Episode 407: Ari Nessel and Nicole Georges

Welcome to the 407th episode of Our Hen House!

Jasmin talks with Ari Nessel about activism, the benefits of meditation, and his new organization 50by40. After an epiphany in 1997 changed the way Ari related to food, his heart opened up to the impact every person’s life has on countless beings and the world at large. Soon after this insight, Ari had a vision of himself attaining all of his worldly goals and dreams (aka the American Dream), yet still feeling empty inside. Thus began his journey, which has culminated in the development of The Pollination Project. In Ari’s day job he oversees a real estate re-development company that focuses on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. He shares with his wife, Becky, a doctor who cares for underserved populations, the desire to serve others and act as a role model for their two young boys. Ari also leads meditation and yoga workshops and actively experiences the challenges of being a modern-day yogi, and the delusion that life can be compartmentalized into separate boxes such as family, work, hobbies/exercise and spirit. As a committed peace activist, Ari remains constantly challenged to live his life in alignment with his values, and to utilize the numerous privileges he has been given to turn seeds into blossom and blossom into fruit.
Mariann interviews author and illustrator Nicole Georges about her new graphic memoir, Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home. Nicole J. Georges is a writer, illustrator, podcaster & professor. Her Lambda Award-winning graphic memoir, Calling Dr. Laura, was called “engrossing, lovable, smart and ultimately poignant” by Rachel Maddow, and was an Official Selection at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. Nicole does a weekly queer feminist art podcast called Sagittarian Matters, and is currently on a dog-themed book tour in support of Fetch.
 
 
Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too!
As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.

This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.
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The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.