Episode 181: “Great power involves great responsibility.”

Welcome to the 181st episode of Our Hen House, Official Honoree of the 2013 Webby Awards. Today’s episode features James McWilliams, with a special appearance by Ari Solomon.
In today’s episode, we discuss our feelings about a new website devoted to calling out ex-vegans. We lament about junk food, and about the massive lack of education regarding nutrition. We’ll report back on our time talking at Main Street Vegan Academy. In our segment called “Rising Anxieties,” we’ll chat about those who act sympathetic toward veganism, but ultimately find empty, incorrect reasons why veganism is not attainable. We’ll also chat about which so-called “delicacy” is causing a line around our block each morning; how to start a movement; and misperceptions about big cats.
Joining us today is James McWilliams, author of the new e-book, The Politics of the Pasture: How Two Cattle Inspired a National Debate About Eating Animals, which goes in-depth into the Bill and Lou affair at Green Mountain College. James, an historian, esteemed academic, well-known author, and devoted animal activist, will give us his thoughts on these two animals who caused a worldwide stir.
For our review, we welcome back to Our Hen House darling Ari Solomon, who will share with us his thoughts on the new documentary, The Girl Who Loved Animals, by Oliver W. Tuthill, Jr., which follows 15-year-old Kitty Jones, a charming and intelligent girl who, even though she herself had it extremely rough, found it in her heart to devote her life to speaking out for animals.
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’s episode, and then some, take a look at the breaking news ticker at the top of the page, and also check out our list of archived news items.
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“Great power involves great responsibility.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt