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

In this episode of The Hen Report, Mariann and Jasmin welcome back Richard “Kudo” Couto of Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) for a crucial   follow-up to his interview from episode 819. When Kudo first appeared on the show, his major investigation into Woodcrest Dairy was just breaking, and he couldn’t share all the details. Now he returns to reveal how ARM’s undercover work exposed horrific animal abuse at yet another Fairlife milk supplier and forced the facility to shut down completely. The conversation details how Coca-Cola and Fairlife, despite investing millions in alleged “animal welfare” measures following previous ARM investigations, continue to source milk from operations where extreme cruelty is standard practice. This powerful follow-up demonstrates how strategic activism and consumer pressure can hold even the world’s largest corporations accountable for animal suffering. This episode explores: How ARM’s investigation at Woodcrest Dairy revealed systematic torture of dairy cows, including brutal treatment of mothers during labor and birth The direct connection between Woodcrest Dairy and Fairlife milk, despite Coca-Cola’s attempts to deny the relationship How ARM’s strategic approach—providing evidence to authorities before going public—exposed law enforcement’s unwillingness to prosecute animal cruelty cases The remarkable outcome of the investigation: Woodcrest Dairy’s complete shutdown and Fairlife removing “animal welfare” claims from their marketing Why this case represents a significant turning point in holding the dairy industry accountable through both legal action and consumer awareness For more information on this investigation, visit animalrecoverymission.org, where you can find the full report on Operation Fairlife New Mexico. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this week’s Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the theater of the absurd that is animal agriculture politics. From the Trump administration’s laughable attempt to blame California’s cage-free egg laws for nationwide price hikes (spoiler alert: it’s actually bird flu), to pork industry lobbyists desperately trying to justify their existence by fighting animal welfare laws nobody asked them to fight. Plus, a dairy farmer’s sob story about how incredibly difficult it is to exploit cows for a living (have you tried… not doing that?), and finally, some actually good news about a groundbreaking Animal Sentience Center at the London School of Economics. This episode explores: How the Trump administration’s lawsuit against California’s Prop 12 is really a smokescreen for the pork industry’s agenda Why industry groups are fighting animal welfare laws that even many producers have already adapted to The hilarious self-pity of a dairy farmer complaining about the difficulty of the unnecessary job they chose How Helen and Scott Nearing demonstrated decades ago that plant-based farming offers more freedom than animal agriculture The promising development of the Jeremy Coller Center for Animal Sentience at the London School of Economics, bringing multidisciplinary science to animal advocacy   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this compelling episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Elise Bennett, Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, about the lawsuit challenging the controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades. Bennett details how this hastily constructed center in Big Cypress National Preserve threatens endangered species, water quality, and the integrity of a crucial ecosystem that has received billions in restoration funding over decades. The case hinges on federal agencies’ failure to conduct required environmental impact assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), highlighting how environmental laws may protect wildlife habitats even in politically charged circumstances. This episode explores: How the facility threatens endangered Florida panthers (only 120-230 remain in the wild) and the endemic Florida bonneted bat Environmental impacts including artificial lighting visible from 15 miles away and even from space Legal strategies using NEPA to challenge federal agencies’ failure to assess environmental impacts Complex jurisdictional questions as state and federal agencies attempt to evade accountability Potential water contamination risks in an ecosystem that’s critical to Florida’s environmental health ABOUT OUR GUEST Elise Bennett is the Florida and Caribbean director and a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. She advocates for endangered species and wild places in Florida and the Caribbean. Born and raised in Florida, she holds a law degree and a certificate of concentration in environmental law from Stetson University College of Law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida. Before joining the Center’s Florida and Caribbean program, Elise focused on protecting rare amphibians and reptiles in the eastern United States. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. ********** You can listen to the Animal Law Podcast directly on our website (at the top of this page) or you can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would consider making a donation or becoming a member of our flock (especially if you’re a regular listener). Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Don’t forget to also listen to the award-winning,  weekly signature OHH podcast — now in its fifteenth glorious year!

