Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

Writer, liberator, and self-described DELINQUENT Aiyana Goodfellow joins the podcast this week for an eye-opening conversation that just might shift your perspective on many things, including veganism, anti-speciesism, and activism.  Aiyana shares their thoughts on the mainstream vegan movement and the importance of developing one’s own ideology instead of simply “performing goodness” in your lifestyle and activism. We dive into why strategy is the backbone of successful activism and how Aiyana tailors their message of anti-speciesism to meet their audience where it’s at. Aiyana also discusses themes of their first book, Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood and Embracing Our Multispecies World, and shares details of their upcoming book, INNOCENCE AND CORRUPTION. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Aiyana Goodfellow* Aiyana Goodfellow (he/she/they) is a writer, liberator, and DELINQUENT artist and organizer based in London, UK. They are the author of Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood & Embracing Our Multispecies World, which they published at the age of 15. “The exploitation of animals has always existed in tandem with the exploitation of marginalized humans.” – Aiyana Goodfellow Resources:  Jimmy Turner, MD on Twitter Highlights for Episode 703:  What Aiyana means when they describe themself as a DELINQUENT and how, along with their writing and liberation work, this identity intersects with their animal activism Aiyana’s book, Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood and Embracing Our Multispecies World, and the importance of unlearning our oppressive tendencies toward the animals that share our homes  How we can build a more liberated way of engaging with non-human animals of all kinds What Aiyana means when they say “animals create,” why understanding this is a practice of nature, and how it can help us connect with other animals and with the world around us How animal advocacy and anti-speciesism fit into Aiyana’s anti-colonial philosophy  How the term “white veganism” relates to white supremacy Why veganism has become a capitalist term that refers to diet rather than a holistic ideology that includes a political and moral framework How Aiyana is trying to educate people on what being a vegan really means How allyship changes your material reality and why performative allyship is harmful to marginalized communities, including non-human animals More about Aiyana’s Black-led, UK-based micro-publishing house, The Anima Print, and her upcoming book Innocence and Corruption castles, and the accent Connect with Aiyana Goodfellow: Aiyana Goodfellow’s Website Aiyana Goodfellow on Instagram The Anima Print Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

Comedian Myq Kaplan is back on the podcast this week to discuss the intersection of animal rights, activism, and the creative arts. We discuss Myq’s latest comedy album, A.K.A., as well as the recently widely released Live In Between Albums, and he gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his creative process. The vegan comedian also dishes on his upcoming appearance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, his “ImPerfect” show (which he co-created with his girlfriend, Rini), and what he has in store following his summer in Scotland. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Myq Kaplan* Myq Kaplan has appeared on the Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, and America’s Got Talent. He has a one-hour standup special on Amazon, “Small, Dork, and Handsome,” and two podcasts, The Faucet and Broccoli and Ice Cream. His debut album, “Vegan Mind Meld,” was one of iTunes’ top 10 comedy albums of the year, and his newest album, “A.K.A.,” debuted at #1 and was called “invigoratingly funny” by the NY Times! “I want to talk about things that are important to me. I want to talk about things I care about.” – Myq Kaplan Highlights for Episode 702:  Why Myq recorded Live Between Albums and how it might represent a little downtime for vegan activists How Myq collects and collates his reflections on life and turns them into content that resonates with other people The two key phases of Myq’s creative process: the blooming phase and the pruning phase Why Myq isn’t worried that he’ll be replaced by artificial intelligence Trends in comedy right now and how shows have evolved to appeal to all sorts of audiences Myq’s idea for a new comedy hour based on astrology and the instinct to categorize different types of people Why the things that make us laugh are so personal Why Myq is so excited to take his show, ImPerfect, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023 — including the food, the castles, and the accent Connect with Myq Kaplan: Myq’s new album – Live in Between Albums Myq Kaplan’s Website  Myq’s newsletter Arty Har-Hars  Myq’s Podcasts: Broccoli and Ice Cream  and The Faucet with Myq Kaplan  Myq Kaplan on Facebook Myq Kaplan on Instagram Myq Kaplan on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

