Episode 124: “When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision – then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

Welcome to the 124^th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Tom Regan. 

In today’s episode, we discuss the confusion caused by seeing veganism as a weight loss plan. We tell you about our experiences speaking at an LGBT church here in Manhattan, we chat about the horrific story of a sheep who might be killed by guillotine for a supposed “art project,” and we’ll let you in on a very inspiring talk we attended by Victoria Moran, on bringing veganism to the mainstream. We also ruminate on why non-vegans so easily get defensive, and what, if any, our role is in that phenomenon.

Joining us today is world-renowned philosopher, Tom Regan, who will talk to us about the thesis behind his groundbreaking book, The Case for Animal Rights; the idea that it’s so-called impossible to be vegan in certain climates and what that means for the rest of us; the connections between his early days in the anti-war movement and how that relates to his work in animal rights; and the important role that the arts plays in animal advocacy.

For our review, we’ll tell you all about one of our favorite things of all time: chocolate! We’ll give you some inside tips on our favorite morning hot beverage, and we’ll share with you our favorite cocoa powders – all slavery-free, of course.

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

This week’s news items include: 

• “‘Show Me’ State Compromises on Ag-Gag” from Food Safety News
• “Bill Gates & the Future of Eating Animals” from YouTube
• “Anti-Whaling Leader Suspects Japan Behind Arrest” from Australia’s 7 News 
• “Ohio, at least, will no longer call all pit bulls ‘vicious’” from LA Times

“When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision – then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” -Audre Lorde 

Today’s episode is being sponsored by The Seed: A Vegan Experience, coming to NYC on June 16 and 17. Explore a compassionate and scrumptious plant-based world at The Seed: A Vegan Experience, featuring two full days of the finest food from New York’s famed vegan restaurant scene – the best in the world! Discover and delight in the latest cruelty-free products and services, world-renowned speakers, athletes and chefs, screenings of award-winning films, and eye-opening cooking demonstrations.

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