Episode 167: “There is no such thing as ‘humane’ meat. There’s marginally less cruel meat. Let’s call it what it is.”

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Welcome to the 167^th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jack Norris, RD, with a special appearance by Katrina Donovan Fleming.

On today’s episode, we discuss the idea that silence equals death – a slogan made popular by the AIDS activism movement, but we’re going to discuss it today as it pertains to animal activism. We’ll also chat about what happens when animal advocates and vegans are misunderstood, and we’ll ruminate on how to articulate – in a rational way – what we humans are taking from an animal when we take away their life, as opposed to what we take from them when we make them suffer.

Joining us today is registered dietician Jack Norris, who is also the co-author (with Virgina Messina) of Vegan For Life: Everything You Need to Know to Be Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet. In light of all of the talk lately about “lapsed vegans,” Jack is going to get down and dirty with us regarding the subject of “failure to thrive.” He’ll talk, in-depth, about the ins and outs of veganism, and what specifically vegans should be mindful of when it comes to living with optimal health.

For our review, we welcome special guest Katrina Donovan Fleming, who will give us her take on the 1995 movie Powder, from a unique animal rights perspective.

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

Two things of note:

• The anthology, Defiant Daughters: 21 Women on Art, Activism, Animals, and the Sexual Politics of Meat, was released this week (read an excerpt)! The book features a chapter written by Jasmin, and all the proceeds of the book benefit Our Hen House! Jasmin will be participating in a book reading on April 13 at Inquiring Minds bookstore in New Paltz, NY.
• Mariann is getting even older — really, really soon! — and she is doing a fundraiser for Our Hen House as her birthday wish! We hope you’ll join us in making her birthday wishes come true, by donating whatever you can to her campaign.

For a list of the news items we discuss in today episode, and then some, take a look at the breaking news ticker at the top of ourhenhouse.org, and also check out our list of archived news items.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Don’t forget – we’re reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us to bring you a new, hour-long (and then some) podcast episode each week!

“There is no such thing as ‘humane’ meat. There’s marginally less cruel meat. Let’s call it what it is.” -Ingrid Newkirk

Featured photo on previous page (of red tail hawk) by Chris Taylor of Wild Love Photography.