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

Join us for our very special 600th episode (!!!) as we celebrate with Andy Tabar and Paul Stellar, hosts of The Bearded Vegans, who are also observing a milestone of six years on-air! In this episode, Jasmin, Mariann, Andy, and Paul provide a unique behind-the-scenes look into the world of podcasting. The podcasters break down their approaches to discussing veganism’s ethical gray areas, why they’re committed to creating a sense of community among listeners, and how they work through on-air disagreements. The group also discusses how their podcasts have changed over time, and they touch on so many other intriguing topics. This is a must-listen episode!!! Andy Tabar and Paul Steller launched The Bearded Vegans to move beyond the vegan 101 and create more nuanced discussions for the seasoned vegan. Andy is an animal rights activist and owner of Compassion Co, an organic, USA-made vegan apparel brand. As an activist, Andy has completed three tours with the 10 Billion Lives Tour, traveling to nearly every continental state to have over 10,000 one-on-one conversations about the cruelty inherent in animal agriculture. Paul works in data and has taught math at both the high school and college level. He also fronts a band called Continuous Improvement and loves playing Dungeons and Dragons while simultaneously podcasting about it on the Roll to Hit podcast. “Providing community is such a hugely important thing, even if you’re not an activist or on the front line, so to speak, there is just so much value in creating content for other vegans to feel a sense of community.” – Andy Tabar “My hope with the podcast is that, in having these discussions, it promotes people to think more deeply and critically, not only about the topics that we’re discussing but just in general.” – Paul Steller Highlights: The role of a podcast in helping to build a strong network of activists Andy and Paul’s relationship to humility as white cis-men and how that impacts the reactions to their podcast How the podcast hosts stay accountable to each other and their audience How Andy and Paul prevent burnout, whether physical or emotional, when they are so committed to being fully available to the show How The Bearded Vegan podcast has deepened Andy and Paul’s friendship over the years Connect with The Bearded Vegans: The Bearded Vegans Website The Bearded Vegans on Facebook The Bearded Vegans 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 __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is honored to welcome animal rights activist Seb Alex onto the podcast this week. Seb, a Lebanon-based activist, explains how he shifted his activism from focusing on speaking engagements, in Europe and beyond, to online activism in the wake of COVID-19. He also outlines how the newly established Lebanese Vegans Social Hub serves as an animal rights center, why it’s so critical for activists to have a safe space, how they’re helping people eat more plant-based, and the events the center hosts. The former architect discusses how activist group Lebanese Vegans rallied together to support the local community in the wake of the horrific 2020 explosion in Beirut and the onset of the pandemic. Seb also highlights the importance of activists looking after their mental health and shares the boundaries he sets to better care for himself. Seb Alex is a passionate activist who moved to Europe from Lebanon to pursue his career in sustainable architecture but soon decided to leave the corporate world behind to pursue animal activism. He is now creating animal rights content for social media, organizing grassroots activism events, and writing an animal rights ebook, When Animals and Logic Meet. He also helps run the world’s first animal rights and vegan support center, the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub, in the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. “We are here for justice, we are here out of compassion, and to help as many people and animals as we can.” – Seb Alex Interview Highlights: How Lebanese Vegans Social Hub provides a space for activist groups to come together and make the world a better place Seb’s social media work and his goals for the content he makes Why he decided to write When Animals and Logic Meet to lay bare how people justify what is done to farmed animals by appealing to a logical fallacy and how to get past this in discussions of animal rights How Seb frames his messaging to best impact others and allow them to listen to what he has to say The disconnect between people’s emotional reactions to cute companion animals and their disregard for the exploitation of farmed animals Seb’s feelings about plant-based and cell-based meat, why he’s not a fan, and whether he thinks they will lead to massive change when it comes to how we treat animals Why it’s easy and cost-effective for people in Lebanon to eat a plant-based diet and how the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub is spreading the word on what they do Resources: Lebanese Vegans Lebanese Vegans Social Hub Connect with Seb Alex: Seb Alex’s Website Seb Alex