When it comes to thinking about animals, Bob Fischer believes we should be doing it more often and more deeply. A professor of philosophy at Texas State University and the author of, among other things, Animal Ethics—A Contemporary Introduction, Bob joins the podcast this week for a conversation about animal ethics, philosophy, and activism. Bob shares how empirical data and philosophical considerations can help challenge society’s cruel treatment of animals and even encourage more compassion toward them. We also discuss why people might be persuaded to care about chickens and even have their heartstrings tugged by cows but generally fail to empathize with insects. Plus, Bob tells us why quantifying animal suffering can help activists prioritize the best use of their resources, including both time and money. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Bob Fischer* Bob Fischer is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Texas State University, a Senior Research Manager for Rethink Priorities, and the Director of the Society for the Study of Ethics and Animals. His most recent books are Animal Ethics—A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge) and Weighing Animal Welfare: Comparing Wellbeing across Species (Oxford University Press). “Veganism is the very beginning of a long journey toward actually doing what’s right.” – Bob Fischer Highlights for Episode 701:  The complexities behind one of the basic tenets of animal activism: If we don’t have to cause extraordinary suffering, then we shouldn’t Why Bob doesn’t follow any particular school of philosophical thought How we can assess what pain and pleasure look like for animals How philosophical theory helps us decide how to act in the best interest of animals How the philosophical case for animal equality has changed over the last 25 years due to developments in animal welfare science Philosophical ways we think about sentience, how we identify markers in all creatures, and why it’s critical to understand the big picture when discussing what sentience means Activism at large and how everyone plays a unique, individual role The importance of using philosophical questions to examine our activism Bob’s latest book, Weighing Animal Welfare: Comparing Wellbeing across Species, and why it could be helpful to animal activists  Whether quantifying animal suffering can make people rethink their lifestyle choices Resources: How to Clear 500,000 Feral Cats from New York’s Streets FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Bob Fischer: Bob Fischer’s Website  Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

From Texas cattle ranchers to vegan sanctuary founders, Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen have turned around their lives and are helping others, both animal and human, to do the same. Now, the incredible story of how they have rescued and continue to care for 137 animals has caught the attention of filmmaker Jason Goldman, who embarked on capturing their daily lives at the sanctuary and has recently released Rowdy Girl, which premiered at Toronto’s prestigious Hot Docs film festival. The film tells the story of Renee and Tommy’s tireless dedication, their profound impact on the lives of the animals they have rescued, and their remarkable ability to reach others with their message of compassion and the rejection of violence. Renee and Tommy join us on the podcast this week to share this remarkable journey. Renee tells us how forging a deep and meaningful relationship with a cow named Rowdy Girl set her on a transformative path and changed her life forever (and Tommy’s along with it). Renee and Tommy share what it’s like to run a sanctuary in cattle country and also tell us about their Rancher Advocacy Program, which supports farmers and ranchers looking to transition away from animal agriculture. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Renee King-Sonnen and Tommy Sonnen* Renee King-Sonnen, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary’s founder and executive director, along with her husband, co-founder Tommy Sonnen, were featured on the CBS Evening News in 2016, launching an international following and fan base. In 2016, Renee won the VegNews “Vegan Rookie of the Year” Award and can now be heard on podcasts, news stories, documentaries, and magazine interviews all over the world. Rowdy Girl is the first documented beef cattle ranch to transition to a vegan farm sanctuary and veganic farm and has been at the forefront of the farm transition conversation. Renee and Tommy are currently featured in the documentary Rowdy Girl, which had its world premiere in Toronto at Hot Docs, the largest documentary film festival in North America. “The violence I experienced and the purity of the animals have come together to create my mission.” – Renee King-Sonnen “When I started looking at statistics about what we’re doing to the earth, I realized that there’s more than one reason to stop eating meat.” – Tommy Sonnen Highlights for Episode 700:  Rowdy Girl, the cow who ignited Renee’s vegan journey  Some of the stories of the 137 beautiful animals the sanctuary has rescued and how Renee and Tommy share their work with others  Why the couple decided to work with Jason Goldman on the Rowdy Girl film and what it felt like being filmed 24/7 going about their day at the sanctuary Renee’s experience being raised by an alcoholic father in a violent household and how that shaped her life as an adult and ultimately inspired her to start an animal sanctuary How the animals that live at the sanctuary change as they acclimate to their new lives  Why they created the Rancher Advocacy Program to help farmers and ranchers  Renee’s thoughts on using AI-driven slaughter methods The reasons people use health concerns as a way to transition to becoming vegan How Renee communicates effectively with ranchers to share her animal rights philosophy and why it’s essential to understand how much they want a life on the land in a rural setting Renee shares her religious and spiritual beliefs and how they impact her work at the Rowdy Girl Sanctuary Why Renee is writing a book, The Secret Diary of a Cattle Rancher’s Wife, and what she hopes to do by pulling back the curtain on her life How to watch Rowdy Girl Resources: Three Teens Killed and Ate a New York Village’s Beloved Swan, Police Say FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Renee King Sonnen & Tommy Sonnen: Rowdy Girl Sanctuary Website   Rowdy Girl Sanctuary on Facebook  Rowdy Girl Sanctuary on Instagram Rowdy Girl Sanctuary on Twitter  Rowdy Girl Sanctuary on YouTube  Renee King-Sonnen on TikTok  Rancher Advocacy Program Website  Rancher Advocacy Program on Facebook  The Rancher Advocacy Program on Instagram Rancher Advocacy Program on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

