The theme for this year’s Women’s Studies Annual Conference is “outsider feminisms.” Chris, who teaches women’s studies, saw the theme as a way to get a room full of feminists talking and reflecting about the many connections between animal rights and feminism. Here is her proposal description, which she kindly shared with us:

In this paper, using the work of bell hooks as a theoretical foundation, I explore and call for a new perspective called inclusionism. What is an inclusionist? An inclusionist recognizes the intersections of multiple perspectives and resists all bigotry and discrimination. Inclusionists are ethical vegans who reject speciesism, ableism, sexism, ageism, racism, heterosexism, and other forms of bigotry and discrimination. Inclusionists work for social justice, equal rights and equal treatment, the inclusion of all species. Inclusionists reject hierarchies of marginalization and recognize that no human can be free while members of any species are othered, oppressed, or ostracized.  The inclusionist perspective is built on the idea that theory for the sake of theory does not work, that theory must be applicable and that all forms of discrimination are connected. Inclusionists recognize that the othering of nonhuman animals is directly connected to the othering of human beings and work to educate and raise awareness regarding the same. I recognize that such a perspective is an “outsider feminism” as it asks human beings to lift the veil regarding the idea that human beings are more valuable than other species. This perspective is both reflective and reflexive in that inclusionism demands that human beings work to reflect on and eliminate cognitive blocks regarding the use and ownership of nonhuman animals and reflect on (include) the connections to the abuse, discrimination, and domination to othered human beings.

If you are an academic, a professor, teacher, or student, whenever you can bring up animal issues within the context of your studies, papers, or presentations, do! Given the many bridges between social justice issues, there are thousands of ways in.

If the connections between women’s studies and animal rights is something that intrigues you, there are tons of essays and books written about it (start here), and Mariann and I actually discussed this topic when we were interviewed for women’s history month.

Photo: Courtesy Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Today, we’re back home in NYC. Mariann’s animal law classes have started, and Jasmin has given up coffee. We also have some exciting announcements from here in Our Hen House!

Joining us today is long-time animal law guru, Steve Wise, who will talk to us all about the Non-Human Rights Project.

Henrietta by David Mamet, Illustrated by Elizabeth Dahlie

In our review section, we’ll be reviewing the book Henrietta, by David Mamet – which follows the story of a pig who wants to go to law school.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “Where’s the Beet?” from Time Magazine
• “Weekday Vegetarians” from Time Magazine
• “Food Fight” from Utne Reader
• “Vegan Anyone?” from NPR

“The question is not, “Can they reason?” nor, “Can they talk?” but rather, “Can they suffer?” -Jeremy Bentham

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! Thanks!

Picture from Henrietta by David Mamet, Illustrated by Elizabeth Dahlie

On today’s episode, we come to you from Sag Harbor, where we’re grateful that we have family right by the beach. Joining us today is animal rights lawyer Carter Dillard, who will talk to us about everything from the organization he co-founded – Four Feet Forward — to litigating on behalf of animals, to human overpopulation.

In our review section, we’ll be discussing a new animal rights themed novel called The Tourist Trail, by John Yunker. If you’re like us, you’ll want to eat this book up, which is fine, since it’s vegan.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “Eat an Apple (Doctor’s Orders)”
• “The Ugliest Catch”
• “Eggs Recalled After Outbreaks”
• “Vegans ‘Significantly Less Polluted’”

“The squirrel that you kill in jest, dies in earnest.” -Henry David Thoreau

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! Thanks!

Photo: The Tourist Trail

And if you heart HEART as much as we heart it, check out our recent podcast interview with Meena Alagappan, their lovely Executive Director.

Photo: Used with permission with a Creative Commons License.

Every Living Being: Representations of Nonhuman Animals in the Exploration of Human Well Being, by Canadian scholar Marie-France Boissonneault, sounds like a in might be a new take, with some original insights, on the human animal relationship.

Boissonneault, who is, among other things, an observer of pop culture, examines how certain animals have been portrayed in literature and art, as well as in contemporary mass media, as healers and contributors to human wellness, and compares that treatment to that of other animals who are used for consumption without any regard at all.

