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 …
Join us for this week’s bonus clip from episode 655 where we discussed the upcoming documentary Coextinction with Gloria Pancrazi and Michael Bronner. Listen in as Gloria tells us about being influenced by other documentary films such as Blackfish, Michael clues us in to Dr. Bronner’s support of marine permaculture and they discuss the role of climate change in the survival of …
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. …
We cannot wait for you to hear this week’s bonus from episode 654 with the absolutely unstoppable force for good that is Jack Lekishon. In this exclusive content Jack opens up about his experience growing up, how he (accidentally) found his passion in environmental conservation and his efforts to save overworked donkeys in The Maasai Mara. Check it out! *This week …
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 …
This week we are bringing you a bonus chat from episode 653 with Monica Engebretson of Cruelty Free International. Listen in as Monica shares more about why animal issues have bipartisan support, how states can inform federal policy and the attempt to eliminate second species toxicity testing. Join us and get informed! Let us know what you think of this bonus …
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 …
Join us for bonus content from episode 652 with Jane Velez-Mitchell of UnchainedTV as we get a little more personal. Jane tells us all about her perennial love of a good argument, what it was like growing up with (and coming out to) creative parents, and just how it was that she was able to get animal rights stories on network …
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 …
This week’s bonus content brings you readings by Linnea Ryshke, who joined us on episode 651 to talk about her work. Listen in as Linnea reads the three pieces Her, She and He from her poetry book Kindling and then treats us to an additional piece mentioned in the main episode entitled For You from her work Bone Stones: Relics of Our Wreckage. Don’t forget to share your thoughts …
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 …
The extension of our conversation from episode 650 with vegan wordsmith Zach Sherwin brings us insight into the inner workings of wordplay, tells us how rap influences Zach’s work and we find out the specific combination of words that finally convinced him to ditch dairy. Join us for this delightful bonus episode! Let us know your thoughts by posting to the flock …
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 …
This week’s bonus from episode 649 brings you a reading by Eva Haifa Giraud from her most recent book Veganism: Politics, Practice and Theory. The book grapples with the ethical, political, cultural and social changes that are happening along with the rise in popularity of plant-based capitalism, especially as it is in the UK. Enjoy this excerpt from the introduction as …
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 …
Join us for this thought-provoking bonus clip from episode 648 in which Christopher Sebastian reveals both his dream and nightmare hypothetical speaking gigs and provides tips for tailoring presentations to your audience in order to be most effective. Christopher also speaks on the fact that activists should be prepared to work at deprogramming the misinformation people have been hearing their entire …
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 …
In this week’s bonus clip for episode 647 A.E. Copenhaver treats us to a reading from her book My Days of Dark Green Euphoria. Get an introduction to Cara, a 30-something year old woman who is crippled with eco-anxiety and climate grief who becomes obsessed with another character who is her complete opposite. Enjoy a glimpse into this brilliant eco- and vegan-friendly work …
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 …
In this week’s bonus chat from episode 646 with Ecoflix founder and philanthropist David Casselman, we dig into how David became involved animal issues through his legal career and his shift into using media to help animals. We wrap up this inspiring conversation with David sharing his hope for the future of the planet and all of us who inhabit it. Get …
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 …
This week’s bonus content from episode 645 is here to bring you a Dash of hope straight from Uganda. Dash Meizler of the Podrska Foundation continues to wow us with his enlightened views on marrying the fight for human and animal rights. He also clues us in to the reason he received the nickname Dash and shares the very big plans for the future …
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. …
Join us for this week’s bonus where we further the conversation from episode 644 with Gwendolyn Church of Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary. In this meaningful discussion Gwendolyn talks bringing farmed fish into the farmed animal conversation, plans for expanding the sanctuary, and how the word fishes help to emphasize the individuality of these remarkable beings. You won’t want to miss …
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 …
This week’s bonus clip from episode 643 with Mamta Valderrama has us digging further into Jain beliefs. Mamta also dishes out some advice for getting started with a career in animal protection and discusses helping animal farmers transition to plant-based farming. You definitely want to check this out! Tell us what you think about this bonus content or recent podcast guests over …
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 7th and 5th centuries BCE. In our conversation, Mamta explains the philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, that practitioners of …
Join us for this moving bonus segment with Danielle Hanosh, our guest on episode 642. Danielle shares details about her powerful book The Other Side. Inspired by all of the animals who have been lost, this book was written to help the humans left behind find comfort in what may be waiting on the other side of the rainbow bridge. She also touches on …
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 …
This week we bring you a continuation of the fascinating conversation from episode 641 with Dr. Christopher Carter that touches on everything from the importance of eating practices to the carrying on of ancestral legacies through more healthful translations of traditional recipes. This bonus track will have us all wanting to join Dr Carter in reclaiming the kitchen as a sacred space. …
