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

Visual artist and author Linnea Ryshke joins the podcast for a conversation about her recent book, Kindling, a collection of poems and mixed media artwork inspired by the artist’s difficult, but instructive, experience working as a laborer at an organic meat farm. During the conversation, Linnea outlines what she initially hoped to gain by working there and describes her day-to-day life on the “farm,” including the difficult, and disagreeable, roles she was asked to take on. The artist also shares why the term “activist art” doesn’t describe her creative work most accurately, the role her art serves in the context of animal protection, and the ethics behind creating images of animals.  *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 Linnea Ryshke.* Linnea Ryshke creates paintings, drawings, artist books, installations, and poetry that seek to restore the value of nonhuman animals as kindred beings worthy of our adoration, respect, and empathy. She received her B.F.A. in Painting from Pratt Institute and M.F.A. in Visual Art from Washington University in St. Louis. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she released her first book, Kindling, with Lantern Publishing and Media in the fall of 2021.  She is currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. “I feel so much sensitivity toward the animals that I’m representing that I want to be considerate in the process of doing so.” – Linnea Ryshke Highlights for Episode 651:  The psychological tension between empathy and apathy and care and harm in Linnea’s poems Some of the poems from Kindling, read by Linnea The difficulty of looking after your mental health when faced with the reality of how animals are routinely treated in our society Linnea’s feelings on the role of art and art-making in animal advocacy The importance of  holding grief and discomfort in artwork Linnea’s relationship with her audience and how she hopes to impact her vegan and non-vegan audiences Why so many people disregard their inner core of compassion in how they treat other creatures Linnea notes that her art involves an act of ritual, and expands on what that means for her, the animals, and the audience   How the subject influences Linnea’s choice of artistic medium Connect with Linnea Ryshke: Reembodiment Project Website  Kindling Website  Linnea Ryshke 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 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 multi-talented Zach Sherwin joins the podcast this week for a can’t-miss conversation about using comedy, rap, and wordplay to make the world a better place for animals.  Zach explains how he incorporates his vegan ethos into each of his artistic endeavors while taking care not to isolate his audience. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his epic duck rap saga and shares how he came to know, and save, Brutus the duck. We look at the entertainment world at large, and Zach discusses whether people’s attitudes toward veganism have changed in the 20 years he’s been vegan. He also tells us about The Crossword Show, the famous vegans who have played the game, and what having had one of his crossword puzzles published in The New York Times means to him.  *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 Zach Sherwin.* Zach Sherwin is a Los Angeles-based comedian and the creator and host of The Crossword Show, in which a celebrity guest panel solves a crossword puzzle live onstage in front of an audience. The Crossword Show has toured on the West and East Coasts, including appearances at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament; in February 2022, Zach published his first crossword puzzle in the New York Times. Since 2011, Zach has also written for and performed with the popular web series “Epic Rap Battles of History.” His writing for the show has received numerous Streamy Awards and Emmy nominations. His own YouTube videos have been viewed many millions of times, and his other writing credits range from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW) to Problematic with Moshe Kasher (Comedy Central) to MAD Magazine. As a solo artist, Zach has released several albums of comedy and music, toured extensively on the college entertainment circuit, worked as an audience warm-up comic on various TV shows, and performed on Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell (FX) and The Pete Holmes Show (TBS), both long canceled, as well as America’s Got Talent (NBC), which seems like it’s doing great! “Life is so heavy, so there needs to be some lightness, but we also can’t be oblivious to how much is really unfair.” – Zach Sherwin Highlights for Episode 650:  How Zach talks about his commitment to veganism without alienating his audience Whether Zach feels that being vegan has become more accepted  The video saga telling the story of relocating Brutus the Duck to the Kindred Spirits Sanctuary in New Mexico Why Zach felt so moved to find Brutus a new home How Zach incorporates his vegan ethos into his comedy raps Why people still eat animals even though people’s experiences with individual animals are largely positive Zach’s commitment to donating a portion of the profits of his comedy show to charity  What The Crossword Show is and how it brings together comedy, rap, wordplay, and trivia What Zach, Mayim Bialik, River Butcher, and Natalie Portman all have in common Zach’s experience of touring the East Coast in 2020 and  what he’s bringing to his current tour Resources: Burger King Opens Two Meat-Free Locations in Switzerland Transcript of Compassion Consortium’s Pride Month Book Night with Jasmin Singer Racism, Classism and Speciesism w/ Christopher Sebastian Happy the Elephant Isn’t Legally a Person, Top New York Court Rules Never Too Late to Change the World: Why I Became Vegetarian at 86 White People 4 Black Lives Duck I (Discovered) Duck II (Defended) Duck III (Delivered) Faunalytics Connect with Zach Sherwin: The Crossword Show Website Sherwin on Facebook Zach Sherwin on Instagram Zach Sherwin on Twitter Sherwin 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 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.

