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

Liz Ross has made it her mission to help people of Caribbean heritage embrace vegan living. She joins us on the podcast to discuss how Rethink Your Food, the nonprofit she founded, is helping her reach Caribbean people, in the islands and beyond, to promote the benefits of a plant-based food system. Liz discusses how she hopes to engage, not only the local population, but everyone in the diaspora with the Vegan Caribbean Kickstart initiative through ready-made meal plans and tips to help participants stay on track. Liz also explores why the Caribbean region is ready for a discussion about the impact of our food system, and touches on issues in the realm of food justice and celebrating her Caribbean plant-based food culture. *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 Liz Ross.* Liz Ross is a recipe developer and the Founder and Executive Director of Rethink Your Food, a nonprofit organization that focuses on diet-change initiatives, primarily among Caribbean people in the Caribbean region and the diaspora, via public events, campaigns, and menu-consulting services. Liz was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, where her family owns 300 acres of agricultural land within a rainforest in Tobago where they grow cacao, fruit, and other crops. She is a resident of the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago, and her background in sustainable food systems and plant-based culinary arts sets the foundation for her work at Rethink Your Food. Liz was the first food justice advocate to appear on a national Caribbean talk show on CNC3 TV to discuss the ethics of leaving animal products off one’s plate. “We have the responsibility, as the ancestors of future generations, to make the world a better place.”  — Liz Ross Highlights for Episode 670: How the global food system is impacting the lives of people in the Caribbean The Vegan Caribbean Kickstart program and how it enables people to make better food choices and help build a movement Some of the recipes that Liz developed for the kickstart program How Liz counters the argument that letting go of ancestral foods is letting go of culture Religious influences on Caribbean diets and how Liz accounts for that in Rethink Your Food’s messaging The connection between Rastafarian Ital and vegan diets Why people are open to Liz’s strong environmental and animal rights messages and how she delivers them for maximum effect without alienating various groups How the Better Menu Initiative improves people’s diets by teaching them how to incorporate healthy plant-based menu items The Caribbean Veg Summit and how Liz anticipates the conference will allow people in the food and catering sector to network and share ideas How people can support Liz and Rethink Your Food’s efforts Liz’s experience at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Why animal rights activists who bring world hunger into their messaging without fully understanding the issues are damaging the cause Resources: Looking for Vegan Food? HappyCow Says These 10 Cities are the Best The Meat Industry Is Still Destroying the Amazon for Soy, Study Finds The Vegan Butchers Episode 355: Kale and Aubry Walch of The Herbivorous Butcher, and Activist Kelly Lehman Grass Fed and Vegan w/ Rob Nipe and Nora Rubel Connect with Liz Ross: Rethink Your Food Website Rethink Your Food on Instagram Rethink Your Food on Facebook Lisa Ross 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Karthik Sekar, PhD wants to see the world move beyond an unsustainable, inefficient animal-based food system. He joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about his recent book, After Meat, which details why animals are an outdated “production technology,” as the agricultural industry calls them. We discuss why plant- and microbial-based foods are far superior to their animal counterparts in terms of taste, nutrition, and affordability. Karthik, a data scientist focused on innovating the future of food, also explores the argument for why governments worldwide should invest in replacing animal agriculture with a viable alternative. Plus, he explains why he’s not necessarily choosing to champion cultivated meat. *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 Karthik Sekar.* Karthik Sekar has a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. His research career has spanned many topics related to the future of food, such as bioreactors, quantitative biology, biochemical engineering, and metabolism. He currently works as a senior data scientist in the alternative food space in Berkeley, California, and has written a non-fiction science/technology book, After Meat, to explain why animals are awful technologically, and why humanity will move on and do better. “The better model is to understand that we’re actually going to be replacing animal-based foods with things that are just better in every single way that we care about.” – Karthik Sekar Highlights for Episode 669:  Why animals are fundamentally limited and outdated as a “production technology” and what that means in practical terms What the term fermented means when talking about meat alternatives  How products like Quorn are created and why they’re not always vegan Why it’s easier to innovate with biomass fermentation in terms of taste, nutrition, and efficiency What Karthik means when he says that he doesn’t just plan to replicate meat; he plans to improve and reinvent what we eat Why he feels that anti-GMO sentiments are standing in the way of transitioning out of animal agriculture Regulatory issues Karthik anticipates for biomass fermented foods What Karthik would do to change the way the alternative, animal-friendly food movement is working Connect with Karthik Sekar: After Meat Website Karthik Sekar on Twitter Karthik Sekar 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Lisa Dumas is on a mission to make the world a better place. This week she joins us on the podcast for a conversation about how she’s working toward expanding access to plant-based food options to those in need. Not only is she increasing accessibility for healthy alternatives, Lisa is also helping underserved communities access critical educational information on making informed choices when it comes to health and well being. Lisa—the founder of  Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc.—discusses why some communities may associate plant-based diets with cultural stigmas and whether she believes this will change in the near future. She also tells us why she was inspired to launch the non-profit, shares the group’s vision of community support, and discusses their ideas for future programs to achieve their goals. *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 Lisa Dumas.* Lisa Dumas began her career in marketing and communications for the diversity consulting firm The Winters Group. She is presently a freelance journalist and editor. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in journalism and is currently working on a Master’s in Communications at the Rochester Institute of Technology. In June of this year, Lisa created Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc., and she is the founder of the Facebook group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans, which has over 700 national and global members. Lisa also founded the local Facebook group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans in Rochester. “Diverse groups of people want to eat more healthily and they want to shift their diets, but there’s a certain stigma that can hold them back.” – Lisa Dumas Highlights for Episode 668:  Some of the barriers underserved communities face in accessing healthy plant-based foods Why there is a cultural stigma for some communities about making the switch to plant-based foods Examples of what cities can do to make it easier for people to eat healthily on a budget The program Lisa is starting in Rochester that she plans to take nationwide What dietary racism is, and how major supermarkets can do more to improve access to healthy vegan food options  The Food That Slaps program, how it works, and the plan to appeal to marginalized communities with events such as free grocery giveaways and health-related pop-up events  Lisa’s ongoing community projects, including the Food Pantry, the Restaurant Re-Education Program, and the Small Business Development Loan initiative Why Lisa is focusing on people’s immediate needs and hoping that environmental and animal rights messages evolve as a result of meeting their emergency needs How listeners can learn more about how Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc. works and support their efforts Resources: Jasmin’s farewell to Birdie Celebrate National Cat Day by Supporting the Companion Animals Release from Experiments Act Aoibhneas Croí Register to Vote Connect with Lisa Dumas: Equal Value for All Website Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity on Facebook Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans Facebook Group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans in Rochester 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Imagine a world where cows, chickens, pigs and humans not only coexist, but live and flourish amongst each other within the same communities. For vegan artist Hartmut Kiewert, this is the definition of utopia, and he joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about his truly unique artwork. Hartmut’s Animal Utopia series, which depicts animals and humans thriving alongside one another in urban spaces, is the artist’s vision for the next step toward an ideal, vegan world.  In the midst of a worsening climate crisis and horrific animal agriculture industry, Hartmut tells us why he believes it’s crucial to show people what life on Earth could be and why he’s committed to doing so through his work. Hartmut also discusses why so many artists struggle with authentically depicting and exploring animal rights issues and why he feels the next generation will help shape the conversation on human/animal relations. *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 Hartmut Kiewert.* German-born Hartmut Kiewert studied painting and graphic arts at the Burg Giebichenstein Academy of Art in Halle (Saale) from 2003 to 2010, graduating in 2010 “with distinction.” From 2007 to 2009, he was a German National Academic Foundation scholarship holder. Since 2008, Kiewert has been dealing with the social human-animal relationship. His paintings open up counter-images to today’s human-animal relationship, which is characterized by exploitation and repression. Perspectives of an equal coexistence of humans and other animals are anticipated. In addition to many solo exhibitions, Kiewert’s works have been shown in exhibitions such as ANIMAL TRANSITION (Städtische Galerie Ehingen), FoodFuturesART (Kunsthalle Faust, Hannover), ArtGenossen – Das Tier und wir (Städtische Galerie Fähre, Bad Saulgau), ANIMAL LOVERS (ngbk, Berlin), “we, animals” (Meinblau, Berlin), and “HABITAT – Wem gehört der Raum?” (Galerie KUB, Leipzig). Hartmut Kiewert lives