Episode 104: “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

By Jasmin and Mariann — January 07, 2012

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Welcome to the 104^th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bruce Friedrich from Farm Sanctuary.

In today’s episode, we will discuss what makes some people act in unethical ways. This topic was inspired by a couple we passed “oo-ing” and “ahh-ing” in front of a puppy store, discussing which one to buy. It made us think of this saying by RD Laing:

In order to change something: The range of what we see and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.

We’ll talk about that, and ruminate on how, as animal advocates, we can help people notice that they’re… failing to notice.

We’ll also banter about Portlandia, TOFU Magazine (check out the interview with Jasmin in Issue Six), and the new, raw, NYC restaurant that found its way into our hearts, Gingersnap’s Organic.

Joining us today is longtime activist, Bruce Friedrich, who will tell us about the plans he has with his new role at Farm Sanctuary – including the “Someone, Not Something” campaign, and how he intends to involve local community in ending animal cruelty and adopting a vegan diet.

For our review, Our Hen House’s brilliant intern, Sally Tamarkin, will join us for a fun look at the new board game, Fur & Feathers, which is dedicated to educating children and adults on the importance of remembering how our everyday choices affect the lives of animals. Not to ruin anything, but let’s just say that Jasmin kicked some ass. (And through the end of February, enter code “OURHENHOUSE” when you purchase your very own Fur & Feathers board game, and Our Hen House will get $5 of the purchase!)

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

This week’s news items include:

“Long awaited legislation outlaws puppy farming in Ireland” from Irish Central
“Sculptured by Weights and a Strict Vegan Diet” from The New York Times
“FDA limites 1 class of antibiotics in livestock as public health groups urge gov’t to do more” from The Washington Post
“Livestock Groups, Egg Industry at Odds Over HSUS Deal” from Food Safety News
“Justice And A Safe Haven For Chicago’s Court Case Dogs” from Forbes

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” -Lena Horne

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Photo at top of blog: Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary. Photo by Connie Pugh.