is sponsoring with former athlete Richie Crowley to promote plant-based eating. For this challenge, supporters are asked along the way to donate a meal to help feed needy families, children and homeless individuals. The organizations that the donated meals go to have been pre-selected and events delivering the food have been organized across the country. The challenge started in Boston and will end in LA in October. Monica and Veestro have set up a 20% discount for Our Hen House listeners! Go to veestro.com and type in “ourhenhouse” (one word) for the exclusive discount. Monica Klausner is an entrepreneur and sales & marketing executive with a pioneering spirit, and years of experience scaling businesses from inception to record-breaking sales. She launched her career in Sales at ADP, winning many top regional and national performance awards and accolades. Shortly thereafter, she found herself in the middle of the start-up world where she held lead sales positions with innovative media start-ups, including Bizrate/Shopzilla and LAUNCH Media, which was later acquired by Yahoo! Music. In 2013, Klausner and her brother founded Veestro, a gourmet, plant-based food company that has created major waves in the food technology space with annual sales more than doubling and at a current run rate of several million per year. In the intro to the show, Jasmin hands in the manuscript for her new book, Mariann has an arguably similar life experience, and Jasmin gets her flu shot. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about the dairy industry banning vegan campaigns, fear of plant-based protein sources, and anti-meat “bullying”! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-conte
Sat, October 12, 2019
Episode 509: Grace Han on the Growing Vegan Movement in China
This week Mariann talks to Grace Han from TACN ( tacn.org ) and Plant Based News about the growth and development of veganism in China and across the Greater China region, her tips on being vegan in China, and what roles tech and design are playing in advancing the vegan movement. Grace Han is the Founder and Managing Director of UK charity TACN ( tacn.org ) and Regional Development Manager for Plant Based News . Grace got involved with charitable works for animals at a young age. Her dedication to the cause is driven by the vision of a compassionate society. Since 2012 Grace has helped, mentored and provided training to many local animal welfare groups and contributed to many campaigns that promote a cruelty-free and vegan lifestyle. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s recent trip to New York, their talk at Main Street Vegan Academy, Jasmin’s joy over how easy it is to find vegan food in New York, and the new vegan options at Disney World! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about “McHypocrisy” from Extinction Rebellion, reducetarianism, and more! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment o
Sat, October 05, 2019
Episode 508: Amy Jean Davis on Bearing Witness for Farmed Animals
This week Jasmin talks to Amy Jean Davis of L.A. Animal Save about the origins the Save Movement and how anyone can start a chapter of it in their community, how bearing witness can inspire people to become activists, and the difficult but necessary experience of participating in vigils for animals on the way to slaughter. Amy Jean Davis is an animal rights advocate and the Founder of LA Animal Save, the Los Angeles chapter of the global Save Movement. Davis graduated Purdue University in 2004. After having become vegan in 2002, she started the Love Always Animal Sanctuary in the Los Angeles, California area. In 2015, she completed her certificate in Plant Based Nutrition from eCornell, and in 2016, Amy founded LA Animal Save, which is now the largest chapter of more than 600 Save groups worldwide. Amy also works with her partner, filmmaker Shaun Monson (EARTHLINGS, UNITY), creating films and other media for the animal rights movement. Originally from a small town in Indiana, she came to Los Angeles in 2008 as a top 24 Finalist on season 7 of American Idol. Amy is vegan and raising her daughter vegan, as well. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the urgency of animal activism in the face of climate crisis, and our dear friend Jo-Anne MacArthur ‘s new Masterclass! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties about an Adopt-A-Cow program, and Taylor Swift! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR
Sat, September 28, 2019
Episode 507: Pete Paxton on Undercover Investigations
This week Mariann talks to “Pete Paxton,” which is not his real name but the alias he goes by due to the undercover nature of his incredible investigative work. He talks about his new book Rescue Dogs , the heartbreaking story of Daisy the rescued dog, his history of undercover investigations, how adopting a dog in New York City can save a puppy mill dog’s life in Missouri, and the cultural, government, and legal connections between puppy mills and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Pete has done undercover investigations in the animal protection movement since 2001, investigating factory farms, slaughterhouses, puppy mills, pet stores, and commercial fishing. His work has been in the HBO documentaries Dealing Dogs, Death on a Factory Farm, and the Nat Geo documentary Animal Undercover. Throughout his life and over the course of his career he’s done organized and impromptu rescue of stray animals, abused animals, puppy mill dogs, animals abandoned at shelters, and animals in a disaster area. His work related to dog rescue and dog cruelty investigations, as well as information on how to rescue and advocate for dogs, are detailed in the book Rescue Dogs, written with authors Gene Stone and Nick Bromley. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s recent NYC fundraiser, Jasmin’s vegan adventures in the British Isles, and Mariann and Jasmin at their area climate strikes. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us more Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the <a
Sat, September 21, 2019
Episode 506: Animal-Friendly Investing with Brenda Morris and Claire Smith
This week we are featuring two interviews about investing that we hope you’ll find informative. First, Jasmin talks to Brenda Morris of Humane Investing about the differences between financial planning and asset management, how ethically-conscious investors can utilize their ethics when choosing where to invest, and the ways that people can use their money to impact the decisions of corporations. Brenda A. Morris is the founder and CEO of Humane Investing, LLC ( www.humaneinvesting.com ), a fee-only financial firm dedicated to helping activists make money while making a difference. She has volunteered with the Vegetarian Society of Richmond for two decades and has been a coordinator of the Richmond VegFest since 2003. One of her favorite hobbies is giving out samples of amazing vegan food at non-veg events and watching people who have never considered going vegan consider it for the first time. While she encourages anyone who cares about animals to invest in companies that do not support, cause, or contribute to animal exploitation and suffering, she hopes this “specialization” isn’t needed much longer as more and more companies move towards incorporating cruelty-free practices into their business models. Then, Mariann talks to Claire Smith of Beyond Investing about the U.S. Vegan Climate Index and how it helps identify ethically-friendly investment opportunities, how this work impacts climate change, and the challenges around getting people to invest in vegan companies. Claire is the founder of humane investment platform Beyond Investing. She is a vegan and environmentalist with 34 years’ experience in finance and investment at top-tier banks and investment houses, including UBS and Albourne Partners. Beyond Investing creates investment programs designed for animal advocates and climate-conscious investors in both public listed equity markets and venture capital. Beyond Investing is the architect of the US Vegan Climate Index, a stock index which screens out all animal exploitation and fossil fuel from a US market benchmark, and the sponsor of the US Vegan Climate Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). Beyond Investing focuses on early stage and growth companies that provide vegan, plant-based and cruelty-free products and services. Based in Switzerland, Claire is the founder of Beyond Cruelty Foundation, formed to campaign for zero animal exploitation and to fund s
Sat, September 14, 2019
Episode 505: Leif Cocks on Creating Better Lives for Orangutans
This week, Mariann talks to Leif Cocks about the foundation of The Orangutan Project , what it means to create a survivable environment for orangutans, the link between feminine empowerment and conservation, and why hope is over-rated. The Orangutan Project was established in 1998 by world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks. Leif is a passionate campaigner for orangutans and has been a key player in developing conservation plans for their protection and survival, including the first ever successful reintroduction of a zoo-born orangutan into the wild. A small population biologist and curator by trade; Leif has a Masters of Science studying orangutans and has worked for over 30 years to improve the welfare of orangutans in captivity and secure their survival in the wild. He lectures at universities, is a seasoned public speaker and has published three books, and several papers on orangutans in peer-reviewed journals. Leif is President and Founder of The Orangutan Project, President of International Elephant Project, President of International Tiger Project and Vice President of Orang Utan Republik Foundation. In his latest book, ‘Finding Our Humanity’, Leif delves deeper into what the great apes, our tribal past, conservation and a more philosophical approach to life can teach us about our humanity and presents an alternative perspective and deeper understanding of our place in the world. Available on Amazon . In the intro to this episode Mariann talks about the goings on at the recent Good Food Institute ‘s conference in San Francisco; all the plant-based meat substitutes on display and their questionable names; the surprising innovations of John Harvey Kellogg; and the incredible story of vegan chef Omari McQueen who also happens to be eleven years old. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us more Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This epi
Sat, September 07, 2019
Episode 504: Josh LaJaunie Wants To Take You From Sick To Fit
This week, Jasmin speaks with ultra-athlete Josh LaJaunie about becoming a vegan after years of being surrounded by hunting and a diet full of animals, how his desire to change his health inspired a change in attitude about food, and how he hopes to inspire others with his new book, Sick to Fit . A passionate advocate for eating plants and running, Josh LaJaunie has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, People magazine, Runner’s World magazine, and the Rich Roll Podcast. Josh grew up in Thibodaux, LA, and proudly embraced all aspects of his culture: hunting, fishing, playing high school football, rooting for the Saints, and eating and drinking to excess. In his early 30s, Josh tipped the scales at well over 400 pounds. As more and more friends and family members suffered and died too young from chronic diseases caused by their diet and lifestyle, Josh woke up and decided to turn his life around. Through pragmatic experiments, Josh explored weightlifting, Atkins, paleo, and many other approaches to weight loss. When he began running, the first hundred pounds melted away like magic. When he adopted a whole food, plant-based diet, the second hundred disappeared. At under 200 pounds, Josh discovered a passion and talent for running, one that led him to appear on the cover of Runner’s World magazine in December, 2016. As his family, friends, and wider community observed the stunning changes in Josh, he became an accidental guide and mentor to others who wanted to emulate his success. At WellStart Health , Josh spends most of his waking moments pounding the drum of plants and running as a way to achieve a natural, non-diseased, authentic human existence; and swinging a giant sledge hammer at the current health paradigm that ignores lifestyle and simply manages disease once it arises. In the intro to this episode Mariann talks about climate anxiety, how it relates to animal suffering, and why the coping strategies around it are similar to the anti-nuclear movement.She also talks about how you can apply for the 2019 Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature, sponsored by Ashland Creek Press and the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us more Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brough
Sat, August 31, 2019
Episode 503: Rita McMahon on the Joys of Bird Rehabilitation
This week, Mariann speaks with Rita McMahon of Wild Bird Fund about the incredible work her organization does for pigeons and other birds, why you should never pick up a baby bird from the sidewalk, and why amend building codes to require bird safe glass is vital for bird safety. Rita McMahon conducted market research for major TV networks in New York City, but she also nursed sick and injured animals in an apartment full of cages and pet carriers. Despite her busy schedule, Rita pursued an education in rehabilitation via conferences, research, and observing vets. In 2003, she became an NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator and saw patients at a local veterinary hospital—300 in her first year. In 2005, Rita co-founded the Wild Bird Fund, which earned a federal license to treat migratory birds the following year. In 2011, Rita gave up her TV consulting to devote herself fully to the work of WBF, including animal care and fundraising. The time was ripe to create New York City’s first wildlife rehabilitation and education facility, which opened in 2012. That first year, the Wild Bird Fund treated 1,500 animals. This year the number of WBF patients will surpass 7,000. In the intro to this episode Jasmin and Mariann share their stories of trying the Impossible Whopper at their nearby Burger Kings, and Jasmin tells how an upcoming vacation led to a realization of how wonderful the Our Hen House community is. They also talk about an amazing upcoming art project you should know about, The Art of Compassion Project . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us more Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn m
Sat, August 24, 2019
Episode 502: Angela Lovell on Animals, Psychic Energy, and Empaths
This week, Jasmin talks to Angela Lovell about what it means to identify as a witch, how being a witch relates to animals and the connection between psychic energy and consuming animal products. She tells us about Indigo Children and empaths, and the challenging of communicating to people who aren’t empaths. If you want to hear about how working with animals shaped her psychic career and how you can discover your spirit and power animals, listen to this fascinating interview. Angela Lovell is a 4th generation psychic, Indigo Child, empath, witchy bitch, and paranormal magnet with an entourage of mystical creatures. She co-hosts Where The Magick Happens , a podcast about witchcraft, the paranormal, spirit guides, astrology, and everything else you need to live your most magickal life. You can find her on Twitter @AngelaLovell and in Los Angeles with her many foster-fail familiars and faeries. In the intro to this episode Mariann and Jasmin discuss the value of Democratic presidential nominee Julian Castro’s Protecting Animals and Wildlife (PAW) plan, Jasmin’s new subway rat tattoo, and a correction from last week’s show about Poke Bowls. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us more Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you h
Sat, August 17, 2019
Episode 501: Dr. Trent Grassian on His Research into Vegan Campaigns
This week, Mariann talks to Dr. Trent Grassian about his recent evidence-based research into seven UK-based meat reduction and vegan campaigns . He talks about his discoveries about the effectiveness of meat reduction, how motivation to save animals is a more powerful motivator than the health motive, the lack of diversity he discovered in vegan and animal rights organizations, and much more. Dr. Trent Grassian recently completed his PhD, after earning a Master’s in Public Administration. Trent conducted research with non-profit organisations promoting meat reduction and veganism, in the largest study of its kind and has given presentations all over the world about the project. He is also a passionate intersectional advocate and helps run London Vegan Voices, a London-based pro-intersectional vegan group, and the on-line group, Vegan Researchers & Enthusiasts. In a former life, he worked as a Special Needs Education teacher in California for half a decade and helped found a local volunteering non-profit branch. He is a passionate animal advocate, who has volunteered with animals on three continents and spends most of his free time helping others adopt cruelty-free cooking skills and hanging out with his dog, Rigby. In the intro to this episode Mariann and Jasmin talk about Jasmin’s move to West Hollywood and all the vegan food near her, HappyCow in the age of the Impossible Whopper, and the people giving them hope in the age of climate crisis. Later in the show, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties about “vegetarian butchers” and more. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at <a href="http://aw
