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

Zoe and Sherstin Rosenberg are an unstoppable mother-daughter activist duo, and we’re thrilled they’re joining us on the podcast this week. You may remember Zoe as the brave activist who chained herself to the goalpost during a Memphis Grizzlies NBA game earlier this year in protest of the cruel use of ventilation shutdown on the team owner’s factory egg farm. Zoe joins us to discuss her headline-making demonstration and how she came to establish the Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary at just 11 years old. Sherstin, Happy Hen’s Executive Director and around-the-clock veterinarian, also fills us in on why the animal sanctuary is one of the few sanctuaries in the country that is able to welcome animals in need of urgent procedures and long-term rehabilitation. Plus, the mother-daughter duo shares how they’re highlighting animal cruelty and calling for urgent policy change through their various advocacy activities. *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 Zoe & Sherstin Rosenberg.* Zoe Rosenberg is the founder of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a sprawling farm animal rescue on the Central Coast of California that has saved over 1,000 lives. Additionally, she is an organizer and the social media coordinator for the grassroots animal rights network, Direct Action Everywhere. In recent years, Zoe has been awarded the Youth Activist of the Year Award from the National Animal Rights Conference and the Paul McCartney Veg Advocate Award. She has also delivered a popular TEDx talk about her ongoing activism. Zoe is currently a student at UC Berkeley, where she is leading a campaign calling on the school’s dining halls to stop buying from factory farms and to transition to a more sustainable and humane plant-based food system. Dr. Sherstin Rosenberg is the Executive Director of Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary, a licensed veterinarian for 24 years, and has been an expert witness in a number of legislative, civil, and criminal cases involving animal welfare. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California at Davis, and has served on the board of directors of several animal advocacy organizations, including Humane Society Silicon Valley.  As Executive Director at Happy Hen since 2014, Dr. Rosenberg has overseen the care of more than a thousand abused and abandoned farmed animals rescued from the animal agriculture industry. “Regardless of what anyone thinks about tactics, the most important thing, in my opinion, is that you’re doing something to help animals.” — Zoe Rosenberg “I view my commitment to animals as more like a human physician’s commitment to their patients.” — Dr. Sherstin Rosenberg Highlights for Episode 665:  Zoe’s demonstration at the Timberwolves game, why she chose to target the game, and the events that transpired after her arrest  What happened when police tried to remove Zoe’s essential medical device, the distress it caused, and how it made Sherstin feel as a parent Zoe’s desire to start a hen sanctuary, Sherstin’s reaction, and what made her understand how important it was to Zoe Sherstin’s experience as a sanctuary veterinarian and how her skill set enables the Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary to care for animals with complex needs, such as Hope the hen and the late Edna the pig Some of Zoe’s most meaningful moments fighting for animals, including participating in the first broad daylight open rescue in US history in San Francisco and carrying Lero the chicken to freedom What happened the first time Zoe got arrested and how that experience developed into a TEDx Talk Zoe and Sherstin’s roles with Direct Action Everywhere as the organization’s social media coordinator and expert veterinarian witness, respectively  How Sherstin accounts for the fact that there are so few veterinarians who embrace animal rights How Sherstin’s activism manifested when she was in vet school  What Zoe has done to impact the food served at UC Berkeley Zoe’s attitude toward people who say she’s too flamboyant in her activism What’s next for Zoe and Sherstin Resources: Zoe’s TEDx Talk US Supreme Court to hear case on California’s ban on extreme confinement crates Journalists Are Making The Same Mistake With Dietary Change They Made With Climate Change: Study Jasmin Singer, the Podcaster Who Interviewed More than 1000 Vegans Faunalytics Connect with Zoe and Sherstin: Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary on Facebook Happy Hen Animal Sanctuary on Instagram Zoe on Facebook Zoe 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Faunalytics. Faunalytics’ mission is to empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering. Animals need you, and you need data. We conduct essential research, maintain an online research library, and directly support advocates and organizations in their work to save lives. The range of data we offer helps our movement understand how people think about and respond to advocacy, providing advocates with the best strategies to inspire change for animals. __________________________ 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.

