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

We’re delighted to welcome Nirva Patel to the podcast this week for a wide-ranging conversation about the different ways she’s working to make the world a better place for animals. We begin by discussing Nirva’s background in Jainism, how the religion informs her beliefs regarding the treatment of non-human animals, and the work she has done in that realm to create change, despite some surprising pushback. Nirva also tells us about her work at Harvard Law School as a Global Policy Fellow and her role as Chair of the Board of Directors at Farm Sanctuary. Plus, Nirva shares her reasons for going back to school for a Master’s degree and how it’s helping her meet her goals of bringing animal rights issues to the forefront of people’s minds all over the world. *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 Nirva Patel* Nirva is the Global Policy Fellow in the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School and a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She is also a registered patent attorney, biomedical engineer, and executive producer for several plant-based films, including The Game Changers, The End of Medicine, and Meat Me Halfway. For nearly a decade, Nirva worked in animal advocacy in Mumbai, India. In the U.S., she has sparked many advocacy campaigns, including successfully pushing to ban the sale of fur in the town where she lives and encouraging Jain temples across the U.S. to remove ghee and dairy from their offerings. She has provided strategic fundraising efforts for numerous non-profit capital and development campaigns in Boston. Nirva holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University, a J.D. from The New England School of Law, and an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University. Her passion for animals is predicated on the Jain philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence), which advocates a vegan lifestyle. She lives in Boston with her husband, four children, and two rescued rabbits, Goji and Spice. “At Farm Sanctuary, animals are allowed to grow old.” – Nirva Patel Highlights for Episode 674:  Why there is still debate within the Jain community about whether they should continue to consume dairy products  Nirva’s work encouraging Jain temples to give up dairy products and the pushback and encouragement she has received  Nirva’s work at Harvard Law School as a Global Policy Fellow, including an assessment of live markets and their potential for spreading zoonotic diseases Public health implications of disregarding animal welfare  How different countries approach animal rights legislation and why it matters  Why Nirva decided to undertake a Master’s in Animal Law and Policy from Tufts University and how it helped her clarify how she wanted to move forward with effecting change for animals  The emotional response Nirva and her classmates had while bearing witness to animal exploitation and cruelty as part of the agriculture program at Tufts University Nirva’s role on the board of the International Vegan Film Festival, how she became involved, and how documentaries and films highlight animal rights issues What the folks at Farm Sanctuary are finding from observing animals going about their day uninterrupted and their plans for the future Resources: Study Finds Consumers Prefer Term ‘Plant-Based’ Over ‘Meat-Free’ or ‘Vegan’ Connect with Nirva Patel: Nirva Patel on Facebook Nirva Patel on Instagram Nirva Patel on LinkedIn Email: nirvapatel@hotmail.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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Author Peter Alagona, PhD,  joins us on the podcast this week for an illuminating conversation about the wild creatures that coexist alongside humans as part of the fabric of city life, as well as the habitat the city itself creates for these animals. Since World War II, populations of wild animals have increased in urban areas largely due to, as Peter explains, the vast amount of resources cities provide, including food, water, and shelter. We also delve into some of the animal stories he covers in his book The Accidental Ecosystem, such as the shocking revelation that, once upon a time, squirrels actually had to be  reintroduced to urban areas! We discuss the wildlife found in and around our cities today—think mountain lions, bears, and gray squirrels—and Peter offers solutions to help humans peacefully live alongside urban wild creatures. *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 Alagona.* Peter Alagona is a professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He is the recipient of several awards, including a National Science Foundation CAREER grant, and is the author of more than three-dozen publications in the areas of environmental history, geography, philosophy, and policy—including After the Grizzly: Endangered Species and the Politics of Place in California, and, most recently, The Accidental Ecosystem: People and Wildlife in American Cities. Prior to arriving at UCSB, Peter received his Ph.D. at UCLA and completed fellowships at Harvard and Stanford Universities. “Coexistence is all about thinking differently about the habitats that we share.” – Peter Alagona Highlights for Episode 673: Peter’s thoughts on urban wildlife and how views have changed overtime  Why squirrels disappeared from cities for so long, why they came back, and why this particular story resonates with readers of his book The reason so many animals, including deer, wolves, and bears, were driven to such low