Sat, August 10, 2019
Episode 500: With Gene Baur Live From Woodstock Farm Sanctuary!
This week, Mariann and Jasmin celebrate the 500th episode of the Our Hen House podcast! Over ten years, Our Hen House has released episodes every single week without missing a beat. The show has utilized its philosophy of indefatigable positivity to elevate the voices of activists and leaders all over the globe who are working tirelessly to change the world for animals. Jasmin and Mariann would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to every guest who has ever been on the show, all of the current and former Flock members, and everyone who has ever listened to the show or supported us in any way. We’re looking forward to the next 500 episodes! This episode was recorded live at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary , and features an amazing interview with Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary . Gene talks about the changes he has seen in the animal welfare movement over the last ten years, the importance of media outlets like Our Hen House for changing the world for animals, and the changes he predicts over the next ten years. Gene Baur has been hailed as “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine. For more than 25 years he has traveled extensively around the country, campaigning to raise awareness about the abuses of industrialized factory farming and our current food system. A pioneer in the field of undercover investigations, Gene has visited hundreds of farms, stockyards, and slaughterhouses documenting their deplorable conditions. His pictures and videos exposing factory farming cruelties have aired nationally and internationally, educating millions about the plight of modern farm animals. In 2008, Gene’s book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food , became a national bestseller. Gene, who began his activist career selling veggie hotdogs out of a VW van at Grateful Dead concerts to fund farm animal rescues, is currently Farm Sanctuary’s president. With shelters in New York and California, Farm Sanctuary provides rescue, refuge, and adoption for hundreds of farm animals each year, enabling visitors to connect with farm animals as emotional, intelligent individuals. This episode also features a fascinating interview between Jasmin and Tricia Stevens, the Charitable Giving and Ethical Campaigns Manager at LUSH North America. Tricia tells us about the incred
Sat, August 03, 2019
Episode 499: Cheryl Leahy on the Impact of Factory Farm Investigations
This week, Mariann talks to Cheryl Leahy about Compassion Over Killing ‘s most-recent dairy investigation ; how investigations and advocacy reveal the horrors of industrial farming and impact movements for change; COK’s new podcast, The Vegan Family Podcast ; and how children respond to conversations about animal ethics. Since 2006, Cheryl has served as Compassion Over Killing’s General Counsel targeting large-scale abuse of farmed animals through proactive litigation and undercover investigations. Her work includes challenging cruel, yet standard, practices forced upon farmed animals as well as the misleading marketing of meat, milk, and eggs often found in grocery stores. Cheryl also co-hosts the Vegan Family Podcast. She received a J.D. from UCLA School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Chicago in Environmental Studies. In the intro to this episode Mariann and Jasmin rant about how it’s much harder to eliminate single-use plastics than it is to go vegan, but everything we do has an impact. They also discuss the uproar over Chipotle branding plant-based meat as “too processed.” Later, Mariann brings us another round of Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a c
Sat, July 27, 2019
Episode 498: Nancy Lawson on Humane Gardening
This week, Mariann speaks with Nancy Lawson about some really wonderful ways to put humane gardening into practice. This interview is a must-listen for anyone with an experienced green thumb or looking to start their own garden. They discuss how gardening has been portrayed similarly to factory farming; the importance of planting native plants; how to identify the plants and animals living around your home; and the advantages and disadvantages of bird-feeders. Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, a columnist for All Animals magazine, and the creator of the award-winning website, HumaneGardener.com. A frequent speaker on garden ecology, she founded Humane Gardener to pioneer and promote animal-friendly landscaping methods. Lawson’s book and wildlife habitat have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Oprah Magazine. Certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional, she previously led the creative teams behind the magazines of The Humane Society of the United States. She volunteers as a master gardener and master naturalist in central Maryland. In the intro to this episode Mariann has an encounter at the gym with someone who wanted to eat meat at an animal sanctuary, Jasmin is infuriated by the awful dairy farm episode of Queer Eye, and Mariann gets into a conversation about the Beyond Burger and GMOs. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-he
Sat, July 20, 2019
Episode 497: Ryan Patey of T.O.F.U Magazine
This week, Jasmin talks to Ryan Patey of T.O.F.U Magazine about publishing a DIY magazine, how his travels influence his views of animal issues, and why looking back at your own early work isn’t always the best idea. T.O.F.U. started in 2007 in Canada, but has since gone on to establish a worldwide audience. Nominated as one of the best vegan magazines in 2018’s VegfestUK Awards, the magazine takes a pro-intersectional, anti-oppression approach to veganism in an effort to extend the conversation beyond the plate. In the intro to this episode Jasmin has some interesting experiences on an Amtrak train while trying to write her new book, including one lovely gesture from a fellow passenger. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the in
Sat, July 13, 2019
Episode 496: Dale Jamieson on Institutional Change for Animals
This week, Mariann sits down with Dale Jamieson to talk about his work with the Center for Environmental and Animal Protection at New York University, his work in creating the Environmental Studies program at NYU, the skepticism around animal studies programs, and effective ways to engage with animal advocacy courses. Dale Jamieson is a Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy; Director, Center for Environmental and Animal Protection; Affiliated Professor of Law; Affiliated Professor of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine; Associated Faculty, Center for Bioethics, College of Global Public Health; New York University. He has been involved in animal issues since the late 1970s and was colleagues with Tom Reagan, Peter Singer, and Marc Bekoff as well as Lori Gruen’s teacher. Dale was one of the original signers of the 1993 declaration on the rights of apes. He has written on a range of issues from animal ethics to animal minds, some of which is collected in Morality’s Progress: Essays on Humans, Other Animals, and the Rest of Nature, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002), ix + 380pp. since coming to NYU in 2003 he’s been involved in founding NYU’s animal studies initiative and the ma program in animal studies, as well as the center referred to above. In the intro to this episode Jasmin is obsessed with Oatley, we are thrilled to get a kind response from Heidi Schrek (What The Constitution Means to Me), and we discuss the horrors of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https:/
Sat, July 06, 2019
Episode 495: Melanie Joy on Powerarchy
This week, Jasmin talks to Melanie Joy about her upcoming book, Powerarchy: Understanding the Psychology of Oppression for Social Transformation . They talk about what powerarchy is and why it’s an important concept for vegans and non-vegans; how powerarchy relates to intersectionality; h ow powerarchy is at work in social justice movements as well as in our relationships to ourselves; and practical, mindful ways that we can transform powerarchy within our circles. Dr. Melanie Joy is a Harvard-educated psychologist, international speaker, strategic vegan advocacy trainer, and relationship coach. She is the author of five books, including the award-winning Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows as well Powerarchy: Understanding the Psychology of Oppression for Social Transformation . Dr. Joy was a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, for 11 years, where she taught courses on privilege and oppression, feminist psychology, and animal rights. She has given talks and trainings on six continents and in over 45 countries, and her work has been featured in major media outlets around the world. She is the eighth recipient of the Ahimsa Award – previously given to the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela – for her work on global nonviolence. Dr. Joy is also the founding president of the charitable organization Beyond Carnism, co-director of the Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy, and co-founder of ProVeg International. You can learn more about her work at carnism.org . In the intro to this episode an incident in the middle of the Broadway show What The Constitution Means To Me inspires Jasmin to send a note to the artist, foie gras, and the difference between being righteous and being self-righteous. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This week’s episode is brought to you in part through a generous donation from BetterHelp . Use the promo code “henhouse” for a listener discount on BetterHelp’s services. <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/awfwlogo.png" alt="awfwlogo"
Sat, June 29, 2019
Episode 494: David Clough on Theology and Ethics
This week, Mariann talks to David Clough , a Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of Chester, about w hy Christians have faith-based reasons for caring about animals, what the bible says about animal ethics, his unique take on the story of Jesus going into the wilderness, and w hat practical Christians can take around the issues of animals. David Clough is Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of Chester and has just finished a term as President of the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics. He co-wrote Faith and Force: A Christian Debate about War (2007), debating just war and pacifism in a 21st century context, and has recently completed the landmark two-volume monograph On Animals (2012, 2018), on the place of animals in Christian theology and ethics. He is the founder of CreatureKind, a project aiming to engage Christians with farmed animal welfare; founder of DefaultVeg, a simple policy for institutions to adopt for events catering; and Principal Investigator for a three-year UK Research Council funded project on the Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare in partnership with major UK churches and Compassion in World Farming. In the intro to this episode Mariann and Jasmin are fresh from the recording of Our Hen House’s 500th episode live at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, and they talk about the beauty and importance of sanctuaries for creating change. They also take a day trip to Troy, NY for shopping and lunch. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course
Sat, June 22, 2019
Episode 493: Aysha Akhtar on the Neurology of Empathy
This week, Mariann talks to Aysha Akhtar about what empathy is and how empathy for animals helps us recognize the interconnectedness of all social struggles against cruelty and injustice; how her background in neurology has lead her to these discoveries and guided her writing; and the dog that changed her life, led her to a life of greater animal empathy, and gave her the courage to stand up to her sexual abuse. Akhtar is double board-certified in both neurology and preventive medicine and has a master’s degree in public health. She is the Deputy Director of the Army’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program. Previously, she worked for the Office of Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats of the Food and Drug Administration. She is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, in which she deploys to assist with national public health emergencies. She is also a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and is a consultant editor for The Journal of Animal Ethics. She is the author of Animals and Public Health and lives in Maryland. In the intro to this episode Mariann eats vegan chili on Broadway, Jasmin directed a TONY Award winner, and we discuss the reaction around Billie Eilish’s plea to her fans to go vegan. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock
Sat, June 15, 2019
Episode 492: Gavin Van Horn on Our Shared Journey with Coyotes
This week, Mariann talks to Gavin Van Horn about his recent book The Way of Coyote: Shared Journeys in the Urban Wilds . They also discuss how coyotes are an entry point into considering the ways that wildlife in urban areas is adapting to human presence, how cities are critical to conservation efforts, and some everyday practices that can expand our perception of the community-of-life. Gavin Van Horn works at the Center for Humans and Nature , where he leads trans-disciplinary projects that explore place-based values and human relationships with the more-than-human world. He is the co-editor of City Creatures: Animal Encounters in the Chicago Wilderness (University of Chicago Press, 2015) and Wildness: Relations of People and Place (University of Chicago Press, 2017). His writing traverses the edges of spirit and nature, the wonder of the everyday, and the wildness within and without. He believes other-than-human voices and ways-of-being matter. He writes for, edits, and curates the City Creatures Blog and his words have appeared in Orion , Undark , Emergence Magazine , Belt Magazine, Red Savina Review , and Zoomorphic , among others. His most recent book is The Way of Coyote: Shared Journeys in the Urban Wilds (University of Chicago Press, 2018). In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann mourn the passing of beloved activists Mary Max and Doug Greene. They also address the Fair Oaks controversy, and talk about some recent listener reviews and ratings. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties about Fair Oaks. More info in the show notes! Don’t forget to get your tickets now for our upcoming live recording of Our Hen House’s 500th episode at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary’s June Jamboree ! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change b
Sat, June 08, 2019
Episode 491: Garrett Greer is Betting on Everyone Going Vegan
This week, Jasmin talks to poker pro and vegan restaurateur Garrett Greer about his restaurant, The Black Bean and how its “junk food” menu options help people transition to a plant-based diet. He also gives his thoughts on how a plant-based diet gives him an advantage at the poker tables and why more poker players should go vegan. Lastly, he details the tragic accident that changed his life, and how he almost lost everything until poker saved him. Garrett is the founder of The Black Bean , an Orange County fast casual restaurant with an entirely plant-based menu. The Black Bean celebrated it’s grand opening on March 16th 2019. Before entering the competitive restaurant world, Garrett competed both athletically and academically at UCLA. After graduating in 2007, Garrett pursued a career in film and television production before suffering a catastrophic spinal cord injury in 2010. Resulting in paralyzation of 80% of his body, Garrett found yet another way to compete: he became a world ranked, televised professional poker player with over $5 million in lifetime tournament earnings. If he isn’t on a poker table or running his restaurant, Garrett enjoys being in the gym and devoting his time and resources to miscellaneous philanthropy. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann discuss the upcoming live recording of Our Hen House’s 500th episode at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary’s June Jamboree ! They also offer their thoughts on how to emotionally cope with the possibility of humanity ending in 2050 and the animal rights activist who recently interrupted Kamala Harris on stage. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . <b
Sat, June 01, 2019
Episode 490: Lorin Lindner on the Therapeutic Bond Between Birds and Veterans
This week, Mariann talks to Dr. Lorin Lindner of Lockwood Animal Rescue Center about the similarities in how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects parrots and military veterans and the touching recover results her organization is achieving by pairing them together. She also discusses the hidden horrors birds experience in “birdie mills.” Lockwood’s co-founder Matt Simmons to tell us more about how the overlap between animals and military veterans and his co-creation of the WolfGuard Program. Dr. Lindner is a clinical psychologist who helped to start programs for both traumatized veterans and traumatized animals. Her book, Birds of a Feather: A True Story of Love, Hope and the Healing Power of Animals published by St Martin’s Press in May 2018 tells of how she got her start as an animal activist and then started her sanctuaries, first for parrots and then for wolves and wolfdogs. Having worked with Veterans for over 30 years she and her US Navy veteran husband started the Wolves and Warriors program for combat veterans who care for the animals at the wolf sanctuary and the WolfGuard Campaign for veterans who go into the mountains of North America to defend wild wolves. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin tells us her email self-care hack, we recount our recent food truck experinces–good and bad, and we take Anne Hathaway to task for her reprehensible story of “caving” and giving up being vegan. Mariann also tells us the surprising and horrible part of animal anatomy being substituted for calamari. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast
Sat, May 25, 2019
Episode 489: Suzy Amis Cameron on Changing the World One Meal at a Time
This week, Mariann talks to Suzy Amis Cameron about how her new book, OMD, Changing The World By Changing One Meal a Day, is generating surprising reactions from non-vegans and the tips the book offers to help you advocate for family members and others to adopt more of a plant-based diet. She also talks about the Cameron Family Farms, and the extraordinary push back she experienced when trying to make MUSE School ‘s meals plant-based. Suzy Amis Cameron is a noted environmental advocate, former actor and model, and mother of five. In addition to founding MUSE School with her sister Rebecca Amis, she has founded a number of environmental organizations, including Cameron Family Farms (together with her husband, director James Cameron), Plant Power Task Force, Food Forest Organics, and Red Carpet Green Dress. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann talk about trying to get family members to eat plant-based foods, Jasmin’s research into the health horrors of dairy, and the outrage over the Green New Deal. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amoun
Sat, May 18, 2019
Episode 488: Leilani Munter Races To Save the Planet
This week, Jasmin talks to Leilani Münter about serving vegan burgers to racing fans at Daytona and the incredible exposure she got for her Vegan race car. She also talks about her decision to retire from racing, and why human overpopulation is an animal rights issue. Leilani Münter is a biology graduate, race car driver and environmental activist. Discovery’s Planet Green named her the #1 eco athlete in the world, ELLE Magazine awarded her their Genius Award, and Sports Illustrated named her one of the top ten female race car drivers in the world. In 61 starts Leilani has scored 9 top five and 21 top ten finishes. Since 2007, Leilani has been adopting endangered rainforest to offset the carbon footprint of her race car. So far she has protected over 1500 acres of rainforest. She uses her race car to spread environmental awareness and animal rights among millions of race fans in the US. Leilani sits on the board of EarthxFilm, Empowered by Light, and the Oceanic Preservation Society, the Academy Award winning filmmakers behind “The Cove.” She is featured in their 2015 Emmy-nominated documentary “Racing Extinction.” Leilani is also a patron of Population Matters and an ambassador of Ric O’Barry’s Dolphin Project. Leilani is vegan, her personal car is an electric Tesla Model S which she charges with solar power. Leilani’s motto is: never underestimate a vegan hippie chick with a race car. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann talk about a life-changing addition to Jasmin’s coffee routine, focusing on the big picture of changing the world for animals instead of creating a toxic environment in the animal rights movement, and Jasmin’s new job! After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org .
Sat, May 11, 2019
Episode 487: Asher Brown on Promoting Veganism with Media and Parties
This week, Mariann talks to Asher Brown, award-winning director and founder of Pollution.tv , about producing videos for clients like Beyond Meat, Gardein, So Delicious, Follow Your Heart and Veggie Grill, the Million-Dollar Vegan campaign, and Switch4Good , the dairy-free athlete non-profit he co-founded. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann preview this week’s bonus content about their trip to Trader Joe’s, discuss Jasmin’s recent New York visit and the amazing food they ate, how Fiddler on the Roof relates to animal issues, a really fascinating discussion about animal agriculture on Ezra Klein’s recent Ask Ezra Anything 3: Endgame podcast. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren , who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forg
Sat, May 04, 2019
Episode 486: Lori Gruen on the Importance of Empathy
This week, Mariann talks to Lori Gruen about the current state of the animal studies world, how new perspectives on animal activism and advocacy are expanding beyond academia and into activist conversations, her recent book Critical Terms for Animal Studies, the evolving role of empathy and how to direct it towards animals, and the danger of referring to people as “crazy cat ladies.” Lori Gruen is the William Griffin Professor of Philosophy at Wesleyan University and the Coordinator of Wesleyan Animal Studies. She is also a professor of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Science in Society. She is the author and editor of 11 books, including most recently Critical Terms for Animal Studies (Chicago, 2018) and animaladies (Bloomsbury, 2018); Entangled Empathy (Lantern, 2015); Ethics and Animals: An Introduction (Cambridge, 2011), and Ethics of Captivity (Oxford, 2014). Gruen has been involved in animal issues as a writer, teacher, and activist for over 30 years. Her relationships with scholars thinking about animals, activists working to protect animals, and, perhaps most importantly, with many different animals, uniquely inform her perspective on how we need to rethink our engagement with other animals. She has published extensively on topics in animal ethics and ecofeminism and has become known as a bit of an archivist for chimpanzees in the US given her work documenting the history of The First 100 chimpanzees in research in the US first1000chimps. ( http://first100chimps.wesleyan.edu ) and the journey to sanctuary of the remaining chimpanzees in research labs, The Last 1000 ( http://last1000chimps.com ). In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann talk about frustrating conversations about climate change over Passover, and who should bear the responsibility for fighting climate change. They also plug the upcoming YEA Camp for Adults . After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through
Sat, April 27, 2019
Episode 485: Gretchen Primack and Intelligent Allah on Poetry, Incarceration, and Veganism
This week, Jasmin talks to poet Gretchen Primack about her new book of poetry Visiting Days and her experience with writing about and working with incarcerated people. She also reads us two powerful and moving poems. Then, they are joined by author Intelligent Tarref Allah to discuss how he became a vegan in prison 19-years ago and lived as a vegan in prison for 12 years. He also talks about veganism as self-development for a person who was once immersed in the criminal world. Gretchen Primack is a poet and educator living in New York’s Hudson Valley. She has taught and/or administrated with prison education programs (mostly college) for ten years. She’s the author of three poetry collections, Visiting Days (forthcoming from Willow Books ), Kind ( Post Traumatic Press ), and Doris’ Red Spaces ( Mayapple Press ), and a chapbook, The Slow Creaking of Planets (Finishing Line 2007). She co-wrote The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals with Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary co-founder Jenny Brown (Penguin Avery 2012). Her poetry publication credits include The Paris Review, Prairie Schooner, Ploughshares, FIELD, Poet Lore, The Massachusetts Review, The Antioch Review, New Orleans Review, Rhino, Tampa Review, and many others, and her work has been chosen for several anthologies, including Best New Poets 2006. Her poem “You Are a Prince,” published in Ploughshares, was featured on PoetryDaily.org. Gretchen is a passionate advocate for the rights and welfare of non-human animals and lives with several of them, along with a beloved human named Gus. Intelligent Allah is a bestselling author and editor known by family and friends as Intell, and he also writes under the pen name Vance Burrows in honor of his deceased friend Boo (Vance Burrows). Intelligent was a poet and aspiring rapper from Brooklyn until he was incarcerated in 1994. While serving 18 1/2 years in prison, Intelligent completed various writing courses and served on several editorial boards of prison newsletters. He became a published writer and editor. Intelligent is editor of over a dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including Wahida Clark’s New York Times bestsellers Justify My Thug and Payback Ain’t Enough. His editorials, essays and articles have been published online, in magazine, newspaper and in books. He has also been contracted for producing advertising copy, movie treatments and other writings. Intelligent is a also a graphic artis
Sat, April 20, 2019
Episode 484: Joey Savoie on the Science of Charity
This week, Mariann talks to Joey Savoie about why research matters for helping more animals, the work of figuring out where the funding for animal activism should go, what kinds of research is good for changing people’s minds, and what people are a good fit for starting a new charity. If you are interested in applying for Charity Entrepreneurship’s Incubation Program, you can learn more and submit your application here . The deadline for applications is May 15th. Joey Savoie is the co-founder of Charity Science , a nonprofit that has multiple projects running under it, including Charity Science Health (a GiveWell incubated charity) and Charity Entrepreneurship (a program to help new charities get founded). He has spoken at conferences in England, Switzerland, Canada, and the US. Joey has a background in impact evaluation and communications. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann talk about trying to understand their emotions around the Notre Dame fire, Mariann’s newest Netflix obsession, and Jasmin’s interesting conversation with an old friend about politics and veganism. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider m
Sat, April 13, 2019
Episode 483: Brenda Sanders
This week, Brenda Sanders returns to the Our Hen House Podcast to talk to Jasmin about successfully opening The Greener Kitchen, and how it became a model for other vegan businesses in the area. They also discuss Vegan SoulFest , why community-based activism is as important as national campaigns, and why creating an affordable, accessible plant-based food system is vital to vegan activism. Brenda Sanders is a Food Justice activist who promotes veganism as a solution to many of the problems that face marginalized communities. She’s the founder and Executive Director of Afro-Vegan Society , a non-profit organization that works on campaigns that encourage people from marginalized communities to explore vegan living, as well as Co-Founder of Thrive Baltimore , a community resource center that offers classes, workshops, cooking demos and other resources to help people transition to veganism. Brenda is also Co-Creator Vegan SoulFest, one of the largest vegan festivals in the U.S. and co-owner of The Greener Kitchen, Baltimore’s first and only 100% vegan deli. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann discuss Jasmin’s recent interview with Tig Notaro for VegNews and what the future of space food might be, using social media to encourage restaurants to carry more vegan options, and a humorous issue of gendered income discrepancy. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if
Sat, April 06, 2019
Episode 482: Nick Halla
This week, Mariann interviews Nick Halla, the Senior Vice President for International at Impossible Foods . As we’re sure you’ve heard, the company made a huge announcement this week that Burger King would be serving the Impossible Burger ! You’re not going to want to miss this great and wide-ranging interview about the mission of Impossible, their national and international launch, and even some of the controversy surrounding animal testing and the Impossible Burger. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann discuss more about the Impossible Burger’s huge announcement and the issues covered in the interview, and they each go on to recount separate interesting theater experiences they had this week. We also have a very special dedication from No Meat May . After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible <a hre
Sat, March 30, 2019
Episode 481: Sue Coe
This week, Mariann interviews visual artist and activist Sue Coe about her new book, Zooicide . They discuss how a trip to the zoo with her sister as a child informed her views on animals in captivity, why people continue to go to zoos and what happens when they see someone drawing the animals, and the dangers rampant capitalism poses for the planet. Sue Coe is a visual artist with a particular focus on the atrocities committed by people against animals. Coe is the author of many books, including Dead Meat, and her work has appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, and Rolling Stone. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann discuss episode 438 guest Ryan Bethencourt’s appearance on Shark Tank representing Wild Earth, how we can address the issue of veganism putting people like dairy farmers out of work, and the bizarre story of a man who ate a pig’s head at a Veg Fest. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us
Sat, March 23, 2019
Episode 480: Berto Calkins
This week, Jasmin interviews Berto Calkins about the intersections of veganism and fitness, how a visit to an animal sanctuary helped him make a vital connection to animals as beings, the importance of representation across the veganism and animal rights movements. Berto Calkins is a fitness professional that promotes mental and physical wellness as well as the vegan lifestyle. His mission is to make people aware of controllable influences on their lives, so that they can make decisions that better themselves and the world. He is a certified personal trainer, certified fitness nutrition specialist and also serves on the board of directors for Woodstock Farm Sanctuary . Check out his YouTube channel here . In the intro to this episode, a flu-ridden Jasmin and Mariann discuss the South Korean drama Little Forest and the recent New York Times article about an escaped calf on the New York Expressway and how it focuses surprisingly well on the experience of escaped animals. Plus, Jasmin brings us a great chat she had during the recent Expo with Seth Tibbott of Tofurkey about his work developing tempeh. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consid
Sat, March 16, 2019
Episode 479: Lisa Feria
This week, Mariann Sullivan interviews Lisa Feria, CEO of Stray Dog Capital , about how her venture capital firm works to fund projects that offer alternatives to animal supply chains, and why this is so different from typical venture capital firms. She also tells Mariann about how her firm is addressing the changing vegan-friendly landscape. Lisa and Mariann also discuss the benefits of vegan companies being bought by larger companies, and what she envisions to be the future of “meat.” Lisa Feria is the CEO of Stray Dog Capital , a mission-driven Venture Capital firm that drives alternatives to the use of animals in the supply chain through investments, expertise, and support. She is a seasoned business manager with over 15 years of experience running organizations and businesses. She has worked with blue chip companies such as Procter & Gamble and General Mills and on businesses ranging from $350 MM to $2.5 BN. Lisa has an MBA from the University of Chicago where she was voted “one of the 25 most influential MBA students,” and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s recent trip to Expo and how she witnessed the boom of vegan products being represented everywhere throughout the event. Also, Jasmin has started shooting the upcoming short film she’s in and she tells us about serving vegan food on set. Mariann recounts the story of going to see her niece in a production of Mary Poppins and realizing how many pop culture figures are vegan. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a h
Sat, March 09, 2019
Episode 478: Dotsie Bausch
This week, Jasmin interviews athlete and influential game-changer Dotsie Bausch. It’s a powerful and inspiring interview about her experience in the 2012 Olympics, her successful battle with addiction and eating disorder, and her journey into advocacy. She also tells us about the SwitchForGood anti-dairy initiative and why she chose this athlete-driven movement as a way to disrupt the dairy industry and its harmful mythologies. After conquering habits and addictions that nearly took her life, Dotsie Bausch rode onto the 2012 Olympic podium as the oldest athlete in history in her cycling discipline, a remarkable feat powered by her plant-based diet. Now retired from competition, she pours her passion into compassionate missions to change and save lives. Bausch speaks passionately around the world, spreading her message about the numerous benefits – humane, nutritional and environmental – of plant-based eating. Her popular TEDx Talk , “ Olympic Level Compassion, ” has garnered over 175,000 views and has been a catalyst of change for thousands of people. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the recent hilarious, animal-friendly Saturday Night Live “Weekend Update” segment about Pigcasso. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch. They also get very excited over this week’s bonus upcoming bonus content with Joni Marie Newman, and if you haven’t joined the Our Hen House Flock yet now is the time to do so. Plus, we have a very special dedication. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscr
Sat, March 02, 2019
Episode 477: Victoria Moran and Thomas Jackson
This week, Mariann interviews Victoria Moran and Thomas Jackson about their new film, A Prayer for Compassion , the intersections of ethical veganism and spirituality, the various vegan messages to be found within different spiritual texts, why religious people should be vegan, and navigating the hypocrisies around spirituality and veganism. Victoria Moran is the author of thirteen books, including Main Street Vegan and, with JL Fields, The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook. Featured twice on Oprah, and voted “Peta’s Sexiest Vegan Over 50” in 2016, Moran hosts the Main Street Vegan podcast and is director of Main Street Vegan Academy , the exciting week-long intensive in NYC, training vegan lifestyle coaches, educators, and entrepreneurs. Going since 2012, the Academy now has 400 graduates in 28 countries. Victoria is also lead producer of A Prayer for Compassion , Thomas Jackson’s 2019 documentary introducing vegan living to people of faith. Thomas Jackson won a Student Academy Award for his short film, Slow Dancin’ Down the Aisles of the Quick Check, and he is also director of the feature, Mind the Gap. A vegan for ten years and an activist for nearly half that time, A Prayer for Compassion is Thomas’s first documentary. He lives is northern Florida. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann answer the common question, “What do you eat?!” They talk about their eating habits–including some potentially embarrassing revelations–and what they would like to eat more of. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our
Sat, February 23, 2019
Episode 476: Elisa Camahort Page and Rachel Krantz
This week, Jasmin talks to Our Hen House board members Elisa Camahort Page and Rachel Krantz about their extensive media background, how the changing landscape of media affects how people produce and consume it, the continuing vitality and importance of media companies like Our Hen House, and how we can all continue to empower ourselves to work towards the change we want to see. Elisa Camahort Page is known as the co-founder and COO of scrappy start-up-turned-global women’s media company BlogHer, Inc., Elisa Camahort Page was with BlogHer from its founding, through its venture fundraising, through exit by acquisition, through letting go. Camahort Page now focuses on writing and consulting with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and organizations that are driven to take their big ideas to the next level. Her debut book, Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All, was published by Ten Speed Press, a Penguin Random House imprint, on September 18, 2018 and is the Amazon #1 New Release in Political Advocacy. Her mantra: Innovation+Empathy>Innovation+Efficiency. Her mission: To make vision a reality. To help you complete your narrative. Find her at elisacp.com Rachel Krantz is senior writer at mercy for animals, and a founding editor of Bustle. In the intro to this episode, Jasmin tells us about her recent performance at Mortified. Then, Jasmin and Mariann discuss a recent email from a listener about abortion issues. We recognize that this is a very difficult and sensitive topic of discussion, and we try to address it as tactfully and honestly as possible. Also, they talk about a recent Washington Post piece about plant-based eating. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn
Sat, February 16, 2019
Episode 475: Lakshman Molleti
This week, Jasmin talks to Lakshman Molletti , founder of the Animals Water Bowl Project INDIA , about the origins of his efforts to provide safe drinking water to stray animals, his organization’s various media outreach efforts, and how his engineering studies led him to veganism and compassion for animals. “Laki” is an inspiring figure in his efforts to change the world for animals, and you’re not going to want to miss this interview. Lakshman Molletti is a social entrepreneur who likes making short films to create awareness, supporting stray animals at his place through virtual adoption, educating people about animal welfare and driving new ideas which help animal welfare and rights. He is a vegan by choice. He loves animals and the cause of their welfare is very close to his heart as it has a very positive impact on the planet. He always believes “this world will be more balanced if every human on this planet lives a simple lifestyle and loves and supports all the animals equally”. In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin react to the impact of Jasmin’s VegNews interview with Cory Booker, the ways it is being discussed across various news outlets, and the growing number of vegan politicians. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or bec
Sat, February 09, 2019
Episode 474: Christopher Schlottmann and Jeff Sebo
This week, Mariann talks to Christopher Schlottmann and Jeff Sebo from New York University about their new book, Food, Animals and Environment: An Ethical Approach . It’s the first textbook at the intersection of food, ethics and the environment, with an ethical emphasis but incorporating extensive social and natural sciences. They discuss their animal- and environment-related activities at NYU, why writing about food, animals and the environment matters, and the scale of environmental impact and animal suffering due to animal agriculture. Christopher Schlottmann is Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Director of Undergraduate Studies , and Global Curriculum Coordinator in the Department of Environmental Studies at New York University. His research is grounded in philosophical analysis of a variety of environmental topics. His current projects concern the ethical dimensions at the intersection of food, animals and the environment. His current project is a scholarly monograph on the ethics of food, focusing on the environmental and animal dimensions. It includes quantitative and qualitative assessment of the environmental impacts of foods; a philosophical survey of the place of animals in both nature and food systems; an analysis of rubrics for understanding the ethics and impacts of food, including naturalness, purity, and dispositions towards modernity, technology and industry; a philosophical argument detailing an environmental ethic of domesticated, non-wild space; a critical analysis of the framing of social change around food and environment as personal, privatized responsibility (rather than as citizenship); and solutions to environmental problems related to food. He has previously published Environment and Society: A Reader (NYU Press, 2017) with Dale Jamieson, Colin Jerolmack, Anne Rademacher, and Maria Damon, Reflecting on Nature: Readings in Environmental Ethics and Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 2012), with Dale Jamieson and Lori Gruen, and<a href="https://www.bookstores.nyu.edu/WKSCRIPTS3/wkf?BookSelectDisplay+@ID=1809047034&ISBN.C
Sat, February 02, 2019
Episode 473: Elana Kirshenbaum
This week, Jasmin talks to Elana Kirshenbaum from Catskill Animal Sanctuary about New Leaf , their great new vegan mentoring program, the importance of pairing new vegans with like-minded mentors, the future of mentoring programs, and how people can get involved. Elana has been at Catskill Animal Sanctuary overseeing different programs for almost 6 years. She developed and currently oversees the New Leaf Vegan Mentor Program. With over 20 years experience in animal advocacy as well as a diverse background in program management, teaching, and social work, Elana is passionate about creating a more just world for all beings and the earth. She is the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Rhode Island Vegan Awareness, which she led for a decade. Elana has a degree in writing and creative arts and has studied with the International Institute for Humane Education. She recognizes the power of New Leaf to advance vegan ethics into the mainstream and help invert the cultural paradigm of violence to one of reverence. In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin talk about this incredible recent story in the guardian about a farmer who took his lambs to a sanctuary instead of a slaughterhouse. They also talk about Bruce Friedrich’s recent appearance on the Ezra Klein Show podcast and the importance of seeking systemic change above individual change. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes! This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety, and the American Pets Alive! Conference . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more
Sat, January 26, 2019
Episode 472: Christine Dorchak
This week, Mariann talks to Christine Dorchak about her recent victory to outlaw greyhound racing in Florida. She tells us about the history about greyhound racing in Florida and the horrible conditions that racing dogs are subjected to, the victory of amendment 13 and the celebrities and high-profile organizations that helped get it passed, the history and mission of Grey2K. C hristine Dorchak is the co-founder, president and general counsel of greyhound protection group GREY2K USA Worldwide A long-time vegan and long distance runner, she works to pass laws to protect greyhounds and promote the adoption of ex-racers across the globe. Since its formation in 2001, GREY2K has helped to close down dozens of American dog tracks and prevented the expansion of commercial dog racing to countries such as South Africa, Jamaica and the Philippines. For more information, go to grey2kusa.org or visit them on Facebook or Twitter . In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin discuss the greatness of the air fryer (and JL Fields’ book ) and w hat some recent disappointing and out of touch “vegan” scenes on Netflix’s Grace and Frankie say about the mainstream status of animal advocacy. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety, and the American Pets Alive! Conference . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at <a
Sat, January 19, 2019
Episode 471: Jasmine Leyva
This week, Jasmin talks to Jasmine Leyva about her amazing film, The Invisible Vegan , which chronicles Jasmine’s personal experience with plant-based eating and also explains how plant-based eating is directly linked to African roots and how African-American eating habits have been debased by a chain of oppression stemming from slavery, economics and modern agribusiness. They also talk about the view of veganism as “white people food,” how slavery disrupted people’s relationships with food, and her hope to be the example of veganism she didn’t have growing up. Jasmine Leyva has worked as an associate producer for the NAACP winning docuseries Unsung, and shortly after was given the opportunity to write and produce on Being, a docuseries highlighting dynamic entertainers in film and music. She went on to star in commercials and print ads for major brands like Nissan, Sony, Apple, Uber, American Express, Diesel, BlackPeopleMeet, Credit Sesame, Michelle Watches, Elle magazine and more. She also starred in the Lifetime show, My Crazy Ex, and is scheduled to star in her first indie film in 2017. Jasmine and her fiancé, Kenny Leyva, are currently producing their own feature length documentary, The Invisible Vegan. You can also follow her on Instagram @invisiblevegan. In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin mourn the loss of beloved New York City vegan restaurant, Souen and the emotional impact of watching neighborhoods change. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. We also have a very lovely dedication. This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety, and the American Pets Alive! Conference . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision
Sat, January 12, 2019
Episode 470: Kristen Stilt
This week, Mariann talks to Kristen Stilt about halal slaughter and the animal welfare debates within that industry. They discuss the meaning of halal, the differences between halal rules and kosher rules, the moral complications involved in the slaughter of animals for food as it relates to religious law, and the work she has done to uncover and promote advocacy around these issues. She also updates us on what’s going on at Harvard’s Animal Law and Policy Program Kristin Stilt is a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. She also serves as Faculty Director of the Animal Law & Policy Program, Director of the Islamic Legal Studies Program, and is a Deputy Dean. Stilt was named a Carnegie Scholar for her work on Constitutional Islam, and in 2013 she was awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship. Her research focuses on animal law, and in particular the intersection of animal law and religious law; Islamic law and society; and comparative constitutional law. Publications include Islamic Law in Action (Oxford University Press, 2011); “Constitutional Innovation and Animal Protection in Egypt,” Law & Social Inquiry (2018); and “Law” in Critical Terms for Animal Studies, edited by Lori Gruen (University of Chicago Press, 2018). She is currently working on a new book project entitled Halal Animals, to be published by Oxford University Press. In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin talk about the effectiveness of emailing podcasts hosts suggesting they go vegan, Jasmin’s cluttered email inbox, Jasmin’s inspiring conversation with Matthew Kenney , and Mariann’s renewed focus on simplicity. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety, and the American Pets Alive! Conference . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for c
Sat, January 05, 2019
Episode 469: Best of Vegan Athletes with Leilani Munter, Milani Malik, and Jennifer Hintenberger
This week, Jasmin and Mariann revisit past interviews with amazing vegan athletes. First, we revisit our interview with Leilani Munter from episode 171 . Leilani is a biology graduate, professional race car driver and environmental activist. Discovery’s Planet Green named her the #1 eco athlete in the world, ELLE Magazine awarded her their Genius Award and Sports Illustrated named her one of the top ten female race car drivers in the world. She has been a guest at The White House and the United Nations in Geneva. Leilani is on the board of the Oceanic Preservation Society, a non-profit that creates film, photography and media, inspiring people to save the oceans. They won the Academy Award for their first documentary The Cove and Leilani is featured in their 2015 documentary Racing Extinction. She joined us on in April of 2013 to talk about her vegan advocacy, including giving us the skinny on the VegNation Car, how she keeps her racing carbon-neutral, and her work mainstreaming the movement to save the ocean and its inhabitants. She also told us about the biggest challenges she faced as a woman in a sport dominated by men, as well as those she faced as a vegan and an activist in a meat-centric world. Then, in an interview from episode 123 in May of 2012, Milani Malik tells us what it was like to play for one season in the Men’s Professional ABA for the NYC Thunder, as the only woman in the country to to do so. She talks about her teammates’ reactions to her plant-based diet, her favorite foods that keep her strong, what it was like to be raised as a vegan – one of six kids, by the way, all raised vegan! – and what it’s like to be the only woman on a professional men’s basketball team. Finally, our live interview with award-winning athlete Jennifer Hintenberger who talked to us on episode 126 back in June of 2012 about how she was able to recover from many physical illnesses and becoming a kettlebell champion through adopting a plant-based diet. She tells us how her veganism influences her athleticism, animal rights, and all the serious illnesses she was
Sat, December 29, 2018
Episode 468: Ben Goldfarb
This week, Jasmin talks to Ben Goldfarb about his new book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter . They also discuss the fascinating role beavers have played in American history, the Beaver Believer movement, and just how busy they actually are. Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental journalist who covers wildlife conservation, marine science, and public lands management. His work has been featured in Science, Mother Jones, The Guardian, High Country News, Audubon Magazine, Orion, Scientific American, and many other publications. He holds a master of environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He lives in Spokane, Washington. In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin talk about their plans and goals for the new year and the benefits of bullet journals. Jasmin tells us some inspiring stories of activism she’s read about, and Mariann rails against social media. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any
Sat, December 22, 2018
Episode 467: Esther Ouwehand
