Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Better Life for Animals

Internationally recognized fine art photographer Robert Sturman has spent more than two decades documenting dignity, resilience and healing. His work has taken him into prisons, military communities and cultures around the world. Then a rescued coonhound named Otis entered his life and gave his work an entirely new purpose.

Otis survived the laboratory-testing industry and still carries an identification tattoo inside his ear. When Robert agreed to foster him, it took only moments for him to understand that Otis had found his permanent home.

In this moving conversation with host Cheryl Moss, Robert shares how Otis transformed his understanding of animals and strengthened his commitment to advocacy. He discusses the cultural conditioning that allows animal exploitation to remain hidden, the intelligence and dignity he sees in Otis and the importance of turning compassion into meaningful action.

Robert and Otis are also featured in Born on Death Row, a documentary created to expose the largely hidden industry that breeds dogs and other animals for laboratory research.

This episode is an invitation to see animals differently, question what society has taught us to accept and consider the everyday choices that can help create a more compassionate world.

Listen to the complete episode:

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/082-Robert-Sturman

Learn more about the Born on Death Row documentary at BODRDoc.org

What happens when the life you built no longer reflects what you believe?

For Chiara Saitta, becoming vegan changed far more than what she ate. It prompted her to leave a career in fashion and film, help open Rome's first vegan patisserie, and eventually dedicate herself to caring for rescued animals in Portugal.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Chiara shares the experiences that led her to Riza Animal Sanctuary, where she helps care for around 60 animals through a fully volunteer-run operation.

From meeting a rescued pig to watching her brother reconsider his choices after an encounter with a cow, Chiara has seen how connecting with animals can open hearts in ways a conversation alone sometimes cannot.

She also offers an honest look at what happens behind the scenes of sanctuary life. Compassion must be supported by veterinary care, appropriate diets, dependable volunteers, and consistent funding. Chiara explains how she draws on her business experience to meet those needs, including founding the Coimbra Vegan Market to help generate income.

Looking ahead, she shares plans for a larger sanctuary property and a vegan cooking school where food, education, and meaningful encounters with animals come together.

•      Why Chiara's vegan bakery was designed to welcome people who were not vegan.

•      How sanctuary visits can inspire lasting changes in perspective.

•      Why rescuing animals is only the beginning of providing lifelong care.

•      How community events can support sanctuary fundraising.

•      What animals taught Chiara about staying present during difficult times.

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/081-Chiara-Saitta 

Subscribe, rate, and review Better Life for Animals on your favorite podcast platform. Every share helps introduce more people to the individuals and sanctuaries working to give animals the lives they deserve.

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com 

A donkey can grieve so deeply after losing a bonded companion that they stop eating.

That is only one of the powerful truths Amber Raleigh and Edj, co-founders of Donkey Dreams Sanctuary, reveal in this unforgettable conversation with Cheryl Moss.

Donkeys are often dismissed as stubborn or treated like smaller versions of horses. But these intelligent, emotionally complex animals think, love, remember, form lifelong relationships, and experience profound grief.

Amber and Edj care for nearly 100 wild burros and rescued donkeys at their GFAS-certified sanctuary in Arizona. Their approach is built around trust, respect, and keeping donkey families together whenever possible.

Why donkeys are dramatically different from horses

What wild burros experience during government roundups

Why separating bonded donkeys can have devastating consequences

How Pete began to heal after meeting Lila

What it means to honor a donkey's sovereignty

How Donkey Dreams provides care without relying on force

Why Amber and Edj are developing a new 40-acre home

How they are preparing young people for careers in compassionate animal care

Simple ways you can support Donkey Dreams Sanctuary

This conversation will completely change the way you see donkeys and the relationships they share.

Listen now and discover what these remarkable animals can teach us about love, trust, grief, resilience, and healing.

https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/080-Donkey-Dreams 

Young people care deeply about animals, but many don't realize how much power they already have to create change.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss talks with Danielle Hanosh, co-founder and executive director of LEAP, Leaders for Ethics, Animals and the Planet, about helping the next generation turn compassion into meaningful action.

Danielle shares how LEAP gives young people an alternative path for learning about animals, humane education, advocacy and leadership. She and Cheryl explore the many ways young people can make a difference, from animal law, policy and sanctuary work to wildlife conservation, social media, education and careers with purpose.

They also discuss AI ethics and animals, the importance of nature and connection in preventing advocacy burnout, and why young people should never underestimate the impact of speaking up.

A major focus of the conversation is the upcoming Youth for Animals Summit, a free virtual event co-hosted by Cheryl and Danielle and presented by Better Life for Animals and LEAP on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific.

The summit will bring together young people, parents, teachers, mentors, sanctuary leaders and animal advocates for interactive sessions covering advocacy, careers, social media, AI ethics, animal law and policy, mental health, nature and more.

Participants won't simply hear about problems. They'll learn practical ways to take action, including contacting elected officials, writing advocacy emails, starting petitions, connecting with mentors and discovering ways to become involved in their own communities.

As Danielle explains, young people have a superpower they may not even realize they possess.

Learn more:
www.BetterLifeforanimals.com/podcast/079-Danielle-Hanosh

Pigeons are one of the most familiar birds in the world, yet they are also among the most misunderstood.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss talks with Susan Joyce, affectionately known as "The Pigeon Lady," about how an unexpected encounter with pigeons changed the direction of her life.

Susan shares how she went from working in veterinary practice to caring for hundreds of pigeons and eventually becoming a passionate advocate for birds that are often dismissed as pests. She challenges common misconceptions about pigeons, shares some fascinating facts about their intelligence and parenting behaviors, and explains why our relationship with these birds is far more complicated than most people realize.

The conversation also explores the realities of rescue, including the financial challenges faced by rehabilitators and sanctuaries, humane approaches to managing pigeon populations, and why collaboration is essential to creating lasting change.

Most importantly, Susan invites us to look at pigeons differently. These are individual animals deserving of compassion, care, and protection.

Listen to the episode and learn more:

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/078-Susan-Joyce

What does it take to create real, lasting change for animals?

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss talks with Amber Canavan, Associate Director of Vegan Campaigns at PETA, about more than two decades of animal advocacy, vegan activism, corporate campaigns, animal rescue, legislation, and the persistence required to challenge industries that profit from animal exploitation.

Amber shares how a high school paper first opened her eyes to the realities of animal suffering and ultimately helped set the direction for her life's work. Since then, she has been involved in campaigns ranging from corporate negotiations and public demonstrations to legislative initiatives and hands-on animal rescue.

Cheryl and Amber discuss PETA's campaign challenging Starbucks' surcharge on plant-based milk and why making vegan choices affordable and accessible matters for animals. Amber also takes listeners behind the scenes of the Hell on Wheels campaign, designed to bring the hidden realities of animals being transported to slaughter directly into public view.

One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Amber's experience helping coordinate the rescue of approximately 435 hens from an Oregon egg facility. Their condition challenged common perceptions surrounding the term "cage-free" and offered Amber a firsthand look at the resilience and individual personalities of chickens once they were given the opportunity to experience safety, sunlight, and grass.

The conversation also explores PETA's work exposing forced monkey labor in Thailand's coconut industry, campaigns surrounding foie gras, corporate accountability, legislation, and the importance of combining individual action with institutional and policy change.

Perhaps most importantly, Amber reminds us that successful animal advocacy rarely comes down to one person or one dramatic action. Change is often the result of many people doing their part over time.

Some victories make headlines. Others happen quietly behind the scenes. What matters is that animals are spared suffering because someone was willing to speak up.

Listen to the episode and learn more:

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/077-Amber-Canavan-PETA

Most animal sanctuaries begin with compassion.

Shy 38 Animal Sanctuary began with a single cow.

She wasn't known by a name. She was simply Number 38, one of dozens of cows grazing in a neighboring pasture. Yet by quietly observing her and the rest of the herd, founder Chris Taylor and her young children witnessed something that would forever change the course of their lives.

They saw mothers form deep bonds with their calves. They watched friendships develop within the herd. And each autumn, they witnessed the heartbreaking grief that followed when calves were taken away from their mothers.

Those moments revealed a simple truth: these animals were not products. They were thinking, feeling individuals with unique personalities and emotional lives.

That quiet cow became the inspiration behind what is now Shy 38 Animal Sanctuary.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss welcomes Chris Taylor and educator Elizabeth Wallace to share the remarkable story behind the sanctuary and its mission to rescue animals while changing hearts through humane education.

Together they discuss the innovative Hatching Kindness Project, an ethical alternative to classroom chick-hatching experiments that allows students to explore science, empathy, and compassion without harming animals. They also share the realities of operating a sanctuary for nearly 200 rescued animals, why rescued roosters deserve a second chance, and how one compassionate decision can create ripple effects that extend far beyond the sanctuary gates.

Whether you're passionate about animal rescue, humane education, or simply believe one person can make a difference, this conversation offers hope, inspiration, and practical examples of compassion in action.

Learn more about Shy 38 Animal Sanctuary and this episode at:  

https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/076-shy-38 

What does it really take to create a no-kill community and save more animals in shelters?

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss talks with Tawny Hammond of Best Friends Animal Society about the leadership, policies, partnerships, and community involvement needed to transform animal shelters and save lives.

Tawny shares lessons from decades in public service and animal services leadership, including her experience in Austin, Texas, where the city achieved a 98 percent save rate for more than 17,000 animals in a single year.

Cheryl and Tawny explore what no-kill actually means, why nonprofits and animal shelters need to work together, innovative foster programs for dogs struggling in shelter environments, and the connection between animal welfare, social justice, and underserved communities.

They also discuss why all animals matter, the complexities of working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and how each of us can help create meaningful change for animals.

This conversation offers a deeper look at the road to no-kill and why lasting change requires leadership, collaboration, better systems, and communities willing to get involved.

Listen and learn more:

https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/075-Tawny-Hammond

What happens when you meet a pig and begin to see someone instead of something?

Suki Player, founder of Little Pigs at Home Animal Sanctuary in West Wales, shares how one pig changed the direction of her life and led to a mission of rescue, education, and changing hearts one pig at a time.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Suki talks with Cheryl Moss about the intelligence, emotional lives, and distinct personalities of pigs. She shares stories of pigs who arrived frightened, grieving, disabled, overweight, in pain, or simply unwanted, and what it takes to help them feel safe and learn to trust again.

Suki also reveals a reality few people know about. Because pigs are primarily classified as food animals, access to specialized medications, procedures, and emergency veterinary care can be extremely limited.

The conversation explores the truth behind the micro pig myth, what it really takes to care for a pig, daily life at the sanctuary, and the financial challenges of providing lifelong care for animals with specialized needs.

You will also hear how meeting pigs face to face can change perceptions, challenge long-held assumptions, and sometimes change the choices people make.

Because changing how people see animals often begins with something very simple: meeting them.

Learn more about the episode and Suki's work:

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/074-suki-player

Why do an estimated 95% of drugs that pass animal testing fail in human clinical trials? If animal experimentation often produces poor results for people, why is it still widely used in medical research?

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Meredith Blanchard, Senior Manager of Advocacy and Policy at the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), about the science, ethics, and future of replacing animal testing with human-based research methods.

Meredith explains why animal models frequently fail to predict human outcomes and discusses innovative alternatives that are already transforming biomedical research. These include organ-on-a-chip technology, organoids, artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and other human-relevant research methods designed to improve both scientific accuracy and animal welfare.

The conversation also explores why change has been slow despite advances in technology, how legislation and public policy can accelerate the transition away from animal experimentation, and what individuals can do to support more humane, effective science.

Whether you care about ending animal cruelty, improving medical research, or advancing innovative scientific methods, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most important shifts happening in modern medicine.

Listen now:
https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/073-meredith-blanchard

Topics discussed include:

• Why animal testing continues despite its limitations
• The 95% failure rate of drugs that pass animal tests
• Human-based research methods and non-animal testing alternatives
• Organ-on-a-chip technology and organoids
• Artificial intelligence in medical research
• The role of the National Anti-Vivisection Society
• Humane science and biomedical innovation
• Legislative efforts to reduce animal experimentation
• How students, parents, scientists, and advocates can help end animal testing

Foxes are intelligent, emotional individuals who form bonds, experience grief, express joy, and have unique personalities. Yet foxes continue to be bred and exploited for the fur industry and exotic pet trade.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, host Cheryl Moss talks with Nicole Navarro, founder and executive director of Pawsitive Beginnings, a fox sanctuary in Key Largo, Florida.

Nicole shares how meeting two surrendered foxes changed the direction of her life and eventually led her to create a sanctuary for foxes rescued from fur farms and the exotic pet industry. She discusses the hidden reality of fur farming in the United States, the complex emotional lives of foxes, and why these animals deserve to be seen as individuals rather than products.

Nicole also shares moving stories about the sanctuary's work with children and adults recovering from trauma and the powerful connections that can form between people and rescued animals.

This conversation explores fox rescue, fur farming, the exotic pet trade, sanctuary care, animal advocacy, ethical consumer choices, and the simple actions each of us can take to help protect foxes.

Listen and learn more:
https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/072-Nicole-Navarro

For more than four decades, Gail Eisnitz has gone where few people are willing to go. As Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association, she has spent her career documenting the hidden realities of factory farms and slaughterhouses, exposing cruelty that most consumers never see and many industries would prefer remain hidden.

In this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Gail to discuss her extraordinary journey, the emotional cost of bearing witness to animal suffering, and the resilience that has allowed her to continue fighting for animals despite enormous personal challenges.

As Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association (HFA), Gail has spent decades exposing cruelty within industrial animal agriculture. Through investigations, public education, and advocacy efforts, HFA has worked to shine a light on conditions inside factory farms and slaughterhouses while promoting greater accountability and compassion for farmed animals.

The organization is also home to Suwanna Ranch, a 7,000-acre sanctuary in Northern California that provides lifelong care to more than 1,000 rescued farm animals. For Gail, the sanctuary serves as a reminder that while exposing cruelty is essential, creating safe and loving environments for animals is equally important.