Award-winning journalist Marina Bolotnikova is writing the story to change the way mainstream media covers farmed animals. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the podcast this week for a conversation about her eye-opening work to alert people to the horrifying reality of animal agriculture. Marina discusses her thoughts on objectivity and integrity within journalism and why she chooses to free-lance with a focus on the animal ethics beat, despite the occasional struggle with the differing viewpoints of commissioning editors and mainstream publications. She dives into how investigative journalism can play a large part in uncovering essential animal rights issues that are in danger of being swept under the rug. We also highlight some of the stories she has recently covered, including the use of ventilation shutdown as the primary method used to mass murder chickens during the current avian flu outbreak, as well as to exterminate pigs en masse at the height of the COVID pandemic.  *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 Marina Bolotnikova.* Marina Bolotnikova is a journalist focusing on factory farming, animal ethics, and the criminalization of activism targeting the meat industry. She’s written for publications including The Guardian, The Intercept, Vox, The New York Times, and many others. She’s covered many different subjects over the years, and her work has been taught in university curricula.  Earlier this year, she was awarded an animal law media fellowship at Vermont Law School, where she got to think deeply about the legal implications of undercover investigations and present her work on how ventilation shutdown, a gruesome method used to mass exterminate animals via heatstroke, became meat industry standard. She’s obsessed with Bollywood films and long-distance running.  “The vast majority of reporting on animal agriculture takes for granted that farmed animals are food, and it’s uncomfortable thinking about what it means for sentient creatures to live in this system.” – Marina Bolotnikova Highlights for Episode 664:  How Marina successfully pitches stories she believes in as a freelance reporter with a very specific beat Key stories in animal agriculture and animal exploitation right now The spread of avian flu and the normalization of ventilation shutdown to deal with it, including through the cooperation of the American Veterinary Medical Association The importance of quality investigative journalism in bringing attention to animal cruelty issues How Marina came to be involved in the first major story about ventilation shutdown in the meat industry and the impact it had Why Marina feels that things in the animal rights world are shifting in a more positive direction Why Direct Action Everywhere has attracted the attention of national security agencies and why the prosecutions against its members have garnered such widespread interest What makes animal rights stories gain mainstream traction Resources: Federación Protectora de Animales Paypal: FEPA@fepapr.org & Banking Info: Routing – 021502011 Account # – 246-32-3839 Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Animal & Vegan Advocacy Summit Connect with Marina Bolotnikova: Marina Bolotnikova’s Website Marina Bolotnikova 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. 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.

Torre Washington has caused quite a stir in the world of professional bodybuilding with his plant-powered, all natural approach to the sport. This week, he joins the podcast to discuss his personal  journey to veganism through Rastafari and the Ital diet, as well as how and why he got into the art of bodybuilding. Torre shares his reasons for following a plant-based diet, including how his upbringing in the US and Jamaica have influenced his eating habits. The bodybuilder walks us through the dietary staples that help ensure he’s consuming the right amount of protein to build muscle and compete as a professional. We also cover Torre’s coaching programs, which are not only for aspiring bodybuilders, and why maintaining integrity is intrinsic to how he lives his life. *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 Torre Washington.* Torre Washington is a NASM-certified coach and IFBB Pro. Raised vegetarian and vegan since 1998, Torre built his physique entirely on a plant-based regimen without the aid of supplements since 2009. Torre’s training style focuses on physical symmetry and aesthetics “he disassembles your physique and reassembles it back the way you want it to be” and has therefore become one of the most sought-after coaches of celebrities and bodybuilders globally. Torre also advocates for veganism to his global fan base and brings to light the plight of animals and the need to heal mother earth through living a more plant-based vegan lifestyle. “Rasta has always been about love and Ital. You love the animals just as much as you love each other so you don’t want to consume them to get what you need.” – Torre Washington Highlights for Episode 662:  Torre’s experience moving from the US to Jamaica as a child Why the plant-based, Rastafarian Ital diet attracted Torre The significance of the Ital way of eating in the Rastafarian religion Other people’s opinions on Torre’s vegan diet when he started his body-building journey Staple protein elements of Torre’s diet, including tofu, seitan, and tempeh How Torre increased his protein levels without eating meat Why Torre’s coach doesn’t have any misgivings about his vegan diet  Why Torre has put together a coaching program for vegans and aspiring vegans who want to eat healthily and a separate program for aspiring bodybuilders  Why people often perceive bodybuilding as narcissistic The ethical side of bodybuilding and why being true to himself is so essential to Torre How Torre’s strong spiritual background helped him with the discipline it takes to compete as a bodybuilder  Resources: Animal & Vegan Advocacy Summit Connect with Torre Washington: Torre Washington’s website Torre Washington on Instagram Torre Washington on Facebook Torre Washington on Twitter Torre Washington on YouTube 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.

