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

There are few issues more contentious amongst vegans than what to feed companion animals. So, this week, we are going there! Veterinarian, researcher, and animal welfare specialist Andrew Knight knows more about this topic than pretty much anyone, and we are thrilled that he is joining us for a discussion about his recent peer-reviewed study exploring the health impacts of vegan and meat-based diets and how he’s helping companion animals lead their best lives on plant-based food. Andrew not only counters some of the stigmas attached to plant-based diets for companion animals but explains the potential benefits, including fewer gastrointestinal problems and healthier skin. He also offers listeners his advice on transitioning animals from a meat-based diet to a vegan diet and tips on finding nutritionally balanced vegan food for companion animals. Please note: Since we recorded this episode, there have been dramatic developments in the ongoing story we discussed regarding the dispute over two rescued cattle involving Asha’s Farm Sanctuary in Newfane, New York, including the arrest for grand larceny of the sanctuary’s founder, Tracy Murphy. *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 Andrew Knight.* Andrew Knight is a European, American, New Zealand, and RCVS-recognized Veterinary Specialist in animal welfare. He worked in UK small animal practice for nearly a decade before teaching for two years at Ross Uni School of Veterinary Medicine in the Caribbean. In 2015, he established the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester, where he is a Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics. He leads a distance learning MSc in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law. He has numerous academic and popular publications and a series of YouTube videos on animal welfare issues. Andrew has delivered around 200 external presentations on such issues; these include an extensive series examining scientific and educational animal use and alternatives, which formed the basis for his Ph.D. and subsequent book, The Costs and Benefits of Animal Experiments. His recent research focuses on the contributions of the livestock sector to climate change and on plant-based diets for companion animals. “It is impossible for us to address the changes that are needed within our societies without addressing the food system, and that also includes the food system for companion animals.” – Andrew Knight Highlights for Episode 656: The outcome of Andrew’s survey over 4,000 cat and dog guardians, which asked questions about the health and behavioral outcomes of animals on different diets The link between nutritionally sound vegan diets for companion animals and slowing climate change Why there is so little research on the impact of companion animal diets on human-generated greenhouse gasses How to ensure you are feeding your dog or cat good quality food The hazards of commercial meat-based foods for companion animals, including pesticides, allergens, and antibiotic residues Why so many people are offended by the idea of feeding animals a vegan diet, and why people focus on the concept of what is “natural” when it comes to feeding their companion animals What surveys have found about the health of vegan cats Why there’s no reason to imagine that animals wouldn’t thrive so long as you are feeding them sufficiently bioavailable, digestible food Why there is currently such phenomenal demand for vegan companion animal food How veterinary students can maximize their chances of success when asking for humane teaching methods   Resources: Help Stop Cruel Cub Petting and the Big Cat Pet Trade Asha’s Farm Sanctuary Actor Joaquin Phoenix weighs in on Asha Sanctuary cattle controversy Animal sanctuary owner faces felony after refusing to return stray cows from beef farm Rescuing or rustling at ASHA animal sanctuary? Beefing in NY! Animal sanctuary won’t return 2 stray cows to farm Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health Miyoko’s Creamery Connect with Andrew Knight: Sustainable Pet Food Website Andrew Knight’s Website Andrew Knight on Facebook Plant based companion animal diets – 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.

Documentary filmmaker Gloria Pancrazi and Michael Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s join us this week for a conversation about the recent film, Coextinction. We discuss the stars of the film: the Southern Resident Orcas of the Pacific Northwest who are currently facing extinction and the salmon, whose brutal exploitation is contributing to the to the starvation of the orca and other wildlife.  As this film, and its title, make clear, the disappearance of the orca isn’t an isolated issue; it’s one facet of a complex, crumbling interconnected system linking ecosystem collapse, injustice against Indigenous peoples, and the most urgent environmental threats of our time. Plus, Michael explains why Dr. Bronner’s felt that Coextinction was such an important film to fund and describes his role in the project and in the wider world of animal activism. The pair also discuss why it is so important to emphasize the critical role that Indigenous people play in teaching the rest of us how to live in harmony with the Earth. *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 Michael Bronner & Gloria Pancrazi.* Gloria Pancrazi is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and impact campaigner. Her work focuses on telling heartfelt stories of healing and resilience for environmental and social justice. Her first love are the orcas, a guiding light that led her to the Pacific Northwest to help protect them. Her first feature film, Coextinction, was screened at Vancouver International Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and more. Gloria has spent 500+ hours monitoring the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas, Northern Resident orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life with organizations like OrcaLab and Cetus Research & Conservation Society. ​She has spearheaded impact campaigns like the March 4 The Dams, a 320km walk from Portland to the Snake River Dams, to bring global attention to the controversial dams pushing orcas and salmon to extinction, violating Tribal Treaty rights, and contributing to the climate crisis. Michael Bronner is President of Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling natural brand of soaps in North America and producer of other organic body care and food products. He is a grandson of the company founder, Emanuel Bronner, and a fifth-generation soapmaker. A philanthropist, activist, and active community leader, Michael is an advocate for many social and environmental justice causes advanced by the company, including Fair Trade, organic standards, animal advocacy, and ocean conservation. He currently sits on the San Diego District Export Council, where he counsels businesses on export processes, commerce, and education and advises per his expertise in international trade. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, in 1975. He lives in Carlsbad, CA, with his wife Erin and their children Eli and Alora. “We need to amplify the Indigenous voices who are at the forefront of these battles—that’s how we’re going to create change.” – Gloria Pancrazi “A small ripple can have real lasting effects.” – Michael Bronner Highlights for Episode 655:  How the trajectory of the film matched Gloria’s trajectory of knowledge about the danger facing the Southern Resident orcas  The impact of the trans mountain pipeline on the orcas and how it is contributing to their gradual starvation  Gloria explains the need for Indigenous leadership in environmental protection The many problems with salmon farms  Gloria shares her encounter with emaciated grizzly bears and explains how other animals in the Pacific Northwest are being significantly affected by the lack of available food The importance of a filmmaker having a balanced strategy for making the film impactful and offering ways for watchers to engage with activism versus making viewers feel helpless and hopeless   Some of the people Gloria met and bonded with during the course of making the film  Gloria’s deep frustration about the political response to climate change and its associated costs  How Dr. Bronner’s plans to promote the film and encourage people to take action on the issue of these endangered orcas and other critical animal rights challenges How to watch Coextinction and find out more about the orcas Resources: Paul Picklesimer on twitter People Are Swearing Off Air Travel Because of Climate Anxiety Animal Law Podcast #86 w/ Dije Ndreu & Brooke Dekolf University of Denver Animal Law Program on twitter Not On My Watch by Alexandra Morton Connect with Gloria Pancrazi: Coextinction Website Coextinction on Facebook Coextinction on Instagram Connect with Mike Bronner: Dr. Bronner’s Website Dr. Bronner’s on Facebook Dr. Bronner’s on Instagram Dr. Bronner’s 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 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.

Powerhouse environmentalist, wildlife conservationist, and animal advocate Jack Lekishon joins the podcast this week from Maasai Mara, Kenya. A native Maasai, Jack shares traditions from the people of The Mara and tells us about the land on which they live and the plethora of wild animals that also know the Maasai Mara as home. Jack also shares why the traditional Maasai diet is so reliant on animals as a food source and outlines how he is encouraging his community to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Plus, Jack highlights the importance of educating the region’s young people on looming climate change issues and how they can play their part in slowing the progression of the climate crisis. *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 Jack Lekishon.* Jack Lekishon is a native Maasai currently residing in Maasai Mara, Kenya. He is committed to preserving the natural environment and teaching young leaders how to be future stewards of the land. Jack aims to inspire youth in Kenya, and more broadly East Africa, to become involved in both wildlife and environmental conservation efforts while raising awareness of the natural world’s great economic, cultural, and aesthetic value. Jack holds a diploma in Wildlife and Tourism and Management and Conservation from Wildlife Clubs of Kenya – Center for Tourism Training and Research. He currently works with Million Dollar Vegan to promote veganism and raise awareness about animal rights and the challenges facing our planet. “There is a very positive impact when it comes to educating young people.” – Jack Lekishon Highlights for Episode 654:  Jack shares why he made such a huge shift in the way he eats and why he became a vegan   Jack’s experience with a vegan food relief program during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the community received the initiative  He talks about why the Maasai people traditionally resisted farming and how Jack is working to change the view that a healthy diet has to contain meat  He discusses the impact of drought and climate change on the Maasai people’s diet He shares the benefits of ecotourism to the Maasai economy He offers a brief overview of the conflict between the Maasai people and the Tanzanian government  The interview covers Jack’s work with local children on understanding the environmental significance of where they live and how they can protect it  We discuss why the Maasai are open to making the necessary changes in their way of life to ensure the safe future of their people Finally, we go over how to learn more about and support Jack’s work Resources: BURGER KING: “1 OP 3 VERKOCHTE WHOPPERS IN BELGIE IS VEGGIE” “Normal or With Meat?”: All Burger King Items Are Plant-Based in Austrian Experiment, Meat Must be Requested Episode 596: DefaultVeg ft. Katie Cantrell Lewis Bollard on Twitter Miyoko’s Creamery Connect with Jack Lekishon: Jack Lekishon on Facebook Million Dollar Vegan Website GoFundMe Food for Maasai Community in Kenya GoFundMe Help Us Save Isaac! GoFundMe Help Maasai Girls Stay In School 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.

Monica Engebretson is working to end cruel animal testing practices, and this week, she joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about the state of medical and cosmetic animal testing. The North American Head of Public Affairs for Cruelty Free International, Monica breaks down how the global organization is working to bring an end to animal testing worldwide. Plus, she explains the difference between animal research and animal testing, the most cogent arguments for its ineffectiveness,  and the existing non-animal alternatives. She also gives us an overview of animal research and testing in the United States and discusses various legislative and regulatory initiatives on behalf of animals trapped in labs. *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 Monica Engebretson.* Monica Engebretson is the North American Head of Public Affairs for Cruelty Free International – an organization working to end animal testing worldwide. Monica has worked in the field of animal protection since 1999 with a range of experience, including fieldwork, undercover investigations, lobbying, and media and public education campaigns. She has also worked on various issues in addition to animals in research, including human-wildlife conflicts, trapping, farmed animals, and captive birds. She has helped write and pass several state laws on many of these issues.  Before working professionally in the animal protection movement, Monica earned a Bachelor of Science in wildlife with a minor in environmental ethics from Humboldt State University in Northern California. Monica’s work for Cruelty Free International has focused on initiatives in the US and Canada to end cosmetic testing on animals, working to accelerate the replacement of animals in FDA regulatory testing through the Make Alternatives a Priority (MAP) campaign, advancing humane science funded by the NIH with the Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Sciences Testing (HEARTS) Act, and maximizing the number of animals released from laboratories through the Companion Animal Release from Experiments (CARE) Act. “Every year, it’s estimated 192 million animals are used in experiments around the world, and the US is one of the largest users of animals.” – Monica Engebretson Highlights for Episode 653:  The complexities of testing medical and cosmetic products  The central criticisms of using animals in experiments Why animal testing is a historic methodology that has proved to be ineffective Other non-animal testing methods that are showing signs of being more useful The major objections to the use of non-animal testing alternatives A review of the current US state and federal research and testing laws and recent changes to those laws, including what the Animal Welfare Act requires from organizations and businesses How Cruelty Free International is  helping to ensure that non-animal testing methods are prioritized Some of the shortcomings in existing laws The Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Sciences Testing (HEARTS) Act  Why Cruelty Free International is working at the federal level to build programs that help animals find homes once their role in research is over and how that initiative serves to remind people of the ongoing issue of animal testing Changes happening at the State level, particularly in New York, concerning cosmetic testing  How the Leaping Bunny mark ensures you’re buying cruelty-free products  How you can find out if a product is cruelty-free or vegan How to get in touch with and support Cruelty Free International Resources: Plant Based Meat By Far The Best Climate Investment Report Finds Faunalytics Connect with Monica Engebretson: Cruelty Free International Website Sign up for general US-based alerts and newsletters at Make Their Voice Count Cruelty Free USA on Twitter   Cruelty Free International on Twitter Cruelty Free International on Instagram:  Cruelty Free International on Facebook  Cruelty Free USA on Facebook 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. __________________________ 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.

Jane Velez-Mitchell is a media powerhouse known for speaking up for animals, and today, we welcome her back to the podcast for a conversation about UnchainedTV, the free streaming platform committed to amplifying vegan, animal rights content. In our conversation, Jane explains how people can access this critical content worldwide, why she decided to make it available free of charge, and the metaphor behind the UnchainedTV name. She also shares the details of how the new network came to develop the world’s first reality show starring a family of pigs, Pig Little Lies, and why she believes the show has become wildly popular. We also discuss her focus on climate change and the importance of sharing animal rights content beyond our vegan bubbles and making sure it reaches as many people 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 Jane Velez-Mitchell.* Jane Velez-Mitchell is a nationally known TV journalist, best-selling author, and founder and Managing Editor of UnchainedTV. She is the winner of four Genesis awards and commendations from the Humane Society of the United States and is committed to covering crimes against animals and the environment. Unchained TV is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Previously, Jane worked as a television journalist anchoring local news at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and WCBS-TV in New York. Jane also hosted her show on CNN Headline News (HLN) for six years. “We’re trying to normalize veganism.” – Jane Velez-Mitchell Highlights for Episode 652:  How saving Dante and Beatrice from a high-kill shelter came to be featured on UnchainedTV’s programming, plus how a twist in the tale led to even more drama than the team anticipated The importance of having animal media that makes people laugh The cast of Pig Little Lies and the popularity of the show The horror of unscrupulous pig breeders selling animals as ´micro´ or ´teacup´ pigs and what happens when their buyers realize that is far from the truth  How listeners can get involved in helping these pigs or other animals in similar situations The types of programming UnchainedTV offers, including how they report on news Whether Jane has hope, despite all she has seen in the course of her career  The pros and cons of cell-based meats and why Jane believes it is the way of the future Resources: Why The California Furor Over Humanely Raised Pork Matters Everywhere Miyoko’s Creamery Connect with Jane Velez-Mitchell: Unchained TV on Facebook UnchainedTV on Instagram UnchainedTV on Twitter Unchained TV Streaming Network Watch Pig Little Lies 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.

Visual artist and author Linnea Ryshke joins the podcast for a conversation about her recent book, Kindling, a collection of poems and mixed media artwork inspired by the artist’s difficult, but instructive, experience working as a laborer at an organic meat farm. During the conversation, Linnea outlines what she initially hoped to gain by working there and describes her day-to-day life on the “farm,” including the difficult, and disagreeable, roles she was asked to take on. The artist also shares why the term “activist art” doesn’t describe her creative work most accurately, the role her art serves in the context of animal protection, and the ethics behind creating images of animals.  *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 Linnea Ryshke.* Linnea Ryshke creates paintings, drawings, artist books, installations, and poetry that seek to restore the value of nonhuman animals as kindred beings worthy of our adoration, respect, and empathy. She received her B.F.A. in Painting from Pratt Institute and M.F.A. in Visual Art from Washington University in St. Louis. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she released her first book, Kindling, with Lantern Publishing and Media in the fall of 2021.  She is currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. “I feel so much sensitivity toward the animals that I’m representing that I want to be considerate in the process of doing so.” – Linnea Ryshke Highlights for Episode 651:  The psychological tension between empathy and apathy and care and harm in Linnea’s poems Some of the poems from Kindling, read by Linnea The difficulty of looking after your mental health when faced with the reality of how animals are routinely treated in our society Linnea’s feelings on the role of art and art-making in animal advocacy The importance of  holding grief and discomfort in artwork Linnea’s relationship with her audience and how she hopes to impact her vegan and non-vegan audiences Why so many people disregard their inner core of compassion in how they treat other creatures Linnea notes that her art involves an act of ritual, and expands on what that means for her, the animals, and the audience   How the subject influences Linnea’s choice of artistic medium Connect with Linnea Ryshke: Reembodiment Project Website  Kindling Website  Linnea Ryshke 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 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 multi-talented Zach Sherwin joins the podcast this week for a can’t-miss conversation about using comedy, rap, and wordplay to make the world a better place for animals.  Zach explains how he incorporates his vegan ethos into each of his artistic endeavors while taking care not to isolate his audience. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his epic duck rap saga and shares how he came to know, and save, Brutus the duck. We look at the entertainment world at large, and Zach discusses whether people’s attitudes toward veganism have changed in the 20 years he’s been vegan. He also tells us about The Crossword Show, the famous vegans who have played the game, and what having had one of his crossword puzzles published in The New York Times means to him.  *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 Zach Sherwin.* Zach Sherwin is a Los Angeles-based comedian and the creator and host of The Crossword Show, in which a celebrity guest panel solves a crossword puzzle live onstage in front of an audience. The Crossword Show has toured on the West and East Coasts, including appearances at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament; in February 2022, Zach published his first crossword puzzle in the New York Times. Since 2011, Zach has also written for and performed with the popular web series “Epic Rap Battles of History.” His writing for the show has received numerous Streamy Awards and Emmy nominations. His own YouTube videos have been viewed many millions of times, and his other writing credits range from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW) to Problematic with Moshe Kasher (Comedy Central) to MAD Magazine. As a solo artist, Zach has released several albums of comedy and music, toured extensively on the college entertainment circuit, worked as an audience warm-up comic on various TV shows, and performed on Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell (FX) and The Pete Holmes Show (TBS), both long canceled, as well as America’s Got Talent (NBC), which seems like it’s doing great! “Life is so heavy, so there needs to be some lightness, but we also can’t be oblivious to how much is really unfair.” – Zach Sherwin Highlights for Episode 650:  How Zach talks about his commitment to veganism without alienating his audience Whether Zach feels that being vegan has become more accepted  The video saga telling the story of relocating Brutus the Duck to the Kindred Spirits Sanctuary in New Mexico Why Zach felt so moved to find Brutus a new home How Zach incorporates his vegan ethos into his comedy raps Why people still eat animals even though people’s experiences with individual animals are largely positive Zach’s commitment to donating a portion of the profits of his comedy show to charity  What The Crossword Show is and how it brings together comedy, rap, wordplay, and trivia What Zach, Mayim Bialik, River Butcher, and Natalie Portman all have in common Zach’s experience of touring the East Coast in 2020 and  what he’s bringing to his current tour Resources: Burger King Opens Two Meat-Free Locations in Switzerland Transcript of Compassion Consortium’s Pride Month Book Night with Jasmin Singer Racism, Classism and Speciesism w/ Christopher Sebastian Happy the Elephant Isn’t Legally a Person, Top New York Court Rules Never Too Late to Change the World: Why I Became Vegetarian at 86 White People 4 Black Lives Duck I (Discovered) Duck II (Defended) Duck III (Delivered) Faunalytics Connect with Zach Sherwin: The Crossword Show Website Sherwin on Facebook Zach Sherwin on Instagram Zach Sherwin on Twitter Sherwin 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 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.

Eva Haifa Giraud joins us on the podcast this week for a conversation about her recent book, Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory. In our discussion, we deep dive into the constraints of veganism within a capitalist system, what this means for activism, and whether capitalism itself is putting veganism at risk. Eva elaborates on veganism’s political, activist roots and how they have historically created new paths of communication within communities that lead to debate regarding ethics, animal rights, and how the world at large treats animals. She also explains why she believes adopting a universal definition of veganism could be detrimental and breaks down how it might uproot veganism from specific social and national constructs.  *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 Eva Haifa Giraud.* Eva Haifa Giraud is a senior lecturer in Digital Media & Society at the University of Sheffield.  She is interested in how activists negotiate tensions associated with the media platforms they use, particularly the challenges posed by social media. Her work has engaged with this theme in the context of environmental, animal, and food activism, with more recent research focusing on anti-racist politics. Her publications include What Comes After Entanglement? Activism, anthropocentrism and an ethics of exclusion (Duke University Press), Veganism: Politics, Practice, and Theory (Bloomsbury Academic) and articles in journals such as Theory, Culture & Society, New Media & Society, and Social Studies of Science. “Are there still points of entry into more politicized, activist forms of veganism?” – Eva Haifa Giraud Highlights for Episode 649:  The risks of plant-based capitalism and its impact on the commercialization of veganism Questions raised about who is capitalizing on the newfound popularity of veganism in the UK and the risks of undercutting animal activism Eva’s vegan journey and why she initially chose a plant-based diet Why the current vegan landscape in the UK could disconnect activists from a wider ethical stance and community Why Eva is concerned that food marketers may be divorcing veganism from a meaningful regard for animals Eva’s book, Veganism: Politics, Practice and Theory, and its exploration of veganism’s broader political and cultural complexities How flexitarianism works, how it depoliticizes veganism, and why it matters  The term “white veganism,” what it means in the UK, and how it can tip over into cultural appropriation Why veganism is conflated with ‘snowflake culture’ in the UK Resources: The Elephant in the Zoom Beating Hearts: Abortion and Animal Rights If We Didn’t Eat Them, They Wouldn’t Exist Verdict Dorf On Law blog Abbot’s Butcher Connect with Eva Haifa Giraud : Eva Haifa Giraud’s Website  Eva Haifa Giraud 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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 Sebastian has a lot to say about what animals need from us and how we could all do better in working to change the world, and we are pretty sure you will want to listen.  One of the most thoughtful contemporary commentators on how our relationship with animals has gone so far astray, he joins the podcast this week for a discussion about the intersections of racism and speciesism, and so much more.  We delve into some of the shortcomings of the animal rights “movement,” and the crucial work of recognizing the work and leadership of people of the global majority in changing the world for animals. Christopher also shares overlaps between the movements for LBGTQ rights and animal rights, and we reflect on whether queer folk should be more sensitive toward animal protection. *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 Christopher Sebastian.* Christopher Sebastian is a technical writer, journalist, and digital media researcher. He is the director of social media for Peace Advocacy Network, a senior fellow at Sentient Media, and former guest lecturer at both Columbia University and Cornell. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes media theory, political science, sociology, and mass communications, he writes about how our attitudes about racial, sexual, and political identity shape our relationships with other animals. “We’re very aware of what we do to animals. It’s not that we don’t know . . .  it’s not that we don’t care—it’s that we don’t care enough.” – Christopher Sebastian Highlights for Episode 648:  Christopher discusses why he believes speciesism is situated inside a racist and classist system Why many animal activists don’t think about how they engage with one another in their advocacy, and why it’s a problem within the current institutional animal protection movement in North America and Europe The shortcomings of the animal rights movement that lead to the marginalization of animal rights organizations in the Global South and how we can address this in a meaningful way  Christopher’s thoughts on where leadership should come from in the animal protection movement Organizations and individuals that Christopher finds inspiring in the animal rights arena The problem with sidelining animals when we talk about changing people’s eating habits  The importance of confronting the realities of speciesism and the parts we often play as individuals Christopher explores how the animal rights movement should be using social media most effectively, at both an institutional and individual level Whether mainstream media will ever be able to cover animal issues comprehensively and even-handedly How to address the perspective that animal rights come at the expense of black liberation Why people who care about animals continue to eat them Resources: Compassionate Book Talk featuring Jasmin Singer I moved from L.A. to Western New York because of climate change and spent $82,000 making my new home eco-friendly. Here’s how and why. Adoption Day show Evolution’s Rainbow book The Sexual Politics of Meat Abbot’s Butcher Vegan Life Magazine Podcast Connect with Christopher Sebastian: Christopher Sebastian’s Website  Christopher Sebastian on Facebook Christopher Sebastian on Instagram Christopher Sebastian 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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, science communicator, and climate interpreter A.E. Copenhaver joins the podcast this week for a conversation about her recent debut novel, My Days of Dark Green Euphoria. A.E.’s book follows the flawed, eco-anxious Cara as she crosses paths with Millie, her boyfriend’s mom who represents everything Cara is against. In our conversation, A.E. tells us why she decided to make Cara far from perfect, and how this helps make the book’s theme of animal and environmental advocacy more accessible. We also discuss other themes in the book, including why A.E. highlights self care as a form of pleasure to help counter the violence activists often come across in their lines of work. Plus, the author shares how winning the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature helped get her manuscript out to as wide an audience as possible and why that was important to her. *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 A.E. Copenhaver.* A.E. Copenhaver is a writer, editor, science communicator, and climate interpreter. She’s worked in the environmental and nonprofit sectors for nearly a decade. She has ghostwritten book chapters about cities plagued by factory farming, air pollution, and automobile traffic, and she has written about migrating white sharks, threatened sea otters, and depleted Pacific bluefin tuna. She holds degrees in English and environmental studies from Santa Clara University, and in 2009, she earned her master of art degree in culture and modernity from the University of East Anglia in England. Born in Bellevue, Washington, A.E. Copenhaver has lived in Carmel, California, for most of her life. Her debut novel, My Days of Dark Green Euphoria is published by Ashland Creek Press. “Fiction has an ability to sit with people—even if they didn’t like a book, a character, or a portion of a book—it’s still in their psyche.” – A.E. Copenhaver Highlights for Episode 647:  Why fiction was the best vehicle to share her perspective and how it allows the sense of psychological exploration to come to the fore  When A.E. started writing  My Days of Dark Green Euphoria, why she decided to submit her manuscript to Ashland Creek Press, and how they supported her as a first-time novelist   Why she felt it was important not to depict activism as a pit of self-deprivation and how she demonstrated that in her fiction How the character of Millie demonstrates the idea of thoughtless indulgence and why A.E. brought her into the novel  The relevance of personal action in the face of global crises and why Cara struggles so much against allowing herself any pleasures How Cara’s thoughts and fears about climate change reflect A.E.’s own personal predictions for the world’s future  A.E.’s work as a climate interpreter who interprets and shares complicated scientific ideas with non-experts Why going vegan was one of the greatest joys of A.E.’s life Resources: Animal welfare activists protest ruling on video of factory farm break-in Episode 594: Veganish ft. John Yunker and Midge Raymond Animal Law Podcast #84: The Case of the (Un)Ethical Eggs Abbot’s Butcher Vegan Life Magazine Podcast Connect with A.E. Copenhaver: A.E. Copenhaver’s Website A.E. Copenhaver on Instagram  A.E. Copenhaver 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 Abbot’s Butcher. Abbot’s Butcher is leading the next generation of plant-based meat. The products are crafted in the kitchen—not a lab—and provide bold flavors and a hearty bite by using real food ingredients. Free of soy, gluten, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavors, Abbot’s Butcher’s plant-based proteins are the cleanest (and most delicious) meat alternatives you can buy. Find Abbot’s Butcher “Chorizo,” Ground “Beef,” or Chopped Chick’n at Target or your nearest retailer. __________________________ 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.