Better Life for Animals

What if two rescued goats could change the direction of your life? That is exactly what happened to Miyoko Schinner. In this episode, Miyoko walks through the moment she said yes to helping two baby goats and how that single choice grew into Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary now home to more than 100 rescued animals in Northern California. She shares the turning points, the setbacks, and the daily work it takes to build something that matters. The Birth of Rancho Compasión Miyoko explains how a short term favor became a long term mission as she built a 501c3 focused on healing for both animals and people. The Power of Connection You will hear stories about cross species friendships, kids discovering plant based food they actually love, and the way real relationships erase the labels we put on animals. Beyond Rescue Miyoko talks about what it really takes to create a sanctuary that lasts. Planning, budgeting, staffing, veterinary care, feed, housing, and real time off. This is not a hobby. It is a promise. Building Community Miyoko believes the cure for loneliness begins in the kitchen. Cook together. Eat together. Invite people in. Community grows at the table. The Vegan Creamery Her new book gives practical tools for making dairy free milks, yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams at home using whole food ingredients and simple repeatable methods. If you have ever wondered how one person can create change, this conversation shows exactly what it looks like in real life. Full post: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/039-Miyoko-Schinner

What if the way we live with animals could change everything? In this episode, Dr. Katherine Baxter, co-founder and CEO of the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence (AHAC), shares how she is leading a movement to turn conflict into cooperation, from elephants in Kenya to wolves in North America. You will hear how a simple idea, planting sunflowers instead of maize, transformed entire communities, stopped crop raids, and created new sources of income. These same lessons are now being applied to predator conservation around the world. Dr. Baxter brings decades of experience in animal welfare, ecology, and social justice to her work, showing what it truly means to live by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because we are." By the end, you will see how coexistence is not just a concept, it is a choice. Every meal, every donation, every act of empathy matters. Listen now to discover how small actions can create big change for animals, people, and the planet. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/038-Dr-Katherine-Baxter

Veterinarian and activist Dr. Crystal Heath has built a groundbreaking career rooted in courage, conscience, and compassion. As the executive director of Our Honor, she leads a growing movement of veterinarians who challenge unethical practices in animal testing, factory farming, and education. In this episode, Dr. Heath discusses her journey from 4-H to animal advocacy, how she stood against ventilation shutdown during the pandemic, and why she believes the veterinary field must confront its moral contradictions. She also shares how Our Honor supports whistleblowers who speak out against cruelty and her vision for a compassionate, cruelty-free future for animals. Episode highlights: Why veterinary education must reform its use of animals The emotional toll of speaking up against industry norms How Our Honor helps veterinarians protect their ethics The growing movement for compassionate food and medical systems Visit www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/037-Dr-Crystal-Heath for full show notes and resources.

If you've ever wondered how one small moment can completely change the course of your life, this episode is for you. It started with a baby monkey named Samantha riding on the back of a poodle. That single image changed everything for Kari Bagnall. She walked away from a successful career in interior design and built a sanctuary that now gives nearly 200 monkeys a safe and loving home. In today's episode, you'll hear how one act of compassion led to the creation of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida— a refuge for monkeys rescued from research labs, the pet trade, and neglect. But this conversation goes deeper than rescue stories. You'll learn how: Kari discovered the heartbreaking reality of monkeys used in medical research Decades of isolation and trauma impact their ability to trust and heal True sanctuaries differ from zoos and why that difference matters Jungle Friends helps primates rediscover their natural instincts and connections Compassion can create lasting change, one life at a time Running a 50-acre sanctuary isn't easy. It takes heart, courage, and nearly $100,000 a month to keep it all going. Kari shares how she stays committed, the power of connection between primates, and what it really means to give another being a second chance at life. Her message is simple but powerful: Humans are poor surrogates for monkey friends. They need each other, and they deserve a second chance. This isn't just a story about rescue. It's about empathy, healing, and what happens when one person decides to do something extraordinary. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/036-Kari-Bagnall

What if the biggest barrier to living our values isn't ignorance, but comfort? In this eye-opening conversation, longtime activist and author Hope Bohanec joins Kathleen to reveal the truth behind "humane" and "sustainable" labels. These words make us feel better about consuming animal products—but do they actually make a difference? You'll learn why many so-called ethical food labels are designed to protect consumers' emotions, not animals. Hope shares what she discovered after decades investigating farms that claimed to treat animals humanely—and what she found will challenge everything you think you know. Hope is the founder of Compassionate Living, creator of The Humane Hoax Project, and author of The Ultimate Betrayal and The Humane Hoax. For over 30 years, she's been a leading voice exposing how the meat, dairy, and egg industries manipulate language to hide systemic cruelty. In this powerful, research-backed conversation, Hope exposes how "greenwashing" and "humane washing" distort our perception of compassion and sustainability—and what each of us can do to live in alignment with our values. You'll learn: Why "cage-free," "free-range," and "grass-fed" labels exist to comfort consumers, not protect animals How greenwashing misleads us about sustainability and climate impact What Hope found inside "humane" farms that changed her life forever Why plant-based living is the clearest path to compassion and consistency How community and grassroots activism can drive real change If you've ever felt torn between your love for animals and what's on your plate, this episode will open your eyes. Because real compassion doesn't need a label—and this conversation shows you why. For more resources related to today's episode, including links to Hope's work and the Humane Hoax Project, click here for the podcast episode page. Full post on Hope's episode at www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/035-Hope-Bohanec

