Episode 305: Animal Rights Poetry and Music with Gretchen Primack and Michael Harren

Welcome to the 305th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gretchen Primack and Michael Harren.
On today’s episode, we squawk all about the heartbreaking cuteness of Rose’s cone; Jasmin’s audiobook-recording and backstage-passing adventures (including why Patti LuPone once told her that “she doesn’t belong” there); the conundrum of how vegans “should” interact with people who eat animals, whether around the holidays or otherwise; and more. Oh, and be sure to listen to Jasmin’s musical reference around 19:00 — if you get it, email jasmin [at] ourhenhouse [dot] org and she may send you a tote bag (no joke, and no cheating).
Joining us on the show today is Gretchen Primack, vegan poet and author of the new collection Corrections, which explores the connections between prison abolition and animal rights. (And don’t miss Gretchen’s animal rights themed poetry book, Kind.)
Then, we’ll chat with Michael Harren, who will give us the latest in his artist-in-residency at Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary.
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 tempeh!
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!

Jasmin records her audiobook!

Why hello, Indigo Girls!