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

David Casselman is paving the way for a new era of media, and he joins us on the podcast this week for an in depth conversation about Ecoflix, the world’s first not-for-profit media group committed to helping animals and the planet. The philanthropist explains how the platform aims to provide its viewers with inspiring, educational content relating to animals that, in turn, financially supports the very animals featured. We also discuss the environment, and David emphasizes the devastating impact climate change has on all animals and how Ecoflix shines a light on the subject matter. Plus, he tells us how Ecoflix ensures that its partners’ values align with the media group’s overarching purpose of saving animals and protecting the planet. *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 David Casselman.* David Casselman is a philanthropist,  a trained psychologist, and a trial lawyer. After a 42-year career trying cases, writing, and teaching law in Los Angeles, David moved full time into his area of passion: saving animals. As a lawyer, he provided over 40 years of pro bono legal assistance to animals of all kinds. As a co-founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), David partnered with Lek Chailert and her husband, Darrick Thompson, to develop CWS and support their Elephant Nature Park sanctuary in Thailand.  Mr. Casselman also serves on various other boards, including the Whale Sanctuary Project and the Wolf Connection, as a pro bono advisor and donor.  Mr. Casselman founded Ecoflix, the first not-for-profit global media service dedicated to saving animals and the planet.  In this capacity, Mr. Casselman has been supporting animal causes around the world.  Ecoflix is now streaming worldwide on all forms of media, including Apple and Android TV.  All subscription dollars are donated as just one part of the efforts of Mr. Casselman and Ecoflix to save animals and protect ecosystem biodiversity around the world. “We’re trying to find a better way to provide information and motivation about the critical issues that affect us — particularly animals on the planet — without lecturing.” – David Casselman Highlights for Episode 646:  How Ecoflix funds animal advocacy How the service is funded and how listeners can sign up The animal advocacy organizations that Ecoflix is partnering with, including Born Free, In Defense of Animals, Mercy for Animals, and Wolf Connection How Ecoflix creates its content and why it  shares content created by partners and other documentary makers David explains how they came up with some of the popular kids’ series on Ecoflix, including On Safari with Nala Why Ecoflix also puts out bite-sized content for people who don’t have time to watch long documentaries regularly  Why David believes that animals unlock an appreciation of the natural world within people The importance of seeing the good in humans despite all the harm they do in the world The starfish story that inspires David and reminds him that we can all do better when we know better How David encourages people to take action to advocate for animals via the programing available on Ecoflix  David’s role as the co-founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and the Eco Sanctuary Thailand and what those organizations aim to achieve Resources: In Our Time podcast: Peter Kropotkin Ringling Circus is Returning. Lions, Tigers and Dumbo are not. Abbot’s Butcher Connect with David Casselman: Ecoflix Website Ecoflix on Facebook Ecoflix on Instagram  Ecoflix on Twitter Ecoflix 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 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.

The inimitable Dash Meizler joins the podcast this week from Kampala, Uganda, for a truly inspiring conversation about leveraging our activism to better advocate for animal rights and marginalized communities. Founder of the Podrska Foundation, Dash outlines how the organization is fighting for farmed animals while empowering women, providing schools with vegan meals, fighting poverty through home-based vegetable gardens, and more. The Ugandan activist also tells us about his upbringing on a poultry farm and shares the moment his life trajectory changed forever, ultimately leading him down the path of animal activism, veganism, and humanitarianism. *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 Dash Meizler.* Fahd Kharim Ssevume, commonly known as Dash Meizler, is an accomplished humanitarian and founder of the Podrska Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a world of equity, compassion, and justice by supporting vulnerable people and improving their day-to-day lives. Dash’s projects address immediate needs and have the long-term goal of enabling participants to become economically and educationally independent enough to live in harmony with others – not only with other human beings but also with non-human animals. Dash has a longstanding vision of multispecies justice, which is informed by his deep commitment to human and animal rights. In addition to his humanitarianism, Dash is also known for his effective and efficient animal activism throughout Uganda. His love for non-human animals inspired him to incorporate friendly, inspiring methodologies to spread veganism all over his country. He’s currently using his untiring commitment, drive, and leadership skills to bring more dignity and autonomy to both human and non-human beings in Africa — and looks forward to bringing these same values to regions all over the world. “Let’s lift people out of poverty, let’s uplift animal lives, let’s uplift education for kids, and let’s uplift animal rights at the same time.” – Dash Meizler Highlights for Episode 645: The Podrska Foundation’s food distribution programs, including the Vegan School Campaign and the Vegan Food Program How the Lady Program empowers women in precarious financial situations to make and sell cruelty-free products Why Dash believes that helping people can also help animals How the Vegan School Campaign works to care for children in poverty and educate schools about plant-based eating How the foundation promotes a vegan diet by appealing to people’s interest in staying healthy Why providing hot meals to those in need helps instill a sense of care for themselves and for others, including animals The importance of providing traditional, culturally relevant vegan meals Objections Dash has faced to his vegan initiatives Project Grow and why teaching people how to grow food at home helps adjust their mindset about the makings of a nutritious meal How the Podrska Foundation raises money to support their campaigns Why Dash believes that Africa has the potential to lead society in a new direction in regards to climate change Resources: Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole Raises $25 Million In Series A Funding Round With New Voices Fund And Enlightened Hospitality Investments As Lead Investors Latvia Eurovision lyrics explained: Why the words to ‘Eat Your Salad’ by Citi Zeni are being censored Abbot’s Butcher plant-based proteins Connect with Dash Meizler: Podrska Foundation Website Podrska Foundation on Facebook Podrska Foundation 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 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.

The remarkable Gwendolyn Church joins the podcast this week for an awe-inspiring conversation about Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, the aquatic animal sanctuary she founded, based in Reno, NV. Gwendolyn tells the tale of Philip, the betta fish that changed the trajectory of her life and inspired the sanctuary. This passionate animal activist also discusses the misconceptions around fish sentience and explains why humans must reframe their thinking when it comes to caring for aquatic animals. Shining a light on the horrors that farmed and wild-caught fishes destined for the pet trade face, she tells us why she is so committed to rescuing all types of fish. We also discuss how Friends of Philip is navigating, and funding, the process of becoming a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, and caring for, aquatic 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 Gwendolyn Church.* Gwendolyn Church runs Friends of Philip Fish Sanctuary, an aquatic animal sanctuary, and rescue in Reno, Nevada. Friends of Philip aims to expand the rescue conversation to include fishes and other aquatic animals and foster the connection between humans and aquatic life by sharing their rescued animals’ stories and vibrant personalities. The organization provides sanctuary and rescue for animals in need, and advocates for ending the consumption and commodification of fishes and other aquatic species. “The simple misconception that fishes don’t feel pain is still so tragically prevalent.” – Gwendolyn Church Highlights for Episode 644:  Why betta fish are particularly vulnerable in pet stores Why the plural of “fish” is “fishes” How the sanctuary is growing, how they’re working to establish and fund themselves as a nonprofit What Gwendolyn is looking for in people looking to adopt a fish from her sanctuary Where the fishes who arrive at the sanctuary come from, and why pet stores are often open to people rescuing sick fishes How rescuing aquatic animals differs from rescuing terrestrial animals Why it’s vital to understand the nitrogen cycle and the importance of water quality when caring for fishes The different personalities that Gwendolyn sees in her aquatic charges and how she builds a rewarding relationship with them Common mistakes that people make when caring for pet fishes and Gwendolyn’s advice for new fish rescuers Why pet stores aren’t a great source of information for prospective fish caregivers Whether there is a growing sense of awareness of fishes as sentient animals who need to be understood, supported, and most importantly, not consumed as food Resources: The other Supreme Court case you should be following Miyoko’s Creamery is offering 15% off with code HENHOUSE15 Connect with Gwendolyn Church: Friends of Philip on Facebook Friends of Philip on Instagram Friends of Philip on Patreon 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.

