Join us for this week’s bonus track featuring award-winning journalist Marina Bolotnikova, our guest on episode 664. Listen in as Marina tells us what she would really like to write about next, shares her opinion on religious views of human supremacy and attempts to answer the question, “Why do good people continue to eat animals?” You don’t want to miss it! …
Award-winning journalist Marina Bolotnikova is writing the story to change the way mainstream media covers farmed animals. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the podcast this week for a conversation about her eye-opening work to alert people to the horrifying reality of animal agriculture. Marina discusses her thoughts on objectivity and integrity within journalism and why she chooses to free-lance with …
Listen in this week as we hear a little bit more from Torre Washington who joined us on episode 663. Torre discusses his love of the simple vegetable, gives us the scoop on how his calorie intake shifts according to his competition schedule and shares his experience of advocating for the animals as a bodybuilder. Join us in the flock Facebook …
Torre Washington has caused quite a stir in the world of professional bodybuilding with his plant-powered, all natural approach to the sport. This week, he joins the podcast to discuss his personal journey to veganism through Rastafari and the Ital diet, as well as how and why he got into the art of bodybuilding. Torre shares his reasons for following a …
Join us for this moving bonus clip from our interview with Amy Luebbert of VegLife DesMoines from episode 662. Listen in as Amy explains how meeting one person changed her life trajectory, talks about connecting the dots between social norms and white supremacy, and shares how the murder of Michael Brown touched her spirit and urged her to continue working for …
Amy Luebbert is the definition of a community powerhouse, and this week she joins us for a conversation about Des Moines, Iowa’s growing vegan scene and the importance of approaching activism through an antiracist lens. Amy, a founding member and the President of VegLife Des Moines, tells us about the nonprofit’s commitment to fostering community and connecting vegans—and the vegan-curious—to resources. …
This week’s bonus content from episode 661 takes a turn away from state and county fairs to discuss other happenings with Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and some of their employees and volunteers. First, Hervé shares his experience traveling to help not only the people of Ukraine, but also animals injured by the war. Then Rachel fills us in about Molly of Great …
Summers in the United States are often synonymous with state and county fairs. Advertised as idyllic family fun, these fairs are replete with animal exploitation and the horrors of animal cruelty. Rachel McCrystal and Hervé Breuil of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary join the podcast this week to talk about what really happens to animals at such events. They outline the cruel realities …
This very special extra episode is a compilation of interviews we have conducted over the years with our dear friend and passionate animal advocate Sherry Colb, who, as you may know, died last month. These interviews range from our first encounter with Sherry, when she came on to talk about her book, Mind if I Order the Cheeseburger? And Other Questions …
This week for episode 660 we were joined by the incomparable Tamara Human of Every Animal, a vegan advocacy organization in Ukraine. We are thrilled that Tamara was able to talk to the flock about her discovery of veganism, which was sparked by undercover footage of pigs. Tamara also discusses the journey the organization has taken to find the right form …
Tamara Human is the definition of a fearless, compassionate leader and activist, and this week she joins the podcast from Kyiv, Ukraine. Tamara is the force behind Every Animal, a Ukraine-based NGO founded in 2019 committed to mobilizing the vegan movement among Ukrainians. In our conversation, the founder shares how Every Animal is supporting vegan soldiers on the frontlines of the …
This week’s bonus content from episode 659 with karol orzechowski gives us a sneak peek into upcoming image content from Faunalytics. We also hear from karol about where he finds hope in the current state of things and he shares how you can view his film Maximum Tolerated Dose. We can’t wait for you to hear it! Click on over to …
The brilliant karol orzechowski joins the podcast this week, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! karol currently serves as the Content Director for Faunalytics, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower animal advocates with access to thorough, reliable data. While Faunalytics is best known for using research and statistics to strengthen pro-animal, anti-suffering activism, the organization is now also producing visual …
We are back again with more amazing bonus content! Check out the extra conversation from episode 658 with Andrew Rowan, DPhil in which he talks about the changes he has seen take place over his 40+ year career, how attitude changes toward animal care have applied to farmed animals, and centering the climate crisis to encourage people to adopt plant-exclusive diets. …
We’re honored to welcome Andrew Rowan, DPhil, to the podcast this week for a critical conversation about companion dogs and poverty. Dr. Rowan has a long tenure in the animal protection movement and is currently the President of WellBeing International, an NGO dedicated to achieving optimal wellbeing for animals, people, and the environment. He joins us today for a discussion about …
Tune into this week’s bonus content from episode 657 with founder of Apex Advocacy Christopher Soul Eubanks. Christopher gives us a glimpse into his youth, connecting the dots between veganism and other social justice movements and his mission-affirming experience of meeting a full grown adult pig for the very first time. You don’t want to miss this! Let us know what you think about this content, recent …
Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is an unstoppable force, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the podcast this week to discuss his new nonprofit, APEX Advocacy. The organization is committed to increasing the number of activists from the global majority. Christopher describes the three central missions driving APEX Advocacy: the Black Vegan Everything website highlighting Black-owned businesses, the Global Majority Caucus …
Check out the discussion in the bonus clip from episode 656 with veterinarian and researcher Andrew Knight. Andrew tells us about his experiences growing up and becoming a veterinarian. He then shares what activity is his outlet for relaxing and avoiding activist burnout. You don’t want to miss this! Let us know what you think about this content, recent episodes and guests. Or …
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 …