population levels How urban planners didn’t plan for animals and how animals themselves decided cities were actually a good place to be How cities create environments that allow animals to reproduce at a greater rate  Ongoing research into why urban creatures experience a much greater risk of disease or death at a young age How humans can live in harmony with the animals they share their space with Why having mountain lions in a community makes people safer How animals in urban areas were once regarded as pests and whether Peter has seen a shift in this mindset  Solutions people can implement to cohabitate peacefully with animals Resources: Sen. Cory Booker has a plan to stop taxpayer bailouts of Big Meat Earth Now Has 8 Billion Humans. This Man Wishes There Were None. Jasmin’s Jargon Substack Connect with Peter Alagona: Peter Alagona’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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Artist and Our Hen House’s own beloved graphic designer Weronika Kolinska joins us this week for a conversation about the ways in which art can be a means to help bring people’s attention to what is happening to animals. Weronika, who specializes in t-shirt design, tells us why she believes wearable art is a particularly effective form of activism and how art can help ignite critical conversations about animals and the planet. We also discuss her decision to avoid cartoonish animal depictions in her work and how unrealistic animal illustrations can affect people’s real-life relationships with animals. Plus, she tells us about her own clothing line and the dangers of fast fashion. *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 Weronika Kolinska.* Weronika is a vegan artist from Poland, based in Amsterdam, who specializes in designing t-shirts with vegan motifs. For as long as she can remember,  she was fascinated with nature and animals. As a child, she spent days observing the lives of insects and other small creatures in her garden or watching David Attenborough’s documentaries. Nature still continues to inspire her deeply, and she expresses her admiration for the beauty and multitude of life forms through her art. She wants to share what she has learned and make people stop and think. She focuses on portraying animals as unique individuals deserving of our love and respect. “It’s so cool to wear a piece of art that everyone sees, and they can approach you about it . It’s often a conversation starter.” – Weronika Kolinska Highlights for Episode 672:  Weronika’s experience working with Our Hen House on brand management and logo design The illustrations Weronika creates for Menima, her clothing brand, and the message she is trying to send Why Weronika loves drawing sanctuary animals and experiencing their individuality Weronika’s work with Andy Tabar, founder of vegan apparel brand Compassion Co., and how they first connected Some of Weronika’s most popular designs Why Weronika believes that so many people avoid going vegan, even though they care about animals Why fast fashion is dangerous for people and animals Weronika’s tips for creatives who want to share their art with the world  Upcoming projects in the pipeline that Weronika is excited about Resources: Effective Altruism As It Relates to Animal Rights: An Open Ended Approach to Advocacy Episode 359: Uma Valeti of Memphis Meats, and Pamela Fergusson, Vegan RD Episode 548: Liz Marshall on her new film, Meat the Future The Good It Promises, the Harm It Does: Critical Essays on Effective Altruism Compassion Co Connect with Weronika Kolinska: WKolinskaArtworks on Etsy MENIMA Brand Website Weronika Kolinska 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Welcome to this special holiday presentation of Sanctuary: A Radio Play, an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This performance marked the world premiere of John Yunker’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation’s Compassion Arts Festival. We were thrilled to have been a part of this witty, engaging, and incisive production that portrays the different journeys we embark on when we begin to open our eyes to animal exploitation. Here at Our Hen House, we are longtime proponents of the arts, including theater, as a tool for animal advocacy; this funny, and moving, play serves as a lens into human behavior and motivation and encourages the audience to safely explore their feelings around why they choose to eat (or not to eat) animals. *We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of the play this year by offering the written script! Click here to read the script for Sanctuary: A Radio Play.* A dark comedy, Sanctuary tells the story of Richard (John Frusciante) and Lisa (Mariann Sullivan), a happily married couple whose blissful retirement to small-town Oregon is thrown into disarray when Lisa suddenly decides to go vegan and insists on celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey AND alongside her new friend and animal activist, Meg (Jasmin Singer). Husband Richard invites his unsuspecting buddy Charley (Michael Harren), who also happens to be the local exterminator, in the hopes of getting Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Sanctuary tells the story behind the struggles and joys of navigating vegan ethics around loved ones who don’t quite understand. (Sound effects are by Emmy winner Eric Milano.) “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests. But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” – John Yunker 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! We invite you to join our end-of-year matching campaign where your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000, between now and December 31! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a  nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! If you’re a regular listener and would like to connect with us more personally, we invite you to join our flock for $10/month or $100/year. So, if you enjoy our podcasts, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of indie media, please make a donation today. __________________________ 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. __________________________ 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