Amy Luebbert is the definition of a community powerhouse, and this week she joins us for a conversation about Des Moines, Iowa’s growing vegan scene and the importance of approaching activism through an antiracist lens. Amy, a founding member and the President of VegLife Des Moines, tells us about the nonprofit’s commitment to fostering community and connecting vegans—and the vegan-curious—to resources. She gives us an inside look into coordinating VegLife’s summer market series and how the organization screens vendors to ensure their work aligns with VegLife’s inclusive, anti-racist approach, as well as their sweet Halloween event designed to get vegan kids in on the fun! We also discuss how activists can continue the important antiracist work pioneered by the erstwhile organization, Encompass.  Last, but certainly not least, Amy tells us how she’s making her dream of opening a liberated vegan sex shop a reality. *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 Amy Luebbert.* Amy Luebbert (she/her) is a queer, vegan, antiracist activist in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2017, Amy founded VegLife Des Moines, a nonprofit with a mission to connect and grow the local community around veganism and anti-oppression. She is currently working towards opening a liberated sex shop because all bodies deserve pleasure, acceptance, comfort, and joy. In her downtime, you can find Amy snuggling cats, dancing, or cooking! “All of us have a role to play in breaking down systems of oppression.” – Amy Luebbert Highlights for Episode 662:  Why Amy believes the general population is ignoring animal rights Why it’s so important to create safe spaces for people of color within the animal rights community How Amy envisions the animal rights movement continuing to chip away at white supremacy through training, education, and  relationship building Why VegLife Des Moines is all about connecting folks and creating a community interested in veganism and anti-oppression work How VegLife organizes events such as vegan Halloween  Why Amy carefully vets and sometimes rejects vendors who don’t align with VegLife Des Moines’ values  Amy’s vision of a post-animal agriculture Iowa How Amy cares for her own mental health while working in the animal advocacy space How to create vegan spaces wherever you live Why Amy is so excited to start a vegan sex shop and whom she’s hoping to cater to Amy shares her view of the  environmental impact of climate change in Iowa   Resources: McDonald’s Ireland ‘Delighted’ With McPlant Demand, So Why Are US Sales Dwindling? Encompass Movement Resources Apex Advocacy Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Connect with Amy Luebbert: VegLife Des Moines Website  VegLife Des Moines on Facebook VegLife Des Moines on Instagram amy@veglifedesmoines.org 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.

Summers in the United States are often synonymous with state and county fairs. Advertised as idyllic family fun, these fairs are replete with animal exploitation and the horrors of animal cruelty. Rachel McCrystal and Hervé Breuil of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary join the podcast this week to talk about what really happens to animals at such events. They outline the cruel realities of these fairs’ live birth demonstrations, petting zoos and the dangers of overfeeding, and how state and county fairs perpetuate the myth of the small family farm. Luckily the Fair Coalition, a group of farmed animal sanctuaries and activist organizations, are working together to increase awareness about the realities of state and county fairs. *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 Rachel McCrystal & Hervé Breuil.* Rachel McCrystal has been working in animal rights and sheltering since 2005. Prior to that, she worked as a journalist. Rachel has been the Executive Director at Woodstock Sanctuary since 2017 and has been at the organization since 2014. She has worked on national advocacy and fundraising campaigns at large and small nonprofits. She writes and speaks on animal rights, radical ecology, and farmed animal activism. Rachel is also a nonprofit consultant—focusing on strategic planning and equity-focused leadership. Hervé Breuil has been fighting for animal rights both in France and the United States since 2007. He previously conducted undercover investigations and was the Campaign Manager for the French animal rights organization L214, where he now is a board member. Since 2012 he has worked at Woodstock Sanctuary doing animal care, humane education, and outreach. He has been the Shelter Director since 2018 and is a national leader in animal care, shelter leadership, and advocacy for farmed animals. “State farms are a propaganda machine for farming. They perpetuate the myth of the small farm, and that isn’t reality.” – Rachel McCrystal “4H and FFA programs teach children that compassion for animals is not something you should have and that you should see them as commodities.” – Hervé Breuil Highlights for Episode 661:  How state and county fairs display and exploit animals, such as scheduling live birth demonstrations The exploitation of both farmed animals and exotic animals Why fairs hide the slaughter trucks that take away and kill animals when the entertainment is over How state fairs connect with 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs that aim to attract high schoolers into animal agriculture Why fairs encourage overfeeding of animals in