Better Life for Animals

Naomi Alicia-Hallum, CEO of Generation Vegan (Gen V), shares her journey from growing up in a rural English farming village to leading one of the most influential global vegan organizations. Under her leadership, Gen V has delivered over 360,000 vegan meals, guided 160,000 people toward plant-based living, and inspired international campaigns challenging leaders to act for animals, the planet, and humanity. Naomi discusses compassionate parenting, reaching audiences beyond the vegan community, and how Gen V empowers people to take meaningful first steps—without judgment or perfection. Her story is a reminder that each of us can help shape a kinder, more sustainable world, starting with what’s on our plate. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/033-Naomi-Alicia-Hallum  

In 1985, only 200 mountain gorillas were left in the wild. Today their numbers are growing thanks to conservation and ecotourism. In this episode, Cheryl welcomes Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author and founder of Joyful Vegan Trips, to discuss how we can live more compassionately every day. Colleen shares why labeling food as vegan can sometimes turn people away and how focusing on flavors and ingredients makes plant-based meals inviting to all. She explains how Joyful Vegan Trips creates authentic, satisfying travel experiences with plant-based meals that celebrate local culture. The conversation also covers the importance of supporting real sanctuaries that put animals first, from elephant refuges in France to gorilla conservation treks in Rwanda. Colleen introduces her latest book, A Year of Compassion, which provides weekly actions to help people live with kindness and purpose. This episode is about practical, inspiring ways to bring compassion into daily life, whether at home, in restaurants, or while traveling. Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/032-Colleen-Patrick-Goudreau

A single plant-based meal can save 1,000 gallons of water. That simple fact fuels Paige Parsons Roache’s mission to build a kinder, more compassionate world. Host Cheryl Moss sits down with Paige, a full-time activist and media professional whose journey began when her daughter chose to go vegan. That decision led Paige from family cooking experiments to animal vigils, and eventually to a leadership role amplifying plant-based and ethical living through Unchained TV, grassroots campaigns, and vegan policy initiatives. In this episode Paige shares: How animal vigils shaped her advocacy Why sanctuaries create empathy and inspire change The impact of campaigns like Plant Based Treaty and Support and Feed Practical steps anyone can take to contribute to a compassionate future Paige’s message is clear. You do not have to do everything, but everyone can do something. Full post at:  www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/031-Paige-Parsons-Roache

Austin Farm Sanctuary, founded by Chris and Angela Fuller-Wigg, has grown from rescuing two goats on a half-acre to providing refuge for more than 240 farm animals on 95 acres in Cedar Creek, Texas. In this episode, Chris shares how a simple act of compassion became a thriving mission built on respect, sustainability, and community. From events like Doya Palooza to youth programs and virtual tours, discover how the sanctuary educates, inspires, and creates change for animals far beyond Texas. Full post and video at:  www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/030-Chris-Fuller-Wigg  

Most people do care about animals, yet support industries that harm them. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, I talk with Dr. Faraz Harsini about why this happens and what we can do to change it. Dr. Harsini shares his personal journey from believing animal use was "necessary" to becoming a leading voice in plant-based science and student empowerment. He outlines how Allied Scholars for Animal Protection is creating systems of change in universities across the United States. From cultivated meat to replacing animal testing with human-relevant science, this conversation is filled with practical solutions and long-term vision. Full episode at: www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/029-Dr-Faraz-Harsini #AnimalRights #PlantBasedFuture #CrueltyFreeScience #AlliedScholarsforAnimalProtection #BetterLifeForAnimalsPodcast

Most people have heard of burnout. Fewer recognize it as the deeper emotional exhaustion known as compassion fatigue—a condition that can affect anyone who spends their life caring for others. In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Juliette Watt, an Emmy-nominated writer, former ATP pilot, and long-time animal rescuer, to explore what happens when caregivers hit their breaking point. Juliette shares her incredible journey, from working at Best Friends Animal Society during Hurricane Katrina to finding healing through her deep bond with horses. Together, they discuss the emotional cost of animal sanctuary work, the importance of recognizing trauma, and how our third act in life can be filled with purpose and peace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in animal rescue, caregiving, or advocacy—or anyone who has ever felt emotionally depleted from giving too much. It’s a reminder that healing is possible, and that sanctuaries save more than animals—they save people too. Full post:  www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/028-Juliette-Watt

Most horses are rehomed an average of seven times during their lifetime. This instability often results in neglect, emotional distress, or a tragic end in the slaughter pipeline. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Lidia Kuleshnyk, also known as Lady Apona, founder of AponaHealing.com. Lidia discusses her mission to heal the disconnection between humans and nature. She explains her L.O.V.E. Method, her use of Ho’oponopono to bring healing energy to horses, and her vision for creating equine land trusts and forever sanctuaries. She also outlines the seven spiritual steps that guided her in rescuing her first horse, a process that now inspires her clients. Listeners will discover how horses can help people process grief, manage stress, and heal trauma while also learning how sanctuaries can provide the stability and reverence that every horse deserves. Full post: www.BetterLIfeForAnimals.com/podcast/027-Lidia-Kuleshnyk

Can a 5-acre sanctuary in suburbia change how we treat farmed animals? Michele Waldman says yes—and she’s living proof. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Michele shares how she founded Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in a residential Maryland neighborhood to bring compassion closer to home. A licensed psychotherapist, Michele uses her deep understanding of trauma to connect people with animals in transformative ways. At Rosie's, rescued farm animals become teachers, and youth become leaders through LEAP internships, immersive tours, and hands-on humane education. From pigs painting snout art to launching state legislation, this sanctuary blends joy, healing, and justice. Don't miss Michele’s inspiring journey into animal advocacy, healing, and public education. www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/026-Michele-Waldman

More than 70 billion land animals are raised and slaughtered every year, yet most people rarely think about the individuals behind those numbers. Elizabeth Novogratz, founder of Species Unite, is working to change that. In this conversation with Better Life for Animals Podcast host Cheryl Moss, Elizabeth shares her journey from witnessing cruelty in the global animal trade to building a nonprofit media platform that inspires global action. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why 70% of Species Unite’s non-vegan audience reports reducing or eliminating animal products The promise of cultivated meat and plant-based innovation to replace animal products worldwide How storytelling can transform public perception — from misunderstood wolves to rescued orangutans The value of a judgment-free approach in animal advocacy About Our Guest: Elizabeth Novogratz is the founder and president of Species Unite, a media nonprofit dedicated to creating a more compassionate world for animals.  More at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/025-Elizabeth-Novogratz 

Less than 3% of American students receive humane education, yet it's one of the strongest predictors of ethical leadership. In this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Danielle Hanosh, co-founder of LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) and Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary. A former middle school teacher, Danielle shares how her passion for education and animal welfare inspired a national movement that’s transforming farm sanctuaries into youth leadership hubs. LEAP is a compassionate alternative to 4-H and FFA, teaching students public speaking, ethical decision-making, climate literacy, and animal protection—without compromising their empathy. In This Episode: Why sanctuaries are ideal spaces for leadership development The heartbreaking truth behind traditional youth ag programs like 4-H How LEAP empowers kids to question the norm and speak up for animals Stories of student transformation—including one child who found their voice How your sanctuary can become a certified LEAP hub The importance of empathy in solving the climate, mental health, and compassion crises Danielle’s mission is clear: raise ethical leaders, not just animal advocates. Whether you're an educator, sanctuary operator, or advocate for change, this episode will leave you inspired to reimagine how the next generation learns about animals, the planet, and their own power to lead. Full post: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/024-Danielle-Hanosh