Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Jeremy Loeb

Will Potter's novel "Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth, From Farm to Fable" had an instant impact on me. Beyond it being exceptionally readable despite delving into dark topics, the book resonated with me as a former journalist who similarly felt the tension between "bearing witness" and living the story you're telling. Unsurprisingly, Will described that this 10 year project turned into something of a memoir as he navigated the shifting landscape of government repression of activist movements, particularly the animal rights movement."Little Red Barns" takes us beyond the mythical barnyard walls the industry has intentionally erected into the reality of modern animal agriculture. The words on the pages are alarming because the apocalyptic world it describes is right down the road, not far off. And today, not in the future.Beyond Will's extraordinary books, including "Green is the New Red" which I also highly recommend, I deeply enjoyed getting a chance to speak with him, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Will's websiteWill's YouTube"Little Red Barns""Green is the New Red"Will's IGWill's FBWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

I recently came across a story in the Raleigh News&Observer about PETA condemning research Duke University scientists were conducting on pigs to study decompression sickness, or "the Bends." This grotesque study subjected pigs to unspeakable suffering, and ultimately death. Shriya Swaminathan, science policy advisor at PETA, has been on top of the issue for years. Just 3 years prior she was on another podcast talking about similar research being conducted on sheep at the University of Wisconsin Madison. I wonder how many animals will pay the price for humanity's hubris.This type of work can be grim and depressing, so I feel deeply grateful for people like Shriya who dedicate their lives to pursuing an end to this exploitation. I highly encourage everyone to follow the links below and urge an immediate end to cruel testing on animals.

This podcast is also available on YouTube.Links:Act NowPETA's YouTubeNews&Observer storyPETA's IGPETA's FBPETA's TikTokWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

Animal rights attorney Wayne Hsiung revisits the podcast to give an update on the Ridglan beagle trial. It's Wayne's first time on the podcast since we became co-defendants for rescuing dogs from Ridglan Farms, a notorious breeder of laboratory beagles.

Wayne explains how on August 24th, our due process rights were violated and how this fits into a pattern in the legal system, and institutions as a whole. Luckily we have voices and microphones we intend to use, but the animals too often have no one to speak out for them. Stay tuned for developments in the Ridglan trial.

Join the Save the Dogs summit from Sept. 4-6 in Madison, WI. Details here

Join the March to Abolish Animal Testing Sept. 12-26

https://savethedogs.io/ for all the info you need.

Additional links:

Wayne's YouTube

Wayne's blog

Wayne's IG

Wayne's TikTok

Wayne's FaceBook

Watch Earthlings

Watch Dominion

When I first met Taj Uppal, he came across to me as soft-spoken but confident and determined. I remember being unsurprised to later see a video of Taj, now an attorney, attempting to give a police officer animal cruelty evidence of a Meyenberg goat milk factory farm in California. Taj had just helped to rescue emaciated baby goats from the Whole Foods supplier and had returned, along with his fellow rescuers, in the hopes of helping the rest of the animals. Taj was instead arrested, and later charged with felonies. He and three others face over 6 years in prison for their role in the rescue.

Taj is putting an enormous amount on the line for his convictions: specifically a promising law career, and his own freedom. But what so resonates with me is the pain and guilt he feels for the suffering that is shared amongst his loved ones. It's something I share with Taj, when taking on high-risk actions, the idea of causing stress and worry to those closest to me is an enormous weight to carry. I really appreciate that Taj is open and vulnerable enough to share it with the world. I hope that Taj's family sees what a truly remarkable person they raised. He embodies some of the best qualities we can have as people: compassion, kindness, courage, humility, sacrifice. Taj's actions were out of love for suffering animals, and a burning desire to alleviate that suffering. They should be celebrated, not prosecuted.

This conversation is also available on YouTube.

Links:

Taj's substack

Taj's IG

Rescue video

Direct Action Everywhere

Right to Rescue

Watch Dominion

Watch Earthlings

Back when I started my podcast two years ago, I'd always ask my guests if they had a channel to recommend. Numerous times, guests brought up That Chip Guy. And it's easy to see why. He's a phenomenal vegan street outreacher and debater who also works collaboratively with other activists. Cip and I have discussed doing a podcast for awhile, but for one reason or another hadn't gotten around to doing one. So I'm thrilled that we finally got to do it.

I already liked Cip before, but even moreso after doing the podcast. He's a very thoughtful, introspective person, constantly evaluating the best way. And in fact, that was what surprised me most about our interview was his sincere questioning of the right path forward. I know that whatever path Cip embarks on next, the animals will benefit from it.

This conversation is also available on YouTube.