Longtime animal advocates may be familiar with the term total liberation, but what exactly does this mean? Yvette Baker joins us today for an exploration of total liberation activism and its profound influence on her own animal advocacy. In our conversation, she sheds light on oppressive language commonly used when representing animals and urges everyone to unlearn and challenge it for the sake of progress. Yvette also tells how growing up in an Indigenous household impacted her perspective on animal activism, lending a unique lens to her advocacy work. We also explore the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, illustrating how animal activism is an integral part of a broader continuum. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Yvette Baker* Yvette Baker is a writer, educator, social critic, and animal liberation activist. Her work is devoted to exposing and analyzing the intersections of human and nonhuman oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens. As a lifelong social justice advocate for human rights with experience in strategic grassroots organizing, she has become passionate about furthering collective liberationist frameworks and aims to empower the vegan movement as a movement for total liberation. “Language is powerful, and we could learn a lot from other social justice movements by understanding the power of language and how it can help reframe the dialogue within society.” – Yvette Baker Highlights for Episode 699:  What total liberation activism means to Yvette and how it guides her animal activism How people can make a shift toward embracing a total liberation approach How local pressure campaigns fit into the puzzle of deconstructing animal exploitation Yvette’s journey into animal activism, veganism, and how her activism can be traced back to local civil unrest after the Rodney King assault Yvette’s upbringing in an Indigenous household and its impact on her animal activism  The story of how Yvette became a vegan after helping to open an upscale plant-based restaurant Meat eating as imposed by colonizers rather than being a true reflection of Indigenous culture How we can represent animal activism as part of a continuity of oppression Examples of oppressive, problematic language when representing animals and why we should unlearn and challenge it The white vegan mindset and how it can be problematic for the animal liberation movement The goals and hopes for Liberation 360, an anti-oppression group aimed at empowering communities to create systemic change, and how the organization links to Agriculture Fairness Alliance’s vision Resources: Is This Octopus Having a Nightmare? After Years of Being Vegetarian, They Couldn’t Help But Eat Meat Again Fear of the Animal Planet Animal Resistance: When animals fight back and when humans listen FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Yvette Baker: Yvette Baker on Instagram Liberation 360 Liberation 360 on Instagram Agriculture Fairness Alliance Agriculture Fairness Alliance on Instagram Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

This episode of Our Hen House features an animal rights legend, renowned philosopher, and ethicist, Peter Singer. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore a range of topics, including the principle of equal consideration of interests, the nuance between sentience and consciousness, and the evolution of the animal movement since Peter’s groundbreaking book Animal Liberation was first released 50 years ago. Peter and Mariann also discuss the importance of individual actions while moving toward systemic change and the shifts in thought regarding animal welfare.  *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Peter Singer* Peter Singer has been called the “world’s most influential living philosopher.” He’s authored more than 50 groundbreaking books including Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics, The Expanding Circle, Rethinking Life and Death, One World, The Ethics of What We Eat (with Jim Mason) and The Point of View of the Universe (with Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek). Peter’s work on the ethics of our treatment of animals is often credited with starting the modern animal rights movement, and his writing has greatly influenced the development of effective altruism. He is the co-founder of the Australian Federation of Animal Societies, now Animals Australia, the country’s largest and most effective animal organization. Peter is the recipient of the 2021 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture, and has committed to donating the accompanying $1 million to the most effective organizations working to assist people in extreme poverty and to reduce the suffering of animals in factory farms. After teaching in England, the United States, and Australia, he became the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. “If a being is feeling pain, then what matters is how much pain they’re feeling, not what species the being is.” – Peter Singer Highlights for Episode 698:  The paradox of changing awareness versus stagnant behaviors in relation to