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

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome animal activist and Direct Action Everywhere organizer Almira Tanner onto the podcast this week to discuss the groundbreaking legislation recently passed in Berkeley, CA drastically limiting the amount of animal-based products the city purchases, with a long-term goal of phasing out all animal products. Almira shares a behind-the-scenes look into Direct Action Everywhere’s first-of-its-kind campaign. She explains how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made their work all the more urgent while presenting new outreach challenges. Almira also discusses her veganism and the felony charges she is facing for rescuing animals, and gives listeners advice on how they can start a campaign similar to the one waged in Berkeley in their own communities. Almira Tanner is a lead organizer with Direct Action Everywhere, a grassroots network of animal-rights activists working to achieve revolutionary social and political change for animals in one generation. The organization has mobilized thousands of people to take action in cities across the globe and has rescued hundreds of animals from slaughterhouses, laboratories, and other places of violence since 2013. “Being vegan is a very powerful expression of anti-speciesism, and it’s one of the ways I think that we can express our values in our day-to-day actions.” – Almira Tanner Highlights: Why Direct Action Everywhere had to switch up some of its campaign tactics in light of the COVID-19 pandemic Almira’s goal of total divestment from animal agriculture in Berkeley and how the campaign played out Direction Action Everywhere’s central focus on preventing harm to animals and how that key goal intersects with convincing stakeholders that animal agriculture is a climate disaster Why Almira believes that local activism is an essential strategy for the movement How listeners who want to become politically active within their communities can advocate for divesting from animal cruelty Why symbolic victories can help spread the word and make legislative victories even more meaningful Direct Action Everywhere’s No More Factory Farms campaign and how they are hoping to persuade the state of California to place an immediate moratorium on the expansion of or construction of slaughterhouses or factory farms Connect with Almira Tanner: Direct Action Everywhere Website Almira Tanner on Facebook Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Actress and animal-rights advocate Amy Jackson joins the podcast this week for an engaging conversation you definitely don’t want to miss! Known internationally for her work in award-winning Indian films, Amy discusses the very moment she realized animals are sentient and why she decided to devote her life to advocating for them. She shares the movie set experience that compelled her to work alongside People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the heart-wrenching trip that motivated her to work with the Elephant Family. The actress also shares the cultural differences in India, the US, and the UK, where she grew up, when comes to caring deeply about animal issues. Amy Jackson is an actress, animal-rights advocate, and has served as a PETA ambassador since 2016. Passionate about justice and equality, Amy is a strong supporter of the Elephant Family, an organization dedicated to protecting Asia’s wildlife and enabling coexistence between living beings. Amy also works with the Sneha Sargar Society orphanages for girls and, in 2018, was honored with the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child award. When Amy isn’t advocating for animals, she can be seen acting in film and television. “We are their mouthpiece, we stand up for them. When I see injustice, especially towards somebody who can’t fight for themselves, whether they’re human or animal, I have an instinctive calling to do something about it.” – Amy Jackson Highlights: How Amy’s trip to Zambia expanded her awareness of animal issues and how it provided the inspiration for her TEDx talk How people can support animal welfare charities The Coexistence Story, and how the multisensory exhibition of carved elephants represents coexisting in harmony with Mother Nature Amy’s insights on the global ivory ban How cruelty-free cosmetic brands provide a positive entry point for talking about the exploitation of animals Amy’s interest in vegan fashion and the trends helping people get animal products out of their closets How Amy winds down at the end of the day Connect with Amy Jackson: Amy Jackson’s TEDx Talk Amy Jackson on Wikipedia Amy Jackson on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome author and longtime animal activist Mark Hawthorne back on the podcast for an engaging conversation all about rabbits. Mark is here to talk about his latest book, The Way of the Rabbit, which explores the world of rabbits and hares and their unexpectedly large influence on human culture. Obviously this book was a work of the heart — this is a man who truly loves rabbits — but Mark also hopes for this book to have an impact on those who, perhaps unthinkingly, contribute to one of the many ways that rabbits are exploited, whether as food, in experiments, as sometimes poorly treated companions, etc., etc., as well as on those who too often consider them mere “pests” when seen in the garden.  Mark also tells us why he fosters rabbits and the joys of having these beautiful animals hopping around his home. Mark Hawthorne is the author of four books on animals, animal rights, and social justice including The Way of the Rabbit, Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism, A Vegan Ethic: Embracing a Life of Compassion Toward All, and Bleating Hearts: The Hidden World of Animal Suffering. Through his writing, Mark aims to empower people across the globe to get active in the fight to make the world a better place for animals. He stopped eating meat after an encounter with one of India’s many cows in 1992 and became and ethical vegan a decade later. Mark’s writing is also featured in Vegan’s Daily Companion, journals, and several anthologies written on behalf of animals.   “I have always been fascinated by what rabbits represent, such as magic and abundance and creativity and rebirth.” – Mark Hawthorne Highlights: Why Mark decided to write this affectionate and warm-hearted history and how it’s a departure from his usual books on animal exploitation and activism Why rabbits are nature’s most surprising species How rabbits became such an integral part of human culture and still play play such a significant role in mythology, literature, and art today Why and how the rabbit came to be associated with Easter Mark’s favorite rabbit stories, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Watership Down, and the poetry of William Cowper Why Mark feels it’s essential to have fictionalized, anthropomorphized depictions of animals to help us see them in a different way Connect with Mark Hawthorne: Mark Hawthorne’s Website Mark Hawthorne on Facebook Mark Hawthorne on Instagram Mark Hawthorne 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Thomas Goodman joins the podcast this week for an engaging conversation about advancing the accessibility of plant-based foods and how we can all get involved in this crucial work. Founder of the non-profit Plant Dining Partnerships (PDP), Thomas discusses how PDP provides resources to help increase vegan options in restaurants, schools, hospitals, and more. He outlines their two-pronged approach: raising awareness of the plant-based lifestyle nationally and promoting change by ensuring that consumers are offered a range of vegan food wherever they fall on the dietary spectrum. Thomas also shares how the organization builds relationships with restaurants across the country and partners with social meetup groups to build a supportive plant-based community. Thomas Goodman, Founder and President of Plant Dining Partnerships, is a lifelong animal lover who was raised meat-free and became a professional advocate in 2014. Throughout his career, he has worked across various initiatives, including corporate outreach; federal, state, and regulatory advocacy; and the promotion of Meatless Mondays. He is committed to promoting healthy, environmentally friendly plant-based options and offer compassionate and tasty alternatives to our current mainstream food system. “People are asking for change, and they’re willing to spend their dollars to create change.” – Thomas Goodman Highlights: How Thomas started out as an activist and campaigner bringing plant-based options into the mainstream Thomas’ tips for how to succeed with online petitions How to leverage technology to build relationships with big brands How Thomas and the Plant Dining Partnerships team are promoting dietary change at a grassroots level How they empower their volunteers to engage with local restaurants Why Thomas likes to get to know other people involved in advocacy and build valuable relationships How people can get involved and volunteer for Plant Dining Partnerships Thomas’ story of growing up meat-free Connect with the Plant Dining Partnerships: Plant Dining Partnerships Website Plant Dining Partnerships on Facebook Plant Dining Partnerships on Instagram Plant Dining Partnerships 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is excited to welcome back Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH, to the podcast this week for a critical conversation about animal testing and experimentation. President and CEO of the Center for Contemporary Sciences, Aysha outlines how the Center is working with academic institutions, governmental agencies, investors, and researchers to catalyze a shift away from the outdated use of animals in science and towards animal-free research methods that are not only more humane but are far superior. Aysha discusses the extraordinary scientific developments that are changing the attitudes of many scientists and also shares her opinions on the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and why she believes they could have been produced without testing on animals. Aysha Akhtar is a double-board certified neurologist, preventive medicine specialist, and serves as president and CEO of the Center for Contemporary Sciences. She is a former Deputy Director of the U.S. Army Traumatic Brain Injury Program where she developed the Army’s brain injury prevention and treatment strategies. As a Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Aysha was frequently deployed to assist with national public health emergencies. She is also a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and author of the two books, Our Symphony With Animals: On Health, Empathy and Our Shared Destinies and Animals and Public Health, which argues for the need for health institutions to include animals as part of the “public” in public health. “We want to build the next generation of scientists and create academic curriculums that are integrated into programs so that the next generation of medical students are trained in human-based testing methods and not in animal testing.” – Aysha Akhtar Highlights: Why Aysha believes we need to get back to studying human biology instead of creating artificial models and using animals to study human disease Whether animal research is actually reliable in predicting human outcomes Why the Center for Contemporary Sciences is a proponent of human-based technology and what that means in terms of research Who the opponents of their mission are and why some people are still fighting to keep animal research Why Aysha believes the Center’s primary purpose is supporting and educating the public about the shortcomings of animal testing How the Center is working on policy changes to open the door to allow for more innovation and more governmental funding for non-animal testing methods Connect with the Center for Contemporary Sciences:  Center for Contemporary Sciences Website Center for Contemporary Sciences on Facebook Center for Contemporary Sciences on Instagram Center for Contemporary