mobile petting zoos by encouraging people to buy food to interact with them and the health dangers involved Why state fairs serve are animal agriculture propaganda  How fairs give us a rare glimpse inside the world of large-scale animal agriculture How the Fair Coalition came about and some of the members and supporters The special role that sanctuaries can play in animal activism Resources: Milked Jasmin on Sentient Media Podcast A tribute to the life and genius of Sherry Colb Sherry Colb’s columns on Verdict Sherry Colb’s columns on Dorf on Law Faunalytics Connect with Rachel McCrystal and Hervé Breuil: Fair Coalition | Woodstock Farm Sanctuary Website Woodstock Farm Sanctuary on Instagram Woodstock Farm Sanctuary on Facebook Woodstock Farm Sanctuary on Twitter Woodstock Farm Sanctuary 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Faunalytics. Faunalytics’ mission is to empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering. Animals need you, and you need data. We conduct essential research, maintain an online research library, and directly support advocates and organizations in their work to save lives. The range of data we offer helps our movement understand how people think about and respond to advocacy, providing advocates with the best strategies to inspire change for animals. __________________________ 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 very special extra episode is a compilation of interviews we have conducted over the years with our dear friend and passionate animal advocate Sherry Colb, who, as you may know, died last month. These interviews range from our first encounter with Sherry, when she came on to talk about her book, Mind if I Order the Cheeseburger? And Other Questions People Ask Vegans, to an interview, along with Michael Dorf,  about their book Beating Hearts: Abortion and Animal Rights, to a discussion on the Animal Law Podcast about her choice to teach a law school class in Animal Rights rather than Animal Law, and a few shorter appearances to enlighten us on specific issues. They are all characterized by her incisive thinking, her clarity of thought, her sometimes biting sense of humor and, fundamentally, her unrelenting advocacy for animals. Sherry Colb was the C.S. Wong Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. She had been valedictorian of her high school class and then valedictorian of her class at Columbia College. After Harvard Law School, she clerked with Second Circuit Judge Wilfred Feinberg and then Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun. She was frequently quoted in The New York Times and elsewhere, and was a prolific writer, including in her regular columns on Verdict and Dorf On Law. Beyond her amazing genius, she was also a truly wonderful person and will be dearly missed. 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.

Tamara Human is the definition of a fearless, compassionate leader and activist, and this week she joins the podcast from Kyiv, Ukraine. Tamara is the force behind Every Animal, a Ukraine-based NGO founded in 2019 committed to mobilizing the vegan movement among Ukrainians. In our conversation, the founder shares how Every Animal is supporting vegan soldiers on the frontlines of the ongoing war. Tamara also tells us about Every Animal’s food giveaways through the NGO’s Vegan Kitchen Ukraine program, and how they go about feeding soldiers, volunteers, and those displaced by the war. Plus, she outlines the difficulties the country’s  animal shelters are currently facing and how Every Animal is supporting their efforts to get animals to safety. *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 Tamara Human.* Tamara Human is the founder of the Ukrainian organization Every Animal, a vegan NGO committed to promoting veganism and the animal rights movement. Every Animal was founded in 2019 and, in addition to responding to the current emergency, is known for its vegan educational outreach, street actions, and for encouraging vegans to become involved in activism and in rescuing animals in need. “We’re not only helping people who need it, we’re also spreading the vegan message.” – Tamara Human Highlights for Episode 660:  How Every Animal helps Ukrainian soldiers obtain vegan food Every Animal’s food giveaways and how they make vegan dishes to share with soldiers and civilians displaced by war Why the NGO has to be flexible with the recipes they offer due to food shortages Reactions to veganism during these desperate times and why Tamara feels that Ukrainians are more receptive than ever to understanding animals’ needs How Every Animal gets the word out about their Vegan Express online course How Tamara likes to approach messaging around animal cruelty and animal agriculture Why Tamara believes there is a difference between being vegan and following a plant-based diet How the Every Animal street action program worked to normalize veganism in Ukraine before the war Why Every Animal created the first children’s book about animal rights in Ukrainian How listeners can support Tamara’s work   Resources: Sherry Colb – remembrance by Michael Dorf Sherry Colb – Verdict Mind If I Order The Cheeseburger Beating Hearts: Abortion and Animal Rights Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Ethos Farm Project Farm Days Event Connect with Tamara Human: Every Animal Website Tamara Human on Instagram Every Animal on Instagram Every Animal on YouTube 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.

