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

Longtime animal advocates may be familiar with the term total liberation, but what exactly does this mean? Yvette Baker joins us today for an exploration of total liberation activism and its profound influence on her own animal advocacy. In our conversation, she sheds light on oppressive language commonly used when representing animals and urges everyone to unlearn and challenge it for the sake of progress. Yvette also tells how growing up in an Indigenous household impacted her perspective on animal activism, lending a unique lens to her advocacy work. We also explore the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, illustrating how animal activism is an integral part of a broader continuum. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Yvette Baker* Yvette Baker is a writer, educator, social critic, and animal liberation activist. Her work is devoted to exposing and analyzing the intersections of human and nonhuman oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens. As a lifelong social justice advocate for human rights with experience in strategic grassroots organizing, she has become passionate about furthering collective liberationist frameworks and aims to empower the vegan movement as a movement for total liberation. “Language is powerful, and we could learn a lot from other social justice movements by understanding the power of language and how it can help reframe the dialogue within society.” – Yvette Baker Highlights for Episode 699:  What total liberation activism means to Yvette and how it guides her animal activism How people can make a shift toward embracing a total liberation approach How local pressure campaigns fit into the puzzle of deconstructing animal exploitation Yvette’s journey into animal activism, veganism, and how her activism can be traced back to local civil unrest after the Rodney King assault Yvette’s upbringing in an Indigenous household and its impact on her animal activism  The story of how Yvette became a vegan after helping to open an upscale plant-based restaurant Meat eating as imposed by colonizers rather than being a true reflection of Indigenous culture How we can represent animal activism as part of a continuity of oppression Examples of oppressive, problematic language when representing animals and why we should unlearn and challenge it The white vegan mindset and how it can be problematic for the animal liberation movement The goals and hopes for Liberation 360, an anti-oppression group aimed at empowering communities to create systemic change, and how the organization links to Agriculture Fairness Alliance’s vision Resources: Is This Octopus Having a Nightmare? After Years of Being Vegetarian, They Couldn’t Help But Eat Meat Again Fear of the Animal Planet Animal Resistance: When animals fight back and when humans listen FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Yvette Baker: Yvette Baker on Instagram Liberation 360 Liberation 360 on Instagram Agriculture Fairness Alliance Agriculture Fairness Alliance on Instagram Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

This episode of Our Hen House features an animal rights legend, renowned philosopher, and ethicist, Peter Singer. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore a range of topics, including the principle of equal consideration of interests, the nuance between sentience and consciousness, and the evolution of the animal movement since Peter’s groundbreaking book Animal Liberation was first released 50 years ago. Peter and Mariann also discuss the importance of individual actions while moving toward systemic change and the shifts in thought regarding animal welfare.  *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Peter Singer* Peter Singer has been called the “world’s most influential living philosopher.” He’s authored more than 50 groundbreaking books including Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics, The Expanding Circle, Rethinking Life and Death, One World, The Ethics of What We Eat (with Jim Mason) and The Point of View of the Universe (with Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek). Peter’s work on the ethics of our treatment of animals is often credited with starting the modern animal rights movement, and his writing has greatly influenced the development of effective altruism. He is the co-founder of the Australian Federation of Animal Societies, now Animals Australia, the country’s largest and most effective animal organization. Peter is the recipient of the 2021 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture, and has committed to donating the accompanying $1 million to the most effective organizations working to assist people in extreme poverty and to reduce the suffering of animals in factory farms. After teaching in England, the United States, and Australia, he became the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. “If a being is feeling pain, then what matters is how much pain they’re feeling, not what species the being is.” – Peter Singer Highlights for Episode 698:  The paradox of changing awareness versus stagnant behaviors in relation to animal rights Peter’s challenges in writing Animal Liberation Now and the difference between writing this book and the original Balancing objectivity with sensitivity to animal suffering in Peter’s writing The importance of avoiding jargon to foster inclusivity in philosophical discourse Exploring the concept of being a conscientious omnivore and its implications Examining the nature of sentience as a scale or a binary condition The recognition of animals as sentient beings through legislation and its impact on public understanding Assessing the effectiveness and scope of the effective altruism movement Resources: This LA teen is suing her school district — and the USDA — to promote nondairy milk Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why? FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Peter Singer: An Evening with Peter Singer Peter Singer on Facebook Peter Singer on Instagram Peter Singer on Twitter Peter Singer on Linkedin Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

