Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA and a steadfast animal rights advocate for over 40 years, joins the conversation to discuss her journey from a small organization to a powerful voice against animal cruelty. She shares her candid thoughts on euthanasia and the ethics surrounding animal research, drawing on personal childhood experiences. The discussion challenges societal views on fashion-related animal exploitation and highlights PETA's bold tactics, encouraging a compassionate view towards all creatures. Prepare for some profound insights!

Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA and a passionate advocate for animal rights, shares her insights on humanity's struggle with animal exploitation. She discusses the challenges in eradicating the use of animals in food, fashion, and research. Newkirk highlights the moral dilemmas of animal testing and the provocative tactics used in activism. The conversation also explores human-animal relationships, advocating for better treatment and ethical considerations in pet ownership. Can we truly go animal-free? It’s a thought-provoking discussion.

A true force of nature, today's guest needs little introduction. Meet Ingrid Newkirk.The original doyenne of animal activism, Ingrid is the legendary and infamous co-founder and president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a non-profit she personally shepherded into the largest animal rights organization in the world, currently boasting more than 6.5 million members and supporters.Under Ingrid's stewardship, PETA quite literally put animal welfare on the map. Operating under the principle that animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way, PETA has a storied and often controversial history of exposing countless acts of gruesome and horrifying animal abuse, with it's media-savvy provocateur in chief grabbing headlines and creating significant awareness, policy changes and legal protections along the way.Named a top businessperson of the year by Forbes, Ingrid has been profiled in countless publications -- including twice by The New Yorker -- and has appeared in seemingly every prominent media outlet including the Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King, Politically Incorrect, Crossfire, Nightline, and 60 Minutes.Irrespective of your opinions about PETA, Ingrid is someone who has dedicated every breath to what she believes in. Combating injustice. Taking action to change what many of us simply want to deny or avoid. Looking suffering straight in the eye. And doing something about it. That level of purpose -- the courage to speak truth to power, tenacity to weather persistent criticism and stay the course for change -- is rare. It's impressive and laudable.Behind it all, there is an undeniable sincerity to Ingrid. A fascinating, complex, and charismatic character, she’s also deeply sensitive. Quite self-aware. And surprisingly funny. Today Ingrid shares her story.Note: This conversation was recorded pre-pandemic on February 18, 2020. Therefore there is no coronavirus discussion. However, I think Ingrid's message is profoundly of the moment given the undeniable role animal agriculture plays in fomenting disease.The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.In this moment of forced repose, my hope is that we reflect on humanity's misguided entitlement to dominion over all things. Our intelligence is not the gauge of the animal kingdom. And our relationship with the living beings with whom we share this imperiled planet is broken.Ingrid is here to recalibrate that relationship.Peace + Plants,Rich

Animal rights activist and PETA president, Ingrid Newkirk, discusses PETA's anti-fur campaigns, speciesism, and the impact of COVID-19 on animals. She shares insights on sheltering, animal welfare versus abolitionism, and the importance of respecting all creatures. Touching on the book 'Animal Kind,' Ingrid emphasizes the talents and heroics of animals while exploring the concept of ending animal oppression.

Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA, dives into the bold beginnings of the world’s largest animal rights organization. She discusses the challenges of being in the spotlight, emphasizing, 'It’s not about the messenger.' The conversation unveils the complexities behind euthanasia in shelters and the ethics of pet ownership in a vegan context. Ingrid shares the evolution of PETA's public perception and the landmark ‘Monkey Selfie’ case. This vibrant dialogue showcases her passion and the vital role of activism in improving animal welfare.