animal rights Peter’s challenges in writing Animal Liberation Now and the difference between writing this book and the original Balancing objectivity with sensitivity to animal suffering in Peter’s writing The importance of avoiding jargon to foster inclusivity in philosophical discourse Exploring the concept of being a conscientious omnivore and its implications Examining the nature of sentience as a scale or a binary condition The recognition of animals as sentient beings through legislation and its impact on public understanding Assessing the effectiveness and scope of the effective altruism movement Resources: This LA teen is suing her school district — and the USDA — to promote nondairy milk Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why? FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Peter Singer: An Evening with Peter Singer Peter Singer on Facebook Peter Singer on Instagram Peter Singer on Twitter Peter Singer on Linkedin Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

This week we dive into the world of documentary filmmaking with renowned photographer and documentary film director Louie Psihoyos. Louie is perhaps best known for his 2009 film, the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove, which shed a brutal light on the remarkably cruel dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan. In our conversation, Louie shares how movies can help change the world and why he’s passionate about telling stories that impact animals, human health, and the environment. He also tells us about his current projects, including a film about Gunung Leuser, a National Forest in Indonesia known to be the last place wild animals such as tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans coexist and where local activists are trying to shut down illegal palm oil plantations. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Louis Psihoyos* Louie Psihoyos, Executive Director of the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), is recognized as one of the top photographers in the world. He was hired directly out of college to shoot for National Geographic and created images for the yellow-bordered magazine for 18 years. His ability to bring humanity and wit to complicated science stories carries over to his filmmaking. An ardent diver and dive photographer, he feels compelled to show the world the decline of our planet’s crucial resource, the oceans. Psihoyos’ first documentary film, The Cove, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Film of 2009 and over 75 other awards worldwide. The film garnered immense critical praise and has been seen by millions of viewers worldwide. His second film, Racing Extinction, premiered on Discovery in 220 countries and territories on the same day, was nominated for an Emmy and an Academy Award, and sparked the #StartWith1Thing movement. Louie finished directing The Game Changers in 2019, executive produced by James Cameron. In the first 30 days the documentary was on Netflix, Google searches for “plant-based diet” went up 350% worldwide. Psihoyos most recently finished directing Mission: Joy in 2021, which explores the friendship and wisdom of two of our generation’s greatest spiritual leaders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “You change the world with stories.” – Louie Psihoyos Highlights for Episode 697:  How Louie felt when his very first documentary film, The Cove, won an Academy Award Why Louie firmly believes that movies can help change the world The importance of cutting through the noise of the outside world with one’s own message The power of stories and their impact on people How Louie’s depiction of animals helps viewers form genuine connections with them Why it can be challenging to capture the authentic stories of conservationists and scientists How we can create lasting social change Why Louie is focusing on telling stories about environmental issues that also impact human health, particularly the impact of microplastics How Louie decides just how much he’s willing to show his audience and how he protects them from simply shutting down from horror Resources: Because Animals Sells Off “Discontinued” Products To Former Co-Founder To Accelerate Cultivated Pet Food Technology An Evening With Peter Singer Live On Stage FakeMeats.com coupon code HENHOUSE23 for 15% off Plant Basics products Connect with Louie Psihoyos: Oceanic Preservation Society  Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS) The Cove on Facebook Racing Extinction on Facebook  https://twitter.com/RacingXtinction Oceanic Preservation Society on Twitter Oceanic Preservation Society on Instagram Racing Extinction on Instagram Oceanic Preservation Society on YouTube http://racingextinction.tumblr.com Oceanic Preservation Society on Vimeo https://www.tiktok.com/@opsociety Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is sponsored by Our friends at FakeMeats.com. Since 2011, FakeMeats.com has been your one-stop shop for meat substitutes, meatless jerky, egg replacers, seasonings, and more. They recently introduced their own product line called Plant Basics. The unflavored, soy-based Hearty Proteins come in ground, strips, and chunks, and they also offer a pea protein crumble option! This new line also included powdered Plant-Based Seasonings that can make anything taste Just Like Chicken, Just Like Beef, or Just Like Ham. They have been kind enough to provide an exclusive coupon for Our Hen House listeners to give them a try: 15% off Plant Basics products on FakeMeats.com using code HENHOUSE23 through July 2023, only on FakeMeats.com. __________________________ 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.