Eva Haifa Giraud joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about her recent book, Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory. In our discussion, we deep dive into the constraints of veganism within a capitalist system, what this means for activism, and whether capitalism itself is putting veganism at risk. Eva elaborates on veganism’s political, activist roots and how they have historically created new paths of communication within communities that lead to debate regarding ethics, animal rights, and how the world at large treats animals. She also explains why she believes adopting a universal definition of veganism could be detrimental and breaks down how it might uproot veganism from specific social and national constructs.  *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 Eva Haifa Giraud.* Eva Haifa Giraud is a senior lecturer in Digital Media & Society at the University of Sheffield.  She is interested in how activists negotiate tensions associated with the media platforms they use, particularly the challenges posed by social media. Her work has engaged with this theme in the context of environmental, animal, and food activism, with more recent research focusing on anti-racist politics. Her publications include What Comes After Entanglement? Activism, anthropocentrism and an ethics of exclusion (Duke University Press), Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory (Bloomsbury Academic) and articles in journals such as Theory, Culture & Society, New Media & Society, and Social Studies of Science. “Are there still points of entry into more politicized, activist forms of veganism?” – Eva Haifa Giraud Highlights for Episode 649:  The risks of plant-based capitalism and its impact on the commercialization of veganism Questions raised about who is capitalizing on the newfound popularity of veganism in the UK and the risks of undercutting animal activism Eva’s vegan journey and why she initially chose a plant-based diet Why the current vegan landscape in the UK could disconnect activists from a wider ethical stance and community Why Eva is concerned that food marketers may be divorcing veganism from a meaningful regard for animals Eva’s book, Veganism: Politics, Practice and Theory, and its exploration of veganism’s broader political and cultural complexities How flexitarianism works, how it depoliticizes veganism, and why it matters  The term “white veganism,” what it means in the UK, and how it can tip over into cultural appropriation Why veganism is conflated with ‘snowflake culture’ in the UK Resources: The Elephant in the Zoom Beating Hearts: Abortion and Animal Rights If We Didn’t Eat Them, They Wouldn’t Exist Verdict Dorf On Law blog Abbot’s Butcher Connect with Eva Haifa Giraud : Eva Haifa Giraud’s Website  Eva Haifa Giraud 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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.

Christopher Sebastian has a lot to say about what animals need from us and how we could all do better in working to change the world, and we are pretty sure you will want to listen.  One of the most thoughtful contemporary commentators on how our relationship with animals has gone so far astray, he joins the podcast this week for a discussion about the intersections of racism and speciesism, and so much more.  We delve into some of the shortcomings of the animal rights “movement,” and the crucial work of recognizing the work and leadership of people of the global majority in changing the world for animals. Christopher also shares overlaps between the movements for LBGTQ rights and animal rights, and we reflect on whether queer folk should be more sensitive toward animal protection. *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 Christopher Sebastian.* Christopher Sebastian is a technical writer, journalist, and digital media researcher. He is the director of social media for Peace Advocacy Network, a senior fellow at Sentient Media, and former guest lecturer at both Columbia University and Cornell. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes media theory, political science, sociology, and mass communications, he writes about how our attitudes about racial, sexual, and political identity shape our relationships with other animals. “We’re very aware of what we do to animals. It’s not that we don’t know . . .  it’s not that we don’t care—it’s that we don’t care enough.” – Christopher Sebastian Highlights for Episode 648:  Christopher discusses why he believes speciesism is situated inside a racist and classist system Why many animal activists don’t think about how they engage with one another in their advocacy, and why it’s a problem within the current institutional animal protection movement in North America and Europe The shortcomings of the animal rights movement that lead to the marginalization of animal rights organizations in the Global South and how we can address this in a meaningful way  Christopher’s thoughts on where leadership should come from in the animal protection movement Organizations and individuals that Christopher finds inspiring in the animal rights arena The problem with sidelining animals when we talk about changing people’s eating habits  The importance of confronting the realities of speciesism and the parts we often play as individuals Christopher explores how the animal rights movement should be using social media most effectively, at both an institutional and individual level Whether mainstream media will ever be able to cover animal issues comprehensively and even-handedly How to address the perspective that animal rights come at the expense of black liberation Why people who care about animals continue to eat them Resources: Compassionate Book Talk featuring Jasmin Singer I moved from L.A. to Western New York because of climate change and spent $82,000 making my new home eco-friendly. Here’s how and why. Adoption Day show Evolution’s Rainbow book The Sexual Politics of Meat Abbot’s Butcher Vegan Life Magazine Podcast Connect with Christopher Sebastian: Christopher Sebastian’s Website  Christopher Sebastian on Facebook Christopher Sebastian on Instagram Christopher Sebastian 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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.