In this compelling episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Elise Bennett, Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, about the lawsuit challenging the controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades. Bennett details how this hastily constructed center in Big Cypress National Preserve threatens endangered species, water quality, and the integrity of a crucial ecosystem that has received billions in restoration funding over decades. The case hinges on federal agencies’ failure to conduct required environmental impact assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), highlighting how environmental laws may protect wildlife habitats even in politically charged circumstances. This episode explores: How the facility threatens endangered Florida panthers (only 120-230 remain in the wild) and the endemic Florida bonneted bat Environmental impacts including artificial lighting visible from 15 miles away and even from space Legal strategies using NEPA to challenge federal agencies’ failure to assess environmental impacts Complex jurisdictional questions as state and federal agencies attempt to evade accountability Potential water contamination risks in an ecosystem that’s critical to Florida’s environmental health RESOURCES America’s Whey Protein Obsession Is Transforming the Dairy Industry Where Did Bird Flu Go? I served the same dish with and without ‘vegan’ labels for 30 days. The reactions exposed our deepest food biases At an Iowa Pork Plant, Piles of Dead Pigs and Wafting Sulphur Dioxide In Landmark Shift, NIH Announces No More Exclusive Funding for Animal Experiments ‘I went vegan on the second day of filming’: James Cromwell on making Babe, the talking pig classic Denmark Introduces ‘Plant-Based Diplomacy Initiative’ Oregon Community Group Halts Giant Chicken Factory Farm Construction After Five-Year Battle Eating this ultraprocessed food may be good for you and the planet, experts say A Vegan Triathlete Just Became The 2025 German Champion The Omnivore’s Deception By John Sanbonmatsu — Review We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the agricultural industry’s latest pearl-clutching moments. From state fair organizers panicking over PETA’s “Hell on Wheels” truck to a farmer claiming slaughterhouse screams are “edited,” this episode exposes the absurd lengths the animal agriculture industry will go to avoid confronting reality. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s is suing activists, and politicians are suggesting Medicaid recipients should replace migrant workers in slaughterhouses—because apparently brutal labor conditions are perfect for vulnerable populations. This episode explores: How state fair organizers are developing “crisis plans” to combat the terrifying threat of activists handing out stickers The mind-boggling claim that pig screams in slaughterhouse footage are “edited” by a representative from “Farmers Against Misinformation” Trader Joe’s legal battle against Direct Action Everywhere for disrupting sales of Petaluma Poultry products The agriculture industry’s simultaneous complaints about labor shortages while receiving increased government handouts   We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

This week we dive into the mysterious kingdom of fungi with infectious enthusiasm and scientific precision. Our conversation with ecologist Aishwarya Veerabahu takes us on a journey from underground mycelial networks to the emerging world of mushroom-based alternatives to animal products. The unique perspective bridges the gap between ecological understanding and animal rights, demonstrating how our relationship with the fungal world connects to broader questions of environmental ethics and compassion for all living beings. This episode explores: The fundamental differences between fungi and other kingdoms of life, and how mushrooms are just the “fruit” of the larger fungal organism How fungi are essential for life on Earth through their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling The growing industry of mushroom-based alternatives to animal products, from meat substitutes to luxury mycelium leather The threats to fungal biodiversity from animal agriculture and deforestation The joys and precautions of mushroom foraging, with practical advice for beginners ABOUT OUR GUEST Aishwarya Veerabahu is a fungal ecologist, doing her PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When she’s not doing research or looking for mushrooms, she’s drumming for her band Big Slide.  We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In a world seemingly drowning in sordid headlines, Jasmin and Mariann take a refreshing dive into some genuinely positive developments for animals. From chimpanzees finally escaping laboratory confinement to plant-based milk options becoming more accessible in schools, this episode serves up a welcome plate of good news with just enough irreverent commentary to keep it real. The hosts navigate through victories both small and significant while acknowledging that even in our deeply divided times, most people actually agree on one thing: the treatment of animals in our food system isn’t something anyone truly wants when faced with the unvarnished truth. This episode explores: How activist pressure finally forced NIH to transfer chimpanzees from shuttered labs to sanctuary after years of unnecessary “storage” in terrible conditions A surprising silver lining in the “whole milk bill” that will require schools to provide plant-based milk options upon parental request—no doctor’s note needed Jamie Oliver’s unexpected endorsement of tofu as a “superfood” after visiting Okinawa, Japan, where it’s consumed at nearly every meal The groundbreaking seven-floor exhibition “Why Look At Animals” at Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art that boldly confronts animal agriculture The rapid expansion of vegan fast-food chain Mr. Charlie’s, proving ethical businesses can