Episode 149: “Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth.”

Welcome to the 149^th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Mark Hawthorne and Adam Sobel. 
In today’s doozy of an episode, we talk about the tragedy of Bill and Lou, and how mainstream media is so quick to be uncritical regarding accusations that animal rights activists are horrible and violent. Speaking of violence, we’ll tell you about an employee of a meat processing plant who tragically killed several of his co-workers, and then himself, and we’ll chat about the violent nature of working in slaughterhouses. We’ll talk about denial, and what it must do to us as a culture to be confronted, so regularly, with animal corpses – the literal embodiment of violence. Today we’ll also give you some updates about Wesleyan University’s ecofeminism conference, and we’ll share with you some spectacular news regarding a vegan cooking show – which involves the incredible success of one of our listeners! We’ll talk about The Indigo Girls, the misadventures of Jasmin’s recent visit to the gym, and, in a segment we call “The Professor and Mariann,” Mariann will update us all about the happenings from her Animal Law Classes.
Today we welcome to Our Hen House two incredibly inspiring guests. First, we will talk to activist and writer Mark Hawthorne, who will give us the skinny on his “ACTIVE” approach to avoiding burnout (you’ll want to take notes). Mark will also talk with us about his feelings about the all or nothing approach, the importance of strategizing when to use what language when advocating for animals, and he’ll tell us his incredibly inspiring and unique story of how an encounter with a cow led him on the path to animal rights activism.
Then, we are thrilled to welcome Adam Sobel, the owner of The Cinnamon Snail – a vegan food truck in the NYC and NJ area, which has been working on the frontlines of the wreckage of Hurricane Sandy, providing free vegan food to its victims. Adam will tell us about his efforts, and update us on the tragedy that is still afflicting so much the Northeast.
To that end, Jasmin is helping to organize a Tofurky Trot this Thanksgiving in Portland, Oregon, and we’ll tell you a bit about that. The proceeds of the trot will go directly to The Cinnamon Snail’s rescue efforts, so that they can continue to feed free vegan food to the people deeply affected by this killer storm. Whether or not you’re in Portland, we hope you’ll consider donating to The Cinnamon Snail.

For our review, we’ll discuss our newest favorite vegan book – Vegan Food Gifts: More Than 100 Inspired Recipes for Homemade Baked Goods, Preserves, and Other Edible Gifts Everyone Will Love, by Joni Marie Newman. This book offers a unique take, and refreshing tools on living compassionately and consciously.
All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.
This week’s news items include:

• “Los Angeles City Council Backs ‘Meatless Mondays’” from CBS News
• “Butterball again accused of Thanksgiving turkey abuse” from Los Angeles Times
• “Group brings suit over animal testing, says University of Minnesota is unlawfully secretive” from Twin Cities Daily Planet
• “Activists Press For Open Meetings To Review Research Using Animals” from The Scientist Magazine
• “Plan to import beluga whales sparks opposition” from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 
• “U.S. court ends New Year’s Eve possum drop” from The Province 

“Never apologize for being correct. Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. For being correct. For being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you’re right and you know it, speak your mind. Speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth.” -Gandhi 
The Our Hen House podcast is sponsored by The Seed: A Vegan Experience, which is currently gearing up for a Yoga Week – 5 days of urban zen and plant-based empowerment. The Seed brings you events, conferences, and happenings that raise awareness about the many delicious, cruelty-free alternatives to animal products. Also be sure to sign up for The Seed’s new weekly e-newsletter (sign up on the top right corner of their website).
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