We are joined this week by Altamush Saeed for a conversation about the critical disaster relief work he’s spearheading in response to the devastating floods that occurred in Pakistan earlier this year. Altamush updates us on the current status of the floods and the effects this climate disaster has had on both the human and animal populations within the country. The co-founder and director of Charity Doings Foundation, Altamush also shares how he incorporates animals into the organization’s disaster relief work and why it’s crucial for animals to be included in relief work, not only in Pakistan, but around the world. He also tells us why Charity Doings Foundation was started, how they aim to empower distressed local communities, and more about some of their current projects. *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 Altamush Saeed.* Altamush Saeed is an in-person LLM in Animal Law Candidate at the Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis and Clark Law School, and a legislative advocacy Intern at Best Friends Animal Society, USA. He is a lawyer based in Pakistan and is a co-founder/director of Charity Doings Foundation, a non-profit that aims to save all life, be it human, animal, or the environment in Pakistan. He is also an Ambassador for Comprehensive Disaster Response Services, a non-profit that runs Pakistan’s 1st TNVR and biggest animal rescue services. “The animal welfare movement is also a human welfare problem.” – Altamush Saeed Highlights for Episode 671:  The current status of the floods in Pakistan and how the situation is affecting animals in the region Charity Doings Foundation and its goals and vision for the future  How caring for animals fits into the broader dynamic of the situation in Pakistan as a developing country The two central focuses of Altamush’s disaster care for animals  Why Altamush wanted to address both the issues of animalkind and humankind in one organization rather than separately  How animals should be incorporated into disaster relief going forward, not only in Pakistan but worldwide  Whether large-scale factory farming has found its way to Pakistan  How being vegan intersects with the work that Altamush does to protect animals and people living on smallholdings  Altamush’s experience studying at Lewis and Clark Law School and how that relates to his work on the ground in Pakistan Resources: The Problem with Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything Connect with Altamush Saeed: Charity Doings Foundation on LinkedIn Charity Doings Foundation on Facebook Charity Doings Foundation on Instagram Charity Doings Foundation 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Liz Ross has made it her mission to help people of Caribbean heritage embrace vegan living. She joins us on the podcast to discuss how Rethink Your Food, the nonprofit she founded, is helping her reach Caribbean people, in the islands and beyond, to promote the benefits of a plant-based food system. Liz discusses how she hopes to engage, not only the local population, but everyone in the diaspora with the Vegan Caribbean Kickstart initiative through ready-made meal plans and tips to help participants stay on track. Liz also explores why the Caribbean region is ready for a discussion about the impact of our food system, and touches on issues in the realm of food justice and celebrating her Caribbean plant-based food culture. *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 Liz Ross.* Liz Ross is a recipe developer and the Founder and Executive Director of Rethink Your Food, a nonprofit organization that focuses on diet-change initiatives, primarily among Caribbean people in the Caribbean region and the diaspora, via public events, campaigns, and menu-consulting services. Liz was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, where her family owns 300 acres of agricultural land within a rainforest in Tobago where they grow cacao, fruit, and other crops. She is a resident of the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago, and her background in sustainable food systems and plant-based culinary arts sets the foundation for her work at Rethink Your Food. Liz was the first food justice advocate to appear on a national Caribbean talk show on CNC3 TV to discuss the ethics of leaving animal products off one’s plate. “We have the responsibility, as the ancestors of future generations, to make the world a better place.”  — Liz Ross Highlights for Episode 670: How the global food system is impacting the lives of people in the Caribbean The Vegan Caribbean Kickstart program and how it enables people to make better food choices and help build a movement Some of the recipes that Liz developed for the kickstart program How Liz counters the argument that letting go of ancestral foods is letting go of culture Religious influences on Caribbean diets and how Liz accounts for that in Rethink Your Food’s messaging The connection between Rastafarian Ital and vegan diets Why people are open to Liz’s strong environmental and animal rights messages and how she delivers them for maximum effect without alienating various groups How the Better Menu Initiative improves people’s diets by teaching them how to incorporate healthy plant-based menu items The Caribbean Veg Summit and how Liz anticipates the conference will allow people in the food and catering sector to network and share ideas How people can support Liz and Rethink Your Food’s efforts Liz’s experience at the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Why animal rights activists who bring world hunger into their messaging without fully understanding the issues are damaging the cause Resources: Looking for Vegan Food? HappyCow Says These 10 Cities are the Best The Meat Industry Is Still Destroying the Amazon for Soy, Study Finds The Vegan Butchers Episode 355: Kale and Aubry Walch of The Herbivorous Butcher, and Activist Kelly Lehman Grass Fed and Vegan w/ Rob Nipe and Nora Rubel Connect with Liz Ross: Rethink Your Food Website Rethink Your Food on Instagram Rethink Your Food on Facebook Lisa Ross 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Karthik Sekar, PhD wants to see the world move beyond an unsustainable, inefficient animal-based food system. He joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about his recent book, After Meat, which details why animals are an outdated “production technology,” as the agricultural industry calls them. We discuss why plant- and microbial-based foods are far superior to their animal counterparts in terms of taste, nutrition, and affordability. Karthik, a data scientist focused on innovating the future of food, also explores the argument for why governments worldwide should invest in replacing animal agriculture with a viable alternative. Plus, he explains why he’s not necessarily choosing to champion cultivated meat. *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 Karthik Sekar.* Karthik Sekar has a doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. His research career has spanned many topics related to the future of food, such as bioreactors, quantitative biology, biochemical engineering, and metabolism. He currently works as a senior data scientist in the alternative food space in Berkeley, California, and has written a non-fiction science/technology book, After Meat, to explain why animals are awful technologically, and why humanity will move on and do better. “The better model is to understand that we’re actually going to be replacing animal-based foods with things that are just better in every single way that we care about.” – Karthik Sekar Highlights for Episode 669:  Why animals are fundamentally limited and outdated as a “production technology” and what that means in practical terms What the term fermented means when talking about meat alternatives  How products like Quorn are created and why they’re not always vegan Why it’s easier to innovate with biomass fermentation in terms of taste, nutrition, and efficiency What Karthik means when he says that he doesn’t just plan to replicate meat; he plans to improve and reinvent what we eat Why he feels that anti-GMO sentiments are standing in the way of transitioning out of animal agriculture Regulatory issues Karthik anticipates for biomass fermented foods What Karthik would do to change the way the alternative, animal-friendly food movement is working Connect with Karthik Sekar: After Meat Website Karthik Sekar on Twitter Karthik Sekar 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Lisa Dumas is on a mission to make the world a better place. This week she joins us on the podcast for a conversation about how she’s working toward expanding access to plant-based food options to those in need. Not only is she increasing accessibility for healthy alternatives, Lisa is also helping underserved communities access critical educational information on making informed choices when it comes to health and well being. Lisa—the founder of  Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc.—discusses why some communities may associate plant-based diets with cultural stigmas and whether she believes this will change in the near future. She also tells us why she was inspired to launch the non-profit, shares the group’s vision of community support, and discusses their ideas for future programs to achieve their goals. *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 Lisa Dumas.* Lisa Dumas began her career in marketing and communications for the diversity consulting firm The Winters Group. She is presently a freelance journalist and editor. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in journalism and is currently working on a Master’s in Communications at the Rochester Institute of Technology. In June of this year, Lisa created Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc., and she is the founder of the Facebook group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans, which has over 700 national and global members. Lisa also founded the local Facebook group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans in Rochester. “Diverse groups of people want to eat more healthily and they want to shift their diets, but there’s a certain stigma that can hold them back.” – Lisa Dumas Highlights for Episode 668:  Some of the barriers underserved communities face in accessing healthy plant-based foods Why there is a cultural stigma for some communities about making the switch to plant-based foods Examples of what cities can do to make it easier for people to eat healthily on a budget The program Lisa is starting in Rochester that she plans to take nationwide What dietary racism is, and how major supermarkets can do more to improve access to healthy vegan food options  The Food That Slaps program, how it works, and the plan to appeal to marginalized communities with events such as free grocery giveaways and health-related pop-up events  Lisa’s ongoing community projects, including the Food Pantry, the Restaurant Re-Education Program, and the Small Business Development Loan initiative Why Lisa is focusing on people’s immediate needs and hoping that environmental and animal rights messages evolve as a result of meeting their emergency needs How listeners can learn more about how Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity Inc. works and support their efforts Resources: Jasmin’s farewell to Birdie Celebrate National Cat Day by Supporting the Companion Animals Release from Experiments Act Aoibhneas Croí Register to Vote Connect with Lisa Dumas: Equal Value for All Website Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity on Facebook Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans Facebook Group Black, Brown, and Diverse Vegans in Rochester 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! We just kicked off our end-of-year matching campaign, meaning that between now and December 31, your donations will be TRIPLED, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000! That means with your donation—plus our Barnyard Benefactors and an added boost from an anonymous donor—we are hoping to raise $60k total. We can’t do it without you! The only way we’ll receive the matching funds is if we successfully reach our goal of raising $20k from our loyal supporters by the end of the year.  So, if you like Our Hen House, if you believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, if you find community and solace in our shows and resources, and if you believe in the change-making power of 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. 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.

Imagine a world where cows, chickens, pigs and humans not only coexist, but live and flourish amongst each other within the same communities. For vegan artist Hartmut Kiewert, this is the definition of utopia, and he joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about his truly unique artwork. Hartmut’s Animal Utopia series, which depicts animals and humans thriving alongside one another in urban spaces, is the artist’s vision for the next step toward an ideal, vegan world.  In the midst of a worsening climate crisis and horrific animal agriculture industry, Hartmut tells us why he believes it’s crucial to show people what life on Earth could be and why he’s committed to doing so through his work. Hartmut also discusses why so many artists struggle with authentically depicting and exploring animal rights issues and why he feels the next generation will help shape the conversation on human/animal relations. *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 Hartmut Kiewert.* German-born Hartmut Kiewert studied painting and graphic arts at the Burg Giebichenstein Academy of Art in Halle (Saale) from 2003 to 2010, graduating in 2010 “with distinction.” From 2007 to 2009, he was a German National Academic Foundation scholarship holder. Since 2008, Kiewert has been dealing with the social human-animal relationship. His paintings open up counter-images to today’s human-animal relationship, which is characterized by exploitation and repression. Perspectives of an equal coexistence of humans and other animals are anticipated. In addition to many solo exhibitions, Kiewert’s works have been shown in exhibitions such as ANIMAL TRANSITION (Städtische Galerie Ehingen), FoodFuturesART (Kunsthalle Faust, Hannover), ArtGenossen – Das Tier und wir (Städtische Galerie Fähre, Bad Saulgau), ANIMAL LOVERS (ngbk, Berlin), “we, animals” (Meinblau, Berlin), and “HABITAT – Wem gehört der Raum?” (Galerie KUB, Leipzig). Hartmut Kiewert lives and works in Leipzig, Germany. “I hope to be a part of the bigger movement or bigger influences on people to change the way they act or the way they see other animals.” – Hartmut Kiewert Highlights for Episode 667:  Why Hartmut hopes his art will inspire people to question their perceptions of how humans treat animals  How art can help push animal rights forward Why it is so vital to remind humans of what living in harmony with animals can look like What the dangers of depicting utopia are, and why Hartmut decided to create his series anyway Reactions Hartmut has had to his paintings Why it is so essential to put pressure on politicians and on companies that profit from animal exploitation In what ways Hartmut feels that attitudes toward animals are shifting in Germany Resources: Vegan Media Market: grow your vegan business with vegan freelancers Animal Law Podcast Just Stop Oil protesters throw soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers Harrods and Fortnum & Mason Disrupted- Again!: High-End Department Stores And Supermarkets Targeted Kelowna-based “Excelsior 4” animal activists receive 30-day jail sentences Register to Vote Connect with Hartmut Kiewert: Hartmut Kiewert’s Website Hartmut Kiewert on Instagram Hartmut Kiewert on Facebook Hartmut Kiewert on Twitter Hartmut Kiewert on Mastodon Roots of Compassion 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. 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.