on Facebook Seb Alex on Instagram Seb Alex 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 __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Black VegFest founder Omowale Adewale back to the podcast this week! A passionate social justice activist fighting for the liberation of all beings, Omowale discusses food accessibility and why he believes we are at a critical moment in helping Black communities gain access to healthy produce at a low cost. He explains how he himself was tipped into veganism by his concern for animals and offers his thoughts on how Black veganism relates to Black liberation. He also shares his philosophy on decolonizing our diets and explains how vegan festivals are a gateway tool that can help nonvegans learn about plant-based eating and animal equality. Omowale Adewale is the co-founder of the Grassroots Artists MovEment, a non-profit organization that uses hip-hop, art, and social justice programming to empower Black and Latino communities in their fight against socioeconomic and political injustices. Omowale is committed to organizing events to advance the socio-political climate for poor and working-class Black people that center on activism through community, food, fitness, and art. He is also the founder and curator of Black VegFest and is certified in plant-based nutrition. He is the author of An Introduction to Veganism & Agricultural Globalism and the editor of Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society. “Two things happen when you go vegan: you get a higher sense of consciousness and compassion, and you want to look and do more research.” – Omowale Adewale Interview Highlights: Why Omowale believes Black veganism connects to Black liberation The COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of George Floyd’s killing on the Black community in the context of Black veganism The conception of Black VegFest and how Omowale and his community first established the festival How Omowale’s concern for animals led him to veganism and why going to animal sanctuaries helped him understand animal equality Omowale’s philosophy on decolonizing food Ways we can show up in non-vegan communities and advocate for veganism Connect with Omowale Adewale: Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society An Introduction to Veganism & Agricultural Globalism Black VegFest Grassroots Artists MovEment (G.A.ME) Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter Other resources mentioned:  The Decadence of the New Veganism Plant Dining Partnerships __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is excited to welcome activist and animal studies scholar nico stubler onto the podcast this week for a riveting conversation on animal rights activism. This conversation will make you think critically about different approaches to vegan activism, whether you agree with them or not. The scholar and activist shares their commitment to the Liberation Pledge—in which vegans make the commitment to never eat around individuals who are eating animal products—and tells us how receptive people have been thus far. nico also provides insight into how the pledge can be used to actively dismantle carnism, how veganism helped them connect to a Nicaraguan community while serving with the Peace Corps, and  how simply being vegan doesn’t equate to active animal activism. nico is an activist and a scholar. They completed their their M.A. in Animal Studies from New York University, and has led grassroots campaigns in Colombia, New York, and California. They focus on activism and scholarship that address animal agriculture’s devastating harms with the urgency they demand, and is currently working on a forthcoming book, Ban Meat: A Pragmatic Approach for Ending Animal Ag. “The big power and the potential of veganism to affect change is through showing other people that we’re eating vegan, why we’re eating vegan, and encouraging other people to eat vegan. Consuming and demanding animal products is an act of violence.” – nico stubler Interview Highlights: Why it’s so important to nico not to compromise their principles or mental health by not eating with people who are consuming animal products The benefits and criticisms of the Liberation Pledge and why it is effective activism What the ideology of carnism is and how we can move away from it being seen as the norm Why society views animals as usable and abusable, and how we can stop conceptualizing animals as edible Connect with Nico Stubler: Liberation Pledge Website nico stubler on Facebook Liberation Pledge Support Group on Facebook nico stubler 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 __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome Katie Cantrell, Director of Corporate Outreach at the Better Food Foundation, to the podcast this week. Katie gives us the low-down on the Better Food Foundation, how they’re focusing on food justice, and their efforts to transition society to a more just and sustainable food system, specifically by encouraging more plant-forward food policies. She discusses the DefaultVeg project and how they are currently targeting corporate organizations