Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

Join us this week for an engaging conversation with Sarah Levy and Captain Paul Watson as they discuss their groundbreaking book, The Only Flag Worth Flying: Direct Action and The Enforcement of International Marine Conservation Law. This episode dives into the critical challenges facing marine life and how the Captain Paul Watson Foundation is stepping in to fill enforcement gaps. This episode explores: The dire state of marine life due to the diminishment of phytoplankton and its implications. The challenges of enforcing international marine conservation laws and the role of NGOs. Direct action strategies by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation to combat illegal operations. The impact of the High Seas Treaty and its enforcement challenges. The role of Indigenous governance and non-state actors in marine conservation. ABOUT OUR GUESTS Captain Paul Watson is a Canadian-American marine conservationist and founder of the Greenpeace Foundation, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and Captain Paul Watson Foun/dation. A pioneer in direct-action conservation, he has led numerous campaigns to protect marine wildlife globally. His work has been featured in series like Whale Wars and documentaries such as The Cove and Watson. Author of books like Ocean Warrior, he has received honors including the Amazon Peace Prize and the Jules Verne Medal for Conservation. Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century. Sarah Levy is a legal scholar and educator focusing on marine conservation law, integrating environmental, animal, and Indigenous rights. Her work bridges scholarship and advocacy, examining law as both an instrument of oppression and a tool of resistance for ecological and interspecies justice. Currently a PhD candidate at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, University of Oxford, her research explores the impacts of conflating distinct sealing practices in Canada. Sarah holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Environmental Studies from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College, University of Toronto. Called to the Bar of Ontario, she teaches environmental and animal law at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, and lectures at George Brown College, Toronto. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan delve into the psychological barriers to activism and the importance of community action for animal rights. They discuss a thought-provoking YouTube video that explores feelings of powerlessness and how to overcome them. The conversation highlights the role of community and small actions in creating significant change for animals. This episode explores: A discussion on feelings of helplessness in activism and how community action can combat this. Insights from a Barry’s Economics video on the psychology of powerlessness and its relevance to animal rights. The importance of agency and small actions in advocacy work. Recent positive developments in vegan products, including IKEA’s and Starbucks’ new vegan offerings. A call to action for lawyers interested in teaching animal law through a workshop at Oklahoma City University. RESOURCES There Is Reason For Hope. Here’s The Proof – Barry’s Economics IKEA And Tiny Chef Launch New Vegan-Friendly Falafel Balls Widespread public support and pluralistic ignorance associated with United States Animal Protection Policy The ‘vegan but bacon’ principle is here. Could it help us achieve our goals? Law Lecturers’ Workshops Boycott (Cow’s) Milk Let’s get these babies back with their mamas.  We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan delves into the shifting landscape of the meat industry, where giants in the animal-abuse industry are quietly investing in plant-protein startups while publicly supporting beef. Join us for a witty yet insightful examination of the meat industry’s latest moves. This episode explores: Investment in plant-based startups amidst their beef promotions. The changing politics of protein and what it means for the future of food. Denmark’s innovative approach to sustainable school lunches. The push for Americans to consume more organ meats and its implications. The ongoing threats posed by disease outbreaks like bird flu and African swine fever.   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today.  Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of the Animal Law Podcast, Mariann Sullivan sits down with Dr. Neil Dullaghan, political scientist and author of The Compassion Mandate: Remaking the European Union’s Leadership on Farmed Animal Welfare. Together, they explore the complexities and challenges of EU farmed animal policies. This episode explores: The historical progress and current state of farmed animal welfare in the EU. The intricacies of EU governance and its impact on animal welfare legislation. Insights into the successes and setbacks of welfare reforms, including the influence of public activism. The potential for future improvements in animal welfare standards, particularly for farmed fish. The role of trade and labeling laws in shaping EU animal welfare policies. Join us as we delve into the factors shaping the future of farmed animal welfare in Europe. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Neil Dullaghan is a political scientist with a PhD in Political and Social Science from the European University Institute and an MPhil in European Politics and Society from the University of Oxford. He has led research projects on farmed-animal protection policy in the European Union as a senior research manager at the nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank Rethink Priorities. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ********** You can listen to the Animal Law Podcast directly on our website (at the top of this page) or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning,  weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its fifteenth glorious year!

Join Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan as they dive into thought-provoking discussions on activism and communication strategies. This episode explores the importance of listening and asking questions to foster change, drawing from insights in Adam Grant’s Think Again. Mariann shares her thoughts on building a big tent for animal lovers, emphasizing the need to connect on shared values. Tune in for engaging stories and updates on animal rights, legislation, and more. This episode explores: The concept of “motivational interviewing” and its application in activism. Building a broader coalition for animal rights without compromising core values. Insights from the article “What MAGA Can Teach Democrats about Organizing.” The impact of strategic communication in expanding the vegan movement. Recent news on animal rights activism and legislative developments. RESOURCES Suspended Sentences in Landmark Beagle Rescue Case ‘Be Kind to Animals, Don’t Eat Them’ Billboard Reaching Millions in Times Square A US Senator Just Sponsored The ‘Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act’ What MAGA Can Teach Democrats About Organizing—and Infighting The Chicken Whisperer Animals Matter: The Case for a Kinder World Think Again The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know  We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the tangled web of meat industry self-love, dubious animal welfare claims, and the ever-pressing need for more protein (or is it fiber?). Join us as we unravel the contradictions and complexities that plague the world of animal agriculture. This episode explores: The meat industry’s self-aggrandizing narratives and how they obscure the harsh realities of animal agriculture. A critical look at poultry growth trends and the misleading claims about genetics and animal welfare. The use of augmented reality goggles in slaughterhouses and their questionable role in fostering empathy. Legal battles over cage-free egg laws and what it means for the industry’s future. The ongoing debate between protein obsession and the rising trend of fiber-maxxing. Tune in and join the conversation about changing the world for animals, one anxiety at a time!   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today.  Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