and works in Leipzig, Germany. “I hope to be a part of the bigger movement or bigger influences on people to change the way they act or the way they see other animals.” – Hartmut Kiewert Highlights for Episode 667:  Why Hartmut hopes his art will inspire people to question their perceptions of how humans treat animals  How art can help push animal rights forward Why it is so vital to remind humans of what living in harmony with animals can look like What the dangers of depicting utopia are, and why Hartmut decided to create his series anyway Reactions Hartmut has had to his paintings Why it is so essential to put pressure on politicians and on companies that profit from animal exploitation In what ways Hartmut feels that attitudes toward animals are shifting in Germany Resources: Vegan Media Market: grow your vegan business with vegan freelancers Animal Law Podcast Just Stop Oil protesters throw soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers Harrods and Fortnum & Mason Disrupted- Again!: High-End Department Stores And Supermarkets Targeted Kelowna-based “Excelsior 4” animal activists receive 30-day jail sentences Register to Vote Connect with Hartmut Kiewert: Hartmut Kiewert’s Website Hartmut Kiewert on Instagram Hartmut Kiewert on Facebook Hartmut Kiewert on Twitter Hartmut Kiewert on Mastodon Roots of Compassion 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. 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.

The World Federation for Animals (WFA) is a new membership organization that seeks to harness the collective strength of the animal protection movement to advocate for the inclusion of animals in global policy making. This week, CEO Dr. James Yeates and Policy Director Jessica Bridgers join us on the podcast for a conversation about how the organization is spearheading this global movement. While WFA was created by and for animal protection groups working at the regional, national, and global levels, they emphasize the importance of working at the international level to ensure countries everywhere take animals into consideration when drafting policy. Dr. Yeates and Jessica also outline WFA’s Animals’ Manifesto and how it’s helping member organizations elevate their work to the national level.  *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 Jessica Bridgers & James Yeates.* Jessica Bridgers is Policy Director at the World Federation for Animals. Previously she was Executive Director at World Animal Net. Her focus is on increasing consideration of animals in international policy. She achieves this by creating and supporting platforms for animal protection organizations to collaborate to influence policy. She holds an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and a B.S. in Biology with minors in Anthropology and Chemistry. Dr. James Yeates is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). James has over a decade of experience in advocacy for animal welfare. He was previously the CEO of NGO Cats Protection and the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer. As well as his CEO role at WFA, James is a member of both the Scottish Government Animal Welfare Commission and DEFRA Animal Welfare Committee, advising Scottish and English politicians on companion animal welfare. He is the author of four books and other publications, has veterinary and ethics degrees, a Ph.D. and MBA, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. “We have a real opportunity now for policymakers to finally recognize animals.” – Dr. James Yeates “We wanted to create a big tent so everyone who cared about animals in the world could work together towards a common vision and a better life for animals everywhere.” – Jessica Bridgers Highlights for Episode 666:  How the WFA found common ground amongst animal protection organizations worldwide  The organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, that WFA is appealing to in order to create international policy Why WFA takes the position that farm animals and wildlife policies are most likely to gain traction at a global level What the Animals’ Manifesto is and how it combines the main ideas and desires of the animal protection movement in response to COVID-19 Who are the she signatories of the Manifesto? How the Manifesto provides guidance in the international policy space How to combat the many types of animal exploitation that can lead to human disease The Nexus Resolution, what it hopes to achieve, and how it differs from the Animals’ Manifesto How the climate crisis will affect global policy decisions on animal welfare Resources: Mercy For Animals’ undercover investigation Our Hen House’s “Hail Seitan” T-shirt giveaway on Instagram Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Connect with World Federation for Animals: World Federation for Animals Website World Federation for Animals on Facebook World Federation for Animals on Twitter World Federation for Animals 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Miyoko’s Creamery. From their humble beginnings with 4 employees in Miyoko’s home kitchen, to a 30,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art facility in Sonoma, Miyoko’s Creamery is leading the way in transforming the future of the creamery. Miyoko’s Creamery is changing perceptions of vegan food, to inspire people from all walks of life to enjoy a phenomenally vegan lifestyle and right now our listeners can get 15% off by visiting their website and checking out with code HENHOUSE15. __________________________ 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.

