Episode 121: “I belong to no party and am militant for no one. All my causes, including the most radical, are motivated by the defense of animals.”

Welcome to the 121st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Main Street Vegan author, Victoria Moran, with special guests Lori Gruen and Sally Tamarkin. 

In today’s episode, Mariann and I discuss the sadly ironic situation of Petunia the Pig. We also talk about how to respond to “humane meat” myths when you find yourself confronted with them. We will then, as always, give you the skinny on some vegan events we attended here in NYC — including the gallery opening for artist Sue Coe, an event which was held in conjunction with her new earth-shattering book, Cruel. And we will tell you all about the launch party we attended for Victoria Moran’s new masterpiece, Main Street Vegan.

Then, we’ll be talking to author Victoria Moran herself — all about the way the vegan scene has shifted since 28 years ago, when she herself took the leap. We’ll discuss the myth that being vegan is expensive, and the unfortunate perception held by some meat-eaters that vegans will eventually “go back.”

Following that interview, as a special treat, we will give you a glimpse into next week’s much-anticipated Brooklyn Food Conference. Specifically, we’ll be examining a panel that Jasmin will be moderating entitled, “Women, Feminism, and the Use of Animals for Food.” Joining us for that discussion is philosopher Lori Gruen, who will let us in on some of the thoughts that she will further explore at the panel. Don’t miss this.

For our review, we eagerly welcome back Our Hen House’s Sally Tamarkin, who will give us her take on the book, Main Street Vegan. Somehow this review results in Sally discussing both polyamory and peanut butter — though not together. (This time, anyway.)

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

This week’s news items include:

• “Calif. lawmakers: No repeal of foie gras ban” from San Francisco Chronicle 
• “The killing agency: Wildlife Services’ brutal methods leave a trail of animal death” from The Sacramento Bee
• “Mad cow case highlights need for further investigation and better testing” from Consumer Reports
• “‘Ag Gag’ Bills and Supporters Have Close Ties to ALEC” from Green is the New Red
• “Ellen DeGeneres says her vegan diet wasn’t always easy, but glad she made the change” from The Washington Post
• “Pathetic” from Eating Plants