This week we dive into the world of documentary filmmaking with renowned photographer and documentary film director Louie Psihoyos. Louie is perhaps best known for his 2009 film, the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove, which shed a brutal light on the remarkably cruel dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan. In our conversation, Louie shares how movies can help change the world and why he’s passionate about telling stories that impact animals, human health, and the environment. He also tells us about his current projects, including a film about Gunung Leuser, a National Forest in Indonesia known to be the last place wild animals such as tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans coexist and where local activists are trying to shut down illegal palm oil plantations. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Louis Psihoyos* Louie Psihoyos, Executive Director of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), is recognized as one of the top photographers in the world. He was hired directly out of college to shoot for National Geographic and created images for the yellow-bordered magazine for 18 years. His ability to bring humanity and wit to complicated science stories carries over to his filmmaking. An ardent diver and dive photographer, he feels compelled to show the world the decline of our planet’s crucial resource, the oceans. Psihoyos’ first documentary film, The Cove, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Film of 2009 and over 75 other awards worldwide. The film garnered immense critical praise and has been seen by millions of viewers worldwide. His second film, Racing Extinction, premiered on Discovery in 220 countries and territories on the same day, was nominated for an Emmy and an Academy Award, and sparked the #StartWith1Thing movement. Louie finished directing The Game Changers in 2019, executive produced by James Cameron. In the first 30 days the documentary was on Netflix, Google searches for “plant-based diet” went up 350% worldwide. Psihoyos most recently finished directing Mission: Joy in 2021, which explores the friendship and wisdom of two of our generation’s greatest spiritual leaders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “You change the world with stories.” – Louie Psihoyos Highlights for Episode 697:  How Louie felt when his very first documentary film, The Cove, won an Academy Award Why Louie firmly believes that movies can help change the world The importance of cutting through the noise of the outside world with one’s own message The power of stories and their impact on people How Louie’s depiction of animals helps viewers form genuine connections with them Why it can be challenging to capture the authentic stories of conservationists and scientists How we can create lasting social change Why Louie is focusing on telling stories about environmental issues that also impact human health, particularly the impact of microplastics How Louie decides just how much he’s willing to show his audience and how he protects them from simply shutting down from horror Resources: Because Animals Sells Off “Discontinued” Products To Former Co-Founder To Accelerate Cultivated Pet Food Technology An Evening With Peter Singer Live On Stage FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Louie Psihoyos: Oceanic Preservation Society  Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS) The Cove on Facebook Racing Extinction on Facebook  https://twitter.com/RacingXtinction Oceanic Preservation Society on Twitter Oceanic Preservation Society on Instagram Racing Extinction on Instagram Oceanic Preservation Society on YouTube http://racingextinction.tumblr.com Oceanic Preservation Society on Vimeo https://www.tiktok.com/@opsociety Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

The Standard American Diet—heavy in dairy and meat products—has long been known to contribute to chronic, diet-related illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Long-time vegans know this quite well, but what about the general public?  Dr. Ted Barnett and Carol Barnett join the podcast to discuss the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and how they support those looking to switch to a whole food plant-based lifestyle. The husband-and-wife team tells us about their mission to educate folks about the benefits of a vegan diet and how their 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart program is helping them do just that. Plus, we get into the Barnetts’ involvement in the Rochester Area Vegan Society (RAVS), why they go to Vegan Summerfest every year, and what gives them hope for the future of our world. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Ted & Carol Barnett* Dr. Ted Barnett is a highly regarded physician and health advocate known for his innovative yet practical approach to patient care. He holds an MD from Tufts University and is board certified in Diagnostic Imaging and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He is the Founding President and Board Chair of Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and a partner at Borg and Ide Imaging in Rochester, NY. Dr. Barnett is also a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine physician and a lead lecturer for “Jumpstarting Health,” a 24 CME lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition course. He and his family have thrived on an exclusively plant-based diet since 1991. Dr. Barnett is widely recognized as the “High-Tech Doctor with Low-Tech Solutions.” Carol Barnett, who holds two graduate degrees from Yale University,  found her true calling as a vegan advocate when, in 1995, she and Ted took over running the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society (RAVS), which later became the Rochester Area Vegan Society. Carol works with Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute to create plant-based content, and she attends just about every session of the 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart as well as the Alumni Group, Plant-Based Together. Carol is active in her town, where she serves on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a parcel along the Genesee River, and she can often be found out in the field planting trees. She has rescued, or helped to rescue, scores of cats over the years, and she and Ted have adopted many of them, including a now 17-year-old feral cat named Mugsy. Carol’s fondest accomplishment is raising three vegan kids with Ted: Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Nathaniel, all “vegangelists” who spread the vegan message each in their own way. “Plant-based nutrition is not only the best for animals and the planet, but also the best for human health. For whatever reason, the healthcare system has not adopted that yet.” – Dr. Ted Barnett “It is a good thing for people to be vegan even for one meal, but longevity is the real challenge.” – Carol Barnett Highlights for Episode 696:  How the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute teaches plant-based nutrition and why they’re also doing medical research How the COVID-19 pandemic ended up opening opportunities for the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute The 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart and why it’s the heart and soul of the Institute Why people feel so good when they switch to a plant-based diet The institute’s target audience and the role that community plays in making such a significant lifestyle change How documentaries such as Game Changers and Forks Over Knives have changed the world for vegans and prospective vegans How Ted and Carol help people maintain a vegan diet and their experiences with their friends and family How they address the fact that vegans can also be diagnosed with cancer and other diseases Why they also try to introduce people to the ethical and environmental benefits of being vegan in addition to the health benefits The six pillars of lifestyle medicine and why Ted has added his own plant-based pillar Why they got involved in the Rochester Area Vegan Society (RAVS) and how the organization helps its members What gives Ted and Carol hope for the future of our world Resources: Quick, what hat says, ‘I’m fun but also grieving 7 dead horses’? Universities should lead on the plant-based dietary transition How Campus Cafeterias Became Hotspots for Climate Action Connect with Ted & Carol Barnett: Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute Rochester Area Vegan Society Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on Facebook  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on Twitter  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on Instagram  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on LinkedIn  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on YouTube  Email: rochesterveg@gmail.com Email: info@roclifemed.com  Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

Last autumn, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game canceled the crabbing season for the Alaskan snow crab for the first time in history after the crustaceans’ population dropped an astonishing 87 percent. This is only one of the stories recently covered in depth by ecologist and journalist Spencer Roberts, who joins us on the podcast for an overarching conversation about animals and conservation, including the story behind the crabs’ devastating dwindling numbers and how the industry uses climate change as a cover for the damage caused by overfishing. Spencer also shares his thoughts on bridging the gap between the conservation and animal rights movements through his work and why folks continue funding the industries they oppose through their lifestyle choices. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Spencer Roberts* Spencer Roberts is a Colorado-based science writer, musician, ecologist, and engineer. As a science writer, he particularly focuses on animal agriculture, marine life, and the climate crisis. Find his work in Jacobin, The Intercept, Wired, and more. “The conservation movement and the animal rights movement are natural allies; if we build that coalition, we can have a lot more of an impact.” – Spencer Roberts Highlights for Episode 695:  Spencer shares why marine life is currently his biggest passion and gives us an overview of what’s happening in the oceans right now Spencer’s thoughts on the High Seas Treaty recently agreed upon at the UN and why he’s cautiously optimistic Why aquaculture is not a solution to the damage marine ecosystems are enduring, including the issues of bycatch and disease spreading  The impact one person can make by refusing to consume animal products Why people ethically oppose factory farms but continue funding such operations through their lifestyle choices Why the animal rights movement should also address the violence against humans taking place in exploitative industries, including the abuse of workers on fishing vessels How broadening the approach and argument of the animal rights movement may help activists gain ground in progressive circles What Spencer is working on right now and where you can read more of his work Resources: The Campaign to Greenwash Factory Farming in the Amazon More on the Greenwashing Campaign on Spencer’s Twitter Connect with Spencer Roberts: Spencer Roberts on LinkedIn Spencer Roberts on Instagram Spencer Roberts on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode of the Our Hen House podcast is sponsored in part by the Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute. Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute trains tomorrow’s animal advocacy leaders to advance animals’ legal status through education, scholarship, policy development, community engagement, and litigation. Engaging with advocacy organizations, communities, journalists, and policymakers, the Institute serves as a resource hub for animal law and policy issues. __________________________ 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.

