The Jim Rutt Show

EP 207 Paul Watson on Adventures in Eco-Activism

Oct 31, 2023

Paul Watson, author and eco-activist, discusses his book and early experiences with animals, the cruelty towards them, rescuing cattle from slaughterhouses and advocating for less cow farts and more whale poop. They delve into the vegetarian/vegan movement, co-founding Greenpeace, aggressive non-violence, and targeting illegal activities. They also touch on tree spiking, good legal defense, and the founding of Sea Shepherd.

01:04:38

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Episode guests

Paul Watson

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Quick takeaways

Paul Watson emphasizes the importance of upholding moral commitments and leading a life in honor of those commitments.

Paul Watson shares his experience of being labeled a terrorist and facing extradition requests due to his efforts to disrupt illegal whaling activities.

Paul Watson highlights the necessity of taking bold action, such as sinking whaling ships and disrupting illegal fishing operations, to protect endangered species and preserve marine ecosystems.

Deep dives

Paul Watson's Adventures and Moral Commitments

Paul Watson, a marine conservationist and co-founder of organizations like Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, shares his adventures and moral commitments in his book. He discusses the importance of upholding moral commitments and leading a life in honor of those commitments. Watson recounts stories from his childhood, including swimming with beavers and standing up against cruelty towards animals. He also delves into his activism against whaling, detailing his campaigns to block and hinder the Japanese and Icelandic whaling fleets. Watson reflects on the concept of aggressive non-violence, where he aims to save lives and disrupt illegal activities without causing harm to individuals. Additionally, he tackles the subject of veganism and its positive impact on the environment and animal welfare. Despite facing legal challenges and being on an Interpol Red Notice, Watson remains resolute in his beliefs and continues to fight for conservation and the protection of marine life.

Introduction

1min

Childhood Experiences and Developing Empathy

6min

Carnivoreism as a Human Activity

19min

Using Sex, Scandal, and Celebrities in Activism

12min

Comparing Canadian and American Laws and Rights, and the Influence of Edward Abbey

2min

Eco-activism and the Perceived Terrorism

18min

Adventurous Tales of Al and Former Fighter Pilots turned Airline Captains

2min

The Founder's Dismissal and the Growth of a New Organization

5min

Jim talks with Paul Watson about his recent book Hit Man for the Kindness Club: High Seas Escapades and Heroic Adventures of an Eco-Activist. They discuss an early friendship with a family of beavers, cruelty to animals, the Kindness Club, moral commitments, rescuing cattle from a slaughterhouse, less cow farts & more whale poop, the 3 laws of ecology, the issue of eating animals, the growth of the vegetarian/vegan movement, an occupation at Stanley Park, co-founding Greenpeace, the strategy of aggressive non-violence, killing baby Hitler, painting baby seals, creating Whale Wars, history of the whaling moratorium, the absence of enforcement, Canada's Seal Protection Act, Edward Abbey, the Southern Ocean campaigns, escaping arrest in Germany, targeting illegal activities, inventing tree spiking, the importance of good legal defense, funding sources, founding Sea Shepherd, current pursuits, and much more. Episode Transcript Hit Man for the Kindness Club: High Seas Escapades and Heroic Adventures of an Eco-Activist, by Captain Paul Watson Trashing the Planet: How Science Can Help Us Deal With Acid Rain, Depletion of the Ozone, and the Soviet Threat Among Other Things, by Dixy Lee Ray The Monkey Wrench Gang, by Edward Abbey Paul Watson Foundation Neptune's Pirates Captain Paul Watson is a marine wildlife conservation and environmental activist. Watson was one of the founding members and directors of Greenpeace. In 1977, he left Greenpeace and founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. A renowned speaker, accomplished author, master mariner, and lifelong environmentalist, Captain Watson has been awarded many honors for his dedication to the oceans and to the planet.

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The Jim Rutt Show

EP 207 Paul Watson on Adventures in Eco-Activism

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Paul Watson's Adventures and Moral Commitments

Escaping Arrest and Challenges from Japanese Authorities

Engaging in Direct Action and Environmental Activism

Using celebrities to raise awareness

Whaling violations and the need for enforcement

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts