Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age

238: Howling for Change - John Oberg and the Algorithm of Animal Advocacy

Mar 25, 2025

John Oberg, a passionate animal rights activist and social media strategist, shares his inspiring journey in advocacy. He discusses the power of social media to spread awareness, moving from traditional methods like leafleting to engaging millions online. John emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with non-vegans and how to handle online negativity as a form of engagement. He advocates for accessible vegan choices and highlights Mexico City's vibrant vegan scene, encouraging everyone to explore delicious plant-based options.

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ANECDOTE

Early Activism with Mom

John Oberg's mother instilled in him a deep compassion for animals and a drive for activism.
They collected cans, protested deer hunting, and even howled to warn deer of danger.

ANECDOTE

Transition to Social Media

Oberg transitioned from leafleting to social media advocacy after realizing its broader reach.
He believes social media allows for greater impact by reaching millions with animal rights messages.

INSIGHT

Effective Advocacy Strategies

Oberg's leafleting experience taught him the importance of finding common ground with meat-eaters.
He learned that education and inspiration, combined with highlighting accessible vegan options, are crucial for effective advocacy.

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Vedge Your Best welcomes John Oberg, a passionate activist who has mastered the art of using social media for impactful animal advocacy. John shares his journey from growing up with a love for animals, instilled by his mother, to becoming a prominent voice for animal rights online. Michele and John discuss the power of social media to educate and inspire, the importance of taking action against animal cruelty, and how anyone can contribute to animal advocacy regardless of their starting point.

Key Topics:

- John Oberg's Early Influences: John credits his mother for instilling a deep compassion for animals in him from a young age, sharing heartfelt stories of their shared actions, including their unique efforts to protect local deer from hunters.

- Transition to Social Media Advocacy: John’s journey from traditional advocacy methods, like leafleting, to using social media to reach millions with the message of compassion for animals.

- Strategies for Effective Advocacy: How finding common ground with non-vegans is crucial and how advocacy can be more effective when it emphasizes positive steps and highlights delicious vegan options.

- Handling Online Challenges: Dealing with negative comments online, viewing them as signs of engagement, and the unexpected benefits they can bring to spreading awareness.

- Encouraging Vegan Exploration: The importance of making plant-based choices accessible and enjoyable, suggesting starting points and strategies, especially when addressing different cultural and gender perspectives on diet.

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