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

This week Mariann talks to Ingrid Newkirk (@IngridNewkirk) about her new book, AnimalKind: Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion, co-written with Gene Stone. Ingrid talks about her lifetime of work advocating for animals, why testing on animals is so ineffective and what animal activists can do to help bring the practice to an end, and the deep and intricate levels of emotions that animals experience and communicate. She also talks about her work with PETA on issues such as fur bans and how all of us can continue to work on creating change. Ingrid E. Newkirk is the president and founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the author of newly released book titled AnimalKind: Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion. Newkirk, a former Washingtonian of the Year, has been featured for her work for animals in The New Yorker, Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, the Financial Times, and numerous other publications. She has appeared on television shows all over the world, including Australia’s 60 Minutes. She is the subject of a BBC special and the HBO documentary I Am an Animal. Visit PETA’s website PETA.org. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about their concerns about coronavirus, what they are doing to prep for it, and how to keep ourselves safe. They also talk about the wonderful Food For Thought Campaign. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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 the incredible Michael Harren.

This week Jasmin talks to Brittany Michelson (@brittanyforanimals) about her new book, Voices For Animal Liberation, which features a chapter by Jasmin herself! Brittany is a fantastic and vital activist who has compiled an important book from some of the greatest voices in the animal rights movement. In this interview she tells us about the creation and publication processes for the book and how she hopes it will reach people. She also gives us an amazing reading from her chapter! Brittany Michelson is a teacher, writer, and animal rights activist. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University Los Angeles and teaches writing and activism-related classes in a private K–8 program. Brittany’s writings appear in multiple journals and literary sites. She lives in the Los Angeles area. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about their concerns about coronavirus, their concerns about climate change, and the hazards of picking up a coffee habit. Also, Jasmin reads from her chapter of our guest Brittany Michelson’s book! Try not to touch your face while listening! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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 the incredible Michael Harren.

This week Mariann talks to Allie Feldman Taylor, founder of Voters For Animal Rights. Allie works tirelessly to create campaigns that protect the welfare of animals in NYC, and in this fascinating and comprehensive interview she tells Mariann about her work on the foie gras ban, her efforts to ban horse drawn carriages, and how she has worked to protect NYC pigeons. She also tells us about her hopes for a NYC fur ban, the nuances of working with politicians on animal rights issues, and how she approaches political action when up against the opposition of big lobbying groups. Allie founded Voters For Animal Rights in 2016. Over the past year, she co-led the campaign to ban foie gras in NYC which became law in December 2019. She also co-lead the successful campaign to ban wild animals in the circus in NYC in 2017. Previously, she lead Nyclass’ campaign to ban horse carriages from city streets for over five years. She ran the successful “Anybody But Quinn” campaign to defeat an anti-animal candidate for NYC mayor, getting animal rights into mainstream city politics for the first time. She has worked at the NY State Senate, Obama campaign and the NJ Dept of the Public Advocate. She was named to New York Observer’s “Political Power 80” in 2014 and named to City & State Magazine’s “40 Under 40” political people to watch in 2016. She’s an alumni of Florida State University, vegan, and mom of five cats. She lives in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn where she is a volunteer trap-neuter-release cat rescuer. In the intro to the show, Mariann and Jasmin talk about Jasmin’s cold, more ridiculous comments from non-vegans about Joaquin Phonenix, the pros and cons of insect protein, Mariann gets a Seeds award from the International Conference on Animal Rights, and Jasmin sees Hannah Gadsby’s new show and hopes she’ll go vegan. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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 the incredible Michael Harren.

This week Jasmin talks to the legendary Colleen Patrick-Goudreau about her new book, The Joyful Vegan, and the messages she wants people to take from the book. She also shares how she remains so Joyful in a world that often feels painful, why people continue to eat animals, what tools we can use for navigating and overcoming the most common challenges of staying the vegan course, and solutions for managing the pressure (often self-inflicted) to be a perfect vegan. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s compassionate living philosophy is propelling plant-based eating into the mainstream and forever changing how we regard animals. A recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately and healthfully, Colleen is a speaker, cultural commentator, podcaster, and award-winning author of seven books. She shares her message of compassion and wellness on national and regional broadcast programs and as a monthly contributor to National Public Radio. She lives in Oakland, CA with her husband David and two cats Charlie and Michiko. In the intro to the show, Mariann goes to Miami Beach, prompting a discussion on the horrors of plane travel,  Jasmin goes to a street fair and finds some great vegan food, and Jasmin interviews Tulsi Gabbard for VegNews.  Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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 sung by the incredible Michael Harren.

