Beyond Species
A podcast about animal liberation
S2 E36 · Sun, January 09, 2022
Hiatus
I am putting the podcast on hiatus and will be back in 2023. Thanks for all your support so far and to all my guests who have shared their knowledge and experience with us. Number of downloads so far: over 18,000! Tracks used on the podcast: Season 1 theme: https://samwisebeats.bandcamp.com/track/cosmo Season 2 themes: https://foner.bandcamp.com/album/untitled-unmastered-rare-demos (Intro was track 3, outro was track 1.) Background music to this episode: "Sure Thing" by St. Germain
Sat, September 25, 2021
Just Wondering
In this episode, we hear from Just Wondering, a collective of three individuals based in Eastern Europe. M, Mina and Aron. They make animated videos which they describe as “inescapably political and speculative”. I picked some of the video that had really piqued my interest - an impossible choice really, as the topics covered by Just Wondering cover so much ground, from Tim Morton’s hyperobjects to Sunaura Taylor’s disability liberation approach. A liberation movement must change the narrative and storytelling is Just Wondering’s strength. We hear about their learning journey through the theory and how the collective came to make videos, as well as details about the illustration and animation process. We also hear briefly about some of the collectives plans for the future. Just Wondering on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/justwondering/featured Just Wondering website: https://www.justwondering.io
Mon, July 05, 2021
Radical Animism, Language and Agency
Episode 34. In this episode, we hear from Jemma, about her concept of radical animism and book of the same name. We begin with Jemma’s current studies of fungi and what we humans can learn from it. Jemma then expands on some of the themes of Radical Animism – including the 4 blows to human narcissism, the agency of the anthropocene, the evolution of language, and the animism of literature, including how texts like Alice in Wonderland can challenge and bring fresh light to our expectations of nonhuman animal agency.
Fri, June 11, 2021
The Psychology of the Meat Paradox
Episode 33. In this episode, we hear from Rebecca, whose research at Lancaster University takes a closer look at the meat paradox. Rebecca explains some of the psychological mechanisms people use to justify their meat eating. Rebecca’s research investigates meat reduction strategies and highlights the importance of social support for people going vegan, as well as digging deeper into anti-vegan attitudes.
Thu, March 18, 2021
Activism in Colombia
Episode 32. In this episode, we hear from Fernando. Fernando explains some of the difficulties of pushing animal rights activism forward in Colombia. Issues around land ownership, a history of colonialism, war, poverty and trauma interconnect to create a challenging landscape. In a country where cattle ranchers, politicians and paramilitaries often work together to protect their interests, animal rights activism can be a dangerous calling. Fernando also explains some of the complications around bullfighting in Colombia.
Sun, February 28, 2021
Neurodiversity, Unlearning & Liberation
Episode 31. In this episode, we hear from Marc. Marc explains how the animal liberation movement can become more accessible to and benefit from neurodiversity. He expands on some of the obstacles neurodivergent people are presented with by our ableist society and how activists can support and learn from each other in organising spaces. We also discuss some of the issues around white saviourism, burnout culture, graphic slaughter footage and publicity stunts. Marc also encourages men to take action to unlearn patriarchal behaviour patterns, and shares some thoughts on self-care.
Wed, February 17, 2021
Second Wave Animal Ethics
Episode 30. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Iyan Offor. Iyan’s article “Second Wave Animal Ethics” proposes a move away from the rights-based liberal tradition of animal ethics that focuses heavily on nonhuman sentience and similarity. Iyan thinks the animal liberation movement is at a stage where, looking inwards, we can reflect, explore and experiment with theories from the margins. An intersectional, posthumanist approach which builds stronger links with the environmental movement has much to offer both activists and those working and studying animal law.
Sat, January 23, 2021
Imagining Multispecies Worlds
Episode 29. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Michelle Westerlaken. Michelle explains her concept of multispecies-isms or multispecies worlding – a response to speciesism that looks for traces of how we humans interact with other species in our everyday lives, so as to imagine how relationships might take place in a non-speciesist future. Michelle’s work draws in strands from a range of disciplines, including interaction design, posthumanism and indigenous ways of knowing. Michelle finds the ethic of care a challenging but generative concept worth exploring. She also discusses the concept of the Bestiary in her thesis, which opens up spaces for nonhumans to “tell” stories, as well as to push our questions around speciesism into controversial territory. Gaming can also provide imaginative spaces for vegans to explore their ethics and enact non-speciesist worlding.
Sun, January 17, 2021
Multispecies Kinship, Dogs & Racism
Episode 28. In this episode, we hear from Maythe, whose studies in multispecies kinship focus on the relationships humans have with dogs. Maythe shares information about an ethnographic study of dog lovers who perpetuate racism, particularly with regard to events around 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests in the UK. This leads to questions about the links between white supremacy and human supremacy. Maythe also considers the ethic of care to be a compelling avenue worth exploring. While studying, she shakes up the university system and field of anthropology through her decolonial praxis.
Wed, November 25, 2020
Growing Through Activism
Episode 27. In this episode, we hear from Vallary. Vallary shares her experiences of mainstream vegan activism - both how she came into the movement and how she broke away from it. Vallary challenged the dominant narrative within the movement, sometimes directly with the organisations she saw as problematic. She calls instead for an anti-colonial approach which focuses on grassroots, local activism. Vallary’s personal journey has led her to a place where self-care and empathy are prioritised, as is allowing space for growth and learning – not just for herself, but for others too.
S2 E27 · Mon, November 16, 2020
Growing Through Activism
Episode 27. In this episode, we hear from Vallary. Vallary shares her experiences of mainstream vegan activism - both how she came into the movement and how she broke away from it. Vallary challenged the dominant narrative within the movement, sometimes directly with the organisations she saw as problematic. She calls instead for an anti-colonial approach which focuses on grassroots, local activism. Vallary’s personal journey has led her to a place where self-care and empathy are prioritised, as is allowing space for growth and learning – not just for herself, but for others too. Vallary: @vallary88
Mon, November 02, 2020
Together Against Interconnected Oppression
Episode 26. In this episode, we hear from India, who explains some of the ideas and aims behind the Vegan Rainbow Project. We hear about the importance of building an inclusive vegan movement which explores the interconnections of oppression and builds alliances with other social justice movements. India also shares her thoughts on feminist theory within anti-speciesist discourse and some of the benefits and challenges of grassroots community building.
Mon, October 19, 2020
Nonhuman Animal Care is Activism
Episode 25. In this episode, we hear from Shakira about the importance of providing nonhuman animal care during and after rescue and liberation. Shakira calls for more work to be done in the vegan community, so that more humans feel empowered to become involved in this aspect of liberation. Nonhuman animal care is itself a form of activism. Shakira also explains some of the issues that contribute to the oppression of nonhumans kept as companion animals, particularly dogs designated by law as “dangerous”. It’s vital that anti-speciesist activists and vegans increase their knowledge of nonhuman animal behaviours and individual needs, as well as be mindful of their language and actions so that they don’t play into the hands of the oppressors.
Tue, October 13, 2020
Vegan Geographies & Embodied Politics
Episode 24. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Catherine Oliver. Catherine’s studies in vegan geographies have led her to explore how and why people take up veganism, and how for the majority of them, veganism is a politics that is felt, emotionally and physically, and lived and performed. This embodied politics contrasts with the simplistic sound bites of social media influencer-activists. We also hear about Catherine’s study of Richard Ryder’s work, and how a group of men including Tom Regan and Peter Singer came to dominate the discourse of animal rights. Catherine also outlines some of the questions she intends to look at within her current area of investigation – the rehoming of chickens, particularly in London – and the complications and possible outcomes around this.
Tue, October 06, 2020
Uncaged Art, Animality & Collective Care
Episode 23. In this episode, we hear from Aiyana. Aiyana explains the concept behind the Anti-Speciesist Arts Collective, as well as how true freedom can be found through what she terms “uncaged art”. Aiyana also shares her thoughts on how we can take care of ourselves and each other through collective care as we navigate our way through conformist, capitalist society. Reclaiming animality and breaking binaries are also key to unlocking true liberation.
Thu, October 01, 2020
Systems Change & Futurism for Climate Justice
Episode 22. In this episode, we hear from Jo. Jo uses a systems thinking approach to climate justice, which helps to identify the impact of individual and systems change. Jo picks up on some of the problems with the mainstream environmental movement, calling for it to centre social justice and inclusion. Jo shares some thoughts about the situation of climate refugees and the rise of eco-fascism. Jo also explains how imagination and futurism can be harnessed to envision and empower our communities and help create the worlds we want to see.