Zoe and Sherstin Rosenberg are an unstoppable mother-daughter activist duo, and we’re thrilled they’re joining us on the podcast this week. You may remember Zoe as the brave activist who chained herself to the goalpost during a Memphis Grizzlies NBA game earlier this year in protest of the cruel use of ventilation shutdown on the team owner’s factory egg farm. Zoe joins us to discuss her headline-making demonstration and how she came to establish the Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary at just 11 years old. Sherstin, Happy Hen’s Executive Director and around-the-clock veterinarian, also fills us in on why the animal sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries in the country that is able to welcome animals in need of urgent procedures and long-term rehabilitation. Plus, the mother-daughter duo shares how they’re highlighting animal cruelty and calling for urgent policy change through their various advocacy activities. *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 Zoe & Sherstin Rosenberg.* Zoe Rosenberg is the founder of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a sprawling farm animal rescue on the Central Coast of California that has saved over 1,000 lives. Additionally, she is an organizer and the social media coordinator for the grassroots animal rights network, Direct Action Everywhere. In recent years, Zoe has been awarded the Youth Activist of the Year Award from the National Animal Rights Conference and the Paul McCartney Veg Advocate Award. She has also delivered a popular TEDx talk about her ongoing activism. Zoe is currently a student at UC Berkeley, where she is leading a campaign calling on the school’s dining halls to stop buying from factory farms and to transition to a more sustainable and humane plant-based food system. Dr. Sherstin Rosenberg is the Executive Director of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a licensed veterinarian for 24 years, and has been an expert witness in a number of legislative, civil, and criminal cases involving animal welfare. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California at Davis, and has served on the board of directors of several animal advocacy organizations, including Humane Society Silicon Valley.  As Executive Director at Happy Hen since 2014, Dr. Rosenberg has overseen the care of more than a thousand abused and abandoned farmed animals rescued from the animal agriculture industry. “Regardless of what anyone thinks about tactics, the most important thing, in my opinion, is that you’re doing something to help animals.” — Zoe Rosenberg “I view my commitment to animals as more like a human physician’s commitment to their patients.” — Dr. Sherstin Rosenberg Highlights for Episode 665:  Zoe’s demonstration at the Timberwolves game, why she chose to target the game, and the events that transpired after her arrest  What happened when police tried to remove Zoe’s essential medical device, the distress it caused, and how it made Sherstin feel as a parent Zoe’s desire to start a hen sanctuary, Sherstin’s reaction, and what made her understand how important it was to Zoe Sherstin’s experience as a sanctuary veterinarian and how her skill set enables the Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary to care for animals with complex needs, such as Hope the hen and the late Edna the pig Some of Zoe’s most meaningful moments fighting for animals, including participating in the first broad daylight open rescue in US history in San Francisco and carrying Lero the chicken to freedom What happened the first time Zoe got arrested and how that experience developed into a TEDx Talk Zoe and Sherstin’s roles with Direct Action Everywhere as the organization’s social media coordinator and expert veterinarian witness, respectively  How Sherstin accounts for the fact that there are so few veterinarians who embrace animal rights How Sherstin’s activism manifested when she was in vet school  What Zoe has done to impact the food served at UC Berkeley Zoe’s attitude toward people who say she’s too flamboyant in her activism What’s next for Zoe and Sherstin Resources: Zoe’s TEDx Talk US Supreme Court to hear case on California’s ban on extreme confinement crates Journalists Are Making The Same Mistake With Dietary Change They Made With Climate Change: Study Jasmin Singer, the Podcaster Who Interviewed More than 1000 Vegans Faunalytics Connect with Zoe and Sherstin: Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary on Facebook Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary on Instagram Zoe on Facebook Zoe 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Faunalytics. Faunalytics’ mission is to empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering. Animals need you, and you need data. We conduct essential research, maintain an online research library, and directly support advocates and organizations in their work to save lives. The range of data we offer helps our movement understand how people think about and respond to advocacy, providing advocates with the best strategies to inspire change for animals. __________________________ 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.