Sciences 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Join us for our very special 600th episode (!!!) as we celebrate with Andy Tabar and Paul Stellar, hosts of The Bearded Vegans, who are also observing a milestone of six years on-air! In this episode, Jasmin, Mariann, Andy, and Paul provide a unique behind-the-scenes look into the world of podcasting. The podcasters break down their approaches to discussing veganism’s ethical gray areas, why they’re committed to creating a sense of community among listeners, and how they work through on-air disagreements. The group also discusses how their podcasts have changed over time, and they touch on so many other intriguing topics. This is a must-listen episode!!! Andy Tabar and Paul Steller launched The Bearded Vegans to move beyond the vegan 101 and create more nuanced discussions for the seasoned vegan. Andy is an animal rights activist and owner of Compassion Co, an organic, USA-made vegan apparel brand. As an activist, Andy has completed three tours with the 10 Billion Lives Tour, traveling to nearly every continental state to have over 10,000 one-on-one conversations about the cruelty inherent in animal agriculture. Paul works in data and has taught math at both the high school and college level. He also fronts a band called Continuous Improvement and loves playing Dungeons and Dragons while simultaneously podcasting about it on the Roll to Hit podcast. “Providing community is such a hugely important thing, even if you’re not an activist or on the front line, so to speak, there is just so much value in creating content for other vegans to feel a sense of community.” – Andy Tabar “My hope with the podcast is that, in having these discussions, it promotes people to think more deeply and critically, not only about the topics that we’re discussing but just in general.” – Paul Steller Highlights: The role of a podcast in helping to build a strong network of activists Andy and Paul’s relationship to humility as white cis-men and how that impacts the reactions to their podcast How the podcast hosts stay accountable to each other and their audience How Andy and Paul prevent burnout, whether physical or emotional, when they are so committed to being fully available to the show How The Bearded Vegan podcast has deepened Andy and Paul’s friendship over the years Connect with The Bearded Vegans: The Bearded Vegans Website The Bearded Vegans on Facebook The Bearded Vegans 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is honored to welcome animal rights activist Seb Alex onto the podcast this week. Seb, a Lebanon-based activist, explains how he shifted his activism from focusing on speaking engagements, in Europe and beyond, to online activism in the wake of COVID-19. He also outlines how the newly established Lebanese Vegans Social Hub serves as an animal rights center, why it’s so critical for activists to have a safe space, how they’re helping people eat more plant-based, and the events the center hosts. The former architect discusses how activist group Lebanese Vegans rallied together to support the local community in the wake of the horrific 2020 explosion in Beirut and the onset of the pandemic. Seb also highlights the importance of activists looking after their mental health and shares the boundaries he sets to better care for himself. Seb Alex is a passionate activist who moved to Europe from Lebanon to pursue his career in sustainable architecture but soon decided to leave the corporate world behind to pursue animal activism. He is now creating animal rights content for social media, organizing grassroots activism events, and writing an animal rights ebook, When Animals and Logic Meet. He also helps run the world’s first animal rights and vegan support center, the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub, in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. “We are here for justice, we are here out of compassion, and to help as many people and animals as we can.” – Seb Alex Interview Highlights: How Lebanese Vegans Social Hub provides a space for activist groups to come together and make the world a better place Seb’s social media work and his goals for the content he makes Why he decided to write When Animals and Logic Meet to lay bare how people justify what is done to farmed animals by appealing to a logical fallacy and how to get past this in discussions of animal rights How Seb frames his messaging to best impact others and allow them to listen to what he has to say The disconnect between people’s emotional reactions to cute companion animals and their disregard for the exploitation of farmed animals Seb’s feelings about plant-based and cell-based meat, why he’s not a fan, and whether he thinks they will lead to massive change when it comes to how we treat animals Why it’s easy and cost-effective for people in Lebanon to eat a plant-based diet and how the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub is spreading the word on what they do Resources: Lebanese Vegans Lebanese Vegans Social Hub Connect with Seb Alex: Seb Alex’s Website Seb Alex on Facebook Seb Alex on Instagram Seb Alex 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Black VegFest founder Omowale Adewale back to the podcast this week! A passionate social justice activist fighting for the liberation of all beings, Omowale discusses food accessibility and why he believes we are at a critical moment in helping Black communities gain access to healthy produce at a low cost. He explains how he himself was tipped into veganism by his concern for animals and offers his thoughts on how Black veganism relates to Black liberation. He also shares his philosophy on decolonizing our diets and explains how vegan festivals are a gateway tool that can help nonvegans learn about plant-based eating and animal equality. Omowale Adewale is the co-founder of the Grassroots Artists MovEment, a non-profit organization that uses hip-hop, art, and social justice programming to empower Black and Latino communities in their fight against socioeconomic and