The Standard American Diet—heavy in dairy and meat products—has long been known to contribute to chronic, diet-related illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Long-time vegans know this quite well, but what about the general public?  Dr. Ted Barnett and Carol Barnett join the podcast to discuss the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and how they support those looking to switch to a whole food plant-based lifestyle. The husband-and-wife team tells us about their mission to educate folks about the benefits of a vegan diet and how their 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart program is helping them do just that. Plus, we get into the Barnetts’ involvement in the Rochester Area Vegan Society (RAVS), why they go to Vegan Summerfest every year, and what gives them hope for the future of our world. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Ted & Carol Barnett* Dr. Ted Barnett is a highly regarded physician and health advocate known for his innovative yet practical approach to patient care. He holds an MD from Tufts University and is board certified in Diagnostic Imaging and Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He is the Founding President and Board Chair of Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute and a partner at Borg and Ide Imaging in Rochester, NY. Dr. Barnett is also a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine physician and a lead lecturer for “Jumpstarting Health,” a 24 CME lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition course. He and his family have thrived on an exclusively plant-based diet since 1991. Dr. Barnett is widely recognized as the “High-Tech Doctor with Low-Tech Solutions.” Carol Barnett, who holds two graduate degrees from Yale University,  found her true calling as a vegan advocate when, in 1995, she and Ted took over running the Rochester Area Vegetarian Society (RAVS), which later became the Rochester Area Vegan Society. Carol works with Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute to create plant-based content, and she attends just about every session of the 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart as well as the Alumni Group, Plant-Based Together. Carol is active in her town, where she serves on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to preserving a parcel along the Genesee River, and she can often be found out in the field planting trees. She has rescued, or helped to rescue, scores of cats over the years, and she and Ted have adopted many of them, including a now 17-year-old feral cat named Mugsy. Carol’s fondest accomplishment is raising three vegan kids with Ted: Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Nathaniel, all “vegangelists” who spread the vegan message each in their own way. “Plant-based nutrition is not only the best for animals and the planet, but also the best for human health. For whatever reason, the healthcare system has not adopted that yet.” – Dr. Ted Barnett “It is a good thing for people to be vegan even for one meal, but longevity is the real challenge.” – Carol Barnett Highlights for Episode 696:  How the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute teaches plant-based nutrition and why they’re also doing medical research How the COVID-19 pandemic ended up opening opportunities for the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute The 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart and why it’s the heart and soul of the Institute Why people feel so good when they switch to a plant-based diet The institute’s target audience and the role that community plays in making such a significant lifestyle change How documentaries such as Game Changers and Forks Over Knives have changed the world for vegans and prospective vegans How Ted and Carol help people maintain a vegan diet and their experiences with their friends and family How they address the fact that vegans can also be diagnosed with cancer and other diseases Why they also try to introduce people to the ethical and environmental benefits of being vegan in addition to the health benefits The six pillars of lifestyle medicine and why Ted has added his own plant-based pillar Why they got involved in the Rochester Area Vegan Society (RAVS) and how the organization helps its members What gives Ted and Carol hope for the future of our world Resources: Quick, what hat says, ‘I’m fun but also grieving 7 dead horses’? Universities should lead on the plant-based dietary transition How Campus Cafeterias Became Hotspots for Climate Action Connect with Ted & Carol Barnett: Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute Rochester Area Vegan Society Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on Facebook  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on Twitter  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on Instagram  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on LinkedIn  Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute on YouTube  Email: rochesterveg@gmail.com Email: info@roclifemed.com  Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ 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.