The brilliant karol orzechowski joins the podcast this week, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! karol currently serves as the Content Director for Faunalytics, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower animal advocates with access to thorough, reliable data. While Faunalytics is best known for using research and statistics to strengthen pro-animal, anti-suffering activism, the organization is now also producing visual resources. karol shares why Faunalytics decided to incorporate visuals and how they hope access to this new resource will help animal activists. We discuss recent factsheets Faunalytics has created, including one detailing the pros and cons of cultured meat and another about the greyhound racing industry. karol also outlines what’s next for the Faunalytics visual program and how they plan to move forward and share their data as widely as possible. *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 karol orzechowski.* karol orzechowski is an animal advocate with a passion for blending activism and art. In addition to producing numerous short films on various animal issues, karol is the director of Maximum Tolerated Dose, a full-length documentary about the psychological toll of vivisection on both animals and humans. When he’s not working for Faunalytics, karol is usually planning, hosting, or performing events in his local arts scene. “Our mission is to empower animal advocates with reliable data.” – karol orzechowski Highlights for Episode 659:  Why Faunalytics decided to begin producing visual resources How the visual program is organized and information contained within its three key categories: Fundamentals, Infographics, and Explainer Videos  The  five Fundamental themes: Farmed Animals, Research Animals, Companion Animals, Wildlife, and Animals & Social Justice Why Faunalytics chose to create Fundamentals  The importance of finding reliable data for the Animal & Social Justice Fundamental The individuals on the Faunalytics research team and how their academic backgrounds support their work in animal activism  Why the Fundamentals are some of Faunalytics’ most popular resources  Who the visual resources are designed for, and how karol hopes they will be used to further the animal rights cause  How to access all of Faunalytics incredible visual content and support their efforts Resources: Eat Plants, Save the Planet registration European Vegan Summit Animal Liberation, a public art exhibit Belse Plant Cuisine A Peek at Big Beef’s Playbook Connect with karol orzechowski: Faunalytics Website Faunalytics on Facebook Faunalytics on Twitter Faunalytics on Instagram Faunalytics on YouTube  Faunalytics on LinkedIn Office Hours for Pro Bono Research Support: faunalytics.org/ask-us 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.

We’re honored to welcome Andrew Rowan, DPhil, to the podcast this week for a critical conversation about companion dogs and poverty. Dr. Rowan has a long tenure in the animal protection movement and is currently the President of WellBeing International, an NGO dedicated to achieving optimal wellbeing for animals, people, and the environment. He joins us today for a discussion about a recent book that he co-authored with Arnold Arluke, Underdogs: Pets, People, and Poverty. Based on a study that involves two communities, one in the United States and one in Central America, Underdogs examines the role that income inequality plays in how people relate to their companion animals across countries and cultures. Dr. Rowan discusses the realities of accessing veterinary care and outlines the barriers members of low-income communities often face when seeking medical care for their companion animals. Plus, Dr. Rowan shares how different organizations in the US and abroad are working to improve the lives of animals living in poverty.  *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 Andrew Rowan.* Andrew Rowan founded the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy and started the first graduate degree in the world on animals and public policy in 1995. He is the founding editor of Anthrozoos and author and editor of numerous books on human-animal issues, including the four-volume State of the Animals series. He is president of WellBeing International, a new NGO seeking solutions for people, animals, and the environment. “Poverty affects not just people, but the animals they share their homes with.” – Andrew Rowan Highlights for Episode 658:  Key contrasts between the lives of animals when they live with wealthy guardians vs. guardians living in poverty Underdogs’ focus on two specific locations, one in the US and the other in Costa Rica, and fundamental aspects of poverty such as limited access to affordable, basic vet care Why pets in low-income communities are less likely to be sterilized How the shelters El Refugio in Costa Rica and the Humane Society of Charlotte, NC are funded to support low-income guardians How shelters have changed the way Costa Ricans deal with their companion animals in interesting and helpful ways Some of the barriers, in addition to finances, that keep people from going to an animal shelter The importance of modeling gold standard care for companion animals  Why one of the goals of the animal protection movement should include protection from eviction and how that would help animals  Why being secure in one’s ability to care for an animal properly can help people value animals more Wellbeing International, why Andrew and his wife founded it, and why it is essential to see people, animals, and the environment as intertwined systems Ways that Wellbeing International is seeking solutions for people, animals, and the environment   Resources: Register for Eat Plants, Save the Planet Stop horsing around: Advocates demand end to carriage industry after Midtown horse collapses Swiss factory farming ban to be decided at the ballot box Miyoko’s Creamery is offering our listeners 15% off! Connect with Andrew Rowan: WellBeing International Website Underdogs: Pets, People, and Poverty by Arnold Arluke and Andrew Rowan Animal Voices Book Series 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.

Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is an unstoppable force, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the podcast this week to discuss his new nonprofit, APEX Advocacy. The organization is committed to increasing the number of activists from the global majority. Christopher describes the three central missions driving APEX Advocacy: the Black Vegan Everything website highlighting Black-owned businesses, the Global Majority Caucus committed to building greater equity in the animal protection movement, and the No Backyard Slaughter campaign fighting the presence of slaughterhouses in low-income BIPOC communities. Christopher also shares why people of color often feel an atmosphere of white-centricity in the animal rights movement and therefore don’t feel welcome. *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 Christopher Eubanks.* Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is a social justice advocate, creative, and public speaker raised in Atlanta, GA who has dedicated himself to advocacy work that combats all forms of injustice. After learning the horrors of animal exploitation, Christopher became vegan, began doing community organizing, and has helped co-organize Atlanta’s first-ever animal rights march. Christopher is the founder of APEX Advocacy, a non-profit animal rights organization that uses digital content and grassroots activism to help communities of color defend themselves against animal industries and fight for collective liberation. “There are a variety of oppressions that impact not only the animals, but those of us that are fighting for the animals, and we can’t ignore those systems of oppression.” – Soul Eubanks Highlights for Episode 657:  Where the name APEX Advocacy came from, and how the acronym highlights their central purpose How Soul and APEX Advocacy are collaborating with the local community in Lithonia, GA to create a pressure campaign that will force the county to take action against an illegal slaughterhouse The enormous social impact of unregulated slaughterhouses on low-income, mainly BIPOC, communities Soul discusses how APEX will continue the Global Majority Caucus for animal advocates first established by Encompass  How Pitch Day works as an opportunity for advocates of color to present their ideas for new initiatives on animal advocacy and present them to donors and funders Many of the campaigners for APEX are not vegan, and Soul shares why it’s critical for him to ensure that the community feels invited and make people understand that they can fight for the same goals despite that How Soul sees leadership in animal advocacy coming from countries of the global south and some of the connections he has made with activists in other countries Some of the most important trends in black veganism, including the importance to Soul of developing the Black Vegan Everything website to showcase that the true essence and the ethics of veganism are widespread throughout Black communities Why Soul is cautiously optimistic about the possibility of achieving the enormous social change we need to change the lives and futures of animals Resources: Actor Joaquin Phoenix weighs in on Asha Sanctuary cattle controversy How Cracker Barrel’s Impossible sausage drama sheds light on bigger food system issues Cracker Barrel faces blowback after adding Impossible sausage to menu The Smell of Money Vegan Africa Fund Faunalytics Connect with Soul Eubanks: APEX Advocacy Website Black Vegan Everything Website Soul Eubanks on Twitter Soul Eubanks on Instagram Soul Eubanks 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. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Faunalytics. Faunalytics’ mission is to empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering. Animals need you, and you need data. We conduct essential research, maintain an online research library, and directly support advocates and organizations in their work to save lives. The range of data we offer helps our movement understand how people think about and respond to advocacy, providing advocates with the best strategies to inspire change for animals. __________________________ 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.