Sat, September 19, 2020
Towards a Liberated Future
Episode 21. In this episode we hear from Elliott. Based in London (UK), Elliot rescues non-human animals that need assistance. He tells us about some of the complications and challenges, but also successes of rescuing and liberation. Elliott explains the importance of getting to know non-human animals as individuals, de-centring humans in the struggle for animal liberation and sharing stories of animal agency and resistance. We also hear of Elliott's vision for creating sanctuary and how this could contribute towards collective liberation.
Sun, June 14, 2020
Black Lives Matter
Season 1, Episode 20. This is the last episode of Season 1. In this episode, we hear the voices of black people, past and present. Akala, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, George the Poet, Kyla Lacey, Angela Davis, Toni Morrison.
Wed, June 03, 2020
Youth Activism
Season 1, Episode 19. In this episode, we hear from Pinar. Pinar is a young anti oppression activist based in Toronto. She’s involved with the climate justice movement and a local grassroots animal liberation group. She tells us about some of the challenges of youth activism, from the impact on mental health to ageism. But also, the hopefulness that can be found in activism too. Pinar’s dreams of a better world for everyone motivate her to keep going.
Mon, May 25, 2020
Veganism & Community
Season 1, Episode 18. In this episode, we hear from Iye. Iye speaks about the benefits of stepping away from the mainstream vegan movement. Instead, she focuses on local activism in her community, mainly with Plant the Power 614. Iye explains how a focus on the health aspects of veganism and food accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on animal ethics. She also sees a need for more exposure of the voices of black, indigenous, people of colour, for the movement to really move forward.
Sun, May 10, 2020
Food Justice
Season 1, Episode 17. In this episode, we hear from lauren, from the Food Empowerment Project. lauren explains how food justice is central to FEP’s advocacy for social justice for both human and nonhuman animals. We hear about some of the initiatives taking place, including the chocolate list – and how a plantbased diet doesn’t necessarily equal an ethical one. We also hear from lauren about the importance of a decolonial approach to understanding diets and how chapter-based activist groups can be damaging to the grassroots movement.
Sun, May 03, 2020
Beyond Investigations
Season 1, Episode 16. In this episode, we hear from Oz and Keith, also known as Lonely Vegan. We consider the effectiveness of sharing undercover investigation footage on social media, as well as the emotional cost, which can lead to burnout. We hear about the corruption of farm industry regulators, issues with the activist identity, and how anger can be a motivating factor but also a detriment to activism. We reflect on the current state of the movement and the importance of knowing the history, as we learn to move forward.
Mon, April 27, 2020
Solarpunk Anarchism
Season 1, Episode 15. In this episode, we hear from Solarpunk Anarchist. He provides an introduction to solarpunk, a science fiction genre that sprang up around 2010, which imagines a hopeful future for all. He expands on the links between solarpunk and anarchism, in particular social ecology, which seems to mirror the ideals of solarpunk. Solarpunk Anarchist explains some of the practical steps that might be taken to create a solarpunk world and how this niche genre might inform our social justice movements.
Sun, April 19, 2020
Radical Anti-speciesism
Season 1, Episode 14. In this episode, we hear from Giulia, who is based in Italy and part of the anti-speciesist collective, Insectionals. We hear from Giulia about the need for direct action but also for effective public education; some of the issues around humans being centred in the movement; the importance of anti-speciesist language, and a need for a closer look at the theory and approaches often used in the animal rights movement.
Tue, April 14, 2020
Sentientism
Season 1, Episode, 13. In this episode, we hear from Jamie. Jamie advocates for human and nonhuman animal rights using the philosophy of sentientism as an ethical grounding. Sentientism uses evidence and reason to inform our moral decision making. Jamie explains how anti-speciesism and sentientism can be combined, but how this can also be problematic for some anti-speciesist activists. He also digs deeper into some of the questions posted by sentientism, in relation to veganism, environmentalism and artificial intelligence.
Wed, April 08, 2020
Activism in Argentina
Season 1, Episode 12. In this episode, we hear from Camila. Based in Argentina, Camila explains why mainstream vegan advocacy doesn’t work there. She speaks about the need for a new approach, rooted in institutional education and tailored for the specific challenges of the region. Camila is also learning about feminism, and considers how this links to anti speciesist activism.
Mon, March 30, 2020
Anarchism & Direct Action
Season 1, Episode 11. In this episode, we hear from Danny. Danny tells us about his journey from the far right of the political spectrum to his current post left, anarchist position. He explains the basics of anarchism and the importance of direct action, along with some history of these in the animal liberation movement. Danny also covers security culture and shares his thoughts on the celebrity culture within the vegan social movement.