This week Mariann talks to Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni about how he became active in the animal rights movement; what he is excited about in the animal rights world, including the activities of Sea Shepard and Mercy For Animals; why he believes that animal rights organizations are at their best when run by women; and how he uses his venture capital companies use investing to increase the well-being of animals all over the world He also of course talks to us about his wine and how he has been growing it organically and free of animal products since 1989. Lastly, he offers his thoughts about battling climate change. Born in Milan, Italy, in 1966, Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni is an award-winning entrepreneur, investor, activist, and advisor to businesses and governments around the world. He is the Chairman and CEO of NKGB Strategic Advisory (based in Switzerland) with a focus on M&A, international policy, plant-based economy, technology, and impact investing. He is the owner and honorary chairman of one of the most renowned and innovative Italian wine estates, Querciabella, organic since 1988 and biodynamic since 2000. His Tuscan wines have garnered worldwide acclaim, including “Best Italian Wine” in 2004. Querciabella currently holds one of the largest extensions of biodynamic vineyards in Europe, and has pioneered vegan agriculture, viticulture and winemaking for over two decades. He served as Economic Advisor to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy from 2014 to 2016. Mr Cossia Castiglioni is an investor in over 40 companies in the food innovation and plantbased sector, and was one of the early investors in Beyond Meat. He recently created and is about to launch a top quality gluten-free pasta brand (Bontasana), and a baby food brand (PeaKidz). He is a partner of Blue Horizon, and the main partner of Matthew Kenney’s global operations. He serves as advisor, among others, to plantbased companies Lighter, Plantable and The Vurger. In 2017, he joined Impact NRS (New Reality Solutions) – a leading innovation company based in the US and Israel, developing transformative solutions to address persistent global challenges in human health, food production and agriculture – to serve as Senior Strategic Advisor. Among other innovations, NRS recently introduced two new cancer diagnostic and management tools that are poised to revolutionize the sector. He recently launched a new investment fund, with his partner Miray Zaki, called Dismatrix, dedicated to Dynamic Capital Solutions and Vegan Investments. Although his expertise spans the food, finance, wine, technology, life sciences, design and art sectors, his main focus is animals. An impassioned vegan for the past few years, and an animal rights activist for over 35 years, his aim is saving animals in every possible way: from removing them from the food chain and other human activities through investment and entrepreneurship, to protecting them via direct action and strategy. He serves on the Board of Advisors of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society; on the Board of Compassion Over Killing; on the Advisory Council of Animal Equality; and on the Board of the Culture & Animals Foundation. In the intro to the show, Jasmin‘s Vegan Lesbian Killjoy comedy act makes another appearance, Mariann and Jasmin talk about that AMAZING Joaquin Phoenix speech everyone is talking about and the reactions to and ramifications of it. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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.

This week Mariann talks to Jessika Ava about her work with the ProVeg Program’s Global Vegan Advocacy Grants Program, which provides financial support for vegan advocacy around the world. Jessika tells us about some of the projects the program is funding that she is particularly excited about, the grassroots organizations the program supports, the advocacy work they are doing to influence food policy at the government level, and the work that the program hopes to do including providing grants for small businesses. Plus, Jessika reveals an amazing fact about her devotion to Our Hen House! Jessika Ava is the Grants Program Director for ProVeg International, a food awareness organization with a mission to reduce global consumption of animals by 50% by the year 2040. At ProVeg, Jessika directs the Global Vegan Advocacy Grants Program, a join initiative between ProVeg and Beyond Carnism. Jessika’s niche lies in coordinating global projects, statistically analyzing project efficacy, and guiding philanthropic and grantmaking support. Her notable experience includes NGO management, grantmaking, biostatistics, and Asian street animal welfare. She holds an MPA in Nonprofit Management and an MS in Biostatistics and sits as Board Chair of Out to Pasture Animal Sanctuary and is on the advisory boards of Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations and Project Humane Nepal. She shares her life with a much-loved 3-legged dog from Nepal. In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann take a trip to New York City and are thrilled by the vegan pizza options, Jasmin films an audition in a restaurant, and some commentary on the Center For Consumer Freedom’s absurd anti-fake meat Super Bowl commercial and the brilliant but unaired response ad from Impossible Burger. Jasmin and Mariann also talk about the advocacy of Elk.org, which you can learn more about here, and the upcoming International Vegan Film Festival! Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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.