and universities to encourage them to make plant-based diets the norm. Katie also catches us up on what’s happening at the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, an organization she founded and for which she currently serves as board chair and, on a personal front. shares the story of a devastating diagnosis and her fight to regain her health. The Better Food Foundation was launched in 2017 to support dietary change initiatives to build a healthy, equitable, environmentally sustainable, and kinder food system and to work toward an acute reduction in the consumption of animal products worldwide. Before Katie served as the foundation’s Director of Corporate Outreach, she was the Founder and Executive Director of Factory Farming Awareness Coalition. “You’re planting seeds that have impacts years later.” – Katie Cantrell Interview Highlights: Why Katie thinks there has been increased awareness around the benefits of a vegan diet The power of defaults and how laziness and the desire to fit in play a major role in people’s choices What it means for vegan food to be the default and what mass catering might look like in the future How Katie helps corporations transition to a plant-based diet as the default with ideas for menu options, including suggestions for ways to broaden their cultural horizons Why big corporations are motivated to be seen as more sustainable than their competitors and how that supports the Better Food Foundation’s initiatives The earth-shaking reasons that Katie left her daily job at the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition but why she ultimately feels that the situation had a silver lining Connect with Katie Cantrell: Email Katie to bring DefaultVeg to your workplace or school Better Food Foundation Website Greener By Default Website Better Food Foundation on Facebook Better Food Foundation on Instagram Better Food Foundation on Twitter Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray joins the podcast today for a riveting conversation about the intersections of animal rights, food justice, and the environmental movement. An attorney, professor, minister, and activist, Dr. Gray discusses how these social movements are often isolated from each other and how his varied roles in ministry, law, and academia help him see these connections more clearly. He explains why animal rights can sometimes be of low priority within marginalized communities, tells us how he is actively prompting conversations about animal rights through his work as a minister, and shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed his approach to activism. Dr. Gray also discusses his goals as a new board member at Mercy for Animals. Dr. Gray is a founding member and president of Green Community Vision Inc., a non-profit organization aimed at increasing environmental consciousness and environmental activism within minority communities. He is currently a Research Associate at The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Stern Business School with an interest in holding industries accountable to environmental regulations and preventing greenwashing via deceptive food labeling. Dr. Gray also serves as a minister in the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. and is a board member for Mercy for Animals and Green the Church. “We have to fight for the now. We have to fight for the alleviation of animal suffering now. We have to fight for more stringent standards as they pertain to environmental laws, regulations, and animal rights now with the end goal and the vision of something better in the future.” – Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray Interview Highlights: How Dr. Gray’s faith intersects with social justice, political activism, and environmental issues Our duties to animals, regardless of individual faith, and whether attitudes toward animal rights are shifting Dr. Gray’s work at Green the Church and why they are pursuing the mission to get churches involved in environmental justice, sustainability issues, and food justice within Black communities How he approaches working with people who are just beginning their shift toward plant-based living and why coming at veganism from a health perspective is often the first step Dr. Gray’s insight into how communities can broaden the Black Lives Matter movement to incorporate nutrition and spark conversations about animal rights The barriers faced by Black vegans in trying to follow a plant-based lifestyle Advice on dealing with the complicated emotions that arise when animal rights and environmental issues don’t resonate with someone you love or admire Connect with Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray: Tyson-Lord Gray’s Website Mercy for Animals Hope Gala Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

