Episode 186: “The only thing of importance, when we depart, will be the traces of love we have left behind.”

Welcome to the 186^th episode of Our Hen House, a place to find our way to change the world for animals, featuring Ruby Roth [transcript], with a review by Ari Solomon.
On today’s episode, we discuss a film we saw that went inside an anarchist collective and the world of environmental activism. We’ll also share our thoughts on whether it’s okay to use the results of exploitative animal tests to move our message. We’ll ruminate on the fact that when it comes to what’s happening behind closed doors, the only people who know what’s really going on are the activists and industry – so what do we activists do with that? We’ll talk about a few things that will likely make you spit out your soy lattes – such as the newest attraction to hit “agri-tourism” (yep, you read that correctly); a senseless article criticizing a dying millionaire’s wish to donate his fortune to animal rights issues; and a hilarious piece that aims to warn you “why your kids are targets for activists.”
Speaking of which, joining us today is Ruby Roth, the well-known children’s book author, whose new book, V is for Vegan, hits shelves this week. Ruby, who has found herself at the center of media controversies regarding veganism and kids, will tell us how she managed to always stick to her message of compassion. She’ll also share tips on raising vegan kids, she’ll explain how teachers can advocate for animals, she’ll help navigate some of the difficulties vegan families may face, and she’ll talk about how she became the author superstar that she is today. V is for Vegan is an incredible resource for kids and adults, and we’re excited to have Ruby on the show today to tell us all about it.

Chipotle’s new vegan yumminess

For our review, Our Hen House’s reviewer Ari Solomon is joining us again, this time to talk about Chipotle’s newest vegan entrée – featuring Sofritas, shredded, organic tofu that’s braised with chipotle chiles and roasted poblanos and served in burritos, tacos or bowls. Ari will also give us a glimpse into the ever-growing world of vegan food in restaurants nationwide. (Though there are plans for this new vegan item to roll out throughout the country, in order to speed that up, if it’s not yet available in your area, please be sure to email Chipotle and ask that they bring the Sofritas item to your area!)
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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“The only thing of importance, when we depart, will be the traces of love we have left behind.” -Albert Schweitzer