political injustices. Omowale is committed to organizing events to advance the socio-political climate for poor and working-class Black people that center on activism through community, food, fitness, and art. He is also the founder and curator of Black VegFest and is certified in plant-based nutrition. He is the author of An Introduction to Veganism & Agricultural Globalism and the editor of Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society. “Two things happen when you go vegan: you get a higher sense of consciousness and compassion, and you want to look and do more research.” – Omowale Adewale Interview Highlights: Why Omowale believes Black veganism connects to Black liberation The COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of George Floyd’s killing on the Black community in the context of Black veganism The conception of Black VegFest and how Omowale and his community first established the festival How Omowale’s concern for animals led him to veganism and why going to animal sanctuaries helped him understand animal equality Omowale’s philosophy on decolonizing food Ways we can show up in non-vegan communities and advocate for veganism Connect with Omowale Adewale: Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society An Introduction to Veganism & Agricultural Globalism Black VegFest Grassroots Artists MovEment (G.A.ME) Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter Other resources mentioned:  The Decadence of the New Veganism Plant Dining Partnerships __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is excited to welcome activist and animal studies scholar nico stubler onto the podcast this week for a riveting conversation on animal rights activism. This conversation will make you think critically about different approaches to vegan activism, whether you agree with them or not. The scholar and activist shares their commitment to the Liberation Pledge—in which vegans make the commitment to never eat around individuals who are eating animal products—and tells us how receptive people have been thus far. nico also provides insight into how the pledge can be used to actively dismantle carnism, how veganism helped them connect to a Nicaraguan community while serving with the Peace Corps, and  how simply being vegan doesn’t equate to active animal activism. nico is an activist and a scholar. They completed their their M.A. in Animal Studies from New York University, and has led grassroots campaigns in Colombia, New York, and California. They focus on activism and scholarship that address animal agriculture’s devastating harms with the urgency they demand, and is currently working on a forthcoming book, Ban Meat: A Pragmatic Approach for Ending Animal Ag. “The big power and the potential of veganism to affect change is through showing other people that we’re eating vegan, why we’re eating vegan, and encouraging other people to eat vegan. Consuming and demanding animal products is an act of violence.” – nico stubler Interview Highlights: Why it’s so important to nico not to compromise their principles or mental health by not eating with people who are consuming animal products The benefits and criticisms of the Liberation Pledge and why it is effective activism What the ideology of carnism is and how we can move away from it being seen as the norm Why society views animals as usable and abusable, and how we can stop conceptualizing animals as edible Connect with Nico Stubler: Liberation Pledge Website nico stubler on Facebook Liberation Pledge Support Group on Facebook nico stubler 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome Katie Cantrell, Director of Corporate Outreach at the Better Food Foundation, to the podcast this week. Katie gives us the low-down on the Better Food Foundation, how they’re focusing on food justice, and their efforts to transition society to a more just and sustainable food system, specifically by encouraging more plant-forward food policies. She discusses the DefaultVeg project and how they are currently targeting corporate organizations and universities to encourage them to make plant-based diets the norm. Katie also catches us up on what’s happening at the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, an organization she founded and for which she currently serves as board chair and, on a personal front. shares the story of a devastating diagnosis and her fight to regain her health. The Better Food Foundation was launched in 2017 to support dietary change initiatives to build a healthy, equitable, environmentally sustainable, and kinder food system and to work toward an acute reduction in the consumption of animal products worldwide. Before Katie served as the foundation’s Director of Corporate Outreach, she was the Founder and Executive Director of Factory Farming Awareness Coalition. “You’re planting seeds that have impacts years later.” – Katie Cantrell Interview Highlights: Why Katie thinks there has been increased awareness around the benefits of a vegan diet The power of defaults and how laziness and the desire to fit in play a major role in people’s choices What it means for vegan food to be the default and what mass catering might look like in the future How Katie helps corporations transition to a plant-based diet as the default with ideas for menu options, including suggestions for ways to broaden their cultural horizons Why big corporations are motivated to be seen as more sustainable than their competitors and how that supports the Better Food Foundation’s initiatives The earth-shaking reasons that Katie left her daily job at the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition but why she ultimately feels that the situation had a silver lining Connect with Katie Cantrell: Email Katie to bring DefaultVeg to your workplace or school Better Food Foundation Website Greener By Default Website Better Food Foundation on Facebook Better Food Foundation on Instagram Better Food Foundation 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 __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.