While we haven’t seen it yet, and can’t recommend it outright, it certainly sounds like an interesting read.

On today’s episode, we come to you from Big Sur, California where we are searching for good food, breathless from the scenery, and trying to weed out an offensive word from Jasmin’s vocabulary.

Joining us today is animal and environmental lawyer, David Cassuto, who will talk to us about some of the intersections between those overlapping areas.

In our review section, Kyle Knies – a California boy himself – will give us the skinny on faux gras (and we really mean faux gras).

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

• “Inside the Minds of Animals” – Time Magazine
• “Farmers Lean to Truce on Animals’ Close Quarters” – The New York Times

“California, California… such a wonder that I think I’ll stay in bed.” –Rufus Wainwright

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! Thanks!

In today’s episode, we come to you from the City by the Bay, San Francisco. We’ll start by telling you about our vegan adventures and misadventures, including some a tale of delicious cruelty-free Japanese food, and a rather disturbing  stuffed animal story.

We will be joined today by Zoe Weil from the Institute for Humane Education. Zoe, who was just inducted into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame, will talk all about humane education, as well as what it really means to do the most good and least harm.

In our news section, we will tell you about a group of cattlemen who are having some issues with a recent audit of their spending.  We’ll also discuss why conflicted meat-eaters deny that animals have the capacity to suffer. And we’ll discuss the vegan fare at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding.

In our review section, we will give you our impressions of the new film, Chow Down, which follows three people with severe heart disease who have decided to make some serious and necessary lifestyle changes. And trust me, you’ll be batting for them.

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! Thanks!

Photo: Used with permission (http2007) through a Creative Commons License.

In today’s episode, we will tell you about our upcoming vegan filled trip to the West Coast, some new one-of-a-kind arty tote bags that will benefit Our Hen House, and lots more about what’s new and good here in Veganland.

Joining us today will be best-selling vegan cookbook author, Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Isa will talk about everything from her upcoming book, to the changing scene of veganism, to palm oil.

In our news section, we’re talking about a lot of bull – bullfighting in Catalonia, and bull-riding and other rodeo horrors in Santa Cruz. Plus, we’ll tell you about a cool new movie that’s full of heart.

In our review section, we will give you our thoughts on a blast-from-the-past animated film with a message – Chicken Run.

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! Thanks!

Photo: Chicken Run

Wesleyan University will be hosting a conference called “Sex, Gender and Species” on February 25 and 26, 2011. The purpose of this conference is to foreground the relations between feminist and animal studies and to examine the real and theoretical problems that are central to both fields of inquiry. Conference organizers Lori Gruen and Kari Weil are seeking 1-2 page abstracts by October 1, 2010. Abstracts can be sent to lgruen@wesleyan.eduor kweil@wesleyan.edu.

If this conference comes and goes without anyone presenting a paper on the gender studies implications of the dairy and egg industries, I am going to be so disappointed.

Photo: Courtesy Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

In today’s episode, we give you the low-down on a very special vegan bakery that delivers all over the country. Trust me, you’ll want to try their cupcakes. I’ll also tell you all about a very melodic animal rights fund-raiser that I attended in NYC.

Joining us today is Michael Croland, from Heeb’n'vegan. Michael is joining us as part of our religion series, where we talk with people about how their religion or spirituality relates to their philosophy on animal rights. Michael will enlighten us about how Judaism and veganism relate. He’ll discuss everything from Kosher slaughter, to philosophy, to an ingredient you simply have to include in your next tofu scramble.

In our news section, we will discuss a new bill for animals that just passed the US House of Representatives. We’ll also talk about a debarking law in Massachusetts, and Mariann will share her thoughts on an article in Time Magazine that asks: Can animal rights go too far?

For our review section, Mariann and I will share with you an amazing restaurant experience we had, right in the Heartland.

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! Thanks!

