The ChickPeeps Vegan Podcast

Ep 12: PETA with Ingrid Newkirk

Feb 2, 2018

Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA, dives into the bold beginnings of the world’s largest animal rights organization. She discusses the challenges of being in the spotlight, emphasizing, 'It’s not about the messenger.' The conversation unveils the complexities behind euthanasia in shelters and the ethics of pet ownership in a vegan context. Ingrid shares the evolution of PETA's public perception and the landmark ‘Monkey Selfie’ case. This vibrant dialogue showcases her passion and the vital role of activism in improving animal welfare.

01:11:09

Creator website

Episode guests

Ingrid Newkirk

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

PETA has evolved from a small group into a powerful global organization advocating for animal rights through provocative campaigns and demonstrations.

Ingrid Newkirk emphasizes the importance of addressing public backlash and misinformation while maintaining relentless advocacy for animal rights.

The future goals of PETA include changing public perception of industries exploiting animals and encouraging compassionate consumer behavior through community involvement.

Deep dives

PETA's Commitment to Animal Rights

PETA, co-founded by Ingrid Newkirk in 1980, has established itself as the largest animal rights organization globally, representing millions of members. Ingrid's original vision focused on raising awareness about the ethical treatment of animals and offering alternatives to animal exploitation through education. This grassroots approach paved the way for PETA’s extensive campaigns that highlight various forms of animal cruelty, aiming to shift public perception and policy. Throughout their history, PETA has consistently maintained a commitment to activism and outreach, positioning itself as a leading voice for the protection of animal rights.

Intro

3min

Journey Through Animal Rights Advocacy

23min

The Ethics of Pet Ownership in Veganism

5min

The Importance of Open Admission Shelters in Animal Welfare

4min

The Monkey Selfie Case: A Landmark Move for Animal Rights

5min

Perception Shifts and Absurd Myths Surrounding PETA

5min

Beyond Mortality: A Radical Approach to Animal Activism

24min

Exploring Vegan Dining and Family Perspectives

3min

This week The ChickPeeps have an indepth discussion about the world's largest and most formidable animal rights organisation, PETA aka People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Founded in 1980, by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, PETA made a name for itself with its trademark provocative, headline-grabbing, Animal Rights' campaigns and demonstrations. However, PETA’s bold and controversial tactics often mean that their reputation, depicted in the mainstream media, obscures their tireless efforts to improve the lives of animals. Evy talks to Tylor about what it’s like to work for PETA and then we interview the fiercely passionate, dauntless and unfailingly kind leader of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk to discuss what PETA was like in the early days and to address the myths that shadow the organisation. Also on this episode…

‘Peta has a lot of enemies because we’re making it harder to hurt animals.’
How PETA grew from 5 members in an apartment in Washington D.C. to a worldwide organisation of 6.5 million members.
Ingrid shares how to overcome personal doubt and fear when staging a public protest
"We took a leaf out of all those books of other social movements which is ‘Say the truth and say it strong.’"
‘It’s not about the messenger’ - Ingrid explains how to handle the backlash from people who want you to stay quiet about animal rights.
Pets: Is having a pet ethical?
Why is euthanasia necessary in PETA’s shelters, and the differences between Open Admission and No-Kill shelters.
The Monkey Selfie Lawsuit: The reasoning behind why PETA invested in legal defence for photography rights for Naruto, the Macaque.
Ingrid recounts a near death experience that inspired her will, and how her body will continue her work after she’s gone.
We ask Ingrid how she processes the horrifying things she’s seen: ‘I cry a lot’.
‘Dwelling on your own feelings is not that useful’.
Tips on how to talk to people wearing Canada Goose jackets.
PETA’s 2018 goals: ‘Let’s close Seaworld in 2018.’
Sojourner Truth: Ingrid’s heroine and inspiration as an activist