Tue, March 24, 2020
Activism in Malaysia
Season 1, Episode 10. In this episode, we hear from Isa. Based near Kuala Lumpur, Isa’s activism has a strong focus on food justice and anarchism. We hear about his involvement with Food Not Bombs and DIY activism like chalking and graffiti. Isa also tells us how his experience in chef school and the music scene, and a health issue, led him to explore veganism.
Sun, March 15, 2020
Microsanctuaries
Season 1, Episode 9. In this episode, we hear from Justin. Justin speaks to us about the advocacy work of Triangle Chicken Advocates and the Microsanctuary Resource Center. They explain that sanctuary can be offered at any scale. By bringing nonhumans into our homes, we are able to deepen our understanding of them as individuals. This opens up a range of possibilities for activism and education, and leads us towards a deeper engagement with vegan practice. We also hear about some of the challenges of liberation and sanctuary provision.
Sat, March 07, 2020
Lobbying for Liberation
Season 1, Episode 8. In this episode, we hear from Connie. Connie is a founding member of the Agriculture Fairness Alliance and Vegan Justice League, based in the US. She speaks about the need for vegans to get political, and direct much needed resources into lobbying for system change. Connie explains how the supply and demand rhetoric of the vegan movement fails within a food system rigged by government and the industry, resulting in overproduction and stockpiling. Human and nonhuman animal issues are inextricably linked, and a holistic approach is needed if we want to achieve animal liberation.
Sun, March 01, 2020
Hunt Sabbing
Season 1, Episode 7. In this episode, we hear from Gizzie. Gizzie hosts the Scum Remover podcast, which focuses on hunt sabotage. He’s also been sabbing for years and we hear about some of the history of sabbing, as well as getting an insight into how the UK hunts work. Gizzie covers the basics of how to sab and the strengths of non hierarchical organising. We also hear what the future of hunting and hunt sabbing might look like.
Sun, February 23, 2020
Caring for Wild Animals
Season 1, Episode 6. In this episode, we hear from Elisabeth. Elisabeth’s activism has a focus on research and working with nonhuman animals from the wild. She has worked extensively with conservation groups and we hear from her about the complexities of conservation work, most of which doesn’t take an anti-speciesist approach. We learn that ethics can sometimes be a grey area, which leaves questions unanswered. Activists and the movement as a whole need to consider carefully how we care for nonhuman animals from the wild, and the implications of doing so.
Sun, February 16, 2020
Vegan Permaculture
Season 1, Episode 5. In this episode, we hear from Tash. Tash is a vet nurse studying Environmental Sciences. We learn what a plantbased food system might look like and some of the challenges facing it. Tash sees vegan permaculture as workable solution that can be done on a large scale. We also hear from Tash about some of her experiences as a vet nurse, and some thoughts on activism.
Sat, February 08, 2020
Navigating Oppression
Season 1, Episode 4. In this episode, we hear from Meghana. As a womxn of colour, Meghana is forced to navigate her own oppression within the animal rights movement, while campaigning for justice for human and non-human animals and the environment. Hearing from Meghana, it’s clear that those of us with privilege need to work harder to unpack it and to understand oppression, if we ever want to reach liberation. Meghana finds hope in the decentralised, anti-oppression work happening in Extinction Rebellion and Animal Rebellion.
Sun, January 19, 2020
Moving Forward
Season 1, Episode 3. In this episode, we hear from Betty, an activist based in Australia. Betty speaks about some of the challenges of working in different activist spaces. She considers some ways the animal liberation movement might move forward - evolving through strong community building - to reclaim its radical roots. Of course, it was impossible to ignore the catastrophic fires happening in Australia, but hope can be found in community self-reliance and solidarity.
Sun, January 12, 2020
Small Scale Activism
Season 1, Episode 2. In this episode, we hear from Tanvir, who’s based in Richmond, Virginia (USA). They came to the animal liberation movement through the straight edge/hardcore punk scene. Tanvir gives us some idea of what it’s like to do activism solo, or in a small group, having moved away from well-known activism franchises.
Mon, December 09, 2019
U.S. Dairy Farm
Season 1, Episode 1. In this episode, we hear from Shoana. Shoana is based in the US, and spent time working on a small scale dairy farm which marketed itself as ethical and humane. Shoana speaks to some of the problems inherent in dairy farming and shines a light on the suffering that results from it. We spent a bit of time towards the end of the show discussing Million Dollar Vegan.
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