Episode 301: Nana Amma, Gene Baur, Jared Goodman, and Michael Harren

Jasmin Singer (left) and Gene Baur (right). CREDITS: BRENT N. CLARKE / Getty

UPDATE, PLEASE NOTE: Our Hen House is not able to vet all of our guests, though we do our best to only present guests who are doing good for animals. Well after broadcasting this episode, we were informed that people who have done business with Nana Amma were very displeased and disappointed.
Welcome to the 301st episode of Our Hen House, featuring interviews with Nana Amma of Vegan Ghana Kitchen, Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary, Jared Goodman of PETA, and solo performer Michael Harren. As always, the Our Hen House podcast is co-hosted by us — Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan.
In today’s episode, we discuss people’s excuses for not going vegan (“but what would happen to all the animals if we didn’t eat them?”), the beauty (and limitations!) of “Effective Altruism” (and why Peter Singer goes to the movies instead of Broadway), and why it can be viewed that when the opposition attacks animal rights tactics, it is a clear sign that the animal ag industry is scared shitless (a.k.a. “Rising Anxieties”).
We have another helluva show — a “podcastpalooza,” as OHH’s Anne calls it. Jasmin spoke at NYC’s Walk for Farm Animals the other day, and you’ll hear an interview with superstar Gene Baur — which Jasmin conducted while they were holding the banner, walking (and getting lost) through Central Park. Trust us: you’ll want to hear Gene’s thoughts on the modern day animal rights movement.

Nana Amma

Then, our feature interview is with the fabulous Nana Amma, of Vegan Ghana Kitchen, who will tell us all about her unique “Eat and Meet” concept, and her work with Vegans for Africa.

Jared Goodman

Today we have a special guest as part of our news segment. The PETA Foundation‘s Jared Goodman will be discussing a recent turn of events with SeaWorld (which you will be very excited about). (H/T: Jared is going to be the next guest on Mariann’s Animal Law Podcast, Episode 5, airing on Oct. 28!)
In case that’s not enough fabulousity for one episode, solo performer and animal advocate Michael Harren is back this week too, telling us all about his artist-in-residency at Tamerlaine Farm Sanctuary, and his plans to create a multimedia solo show all about animal rights.
All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights. There’s lots of “Rising Anxieties” today, too, so hold onto your tofu!

Jasmin Singer and Michael Harren; PHOTO BY MELISSA CACIOPPO

Today’s episode is sponsored by the upcoming cruelty-free fashion show and conference being put on by the Anti-Fur Society! You are invited to join a Cruelty-Free Fashion Show & Animal Rights Conference on November 21, at Landmark on the Park, 160 Central Park West, New York, NY — right in the heart of Manhattan! Keynote speakers include fashion designer John Bartlett, Jane Velez-Mitchell of JaneUnchained.com, actress and activist Robbyne Kaamil, as well as a host of speakers including our good friend Donny Moss of Their Turn. Registration begins at 11 a.m. The exhibit hall opens at Noon, and includes booths from the Anti-Fur Society, Brave Gentle Man by Joshua Katcher, vegan ballet slippers by Cynthia King dance, Vaute Couture, and many more vendors from the U.S. and abroad. The reception includes an all-vegan menu and a cash bar, as well as keynote speakers and a performance by the Swan Lake Youth Ballet. The Fashion Show, directed by fashion designer John Bartlett, is the capstone for this wonderful event. You won’t want to miss it!  For more information, and to register, visit www.afsconference.org. This exciting event is promoted by the Anti-Fur Society and it presents special opportunities for ethical fashion traders, designers, models and beauticians to showcase their products to show the public that beauty and elegance do not need to hurt sentient beings. Remember, more information and registration is available online at www.afsconference.org.

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The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren. Special thanks to OHH Media Coordinator Alessandra Seiter for acting as the Associate Producer of the Our Hen House podcast, and huge props to OHH’s Director of Operations, Anne Green, and to our audio editor, Eric Milano, of Love Loft Studios.
Let’s get squawking!