More at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/071-Gail-Eisnitz

Most people never see what happens behind the walls of animal testing facilities. In this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with animal advocate Pamela Smith to discuss her involvement in the widely publicized open rescue at Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that breeds beagles for laboratory testing.

Pamela shares her personal journey from becoming an ethical vegan to taking direct action on behalf of animals. She offers a firsthand account of the rescue effort, the emotional reality of helping beagles destined for experimentation, and why she believes public awareness is one of the most powerful tools for creating change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why beagles are commonly used in laboratory testing
• What an open rescue is and how it differs from other forms of activism
• What Pamela experienced during the Ridglan Farms rescue effort
• Why many animal advocates believe animal testing is outdated
• How modern alternatives to animal experimentation are changing the conversation
• The importance of public awareness in advancing animal welfare
• How Compassion Without Borders helps street dogs and families in Mexico
• Practical ways individuals can get involved in animal advocacy

This conversation is both educational and inspiring, offering a closer look at the realities of animal testing while highlighting the growing movement working toward a more compassionate future for animals.

Learn more:

https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/070-Pamela-Smith

Most people think animal advocacy begins and ends with awareness. But according to Amit Dhuleshia, lasting change for animals requires something much bigger: political action, grassroots organizing, and long-term strategy.

In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Cheryl Moss sits down with Amit Dhuleshia, co-founder of Strategic Action for Animals and creator of the Action for Animals app, to discuss how advocates can move beyond reacting to crises and begin building systems that create lasting protections for animals.

Amit shares his journey from the software industry into animal advocacy and explains why he believes local political engagement may be one of the most overlooked tools in the movement today. Together, Cheryl and Amit discuss the importance of influencing legislation, organizing communities, building relationships with elected officials, and empowering people to take meaningful action for animals.

The conversation also explores current issues impacting animal welfare, including opposition to the EATS Act, protecting Proposition 12, local ballot initiatives, and creating scalable grassroots models that communities across the country can replicate.

Amit also discusses the Action for Animals app, a platform designed to make advocacy simple and accessible by helping users quickly contact elected officials and stay informed on important animal protection issues.

This episode is both inspiring and practical for anyone who wants to create real change for animals through organized, strategic action.

Listen and learn more:
https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/069-Amit-Dhuleshia

What if the animals in our lives are here to teach us how to heal?

In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Cheryl Moss welcomes author, animal communicator, Reiki practitioner, and podcast host Stephanie Stephan for a powerful conversation about the emotional wisdom animals carry and the lessons humans can learn from them.

Stephanie shares deeply personal stories about rescue animals, sanctuary experiences, energy healing, and the profound impact animals have had on her spiritual and emotional journey. Through her work and her book, The Path to Unconditional Love: Lessons in Heart-Centered Living from Our Animal Teachers, Stephanie explores how animals naturally embody presence, gratitude, empathy, resilience, and unconditional love.

During this inspiring discussion, listeners will learn:

• Why animals may be more emotionally present than humans
• How sanctuary animals teach resilience and healing
• What heart-centered living really means
• The role of Reiki and energy healing with animals
• How humans can deepen communication with animals
• Why slowing down and listening matters
• The healing power of unconditional love

Stephanie also shares moving stories involving her rescue dog Spikey, traumatized sanctuary animals who found healing through compassion, and her experience helping an injured deer transition peacefully through loving presence and Reiki.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that animals are not beneath us. They are alongside us, helping guide humanity back toward compassion, connection, and healing.

Learn more and listen to the full episode:
https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/068-Stephanie-Stephan 

Can what we eat really influence the future of the planet?

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Matthew Dominguez, U.S. Executive Director of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), about the far-reaching consequences of factory farming and why transforming our food systems has become one of the most urgent issues of our time.

Matthew shares how growing up on a cattle ranch shaped his understanding of animals and how his path through environmental law ultimately led him into animal advocacy. Today, he works at the forefront of efforts to end factory farming by 2040.

The discussion explores the deep connection between climate change, food production, animal suffering, public health, and global food insecurity. Matthew explains why factory farming is not only an animal welfare issue but also one of the largest contributors to environmental destruction and resource depletion.

Cheryl and Matthew also discuss:

• Why food choices matter more than many people realize
 • The role consumers play in driving change
 • Corporate commitments and accountability
 • The "Food Not Feed" campaign
 • Why reducing animal consumption can dramatically reduce suffering
 • How advocacy movements create momentum over time
 • The emotional and psychological barriers surrounding these conversations

This episode is both informative and inspiring, offering listeners a grounded look at how individual actions, collective awareness, and systemic change can help create a better future for animals, people, and the planet.

Most people move through life without questioning the systems around them.

Then something changes.

Maybe it's watching footage from a factory farm. Maybe it's meeting a rescued animal and realizing they are far more emotionally complex than we were taught to believe. Or maybe it's the unsettling realization that the products we once consumed without thought are connected to immense suffering hidden behind closed doors.

For many vegans, that moment creates a profound psychological shift. The world no longer looks the same.

In this deeply thought-provoking episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with vegan psychologist, author, and speaker Clare Mann to explore the emotional reality of awakening to animal suffering while living in a society that continues to normalize it.

Clare coined the term vystopia to describe the emotional distress, grief, and isolation many ethical vegans experience after becoming aware of the disconnect between society's stated love for animals and its participation in systems of exploitation.

This conversation goes far beyond food choices.

Together, Cheryl and Clare unpack the hidden psychology behind why people resist changing their behavior, even when they genuinely care about animals. They explore cognitive dissonance, denial, emotional self-protection, social conditioning, cultural traditions, and the powerful influence of conformity.

You'll also hear practical guidance for becoming a more effective advocate without burning out emotionally.

Rather than relying solely on facts, Clare explains why compassionate communication, emotional connection, and thoughtful questions often create far more meaningful conversations than confrontation or debate.

Throughout the episode, Cheryl and Clare role-play real-world conversations many vegans encounter with family members, coworkers, and friends. Clare shares strategies designed to reduce defensiveness while helping people feel safe enough to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors.

This episode is especially important for:
• Vegans navigating feelings of grief, frustration, or isolation
• Animal advocates seeking healthier ways to communicate
• Anyone curious about the psychology behind resistance to veganism
• People interested in cognitive dissonance and human behavior
• Those searching for hope in the movement for animals

The conversation also shines a light on the healing role animal sanctuaries play in helping people reconnect with animals as individuals instead of commodities.

Despite the emotional weight of the topic, the episode ultimately delivers a message of hope: meaningful change is possible, and it often begins with one honest, compassionate conversation at a time.

https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/066-Clare-Mann 

About Clare Mann
Clare Mann is a vegan psychologist, speaker, communications coach, and author known internationally for her work on the psychological impacts of living ethically in a non-vegan world. Her groundbreaking work on vystopia has helped countless vegans better understand the emotional challenges that can arise after awakening to the realities of animal exploitation.

Chickens are often overlooked, misunderstood, and treated as commodities. But as Erica Camp of Second Hen'd shares in this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, spending just a few minutes with a rescued hen can completely change the way people see these intelligent, emotional animals.