We’re excited to switch things up this week to bring you a discussion of vegan representation in the arts and an unforgettable performance! John Yunker and Midge Raymond, co-founders of vegan publishing house Ashland Creek Press, join Mariann and Jasmin to perform the radio play Veganish: A John Yunker Play. There, we meet Jessica as she comes across her vegan idol and grapples with the reality that he may not be the dedicated vegan he claims. John also does a reading from his book (one of our favorites), The Tourist Trail, and John and Midge stay on to discuss vegan literature, how they are redefining environmental writing, and how the genre has changed over the last ten years. Midge Raymond has more than twenty years of experience in writing, editing, and publishing. In addition to being a published fiction writer and journalist, she has worked as an editor and copywriter with several major publishing houses, including Penguin and St. Martin’s. Midge has written two books for writers, Everyday Writing and Everyday Book Marketing, and is also the author of the novel My Last Continent and the award-winning short story collection, Forgetting English. John Yunker is the author of the full-length plays Sanctuary, Paleo, Species of Least Concern, and Meat the Parents, which was a finalist in the 2014 Centre Stage New Play Festival. His novel, The Tourist Trail, began as a short story by the same name and won the Phoebe Journal 2010 Fiction Prize. Where Oceans Hide Their Dead, the sequel to The Tourist Trail, was published in February 2019. “You can never have too many books about animals and the environment out there, especially fiction and texts that make the connection between what we eat and how we live in the world. We think that’s especially important.” – Midge Raymond “Just like food feeds your body,  literature feeds your soul.” – John Yunker Interview Highlights: What is vegan literature? Why it’s just as important to feed the soul nutritious food as the body How Midge writes about food in her fiction in ways that remain true to her vegan convictions The piece of writing that Midge is most proud of and how her animal rights convictions enter into what she writes Why The Tourist Trail was a transformational book for John to write The fascinating process of writing characters who are flawed and whether authors make decisions for characters, or whether the characters are making their decisions themselves Midge’s top tip for anyone who enjoys writing and wants to get a book out there but isn’t sure where to start How fiction allows people just starting their vegan journey to explore the often difficult first step and what a plant-based lifestyle could look like for them Connect with John Yunker and Midge Raymond: Ashland Creek Press Website Ashland Creek Press on Facebook Ashland Creek Press on Instagram Ashland Creek Press on Twitter Writing for Animals Class EcoLit Books Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Carolina Galvani, founder and CEO of the global animal-advocacy organization Sinergia Animal, joins Mariann on the podcast today for an insightful conversation about animal protection and veganism in the Global South. Carolina shares why she felt the need to launch Sinegeria Animal, how the organization is working to eradicate cruel treatment of animals while promoting plant-based diets, and how she’s helping to convince major dairy industry players to forgo the use of antibiotics and the killing of male calves. She also shares how rising incomes are leading to a rise in meat consumption in the Global South and discusses opportunities to slow down the rising popularity of meat by steering consumers toward vegan alternatives. Carolina founded Sinergia Animal, an animal protection organization based in Brazil that focuses its efforts on reducing the suffering of farmed animals in the countries of the Global South. Her work on animal welfare has been featured in prominent media outlets including the BBC, The New York Times, and Le Monde. Carolina has worked with several NGOs in 30 countries to highlight animal welfare issues, including serving as Senior Campaign Manager at Humane Society International in Brazil and as the Latin American Campaign Director for farmed animals at Forum Animal, Brazil’s largest animal protection network. “We face the risk of veganism becoming a trend that only the elite can afford. Our mission should be to make it accessible to everyone.” – Carolina Galvani Interview Highlights: Why Carolina founded an organization that exclusively focuses on farmed animals in the Global South How Carolina is collaborating with Open Wing Alliance on global initiatives Why Sinergia Animal is working with The Coalition for Aquatic Conservation to highlight the plight of aquatic animals Carolina highlights the aims of the Cage-Free campaign, explains how Sinergia Animal is approaching corporate players, and when they expect achieve their goals Whether the Global North has an obligation to help solve climate and other environmental problems facing the Global South Sinergia Animal’s strategic plan and how they see their work progressing over the next 10 years Connect with Carolina Galvani: Sinergia Animal Website Sinergia Animal on Facebook Sinergia Animal on Instagram Sinergia Animal on Twitter Sinergia Animal on YouTube Connect with Our Hen House: Our Hen House Website Our Hen House on Facebook Our Hen House on Instagram Our Hen House on Twitter __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Author, animal