Author, science communicator, and climate interpreter A.E. Copenhaver joins the podcast this week for a conversation about her recent debut novel, My Days of Dark Green Euphoria. A.E.’s book follows the flawed, eco-anxious Cara as she crosses paths with Millie, her boyfriend’s mom who represents everything Cara is against. In our conversation, A.E. tells us why she decided to make Cara far from perfect, and how this helps make the book’s theme of animal and environmental advocacy more accessible. We also discuss other themes in the book, including why A.E. highlights self care as a form of pleasure to help counter the violence activists often come across in their lines of work. Plus, the author shares how winning the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature helped get her manuscript out to as wide an audience as possible and why that was important to her. *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 A.E. Copenhaver.* A.E. Copenhaver is a writer, editor, science communicator, and climate interpreter. She’s worked in the environmental and nonprofit sectors for nearly a decade. She has ghostwritten book chapters about cities plagued by factory farming, air pollution, and automobile traffic, and she has written about migrating white sharks, threatened sea otters, and depleted Pacific bluefin tuna. She holds degrees in English and environmental studies from Santa Clara University, and in 2009, she earned her master of art degree in culture and modernity from the University of East Anglia in England. Born in Bellevue, Washington, A.E. Copenhaver has lived in Carmel, California, for most of her life. Her debut novel, My Days of Dark Green Euphoria is published by Ashland Creek Press. “Fiction has an ability to sit with people—even if they didn’t like a book, a character, or a portion of a book—it’s still in their psyche.” – A.E. Copenhaver Highlights for Episode 647:  Why fiction was the best vehicle to share her perspective and how it allows the sense of psychological exploration to come to the fore  When A.E. started writing  My Days of Dark Green Euphoria, why she decided to submit her manuscript to Ashland Creek Press, and how they supported her as a first-time novelist   Why she felt it was important not to depict activism as a pit of self-deprivation and how she demonstrated that in her fiction How the character of Millie demonstrates the idea of thoughtless indulgence and why A.E. brought her into the novel  The relevance of personal action in the face of global crises and why Cara struggles so much against allowing herself any pleasures How Cara’s thoughts and fears about climate change reflect A.E.’s own personal predictions for the world’s future  A.E.’s work as a climate interpreter who interprets and shares complicated scientific ideas with non-experts Why going vegan was one of the greatest joys of A.E.’s life Resources: Animal welfare activists protest ruling on video of factory farm break-in Episode 594: Veganish ft. John Yunker and Midge Raymond Animal Law Podcast #84: The Case of the (Un)Ethical Eggs Abbot’s Butcher Vegan Life Magazine Podcast Connect with A.E. Copenhaver: A.E. Copenhaver’s Website A.E. Copenhaver on Instagram  A.E. Copenhaver 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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.

David Casselman is paving the way for a new era of media, and he joins us on the podcast this week for an in depth conversation about Ecoflix, the world’s first not-for-profit media group committed to helping animals and the planet. The philanthropist explains how the platform aims to provide its viewers with inspiring, educational content relating to animals that, in turn, financially supports the very animals featured. We also discuss the environment, and David emphasizes the devastating impact climate change has on all animals and how Ecoflix shines a light on the subject matter. Plus, he tells us how Ecoflix ensures that its partners’ values align with the media group’s overarching purpose of saving animals and protecting the planet. *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 David Casselman.* David Casselman is a philanthropist,  a trained psychologist, and a trial lawyer. After a 42-year career trying cases, writing, and teaching law in Los Angeles, David moved full time into his area of passion: saving animals. As a lawyer, he provided over 40 years of pro bono legal assistance to animals of all kinds. As a co-founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), David partnered with Lek Chailert and her husband, Darrick Thompson, to develop CWS and support their Elephant Nature Park sanctuary in Thailand.  Mr. Casselman also serves on various other boards, including the Whale Sanctuary Project and the Wolf Connection, as a pro bono advisor and donor.  Mr. Casselman founded Ecoflix, the first not-for-profit global media service dedicated to saving animals and the planet.  In this capacity, Mr. Casselman has been supporting animal causes around the world.  Ecoflix is now streaming worldwide on all forms of media, including Apple and Android TV.  All subscription dollars are donated as just one part of the efforts of Mr. Casselman and Ecoflix to save animals and protect ecosystem biodiversity around the world. “We’re trying to find a better way to provide information and motivation about the critical issues that affect us — particularly animals on the planet — without lecturing.” – David Casselman Highlights for Episode 646:  How Ecoflix funds animal advocacy How the service is funded and how listeners can sign up The animal advocacy organizations that Ecoflix is partnering with, including Born Free, In Defense of Animals, Mercy for Animals, and Wolf Connection How Ecoflix creates its content and why it  shares content created by partners and other documentary makers David explains how they came up with some of the popular kids’ series on Ecoflix, including On Safari with Nala Why Ecoflix also puts out bite-sized content for people who don’t have time to watch long documentaries regularly  Why David believes that animals unlock an appreciation of the natural world within people The importance of seeing the good in humans despite all the harm they do in the world The starfish story that inspires David and reminds him that we can all do better when we know better How David encourages people to take action to advocate for animals via the programing available on Ecoflix  David’s role as the co-founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and the Eco Sanctuary Thailand and what those organizations aim to achieve Resources: In Our Time podcast: Peter Kropotkin Ringling Circus is Returning. Lions, Tigers and Dumbo are not. Abbot’s Butcher Connect with David Casselman: Ecoflix Website Ecoflix on Facebook Ecoflix on Instagram  Ecoflix on Twitter Ecoflix 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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 inimitable Dash Meizler joins the podcast this week from Kampala, Uganda, for a truly inspiring conversation about leveraging our activism to better advocate for animal rights and marginalized communities. Founder of the Podrska Foundation, Dash outlines how the organization is fighting for farmed animals while empowering women, providing schools with vegan meals, fighting poverty through home-based vegetable gardens, and more. The Ugandan activist also tells us about his upbringing on a poultry farm and shares the moment his life trajectory changed forever, ultimately leading him down the path of animal activism, veganism, and humanitarianism. *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 Dash Meizler.* Fahd Kharim Ssevume, commonly known as Dash Meizler, is an accomplished humanitarian and founder of the Podrska Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a world of equity, compassion, and justice by supporting vulnerable people and improving their day-to-day lives. Dash’s projects address immediate needs and have the long-term goal of enabling participants to become economically and educationally independent enough to live in harmony with others – not only with other human beings but also with non-human animals. Dash has a longstanding vision of multispecies justice, which is informed by his deep commitment to human and animal rights. In addition to his humanitarianism, Dash is also known for his effective and efficient animal activism throughout Uganda. His love for non-human animals inspired him to incorporate friendly, inspiring methodologies to spread veganism all over his country. He’s currently using his untiring commitment, drive, and leadership skills to bring more dignity and autonomy to both human and non-human beings in Africa — and looks forward to bringing these same values to regions all over the world. “Let’s lift people out of poverty, let’s uplift animal lives, let’s uplift education for kids, and let’s uplift animal rights at the same time.” – Dash Meizler Highlights for Episode 645: The Podrska Foundation’s food distribution programs, including the Vegan School Campaign and the Vegan Food Program How the Lady Program empowers women in precarious financial situations to make and sell cruelty-free products Why Dash believes that helping people can also help animals How the Vegan School Campaign works to care for children in poverty and educate schools about plant-based eating How the foundation promotes a vegan diet by appealing to people’s interest in staying healthy Why providing hot meals to those in need helps instill a sense of care for themselves and for others, including animals The importance of providing traditional, culturally relevant vegan meals Objections Dash has faced to his vegan initiatives Project Grow and why teaching people how to grow food at home helps adjust their mindset about the makings of a nutritious meal How the Podrska Foundation raises money to support their campaigns Why Dash believes that Africa has the potential to lead society in a new direction in regards to climate change Resources: Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole Raises $25 Million In Series A Funding Round With New Voices Fund And Enlightened Hospitality Investments As Lead Investors Latvia Eurovision lyrics explained: Why the words to ‘Eat Your Salad’ by Citi Zeni are being censored Abbot’s Butcher plant-based proteins Connect with Dash Meizler: Podrska Foundation Website Podrska Foundation on Facebook Podrska Foundation 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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 remarkable Gwendolyn Church joins the podcast this week for an awe-inspiring conversation about Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, the aquatic animal sanctuary she founded, based in Reno, NV. Gwendolyn tells the tale of Philip, the betta fish that changed the trajectory of her life and inspired the sanctuary. This passionate animal activist also discusses the misconceptions around fish sentience and explains why humans must reframe their thinking when it comes to caring for aquatic animals. Shining a light on the horrors that farmed and wild-caught fishes destined for the pet trade face, she tells us why she is so committed to rescuing all types of fish. We also discuss how Friends of Philip is navigating, and funding, the process of becoming a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, and caring for, aquatic animals. *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 Gwendolyn Church.* Gwendolyn Church runs Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, an aquatic animal sanctuary, and rescue in Reno, Nevada. Friends of Philip aims to expand the rescue conversation to include fishes and other aquatic animals and foster the connection between humans and aquatic life by sharing their rescued animals’ stories and vibrant personalities. The organization provides sanctuary and rescue for animals in need, and advocates for ending the consumption and commodification of fishes and other aquatic species. “The simple misconception that fishes don’t feel pain is still so tragically prevalent.” – Gwendolyn Church Highlights for Episode 644:  Why betta fish are particularly vulnerable in pet stores Why the plural of “fish” is “fishes” How the sanctuary is growing, how they’re working to establish and fund themselves as a nonprofit What Gwendolyn is looking for in people looking to adopt a fish from her sanctuary Where the fishes who arrive at the sanctuary come from, and why pet stores are often open to people rescuing sick fishes How rescuing aquatic animals differs from rescuing terrestrial animals Why it’s vital to understand the nitrogen cycle and the importance of water quality when caring for fishes The different personalities that Gwendolyn sees in her aquatic charges and how she builds a rewarding relationship with them Common mistakes that people make when caring for pet fishes and Gwendolyn’s advice for new fish rescuers Why pet stores aren’t a great source of information for prospective fish caregivers Whether there is a growing sense of awareness of fishes as sentient animals who need to be understood, supported, and most importantly, not consumed as food Resources: The other Supreme Court case you should be following Miyoko’s Creamery is offering 15% off with code HENHOUSE15 Connect with Gwendolyn Church: Friends of Philip on Facebook Friends of Philip on Instagram Friends of Philip on Patreon 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.

