Better Life for Animals

Less than 1 percent of U.S. animal product consumers ever witness the conditions inside factory farms. Brent Ratkovich is part of the small percentage who has, and he has turned that truth into tireless action. In this episode, Cheryl Moss sits down with longtime animal advocate Brent Ratkovich, whose journey from personal health transformation to frontline activism highlights the power of everyday people making an extraordinary impact for animals. From solo street protests to large-scale hen rescues, Brent's story is a powerful reminder that when it comes to animal rights, silence is never neutral. A Spark Ignited by Compassion Brent's vegan journey began in 2013 for health reasons, but everything changed after watching the documentary Meet Your Meat. What started as a personal lifestyle shift quickly evolved into a public mission. He began attending protests with Mercy for Animals and soon launched One Cow Army, a bold solo outreach effort designed to grab attention and plant seeds for compassion through simple signs and meaningful conversations. Taking Action Where It Matters Most Within two years of going vegan, Brent was fully immersed in sanctuary life. His volunteer work with Animal Place Sanctuary included hands-on caregiving, barn cleaning, and life-saving rescue missions. From the emotional weight of pulling hens from the brink of death to the joy of watching them dust bathe for the first time, Brent understands what it takes to restore dignity to animals who have endured suffering. He also volunteers at other sanctuaries, including Harvest Home, Blue Barn, and Welcome Home Sanctuary. His message is clear: sanctuaries need both financial support and boots-on-the-ground help to keep going. https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/019-Brent-Ratkovich

Over 70 billion land animals are killed for food every year, yet many of the people rescuing them, those running animal sanctuaries, struggle with visibility, funding, and the time it takes to spread their message. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, host Cheryl Moss welcomed bestselling author and vegan book strategist Mitali Deypurkaystha, also known as The Vegan Publisher, to explore how books can amplify advocacy and help sanctuaries thrive. A Book Is Your Mission in One Powerful Place "There's something about writing a book," Mitali explained. "It gives people the entirety of your message in one cohesive whole." With over 25 years in media and marketing and a client track record of over $6.5 million in revenue generated, Mitali believes a book is the most complete and enduring tool for any mission-led organization, including sanctuaries. While social media and websites have their place, they are often scattered, fleeting, and easy to miss. "Not everyone reads every blog or sees every post. But a book? People sit with it, they reflect, they connect," she said. Heartfelt Animal Stories That Drive Support Mitali shared her own vegan awakening, which began with a rescue cat named Isha. "She taught me that animals are aware, emotional beings. That realization changed everything," she said. Inspired by Isha, Mitali eventually adopted a plant-based lifestyle and has since helped countless ethical entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and changemakers turn their purpose into published works. For sanctuaries, she says, the best stories are often those of the animals themselves. "A donor might not remember your mission statement, but they'll remember Daisy the pig who learned to trust again, or Benji the rooster who survived against the odds. That's what moves people." www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/018-Mitali-Deypurkaystha

Animal sanctuaries are lifelines for creatures rescued from exploitation, yet their existence often remains overlooked. Pair that with the fact that fewer than 2 percent of Americans identify as vegan, and the urgency for education and advocacy becomes undeniable. Dr. Lisa Kemmerer, a global leader in animal ethics and founder of the educational nonprofit Tapestry of Peace, brought this message to life as a featured expert on the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss. From Scholar to Activist: A Life Devoted to Justice Dr. Kemmerer holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard and a PhD in philosophy with a focus on animal ethics from the University of Glasgow. After two decades teaching at the university level, she retired in 2020 to dedicate herself fully to activism through Tapestry. Her work explores how religious belief, environmental awareness, and gender oppression intersect with the treatment of animals. Whether kayaking solo for a month or teaching students in a ranching town in Montana, Dr. Kemmerer has lived a life of immersive learning. Her extensive travel through Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific, including studying at the Dalai Lama's school and staying in remote monasteries, shaped her holistic approach to animal advocacy. Animal Sanctuaries and the Power of Daily Connection Lisa's life in a peaceful coastal setting, where she walks with her dogs daily and rescues injured wildlife from nearby beaches, speaks to her grounding in nature. "It's essential," she said. "Time outdoors is reflection, peace, and happiness." Her connection with animals extends beyond academic theory into tangible acts of care. Sanctuaries, she noted, are crucial reminders of the world we must create, where animals are seen as individuals with needs, personalities, and the right to peace. Her activism includes direct rescue work and local vegan initiatives, like the Hospitality Challenge, which encouraged restaurants to add clearly labeled vegan options. "In just a couple of months, our town became much more vegan-friendly," she said. The AMORE Framework: A Tool for Advocacy Dr. Kemmerer's latest work distills decades of research into an accessible format with the acronym AMORE, which means "love" in Italian. It represents: Animals – Their suffering and the ethical imperative to protect them Medical – The health implications of consuming animal products Oppressions – The connection between animal exploitation and other systemic injustices Religion – How faith traditions often align with vegan principles Environment – The urgent need to protect ecosystems from the impacts of animal agriculture Designed for activists and educators alike, the AMORE model serves as a concise yet comprehensive guide for making the case for veganism in any setting. Visit: https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast

What is it like to be born and raised vegan in a world that normalizes animal exploitation? Sarina Farb, a lifelong ethical vegan, activist, and co-founder of the International Vegan Earth Day March, shares how she turns her values into action through education, outreach, and advocacy. She travels the country in a vegan-themed camper van, reaching millions with her message that veganism is not just a diet but a deeply rooted principle of compassion and justice. Sarina unpacks the truth about backyard eggs, fish consumption, the ex-vegan trend, and the marketing spin pushed by the meat and dairy industries. She also talks about the power of animal sanctuaries, the importance of community, and how events like the Thrive Alive Vegan Fest are helping people stay connected and committed. This episode is a powerful reminder that every choice matters and everyone has the ability to make a difference for the animals and the planet. www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/016-Sarina-Farb

Why are 95 percent of dogs used in U.S. biomedical research purpose-bred beagles? And what does this reveal about our relationship with animals? In this compelling episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned ethologist Marc Bekoff, PhD—author, activist, and longtime collaborator with Jane Goodall—to explore how society must shift from outdated ideas of animal welfare to a model rooted in well-being, agency, and compassion. Dr. Bekoff shares powerful insights on: Why "welfare" often justifies suffering—and what true well-being requires How sanctuaries can restore dignity through freedom and choice The role of dogs as a gateway to expanding empathy for all species The unseen emotional toll of wildlife reintroduction programs Why language matters when advocating for animals The future of compassionate conservation, where every individual counts From redefining how we view captivity—even in our homes—to inspiring the next generation of changemakers, this conversation offers a hopeful, urgent call to action. Tune in and discover how a shift in mindset can lead to a better life for all animals—and ourselves. www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/015-Marc-Bekoff

From the moment Shelley Britenbucher stood up in her school classroom in the 1970s and declared, "I'm going to start a farm sanctuary when I grow up," the seed was planted. Decades later, that dream became reality. During this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Shelley shared the remarkable journey behind the founding of Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary in Litchfield, Ohio. A Childhood Vow Comes Full Circle Shelley and her husband Jeff opened the gates to Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary over seven years ago. What began with the rescue of two horses headed for slaughter,Tatanka and Maisie, quickly expanded. Soon, a donkey named Cisco joined the fold after enduring severe neglect. The sanctuary has since grown to nearly 20 residents, including senior dogs, goats, chickens, turkeys, and more farm animals needing lifelong care and love. From Vegetarian to Vegan—and Fully Committed Shelley's transition to veganism marked a pivotal point. Though she had been a vegetarian for nearly 40 years, a deeper awakening about the plight of animals led her to go fully vegan. This shift solidified her dedication to ensuring the animals she rescues are never harmed, exploited, or rehomed unnecessarily. "They are under your care for life," she explains, reflecting on the profound responsibility of sanctuary work. Understanding the Tenets of True Sanctuary At Shangri-La, the commitment is clear: no harm, no exploitation. That means no leather, no honey, no silk, and certainly no products derived from the very beings they work to save. "You cannot have a fundraiser and serve the very animals you're trying to save on a plate," Shelley says. For her, veganism isn't optional, it's foundational. Full post: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/014-Shelley-Britenbucher

