Ep 3: Mercy for Animals with Nathan Runkle

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Nov 22, 2017

Nathan Runkle, Founder of Mercy For Animals, talks about starting the charity at 15, being a gay teen in a conservative environment, going vegan while growing up on a farm. He gives advice on going vegan without alienating family and discusses the balance between animal welfare and animal rights. The podcast also covers topics like undercover investigations, hunting, online activism, and self-care for undercover investigators.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Undercover Investigations and Cultivating Compassion for Animals

02:03 • 11min

Exploring the Connection Between Hunting and Identity

13:13 • 3min

Going Vegan When Your Family Disapproves

16:25 • 23min

Proudest Moments and Individual Advocacy

38:55 • 2min

Self-Care for Undercover Investigators

41:14 • 18min

Being Joyful Vegans and Fashion Choices

59:20 • 7min

Ways to Save Animals and Support Mercy for Animals

01:06:40 • 3min

In this special interview episode with Nathan Runkle, in honour of his new book, Tylor and Evy sit down with the game-changing Mercy For Animals founder to discuss his journey starting the charity at the age of 15, and charting the victories of his team of undercover investigators in their fight for the rights of farm animals. Nathan also shares stories from his life growing up on a farm in rural Ohio and how being a gay teen in a conservative environment strengthened his conviction for his mission. Also on this episode…

Nathan has a book out!
Are children raised around animals more likely to be vegan?
Caesar the rat, the original muse of MFA
‘We learn from our parents and then our parents learn from us’.
Growing up vegan in a long line of farmers.
‘Best book I’ve ever read’ - Nathan’s Grandma
Hunting to survive vs. hunting as a hobby.
Nathan gives advice on how to go vegan without alienating your longsuffering familty: ‘Progress over Perfection’.
How MFA was born
The reality of being an undercover investigator for MFA
The balance between animal welfare and animal rights.
‘I would not be able to sleep at night if I weren’t doing something for the animals that are right here, right now’ (Nathan’s thoughts on working for better animal welfare practices.)
How figure skating almost stole Nathan away from the animal rights community!
Do activists have time for fun?
Is online activism ‘slacktivism’ or does it really help?
Nathan shares a story about being beaten up because of his sexuality and how the experience of physical pain deepened his empathy for the plight of animals.
Tips on being a ‘joyful vegan’.
MFA's new website about plant-based eating The Green Plate

Links

Mercy for Animals Website

Nathan's Twitter: @NathanRunkle

Twitter: @mercyforanimals

Instagram: @mercyforanimals

Facebook: @mercyforanimals

Social Media

Twitter: @ChickPeepsPod

Instagram: @ChickPeepsPod

Facebook: @ChickPeepsPodcast

Momoko Hill: @oh_momoko

Robbie Jarvis: @robbjarvis

Tylor Starr: @tylorstarr

Evanna Lynch: @msevylynch