On today’s episode, we are coming to you live from Kansas – where we will talk to my 86-year-old grandmother who just went vegetarian.

Then, joining us will be Dr. Melanie Joy, author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism. Melanie will talk to us about her fascinating insights  into the psychological mechanisms people use to allow themselves to coninue eating animals.

In our news section, we will discuss an exciting New York Times editorial that is very pro-farm animal. We’ll also talk about some good news for the AETA 4, and we’ll share with you James McWilliams’ take on lab-grown meat.

In our review section, Our Hen House reviewer, Kyle Knies, will give you the results of his unscientific survey on vegan milks.

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! Thanks!

On today’s show, we begin with a very exciting announcement about the influence that Mariann’s New York Times letter to the editor had on Jasmin’s grandma.

Joining us today is Meena Alagappan — director of HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers). Meena will talk to us all about the importance of humane education as a means of creating social change, and she’ll share some of her personal journey from animal law to running HEART.

In our news section, we will be joined by Stewart David, co-founder of Carolina Action for Animals. Stewart will share his thoughts on Jane Velez-Mitchell’s “Jane’s Fight for Animal Rights” which aired this past week on her CNN HLN show, Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell. We’ll also discuss the outcome of a puppy mill bill in North Carolina, and an egg bill in California.

For our review section, we will be joined by special guest Matt Rice — of Mercy for Animals. Matt will review the new animal rights Facebook game called Farm Rescue, which was conceived by activist and artist, Mark Middleton (of Animal Visuals).

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! Thanks!

Photo: Farm Sanctuary

In today’s episode, we will share with you a new and exciting activist idea that was gleaned from a workshop at last week’s Let Live Conference – and we’ll explain why that resulted in a Lady Gaga song getting interminably stuck in our heads.

Joining us today will be Glenn Gaetz and Joanne Chang from Liberation B.C. Glenn and Joanne will talk to us all about the exciting projects that their animal rights organization is currently working on, as well as why Vancouver seems to be where it’s at as far as vegan cuisine.

In our news section, we will discuss our mixed feelings regarding surprising turn of events with the Ohio farm animal ballot initiative. We will also discuss the passing of Senator Robert Byrd. And we’ll tell you why a very famous travel guide founder has made nice with animal advocates and with whales alike.

In our review section, we’ll discuss the sweet – or sometimes not-so-sweet – smell of cruelty-free deodorants and their wearers.

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

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! Thanks!

In today’s episode, I am coming to you from the City of Roses – Portland, Oregon – where I’m knee-deep in Voodoo Donuts and food carts. On today’s show, Mariann – who is still in NYC where she is busy trying to manage the heat wave that has come over the Big Apple – will share some very exciting news about a letter to the editor she wrote.

Joining us today is Michelle Schwegmann and Josh Hooten, the owners of Herbivore Clothing, here in Portland, and two of the co-founders of the Let Live Foundation. Michelle and Josh will talk all about the importance of creative activism – which happens to also be the theme for this weekend’s conference (the reason I’m on the left coast) – and they will talk about the perks of raising a vegan child.

In our news section, we will discuss the endangered species status that is being sought for a special kind of sea life. We’ll also talk about a cupcake competition on the Food Network’s show, Cupcake Wars, and why vegans have reason to celebrate.

In our review section, I will be reviewing the movie, Bold Native, a fiction feature film about an animal liberator wanted by the United States government for domestic terrorism.

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! Thanks!

Photo: Patches from Herbivore Clothing.

On today’s show, we are podcasting from Vermont – where we are visiting Eastern Shore Sanctuary and all of the beautiful rescued beings who inhabit it. Joining us today will be the amazing folks who run the sanctuary, Miriam Jones – who is also the co-founder – and Aram Polster. Miriam and Aram will let us in on what sanctuary life is really like, including lending their advice to people who might wish to run their own sanctuary someday, and sharing their thoughts on the connections between the exploitation inherent in the dairy and egg industries with feminist theory.

In our news section, we will discuss a Washington Post article asking the question: “Do Animals Have Rights?” We’ll also talk about an article in the New York Times Magazine making the connection between violence to animals and violence to humans, but leaving out one crucial fact. Then we’ll discuss the Humane Society of the United States’ complaint about an Indiana egg company.

Finally, we will go over our most recent Facebook survey, which asked: Who are your favorite vegan celebrities?

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! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of the Eastern Shore Sanctuary

The conference looks amazing — and it won’t cost you a dime (except maybe your trip to Massachusetts). In looking at their planned workshops, here were a few that stuck out for me as not-to-be-missed:

• Practical Ethics: Moral Understanding in a More Than Human World
• Displaced Animals and Misplaced Empathy? Cultivating a Posthuman Psychotherapy
• Living in a more-than-human world: ethics and politics in environmental discourse in India
• Deconstructing Carnism: Understanding the Ideology and Psychology of Meat Consumption
• Speciesism and Domination: Toward a Critical Theory of Absolute Species Right
• Homeless People; Homeless Pets: A Natural Bond

Presenters include Melanie Joy (author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows) and Mike Markarian (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Humane Society of the United States).

Learn more about the conference and sign up today.

Photo: Courtesy Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

In today’s episode, we will start by telling you about our recent trip to Brooklyn, my nose hoop, and our upcoming train trip to Vermont, where we will get our due time with some rescued chickens.

bizarro.com

Then, we’ll be talking to funnyman Dan Piraro, creator of the Bizarro cartoons. Dan – who was recently named “Cartoonist of the Year” by the prestigious National Cartoonists Society – will share the eye-opening story of why he went vegan, what made him an animal rights activist, how he incorporates his advocacy into his cartoons, and where he finds his inspiration.

In our news section, we will update you on Quality Eggs’ pleading guilty to 10 counts of animal cruelty, we’ll inform you about some new mock chicken that is raising awareness, making the news, and pleasing taste buds, and we’ll discuss the $25 million settlement in an anti-trust lawsuit against the egg industry.

For our review section, we will give you the low-down on some vegan cheese from Galaxy Nutritional Foods, including the good, the bad, and the melty.

BONUS:

Tune in to the podcast for the full story, but here’s a review teaser. Out of the 8 vegan cheeses by Galaxy Nutritional Foods that Jasmin tasted, her favorite three were Rice Vegan Pepper Jack Slices, Rice Vegan American Slices, and Rice Vegan Cheddar Slices (all pictured above). All three were melty, made a mean grilled cheese, and reminded Jasmin of cheese sandwiches from 1982 … but minus the oppression (and the side ponytail).

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! Thanks!

On today’s show, we’ll discuss the sad loss of Golden Girl — and long-time animal rights activist — Rue McClanahan.

Then, we’ll be joined by an undercover investigator who has been responsible for many of the investigations you’ve seen inside factory farms recently. He will tell us how he copes with such an impossible-to-imagine field of activism.

In our news section, we’ll discuss why Psychology Today says that vegans are wired to have more compassion than omnivores. We’ll also update you on the Gulf, and Newsweeks’ devastating – but not surprising – report that BP has put a hold on any real journalism or coverage of their disaster. And we’ll talk about a new UN report urging a global move toward a vegan diet.

Joining us for our review section is Kyle Knies, who will lead us in a thought-provoking conversation of the documentary film, Mine, which follows the stories of the animals left behind after Hurricane Katrina.

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! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary. Taken by Derek Goodwin.

I like the fact that they specifically state that their “interdisciplinary and intercultural emphasis naturally partners with the humanities and other traditional disciplines as well as with environmental and ecofeminist studies, Animal Studies with its interdisciplinary emphasis, and Human-Animals Relations.” It makes me feel like Animal Studies is really taking off as a respected field of scholarship.

Photo: Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary; taken by Derek Goodwin

Today, we will start by updating you about a very special adoption event where we were overwhelmed with cuteness.

Then, joining us is Brad Goldberg, founder of Animal Welfare Trust and Animal Welfare Advocacy. Brad will talk about the importance of philanthropic grants that benefit animal issues.