This week, Mariann talks to Esther Ouwehand from Party for the Animals about the origins of this groundbreaking political party, their compassion-based political policies, and how animal rights parties are expanding around the world and impacting governments everywhere. They also discuss the legislation that Party for the Animals has passed and hopes to pass going forward, as well as the resistance they’ve encountered from other political parties. Esther Ouwehand has been an MP for 12 years for the Party for the Animals (PftA). In 2006, she was one of the two MP’s that got elected for the PftA, the other was Marianne Thieme. This 2006 election was a historical moment: for the first time in history a political party with the main focus on animals was elected in a national parliament. PtfA currently has 5 out of 150 seats in parliament and dozens of local representatives in 19 countries. Esther herself is vegan and an animal rights activist. She is worldwide probably one of the few nationally elected politicians that is vegan and full-time animal rights activist. Thanks to the efforts of Esther and the PtfA, animal rights and animal welfare has gotten a place on the political agenda of a country that has a long and terrible history of intensive livestock farming. In the intro to this epidsode, Mariann and Jasmin wrestle with a rather speciesist question from a friend about giving away a dog, which leads them to recall this very sad ad . Later in the episode, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a
Sat, December 15, 2018
Episode 466: Vegan Batgirl
This week, Jasmin talks to Vegan Batgirl (aka Connie S.), an activist whose most notable stunt, the Vegan Batman Light, is a Bat Signal that has been shone across the USA on giant blank walls along-side of major freeways in LA, on the Staple Center, on Las Vegas Hotels, in Arizona near the Talking Stick Arena and much more. They also talk about how people react to the light. She has had over 60 police interactions, as well as having some public people try to run off with her equipment and even threaten to run over her with their vehicle. On the positive side, she draws in many great conversations with people that see the message and helps them to realize that they never thought about animal suffering. Additionally, they discuss what makes effective activism and Connie’s recently-launched Vegan Justice League Lobbying Group which is working to fast-track change and to focus on reforming the next Farm Bill by 2022/23. You can see more of her work on her Facebook page and her YouTube page. In the intro to this epidsode, Mariann and Jasmin talk about the impact of fundraising on animal welfare, some holiday season reflections, and Mariann’s recent talk at Main Street Vegan Academy. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite pod
Sat, December 08, 2018
Episode 465: Saryta Rodriguez
This week, Mariann talks to author Saryta Rodriguez about their new book, Food Justice: A Primer . They discuss the social, environmental, and economic justice aspects of adopting a plant-based diet, the link between food justice and animal justice, and the devastating impacts of food waste for humans and animals. Saryta Rodríguez is an author, editor, social justice advocate, and educator. Their first book, Until Every Animal is Free , was published in October 2015 by Vegan Publishers, and their second book, Food Justice: A Primer, was published in July 2018 by Sanctuary Publishers. Saryta also contributed an essay and part of the Introduction to Veganism in an Oppressive World , which was published in November 2017 by Sanctuary Publishers. Saryta’s past writings have focused on food justice, veganism, race, and gentrification. Their articles have appeared on such notable social justice websites as Free From Harm , Causa Justa/Just Cause , and Reasonable Vegan . In the intro to this epidsode, Mariann and Jasmin discuss Jasmin’s new job at The Pollination Project and the incredible work that the organization is doing. They also talk about their frustrations with podcast hosts and media figures they admire who aren’t vegan. We also have a beautiful donation from two regular listeners. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. And make sure you listen all the way to the end of this episode! This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org .<
Thu, December 06, 2018
Episode 464.5: We’re Dreaming of a Vegan Jewish Christmas
It’s the fourth night of Hanukah and we at Our Hen House are not only busy unwrapping presents, but we’re also gearing up for a Jewish Christmas! Regardless of what holiday you’re celebrating this year, everyone loves (vegan) Chinese food and a movie, and that’s exactly what today’s special episode of the Our Hen House podcast is bringing your way. Back by popular demand, today’s super special bonus episode weaves in one of our favorite chats with the Vegan Mos ‘ Michael Suchman, who joined Jasmin Singer to create the perfect Christmas meal (no matter what you celebrate). With Michael’s mentorship, we’ve whipped up some of his favorite original holiday recipes: Soba Noodle Stir-Fry, Cheesecake Bars, and Holly Berries Cocktail. Let’s get cooking! What follows are the recipes we made on Episode 2 of the Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast! All recipes are by the Vegan Mos ! Visit their website for more yumminess. [print_this] Holly Berries Cocktail Jasmin and Michael, drinky drinky. by Vegan Mos Ingredients: 3 cups Bacardi Limon 3 cups cranberry juice 3 cups Sweet & Sour mix 1 cup fresh mint leaves Directions: Pour Bacardi, cranberry juice and Sweet & Sour into a large pitcher. Add mint to the pitcher and stir well. Pour into chilled martini glasses, garnish with a sprig of mint and serve. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! [/print_this] [print_this] Soba Noodle Stir Fry Soba Noodle Stir-Fry by VeganMos — www.veganmos.com by Vegan Mos Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 8 oz. soba noodles, or linguine noodles<br /
Sat, December 01, 2018
Episode 464: Mark Hawthorne
This week, Mariann talks to author Mark Hawthorne about the 10th anniversary edition of his important book, Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism . He discusses expanding the book to cover things like self-care, social justice, and other issues for activists in the 21st century. He also talks about the progress and setbacks he’s seen in the last ten years, the social media revolution’s impact on movements for animal rights, and the continuing rise of grassroots activism. There are so many great takeaways from this interview, and you’ll want to make sure to pre-order the book today! Mark Hawthorne is an activist and the author of three books on animal rights and social justice: A Vegan Ethic: Embracing A Life Of Compassion Toward All ; Bleating Hearts: The Hidden World of Animal Suffering ; and the bestselling Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism , which has just been updated as a 10th-anniversary edition. Mark is a frequent contributor to VegNews magazine, and he volunteers with the vegan food justice group Food Empowerment Project. You’ll find him blogging about activism at markhawthorne.com and tweeting @markhawthorne . Also, Mariann and Jasmin discuss an email from a listener about a very difficult situation in Florida involving an invasive species of lionfish who have been displaced into Florida and are decimating the local fish population, and how this relates to the perils of speciesism. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to ou
Sat, November 24, 2018
Episode 463: Karen Courtemanche, Christine Morrissey, Margo DeMello, and Richard Miron
This week, Jasmin is at Harvest Home Sanctuary talking with Karen Courtemanche , Christine Morrissey, and Margo DeMello about the challenges and hope in sanctuary work and the incredible efforts they are making both together and individually for the benefit of animals. Then, Mariann talks to filmmaker Richard Miron about his wonderful new documentary, For the Birds . They discuss the process of making the film, the connection he developed to the people involved in the story, and the fascinating cross-section of activism and storytelling. For more info, visit the For The Birds Facebook page . Richard assistant-edited Academy Award-nominated LIFE, ANIMATED, as well as ART AND CRAFT (Academy Award shortlist). He was the lead editor for the feature documentary THE SURROUNDING GAME. He received his B.A. in Art from Yale University, where he won the Howard Lamar Prize, Yale’s top film award. Richard was the Director of Programming for the Environmental Film Festival at Yale for two years, and has a background in animal rights. He received the Marcie Bloom Fellowship in Film, and was a fellow in the 2016 IFP Documentary Labs. Also, Mariann and Jasmin talk about Jasmin’s recent VegNews article, “ 5 Foolproof Ways I Cope With Being Vegan at Thanksgiving .” We also have a very special dedication, and of course Mariann bringing us some Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https:
Tue, November 20, 2018
Episode 462.5: Sanctuary, A Radio Play Recorded Live in NYC!
Welcome to a very special extra holiday episode of Our Hen House! Just in time for Thanksgiving, we are re-releasing this recording of our world-premiere performance of John Yunker’s radio play, Sanctuary , recorded live at NYC’s Symphony Space during the 2017 Compassion Arts and Culture & Animals Festival! This episode also features an introduction to the play from Our Hen House’s John Frusciante and Michael Harren, who discuss the process of staging the production as well as some tips for navigating Thanksgiving as a vegan. Sanctuary tells the story of Richard and Lisa, a happily-married couple whose blissful retirement to a small town is upended when Lisa not only suddenly decides to go vegan, but offers their guest studio to her new animal-activist friend Meg and decides to celebrate Thanksgiving sans turkey. A blindsided Richard invites his unsuspecting pal Charley in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Equal parts poignant and humorous, the piece provides moments of genuine identification for anyone who has experienced the struggles and joys of navigating their vegan ethics around loved ones who might not quite understand. “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests,” says Yunker. “But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” Sanctuary was written by playwright John Yunker , and this production was directed by John Frusciante. Live sound effects were provided by Eric Milano , with pre-recorded sound effects by Michael Harren . The episode’s cast features John Frusciante as Richard, Michael Harren as Charley, Eric Milano as The Narrator, Jasmin Singer as Meg, and Mariann Sullivan as Lisa. Jasmin, a long-time proponent of using the arts, especially theater, as a way to advocate for veganism, says, “The arts, and theater in particular, offer a unique lens through which an audience can safely confront their own behaviors, such as what they choose to eat, and why. In Sanctuary , Yunker accomplishes just that, with dark humor and quick wit as the moving forces behind this powerful play.” Mariann is pleased that “none of the characters are heroes and none are v
Sat, November 17, 2018
Episode 462: Michael Harren and Tracye McQuirter
This week, Jasmin talks with Our Hen House’s Michael Harren about the activism he participated in and witnessed at this year’s Kaporos ritual in New York City, including the story of a rescue attempt on a chicken. It’s a compelling discussion that we know every activist and anyone with compassion for animals will find inspiring. They also talk about Michael’s long-running podcast, MikeyPod , and his recent book, The Animal Book . Then, we welcome back to the show one of our favorite guests, Tracye McQuirter , for a new edition of “Teaching Jasmin How To Cook Vegan.” Tracye teaches Jasmin how to cook Spicy Basil Eggplant with Dates, Cashews and Brown Rice. The recipe comes from page 185 of her book, Ageless Vegan. If you missed our interview with Tracye about that book from episode 443, you can listen to it here . They also talk about Tracye’ phenomenal new project, African American Vegan Starter Guide . Tracye McQuirter, MPH, was named a national food hero changing the way America eats for the better by Vegetarian Times and her first book, By Any Greens Necessary , established her as one of the most influential vegans in the country. Tracye directed the nation’s first federally funded vegan nutrition program and was a nutrition advisor for the Black Women’s Health Imperative. As an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia, Tracye designed and taught a plant-based nutrition curriculum for the District of Columbia Public Schools System to help prevent and reverse childhood obesity in Washington, DC. She recently created the first-of-its-kind, free African American Vegan Starter Guide in partnership with Farm Sanctuary. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Essence, Bon Appetit, Ebony, VegNews, the Huffington Post, and more. Here’s the recipe for the dish they make so you can follow along at home. If you make it, take a picture and tag us on Instagram (@OurHenHouse) or tell us about it on our Facebook page! [print_this] Spicy Basil Eggplant with Dates, Cash
Sat, November 10, 2018
Episode 461: Katie Gillespie, Steve Spiro, Donna Dennison and Natalie Ford
This week, Jasmin attends an incredible art gallery benefit for START Rescue and talks to president and co-founder Steve Spiro about the mission and work of START, the challenges he faces, and what gives him hope. She also gets a fresh dose of inspiration when she chats with participating photographers Donna Dennison and Natalie Ford about how they hope to impact the world of advocacy with their artwork. Then, Mariann interviews Katie Gillespie about her new book, The Cow with Ear Tag #1389 , the challenges of getting access to animal agriculture sites for the purposes of academic research, and the everyday violence of the dairy industry. Kathryn (Katie) Gillespie is a writer, feminist geographer, and critical animal studies scholar. Her work focuses on understanding and transforming the violent relationships between humans and other species. Her first book, The Cow with Ear Tag #1389, focuses on the lives of cows in the dairy industry in the Pacific Northwestern United States. She has coedited two books: Economies of Death and Critical Animal Geographies. When she’s not writing, Katie volunteers with Freedom Education Project Puget Sound, Pigs Peace Sanctuary, and Food Empowerment Project. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorit
Sat, November 03, 2018
Episode 460: Elisa Camahort Page
This week, Jasmin talks to Elisa Camahort Page about her debut book, Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All . They also discuss the role of social media in activism, and how people can become more effective activists by focusing on fewer issues. Known as the co-founder and COO of scrappy start-up-turned-global women’s media company BlogHer, Inc., Elisa Camahort Page was with BlogHer from its founding, through its venture fundraising, through exit by acquisition, through letting go. Camahort Page now focuses on writing and consulting with entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and organizations that are driven to take their big ideas to the next level. Her debut book, Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All, was published by Ten Speed Press, a Penguin Random House imprint, on September 18, 2018 and is the Amazon #1 New Release in Political Advocacy. Her mantra: Innovation+Empathy>Innovation+Efficiency Her mission: To make vision a reality. To help you complete your narrative. Find her at elisacp.com Mariann and Jasmin talk about the Our Hen House fundraising drive, the heated exchange between writer Selene Nelson and journalist William Sitwell that led to his firing, and Jasmin’s upcoming speaking dates. We’ve also got Rising Anxieties from Mariann. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-hen-hous
Sat, October 27, 2018
Episode 459: Kristie Sullivan and Paul Bashir
This week, Mariann talks to Kristie Sullivan of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine about her work on California’s Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB1249) , which we are happy to report has been signed since the recording of this interview! She also talks about how that work ties into a larger strategy for ending animal testing for all products, including non-animal method development, implementation and training. They discuss all the horrible and surprising ways animals are used in testing (i.e. products that are currently tested on animals including some surprising sectors like food additives), and the new technologies for testing that have started to help make inroads into shifting away from animal use in basic scientific research. Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., is the Vice President of Research Policy with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nationwide organization of physicians and laypersons that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, and addresses controversies in modern medicine, including ethical issues in research. As Vice President of Research Policy, Ms. Sullivan directs our efforts to promote human-relevant alternatives to the use of animals in medical research, education, and the testing of drugs, chemicals, and other products through scientific scholarship and outreach to companies, federal agencies, legislators, and others. Then, Jasmin talks to Paul Bashir of Anonymous for the Voiceless about the impact and importance of their international Cube of Truth street activism, why they use the Anonymous masks, their techniques for how to train activists, and how people can get involved in any level of activism. They also discuss International Cube Day . Anonymous for the Voiceless is an animal rights organization that specialized in street activism. Through the use of local standard-practice footage, we expose to the public what is intentionally hidden from them when it comes to animal exploitation. Combining this with a value-based sales approach and resource literature, we fully equip the public with everything they need in switching to a vegan lifestyle. We hold an abolitionist stance on animal exploitation. Anonymous
