Episode 170: “We must try to contribute joy to the world. I didn’t always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out.”

495

Welcome to the 170^th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Ray Greek.

In today’s episode, we start off by making a very exciting announcement about an honor bestowed upon the Our Hen House podcast this week. We’re gobsmacked, y’all. Somebody pinch us. Then, after we gather ourselves, we’ll squawk about a birthday cake make out of vegetables; why Rose is a genius dog; and how to remain optimistic. We’ll ramble about the annoying vegan couple who made a restaurant cook their pasta for them, and the irksome press veganism got as a result; we’ll chat about why Sara Gilbert discussing her girlfriend on television gives Mariann hope about animal rights; and we’ll ruminate on how it’s just not okay to compare open-heart surgery to animal agriculture.

Joining us today is the brilliant scientist, Dr. Ray Greek, whose extensive work in the field of science-based medical research has led him to be diametrically opposed to research modalities that have been shown to be scientifically invalid – specifically, the use of animals as predictive models. Dr. Greek will debunk commonly-held misperceptions about the so-called “benefit” that animals play in such research, and he’ll explain the alternatives. You won’t want to miss this interview with a modern-day hero to animals, and one of the few scientists and doctors this deeply involved with the issue of vivisection.

For our review, we are delighted to give you a first glance into the much-anticipated documentary, The Ghosts In Our Machine, directed by Liz Marshall. You’ve heard about this film for a while, and, finally, it’s getting ready for public consumption. Ghosts follows photographer Jo-Anne McArthur as she documents various forms of animal exploitation around the globe. The movie itself is a piece of art; don’t miss this rare opportunity to get a glimpse into why this film is about to change the world.

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

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!

“We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn’t always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out.” -Roger Ebert

*Photo on previous page, of the cow head, was taken by Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals, and is part of the poster for The Ghosts In Our Machine.