Following that, we’ll be joined for a brief update by Kelly Overton from PATH. As the oil hits the Gulf, Kelly – who joins us from New Orleans – will let us know what’s going on down there.

In our news section, we will go over some sad news for animals, which is thankfully getting some mainstream attention: Mercy for Animals’ latest undercover investigation, and a puppy mill report brought to us, shockingly, by the USDA itself.

Finally, we’ll discuss the result of a survey we conducted asking people what they think is the biggest misconception about veganism and how they respond when those misconceptions arise for them.

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! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

In today’s episode, we will tell you all about a perfect little doggie in Puerto Rico who we were lucky enough to help rescue.

Then, joining us will be the debonaire Martin Rowe, Director of Publishing at Lantern Books. Martin will tell us how his journey with activism led him to running a publishing company whose focus is animal advocacy and social justice. He’ll also have some important tips for all of you up and coming authors out there.

Following that, Kelly Overton of PATH – who is currently stationed in the Gulf of Mexico – is back once again to give us an update about how things are going in the near wake of the tragic oil spill that is already affecting so many animals. (Also be sure to check out Andy Stepanian’s Huffington Post article, “BP’s Greenwashing Can’t Clean Up Their Spill.”)

In our news section, we will discuss some truly frightening news regarding the effect that overfishing is having on our oceans. We’ll also talk about how and why Chipotle is under attack, and what that has to do with animals.

For our commentary, we will be joined once again by Our Hen House correspondent, Sherrey Glickman – also known as Jasmin’s lovely grandma. Grandma will tell us about some recent mentions of veganism in the mainstream.

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! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

There are clearly many topics within this broad subject that might be of interest to those who would like to explore the intersections between race and ethnicity and exploitation by the meat industrial complex, either as employer or as supplier of food. Among the topics that are suggested (the list is not exclusive) are: “The worker/race construct of the meatpacking and poultry processing industry”; “The racial structure of poultry production (contractors, catchers, plants)” and; “The emerging racial/immigrant labor structure of the dairy industry.” Other topics that come to mind include food deserts, the effect of commodity subsidies on food availability based on race/ethnicity, varying health implications of an animal-centric diet based on race , etc., etc., etc.

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

In today’s episode, we come to you from Puerto Rico, where we have found ourselves full — with vegan mofongo, and a rich culture that has captured our hearts.

Joining us today, live and in person, is Ledy Van Kavage, the Senior Legislative Attorney for Best Friends Animal Society. Ledy will be talking to us all about pit bulls: everything from breed discriminatory laws to how you can get involved with fighting for these precious creatures, originally nicknamed “The Nanny Dog” because of their gentleness and impressive way with children.

Our second guest is Kelly Overton, Executive Director of PATH, who is joining us once again from the Gulf of Mexico, where he preparing to assist in rescue and relief for the animals affected by the oil spill.

In our news section, we will talk about the lawsuit that was won against a foie gras facility, a TV show that will go behind the scenes at a puppy mill, the big media that a vegan ultramathoner is receiving, and a sweet compassionate addition to LA’s Studio City.

Joining us for our review section is Our Hen House’s own reviewer, Kyle Knies, who will give us his thoughts on the new feature-length film exposing the fur industry, entitled Skin Trade.

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! Thanks!

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

Of course, I already had heard of NW Veg, and hopefully you have too. They are a Portland-based non-profit “dedicated to bringing awareness to the power of a veg lifestyle and helping support people in their transition toward making healthier, more sustainable & compassionate food choices.”

But what is a Veg 101 class? Seems it’s a 6-week series featuring a weekly lecture and cooking class. The cost is $55 (or $25 for low income).

According to The Oregonian, “The course, which costs an astonishingly low $55, took place in the cooking classroom of the Pearl District Whole Foods, with each two-hour class divided into two parts. First, there are educational presentations, which explore everything from the way dietary choices affect the environment to what happens on factory farms that’s largely hidden from the public.”