Last autumn, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game canceled the crabbing season for the Alaskan snow crab for the first time in history after the crustaceans’ population dropped an astonishing 87 percent. This is only one of the stories recently covered in depth by ecologist and journalist Spencer Roberts, who joins us on the podcast for an overarching conversation about animals and conservation, including the story behind the crabs’ devastating dwindling numbers and how the industry uses climate change as a cover for the damage caused by overfishing. Spencer also shares his thoughts on bridging the gap between the conservation and animal rights movements through his work and why folks continue funding the industries they oppose through their lifestyle choices. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Spencer Roberts* Spencer Roberts is a Colorado-based science writer, musician, ecologist, and engineer. As a science writer, he particularly focuses on animal agriculture, marine life, and the climate crisis. Find his work in Jacobin, The Intercept, Wired, and more. “The conservation movement and the animal rights movement are natural allies; if we build that coalition, we can have a lot more of an impact.” – Spencer Roberts Highlights for Episode 695:  Spencer shares why marine life is currently his biggest passion and gives us an overview of what’s happening in the oceans right now Spencer’s thoughts on the High Seas Treaty recently agreed upon at the UN and why he’s cautiously optimistic Why aquaculture is not a solution to the damage marine ecosystems are enduring, including the issues of bycatch and disease spreading  The impact one person can make by refusing to consume animal products Why people ethically oppose factory farms but continue funding such operations through their lifestyle choices Why the animal rights movement should also address the violence against humans taking place in exploitative industries, including the abuse of workers on fishing vessels How broadening the approach and argument of the animal rights movement may help activists gain ground in progressive circles What Spencer is working on right now and where you can read more of his work Resources: The Campaign to Greenwash Factory Farming in the Amazon More on the Greenwashing Campaign on Spencer’s Twitter Connect with Spencer Roberts: Spencer Roberts on LinkedIn Spencer Roberts on Instagram Spencer Roberts on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode of the Our Hen House podcast is sponsored in part by the Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute. Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute trains tomorrow’s animal advocacy leaders to advance animals’ legal status through education, scholarship, policy development, community engagement, and litigation. Engaging with advocacy organizations, communities, journalists, and policymakers, the Institute serves as a resource hub for animal law and policy issues. __________________________ 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.

Just five years ago, a very small herbivorous chef who resides in a modest tree stump took Instagram by storm, impressing thousands with his culinary expertise and tiny, plant-based eats—and he hasn’t slowed down since. In fact, he even helms his very own show on Nick Jr. The Tiny Chef has captured hearts worldwide, and this week, director and animator Rachel Larsen joins us for a conversation about the tiny culinarian. Rachel shares how her personal journey led her to embrace veganism and how adhering to a plant-based lifestyle has influenced her creative work, including The Tiny Chef Show. Plus, we’re joined by a surprise guest you’ll certainly want to hear from. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Jasmin’s interview with Rachel Larsen* Rachel Larsen is a Writer, Director, and Animator with credits to her name like Coraline, Tumble Leaf, ParaNorman, and Isle of Dogs. An Annie and Emmy-nominated animator, with lots of experience working with, and sometimes breaking, tiny things, Rachel now dedicates most of her time to helping Tiny Chef bring his tiny vision to the world.  Chef counts on Rachel to help him with his on-camera performance, drive him to his voice lessons, and to taste test his new dishes. In the fall of 2022, The Tiny Chef Show aired on Nickelodeon and has earned a Kidscreen Award and a converted Annie Award. “Compassion and empathy are key to creating positive change.” – Rachel Larsen Highlights for Episode 694:  How Rachel’s views on veganism changed after conversations with a vegan friend Why change is difficult and uncomfortable but necessary for societal growth  Why the word “vegan” carries weight, but, at its core, is a simple choice How Rachels hopes The Tiny Chef will inspire kids to cook and encourage them to understand the source of their food How Rachel fell in love with stop-motion animation, and some of the projects she has been involved with How labels can be helpful but can also lead to unchecked beliefs How quitting drinking and adopting a vegan diet helped Rachel clear the noise from her life and pursue a more direct path toward her goals How we can learn to focus on the positive and work toward a kinder world, rather than getting bogged down in negativity and judgment  The importance of extending compassion to everyone Connect with The Tiny Chef Show: The Tiny Chef Show Website The Tiny Chef on Facebook Tiny Chef on Instagram The Tiny Chef Show on TikTok Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Join the Our Hen House Community online! The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode of the Our Hen House podcast is sponsored in part by the Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute. Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Animal Law and Policy Institute trains tomorrow’s animal advocacy leaders to advance animals’ legal status through education, scholarship, policy development, community engagement, and litigation. Engaging with advocacy organizations, communities, journalists, and policymakers, the Institute serves as a resource hub for animal law and policy issues. __________________________ 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.