The pet bird industry conceals shocking cruelty behind closed doors, with millions of birds suffering in commercial breeding facilities that supply major pet store chains. In this powerful interview, Cameron Harsh, Interim US Executive Director at World Animal Protection US, reveals the disturbing findings of their recent investigation into bird mills and discusses efforts to end this exploitative trade through legislative action. This episode explores: The horrific conditions documented in bird breeding facilities, including overcrowding, filth, and high mortality rates How parrots and other birds, as highly intelligent and social animals, suffer tremendously in captivity Legislative efforts to ban bird sales in pet stores, starting in cities like New York The complex supply chain that allows pet retailers to deny responsibility for bird suffering World Animal Protection’s broader work to end commercial wildlife exploitation and factory farming ABOUT OUR GUEST Cameron Harsh is the Interim US Executive Director at World Animal Protection, where they have worked with dozens of companies and policymakers to set sustainability goals and make progress on commitments related to animal welfare and led the US campaigns team in implementing creative advocacy tactics that help shift the narrative and promote respect for all animals. Prior to joining World Animal Protection, Cameron worked at Center for Food Safety. They have a Masters in International Affairs from American University and a Masters in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from the United Nations mandated University for Peace. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

This episode of The Hen Report explores how to navigate a world filled with animal exploitation. Jasmin and Mariann discuss finding balance between ethical living and practical engagement with mainstream culture—from mentally veganizing cooking shows to exploring local towns with a vegan eye. They share encouraging news about Indonesia banning elephant rides and the USDA’s pause on methane digesters that have been falsely promoted as climate solutions for the dairy industry. This episode explores: How vegans can manage to watch mainstream entertainment by mentally “veganizing” non-vegan content The USDA’s 90-day pause on funding manure-to-energy digesters, signaling potential scrutiny of these dairy industry climate claims Indonesia’s new ban on elephant rides in zoos, though enforcement remains a concern Factory Farm Watch’s new interactive map documenting over 1,300 factory farms across California Faunalytics’ revealing study on how “voluntary compliance” fails birds at US slaughterhouses RESOURCES Manure-to-Energy Digesters Were Sold as a Climate Fix. Now the USDA Is Hitting Pause. Indonesia Just Banned Elephant Rides In Zoos Nationwide Factory Farm Watch Voluntary Compliance Fails Birds At U.S. Slaughterhouses 2026 Coexistence Documentary Fund  We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this eye-opening episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan exposes the dairy and animal agriculture industry’s latest manipulation tactics with her signature wit and clarity. From the misleading rhetoric attempting to justify livestock mistreatment, to the dairy industry’s aggressive push to get whole milk back into schools, to the disturbing “Beef on Dairy Revolution” that commodifies cows’ reproductive systems, this episode reveals how animal agriculture continues to prioritize profits over welfare while selling a false narrative of care to consumers. This episode explores: How the animal agriculture industry attempts to justify poor welfare standards by claiming farm animals “aren’t pets” and “don’t bond with people” The dairy industry’s calculated efforts to increase milk consumption in schools through the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” The growing opportunity for plant-based milk activism in school systems as regulations evolve The alarming “Beef on Dairy Revolution” turning dairy operations into factory farming for beef production The ongoing bird flu crisis affecting millions of birds across 28 states that mainstream media continues to ignore We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today.  Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Animal Outlook‘s recent investigation into six New York “family farms” selling raw milk reveals these operations subject cows to the same cruel practices found in industrial dairy, despite marketing based on pastoral imagery and claims of superior animal welfare. Executive Director Ben Williamson shares how their undercover work exposed filthy living conditions, painful health issues, and public health risks that led to one farm being banned from selling raw milk after a campylobacter outbreak. This episode explores: The consistent animal welfare violations found across small “family farm” raw milk operations Health risks associated with raw milk consumption and recent disease outbreaks How Animal Outlook strategically selects and conducts impactful undercover investigations Legal advocacy strategies that hold companies accountable for humane-washing claims ABOUT OUR GUEST Ben Williamson is the Executive Director of Animal Outlook with over a decade of experience in animal protection. Ben began his advocacy career at PETA UK, later serving as PETA’s Senior International Media Director in Los Angeles. He subsequently led programs at World Animal Protection and served as Executive Director at Compassion in World Farming USA, where he oversaw an investigation featured in the New York Times. His advocacy has earned him appearances on major networks including NBC, CNN, and Fox News, and his writing has been published in USA Today, Newsweek, and other prominent publications. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.