Award-winning journalist Marina Bolotnikova is writing the story to change the way mainstream media covers farmed animals. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the podcast this week for a conversation about her eye-opening work to alert people to the horrifying reality of animal agriculture. Marina discusses her thoughts on objectivity and integrity within journalism and why she chooses to free-lance with a focus on the animal ethics beat, despite the occasional struggle with the differing viewpoints of commissioning editors and mainstream publications. She dives into how investigative journalism can play a large part in uncovering essential animal rights issues that are in danger of being swept under the rug. We also highlight some of the stories she has recently covered, including the use of ventilation shutdown as the primary method used to mass murder chickens during the current avian flu outbreak, as well as to exterminate pigs en masse at the height of the COVID pandemic.  *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 Marina Bolotnikova.* Marina Bolotnikova is a journalist focusing on factory farming, animal ethics, and the criminalization of activism targeting the meat industry. She’s written for publications including The Guardian, The Intercept, Vox, The New York Times, and many others. She’s covered many different subjects over the years, and her work has been taught in university curricula.  Earlier this year, she was awarded an animal law media fellowship at Vermont Law School, where she got to think deeply about the legal implications of undercover investigations and present her work on how ventilation shutdown, a gruesome method used to mass exterminate animals via heatstroke, became meat industry standard. She’s obsessed with Bollywood films and long-distance running.  “The vast majority of reporting on animal agriculture takes for granted that farmed animals are food, and it’s uncomfortable thinking about what it means for sentient creatures to live in this system.” – Marina Bolotnikova Highlights for Episode 664:  How Marina successfully pitches stories she believes in as a freelance reporter with a very specific beat Key stories in animal agriculture and animal exploitation right now The spread of avian flu and the normalization of ventilation shutdown to deal with it, including through the cooperation of the American Veterinary Medical Association The importance of quality investigative journalism in bringing attention to animal cruelty issues How Marina came to be involved in the first major story about ventilation shutdown in the meat industry and the impact it had Why Marina feels that things in the animal rights world are shifting in a more positive direction Why Direct Action Everywhere has attracted the attention of national security agencies and why the prosecutions against its members have garnered such widespread interest What makes animal rights stories gain mainstream traction Resources: Federación Protectora de Animales Paypal: FEPA@fepapr.org & Banking Info: Routing – 021502011 Account # – 246-32-3839 Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Animal & Vegan Advocacy Summit Connect with Marina Bolotnikova: Marina Bolotnikova’s Website Marina Bolotnikova 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Miyoko’s Creamery. From their humble beginnings with 4 employees in Miyoko’s home kitchen, to a 30,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art facility in Sonoma, Miyoko’s Creamery is leading the way in transforming the future of the creamery. Miyoko’s Creamery is changing perceptions of vegan food, to inspire people from all walks of life to enjoy a phenomenally vegan lifestyle and right now our listeners can get 15% off by visiting their website and checking out with code HENHOUSE15. __________________________ 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.

Torre Washington has caused quite a stir in the world of professional bodybuilding with his plant-powered, all natural approach to the sport. This week, he joins the podcast to discuss his personal  journey to veganism through Rastafari and the Ital diet, as well as how and why he got into the art of bodybuilding. Torre shares his reasons for following a plant-based diet, including how his upbringing in the US and Jamaica have influenced his eating habits. The bodybuilder walks us through the dietary staples that help ensure he’s consuming the right amount of protein to build muscle and compete as a professional. We also cover Torre’s coaching programs, which are not only for aspiring bodybuilders, and why maintaining integrity is intrinsic to how he lives his life. *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 Torre Washington.* Torre Washington is a NASM-certified coach and IFBB Pro. Raised vegetarian and vegan since 1998, Torre built his physique entirely on a plant-based regimen without the aid of supplements since 2009. Torre’s training style focuses on physical symmetry and aesthetics “he disassembles your physique and reassembles it back the way you want it to be” and has therefore become one of the most sought-after coaches of celebrities and bodybuilders globally. Torre also advocates for veganism to his global fan base and brings to light the plight of animals and the need to heal mother earth through living a more plant-based vegan lifestyle. “Rasta has always been about love and Ital. You love the animals just as much as you love each other so you don’t want to consume them to get what you need.” – Torre Washington Highlights for Episode 662:  Torre’s experience moving from the US to Jamaica as a child Why the plant-based, Rastafarian Ital diet attracted Torre The significance of the Ital way of eating in the Rastafarian religion Other people’s opinions on Torre’s vegan diet when he started his body-building journey Staple protein elements of Torre’s diet, including tofu, seitan, and tempeh How Torre increased his protein levels without eating meat Why Torre’s coach doesn’t have any misgivings about his vegan diet  Why Torre has put together a coaching program for vegans and aspiring vegans who want to eat healthily and a separate program for aspiring bodybuilders  Why people often perceive bodybuilding as narcissistic The ethical side of bodybuilding and why being true to himself is so essential to Torre How Torre’s strong spiritual background helped him with the discipline it takes to compete as a bodybuilder  Resources: Animal & Vegan Advocacy Summit Connect with Torre Washington: Torre Washington’s website Torre Washington on Instagram Torre Washington on Facebook Torre Washington on Twitter Torre Washington on YouTube 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. 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.

Amy Luebbert is the definition of a community powerhouse, and this week she joins us for a conversation about Des Moines, Iowa’s growing vegan scene and the importance of approaching activism through an antiracist lens. Amy, a founding member and the President of VegLife Des Moines, tells us about the nonprofit’s commitment to fostering community and connecting vegans—and the vegan-curious—to resources. She gives us an inside look into coordinating VegLife’s summer market series and how the organization screens vendors to ensure their work aligns with VegLife’s inclusive, anti-racist approach, as well as their sweet Halloween event designed to get vegan kids in on the fun! We also discuss how activists can continue the important antiracist work pioneered by the erstwhile organization, Encompass.  Last, but certainly not least, Amy tells us how she’s making her dream of opening a liberated vegan sex shop a reality. *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 Amy Luebbert.* Amy Luebbert (she/her) is a queer, vegan, antiracist activist in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2017, Amy founded VegLife Des Moines, a nonprofit with a mission to connect and grow the local community around veganism and anti-oppression. She is currently working towards opening a liberated sex shop because all bodies deserve pleasure, acceptance, comfort, and joy. In her downtime, you can find Amy snuggling cats, dancing, or cooking! “All of us have a role to play in breaking down systems of oppression.” – Amy Luebbert Highlights for Episode 662:  Why Amy believes the general population is ignoring animal rights Why it’s so important to create safe spaces for people of color within the animal rights community How Amy envisions the animal rights movement continuing to chip away at white supremacy through training, education, and  relationship building Why VegLife Des Moines is all about connecting folks and creating a community interested in veganism and anti-oppression work How VegLife organizes events such as vegan Halloween  Why Amy carefully vets and sometimes rejects vendors who don’t align with VegLife Des Moines’ values  Amy’s vision of a post-animal agriculture Iowa How Amy cares for her own mental health while working in the animal advocacy space How to create vegan spaces wherever you live Why Amy is so excited to start a vegan sex shop and whom she’s hoping to cater to Amy shares her view of the  environmental impact of climate change in Iowa   Resources: McDonald’s Ireland ‘Delighted’ With McPlant Demand, So Why Are US Sales Dwindling? Encompass Movement Resources Apex Advocacy Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Connect with Amy Luebbert: VegLife Des Moines Website  VegLife Des Moines on Facebook VegLife Des Moines on Instagram amy@veglifedesmoines.org 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Miyoko’s Creamery. From their humble beginnings with 4 employees in Miyoko’s home kitchen, to a 30,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art facility in Sonoma, Miyoko’s Creamery is leading the way in transforming the future of the creamery. Miyoko’s Creamery is changing perceptions of vegan food, to inspire people from all walks of life to enjoy a phenomenally vegan lifestyle and right now our listeners can get 15% off by visiting their website and checking out with code HENHOUSE15. __________________________ 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.

