Episode 125: “Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so.”

Welcome to the 125th episode of Out Hen House, featuring Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart of Vaute Couture. 
In today’s episode, Mariann and I will talk about one 9-year-old’s decision to boycott her class trip to the zoo, and we will read to you the letter she wrote to her teacher explaining why. We will discuss the many hidden exploitative messages about animals that kids confront during their education — things that are widely seen as “normal” yet are clearly only representative of one point of view (the wrong one). We will talk about Bill Gates and how his vision of the future does not include animal agribusiness. We will discuss the upcoming NYC vegan extravaganza, The Seed, and tell you the inspiring story behind a couple of the organizers. I will give you a rundown of an event where I spoke last week, The Veggie Pride Parade, and we will tell you about our next talk at the Niagara VegFest. We will also tell you all about a national TV appearance on The Dr. Oz Show by yours truly.
Joining us today is Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, founder of the chic vegan coat and clothing company, Vaute Couture, and the new Brooklyn storefront that is creating waves in the fashion world — Vaute Here. We visited Leanne’s stunning store and talked to her all about everything from reactions she gets to the “No Fur” sign on the door, to what makes the store’s fun photo booth vegan, to trends in vegan fashion, to how to become a vegan entrepreneur, to so much more. Be prepared to fall in love with this long-time activist and all around do-gooder.
For our review, Mariann will give us the skinny on Susan Cain’s book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts, as it relates – of course – to animal activism.
All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.
This week’s news items include:

• “Secret video leads to animal cruelty charges for California livestock auction house” from The Washington Post
• “PETA Fights Permits for Tigers & Elephants” from Courthouse News Service
• “Germany passes new Animal Protection Law this week” from White Wolf Pack
• “Igualdad Animal denuncia una ‘matanza’ de atunes rojos en Italia” from Publico.es

“Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so.” -Bertrand Russell  

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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