NW Veg is bringing advocacy to the classroom (a classroom for grownups!), and providing a safe and easy way for people to learn all about the deliciousness of veganism. Way to advocate.

I caught up with TVP (that’s The Vegan Police, not Textured Vegetable Protein) last month at the The Institute for Critical Animal Studies North American Conference. I spoke with Dylan and Crista about everything from how they started to what they think is effective activism.

Bellow is the video interview from the conference, followed by a Q&A with Dylan Powell where he sheds light on his group’s name, the importance of community-building, and how he stays regular. (Oh, and since we’re a mutual admiration society, The Vegan Police is doing a feature on me and Our Hen House today! We like to scratch each other’s backs.)

Our Hen House Talks to The Vegan Police from jasmin singer on Vimeo.

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dylan powell

Our Hen House: What is The Vegan Police?

The Vegan Police: The Vegan Police is a radio show/podcast/website. It is the idea of “promoting veganism” put to practice.

OHH: What inspired you to pick the uber-creative name, The Vegan Police?

TVP: Flashback to October 2008. Isa Moskowitz put a call out to all Vegan Warriors to start making food blogs for the upcoming Vegan Month of Food. Problem: I took horrible food porn pictures and wasn’t the greatest chef. I thought it over and by this time I had numerous campus/community radio shows under my belt, so I thought, “hey why not use that skill and start a vegan radio show!” Next came the name. I wanted something that was a little abrasive, but also comical (i.e. punx). The Vegan Police summed that all up for me. There are still a ton of omni’s (and even vegans!) trying to paint vegans as authoritarian, so for those people I wanted to have an uncompromising show that also let people know how funny veganism could be, and how funny vegans are! For the most part though, most people see the name, beside our comic cat or our new Pignet design, and realize its just a lighthearted take on self policing. In a lot of ways it has taken on its own meaning. It’s funny to see some academics really try and break the name down. I am waiting for a post-modernist critique of The Vegan Police name and logo. Har!

OHH: What is your favorite part about having a podcast?

TVP: We have done the podcast thing and we have done the campus/community radio thing. The best things about podcasting are the things that were supposed to make campus and community radio (college radio in the U-S-EH?) special; the direct connection between the listener, the host and the community. The ability to give a voice and become a hub for activity. Unfortunately, regulations, careerists entrenched in positions of power, and the general unpopularity of veganism make a vegan radio show a really hard thing to accomplish. Podcasting cuts right through to your audience and literally has no rules or regulations (at least none we abide by). You can promote and support your favorite local businesses and restaurants and you can even cuss too! I tend to believe that the less reliant you have to be on other people, the better and more effective you will be. Podcasting represents all of that.

OHH: Why do you find community-building important?

TVP: Absolutely nothing beats face to face community. There is a lot to be said about internet activism and the way vegans have been able to network in the social networking age, but there is also a hell of a lot to be said about faux internet communities. I was lucky enough to live in a place where the animal rights community was already vibrant and where the people actually stayed! Niagara Action for Animals, HOOPLA HOOPLA! I owe a huge debt to them and the amazing work that happens in this community is a direct result of people consciously laying down their roots and fostering community. Although it might get us some more listeners to not talk about the Niagara Region so much, it definitely has been and will always be the focus of the show. “Do what you can, with what you have, right where you are.” – Anon

OHH: When and why did you decide to partner with the Institute for Critical Animal Studies? What does the partnership consist of?

TVP: The partnership with ICAS came out of a relationship between Anthony Nocella and me. Anthony is definitely someone I point to as doing extremely important on the ground activism. Anthony says Paulo Freire, I say Antonio Gramsci, tomato/tomato-oo. There is definitely a bridge ICAS is trying to build between the academic world and the activist world, and both of us feel that is EXTREMELY important. Thus far the partnership has consisted of a lot of idea and contact sharing (I stayed at Anthony’s place during the last ICAS Conference and he wouldn’t let me sleep!). It’s kind of exciting times right now in the Critical Animal Studies world, with the local University, Brock University, also growing its Critical Animal Studies program. I would urge everyone to head over to the Institute for Critical Animal Studies website and delve into one of their journals to find out more about the focus and motivation. Oh, and readers who want to go to University to study and advance the rights of all animals, should definitely look to Brock University as a possibility! (We can hang out and be friends!)