activist, and founder of Australia’s NSW Hen Rescue Catherine Kelaher joins us today to provide insight into her rescue work, share her most harrowing rescue experience (and the subsequent court case!), and detail how she goes about the rehoming process for rescued hens. She also tells us about her latest book, Saving Animals, a how-to guide for aspiring activists, and just wait till you hear about how Our Hen House helped bring it into existence! (We’re kvelling!!) Catherine and Jasmin also discuss everything from the many problems with hatching programs in schools to the importance of taking care of yourself when caring for others. Catherine is a vegan animal activist, feminist, and children’s book author who has dedicated her life to liberating caged hens. Catherine’s NSW Hen Rescue works to rehabilitate and rehome hens and other animals from factory farms. Both she and NSW Hen Rescue have received awards for animal activism and rescue. Catherine was born and raised in England and studied English literature and creative writing at Kingston Upon Thames University. She moved to Sydney, Australia, in 2006 and has been rescuing animals and trying to make the world a better place ever since. “By using your own narrative you can bring about change for animals.” – Catherine Kelaher Interview Highlights: Why Catherine decided to write Saving Animals and some of the amazing young activists she spoke to Catherine’s best care tips for companion animals Why we need to be honest with children and young people about what happens to animals How to introduce children to animal rights and the need for equality Insights into Catherine’s work at the NSW Hen Rescue, the hens she is currently caring for, and where they have been rescued from The difficulties and joys of rescuing roosters and how to deal with them as compassionately as possible Resources: Saving Animals Connect with Catherine Kelaher: NSW Hen Rescue’s Website Ashland Creek Press Website NSW Hen Rescue on Facebook NSW Hen Rescue on Instagram NSW Hen Rescue 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 __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

We’re thrilled to welcome Haruko Kawano and Mian Osumi of VegeProject Japan to the podcast this week for an informative and fascinating conversation about Japan’s growing vegan movement. Founder of VegeProject Japan, Haruko discusses how she successfully helped implement vegan-friendly options at Kyoto University during her time there as a student and how, after graduation, inspired by her dog, she founded VegeProject to help make vegan-friendly options more accessible throughout Japan. She also shares how a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with Paul McCartney encouraged her to continue doing this critical work. Haruko is joined by Mian Osumi, VegeProject’s International Representative, who  gives us a can’t-miss historical overview of how colonialism introduced dairy and beef into the modern Japanese diet. Haruko’s VegeProject Japan is a non-profit organization that helps industries produce vegan products, issues vegan certifications, collaborates with companies, and works with local administrators on community development. Mian Osumi is a vegan content creator and former Food and Nutrition Intern with The Humane Society of the United States. “There are many reasons to be vegan: for animals, for the environment, for health. When we start talking to our listeners, we care about what they are most interested in and start there. More and more, we’re able to start talking about animals and environmental issues. We talk about the points that attract them first and talk about how connected the issues are.” – Haruko Kawano and Mian Osumi Interview Highlights: How Haruko initiated a vegan food program within Kyoto University How dairy and beef were introduced in Japan How VegeProject Japan is working with corporations and what their long term goals are The products that VegeProject Japan has been instrumental in getting introduced into supermarkets The two central purposes of VegeProject Japan How Haruko plans to popularize vegan products and create more demand Haruko’s outreach and educational work around the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle The factory farming situation in Japan and where the majority of the country’s animal products come from The national VegeMap project and why Haruko was inspired to create an accessible way for vegans to find plant-based restaurant Resources: Jasmin’s Jargon @the_informed_vegan Connect with VegeProject Japan:  VegeProject Japan Website VegeProject Japan on Facebook VegeProject Japan on Instagram Haruko Kawano on Instagram VegeProject Japan 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 __________________________ This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org. __________________________ You can listen to our podcast directly on our website, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible! Thank you for helping us create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new podcast episode each week! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.