Episode 83: “Lots of people talk to animals… Not very many listen, though… That’s the problem.”
Posted on 13. Aug, 2011 by Jasmin and Mariann in Podcast
Welcome to the 83rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals, Karol Orzechowski of Maximum Tolerated Dose, with special guests Jessica Almy of VegBooks, and our very own Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon.
In today’s episode, we come to you from Toronto, where we are eating our way through this glorious, and oh-so-vegan-friendly, Canadian city. We will tell you all about our experiences filming a video that will be all about vegan Toronto, and we’ll give you an update on the happenings of the Animal Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s TIPS section.

Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals (www.weanimals.org). According to We Animals, "This cub had been rescued by the Animals Asia Foundation two days before the photo was taken. He seems to be enjoying his new room and "hammock". Vietnam, 2008."
Joining us today are Toronto activists, Jo-Anne McArthur and Karol Orzechowski. Jo-Anne will give us the skinny on her project, We Animals, which documents, through photography, animals in the human environment. Karol will tell us all about his new feature length film that is currently in production, entitled Maximum Tolerated Dose, which explores animal experimentation by speaking with people who have previously been experimenters or lab technicians, and by telling the stories of animals who have seen both sides of the cage.
For our review, our Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, will give us the animal rights take on The Rise of the Planet of the Apes. You won’t want to miss this review (or this film).
All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights. As a bonus, special guest Jessica Almy (of VegBooks, among other things) will join us for our news section.
This week’s news items include:
- “Whoa There: BLM Cancels Wyoming Wild Horse Roundup Plan” from The Atlantic
- “Peru has banned wild animals in circuses” from Animal Defenders International
- “Vegan chain takes root in Chicago” from The Chicago Tribune
- “Going Vegan With Ellen” from The Ellen Degeneres Show
- “Jail Time Yields a Clash on Vegetarian Meals” from The New York Times
- “Stop Using Chimps as Guinea Pigs” from The New York Times
- “How a Billionaire’s Wife Is Becoming the Mustang’s Messiah” from Time Magazine
“Lots of people talk to animals… Not very many listen, though… That’s the problem.” -Benjamin Hoff from The Tao of Pooh
You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it’s tax-deductible! Thanks!
Photo at top of blog: By Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals. “Street dog, Chile, 2005″
Podcast: Play in new window | Download





















Tracy
16. Aug, 2011
Thanks so much for your Toronto addition. I’m moving from Calgary to Toronto in September and am so excited to live in a vegan-friendly city with a strong animal-activism scene. Alberta takes great pride in its beef industry, does not offer much veggie food and hunting is very much a part of the culture.
sheree
24. Aug, 2011
I just found your site today and have been enjoying your podcasts (listened to two so far so I’ve just got 82 more to go!)
JoAnne’s story about the bear who had his paws cut off was sad yet amazing in that he could still enjoy the company of humans in spite of what was inflicted upon him. After I had a good cry I stopped illustrating the happy cuddly baby book I’m working on and decided to illustrate this story….I put it up on my blogspot @ http://shereeboyd.blogspot.com/2011/08/working-into-night-and-other-musings.html
Again, thank you for your amazing podcasts. Although at times so heart wrenching, I am looking forward to listening to all of them.
Jasmin Singer
24. Aug, 2011
Wow, Sheree, that is so amazing and deeply moving. We can’t wait for this book! And we’re happy you enjoy our podcast, too! Stay in touch!