In this conversation, Erica discusses the heartbreaking reality facing egg-laying hens, the work of rescuing and rehoming chickens, and why compassion for farmed animals matters more than ever. She also shares how meaningful human connection with rescued animals can inspire lasting change.

Listen and subscribe:
https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/065-Erica-Camp

Why do so many people care deeply about animals, yet still struggle to connect the dots when it comes to farmed animals?

In this compelling episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Ayelette Robinson for a conversation that goes far beyond veganism and advocacy slogans. Together, they explore the emotional and cultural barriers that shape how society views animals and why connection, not confrontation, is often what creates lasting change.

Ayelette shares her fascinating journey from corporate law and technology into animal advocacy, sanctuary leadership, and storytelling. She opens up about the moment she realized her daily choices were no longer aligned with her values and how that realization changed the course of her life.

This episode dives into the power of sanctuaries to transform hearts, why humane education matters, and how storytelling in film and media can help normalize compassion for animals in everyday life. Cheryl and Ayelette also discuss the importance of meeting people where they are, leading with empathy, and helping others see animals as individuals rather than products.

You'll also hear about the work being done at Blue Barn Farm & Sanctuary, the importance of monthly donor support, and why building emotional connection may be one of the most effective tools in creating a better future for animals.

If you have ever wondered how real cultural change happens, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

Learn more and listen here:
www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/064-Ayelette-Robinson

What does it really mean for animals to be safe, respected, and protected for life?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jessica Harris, Farmed Animal Program Director at the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), to explore what separates true animal sanctuaries from places that simply use the name. If you care about animal welfare, vegan living, or ethical treatment of farmed animals, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Most people have never met a pig, a sheep, or a chicken. And that lack of connection is exactly why it's easy to overlook their lives. But when that connection happens, everything changes.

Jessica shares what it takes to create real sanctuary spaces, why accreditation matters, and how sanctuaries play a critical role in shifting public awareness around animal rights and compassionate living.

Discover why animals deserve more than survival. They deserve a life.

Learn more and explore the full episode:
www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/063-Jessica-Harris

Orangutans are facing rapid extinction due to deforestation, palm oil expansion, and habitat loss. In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Cheryl Moss speaks with Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project, about what it will take to protect orangutans, restore rainforests, and secure a future for wildlife.

Leif shares his journey from working in zoos to becoming a global advocate for orangutan conservation. He explains why captivity is not a solution for saving endangered species and why protecting large, connected rainforest ecosystems is essential for survival.

This conversation covers the impact of palm oil plantations, monoculture farming, and industrial deforestation on biodiversity and climate change. Leif also outlines the importance of rewilding, sanctuary based conservation, and working with local communities to create sustainable solutions.

If you care about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and protecting the planet, this episode offers a clear look at the challenges and the path forward.

In this episode:

• Why orangutans are critically endangered
• The impact of palm oil and deforestation on rainforests
• Why zoos cannot save endangered megafauna
• The importance of habitat protection and ecosystem size
• How rewilding can help stabilize climate and biodiversity
• What individuals can do to support conservation efforts

Listen here:
https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/062-Leif-Cocks

When Anne Dinshah reflects on the state of the world, one number stands out. When her father helped found the American Vegan Society, an estimated 8 billion land animals were killed each year for food. Today, that number exceeds 80 billion.

That staggering shift is exactly why Anne continues her life's work. Not from a place of overwhelm, but from a grounded belief that each of us can do the most good and the least harm, every single day.

On episode 061 of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Anne shares how compassion, consistency, and practical choices can create meaningful change for animals and for ourselves.

A Legacy Rooted in Compassion

Anne Dinshah didn't discover veganism later in life. She was raised in it.

As the daughter of Jay Dinshah, founder of the American Vegan Society, living vegan was simply normal. But what she gained went far beyond diet. She developed a deep understanding of human behavior.

Most people are simply living the way they were taught. That realization has shaped her approach to advocacy. Instead of judgment, she leads with empathy. Instead of pushing, she invites.

Dynamic Harmlessness: A Practical Approach to Living Vegan

At the heart of Anne's message is a concept her father called dynamic harmlessness.

You may not be able to eliminate all harm, but you can consciously reduce it while increasing the good you do.

Every meal, every purchase, every interaction is an opportunity to align your actions with your values.

More at: www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/061-anne-Dinshah 

2,300 animals rescued. Colombia's first farm animal sanctuary. One woman who decided at just five years old that animals were not food—and never looked back.

In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Juliana Castañeda shares the powerful journey behind building a sanctuary that has saved more than 2,300 animals and continues to care for nearly 200 at any given time. But what stands out most is not just the rescue work—it's her unwavering belief that rescue alone will never be enough.

Juliana explains why education is the only true path to ending animal suffering, and how her programs are reaching children and families across Colombia, creating real, lasting change. With over 20 years of activism, she brings a unique perspective shaped by experience, resilience, and two degrees in physical sciences—blending compassion with credibility.

We also explore the realities of running a sanctuary, from the constant financial pressure to the creative ways she sustains the work, including building a dog daycare to help fund operations. Juliana shares what it's like raising her son at the sanctuary, where he naturally sees animals as equals—without ever being taught.

This conversation goes beyond inspiration. It offers insight into animal advocacy, vegan living, plant-based choices, and the deeper question of how we create a more compassionate world.

If you've ever wondered what real change looks like, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Listen now:
www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/060-Juliana  

#AnimalSanctuary #AnimalRescue #Vegan #PlantBased #AnimalRights #AnimalAdvocacy #CompassionForAnimals #FarmAnimals #VeganPodcast #BetterLifeForAnimals

Change for animals does not happen by chance. It happens when people decide to act.

In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Karen Bacon shares her experience working to create real change through focused advocacy efforts. From challenging rodeo practices to mobilizing community support, she breaks down what it takes to move issues forward.

This conversation goes beyond awareness and into action. You will hear how petitions, outreach, and persistence play a role in shifting outcomes for animals, and why individual voices still matter.

If you have ever wondered how to make a difference, this episode offers a clear and grounded perspective.

Listen here:
www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/059-Karen-Bacon

Most businesses start with a plan. Dave Graham's did not.

A weekend stay at a vegan bed and breakfast in Australia turned into an unexpected opportunity when the owner asked if he could build a website. Dave said yes. That one project led to another, and soon he was working with vegan professionals, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses around the world.

What began as a side project quickly evolved into a full-time career. But it was not until Dave began working closely with animal sanctuaries that everything clicked into place.

Working across multiple industries required constant shifts in strategy. Each project demanded a different approach, different messaging, and different systems.

Animal sanctuaries were different.

Dave realized he could create repeatable, effective website structures specifically designed to support their needs. More importantly, he saw the impact his work could have.

Sanctuary founders are experts in animal care. They dedicate their lives to rescuing and protecting animals. But most do not have the time or expertise to build websites that consistently generate donations.

That gap became Dave's mission to fill.

The issue is not a lack of effort. It is overwhelm.

Sanctuaries are trying to manage social media, care for animals, coordinate volunteers, and handle daily operations. In the process, their website often gets pushed aside.

That is a costly mistake.