This week Mariann talks to David Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s about what veganic regenerative agriculture is and the benefits of it for farming, climate change, and the welfare of all beings. This is a fantastic deep dive into a practice that has many ramifications for the future of food. He also tells us about the wonderful work that Dr. Bronner’s is doing to promote fair trade and fair labor practices all over the world. David Bronner is Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling brand of natural soaps in North America and producer of a range of organic body care and food products. He is a grandson of company founder, Emanuel Bronner, and a fifth-generation soapmaker. Under David and his brother Michael’s leadership, the brand has grown from $4 million in 1998 to over $111 million in annual revenue in 2017. Over the years, David and Dr. Bronner’s have been key leaders in fights for GMO labeling, industrial hemp farming in the U.S., high-bar organic and fair trade standards, cannabis reform, and a fair minimum wage. Today, David is helping to lead the effort to establish the Regenerative Organic Certified standard, dedicating time and re-sources to creating an integrated, comprehensive program that addresses soil health, animal welfare, and fair labor practices to advance sustainable and ecological alter-natives to industrial agriculture. Dr. Bronner’s is a founding partner in the Climate Collaborative, which leverages the power of the Natural Products Industry to compel action on climate change. In addition to his support of advocacy for regenerative organic agriculture, David directs Dr. Bronner’s resources to support animal advocacy, wage equality, and drug policy reform. David was born in Los Angeles, California in 1973 and earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard University. He is a dedicated vegan and enjoys surfing and dancing late into the night. He currently lives in Encinitas, California. In the intro to the show, Jasmin visits the Hudson Valley, Rose the pitbull escapes Mariann’s yard sending Mariann and Jasmin on a frantic search, we address the coronavirus, and Mariann attends a fascinating talk on animal law at Yale. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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.

This week Jasmin interviews C Lou Hamilton about her book Veganism, Sex and Politics: Tales of Danger and Pleasure, the ways that veganism and sex are connected, the similarities between sexual exploitation of animals and of humans, and what The Sexual Politics of Meat by Carol Adams gets wrong. C Lou Hamilton is a feminist writer with a passion for fake fur, animals real and imaginary, and assorted things queer and vegan. She lives in London. Find her on Twitter @clouhamilton1 or on Instagram @veganismsexandpolitics. In the intro to the show, Jasmin has a bit of a bird feeder problem, Mariann wants to move somewhere populated only by vegan dogs, and Jasmin gets interviewed for Tenderly about body positivity. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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.

This week Mariann talks to Karen Davis of United Poultry Concerns about the beautiful encounter with Viva the chicken hen that inspired her lifetime of activism, the founding and continued work of United Poultry Concerns, and why the language we use when talking about animals is so important. She also gives us some stories from her latest book, For the Birds: From Exploitation to Liberation: Essays on Chickens, Turkeys, and Other Domesticated Fowl. KAREN DAVIS, PhD is the President and Founder of United Poultry Concerns, a nonprofit organization that promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl including a sanctuary for chickens in Virginia. Inducted into the National Animal Rights Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Liberation, Karen is the author of numerous books, essays, articles and campaigns. Her latest book is For the Birds: From Exploitation to Liberation: Essays on Chickens, Turkeys, and Other Domesticated Fowl (Lantern Books, 2019). In the intro to the show, Jasmin and Mariann listen to some amazing clips from the very first episode of Our Hen House! It involves Jersey accents, fake meat, and sound effects. Also, Jasmin tells why she won’t even act like she’s eating meat. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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.

This week Jasmin talks to Aph Ko about her new book, Racism as Zoological Witchcraft, A Guide to Getting Out. She breaks down how Jordan Peele’s film “Get Out” uses animals as symbolism for racism, how the film’s portrayal of racism intersects with rituals from witchcraft, and why we need to find new ways to talk about racism. Aph Ko’s previous appearance on Our Hen House was phenomenal and trust us this interview is just as important and not to be missed. Aph Ko is a writer and independent media producer. She is the founder of Black Vegans Rock, co-author of Aphro-ism: Essays on Pop Culture, Feminism, and Black Veganism from Two Sisters, and author of the new book, Racism as Zoological Witchcraft: A Guide to Getting Out. She served as the Associate Producer for the documentary film Always in Season, directed by Jacqueline Olive. The film won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury award for Moral Urgency at the Sundance Film Festival in February 2019. In the intro to the show, Jasmin gives us an update on her rescued chihuahua George, Mariann tells us about her exciting upcoming teaching opportunities, and our recent mention in Parade Magazine. Also, Jasmin is going to a non-vegan potluck. Later in the episode, Mariann brings us Rising Anxieties! As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.   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. Our Hen House is now part of the iROAR podcast network. 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.