Mamta Jain Valderrama joins the podcast for an insightful discussion about Jainism and the many ways in which its beliefs intersect with veganism. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in existence, having taken form in ancient India some time between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE. In our conversation, Mamta explains the philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, that practitioners of Jainism follow. She shares the Jain belief that all living beings have souls and discusses how this belief drives Jains’ eating habits and way of life, both of which often align with a vegan lifestyle. Mamta also digs into feminism and why she believes it’s vital for the animal protection movement to not only focus on hiring women but also to create a culture that uplifts their voices.  *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 Mamta Jain Valderrama.* Mamta Jain Valderrama is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Mercy For Animals. Prior to working in animal rights, Mamta led operations for various healthcare companies and start-ups. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. She took time off from the corporate world to write A Girl In Traffick, a thriller novel about human kidney trafficking. Her book is self-published and made it to the Amazon bestseller list in the thriller category. Mamta comes from the Jainism culture, which teaches nonviolence toward all beings. She has been vegetarian for 38 years, and on-and-off vegan and raw almost her entire life. She is now fully vegan for three years and is never going back. Originally from Los Angeles, Mamta lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with her husband and daughter.  “In Jainism, we believe that all living beings have souls and that’s the reason that we abstain from violence towards them.” – Mamta Jain Valderrama Highlights for Episode 643:  Mamta’s role as Global Senior Vice President of Operations for Mercy for Animals What incentivized her to make the leap from healthcare into animal activism Mamta shares her experience of growing up in the Jain religion and  how it shaped her worldview Attitudes of modern Jains about consuming dairy and why they have evolved over the years Mamta’s reaction to newer, hyperrealistic vegan meat substitutes   The importance of inclusion and diversity in the animal rights movement  How organizations can encourage women to step forward and be heard Why creating a seat at the table is a first step towards elevating women in leadership roles How the animal protection movement can attract people from different sectors to add even more value to the movement Resources: Call This “Meatless” Rather Than a “Vegan” Hotdog to Increase Demand by 16% Why Joaquin Phoenix’s Next Oscar Could Be For A Vegan Film I Broke the Law by Joy Askew “A Seat at the Table” Isn’t the Solution for Gender Equity – Lilly Singh TED talk Meow Meow Tweet is offering our listeners 20% off! Miyoko’s Creamery is offering 15% off with code HENHOUSE15 Connect with Mamta Jain Valderrama: Mercy for Animals Website  Mamta Jain Valderrama on LinkedIn  Mamta Jain Valderrama 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 Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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 remarkable Danielle Hanosh joins us on the podcast for a conversation about a revolutionary new program that you will definitely want to hear about. LEAP—short for Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet—offers high school students humane education, hands-on experience caring for rescued farmed animals, volunteer experience at animal sanctuaries, and scholarship opportunities. Teaching compassion instead of slaughter, LEAP,  teaches students to be thoughtful and deliberate about their choices and encourages them to question the current societal constructs around using animals for food. She also tells us about her life at Blackberry Creek Sanctuary, the animal rescue she co-founded, and how a pig named Sebastian inspired LEAP.  *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 Danielle Hanosh.* Danielle is the Executive Director of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary in Colfax, CA, which she founded with her husband, Joshua Hanosh, in 2014. She leads Blackberry Creek’s rescue, education and advocacy programs, event planning, fundraising, and community partnerships. Her work includes public education and advocacy for practical solutions to the complex problems arising from animal agriculture, human-caused climate change, overpopulation, animal abuse and neglect, and the current system’s impact on mental and physical human health. Her current projects include advocating for more aggressive, inventive veterinary care for traditionally farmed animals who end up in sanctuaries, building the LEAP pilot program, and conducting research for a future non-fiction book focused on anti-speciesism. “We try to show students there’s another way besides the traditional system of animal agriculture.” – Danielle Hanosh Highlights for Episode 642:  LEAP’s goals, vision, and how the program offers a different perspective on working with farmed animals Who can participate in the program and why Danielle is happy to take both students who are already vegan and active in animal rights alongside students who are part of their local FFA or 4-H programs where they raise animals for animal agriculture  How LEAP compares to the 4-H program  FFA student Audori and Sebastian the pig’s story How Blackberry Creek Sanctuary supported Audori to get Sebastian to safety and subsequently made a short documentary film about the experience called Audori’s Courage The educational foundation that Danielle has put together for LEAP Danielle’s hopes for the program to develop into a community-based program and some of the ideas that have been put forward, including starting community gardens Why Danielle has designed the program to cover several personal development outcomes for the students and the skills she believes will help them as they develop into adults Danielle’s background in education and why she decided to start Blackberry Creek Sanctuary with her husband eight years ago How climate change has affected the operations at Blackberry Creek Sanctuary due to their rural location Danielle’s book The Very Ugly Chicken and the original Judy who faces physical disabilities with courage and compassion  Resources: Miyoko Schinner’s Instagram post The difference you make when you eat less meat “Failure is Impossible” Might Not Mean What You Think Meow Meow Tweet is offering our listeners 20% off Connect with Danielle Hanosh: LEAP Website LEAP on Instagram  Blackberry Creek Website Blackberry Creek Sanctuary on Facebook  Blackberry Creek Sanctuary on Twitter  Blackberry Creek Sanctuary 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 Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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.

Dr. Christopher Carter joins us on the podcast this week to discuss his new book The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, and Food Justice. This groundbreaking work covers everything from the history of soul food to choosing how to eat in a way that helps us “live into our fullest sense of self.” Dr. Carter shares why he centers the discussion on three fundamental principles for eating practices—seeking justice for food workers, caring for the earth, and soul-full eating—and describes how soul-full eating helps us understand the impacts of our diets on not just our bodies, but on the bodies of animals. He also dives into a deep discussion of the meaning and practices of Black veganism and why it is a movement that can and should be embraced by all. Dr. Christopher Carter is an assistant professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego and a pastor in the United Methodist Church. While working on his doctorate, his dissertation—Eating Oppression: Food, Faith, and Liberation—would be the foundation for his recent book, The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, and Food Justice. He is on the board of directors of Farm Forward, an anti-factory farming nonprofit. “The concepts around Black veganism bring to light the purpose and guiding principles of not consuming animals as a way to call out the racism that’s in our food system.” – Dr. Christopher Carter Highlights for Episode 641:  What soul food looks like and tastes like for Dr. Carter, plus why it has a considerable part to play in preserving and promoting community and passing on a particular kind of Black ancestral wisdom Some of the challenges that white supporters of the animal rights movement might have in fully embracing the arguments in the book including the trauma of facing their own internalized racism  Why we need to embrace the interconnectedness we have with both human and non-human beings to reach a sustainable, transformative, and healing liberation  An ordained clergy member whose family history is intertwined with Christianity, food justice, and food sovereignty, Dr. Carter explores why his veganism is rooted in his religion and reimagines how soul food can help those who want to eat in a way that is consistent with their theological and social values The current role of churches in food justice and why The Spirit of Soul Food places today’s Black foodways at the crossroads of food, justice, and faith Dr. Carter’s views on how the anti-racist movement and the animal rights movement can work together to recognize that the food we grow, distribute, and eat disproportionately harms Black people specifically, and people of color among the global poor in general, and work towards decolonizing our diet in the US  Dr. Carter explores why Black veganism forces an examination of how the language of animality has been used to justify the oppression of any being who deviates, by species, race, or behavior, from white cultural norms Whether white people can practice Black veganism and whether that authentically moves them beyond the stereotype of being an ‘animal lover’ and into the more complex arena of collective liberation  Dr. Carter shares his definition of ‘flourishing’ as a goal for individuals, humans, and animals and how it intersects with Christianity  Resources: Animal Rights protestor Zoe Rosenberg chained to basket at NBA playoff game Animal Rights protestor Alicia Santurio glued to floor at NBA playoff game Dutch Government Announces €60M Cellular Agriculture Fund My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, by Resmaa Menakem Meow Meow Tweet is offering our listeners 20% off Connect with Dr. Christopher Carter: Dr. Christopher Carter’s Website  Dr. Christopher Carter on Twitter  Dr. Christopher Carter 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 Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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.

She’s an activist, artist, librarian, professor, and more. The multi-hyphenate Stacy Russo joins us on the podcast for a deep dive into Love Activism. Created by Stacy in 2013, Love Activism is a daily, holistic, and radical activism rooted in kindness. In our conversation, Stacy outlines the eight elements of this activist approach and describes how they can empower us every day.  She explains why she firmly believes creativity is an element of Love Activism and how people can practice creativity by making their own or supporting others’ art. For those not drawn to traditional art forms, Stacy also shares how to find your own creative outlet. Empathy, another element of Love Activism, is also up for discussion. Stacy details how empathy can sometimes act as a barrier and prevent people from seeing, understanding, and fighting for the rights animals should have in this world. Plus, we discuss the author’s own journey toward animal rights activism, beginning with her introduction to the punk scene of the 1980s. Stacy Russo, librarian and Associate Professor at Santa Ana College, is committed to creating books and art for a more peaceful world. She is the author of several nonfiction books, the editor of two essay collections, a published poet, a collage artist, a DIY oral historian, and the author/illustrator of children’s picture books. Stacy’s books have been featured on National Public Radio, Pacifica Radio, the Canadian Broadcasting System, Sirius XM Radio, KCET Artbound, LA Weekly, and various other media channels. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in transformative studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Stacy is a longtime vegan. “I definitely feel that service is a very powerful form of love — there are so many different ways that we can serve each other and serve animals.” – Stacy Russo Highlights for Episode 640:  Stacy describes why service is an element of Love Activism and provides examples of how acts of service can be construed as long term activism, including her role in caring for her elderly dog Walter How the principles of Love Activism can also be understood as self-care and empowerment for individuals  Techniques that activists can use to truly take care of themselves while still keeping their focus on their activism How Stacy’s relationship with feminism and her immersion in the punk rock scene of the 1980s led to her discovery of the animal equality movement Why Stacy’s unashamed veganism and animal equality message were almost a barrier to getting her books published Everyday magic and how it elevates our common daily experiences and rituals to a profound or spiritual level and why we often find everyday magic in our interactions with the animals we know  The A Better World Starts Here book project and how it aims to further the work of vegan activists committed to eradicating  injustice and oppression Why Stacy was inspired to write Stella Peabody’s Wild Librarian Bakery and Bookstore  What Stacy feels it means to be a vegan artist in terms of content, materials, and message Resources: Better Nate Than Ever trailer About to Go Awf song Antibiotic-free claims on animal products can’t be trusted, new study finds Meow Meow Tweet is offering 20% off for our listeners! Connect with Stacy Russo: Stacy Russo’s Website  Stacy Russo on Facebook  Stacy Russo on Instagram  Wild Librarian Press Website  Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren. __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part by Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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 trailblazing Gemunu De Silva, a United Kingdom-based undercover investigator of animal exploitation, joins us this week on Our Hen House. Gem, one of the first and longest-serving investigators of the worldwide hidden mistreatment of animals, tell us about his path into the world of animal activism and the animal rights movement. It was his very first factory farm investigation in the 1980s that not only horrified him but, fortunately, inspired him to devote his life to helping to amplify unheard voices.  After years of international investigations, he founded Tracks Investigations, an investigation agency working to support the important work of animal protection organizations around the globe. Plus, Gem highlights the impact and influence of investigative filmmaking on legislation.  Gemunu De Silva is a filmmaker and activist who has been investigating and documenting animal rights abuses since the 1980s. He was the first person in the UK to film inside industrial farms and expose the atrocities within. In the early 1990s, he went on to direct and produce a number of documentaries for UK national television relating to animal issues. Gemunu’s path led him to establish and operate the Investigations Unit at Compassion in World Farming. In the early 2000s, he went to work as the Director of Research and Investigations at Cruelty Free International, where he specialized in exposing the vile international trade in primates for research. In 2006, Gemunu co-founded Tracks Investigations, an ethical investigation agency undertaking projects for animal protection groups around the globe. To date, Tracks have completed over 260 investigative film projects for 38 animal rights and protection organizations in 58 countries.   “I think investigations are probably the most powerful tool that you can have in your armory in the animal rights world. Not only do they change public opinion, they also change legislation.” – Gemunu De Silva Highlights for Episode 639:  Why Gem first stopped eating meat and how that led to him becoming involved with animal rights activism at a local level  The difficulties of using cumbersome VHS equipment in initial investigations and how they managed to film the conditions in animal hellholes How Gem manages the trauma How he deals with the fact that presenting people with information doesn’t always inspire change His family’s reaction to his career choice and the radical streak found in one half of his family Techniques for getting into factory farms and capturing footage and how those techniques have changed over the last 30 years, especially as technology has improved   His role in infiltrating and exposing a monkey trapping operation in Mauritius while he was working for Cruelty Free International Advice on what makes for a good undercover investigator and how a team can work together to produce results Resources: Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrls Trailer Corning Museum of Glass Meow Meow Tweet is offering 20% off for our listeners! Connect with Gemunu De Silva: Tracks Investigations Website Tracks Investigations on Instagram  Tracks Investigations on Twitter Gemunu De Silva on LinkedIn Pioneering Undercover Investigator Finally Emerges From Behind the Camera Gemunu De Silva on Species Unite Podcast  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 Meow Meow Tweet. Meow Meow Tweet creates vegan personal care for every body. Always ethical, low-waste, handmade & cruelty-free. They are also not only a Certified B Corp, but also certified plastic negative, climate neutral and leaping bunny certified. Right now Meow Meow Tweet is offering a discount for our listeners only! You can save 20% by visiting their website and using the code HENHOUSE at check out. __________________________ 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.

LoriKim Alexander can do it all—from her core organizing role with Black VegFest to her work in the fields of anthropology and biology. She joins us on Our Hen House to discuss how The Cypher, the organization she founded, places emphasis on veganism’s true, anti-oppressive meaning. LoriKim shares how The Cypher started off as an educational, political book club on Facebook and how it evolved into an expansive, multigenerational, and multi-orientation space for Black femme leadership. LoriKim also tells us how she became involved with Black VegFest and the importance of having a community space where she, a Black femme vegan activist, can be her true self.  Jamaican-born and world-bred, LoriKim Alexander has dedicated her life to working for social and environmental justice, specifically organizing around centering justice for LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and people of the global majority. She uses her work in biology, anthropology, and environmental education in a synergistic way to forward Black liberation. She sees veganism as a central platform for decolonization, food justice, and combating environmental racism to galvanize the struggle to liberate all marginalized beings.  “These deeper relationships [with animals] prepared me to understand that we as sentient beings are not very far apart from each other.” – LoriKim Alexander Highlights for Episode 638:  How LoriKim’s childhood in Jamaica led her to a lifelong friendship with and admiration for animals Why LoriKim’s anguishing experience of farm-to-table eating transitioned her into veganism Growing up with Lulu Belle the calf and how this experience helped her form deeper relationships with non-human animals How vegan or vegetarian festivals can avoid being experienced as racist, homophobic, xenophobic, or misogynistic and how Black VegFest aims to create a community space LoriKim’s response to the pushback Black VegFest has received  How The Cypher connects Black and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ femmes of all genders so they can work together and share their voices  What the term “vegan minded” means and how it can be central to communities Why The Cypher will be taking Black trans and queer femmes into the woods for hikes LoriKim’s biological and anthropological research and how it has influenced her work on environmental racism The implementation of environmental education for people of the global majority on indigenous ecological knowledge and decolonization through veganism How environmental racism impacts the everyday lives of Black people living in the US Resources: This Rochester couple wants their ‘Net-Zero’ home to inspire more affordable, eco-friendly living Supreme Court agrees to hear pork producers’ challenge to California animal anti-cruelty law Connect with LoriKim Alexander: Email: cypher.the@protonmail.com Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. 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.

Hope Ferdowsian, President and CEO of Phoenix Zones Initiative (PZI)—a non-profit organization committed to advancing the interconnected rights, health, and wellbeing of people and animals—joins us on the podcast to discuss how the organization is striving to realize optimal health outcomes for humans and non-human animals alike. More specifically, Hope shares how, by expanding upon the One Health approach, PZI is centering justice as a primary mechanism for realizing such outcomes. We also discuss why PZI focuses on transforming animal research in their advocacy. Plus, Hope explains the Belmont Report, including why the ethical principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, as outlined in the report, should also be applied to non-human beings.   Hope Ferdowsian is a double board certified physician who has cared for individuals who have experienced displacement and violence and has worked on policy to address structural inequities and human and animal exploitation. Her work across six continents has included collaboration with the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States and the development of medical, public health, and educational resources for nongovernmental organizations, national governments, and intergovernmental organizations. As a result of her work, Hope was named a Humanitarian of the Year by the American College of Physicians in 2017. Many of her publications, including her book Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives, focus on ethics, global public health, and the link between human and animal rights, health, and wellbeing. In 2019, she co-founded Phoenix Zones Initiative to translate insights in the book into a movement for systemic change. She now also serves as an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. “We need to push forward the idea that we can only have optimal health outcomes in humans and non-human beings through justice.” – Hope Ferdowsian Highlights for Episode 637:  How Phoenix Zones Initiative supports animal rights Why we cannot have health for both humans and non-human animals without rights and justice  How One Health has been co-opted by industries, federal agencies, and international agencies and why its misuse damages optimal health outcomes in humans and non-human beings Practical applications of the Just One Health approach and how the Phoenix Zones Initiative seeks to influence policy How PZI is engaging members of Congress, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that there is more transparency around the use of animals in research How PZI is supporting a current Senate bill that aims to prevent wildlife trafficking The importance of moving federal funding away from animal research and toward more modern, ethical, human-centered research methods How PZI hopes to play a part in the establishment of a strategic roadmap that helps federal agencies in the US create a path away from animal research and toward more ethical methods that are better for both animals and people  Practical steps toward taking Just One Health from theory to action Why Hope remains hopeful Resources: Plant City Why the Anti-Factory Farming Movement Needs Direct Action Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods Connect with Hope Ferdowsian: Hope Ferdowsian’s Website Phoenix Zones Initiative Website Phoenix Zones Initiative on Facebook Hope Ferdowsian on Facebook Phoenix Zones Initiative on Instagram Phoenix Zones Initiative 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.