How I Learned to Love Shrimp

Ben Newman, co-director of Animal Rising and seasoned animal welfare activist, shares insights from his disruptive protest experiences. He discusses the controversial campaign against the RSPCA, arguing its welfare labeling may mislead the public about animal farming practices. Newman also highlights the challenges of mass arrests in activism, advocating for targeted strategies that foster effective public engagement. The conversation touches on legal risks of direct action rescues and the need for unified advocacy in the face of evolving animal rights complexities.

Almira Tanner, lead organizer of Direct Action Everywhere, and Aidan Kankyoku, strategy lead for Pro Animal Future, share their inspiring insights on grassroots activism. They discuss recent ballot initiatives aimed at promoting animal welfare and the importance of 'losing forward' against tough opposition. The duo emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and the power of narrative over funding in campaigning. With personal stories of resilience, they highlight the vital role of community education and strategic planning in the fight for social and animal justice.

Jesse Marks, the Farm Animal Welfare Program Officer for The Navigation Fund, shares his insights on becoming a grant-maker and transforming advocacy for animal rights. He discusses the evolution of the shrimp welfare campaign and the importance of nurturing public engagement. Jesse dives into the challenges of corporate campaigning, highlighting the need for focused efforts and collaboration among organizations. He also emphasizes the significance of youth involvement and transparent funding processes, offering fresh perspectives on advancing animal welfare initiatives.

Joyce Tischler, known as the mother of animal law, shares her 45-year journey in advocating for animal rights. She discusses her early challenges in co-founding the Animal Legal Defense Fund and taking on the US Navy in landmark cases. Joyce highlights pivotal legal battles for stray dogs and farmed animals, revealing the evolution of judicial attitudes. She emphasizes the importance of community in advocacy and reflects on her innovative approach in animal law education, combining welfare and environmental justice.

Tom Harris, an activist, artist, and author, dives into his transformative journey within the SHAC campaign, which has been pivotal in the animal rights movement. He shares eye-opening insights about effective grassroots strategies and common misconceptions surrounding SHAC. His candid reflections on prison time highlight the resilience required in activism. Additionally, Tom discusses plans to rejuvenate grassroots efforts in the UK and the significance of community engagement to drive meaningful change in animal welfare.

Jakub Stencel is the interim director of Anima International, dedicated to fighting animal suffering. He discusses the importance of organizational culture, emphasizing transparency and the balance between freedom and responsibility. Jakub reflects on the challenges of maintaining a cohesive culture across countries while navigating leadership transitions. He highlights the significance of psychological safety in fostering communication and effectiveness, and delves into the complexities of building a diverse team aligned with Anima's vision.

Rune-Christoffer Dragshahl, Secretary General of the Vegetarian Society of Denmark, is a key figure behind Denmark's monumental government investment in plant-based foods. He shares insights into how they built political support and the importance of collaborative relationships across various sectors. The discussion dives into strategies for dialogue with the meat industry and the need for training in plant-based cooking. Rune-Christoffer also outlines ambitious plans for scaling these initiatives throughout the EU, highlighting the potential economic and health benefits of plant-based diets.

Giulia Malerbi, head of Global Policy at The Aquatic Life Institute, is on a mission to end octopus farming due to its severe welfare issues and environmental impact. She discusses the complexities of advocating for this little-known species and highlights the recent legislative success behind the Octopus Act, aiming to ban commercial farming in the U.S. Giulia also explores the ethical dilemmas, the industry's inefficiencies, and the importance of public awareness and policy change in promoting a sustainable future for these intelligent creatures.

Wu Hung, founder of the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan, has dedicated over 30 years to animal rights advocacy. Trained as a Buddhist monk, he discusses the influence of Buddhist principles on his activism. Wu shares stories of overcoming challenges in Taiwan's evolving animal advocacy landscape, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration. He highlights efforts for better farm animal welfare, including cage-free commitments, and the dire issues faced by the fish industry. Wu also encourages global support for local initiatives.

Léo Le Ster, a campaigner at L214, shares his insights on creative campaigning for farm animal rights. He discusses the power of collaborative brainstorming and innovative strategies that have shifted public perception. Léo also highlights the balance between creativity and endurance in advocacy and how playful ideas can effectively convey serious messages. He provides a glimpse into L214’s multifaceted approach, the importance of political accountability, and the evolving landscape of animal welfare in France.