thrive while maintaining principles like hiring unhoused individuals and paying above minimum wage RESOURCES Finally Free! Alamogordo Chimps Find Sanctuary at Last Take Action to Release Chimpanzees at MD Anderson Cancer Center to Sanctuary The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Has a Surprising Plant-Based Provision Jamie Oliver Highlights ‘Important Connection’ Between Tofu And Longevity Athens Exhibition Says the Revolution Could Begin on Your Plate ‘Vegan McDonald’s’ Mr Charlie’s Announces Major Expansion We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this delightfully sardonic edition of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan takes us on a whirlwind tour through the landscape of animal agriculture’s latest woes. From the Trump administration’s absurd lawsuit blaming California’s modest animal welfare laws (not bird flu!) for egg price hikes, to the stomach-turning news of deadly salmonella outbreaks from those same eggs, this episode showcases the industry’s spectacular talent for shooting itself in the foot. We’re treated to the comedic stylings of a dairy veterinarian desperately trying to convince us that cows aren’t “milked to death” (they’re just, you know, killed when they’re no longer profitable), and the beef industry’s Olympic-level mental gymnastics around methane emissions. As it turns out, the animal agriculture industry’s anxieties might be well-founded – their house of cards is looking shakier by the minute. Episode Highlights: Trump Administration vs. California Egg Laws – New lawsuit claims animal welfare requirements, not bird flu, caused egg price increases despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary Deadly Salmonella Outbreak – One death, 134 infections, and 20.4 million eggs recalled, with antibiotic-resistant strains complicating treatment Dairy Industry Propaganda – Veterinarian’s questionable defense of dairy practices reveals industry’s desperate attempts to reframe animal welfare concerns Methane Misinformation – Beef industry’s misleading claims about cattle methane’s climate impact exposed through flawed “natural carbon cycle” arguments We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this thought-provoking episode of Our Hen House, Mariann Sullivan interviews philosopher John Sanbonmatsu about his groundbreaking book The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong About Meat, Animals, and Ourselves. With intellectual rigor and a touch of irreverence, Sanbonmatsu dismantles the cultural narratives that keep some people comfortably consuming animals while knowing better. From exposing the “humane meat” mythology popularized by Michael Pollan to examining the disturbing trend of wealthy women embracing slaughter as empowerment, this conversation cuts through our collective self-deception and offers philosophical pathways toward a more compassionate relationship with animals. Key Insights: The “humane meat” narrative functions as an inoculation against genuine animal ethics Many people exhibit a form of “selective psychopathy” toward animals while loving pets Our relationship with animals mirrors historical systems of domination like slavery The capitalist profit motive drives animal exploitation more than human need Women-authored memoirs about killing animals reveal disturbing psychological dynamics Sartre’s concept of “bad faith” explains how we deceive ourselves about animal suffering Martin Buber’s “I-Thou” philosophy offers a path toward genuine respect for animals The animal liberation movement needs unapologetic, fierce advocacy for justice ABOUT OUR GUEST JOHN SANBONMATSU, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, is a charismatic, internationally recognized authority in animal ethics.  He is the author of The Postmodern Prince and editor of the book Critical Theory and Animal Liberation.  His latest book is The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

In this delightfully chaotic episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan stumble through podcast identity confusion before diving into pressing animal rights news and media recommendations. The pair balance serious discussions about animal welfare trade policies and methane production with lighthearted moments about Jasmin’s new senior dog adoption and her “Hens Before Mens” t-shirt that sparks unexpected veganism conversations. This episode explores: How California’s misleading marketing of farm-generated methane as “environmentally friendly” is expanding nationwide, creating a dangerous climate policy loophole and a boon for dairy Thailand’s coconut industry finally taking steps to address the use of monkey labor following international pressure The UK’s struggle with animal welfare standards in international trade deals with Australia and the US Why population decline panic isn’t based in science but rather in controlling ideologies Mobile “green grocers on wheels” bringing fresh produce to food deserts in the UK RESOURCES Netflix- Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey UK farmers outraged Australian beef is selling cheaper citing lower welfare standards UK farmers have ‘nothing more to give’ as they fear govt will compromise welfare in US-UK trade deal California misleadingly markets farm-generated methane as environmentally friendly—a falsehood now exported nationwide Thai coconut industry takes steps to ban monkey labour ‘It’s easier to buy a vape than an apple’: How greengrocers on wheels could change the UK There Are Many Threats to Humanity. A Low Birth Rate Isn’t One of Them. The Omnivore’s Deception World War Zoos We Are Eating The Earth We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ 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. Contributions of any amount will go towards our fundraising goal and are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! 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. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.