Our Hen House

Welcome to the 412th episode of Our Hen House! First, Mariann talks to Gregory Berns about his new book, What It’s Like To Be A Dog and Other Adventures in Animal Neuroscience, what we have in common with dogs, and how studies of their brains highlight these similarities. Gregory Berns is a distinguished professor of neuroeconomics at Emory University, where he directs the Center for Neuropolicy and Facility for Education and Research in Neuroscience. He is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller How Dogs Love Us. He lives in Atlanta. Follow him at @gberns. Then, Jasmin talks to Melanie Jacobs, aka The Chicken Lady, about Rooster Redemption, a microsanctuary she founded in Center City, MN that focuses on providing a safe and loving home for male chickens, currently caring for 20 roosters. Melanie is also featured in the recent documentary, Kindred Creatures.   Plus, Mariann covers news and 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! 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! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal...

Welcome to the 411th episode of Our Hen House! First, Jasmin talks to Julie Sinistore about the importance of veganism for the environment, and what more vegans can do to help conservation efforts. Dr. Julie Sinistore has been vegan for 17 years and first turned to vegetarianism 21 years ago, after reading Frances Moore Lappe’s Diet for a Small Planet.  In her current position as a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project director and consultant with WSP, she analyzes the environmental burdens and benefits of the production, use, transportation, and disposal of goods and services like agricultural products, but also electronics and construction products. Julie also teaches courses on Life Cycle Thinking and Sustainable Product Design in the mechanical engineering department at UC-Berkeley.  Julie sits on the board of the American Center for LCA (ACLCA) and serves on the Education Committee. Her educational path from a BS in Natural Resource Management with a Concentration in Conservation and Applied Ecology from Cook College of Rutgers University through her MS in Agroecology and PhD in Biological Systems Engineering from UW-Madison lead her to study everything from soils and climate to engineering and agriculture.  Today, she endeavors to make the world a more sustainable place through her career and life-style choices. Then, Mariann talks to A. Marie Houser about her new anthology, After Coetzee: An Anthology of Animal Fictions. A. Marie Houser is a writer and editor whose work centralizes critical animal studies, disability, and sex theoretics. Her anthology of ethically-charged literature for and about nonhuman animals, After Coetzee: An Anthology of Animal Fictions was published in summer 2017. Prior to its publication, A. Marie edited Dr. Melanie Joy’s first two books, among others, and published her own work in magazines and journals, including The Feminist Wire, The Journal of Critical Animal Studies, As It Ought to Be, and Our Hen House. She also served as a plenary panelist and writing-workshop instructor at the Animals + Writing conference in Sydney, Australia and the Decolonizing Critical Animal Studies, Cripping Animal Studies conference in Alberta, Canada. A portion of the introduction to After Coetzee: An Anthology of Animal Fictions is available at Berfrois. More information about the anthology is at faunarypress.com. Plus, Mariann covers news and 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food.

Welcome to the 410th episode of Our Hen House! We are so excited to share this with you! This week’s episode is the recording of our recent world-premiere performance of John Yunker’s radio play, Sanctuary, recorded live at NYC’s Symphony Space during the Compassion Arts and Culture & Animals Festival last month! Sanctuary tells the story of Richard and Lisa, a happily-married couple whose blissful retirement to a small town is upended when Lisa not only suddenly decides to go vegan, but offers their guest studio to her new animal-activist friend Meg and decides to celebrate Thanksgiving sans turkey. A blindsided Richard invites his unsuspecting pal Charley in the hopes of forcing Lisa to stick with the traditional meal. The resulting tensions soon push relationships over the edge. Equal parts poignant and humorous, the piece provides moments of genuine identification for anyone who has experienced the struggles and joys of navigating their vegan ethics around loved ones who might not quite understand. “When we think of animal-rights activism, we often think of protests,” says Yunker. “But equally vivid conflicts are taking place over dining room tables and in restaurants and at barbecues.” Sanctuary was written by playwright John Yunker, and this production was directed by John Frusciante. Live sound effects were provided by Eric Milano, with pre-recorded sound effects by Michael Harren. The episode’s cast features John Frusciante as Richard, Michael Harren as Charley, Eric Milano as The Narrator, Jasmin Singer as Meg, and Mariann Sullivan as Lisa. Jasmin, a long-time proponent of using the arts, especially theater, as a way to advocate for veganism, says, “The arts, and theater in particular, offer a unique lens through which an audience can safely confront their own behaviors, such as what they choose to eat, and why. In Sanctuary, Yunker accomplishes just that, with dark humor and quick wit as the moving forces behind this powerful play.” Mariann is pleased that “none of the characters are heroes and none are villains. These are just ordinary people struggling with what happens when they become aware of what is happening to animals and have to do something about it.” 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear,

Welcome to the 409th episode of Our Hen House! First, Mariann talks to Ravi DeRossi about his mission to transition his many NYC restaurants and bars over to vegan menus. Ravi began his career traveling around the world as an artist and painter, before returning to his native New York City and has been taking the nightlife world by storm ever since. At the age of 30 his entrepreneurial journey began, creating a mini-empire of world renowned cocktail lounges and bars. Described in the recent NY Times piece about his journey as the “Stealth Prince of the East Village”, Ravi’s bars and restaurants have been featured in hundreds of thousands of national, international and local publications, received acclaim for their impact on cocktail culture and two of his establishments have published cocktail books. Named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Tastemakers of the year, it is no doubt that he is the man behind several of New York City’s favorite bars. Having achieved a level of notoriety and success in the cocktail world, Ravi shifted his focus to food where his innovation was noticed by the New York Times and The New Yorker. A vegetarian-turned-vegan himself, Ravi holds a deep affection for all animals, and has been an outspoken voice on animal rights issues. His nonprofit BEAST Foundation and shift to plant based ventures has warranted both local and national applause, receiving an award from PETA for his efforts. Then, Jasmin talks to PETA’s Keith Burgeson about how their exciting Vegan Mentor Program provides support and information for new vegans. The Vegan Mentor Program was established to help ease the transition for aspiring vegans by offering free, one-on-one guidance from knowledgeable, well-rounded mentors who strive to make this shift as effortless as possible for their mentees. A native of New Jersey, Keith holds degrees in advertising and plant-based nutrition. After several years of service with AmeriCorps—the U.S. version of the Peace Corps—and working as an Animal Caregiver with Farm Sanctuary, he now helps guide new vegans into healthier, more compassionate lifestyles through PETA’s Vegan Mentor Program. Outside of his day job, Keith splits his time between race training and launching Silver Horn Sanctuary: a holistic health and animal advocacy organization in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina. Plus, Mariann covers news and Rising Anxieties, and Our Hen House’s Michael Harren gives a special report from the Coalition for Healthy School Food Gala! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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.

Welcome to the 408th episode of Our Hen House! This week Our Hen House brings you a special episode of interviews from Mariann’s recent trip to Germany! First, Mariann shares her brief interviews with some of the speakers at the End of Meat Conference. This segment features Hendrik Haßel, Hilal Sezgin,  Dr. Marco Springmann, Trent Grassian, and Professor Dr. Mark Post. Then, in her main interview, Mariann talks to Marc Pierschel about his newest film, The End of Meat, which Mariann is also featured in!  Marc Pierschel is an author and filmmaker from Muenster, Germany. He is the co-founder of ‘roots of compassion‘, the author of ‘Vegan! Vegane Lebensweise für alle‘, an introduction to veganism and ‘Vegan lecker lecker‘, a vegan cookbook with over 60,000 copies sold. His documentary films include ‘Live and let live’, a documentary examining the ethical, environmental and health reasons that move people to go vegan, which was picked up by Netflix in 2016 and ‘184’, the story of a small group of activists and their campaign to expose the Icelandic whaling industry. His current film ‘The End of Meat’ was financed through Crowdfunding and released in theatres across Germany on September 14th. Jasmin covers the VegNews’ top vegan-related news stories from Germany! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! 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,

Welcome to the 407th episode of Our Hen House! Jasmin talks with Ari Nessel about activism, the benefits of meditation, and his new organization 50by40. After an epiphany in 1997 changed the way Ari related to food, his heart opened up to the impact every person’s life has on countless beings and the world at large. Soon after this insight, Ari had a vision of himself attaining all of his worldly goals and dreams (aka the American Dream), yet still feeling empty inside. Thus began his journey, which has culminated in the development of The Pollination Project. In Ari’s day job he oversees a real estate re-development company that focuses on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. He shares with his wife, Becky, a doctor who cares for underserved populations, the desire to serve others and act as a role model for their two young boys. Ari also leads meditation and yoga workshops and actively experiences the challenges of being a modern-day yogi, and the delusion that life can be compartmentalized into separate boxes such as family, work, hobbies/exercise and spirit. As a committed peace activist, Ari remains constantly challenged to live his life in alignment with his values, and to utilize the numerous privileges he has been given to turn seeds into blossom and blossom into fruit. Mariann interviews author and illustrator Nicole Georges about her new graphic memoir, Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home. Nicole J. Georges is a writer, illustrator, podcaster & professor. Her Lambda Award-winning graphic memoir, Calling Dr. Laura, was called “engrossing, lovable, smart and ultimately poignant” by Rachel Maddow, and was an Official Selection at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. Nicole does a weekly queer feminist art podcast called Sagittarian Matters, and is currently on a dog-themed book tour in support of Fetch.     Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation, or becoming a 

Welcome to the 406th episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann interviews Heather Cammisa, President and CEO of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, about the challenges of rescuing and rehabilitating companion animals, and how that interacts with the broader world of animal advocacy. Heather, a Jersey native and 20-year vegan,  is a staunch advocate for the protection and humane treatment of all species.  She joined St. Hubert’s in 2010 as President/CEO.  She was the first in NJ to achieve the signature designation of Certified Animal Welfare Administrator.  A NJ Certified Animal Control Officer and Cruelty Investigator, she is currently an instructor and course content development advisor for those certification courses.  She’s the recipient of the 2013 Unity Award from the Animal Welfare Federation of NJ (AWFNJ) and a 2016 Maddie’s Fund Hero to Animals award.    Jasmin interviews Cam F  Awesome about being a vegan athlete, and his recent experiences. Cam F Awesome is a multi-time heavyweight National champion boxer.  As a stand-up comedian, Cam has performed many comedy shows across the country and has been the emcee at many events. As a keynote speaker, Cam speaks on “Efficient Resilience” and how to live life with the “Focus of a Fighter”. He shares lessons learned from boxing that should be used in everyday life. Cam is also a proud member of the National Speakers Association. Cam is the U.S. National Team Captain and the Athletic Director on the USA Boxing Board of Directors. Cam has been a Big for Big Brother Big Sister for 7 years and does a lot of work with the youth around Kansas City. He has been vegan for over 5 years and is active in advocacy for the vegan lifestyle. Cam was recently featured in the Netflix Original documentary “CounterPunch”. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! 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).

Welcome to the 405th episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to James Aspey about his year-long vow of silence for animals, the benefits of meditation, and how to stay peaceful and centered as an animal activist. After a chance encounter with a wise Indian man on a cruise ship who told him that eating animals was “bad karma,” James Aspey decided the only way to live in alignment with his values of respecting others was to become vegan. His first major form of activism was a 1 year long vow of silence which he used to raise awareness for animals and promote peace over violence. He travelled around Australia and cycled 5000km from Darwin to Sydney to show vegans can be fit and strong. He broke his vow of silence on Australia’s most popular morning TV show. The interview went viral and was seen millions of times by people all around the world. He appeared in the news in numerous different countries and since then has given over 100 free talks on his journey and the many things he have learned. Visit his YouTube page for more! Jasmin interviews Michael Harren about his cross-country tour with The Animal Show, visiting sanctuaries, and the horrors he witnessed while demonstrating at the recent Kaporos ritual in New York City. Brooklyn-based composer and performer Michael Harren combines elements of classical composition with experimental electronics and storytelling to create hypnotic and boldly intimate work that walks the line between Laurie Anderson, Peter Gabriel and Dead Can Dance. He is artist-in-residence at Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary where he created The Animal Show, a solo multi-media theater piece which will begin touring in the Summer of 2017. Michael Harren has toured as pianist with Sandra Bernhard, is the musical director for Cabaret for a Cause, and has performed at Dixon Place, (le) poisson rouge, Joe’s Pub, Judson Memorial Church, Manhattan Theater Source, The Duplex, Don’t Tell Mama, The Laurie Beechman Theater as well as numerous venues around the country. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment!

Welcome to the 404th episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka, authors of Zoopolis, about how to develop a genuinely interspecies model of democracy, how farmed animal sanctuaries can be sites for experiments in co-citizenship, and about how to build links with other social justice movements. Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka are at the Philosophy Department of Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, where they co-direct a research group on animal politics.   Jasmin interviews Fiona Peacock about her successful efforts to secure vegan school meals for her daughter, and encouraging her children’s views on veganism. Fiona Peacock is a vegan mama, writer and blogger.       Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! 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! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! 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.

Welcome to the 403rd episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to Hayden Hunter, Director of Investigations at Last Chance For Animals, about the organization’s recent undercover investigation of animal cruelty at International Toxicology Research Laboratories. Hayden Hunter is director of Investigations for Last Chance for Animals (LCA), an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and public awareness campaigns. In this role, she manages the organization’s investigators throughout the United States and Canada and supports the organization’s efforts to expose the reality of the lives of animals in industries catering to humans so that the public can better understand their experiences and needs, and ensure that there are laws that allow animals to be protected and live as they should. Hunter brings 32 years of experience working with livestock, horses, exotic animals and marine mammals in the entertainment, competitive sports, farming, and veterinary medicine industries. Jasmin interviews Aryenish Birdie about Encompass, an organization she founded to help foster inclusion in the animal protection movement. Executive Director Aryenish Birdie, M.A. founded Encompass in August 2017 after witnessing first hand the urgent need for a more inclusive animal protection movement. She recently served as the Research Outreach and Legislative Policy Manager at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, having spent over seven years at the organization. While there she promoted human-relevant alternatives to the use of animals in toxicity tests for chemicals, cosmetics, pesticides, and other products through outreach to Members of Congress and their staff, Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and other stakeholders. As a lobbyist, she was part of a four-woman team instrumental in reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act to ensure that animal protection language was integrated into the law, securing the first-ever federal legislative victory for animals in labs. Birdie completed her Master’s degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear,

Welcome to the 402nd episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to James McWilliams about his new book, Eating Promiscuously: Adventures in the Future of Food. James McWilliams is an historian and writer based in Austin, Texas. His books include The Modern Savage: Our Unthinking Decision to Eat Animals (Thomas Dunne Books), Just Food: Where Locavores Get It Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly (Little, Brown) and A Revolution in Eating: How the Quest for Food Shaped America (Columbia University Press). There are others. His writing has appeared in The Paris Review daily, The New Yorker.com, The New York Times, Harper’s, The Washington Post, Slate, The American Scholar, Texas Monthly, The Atlantic, and The Virginia Quarterly Review. He writes a column at Pacific Standard, where he is a contributing writer. His literary non-fiction has appeared in The Millions, Quarterly Conversation, The New York Times Book Review, and The Hedgehog Review. His current project is a history of art and expression in the 20th-century American south, tentatively titled The Wild and Beautiful Poets We Grow by the Road. He is not on Facebook. But he tweets @the_pitchfork. He runs a lot. He drinks strong coffee. He prefers novels.   Jasmin interviews Julia Feliz Brueck about her new book, The Baby and Toddler Feeding Guide. Julia Feliz Brueck is a decade long vegan, mother of two, scientist, and published author and illustrator. She is also the founder of Sanctuary Publishers, a vegan book publisher that gives back to marginalized communities with every book sold. Sales from Julia’s new guide, the Baby and Toddler Vegan Feeding Guide, a simple, evidence based, and dietician approved survival guide for venturing into the world of solids for little ones, will help support the publication of more vegan books and the work of Chilis on Wheels, an organization that helps to feed the humans and nonhumans in need with warm vegan meals. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation,

Welcome to the 401st episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to Green Monday founder David Yeung about his plant-based grocery store and cafe, Green Common. David Yeung is a noted environmental advocate and founder of Green Monday, an innovative social venture that takes on on climate change, food insecurity, health issues and animal welfare with a diverse platform that shifts individuals, communities, and corporations towards sustainable, healthy, and mindful living. Under Green Monday Mr. Yeung launched Green Common – the world’s first plant-based green living destination – to introduce a revolutionary food and lifestyle experience. The movement of Green Monday has now spread to over 10 countries, with 1.6 million people practicing Green Monday at its Hong Kong origin. Awards and recognition won by Green Monday and Mr. Yeung include “50 Most Innovative Companies,” “100 Most Creative People in China,” “Asia 100 Pioneers”, “Ten Outstanding Young Persons Hong Kong”, “Best Idea of the Year.” He is also the  author of a number of best-selling books on Zen wisdom and mindfulness. Mr. Yeung is a graduate of Columbia University and a Director of Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI), Hong Kong AIDS Foundation and Hong Kong Buddhist Association.   Jasmin talks with Hayden Hamilton Hall  and Aaron Hall, otherwise known as the Vegan Voyagers. The Vegan Voyagers are two vegans, traveling the US in an RV with five cats, a dog, and a chicken. Their goals are to visit every state, every National Park, and eat at as many vegan restaurants as they possibly can. Hayden has been vegan for almost 7 years and has a long history of working for animal rights organizations. She previously worked as a Campaigner for PETA, in fundraising for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and is currently the Grassroots Activation Manager for FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement). Aaron has been vegan for 3.5 years, previously worked as the Web Developer for Sea Shepherd (where we met) and does contract work for rescue organizations. He is currently the Lead Developer at Allied Health Media. They both are lucky enough to work remotely, which is how they can travel full-time. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course,