In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where animal agriculture dominates the landscape, Lancaster Farm Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion. Co-founders Sarah Salluzzo and Jonina Turzi launched the sanctuary in 2017 with the mission to rescue farmed animals, educate the public, and build a plant-based community grounded in kindness and connection. What began as a small property with no staff has grown into a thriving nonprofit with nearly 100 rescued residents, 40 volunteers, and a team of dedicated caregivers. Sarah, a social worker and nonprofit professional, and Jonina, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in trauma-informed care, have created a haven where animals experience peace and dignity. In this episode, Sarah and Jonina share the realities of running a sanctuary, the challenges they face, the triumphs they celebrate, and the commitment it takes to care for every animal. They also highlight the importance of education through programs like the Pen Pal initiative, which connects schoolchildren with rescued animals, and their documentary The Choice Is Yours, which explores the impact of animal agriculture on health and the environment. From heartwarming rescues to their annual Gala for the Animals, Lancaster Farm Sanctuary continues to inspire compassion and community. Learn how you can get involved, support their mission, and be part of a movement that is creating a kinder world for all beings. Listen now to discover how Lancaster Farm Sanctuary is redefining what it means to care for animals, people, and the planet. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/034-Lancaster-Farm-Sanctuary

Naomi Alicia-Hallum, CEO of Generation Vegan (Gen V), shares her journey from growing up in a rural English farming village to leading one of the most influential global vegan organizations. Under her leadership, Gen V has delivered over 360,000 vegan meals, guided 160,000 people toward plant-based living, and inspired international campaigns challenging leaders to act for animals, the planet, and humanity. Naomi discusses compassionate parenting, reaching audiences beyond the vegan community, and how Gen V empowers people to take meaningful first steps—without judgment or perfection. Her story is a reminder that each of us can help shape a kinder, more sustainable world, starting with what's on our plate. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/033-Naomi-Alicia-Hallum

In 1985, only 200 mountain gorillas were left in the wild. Today their numbers are growing thanks to conservation and ecotourism. In this episode, Cheryl welcomes Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author and founder of Joyful Vegan Trips, to discuss how we can live more compassionately every day. Colleen shares why labeling food as vegan can sometimes turn people away and how focusing on flavors and ingredients makes plant-based meals inviting to all. She explains how Joyful Vegan Trips creates authentic, satisfying travel experiences with plant-based meals that celebrate local culture. The conversation also covers the importance of supporting real sanctuaries that put animals first, from elephant refuges in France to gorilla conservation treks in Rwanda. Colleen introduces her latest book, A Year of Compassion, which provides weekly actions to help people live with kindness and purpose. This episode is about practical, inspiring ways to bring compassion into daily life, whether at home, in restaurants, or while traveling. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/032-Colleen-Patrick-Goudreau

A single plant-based meal can save 1,000 gallons of water. That simple fact fuels Paige Parsons Roache's mission to build a kinder, more compassionate world. Host Cheryl Moss sits down with Paige, a full-time activist and media professional whose journey began when her daughter chose to go vegan. That decision led Paige from family cooking experiments to animal vigils, and eventually to a leadership role amplifying plant-based and ethical living through Unchained TV, grassroots campaigns, and vegan policy initiatives. In this episode Paige shares: How animal vigils shaped her advocacy Why sanctuaries create empathy and inspire change The impact of campaigns like Plant Based Treaty and Support and Feed Practical steps anyone can take to contribute to a compassionate future Paige's message is clear. You do not have to do everything, but everyone can do something. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/031-Paige-Parsons-Roache

Austin Farm Sanctuary, founded by Chris and Angela Fuller-Wigg, has grown from rescuing two goats on a half-acre to providing refuge for more than 240 farm animals on 95 acres in Cedar Creek, Texas. In this episode, Chris shares how a simple act of compassion became a thriving mission built on respect, sustainability, and community. From events like Doya Palooza to youth programs and virtual tours, discover how the sanctuary educates, inspires, and creates change for animals far beyond Texas. Full post and video at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/030-Chris-Fuller-Wigg