The World Federation for Animals (WFA) is a new membership organization that seeks to harness the collective strength of the animal protection movement to advocate for the inclusion of animals in global policy making. This week, CEO Dr. James Yeates and Policy Director Jessica Bridgers join us on the podcast for a conversation about how the organization is spearheading this global movement. While WFA was created by and for animal protection groups working at the regional, national, and global levels, they emphasize the importance of working at the international level to ensure countries everywhere take animals into consideration when drafting policy. Dr. Yeates and Jessica also outline WFA’s Animals’ Manifesto and how it’s helping member organizations elevate their work to the national level.  *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 Jessica Bridgers & James Yeates.* Jessica Bridgers is Policy Director at the World Federation for Animals. Previously she was Executive Director at World Animal Net. Her focus is on increasing consideration of animals in international policy. She achieves this by creating and supporting platforms for animal protection organizations to collaborate to influence policy. She holds an M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University and a B.S. in Biology with minors in Anthropology and Chemistry. Dr. James Yeates is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation for Animals (WFA). James has over a decade of experience in advocacy for animal welfare. He was previously the CEO of NGO Cats Protection and the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer. As well as his CEO role at WFA, James is a member of both the Scottish Government Animal Welfare Commission and DEFRA Animal Welfare Committee, advising Scottish and English politicians on companion animal welfare. He is the author of four books and other publications, has veterinary and ethics degrees, a Ph.D. and MBA, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. “We have a real opportunity now for policymakers to finally recognize animals.” – Dr. James Yeates “We wanted to create a big tent so everyone who cared about animals in the world could work together towards a common vision and a better life for animals everywhere.” – Jessica Bridgers Highlights for Episode 666:  How the WFA found common ground amongst animal protection organizations worldwide  The organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, that WFA is appealing to in order to create international policy Why WFA takes the position that farm animals and wildlife policies are most likely to gain traction at a global level What the Animals’ Manifesto is and how it combines the main ideas and desires of the animal protection movement in response to COVID-19 Who are the she signatories of the Manifesto? How the Manifesto provides guidance in the international policy space How to combat the many types of animal exploitation that can lead to human disease The Nexus Resolution, what it hopes to achieve, and how it differs from the Animals’ Manifesto How the climate crisis will affect global policy decisions on animal welfare Resources: Mercy For Animals’ undercover investigation Our Hen House’s “Hail Seitan” T-shirt giveaway on Instagram Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Connect with World Federation for Animals: World Federation for Animals Website World Federation for Animals on Facebook World Federation for Animals on Twitter World Federation for Animals 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Miyoko’s Creamery. From their humble beginnings with 4 employees in Miyoko’s home kitchen, to a 30,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art facility in Sonoma, Miyoko’s Creamery is leading the way in transforming the future of the creamery. Miyoko’s Creamery is changing perceptions of vegan food, to inspire people from all walks of life to enjoy a phenomenally vegan lifestyle and right now our listeners can get 15% off by visiting their website and checking out with code HENHOUSE15. __________________________ 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.