Welcome to the 400th episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to Nathan Runkle, founder and President of Mercy For Animals, about his new book, Mercy For Animals: One Man’s Quest to Inspire Compassion, and Improve the Lives of Farm Animals. Since founding MFA over a decade ago, Nathan has overseen the organization’s growth into a leading international force in the prevention of cruelty to farmed animals and promotion of compassionate food choices and policies. A nationally recognized speaker on animal advocacy, factory farming, and veganism, Nathan has presented at colleges, conferences, and many other forums from coast to coast. Through his work with MFA, Nathan has been an outspoken advocate for animal rights, featured in hundreds of television, radio, and newspaper interviews, including on ABC’s World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20, CNN, and National Public Radio, and in USA Today, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune. Nathan has worked alongside elected officials, corporate executives, heads of international organizations, academics, farmers, celebrities, and film producers to pass landmark farmed animal protection legislation, raise public awareness about vegetarianism, and implement animal welfare policy changes. VegNews magazine has recognized both MFA and Nathan for making substantial contributions to the vegetarian movement, naming Nathan one of the “25 Most Fascinating Vegetarians” and one of the country’s “Top 20 Activists Under 30 Years Old,” and twice naming MFA “Non-Profit of the Year.” In 2009, at the age of 25, Nathan became the youngest person ever inducted into the US Animal Rights Hall of Fame. Jasmin talks with Genesis Butler! When Genesis was three years old, she asked her mother where she got her food from. When she found out she was eating animals, she decided she no longer wanted to eat meat and went vegetarian. A year later, after finding out where the milk she was drinking came from, she gave up eating all dairy products. Since then, Genesis Butler has become a powerful voice for the animals and received various awards for her activism including PETA’s Vegan Kid of the Year and Animal Hero Kids Sir Paul Mccartney’s Young Veg Advocate. Genesis speaks regularly at events and meetings including local City Council meetings to advocate for the animals. Genesis recently gave a TEDx talk and is the youngest TEDx speaker in history. Although Genesis is only 10, she finds time in her busy schedule as an activist to play Soccer and Football. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals,

Welcome to the 399th episode of Our Hen House!  As you know, the Our Hen House podcast has gone on the air every single week since January 2010. Next week is our 400th episode! That’s quite a library, if we do say so ourselves! Knowing what a treasure trove of information those interviews are, we picked out three of our favorites for each of our four hot summer specials. These blasts from the past will remind you just how far we’ve come – and inspire you to continue to change the world for animals. This week’s interviews from episodes 301 through 398 include Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, the Open Philanthropy Project’s Lewis Bollard, and Animal Equality co-founders Sharon Nunez and Jose Valle. This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! 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! The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! 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.

Welcome to the 398th episode of Our Hen House!  Mariann talks to Dr. Melanie Joy about her new book, Beyond Beliefs: A Guide to Improving Relationships and Communication for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Meat Eaters. Harvard-educated psychologist Dr. Melanie Joy is the world’s leading expert on the psychology of veganism and of eating animals, and her work has been featured by national and international media outlets around the world, including the New York Times , the BBC, and ABC Australia. Dr. Joy is also a longtime relationship coach and communications specialist. She has traveled to 38 countries on six continents where she’s spoken with thousands of vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters about their experiences in “veg/non-veg” relationships. Dr. Joy is also the author of the award-winning book Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows and she is the founder and president of Beyond Carnism. Jasmin talks with Holly Feral (Editor-in-Chief) and Michele Truty (Managing Editor) of Driftwood Magazine about building community, traveling while vegan, and the explosion of vegan scenes in major U.S. cities. Holly cut her teeth working for community papers and the Tennessean. Freelancing as a writer and photographer since 2006, she has experimented with fine art photography, historical processes and freelance commercial photography since moving to the Pacific Northwest. In the PNW, she worked in homeless housing and worked on the concept of an international magazine highlighting culture and building bridges through understanding and empathy. That idea took some turns before becoming Driftwood after 4 years of dreaming and planning. Michele has worked in publishing for 15 years: production and managing editorial at Penguin (making kids’ books!); copy editing for a bunch of car magazines; and writing, editing, and general word-nerdery as a freelancer. She was a co-founder of Vida Vegan Con and Vegan Iron Chef, and back in the day blogged at Vegtastic Voyage. Born in Chicago, she’s lived in New York and L.A. and now calls Portland home. Mariann covers News and Rising Anxieties, too! 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 is a hunger relief and animal protection organization chipping away at two of the world’s most immense, unnecessary and unconscionable forms of suffering… the suffering of people hungry from lack of food, and the suffering of animals used and abused for food. Mending our unjust food system is a critical part of solving the world’s most destructive and persistent problems. Fortunately, the plant-based foods that promote health and well-being are the same foods that conserve resources to better feed the world, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 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 (beneath this paragraph!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Of course,