Sat, October 20, 2018
Episode 458: Francesca “Sol” Chaney and Liz Dee
This week, Jasmin talks to Francesca “Sol” Chaney, owner of the Bushwick-based vegan restaurant Sol Sips , about the idea of “food apartheid,” the obstacles lower-income people face when trying to eat healthy, how healthy food is a survival tool for endangered bodies, and her partnership with State Farm . Sol Sips is a plant based vegan restaurant started by 22 year old activist, Francesca ‘Sol’ Chaney . Sol Sips is located in the heart of Bushwick,Brooklyn and provides the community with an affordable plant based vegan menu. Sol Sips is known for their sliding scale brunch where a full plate of food and drink can cost as low as $7 in total. The inspiration of the Sol Sips sliding scale brunch came from Sol growing up in a food desert in East New York, and not having easy access to affordable plant based foods. Also in this episode, Mariann catches up with our dear friend Liz Dee to talk about the Halloween goings-on at Smarties , including their #SmartArt campaign where they are partnering with designers and creators to create cruelty-free art made from Smarties candy, and an update on Vegan Lady Boss and Baleine Bjorn Capital . Jasmin and Mariann talk Mariann’s recent trip to the Animal Law Conference, the ramifications of the recent UN climate change report and what it means for the future of optimism and hope, and an update about last week’s Dove’s announcement. We’ve also got Rising Anxieties from Mariann. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Marian
Sat, October 13, 2018
Episode 457: Eric Adams
This week, Mariann talks to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams about how a serious medical diagnosis led him to a plant-based diet, the incredible initiatives he is implementing to promote healthier diets in schools, hospitals, and religious institutions (including the Urban Agriculture initiative), and why the American public’s unhealthy diet makes him “angry every day.” For the past three decades, Eric L. Adams has served the residents of Brooklyn as borough president, state senator, police officer, and coalition builder. In November of 2017, he was reelected for a second term to represent all of Brooklyn as borough president. Born in Brownsville and educated in the City’s public school system, Eric is committed to ensuring Brooklyn’s bright future by helping each and every Brooklynite reach his or her full potential. Eric has worked to make the popularity of Brooklyn’s brand translate into prosperity for the over 2.6 million Brooklynites that call the borough home. He is a big believer in the power of connections, of bringing together people in need of services with resources that have long existed but have been underutilized. As a legislator, Eric’s record in the New York State Senate was one that underscored his strong commitment to the rights of those from every walk of life, including protecting the right to privacy, supporting marriage equality, defending a woman’s right to choose, as well as fighting for students’ rights, workers’ rights, and animal rights. His work involved efforts to prevent racial profiling, gender discrimination, domestic violence, and elder abuse. Jasmin and Mariann talk about this week’s news stories, including Dove’s announcement that their products will now be certified cruelty-free by PETA, the arrest of Direct Action Everywhere protestors, and this week’s terrifying United Nations report about climate change. We’ve also got Rising Anxieties from Mariann. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org
Sat, October 06, 2018
Episode 456: Earthling Ed
This week, Jasmin talks to Earthling Ed about strategies for being a “pro-positive” activist, his new grassroots organization Surge , his film The Land of Hope and Glory, and how he became so good at talking to people on the street about veganism. Ed Winters, commonly known as Earthling Ed, is a vegan YouTuber and activist who is the co-founder and co-director of Surge , a creative grassroots animal rights organisation determined to create a world where compassion towards all non-human animals is the norm. In 2016 he started the annual Official Animal Rights March and in 2017 he released the documentary Land of Hope and Glory and launched The Big Vegan Activism Van. Between 2017 and 2018, he spent seven months touring the UK in The Big Vegan Activism Van, doing full days of on-campus virtual reality outreach as well as giving speeches and screening Land of Hope and Glory to university students. He also travels internationally giving free speeches and workshops on positive communication and advocacy and spent three months this doing an activism tour across The United States and Canada. Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s observations from the Reducetarian Summit and continue their discussion around reducetarianism and veganism. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties from Mariann. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itu
Sat, September 29, 2018
Episode 455: Jacy Reese
This week, Mariann talks to Jacy Reese about his new book, The End of Animal Farming , his thoughts on the word “sentience,” the important shift from “why” arguments to “how” arguments around veganism and ending factory farming, and his thoughts on how effective altruism governs the path towards change for animals. Jacy Reese is the author of The End of Animal Farming (November 2018), which illuminates humanity’s upcoming shift to an animal-free food system. He hopes the book will usher in a transition from welfare reforms and one-by-one diet change to a society-wide movement fighting for the end of animal farming. Reese is the Research Director at Sentience Institute , an effective altruism think tank studying the expansion of humanity’s moral circle. He previously served as Board Chair and as a researcher at Animal Charity Evaluators. His writing has appeared in media outlets such as Vox, Salon, and Quartz, and he has spoken on these topics in over 20 countries. Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s experience at book launch event for the new book Roadmap for Revolutionaries , and co-author Elisa Camahort-Page’s inspiring answer to Jasmin’s question about how to hold the importance of animal rights issues in these times of major political activism. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties from Mariann. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.or
Sat, September 22, 2018
Episode 454: John Yunker
First, Jasmin gives us a report from the Mercy For Animals Hidden Heroes Gala featuring interviews with Alicia Silverstone , Our Hen House episode 189 guest Emily Deschanel, Elliot Knight (Once Upon A Time), Evanna Lynch (the Harry Potter film series), and Maggie Q (Nikita, Mission Impossible III). Then, Jasmin talks to author John Yunker about his new anthology, Writing For Animals , how to effectively include animals and animal rights issue in literature, and why writers have so much difficulty honoring the realities of animal activism. John Yunker is a writer of plays, short stories and novels focused on human/animal relationships. He is co-founder of Ashland Creek Press , a vegan-owned publisher devoted to environmental and animal rights literature. He is also author of the novel The Tourist Trail and the children’s book Bird Words . His full-length play Meat the Parents was a finalist at the Centre Stage New Play Festival (South Carolina) and semi-finalist in the AACT new play contest. Species of Least Concern was a finalist in the 2016 Mountain Playhouse Comedy Festival. His short play, Little Red House , was published in the literary journal Mason’s Road , and produced by the Studio Players Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2017, the short play Of Mice and Marines was workshopped and given a staged reading at the ATHE (Association for Theatre in Higher Education) conference in Las Vegas. His short stories have been published by literary journals such as Phoebe , Qu , <a hre
Sat, September 15, 2018
Episode 453: Rachel Atcheson, Daniel Staackmann and Nicole Sopko
First, Mariann talks to Rachel Atcheson about the incredible work she is helping Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams do to promote plant-based diets, her “meatless Mondays” pilot project, her work as Animal Welfare Liason under Mayor DiBlasio, and how to be more active for animals in your local politics. Rachel Atcheson worked in animal protection for five years, most recently in a political capacity. She is now Deputy Strategist for Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, where she is working on plant-based nutrition initiatives. Rachel started as an intern with The Humane League as their Boston Coordinator. She then moved on to work in the New York City Mayor’s Office as the Animal Welfare Liaison, the only position of its kind in the country. At the Mayor’s Office Rachel worked on numerous initiatives, including the banning of wild animals in the circus and a Meatless Monday pilot for Brooklyn public schools. In Rachel’s current position she is working on nutrition initiatives, healthy eating resources for individuals, and municipal support for urban agriculture. Then, Jasmin visits Upton’s Breakroom in Chicago to chat with Daniel Staackmann and Nicole Sopko from Upton’s Naturals about the expanding popularity of Upton’s products, what it’s like running a vegan business in 2018, and the work they are doing to create a positive impact for people around them. Also, Jasmin and Mariann continue their ongoing discussion about the connotations of the word “vegan,” and discovering fellow vegans in the wild. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog , VeganWear , and the Animal Law Conference . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . <img src="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/awfwlogo.png" alt="awfwlogo" wid
Sat, September 08, 2018
Episode 452: Carol J. Adams & Ginny Messina
Jasmin talks to Carol Adams and Ginny Messina about their new book, Protest Kitchen: Fight Injustice, Save the Planet, and Fuel Your Resistance One Meal at a Time , food justice, and how climate change is a social justice issue. Carol J. Adams is the author of The Sexual Politics of Meat now in a 25th anniversary edition, Burger, in Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons Series, and the forthcoming Protest Kitchen: Fight Injustice, Save the Planet, and Fuel Your Resistance One Meal at a Time. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Ms. Magazine, The Christian Century, Tikkun, and Truthdig, among others. She lives in Dallas with her partner and two rescued dogs. Ginny Messina , MPH, RD has written ten books for vegans including Vegan for Life, Vegan for Her and Even Vegans Die. She writes and speaks about vegan nutrition, preventing ex-vegans, and the importance of body positivity in the vegan community. She is co-author of the first vegetarian textbook for health professionals, The Dietitian’s Guide to Vegetarian Diets, and publishes articles on plant-based nutrition and soy nutrition in the medical literature. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the recent NYC premiere of the vegan documentary The End of Meat (featuring Mariann!) and Gene Baur’s recent appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight. We’ve also got a special dedication, News, and Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog , VeganWear , and the Animal Law Conference . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the
Sat, September 01, 2018
Episode 451: Brenna Taylor
Mariann talks to Brenna Taylor , Operations Coordinator of Seattle Food Tech , about their production of plant-based, affordable alternatives to chicken nuggets and other chicken products. They also discuss the strategy behind Seattle Food Tech’s focus on finding replacements for processed chicken products, why SFT has focused on plant-based meat instead of clean meat, and how they plan to incorporate farmers into their production. Seattle Food Tech is an early stage plant-based meat company. Brenna oversees SFT’s day to day activities and is also involved in product development, production, and marketing for SFT’s plant-based nuggets. Prior to working at Seattle Food Tech, Brenna was a Senior Corporate Campaigns Coordinator for The Humane League. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the challenges of highlighting animal issues on social media. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog , and by VeganWear . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s ta
Sat, August 25, 2018
Episode 450: Rachel Krantz
Jasmin sits down with Rachel Krantz of Mercy For Animals to talk about the importance of successful media strategies, how to utilize social media for promoting content, and how the shifting media landscape relates to the vegan movement. Rachel Krantz is the Lead Writer at Mercy For Animals, where she writes about veganism. She is the namer of Bustle, and one of its three founding editors. She is the host of the podcast Honestly Though, named one of the best podcasts by The Guardian. Her work has also been featured on The Huffington Post, NPR, The Daily Beast, Newsweek, High Times, Salon, AlterNet, Jezebel, XOJane, Marie Claire, VegNews Magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in LA. She’s the recipient of the Peabody Award, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights International Radio Award , The Investigative Reporters and Editors Radio Award , covered here by Ad Week, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for her work as an investigative reporter for Youth Radio. She has presented three times at Bindercon . Also, Jasmin and Mariann discuss the definitions of the word vegan, more about Vegandale, and the freeing of Animal Crackers. We’ve also got a very special dedication, plus News and Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog , and by VeganWear . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https:/
Sat, August 18, 2018
Episode 449: Leah Garces
Mariann talks to Leah Garces who at the time of this interview was US Executive Director at Compassion in World Farming and has since been promoted to the President of Mercy For Animals , about ending factory farming, the film Eating Animals, how she came to work with a chicken factory farmer to expose factory farming, and the www.plantsforachange.com campaign. Leah Garces is an animal advocate who partners with some of the largest food companies in the world with a mission to end factory farming. Her work has been featured in many national and international media outlets including the New York Times, the Washington Post, Buzzfeed, Vice Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune amongst others. She’s a contributing author to Huffington Post and Food Safety News. CIWF USA was the recipient of an Open Philanthropy Grant in 2016 and 2018 and recognized as a Stand Out Charity by Animal Charity Evaluators. She is also the mom of three incredible kids. She is the author of forthcoming book Grilled: Turning adversaries to allies in the fight to change the chicken industry, to be published by Bloomsbury in the fall of 2019. Also, Jasmin and Mariann discuss Toronto’s “Vegandale,” and the cognitive dissonance surrounding the saga of the Orca who carried her dead baby around in mourning. We’ve also got a very special dedication, plus News and Rising Anxieties. This week’s episode is brought to you in part by VeganWear . As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-he
Sat, August 04, 2018
Episode 447: Matt Rice
Jasmin talks to Matt Rice of Mercy For Animals about their ongoing undercover investigations in the US as well as their programs in Mexico and Brazil. He also talks about MFA’s recent focus on fish, the role of legal and legislative advocacy for farmed animals, and his own journey to veganism. Matt Rice serves as president of Mercy For Animals. He oversees all of MFA’s departments and work in over six countries. For more than 15 years, Matt has been a central leader in the animal protection movement. He has overseen many of MFA’s biggest cases, most successful campaigns, and other victories. Matt began in MFA’s New York office carrying out grassroots outreach before being promoted to director of operations. He later took over as director of investigations, working closely with our brave undercover investigators and overseeing more than 40 investigations, before moving on to the role of executive vice president. Matt lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tammy, and rescued parakeets, Buffy and Winnie. Also, Jasmin and Mariann respond to recent listener feedback about Mariann’s interview with Brian Kateman, and also discuss the Impossible Burger. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (esp
Sat, July 28, 2018
Episode 446: Brian Kateman