OHH: One of your goals is to promote independent music made by vegans. What made you focus that aspect of your advocacy on music?

TVP: Insert lyrics to Propagandhi’s “Rock For Sustainable Capitalism” here. First off, most major label artists and their listeners don’t recognize  how tied the “Major Four” are to the Military Industrial Complex, as well as a host of other not so vegan friendly things. Secondly, there is community in supporting local independent arts. I can go and see Lemuria in Buffalo, bring Sheena a donut, and have her rave about the donut between songs! I can book those bands and I can help them out by feeding them, offering them a place to stay or throwing a potluck when they are in town! I can ACTUALLY talk to these people, as in they care who I am as a human being, not just as a “fan.” Plus, they can reciprocate by supporting fundraisers and offering their talents. I think it is great that there are major label musicians/artists/celebrities, etc. out there who use their popularity to shed light on these issues, but I have always been a fan of the “little guy/gal” and always will be.

“All the songs you hear down there they have a purpose.” – Ted Leo.

OHH: When it comes to activism, what irks you? What inspires you?

TVP: What irks me is the tendency to want to draw a million lines in the sand. I am still young, and still very much working my way through my own ideas on what effective activism is, but I do know that this movement constantly teeters on being divisive to the point of losing focus. What inspires me is the people who day in and day out volunteer their time to rescuing animals. I owe a large debt to my older sister for showing me the importance and joy of helping out an animal in need. There are a ton of people throughout this world who are dedicated to that cause and who will never get the respect they deserve. The people who give up dreams of early retirement, or retirement at all, so that they can run sanctuaries. Or the people who get second and third mortgages to continue to care for animals. Or even the people who disregard the law and risk imprisonment to save animals. Those are the real heroes of the animal rights movement. Being vegan is easy.

OHH: What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

TVP: I am of the Seinfeld crowd. Nothing beats a good cereal with Almond Milk. As I have grown older I have learned to appreciate what most would consider very dull and boring cereals. GIMMIE FIBER!

OHH: Is a vegan world possible? How do you think we can most effectively work toward one?

TVP: I think a vegan world is very possible, but a vegan paradise does not exist. I think the best way we can effectively work towards a vegan world is to recognize this movement’s struggle within the grand picture of every struggle. The outcome will always be a reflection of the hard work that people put in everyday. We have to be relentless but also honest that this struggle will only open our sensitivity to other forms of oppression which we previously considered “normal.” Some may see that as a real sad note to end on, but at the same time, realizing that this work is never done is one of the best ways of dealing with all of the stalemates we currently find ourselves in, and really the only way to stay relevant.

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Visit The Vegan Police

Exactly. Our relationship to animals is one of the most fundamental parts of who we are, both in the present (from our relationship to our companion animals to the industrial uses and abuses to our continuing destruction of ever-dwindling wildlife) and throughout history (the way humans’ relationships with animals have shaped our civilization). The key way to get this imperative relationship recognized by society, and to start better protecting our animal victims, is to start with academia.

Unfortunately, as animal issues reach the mainstream, they are likely to be influenced by calls for “balance” and attacks that they are more advocacy than academia. For example, regarding the new minor at the University of Redlands, which otherwise sounds amazing, the Press Enterprise article also notes, “Their studies can lead to careers in veterinary science, animal rehabilitation, even animal research and experimentation.”

Let’s hope that these programs draw enough students who want to protect animals, not exploit them, and that the forces of darkness will have no chance to undermine their value.

As always, for more information on animals in academia, and on human-animal studies specifically, visit Animals & Society Institute.

Photo: Hera the dog, from Best Friends in Utah. We spent time with Hera a couple years ago and fell in love with her. She is absolutely fabulous and is available for adoption.