

Will Potter, investigative journalist and author of Little Red Bars: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable, will discuss “ag-gag” and other legislation designed to hide abuses in industrial livestock operations. (Part 1 of 2)
Jul 4, 2025
Will Potter is an award-winning investigative journalist and author known for exploring social justice and environmental issues. In this conversation, he dives into 'ag-gag' laws that obscure animal abuse in factory farms. Potter discusses the historical context of these laws and their detrimental effect on transparency and accountability. He draws parallels to Upton Sinclair's writings and examines the long-standing injustices in industrial agriculture. The chat highlights ongoing challenges in animal welfare legislation and the need for greater public awareness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Power of Bearing Witness
- Will Potter believes in the power of journalists to expose injustice by bearing witness.
- This exposure can inform public discussion and lead to democratic change.
Legacy of Upton Sinclair
- Upton Sinclair's early 20th-century report exposed terrible meatpacking industry abuses, leading to key food safety laws.
- His work inspired Potter's investigations and underpins the role of journalism in holding industry accountable.
Industrial Farming vs. Nostalgia
- Industrial agriculture today vastly differs from nostalgic images of farming, with major operations replacing small farms.
- The public is disconnected from food production, complicating awareness of industrial farming realities.