Mariann talks to Brian Kateman about the reducetarian movement, why people would be reducetarian instead of vegan, and the importance of getting people to realize the need to reduce animal consumption. It’s a passionate discussion you won’t want to miss. Brian Kateman is cofounder and president of the Reducetarian Foundation , a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing meat consumption to create a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world. A TEDx speaker and leading expert on food systems and behavioral change, he has appeared in hundreds of media outlets. The foundation aims to improve human health, protect the environment, and spare farm animals from cruelty by reducing societal consumption of animal products. We envision a world in which societal consumption of red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy is significantly reduced. Also, Jasmin and Mariann discuss the current trend of banning plastic straws, the joys of oat milk, and the news of the California Waffle Company ditching free range eggs and going vegan. We’ve also got a very special listener dedication, News, and Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-d
Sat, July 21, 2018
Episode 445: Stephanie Feldstein and Queen V
Jasmin talks to Stephanie Feldstein about her new book, The Animal Lovers Guide to Changing The World , and her work as at the Center for Biological Diversity . Stephanie Feldstein is the Population and Sustainability Director at the Center for Biological Diversity, where she heads a national program that addresses the connection between human population growth, over-consumption, and the wildlife extinction crisis. She created the innovative Take Extinction Off Your Plate campaign, and her work has been featured in The Huffington Post , NPR, Salon , The Guardian , The Washington Post, and more. Then, Mariann talks to Queen V , winner of VegFestUK FxEctive Factor 2018, about her career as a vegan musician. Queen V also shares some of her songs with us! Queen V sculpts beautiful and powerful melodies around candid lyrics, creating songs that simply cannot be ignored. She shares the vegan message through both humour and sincerity, with one truth shining through: love is the way. Winner of VegFestUK FxEctive Factor 2018, you don’t want to miss your chance to hear this fervent and gifted artist. Check her out on YouTube, Twitter, and Soundcloud . Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the problematic activism in the recent episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s “Comedian in Cars Getting Coffee” with Ellen Degeneres. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at <a h
Sat, July 14, 2018
Episode 444: Liz Dee and Clare Mann
Mariann talks to Liz Dee about her incredible vegan origin story, the formation and mission of Vegan Lady Boss , the importance of fostering communities of professionals, and her work with Baleine & Bjorn Capital . Liz Dee is Co-President of Smarties Candy Company, makers of iconic Smarties candy rolls. She is CEO of Baleine & Bjorn Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in businesses creating solutions to outdated animal products, and founder of Vegan Ladyboss, a global community of organized, connected and empowered vegan women. Liz lives in NYC with her husband, Nick Garin, and their rescue dog, Sandy. Then, Jasmin brings us her conversation with Clare Mann about her new book, Vystopia , the role of empathy in spreading the message of veganism, and how important it is to tell your own story. Clare Mann is the author and co-author of numerous books, including Communicate: HOW to say WHAT needs to be said, WHEN it needs to be said in the WAY it needs to be said, Awakening The Workplace, The Myths of Life and The Choices We Have, Would I Follow Me and Strategic Human Resource Development. Clare has a BSc in Psychology, MSc in Occupational Psychology, MA in Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling and Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling. She is a registered psychologist in Australia, UK and New Zealand. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about how to create hope in these times of despair, and Jasmin’s recent conversation with Corey Booker. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at <a href="http://awfw.org
Sat, July 07, 2018
Episode 443: Tracye McQuirter and Emil Guillermo
Mariann talks to Tracye McQuirter about her new book, Ageless Vegan, co-written with her mother Mary. Tracye McQuirter, MPH, was named a national food hero changing the way America eats for the better by Vegetarian Times and her first book, By Any Greens Necessary , established her as one of the most influential vegans in the country. Tracye directed the nation’s first federally funded vegan nutrition program and was a nutrition advisor for the Black Women’s Health Imperative. She recently created the first-of-its-kind, free African American Vegan Starter Guide in partnership with Farm Sanctuary. Her work has been featured in the New York Times , the Washington Post , Essence , Bon Appetit , Ebony , VegNews , the Huffington Post , and more. Then, Jasmin talks to journalist Emil Guillermo , host of the official PETA Podcast . They talk about his journey into animal journalism, the connections between diversity and animal activism, and the impetus behind PETA’s decision to start a podcast. Emil Guillermo wrote for almost 15 years his “Amok” column for AsianWeek, which was the largest English language Asian American newsweekly in the nation. “Amok” was considered the most widely-read column on Asian American issues in the U.S. His thoughtful and provocative social commentaries have appeared in print in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate.com, San Francisco Examiner, USA Today, Honolulu Star Bulletin, Honolulu Advertiser, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and in syndication throughout the country. Guillermo’s journalistic career began in television and radio broadcasting. At National Public Radio, he was the first Asian American male to anchor a regularly scheduled national news broadcast when he hosted “All Things Considered” from 1989-1991 . During his watch, major news broke, including the violence in Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of dictatorships in Romania and Panama. From Washington, Guillermo hosted the shows that broke the news. As a television journalist, his award-winning reports and commentaries have appeared on NBC, CNN, and PBS. He was a reporter in San Francisco, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about Jasmin’s experiences at the recent Animal Rights Conference. We’ve also got News and Rising Anxieties. As always, the awar
Sat, June 30, 2018
Episode 442: Elise Desaulniers
Mariann talks to Elise Desaulniers about her work with the Montreal SPCA , including the process by which a rescue organization adopts practices and policies regarding other animals, and trying to connect dog and cat lovers to larger animal rights issues. She also tells us about the recent lift of Montreal’s pit bull ban, and where to get great vegan food in Montreal. Élise Desaulniers is the Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA, Canada’s first animal welfare organisation. She’s also an independent researcher and animal rights advocate. She is namely one of the instigators of the Animals are not things manifesto which led to an amendment to the Civil Code of Quebec explicitly recognizing animals as sentient beings. She has also published three essays on food ethics, translated into English, Italian, Catalan and Spanish. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the role of civility when discussing animal rights issues and how that relates to their disappointment around the new film Eating Animals. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you
Sat, June 23, 2018
Episode 441: Calvin Neufeld
Jasmin talks to Calvin Neufeld about his work with Evolve Our Prison Farms . They discuss the relationship between animal justice, prisoner justice, and environmental justice, as well as the ethical implications of outsourcing prison labor for foreign economic interests, the numerous gender issues involved, and the current efforts of Evolve Our Prison Farms. Calvin Neufeld is an independent speaker, writer, thinker and social justice advocate. A vegan transsexual, Calvin is an advocate of life and quality of life for oppressed species, for sexual and gender minorities, racial minorities, the physically, mentally, and economically disadvantaged, and absolutely everybody else. Calvin Neufeld is the lead organizer of Kingston VegFest, director of the Suffering Eyes Project supporting farmed animal sanctuaries, and founder of Evolve Our Prison Farms campaigning for innovative agriculture and compassion-based rehabilitation on Canada’s prison farms. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the horrific situation of children being separated from their parents at the Mexican border. Plus news and Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a
Sat, June 16, 2018
Episode 440: Dobroslawa Gogloza and Michael Harren
Mariann talks to Dobroslawa Gogloza about the roots of her activism, the thriving and vital animal activism scene in Poland, and the issues she is focusing on with Open Cages. Dobroslawa is a president and co-founder of an international animal rights organization Open Cages. She is also a co-founder and coordinator of NEAR: Network for Eastern European Animal Rights, an association of animal advocacy organizations dedicated to mutual education, motivation and sharing of resources. (Photo above taken by Jo-Ann McArthur for the Unbound Project) Jasmin sits down with musician, activist, and Our Hen House’s own Michael Harren about the importance of the arts in activism, creating his celebrated solo show The Animal Show, and the upcoming release of The Animal Book and The Animal Album. Plus, if you’re in the New York City area you can find out how to see Michael perform live ! Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about whether or not it’s appropriate to discuss animal welfare reform campaigns with new vegans. Plus news and Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.org/supp
Sat, June 09, 2018
Episode 439: Sarah Woodcock and Erik Marcus
Jasmin talks to Sarah Woodcock about her Minneapolis restaurant, Trio Plant-Based , which was recently funded on Kickstarter and will be opening soon! They discuss Trio’s spectacular vegan menu, the power of partnership, and the efforts to get the project funded. Sarah Woodcock is a Korean-USAmerican adoptee, social justice activist, and co-founder of Trio Plant-based – a forthcoming Minneapolis restaurant which will bring delicious plant-based food, made and served with love, to the community. Then, Jasmin chats with Erik Marcus about his newest essay, “Why Choose Vegan?” Erik explains his reasons for writing this important essay and his hope that people will use it to reconsider some of the arguments they use for promoting veganism. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about a disturbing note left on Jasmin’s car this week, and how people’s reactions to it affected her. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content,
Sat, June 02, 2018
Episode 438: Ryan Bethencourt
Mariann talks to Ryan Bethencourt about how his company, Wild Earth Pets , is developing cultured proteins for dogs and cats, why our companion animals will be eating lab grown meat before we do, and his biotech incubator IndieBio . Ryan Bethencourt is a co-founder and CEO at Wild Earth , bringing years of experience in leading and advising high-growth companies. Ryan is a biotech entrepreneur, investor, and one of the founders of the biohacker movement. As an ethical vegan, Ryan is passionate about the future of biology as a technology, applied across all industries to solve some of humanity’s most intractable problems. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about an annoying comment on a Newsweek article , New York City’s new vegan restaurant Arata , and “staying out of it!” As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! The Our Hen House
Sat, May 26, 2018
Episode 437: Roger Wolfson
Jasmin talks to Roger Wolfson about his work to get dog shelters in Los Angeles to switch to plant-based dog food. They discuss the benefits of plant-based diets for shelter dogs, opposition from veterinarians, and how these plant-based initiatives affect the planetary impact of feeding dogs meat-based food. Roger Wolfson is a TV and film writer, an attorney, and speechwriter. He currently is the head writer for a new TV drama on Sony’s streaming network, Crackle, and is also developing a scripted drama with Dr. Drew. Formerly, he’s written for “Law and Order: SVU,” “Saving Grace,” and “The Closer,” where one of his episodes earned Kyra Sedgwick an Emmy Nomination. As an attorney, Wolfson has worked for several law firms, including Lieberman, Segalof, and Wolfson, the firm his mother and Senator Lieberman founded. He is a member of the bars of New York, Connecticut, Washington, DC, and the US Supreme Court. In 2014, Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Wolfson to be Commissioner of Animal Services for the city of Los Angeles, a volunteer position. During Wolfson’s tenure, Los is expected to become the largest shelter system in the world to achieve No-Kill status. Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the Los Angeles vegan scene and a particularly odd “vegan” cookbook Jasmin recently saw. Plus, Mariann covers this week’s News and Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider ma
Sat, May 19, 2018
Episode 436: Marc Bekoff
This week, Mariann talks to Marc Bekoff about his latest book, Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do . They discuss the unfair stereotypes around dog breeds, making sure your dog gets the most out of activities, and how dogs will save us all. Marc is Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a former Guggenheim Fellow. Marc has published more than 1000 scientific and popular essays, three encyclopedias, and 30 books including The Ten Trusts (with Jane Goodall), The Emotional Lives of Animals, Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals, and Ignoring Nature No More: The Case For Compassionate Conservation. He writes regularly for Psychology Today . Also, Jasmin and Mariann talk about the recent wave of vegan burger options at Shake Shack, White Castle, and more. Plus, Mariann covers this week’s News and Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciat
Sat, May 12, 2018
Episode 435: Omri Paz and Matthew Prescott
This week, Jasmin talks to Omri Paz about Vegan Friendly , his wildly successful non-profit initiative dedicated to advancing veganism and animal rights in Israel. Among the topics are the ways in which Omri manages to get local restaurants to add vegan dishes and what it’s like to organize “The Biggest Animal Rights March in the World,” which ended up with 30,000 people marching in the streets of Tel Aviv to stick up for animals. Then, Mariann talks with Matthew Prescott about his new book, Food Is the Solution: What to Eat to Save the World , which covers both the why and how of getting more plants in your diet. They also discuss his work as Senior Director of Food & Agriculture for The Humane Society of the United States, working to help fast food chains and manufacturers improve their supply chains. Plus, Mariann covers this week’s News and Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible <a
Sat, May 05, 2018
Episode 434: Best of OHH Youth Interviews with Genesis Butler, Chloe Falkenheim, Scarlett Ortega, Olivia Rivers Sampson, and Ruby Bird Hooten
In this first of four “best of” episodes we’ll be airing throughout the coming months, we revisit some of our favorite interviews with young vegan activists! You’ll hear Genesis Butler discuss protesting circuses and being the youngest TEDx speaker in history, Chloe Falkenheim on founding VegYouth as a high school student, Scarlett Ortega and Olivia Rivers Sampson on staying strong for animals, and lifelong vegan Ruby Bird Hooten ‘s adorable chat over salad with Jasmin. As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation , or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren , who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’
Sat, April 28, 2018
Episode 433: Ziyaad Mia and Justin Van Kleeck
This week, Mariann Sullivan talks with Ziyaad Mia as part of her Religion and Veganism series. They discuss how the requirements of halal food can improve animal welfare, the relationship between animals and Islam, and the prohibition of unnecessary harm when animals are used by humans. Ziyaad Mia is a lawyer, social-justice activist, adjunct professor and award-winning writer. After 9/11, he established the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association’s advocacy arm and grew it into a leading voice on human rights, civil liberties and national security. He is the founder of Give30 – a unique Ramadan-inspired initiative designed to unite people of all backgrounds in the fight against hunger. Give30 has raised almost $750,000 for food banks in Canada and the United States. Then, Jasmin Singer talks to Justin Van Kleeck from The Microsanctuary Movement . You may remember Justin from his 2014 interview about rescuing and raising chickens, the importance of microsanctuaries, and the power of the individual in the animal rights movement. Justin Van Kleeck, PhD is a freelance writer, educator, and community organizer. In 2014, Justin and his wife, Rosemary, founded the Triangle Chicken Advocates microsanctuary in North Carolina, which inspired them to start The Microsanctuary Movement later that year. He also founded and contributes to the radical vegan blog, Striving with Systems . Justin currently serves as the Sanctuary & Microsanctuary Advisor for A Well-Fed World . Plus, Mariann covers this week’s News and Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer . This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World . A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org . You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider <a href="https://www.ourhenhouse.o

Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

Going to Prison for Rescuing Hens?!? Animal Activism on Trial with Zoe Rosenberg

A Year of Compassion with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

Fur is Dead!: How Local Advocates Are Ending Fur Sales Across America with Kara Holmquist, Max Broad, and Conor Lamkin

Building Effective Legislative Campaigns with Natalie Ahwesh and Hannah Truxell

Inside the Psychology of Animal Advocacy with PHAIR Society’s Kristof Dhont and Jared Piazza

Keeping Families Together: Housing Justice for People and Their Pets with Christine Kim

Creating Vegan Safe Havens: Transforming Tragedy into Healing with Frances Gonzalez

The Hen Report: “It’s the only thing that makes any sense” – A conversation about animals, truth, and hope

Systems Thinking & Factory Farming: A Strategic Approach with Dr. Rachel Mason

The Power of Play: Using Improv to Strengthen Animal Advocacy with Zoe Novic and Austin Meyer

Rethinking Rat Control: Wildlife Conservation and Compassionate Solutions with Dr. Bec Gooley

The Truth About Regenerative Grazing with Jennifer Molidor and Ashley Capps

Plant-Based Medicine and Healthcare Reform with Dr. Zach Burns

Insect Sentience with Bob Fischer

Building an Animal Rights Community Center: Sue Spahr and Wishbone Lab

“Meet the Neighbors”: Exploring Animal Intelligence with Brandon Keim

The Hen Report: “Look back, but don’t stare” – A New Year’s Conversation

Exposing Animal Research: From Lab Worker to Activist with Maddie Krasno

Factory Farming’s Hidden Link: Investigating Livestock Auctions with Pete Paxton and Cailen LaBarge

Age Like a Yogi with Victoria Moran: Veganism, Spirituality, and Animal Rights

Animal Rights in Europe with Benny Andersson

Thanksgiving Special - Sanctuary: A Radio Play

Combatting Misinformation w/ Robbie Lockie

Hungry, Beautiful Animals w/ Matthew Halteman

Lady Freethinker Combats Cruelty w/ Nina Jackel

The Hen Report: "Don't ask me that. You're not going to like the answer."

The Goat Conspiracy w/ Nicole Schonemann

Planted Society w/ Britty Mann

Veganic Gardening & Farming w/ Meg Kelly

“Your Neighbour Kills Puppies,” w/ Tom Harris

Puppy Mills Go Underground w/ Alene Tchekmedyian and Melody Gutierrez

Sanctuary for Everybody w/ Sarah Salluzo & Jonina Turzi

No New (or Old) Slaughterhouses w/ Shannon Blair & Malaina Watts

Voting for the Animals w/ Aidan Kankyoku

The Hen Report: “Veganism is Where My Money Goes”

Keeping Wild Animals Wild w/ Liz Tyson

Animal Lives and Deaths w/ Sarah Bowen

Juicy Marbles w/ Vladimir Mićković

The Hen Report: “We Were Offended First”

Our Survival is at Stake w/ Poorva Joshipura

Humans and Other Animals w/ Mark Devries

Veganizing Cyprus w/ Farah Shammas

The Hen Report: “Who’s gonna match my freak?”

The Impactful Vegan w/ Robert Cheeke

Our Kindred Creatures w/ Bill Wasik & Monica Murphy

How Do You Sell Compassion? w/ Chris Bryant

Save the Animals, Save the Planet w/ Leif Cocks

Listening to the Animals w/ Mickey Pardo

Vegan Land Movement w/ Gina Bates

Scotch and Hope w/ Marc Bekoff

Animal Policy Alliance w/ Gabriel Wildgen

An Unnatural Order w/ Jim Mason

Rescuing Animals from Climate Change w/ Kathy Stevens

The Human-Animal Bond w/ Dr Pia Salk

How Theater Can Change the World for Animals w/ Grace Howarth & Anastasia Bunce

When Animals Dream w/ David Peña-Guzmán

Horseracing Wrongs w/ Patrick Battuello

Animal Justice Academy w/ Kimberly Carroll

Stop Ventilation Shutdown! w/ Dr Crystal Heath

Plantega w/ Nil Zacharias

Defending Animals w/ Kendra Coulter

Hip Hop is Green w/ Keith Tucker

Thrive Philanthropy w/ Jessika Ava

Greener by Default w/ Katie Cantrell & Ilana Braverman

Who Are We Having for Dinner? w/ Molly Elwood

Picturing Pigs w/ Jane Casteline & Shannon Johnstone

Can China Go Vegan? w/ Jian Yi

The Smell of Money w/ Jamie Berger

AI for Animal Activists w/ Tom Conger

Creating Sanctuary for Wild Animals w/ Matt Perry

Literary Animals w/ Sangamithra Iyer

Scarlet Spark w/ Tania Luna

Plant Futures w/ Samantha Derrick

The Vegan w/ Andrew Lipstein

Christspiracy w/ Kip Andersen & Kam Waters

Annual HOLIDAY SPECIAL: “SANCTUARY: A RADIO PLAY” RECORDED LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY

Doing All Things Vegan, w/ Naijha Wright-Brown

How to End Injustice Everywhere w/ Melanie Joy

Activism and Octopuses w/ Laura Lee Cascada