Summers in the United States are often synonymous with state and county fairs. Advertised as idyllic family fun, these fairs are replete with animal exploitation and the horrors of animal cruelty. Rachel McCrystal and Hervé Breuil of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary join the podcast this week to talk about what really happens to animals at such events. They outline the cruel realities of these fairs’ live birth demonstrations, petting zoos and the dangers of overfeeding, and how state and county fairs perpetuate the myth of the small family farm. Luckily the Fair Coalition, a group of farmed animal sanctuaries and activist organizations, are working together to increase awareness about the realities of state and county fairs. *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 Rachel McCrystal & Hervé Breuil.* Rachel McCrystal has been working in animal rights and sheltering since 2005. Prior to that, she worked as a journalist. Rachel has been the Executive Director at Woodstock Sanctuary since 2017 and has been at the organization since 2014. She has worked on national advocacy and fundraising campaigns at large and small nonprofits. She writes and speaks on animal rights, radical ecology, and farmed animal activism. Rachel is also a nonprofit consultant—focusing on strategic planning and equity-focused leadership. Hervé Breuil has been fighting for animal rights both in France and the United States since 2007. He previously conducted undercover investigations and was the Campaign Manager for the French animal rights organization L214, where he now is a board member. Since 2012 he has worked at Woodstock Sanctuary doing animal care, humane education, and outreach. He has been the Shelter Director since 2018 and is a national leader in animal care, shelter leadership, and advocacy for farmed animals. “State farms are a propaganda machine for farming. They perpetuate the myth of the small farm, and that isn’t reality.” – Rachel McCrystal “4H and FFA programs teach children that compassion for animals is not something you should have and that you should see them as commodities.” – Hervé Breuil Highlights for Episode 661:  How state and county fairs display and exploit animals, such as scheduling live birth demonstrations The exploitation of both farmed animals and exotic animals Why fairs hide the slaughter trucks that take away and kill animals when the entertainment is over How state fairs connect with 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs that aim to attract high schoolers into animal agriculture Why fairs encourage overfeeding of animals in mobile petting zoos by encouraging people to buy food to interact with them and the health dangers involved Why state fairs serve are animal agriculture propaganda  How fairs give us a rare glimpse inside the world of large-scale animal agriculture How the Fair Coalition came about and some of the members and supporters The special role that sanctuaries can play in animal activism Resources: Milked Jasmin on Sentient Media Podcast A tribute to the life and genius of Sherry Colb Sherry Colb’s columns on Verdict Sherry Colb’s columns on Dorf on Law Faunalytics Connect with Rachel McCrystal and Hervé Breuil: Fair Coalition | Woodstock Farm Sanctuary Website Woodstock Farm Sanctuary on Instagram Woodstock Farm Sanctuary on Facebook Woodstock Farm Sanctuary on Twitter Woodstock Farm Sanctuary 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Faunalytics. Faunalytics’ mission is to empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering. Animals need you, and you need data. We conduct essential research, maintain an online research library, and directly support advocates and organizations in their work to save lives. The range of data we offer helps our movement understand how people think about and respond to advocacy, providing advocates with the best strategies to inspire change for animals. __________________________ 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.