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 …
This week’s bonus content from episode 640 brings the moving story of how librarian and artist Stacy Russo learned to let go of expectations through the adoption of a rescue dog. Stacy also shares how she discovered zines as a form of art and activism and how she finds hope in creativity. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt conversation! We …
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 …
In this week’s bonus content for episode 639 we are joined by Gemunu De Silva for an extended chat about his investigative work. Gem talks more about getting into (and out of) dangerous situations, creating videos for different audiences and the his newest project. You won’t want to miss it! We love hearing from you! Head on over to the flock …
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 …
Excerpt from article: “This Rochester couple wants their ‘Net Zero’ home to inspire more affordable, eco-friendly living” by WXXI News Jasmin Singer and her wife, Moore Rhys, had long wanted to align their lifestyle with their environmental values. They found their opportunity with a decision to move across the country. At the start of the pandemic, the couple had been working …
Join us for episode 638‘s bonus chat with LoriKim Alexander. This week, LoriKim continues giving us a peek into her awe-inspiring work and thought processes. Hear a further discussion of the work of The North Bronx Collective and of the power of believing the change we are working for will come. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation. We would …
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 …
In this week’s bonus content from episode 637, Dr Hope Ferdowsian joins us to share an excerpt from the introduction of her book Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives. Phoenix Zones combines stories of survivors with the latest science on resilience to help us understand the link between violence against people and animals and the biological foundations of recovery, peace …
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 …
In this week’s bonus content from episode 636, the conversation really gets cooking with Rob Nipe and Nora Rubel of Grass Fed, Rochester’s all vegan butcher shop. Rob & Nora dig into hanging onto hope, veganizing meaningful recipes and vegan cottage cheese! Give it a listen! We love hearing from you! Get in touch with us to share your thoughts on …
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 …
Check out this bonus content from episode 635 featuring Joan E. Schaffner, JD and Rajesh K. Reddy, JD, founding members of the lawyers for the Convention on Animal Protection (CAP). This (at times baffling) conversation includes discussion about the One Health paradigm, the lack of consideration for zoonotic diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the shadow pandemic we aren’t talking …
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 …
In this week’s bonus track we extend the conversation from episode 634 with powerhouse total liberation activist Eloísa Trinidad. Eloísa digs into the advice she would give her childhood self, practicing self care as self liberation, and the importance of honoring emotions while channeling them to support your work. You do not want to miss this! We value your opinions! Let …
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 …
This week we continue the conversation from episode 633 with Rachel Dreskin, CEO of both the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and their sister nonprofit the Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI). In this bonus track, Rachel talks about the PBFI’s initiatives, including research and partnerships to realize a transformation of our food system. Check it out! We would love to know what …
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 …
Join us for this week’s bonus conversation from episode 632 with David van Beveren of Vegan Hacktivists. David shares some insight into the challenges of quantifying effectiveness, the momentum of the movement and the diversity of opinions in animal rights activism. Give it a listen! We would love to hear your opinions on this bonus content, the main episode and anything …
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 …
This week’s bonus content has arrived! Check out an extension of the conversation from episode 631 with Aline Silva of CreatureKind. Aline talks leading congregations, waking up to animal issues, and Afro-Indigenous religious expression. Join us! Get squawking with us about this bonus content, the full episode or what’s going on in your life over in the flock Facebook group. Thank …
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 …
This week’s bonus content is a continuation of our conversation from episode 630 with human and animal rights activist Richa Mehta. Richa shares more about becoming vegan, reminding yourself to be patient, the hope of seeing a vegan world and more. We hope you’ll join us! Let us know what you think about this bonus episode, thoughts on content you’d like …
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 …
We can’t wait to share this week’s bonus content from episode 629 featuring professor and author Jeff Sebo! In this intriguing conversation, Jeff talks us through the joy of teaching, the importance of keeping an open mind and the convergence of utilitarian and rights theories. Check it out and let us know what you think of this bonus interview, what you’d …
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 …
Join us for this introspective bonus interview from episode 628 with world-changer PJ Nyman! They will delve into inherent childhood compassion for animals, the path to vegetarian and veganism, and the necessity of hope. Witness a beautiful new friendship between Jasmin & PJ blossoming in real time! Engage in the discussion about this episode, future bonus content or anything else you’d …
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 …
We are so thrilled to share this week’s bonus from episode 627 with media maven Rachel Krantz! In this flock-only content, Rachel touches on her experiences growing up, the importance of sharing vegan content online and what “no mud, no lotus” means to her. You won’t want to miss it! Engage in the discussion about this episode, future bonus content or …
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 …