Episode 480: Berto Calkins

This week, Jasmin interviews Berto Calkins about the intersections of veganism and fitness, how a visit to an animal sanctuary helped him make a vital connection to animals as beings, the importance of representation across the veganism and animal rights movements. Berto Calkins is a fitness professional that promotes mental and physical wellness as well as the vegan lifestyle. His mission is to make people aware of controllable influences on their lives, so that they can make decisions that better themselves and the world. He is a certified personal trainer, certified fitness nutrition specialist and also serves on the board of directors for Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Check out his YouTube channel here.



In the intro to this episode, a flu-ridden Jasmin and Mariann discuss the South Korean drama Little Forest and the recent New York Times article about an escaped calf on the New York Expressway and how it focuses surprisingly well on the experience of escaped animals. Plus, Jasmin brings us a great chat she had during the recent Expo with Seth Tibbott of Tofurkey about his work developing tempeh. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes!

As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.



This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on iTunes! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week!

The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.