This week, Mariann talks to Gavin Van Horn about his recent book The Way of Coyote: Shared Journeys in the Urban Wilds. They also discuss how coyotes are an entry point into considering the ways that wildlife in urban areas is adapting to human presence, how cities are critical to conservation efforts, and some everyday practices that can expand our perception of the community-of-life.

Gavin Van Horn works at the Center for Humans and Nature, where he leads trans-disciplinary projects that explore place-based values and human relationships with the more-than-human world. He is the co-editor of City Creatures: Animal Encounters in the Chicago Wilderness (University of Chicago Press, 2015) and Wildness: Relations of People and Place (University of Chicago Press, 2017). His writing traverses the edges of spirit and nature, the wonder of the everyday, and the wildness within and without. He believes other-than-human voices and ways-of-being matter. He writes for, edits, and curates the City Creatures Blog and his words have appeared in Orion, Undark, Emergence Magazine, Belt Magazine, Red Savina Review, and Zoomorphic, among others. His most recent book is The Way of Coyote: Shared Journeys in the Urban Wilds (University of Chicago Press, 2018).

In the intro to this episode, Jasmin and Mariann mourn the passing of beloved activists Mary Max and Doug Greene. They also address the Fair Oaks controversy, and talk about some recent listener reviews and ratings. After the interview, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties about Fair Oaks. More info in the show notes!

Don’t forget to get your tickets now for our upcoming live recording of Our Hen House’s 500th episode at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary’s June Jamboree!

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.

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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.