Just five years ago, a very small herbivorous chef who resides in a modest tree stump took Instagram by storm, impressing thousands with his culinary expertise and tiny, plant-based eats—and he hasn’t slowed down since. In fact, he even helms his very own show on Nick Jr. The Tiny Chef has captured hearts worldwide, and this week, director and animator Rachel Larsen joins us for a conversation about the tiny culinarian. Rachel shares how her personal journey led her to embrace veganism and how adhering to a plant-based lifestyle has influenced her creative work, including The Tiny Chef Show. Plus, we’re joined by a surprise guest you’ll certainly want to hear from. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Rachel Larsen* Rachel Larsen is a Writer, Director, and Animator with credits to her name like Coraline, Tumble Leaf, ParaNorman, and Isle of Dogs. An Annie and Emmy-nominated animator, with lots of experience working with, and sometimes breaking, tiny things, Rachel now dedicates most of her time to helping Tiny Chef bring his tiny vision to the world.  Chef counts on Rachel to help him with his on-camera performance, drive him to his voice lessons, and to taste test his new dishes. In the fall of 2022, The Tiny Chef Show aired on Nickelodeon and has earned a Kidscreen Award and a converted Annie Award. “Compassion and empathy are key to creating positive change.” – Rachel Larsen Highlights for Episode 694:  How Rachel’s views on veganism changed after conversations with a vegan friend Why change is difficult and uncomfortable but necessary for societal growth  Why the word “vegan” carries weight, but, at its core, is a simple choice How Rachels hopes The Tiny Chef will inspire kids to cook and encourage them to understand the source of their food How Rachel fell in love with stop-motion animation, and some of the projects she has been involved with How labels can be helpful but can also lead to unchecked beliefs How quitting drinking and adopting a vegan diet helped Rachel clear the noise from her life and pursue a more direct path toward her goals How we can learn to focus on the positive and work toward a kinder world, rather than getting bogged down in negativity and judgment  The importance of extending compassion to everyone Connect with The Tiny Chef Show: The Tiny Chef Show Website The Tiny Chef on Facebook Tiny Chef on Instagram The Tiny Chef Show on TikTok Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode of the Our Hen House podcast is sponsored in part by the Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute. Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute trains tomorrow’s animal advocacy leaders to advance animals’ legal status through education, scholarship, policy development, community engagement, and litigation. Engaging with advocacy organizations, communities, journalists, and policymakers, the Institute serves as a resource hub for animal law and policy issues. __________________________ 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.

In September of 2021, Alicia Santurio and Baywatch actor Alexandra Paul rescued Jax and Ethan, two gravely ill chickens, from a transport truck heading for a slaughterhouse owned by Foster Farms. The activists faced misdemeanor charges for petty theft, and this March, they stood before a 12-person jury as part of a nine-day trial, previously unheard of for such charges.  Alexandra and Alicia join us to discuss the rescue and how they ultimately chose to take the case to trial despite being offered five different plea deals. They describe the importance of shining light on the cruelty in animal agriculture through court trials and the “necessity defense” as it relates to animals in the eyes of the law. We also get into Alicia and Alexandra’s thoughts about personhood for animals and how organizations can help promote ethical choices. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Alexandra Paul & Alicia Santurio* Alicia Santurio is a committed animal rights activist who dedicates herself full-time to the cause. Currently serving as a Fellow with Direct Action Everywhere, she plays a crucial role in the organization as a Paralegal/Legal Aide and Lead Investigator, working closely with the legal team. Before this, Alicia gained valuable animal care experience, which informed her passion for animal welfare. Alexandra Paul, a well-known actress, political activist, and environmentalist, has been advocating for animal rights for more than three decades. She has been a member of PETA since 1991 and has been actively involved in promoting animal welfare through various campaigns and demonstrations. Alexandra has been arrested multiple times for her involvement in animal rights protests. She is also the cohost of the Switch4Good podcast. “We need to continue doing grassroots open rescues all over the world, shedding light on what goes on behind closed doors, and challenging these systems in courts.” – Alexandra Paul “Animals have protections under the law, and that shows that they’re not just things—they are someone.” – Alicia Santurio Highlights for Episode 693:  How much planning Alicia and Alexandra put into their recent open rescue The distress of chickens being transported, including Ethan and Jax, whom they were able to rescue and nurse An overview of the recent trial, including the four defenses presented The “value defense” and how it was established that the chickens were of no value to Foster Farms How their philosophy of openness and honesty helped their case Why Alexandra and Alicia decided to turn down plea deals involving zero jail time and minor penalties The importance of having strategies and theories of change as animal activists  How legal action against animal rights advocates can change attitudes about factory farming Resources: When ‘The Kitten Lady’ met ‘The Cat Photographer’ An Eagle Who Adopted a Rock Becomes a Real Dad What a Girl’s Goat Teaches Us About Our Food Connect with Alicia Santurio and Alexandra Paul: Alexandra Paul on Facebook Alexandra Paul on Instagram Alexandra Paul on Twitter Alicia Santurio on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

Since its founding in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has advocated for farmed animals and large-scale institutional reform with the ultimate goal of removing animals from the food system. Senior Director of Advocacy Aaron Rimmler-Cohen joins the podcast this week to discuss Farm Sanctuary’s Food Systems Shift program. In our conversation, Aaron discusses the disastrous policy of government subsidies of animal products and explains why the nonprofit is shifting resources to community-based organizations building sustainable, plant-based food systems. He also highlights three key ways it encourages the federal government to support such a community-focused shift. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Aaron Rimmler-Cohen* Aaron Rimmler-Cohen (he/his) is the new Senior Director of Advocacy at Farm Sanctuary. He has spent the last 18 months as the Senior Manager of Farm Sanctuary’s “Food System Shift” program, investigating how a platform of just and sustainable food system transformation can end animal agriculture over the long term. He has previously held relevant, director-level roles in politics, agriculture, and at a community-based food system consultancy in North Carolina, has a Master of Public Policy degree from Duke University, and has also served as a co-instructor on “Well-Being Economics.” “We need systems change. We can achieve this by organizing together and building a food system where crops are grown, and money flows back into the community.” – Aaron Rimmler-Cohen Highlights for Episode 692:  How Farm Sanctuary aims to shift financial, social, and political resources toward community-based organizations that build sustainable, plant-based food systems Why farmed animal sanctuaries provide a good starting point for advocacy  How Farm Sanctuary approaches coalition building by meeting people where they are and working together to build a food system that works for everyone, including animals, people, and the planet The allies Farm Sanctuary is working with to bridge the divide between vegan organizations and advocates for small animal agriculture operations The problem with commodity subsidies that support large-scale industrial farming while leaving out fruits and vegetables  Aaron’s vision for a community-focused approach to food infrastructure Three key things the federal government can do to provide support for a shift to community food infrastructure  How the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Programme Act, as well as the Food and Farm Act, could support a more widespread switch to a vegan diet The impact factory farming is having on the acceleration of the climate crisis Connect with Aaron Rimmler-Cohen: Farm Sanctuary Website Farm Sanctuary on Facebook Farm Sanctuary on Instagram Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

Humor can be a powerful tool to promote change – and vegan actress and musician Kate Nash knows how to wield it to hilarious effect. We’re thrilled to welcome Kate for a discussion about her recent film, Coffee Wars, which manages to deliver a powerful pro-animal message while, at the same time, making everyone laugh. As we all know, that’s not that easy to do.  In our conversation, Kate introduces us to her character Jo, who owns a vegan coffee house, and explains how the film uses the snobbery that surrounds that particularly favored caffeinated brew as a central joke to encourage viewers to think about what they are putting in their coffee and in their mouths. Plus, Kate tells us about how she first learned about the cruel treatment of animals trapped in agriculture and how that realization changed her life in unexpected ways. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Kate Nash* Kate Nash studied at the BRIT School before launching her music career in 2005. Her 2007 single “Foundations” became a sleeper hit and brought her to public attention in the UK. Her debut album, Made of Bricks, peaked at #1 in the UK. Kate subsequently won the award for Best British Female Artist at the 2008 Brit Awards. Aside from music, Kate has acted in various films and TV series. Most notably, she starred in the 2012 film Greetings from Tim Buckley, as well as the 2013 films Powder Room and Syrup. Kate was part of the cast of the acclaimed Netflix series GLOW, where she portrayed Rhonda “Britannica” Richardson for its entire three season run. She is a supporter of the LGBTQ community and has a large LGBTQ following, and has described her 2010 song “I’ve Got a Secret” as “an anti-homophobic rant.” She is a vocal feminist and campaigns to fight gender inequality within, and beyond, the music industry. In 2013, she became the Global Ambassador for Because I Am a Girl and partnered with them for her own campaign, Protect a Girl. For her role as Jo in Coffee Wars, Kate was awarded the Rising Star Award at the Maui Film Festival. Kate is a vegan and extremely committed to creating positive change in the world. “I hope people watch Coffee Wars, and then when they go to a coffee shop, they say, ‘Maybe I’ll get an oat milk latte.’” — Kate Nash Highlights for Episode 691:  Kate shares details about Coffee Wars, her character Jo, and why Jo’s veganism is an integral part of the story Why the filmmakers wanted to use humor to share the critical message behind the film The measures taken to ensure that the film set was vegan and cruelty-free Kate’s personal journey to vegetarianism and then to veganism Why people have such a disconnect between their love of animals and eating meat Some of the fantastic vegan food options available in London, where Kate now lives, and in Bogota, Colombia, where they filmed part of Coffee Wars What’s next for Kate, including performing at festivals over the summer Connect with Kate Nash: Coffee Wars Website Coffee Wars on Instagram Coffee Wars on Facebook Kate Nash’s Website Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

Dr. Milton Mills, a prominent advocate for plant-based diets and a practicing physician, joins us this week for an in-depth discussion about the misconceptions surrounding vegan diets and how such misunderstandings have evolved over time. Dr. Mills, who offers extensive evidence that humans aren’t innate omnivores, thoroughly debunks the myth that humans need meat to be healthy and explains how taking responsibility for our own health through our diet can be more effective than relying solely on Western medicine. But for Dr. Mills, it’s not just about your health.  He also shares his thoughts on the deeply problematic societal norm of killing animals for food and how his spiritual beliefs align with his vegan lifestyle. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Dr. Milton Mills* Milton Mills, MD, practices urgent care medicine in the Washington DC area and has served previously as Associate Director of Preventive Medicine and as a member of the National Advisory Board for Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). He has been a major contributor to position papers presented by PCRM to the United States Department of Agriculture regarding Dietary Guidelines for Americans and has been the lead plaintiff in PCRM’s class action lawsuit that asks for warning labels on milk. Dr. Mills earned his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine and completed an Internal Medicine residency at Georgetown University Hospital. He has published several research journal articles dealing with racial bias in federal nutrition policy. He frequently donates his time by practicing at free medical clinics and travels widely, speaking at hospitals, churches, and community centers throughout the country. He was featured in the wildly popular film “What the Health.” “It’s important not only to be vegan for the animals, but to be vegan for yourself, and that means being a healthy vegan.” – Dr. Milton Mills Highlights for Episode 690:  Why it’s encouraging to see that veganism is surpassing vegetarianism as a popular lifestyle choice, and why this shift is happening Dr. Mills debunks the idea that humans need meat to be healthy  and explains why a plant-based diet is the best way to provide the necessary nutrients for a healthy lifestyle Why we need to start taking responsibility for our own health through our diet, rather than relying solely on Western medicine, and how this approach can be effective in treating chronic diseases Dr. Mills shares the two central reasons why we don’t have to sacrifice our health for animal rights  The fundamental principle of a healthy vegan diet and why this is so important How Dr. Mills’ experience as a Black man in America has prepared him for vegan advocacy Connect with Dr. Milton Mills: Dr. Milton Mills Dr. Milton Mills on Instagram Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ 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. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to 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. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.