Mamta Jain Valderrama joins the podcast for an insightful discussion about Jainism and the many ways in which its beliefs intersect with veganism. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in existence, having taken form in ancient India some time between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE. In our conversation, Mamta explains the philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, that practitioners of Jainism follow. She shares the Jain belief that all living beings have souls and discusses how this belief drives Jains’ eating habits and way of life, both of which often align with a vegan lifestyle. Mamta also digs into feminism and why she believes it’s vital for the animal protection movement to not only focus on hiring women but also to create a culture that uplifts their voices.  *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 Mamta Jain Valderrama.* Mamta Jain Valderrama is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Mercy For Animals. Prior to working in animal rights, Mamta led operations for various healthcare companies and start-ups. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. She took time off from the corporate world to write A Girl In Traffick, a thriller novel about human kidney trafficking. Her book is self-published and made it to the Amazon bestseller list in the thriller category. Mamta comes from the Jainism culture, which teaches nonviolence toward all beings. She has been vegetarian for 38 years, and on-and-off vegan and raw almost her entire life. She is now fully vegan for three years and is never going back. Originally from Los Angeles, Mamta lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with her husband and daughter.  “In Jainism, we believe that all living beings have souls and that’s the reason that we abstain from violence towards them.” – Mamta Jain Valderrama Highlights for Episode 643:  Mamta’s role as Global Senior Vice President of Operations for Mercy for Animals What incentivized her to make the leap from healthcare into animal activism Mamta shares her experience of growing up in the Jain religion and  how it shaped her worldview Attitudes of modern Jains about consuming dairy and why they have evolved over the years Mamta’s reaction to newer, hyperrealistic vegan meat substitutes   The importance of inclusion and diversity in the animal rights movement  How organizations can encourage women to step forward and be heard Why creating a seat at the table is a first step towards elevating women in leadership roles How the animal protection movement can attract people from different sectors to add even more value to the movement Resources: Call This “Meatless” Rather Than a “Vegan” Hotdog to Increase Demand by 16% Why Joaquin Phoenix’s Next Oscar Could Be For A Vegan Film I Broke the Law by Joy Askew “A Seat at the Table” Isn’t the Solution for Gender Equity – Lilly Singh TED talk Meow Meow Tweet is offering our listeners 20% off! Miyoko’s Creamery is offering 15% off with code HENHOUSE15 Connect with Mamta Jain Valderrama: Mercy for Animals Website  Mamta Jain Valderrama on LinkedIn  Mamta Jain Valderrama 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 Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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.

The remarkable Danielle Hanosh joins us on the podcast for a conversation about a revolutionary new program that you will definitely want to hear about. LEAP—short for Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet—offers high school students humane education, hands-on experience caring for rescued farmed animals, volunteer experience at animal sanctuaries, and scholarship opportunities. Teaching compassion instead of slaughter, LEAP,  teaches students to be thoughtful and deliberate about their choices and encourages them to question the current societal constructs around using animals for food. She also tells us about her life at Blackberry Creek Sanctuary, the animal rescue she co-founded, and how a pig named Sebastian inspired LEAP.  *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 Danielle Hanosh.* Danielle is the Executive Director of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary in Colfax, CA, which she founded with her husband, Joshua Hanosh, in 2014. She leads Blackberry Creek’s rescue, education and advocacy programs, event planning, fundraising, and community partnerships. Her work includes public education and advocacy for practical solutions to the complex problems arising from animal agriculture, human-caused climate change, overpopulation, animal abuse and neglect, and the current system’s impact on mental and physical human health. Her current projects include advocating for more aggressive, inventive veterinary care for traditionally farmed animals who end up in sanctuaries, building the LEAP pilot program, and conducting research for a future non-fiction book focused on anti-speciesism. “We try to show students there’s another way besides the traditional system of animal agriculture.” – Danielle Hanosh Highlights for Episode 642:  LEAP’s goals, vision, and how the program offers a different perspective on working with farmed animals Who can participate in the program and why Danielle is happy to take both students who are already vegan and active in animal rights alongside students who are part of their local FFA or 4-H programs where they raise animals for animal agriculture  How LEAP compares to the 4-H program  FFA student Audori and Sebastian the pig’s story How Blackberry Creek Sanctuary supported Audori to get Sebastian to safety and subsequently made a short documentary film about the experience called Audori’s Courage The educational foundation that Danielle has put together for LEAP Danielle’s hopes for the program to develop into a community-based program and some of the ideas that have been put forward, including starting community gardens Why Danielle has designed the program to cover several personal development outcomes for the students and the skills she believes will help them as they develop into adults Danielle’s background in education and why she decided to start Blackberry Creek Sanctuary with her husband eight years ago How climate change has affected the operations at Blackberry Creek Sanctuary due to their rural location Danielle’s book The Very Ugly Chicken and the original Judy who faces physical disabilities with courage and compassion  Resources: Miyoko Schinner’s Instagram post The difference you make when you eat less meat “Failure is Impossible” Might Not Mean What You Think Meow Meow Tweet is offering our listeners 20% off Connect with Danielle Hanosh: LEAP Website LEAP on Instagram  Blackberry Creek Website Blackberry Creek Sanctuary on Facebook  Blackberry Creek Sanctuary on Twitter  Blackberry Creek 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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.