Episode 459: Kristie Sullivan and Paul Bashir

This week, Mariann talks to Kristie Sullivan of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine about her work on California’s Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB1249), which we are happy to report has been signed since the recording of this interview! She also talks about how that work ties into a larger strategy for ending animal testing for all products, including non-animal method development, implementation and training. They discuss all the horrible and surprising ways animals are used in testing (i.e. products that are currently tested on animals including some surprising sectors like food additives), and the new technologies for testing that have started to help make inroads into shifting away from animal use in basic scientific research.
Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., is the Vice President of Research Policy with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nationwide organization of physicians and laypersons that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, and addresses contro­versies in modern medicine, including ethical issues in research. As Vice President of Research Policy, Ms. Sullivan directs our efforts to promote human-relevant alternatives to the use of animals in medical research, education, and the testing of drugs, chemicals, and other products through scientific scholarship and outreach to companies, federal agencies, legislators, and others.
Then, Jasmin talks to Paul Bashir of Anonymous for the Voiceless about the impact and importance of their international Cube of Truth street activism, why they use the Anonymous masks, their techniques for how to train activists, and how people can get involved in any level of activism. They also discuss International Cube Day.
Anonymous for the Voiceless is an animal rights organization that specialized in street activism. Through the use of local standard-practice footage, we expose to the public what is intentionally hidden from them when it comes to animal exploitation. Combining this with a value-based sales approach and resource literature, we fully equip the public with everything they need in switching to a vegan lifestyle. We hold an abolitionist stance on animal exploitation. Anonymous for the Voiceless holds an abolitionist stance against animal exploitation and promotes a clear vegan message. As we fight against speciesism (a form of discrimination), we do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind within our organisation. We expect anyone representing us to be respectful and inclusive towards people of all political, racial, religious, cultural and any other groups.
We’ve also got Rising Anxieties from Mariann.

This week’s episode is brought to you in part by V-Dog.

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 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.