Jordi Casamitjana is a vegan zoologist, animal rights activist, and author whose work spans science, sanctuary care, legal advocacy, and compassionate living. Originally from Catalonia and now based in the UK, Jordi's journey into veganism began with an unexpected moment involving a wasp. That encounter sparked a lifelong commitment to seeing the value in all animals, no matter how overlooked. He spent five years at Wild Futures, a monkey sanctuary in Cornwall, where he cared for woolly monkeys rescued from the exotic pet trade. Later, with the Born Free Foundation, he exposed the suffering caused by animal captivity in zoos. His insights reveal how animals in captivity lose space, stimulation, and choice. In 2020, Jordi made history by winning a landmark legal case recognizing ethical veganism under the UK's Equality Act. His book Ethical Vegan explores this journey and the broader ethics behind living without causing harm. He also introduced the concept of the "blood footprint," urging us to consider how our choices affect sentient beings. Jordi's life is a powerful reminder that empathy, science, and activism can come together to create real change. Full post at: https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/013-Jordi-Casamitjana

According to Oxford researcher Joseph Poore, going vegan is "the single biggest way" to reduce your environmental footprint. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Professor Matthew Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. This heart-opening conversation explores how joy, not shame, can drive powerful change. From sanctuaries as emissaries of hope to the deep connection between food, identity, and justice, Halteman invites listeners to rethink veganism as a path of flourishing. He shares compelling stories, including a backyard epiphany that reshaped his life and work. Listen now to discover how beauty, awe, and compassion can inspire a more aligned and purpose-driven life. Full post at www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/012-Matt-Halteman

Why 82% of Starving Children Live in Countries Growing Feed for Western Livestock Eighty-two percent of starving children live in countries where crops are grown to feed animals eaten in the West. That staggering fact is just one of the many insights shared by John Vallimarescu in this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss. John transitioned from a career in economic consulting to becoming Chair of the Board for Sunset Farm Sanctuary in Cove, Arkansas, home to 129 rescued animals. When the sanctuary suffered a $260,000 loss due to a fraudulent moving company, John responded with action by launching a powerful project: a $9.99 eBook called Voices of Kindness and Compassion: Interviews with Vegans. This episode dives into John's unexpected path from TikTok user to sanctuary leader, his childhood bond with animals, and the reality of running a rescue. He also shares a thought experiment that challenges listeners to consider what truly matters in the face of a global crisis. The book features 38 vegan voices from 10 countries, offering raw, real answers about why they went vegan, how it's changed their health, and what inspires them to stay committed. Proceeds directly support the care and feeding of the animals at Sunset Farm. Cheryl and John explore: The link between factory farming and global food insecurity The emotional and physical demands of animal sanctuary work How a simple eBook can make a real difference What it means to live with compassion at the center of your life Why veganism is about far more than food Buy the book, support the sanctuary, and discover how small actions ripple into meaningful change. Listen now and be inspired to become a voice for the voiceless. www.BetterLifeforAnimals.com/011-John-Villimarescu

Can compassion heal the world? Dr. Will Tuttle, acclaimed author of The World Peace Diet and former Zen monk, believes it can—and it starts with how we treat animals. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Dr. Tuttle reveals how animal sanctuaries offer a powerful model for reversing centuries of violence, environmental destruction, and injustice. Sanctuaries aren't just rescue spaces—they are seeds of cultural transformation, embodying the Golden Rule and showing us a better way to live. Learn how herding cultures shaped modern oppression, why eating violence leads to societal unrest, and how vegan living and supporting sanctuaries can spark massive positive change. Animal sanctuaries as living examples of compassion The critical importance of the Golden Rule for animals How herding cultures shaped today's food systems Sanctuaries as catalysts for societal healing Why supporting animal sanctuaries is vital for a peaceful future Dr. Tuttle's message is clear: "While the problems are increasingly complex, the answers are embarrassingly simple." Choosing compassion changes everything. Listen now and join the movement toward a more compassionate, sustainable, and just world. https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/010-Dr-Will-Tuttle