A website is where donations happen. It is where volunteers sign up. It is where people go when they are ready to take action. Social media should guide people back to the website, not replace it.

Many organizations believe they can solve their website challenges with quick DIY tools or AI-generated solutions.

While those tools can be helpful, they often miss the bigger picture.

A website is not just about looking good. It needs to function as a tool that converts visitors into donors, supporters, and volunteers. Without that focus, even a well-designed site can fall short.

More at: https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/058-Dave-Graham 

When people think about social media growth, they usually talk about algorithms, hashtags, or viral tricks.

Molly Hodgdon has a different philosophy.

People may not remember every post you publish. They may not remember your captions or the details of a campaign. But they will remember how your posts made them feel.

And that simple insight has helped Molly raise more than $100,000 for animals, grow a sanctuary's online following by over 1,000 percent, and turn a hobby account about antique cat photos into a powerful philanthropic engine.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Molly shares how sincerity, storytelling, and relationship-building can transform social media into one of the most powerful fundraising tools available to animal sanctuaries today.

Molly lives in northern Vermont with her boyfriend and their two cats. What began as a personal hobby collecting antique photographs of cats eventually grew into Cats of Yore, a widely followed social media account that celebrates the long and charming history of feline companionship.

What Molly didn't expect was that the account would evolve into a fundraising platform.

Over time, her audience began supporting causes she cared about. Through the Cats of Yore community, Molly has helped raise well over $100,000 for animal shelters, farm sanctuaries, and organizations supporting cats with chronic illnesses such as FIV.

Her approach has never been about monetizing an audience. It has always been about building trust.

And that trust has made people want to help.

More at: https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/057-Molly-Hodgdon

Sometimes the shift into veganism doesn't happen all at once. It happens in layers. A documentary. A book. A conversation. And then one day something clicks so deeply that you can never see the world the same way again.

In this special episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, the tables are turned as Kathleen Gage, the producer behind the show and founder of Vegan Visibility, steps in front of the microphone.

Host Cheryl Moss sits down with Kathleen for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about the moment she fully connected the dots between the animals we love and the systems that exploit them. What began as a personal journey for health evolved into a life mission centered on compassion, awareness, and amplifying the voices of those working to protect animals.

Together, Cheryl and Kathleen explore the emotional awakening many people experience when they begin to understand the reality of factory farming and why education, storytelling, and community support are essential for creating lasting change.

They also discuss the growing work of Better Life for Animals, including the spotlight being placed on animal sanctuaries across the country and the innovative programs designed to support them.

More on Kathleen Gage at: https://www.veganvisibility.com

More on this episode at https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/056-kathleen-gage 

What happens when a powerful industry operates entirely behind closed doors? Investigative journalist and author Will Potter has spent over a decade answering that question. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, we dive deep into the legal and political tactics used to shield factory farms from public scrutiny.

Potter, the author of Green Is the New Red and the new investigative work Little Red Barns, explains how the battle over industrial agriculture has evolved into a battle over transparency itself. We discuss the rise of "Ag-Gag" laws, the FBI's labeling of animal rights advocates as domestic terrorists, and the broader implications these precedents have for all social justice movements.

Potter's newest book, Little Red Barns, represents more than a decade of investigative work examining factory farming and the systems that protect it.

Potter explains how his research uncovered a pattern of secrecy surrounding industrial animal agriculture. As awareness of factory farming grows, efforts to control information about the industry have intensified.

The investigation explores how political pressure, corporate influence, and legal tactics can combine to create barriers for journalists, whistleblowers, and activists attempting to expose conditions within factory farms.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Surveillance State: How non-violent advocacy became a security threat.

• Ag-Gag Laws: The legal battle to keep consumers in the dark.

• The Human Cost: Beyond animal welfare—discussing human slavery within the industry.

• The Power of Journalism: Why investigative reporting is the last line of defense for the truth.

About Our Guest: Will Potter is an award-winning journalist who has testified before the U.S. Congress and the Council of Europe regarding protest rights and press freedom. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, and Rolling Stone.

Learn more at: www.willpotter.com

Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/055-Will-Potter 

A wild owl spent his entire life in a cage — until he escaped. Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl born in captivity at the Central Park Zoo, could not fly freely for years.

When he escaped, millions of people followed his story and instinctively rooted for his freedom.

Why did his story resonate so deeply? And what does it reveal about zoos, wildlife captivity, and the state of animal protection laws in the United States? In this episode of the Better Life for

Animals podcast, animal law attorney and award-winning author Christine Mott examines the legal, ethical, and cultural issues behind Flaco's story and her children's book Free Bird: Flaco the Owl's Dreams Take Flight. Christine is a former Chair of the Animal Law Committee at the New York City Bar Association and has worked extensively on animal cruelty legislation, wildlife policy, and factory farming issues. In this conversation, she explains:

• How wildlife captivity laws operate

• Why animal cruelty laws often lack enforcement power

• The impact of ag-gag laws on transparency

• How children's literature can shape empathy toward animals

• The role of animal sanctuaries in public education

• Why public sentiment must shift before laws change This discussion connects animal law, advocacy strategy, humane education, and cultural change — and asks a central question: Who protects animals? Subscribe to Better Life for Animals for interviews on animal welfare, vegan advocacy, sanctuaries, and ethical reform. Learn more and support animal sanctuaries at https://betterlifeforanimals.com and https://betterlifeforanimals.com/054-Christine-Mott

Chickens are intelligent, emotionally complex animals, yet they remain among the most underestimated and commodified beings in modern agriculture. In this episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Liz Wheeler, co-founder of Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary, about chicken sentience, sanctuary advocacy, and reshaping cultural narratives around farmed animals.

Liz shares the pivotal moment that led her into sanctuary work — meeting a rescued chicken named Ellen whose personality challenged deeply embedded stereotypes about chickens. That experience ultimately inspired the creation of a sanctuary operating under a capacity-for-care model, prioritizing lifelong quality of life over scale.

This episode explores:

• Chicken intelligence and emotional awareness
• Individual personalities among rescued roosters and hens
• The ethical case for unconditional compassion
• The "small body problem" and rising chicken consumption
• Research-backed advocacy through Faunalytics
• Municipal animal protection laws and policy reform
• The regulatory and funding challenges facing Canadian farmed animal sanctuaries

With fewer than seventy farmed animal sanctuaries across Canada and many lacking charitable status, this conversation highlights the urgent need for structural support, strategic communication, and public education.

If you care about animal welfare, vegan advocacy, ethical food systems, or sanctuary sustainability, this episode provides both insight and practical direction.

More at: https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/053-Liz-Wheeler

Factory farming impacts billions of animals, but the story does not end there. Behind the system are struggling farmers, vulnerable workers, and communities searching for better solutions. In this powerful episode, Leah Garcés shares what more than two decades of advocacy has taught her about transforming one of the most entrenched systems in our world.

From collaborating with farmers to exposing the hidden human cost of industrial agriculture, Leah offers a thoughtful and hopeful perspective on what real change requires and how each of us can help build a more compassionate food system.

Whether you are deeply involved in animal advocacy or simply curious about where your food comes from, this conversation will challenge assumptions and invite you to look closer.

Leah Garcés is a globally recognized advocate, author, and bridge builder working to end factory farming and create a kinder, more sustainable food system. Her work focuses on transformation, helping people move from opposition to collaboration and from awareness to meaningful action.

If you believe in creating a better future for animals, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode

Learn more:
www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/052-Leah-Garces

What happens when more than 45,000 people connect with rescued farmed animals in a single year? Perspectives shift. Awareness grows. And compassion becomes personal.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Kelly Nix, Executive Director of Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, to explore how sanctuaries are helping reshape the way people see animals and their role in creating a more humane world.

Drawing on her background as a special education teacher and school principal, Kelly explains why compassion is not simply taught. It is modeled and experienced. From student sponsorship programs that build lasting relationships with rescued residents to removing financial barriers that dramatically increased community engagement, Luvin Arms is demonstrating how connection can inspire meaningful change.

Kelly also shares insights from her doctoral research, The Web of Liberation, which examines the interconnected systems affecting animals, humans, and the environment. The conversation highlights why collaboration across advocacy movements is essential and why sanctuaries are far more influential than they are often credited for being.

If you have ever wondered how cultural change begins, this episode offers both practical insight and genuine hope.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why direct interaction with animals is one of the most powerful drivers of empathy
• How humane education influences lifelong attitudes
• The surprising impact of removing barriers to sanctuary access
• Why advocacy movements must work together to create lasting progress
• What continues to inspire hope for the future of animal protection

Learn more about Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support their work:
https://luvinarms.org

Listen to more episodes of the Better Life for Animals Podcast:
https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/051-kelly-nix 

Follow and subscribe for more conversations with the advocates, sanctuary leaders, and changemakers working to create a better life for animals.

Most people say they care about animals. Far fewer are willing to disrupt their own comfort to protect them.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Rose Patterson, Co-Director of Animal Rising, about what it actually takes to challenge systems built on animal suffering and why polite advocacy often fails to create change.

Rose has spent more than a decade on the front lines of animal advocacy, leading some of the most visible and controversial campaigns in the UK. From rescuing beagles from laboratory testing facilities to disrupting horse races and dairy distribution centers, her work forces an uncomfortable but necessary question:

If factory farming depends on silence, what happens when people refuse to stay quiet?

In this conversation, Rose shares how early experiences with animals shaped her path, how education and ethics inform her activism, and why Animal Rising focuses on systems rather than individuals. She explains how nonviolent, public disruption creates conversations that silence never could, and why compassion, not blame, is at the heart of their work.

This episode also explores:
• Why disruption works when awareness campaigns fall short
• The difference between sanctuary as a place and sanctuary as an ethic
• The beagle rescue trials and what they reveal about morality and legality
• Why spilled milk sparked outrage while animal suffering remains ignored
• How plant-based transitions are essential to ending factory farming
• What meaningful action can look like, even for those who feel hesitant

Ending factory farming requires more than concern. It requires courage, clarity, and a willingness to challenge comfort.

www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/050-Rose-Patterson

Across the United States, most farmed animal sanctuaries operate with limited staff, inconsistent funding, and an overwhelming daily workload. Many rely almost entirely on donations while carrying the emotional and financial responsibility of caring for animals society has discarded.

As Stephanie Mathers, Founder and CEO of Grants for Animals, says, "The sanctuaries already have 200 percent heart." What is often missing is structure, and that gap is where sustainability is either built or lost.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Kathleen Gage talks with Stephanie Mathers about how sanctuaries move from overwhelmed to funded by becoming grant ready.

Stephanie shares how her journey began as a sanctuary volunteer after going vegan in 2012. When a sanctuary director asked how else she could help, her background as an English teacher led her into grant writing. That moment became the bridge between compassion and strategy and the beginning of her work helping animal nonprofits secure funding.

This conversation reframes grant writing as a stability tool, not a magic solution. Stephanie explains why small grants matter, how consistency over time builds momentum, and why grants work best as part of a diversified funding strategy.

www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/049-Stephanie-Mathers

 Learn more about Grants for Animals:
https://www.grants4animals.com/

Billions of animals suffer each year because of human choices. While rescue saves individual lives, preventing suffering at its source creates lasting change.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss talks with Robin Singh, co founder of Peepal Farm, an animal rescue, veterinary clinic, and awareness organization in India.

Robin shares how his pursuit of happiness after leaving the tech industry led to emptiness, until meeting an elderly woman caring for abandoned dogs shifted his life toward purpose. That experience became the foundation for Peepal Farm's mission.

The conversation explores why rescue alone is not enough, how sterilization and education prevent future harm, and how storytelling through social media and animation has helped Peepal Farm reach millions with messages rooted in compassion rather than blame.

Robin also reflects on his book Happiness Happens: Happiness For Those Who Have Everything Else and why purpose is the antidote to disconnection and despair.

What would sanctuary life look like if animals were not housed for human convenience, but instead were given environments designed around their instincts, ancestry, and emotional well being?

In this episode, Cheryl Moss speaks with Lenore Braford and Paul Drake of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge in North Carolina. Lenore is the Founder and Executive Director, and Paul is the architect behind the refuge's innovative approach called animal centered design.

You will discover how studying animal behavior changes everything about how sanctuaries are built. For example:

Cows avoid enclosed barns because they need open visibility
Ducks feel safest when they can quickly retreat to water
Goats prefer to sleep at elevated heights
Chickens thrive in shaded, forest like environments

This conversation explores how environment affects healing, trust, safety, and dignity for rescued animals, many of whom have experienced trauma before arriving at sanctuary.

We also highlight the new documentary Forever Home, created by Emmy winning filmmaker Allison Argo, which follows the stories of animals at the refuge and the evolution of animal centered design.

Learn more or get involved:

Forever Home documentary
https://foreverhome.love

Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
https://piedmontrefuge.org

Better Life for Animals
https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/047-Piedmont-Farm

If this episode inspires you, please share it so more people can learn how thoughtful design and compassionate care can transform the lives of animals.

Why Losing a Pet Hurts So Deeply — with Animal Chaplain Kaleel Sakakeeny

Did you know that more than 20,000 people every month search for help coping with the heartbreak of losing an animal companion? That number tells a powerful story. The grief that follows the loss of a beloved animal is real, intense, and often misunderstood. For many, it is one of the deepest emotional wounds they will ever experience, yet society doesn't always acknowledge the depth of that pain.

This is the life's work of Kaleel Sakakeeny, grief educator, ordained pastor, animal chaplain, and Executive Director of Animal Talks. After losing his beloved cat Cairo and experiencing profound heartbreak, Kaleel discovered that true healing doesn't come from suppressing grief — it comes from honoring it.

In this episode, Kaleel shares:

• Why grief after pet loss can feel overwhelming
• The difference between grief (what we feel) and mourning (how we express it)
• How the loss of ritual has left many people emotionally adrift
• Why losing a pet often reawakens older, unresolved grief
• How animals invite us into deeper compassion, love, and presence
• Why grief is not a problem to fix — it is love searching for somewhere to go

Kaleel believes animals are "the angels of our better selves." They soften us, ground us, and open our hearts. When we lose them, the pain can feel life-altering — but meaning and healing begin when grief is expressed, witnessed, and honored.

If you or someone you love is grieving the loss of an animal companion, this conversation offers comfort, validation, and a path toward emotional healing.

Full post at: www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/046-kaleel 

Ending a 400 Year Tradition of Dancing Bears: How Wildlife SOS is Transforming Animal Protection in India

What happens when someone leaves a long corporate career to follow a calling rooted in compassion for animals? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss talks with Dana Wilson, Director of Marketing and Communications for Wildlife SOS, about what real animal protection looks like on the ground in India.

Dana shares how his early volunteer work with animals eventually led him into full time nonprofit work. Today, Wildlife SOS operates inside one of the strongest wildlife protection systems in the world, helping animals while also supporting human communities.

One of their biggest achievements was permanently ending the 400 year tradition of dancing bears in India. Wildlife SOS rescued 628 bears and helped entire families transition to new livelihoods, placed 15,000 children in school, and created vocational programs for women. A full generation is now growing up without ever seeing a dancing bear.

Wildlife SOS also operates 24/7 snake rescue hotlines so snakes can be safely relocated instead of killed when they end up in homes, schools, or neighborhoods. Their work protects both people and wildlife.

Dana and Cheryl talk about the deep trauma suffered by elephants who are forced into begging. One powerful story is Perry, an elephant rescued with broken bones and severe injuries who now moves with confidence and trust. Wildlife SOS has rescued more than 50 elephants and has a goal to remove all 300 remaining begging elephants from India's streets by 2030.

Their work spans rescue, sanctuary care, rehabilitation, medical treatment, wildlife conflict resolution, and the release of animals back into protected habitats whenever possible. They also transform the lives of former poachers and handlers by training them as wildlife staff and caregivers.

This conversation highlights the power of compassion, strong laws, education, and collaboration among sanctuaries worldwide. Real change happens when systems shift and hearts open.

You can support Wildlife SOS here:
wildlifesos.org
give.wildlifesos.org

Cruelty is not permanent. Compassion spreads.

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/045-Dana-Wilson 

What if national media coverage for your animal sanctuary did not start with a big pitch or a major publication, but with your local newspaper?

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Orange Orchard PR, to unpack what actually works when it comes to media visibility for animal sanctuaries.

Heather shares how a successful career in traditional public relations evolved into purpose driven work after she went vegan and aligned her professional skills with animal advocacy. That shift led her to create Orange Orchard PR, an agency dedicated to helping sanctuaries and animal advocacy organizations tell their stories with clarity and impact.

In this conversation, Heather explains:

• Why local media coverage is the foundation for regional and national visibility

• How clear and consistent messaging builds trust with reporters and producers

• Why sanctuaries must think like businesses to achieve long term sustainability

• How donor connection and animal focused storytelling lead to recurring support

• When investing in professional communication delivers lasting results

This episode is packed with practical insight for sanctuary founders, board members, staff, and advocates who want to grow awareness without losing the heart of their mission.

If you care about helping sanctuaries move beyond survival and into stability, this is an episode you will want to listen to and share.

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/044-Heather-Ripley 

Goats can see nearly 340 degrees around them. That single fact alone changes how most people think about goats and farm animals.

In this episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss talks with Deborah Blum, founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol, California. Deborah shares how her life shifted from the restaurant world to farm animal rescue and what goats have taught her about behavior, trauma, and trust.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• Why goats are browsers, not grazers, and how that shapes sanctuary care
• How rescued animals experience trauma and what real healing looks like
• Why food is one of the most effective tools for animal advocacy
• How plant based meals help people rethink their relationship with animals
• What sanctuary life actually looks like day to day
• How Goatlandia supports rescue work through farming, education, and community programs
• Why compassion for animals and people must work together

This episode covers goat behavior, farm animal rescue, animal sanctuary life, plant based living, and ethical food choices through lived experience and practical insight.

Listen now to hear Deborah Blum share how small choices, made consistently, can create a better life for animals and the people who care for them.

www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/043-Deborah-Blum

When the mortgage industry collapsed, Tim Woodward took a hard look at his life and realized something was missing. A volunteer role with In Defense of Animals exposed him to the hidden crisis of animal suffering across the country and set him on a path that would change everything.

Seventeen years later, Tim is the Executive Director of Animal Rescue Corps, a national organization built to serve communities with no shelters, no animal control, and no resources when cruelty strikes. ARC works directly with law enforcement, responds at no cost, and steps in whether the case involves ten animals or two hundred.

What began in abandoned barns and empty big box stores is now a permanent rescue center in Tennessee capable of housing 200 dogs, treating exotic animals, and coordinating nationwide transport. But for Tim, the real victories are quieter. It is the moment a shut down dog learns to trust again. The moment survival turns into safety.

ARC never leaves animals behind. From dogs to chickens, rabbits, horses, and even hundreds of rats in one of their largest cases, the team stays until every life is safe. Tim also speaks candidly about compassion fatigue, post-COVID challenges, and the reality of running a national rescue on limited funding.

Named a CNN Hero, Tim uses the recognition to grow ARC's impact, not his own profile. With a budget just over one million a year, every donation directly translates into animals saved.

If this story moved you, visit AnimalRescueCorps.org to donate, volunteer, or get involved. One decision can change the world for one animal today.

 www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/042-Tim-Woodward

Discover how compassionate education is transforming the lives of children and rescued animals in this powerful conversation with Michele Fasnacht, founder of Solid Rock Community School and the Sanctuary at Solid Rock. Michele shares how her personal journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, and a life changing shift to plant based living shaped an education model unlike anything else in the country.

In this episode, you will learn how rescued pigs, primates, ducks, and other farmed animals have become mentors for students, teaching empathy, responsibility, and emotional awareness through daily connection and hands on care. Michele explains how the Compassionate Humane Education framework integrates humane learning, animal advocacy, plant based meals, and sustainability into every part of a child's day.

This episode also explores how Michele reversed years of debilitating MS symptoms after removing dairy, why her school launched a fully plant based cafeteria, and how the SAVE program prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal rights.

If you want to understand how humane education, vegan living, rescued animals, and trauma informed teaching can reshape the future of learning, this interview delivers deep insight and practical inspiration for educators, parents, sanctuary leaders, and advocates.

Listen to the full episode and explore more interviews with sanctuary founders, animal advocates, and changemakers at BetterLifeForAnimals.com.

Full episode: https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/041-Michele-Fasnacht

What if compassion could change the world again, just like it did more than two thousand years ago?

In this episode, you will meet Rayane Laddi, a Buddhist vegan who is proving that kindness is not an idea. It is a practice. His work shows how ancient teachings can transform modern problems, from animal advocacy to fundraising to environmental health.

This conversation takes you inside Dharma Voices for Animals, the first organization to align Buddhist teachings with vegan living. What started with one simple question has become a global movement grounded in mindfulness, non harming, and compassion for all beings.

You will learn how Rayane uses Buddhist generosity to build stronger fundraising campaigns, how metta meditation shapes equality and peace, and how sanctuaries can expand their reach by connecting animal care with social and environmental issues.

Rayane also breaks down the heartbreaking elephant crisis in Sri Lanka and how DVA is working toward compassionate solutions.

If you believe compassion is powerful enough to reshape the world, you will want to hear this.

Listen now and discover how Buddhist kindness can inspire real change.

Link to full episode
https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/040-Rayane-Laddi

What if two rescued goats could change the direction of your life?
That is exactly what happened to Miyoko Schinner.

In this episode, Miyoko walks through the moment she said yes to helping two baby goats and how that single choice grew into Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary now home to more than 100 rescued animals in Northern California. She shares the turning points, the setbacks, and the daily work it takes to build something that matters.

Miyoko explains how a short term favor became a long term mission as she built a 501c3 focused on healing for both animals and people.

You will hear stories about cross species friendships, kids discovering plant based food they actually love, and the way real relationships erase the labels we put on animals.

Miyoko talks about what it really takes to create a sanctuary that lasts. Planning, budgeting, staffing, veterinary care, feed, housing, and real time off. This is not a hobby. It is a promise.

Miyoko believes the cure for loneliness begins in the kitchen. Cook together. Eat together. Invite people in. Community grows at the table.

Her new book gives practical tools for making dairy free milks, yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams at home using whole food ingredients and simple repeatable methods.

If you have ever wondered how one person can create change, this conversation shows exactly what it looks like in real life.

Full post: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/039-Miyoko-Schinner 

What if the way we live with animals could change everything?

In this episode, Dr. Katherine Baxter, co-founder and CEO of the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence (AHAC), shares how she is leading a movement to turn conflict into cooperation, from elephants in Kenya to wolves in North America.

You will hear how a simple idea, planting sunflowers instead of maize, transformed entire communities, stopped crop raids, and created new sources of income. These same lessons are now being applied to predator conservation around the world.

Dr. Baxter brings decades of experience in animal welfare, ecology, and social justice to her work, showing what it truly means to live by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because we are."

By the end, you will see how coexistence is not just a concept, it is a choice. Every meal, every donation, every act of empathy matters.

Listen now to discover how small actions can create big change for animals, people, and the planet.

Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/038-Dr-Katherine-Baxter 

Veterinarian and activist Dr. Crystal Heath has built a groundbreaking career rooted in courage, conscience, and compassion. As the executive director of Our Honor, she leads a growing movement of veterinarians who challenge unethical practices in animal testing, factory farming, and education.

In this episode, Dr. Heath discusses her journey from 4-H to animal advocacy, how she stood against ventilation shutdown during the pandemic, and why she believes the veterinary field must confront its moral contradictions. She also shares how Our Honor supports whistleblowers who speak out against cruelty and her vision for a compassionate, cruelty-free future for animals.

Episode highlights:

• Why veterinary education must reform its use of animals

• The emotional toll of speaking up against industry norms

• How Our Honor helps veterinarians protect their ethics

• The growing movement for compassionate food and medical systems

Visit www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/037-Dr-Crystal-Heath  for full show notes and resources.

If you've ever wondered how one small moment can completely change the course of your life, this episode is for you.

It started with a baby monkey named Samantha riding on the back of a poodle.

That single image changed everything for Kari Bagnall.

She walked away from a successful career in interior design and built a sanctuary that now gives nearly 200 monkeys a safe and loving home.

In today's episode, you'll hear how one act of compassion led to the creation of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida—
a refuge for monkeys rescued from research labs, the pet trade, and neglect.

But this conversation goes deeper than rescue stories.

You'll learn how:

• Kari discovered the heartbreaking reality of monkeys used in medical research

• Decades of isolation and trauma impact their ability to trust and heal

• True sanctuaries differ from zoos and why that difference matters

• Jungle Friends helps primates rediscover their natural instincts and connections

• Compassion can create lasting change, one life at a time

Running a 50-acre sanctuary isn't easy. It takes heart, courage, and nearly $100,000 a month to keep it all going.

Kari shares how she stays committed, the power of connection between primates, and what it really means to give another being a second chance at life.

Her message is simple but powerful:
Humans are poor surrogates for monkey friends. They need each other, and they deserve a second chance.

This isn't just a story about rescue.
It's about empathy, healing, and what happens when one person decides to do something extraordinary.

Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/036-Kari-Bagnall

What if the biggest barrier to living our values isn't ignorance, but comfort?

In this eye-opening conversation, longtime activist and author Hope Bohanec joins Kathleen to reveal the truth behind "humane" and "sustainable" labels. These words make us feel better about consuming animal products—but do they actually make a difference?

You'll learn why many so-called ethical food labels are designed to protect consumers' emotions, not animals. Hope shares what she discovered after decades investigating farms that claimed to treat animals humanely—and what she found will challenge everything you think you know.

Hope is the founder of Compassionate Living, creator of The Humane Hoax Project, and author of The Ultimate Betrayal and The Humane Hoax. For over 30 years, she's been a leading voice exposing how the meat, dairy, and egg industries manipulate language to hide systemic cruelty.

In this powerful, research-backed conversation, Hope exposes how "greenwashing" and "humane washing" distort our perception of compassion and sustainability—and what each of us can do to live in alignment with our values.

You'll learn:

• Why "cage-free," "free-range," and "grass-fed" labels exist to comfort consumers, not protect animals

• How greenwashing misleads us about sustainability and climate impact

• What Hope found inside "humane" farms that changed her life forever

• Why plant-based living is the clearest path to compassion and consistency

• How community and grassroots activism can drive real change

If you've ever felt torn between your love for animals and what's on your plate, this episode will open your eyes.

Because real compassion doesn't need a label—and this conversation shows you why.

For more resources related to today's episode, including links to Hope's work and the Humane Hoax Project, click here for the podcast episode page. 

Full post on Hope's episode at www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/035-Hope-Bohanec 

In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where animal agriculture dominates the landscape, Lancaster Farm Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion. Co-founders Sarah Salluzzo and Jonina Turzi launched the sanctuary in 2017 with the mission to rescue farmed animals, educate the public, and build a plant-based community grounded in kindness and connection.

What began as a small property with no staff has grown into a thriving nonprofit with nearly 100 rescued residents, 40 volunteers, and a team of dedicated caregivers. Sarah, a social worker and nonprofit professional, and Jonina, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in trauma-informed care, have created a haven where animals experience peace and dignity.

In this episode, Sarah and Jonina share the realities of running a sanctuary, the challenges they face, the triumphs they celebrate, and the commitment it takes to care for every animal. They also highlight the importance of education through programs like the Pen Pal initiative, which connects schoolchildren with rescued animals, and their documentary The Choice Is Yours, which explores the impact of animal agriculture on health and the environment.

From heartwarming rescues to their annual Gala for the Animals, Lancaster Farm Sanctuary continues to inspire compassion and community. Learn how you can get involved, support their mission, and be part of a movement that is creating a kinder world for all beings.

Listen now to discover how Lancaster Farm Sanctuary is redefining what it means to care for animals, people, and the planet.

Full post at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/034-Lancaster-Farm-Sanctuary   

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