Links:

That Chip Guy on YouTube

On IG

On FB

On TikTok

We the Free

Watch Dominion

Watch Earthlings

Darius Fullmer had plenty of reason to withdraw from the animal rights movement, having served prison time as one of the SHAC 7. The Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign against Huntingdon Life Sciences was an inflection point in the movement, notable for the tremendous successes achieved by grassroots activists, ultimately undone by severe government repression. Six activists from the campaign in America, including Darius, served prison sentences for their role. But Darius didn't go away. He's now an attorney with the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project, helping activists facing repression themselves.I'm fascinated to speak with activists who put the plight of animals above themselves, and Darius surely did that. Similar to my conversations with fellow SHAC 7 prisoner Andy Stepanian and SHAC UK activist and author Tom Harris, this conversation was insightful on many levels and ended up feeling like a quick conversation, not a multiple hour podcast. I'm grateful to Darius for helping the animals and fellow activists in his current work, and I hope you find the conversation as valuable as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:AALDPAALDP IGNational Lawyers Guild'Know Your Rights' workshop"The Animal People"

Logging onto social media as an animal rights activist can be a drag. The algorithm knows what to show you, and oftentimes it's grim photos of animal suffering. That's why I'm grateful for people like Danny Ishay. Over the years, Danny's made me laugh numerous times with his witty satirical takes on common anti-vegan arguments and misinformation. Whether it's another ex-vegan nonsense video or the latest diet fad drivel, I can always count on Danny's videos to offer a humorous and clever response. Underneath all of that is Danny's obvious intelligence. I've watched him over the years in debate and philosophy spaces learning and honing his craft, something he uses to his advantage working with Allied Scholars for Animal Protection, speaking with college students across America. He's even penned many of the common anti-vegan arguments and their debunking in a book. But what I appreciate most about Danny Ishay is his genuine kindness and generosity behind the scenes. He's repeatedly used his platform and spoken in defense of activists facing trial for the rescue of animals. Whether it's the latest iteration of the carnivore diet or the corrupt legal system, Danny exposes it all with his biting satire.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Danny's YouTubeHis IGHis FBDanny's bookAllied ScholarsDanny's video about Ridglan trialWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

I got to know the incredible attorney Steffen Seitz when I had the privilege of serving on Wayne Hsiung's legal team during his trial for organizing mass open rescues of animals in Sonoma County, California. Steffen was fresh out of Yale Law School and there to be of assistance in any way he could. And his positive impact was immediately felt, by myself and the whole team. What I found in Steffen was someone extraordinarily bright, insightful and generous. Beyond his enormous help to the team, I will never forget the late nights when I was scrambling to finish something up for court the next day and Steffen staying up late to help me with this thing or that thing when he didn't have to. Steffen is the person who completed what I consider a crazily improbable hail mary pass in getting a special prosecutor appointed to look into beagle breeder Ridglan Farms. At that point, Ridglan had just dropped charges that had been pending on Wayne and his two co-defendants for rescuing dogs from that place, and a petition was filed to appoint a special prosecutor to finally do something about Ridglan. Steffen's successful petition ultimately led to the agreement reached between Tim Gruenke and Ridglan to give up their state breeders license, a massive win, but a win tempered by the refusal by authorities to do anything for the beagles still remaining there, a problem that remains unresolved to this day.Steffen's work, along with his colleagues at the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project, is one of the true godsends for the animal rights movement. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:AALDPAALDP IGAALDP LinkedInVoluntary Prosecution and the Case of Animal RescueConspiracy and Social Movements"This is an Uprising" bookSign up for the April 19 RescueWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

I've wanted to have Jeremy Beckham on my podcast for awhile to talk about his deep research into how beagles became the dogs used as lab experiments. Now with there being so much focus on beagle breeder Ridglan Farms due to a March 15 open rescue that got 22 dogs to safety, it's the perfect time to speak with him and look at the big picture. It was likely Jeremy himself who largely put Ridglan under a microscope years ago when, while living in Madison, he happened to learn of a secretive dog breeder nearby that was at that time the 3rd largest breeder of beagles for research in America.Jeremy documented in his harrowing research paper "Radioactive Beagles" how the Cold War-era focus on atomic energy and weapons prompted a surge in studies about how radiation affects the human body. But, as he documents, through a series of decisions of convenience, the beagle was chosen to conduct that research, costing many thousands of dogs a life of suffering which continues to this day. In this episode you'll hear Jeremy's take on what's happening at Ridglan Farms, animal testing and the animal rights movement over his decades advocating for animals, whether with Beagle Freedom Project, PETA, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, or any other of the many roles he's played. I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation as much as I did.This episode is also available on YouTube.Links:Radioactive BeaglesJeremy's LinkedIn"Animal Liberation Now"John Gluck bookJeremy on Wayne's podcastJoin the April 19th Riglan rescueWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Roger Yates has had so many titles over the years that it's difficult to even know where to begin. So I just settled on introducing Roger as a longtime animal rights advocate. But to dig in a bit more, Roger was once a spokesperson for the Animal Liberation Front, a committee member of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, and founder of numerous groups. He's also a sociologist. Roger is probably most visible these days on his YouTube channel where he also does a podcast called "Still Alive" with ALF founder Ronnie Lee. Roger was there for so many notable moments in animal rights history, some which we talked about here. As he mentioned to me, he also feels very protective of the movement. He has some sharp observations about it that we also got into. He has loads of knowledge and wisdom to draw from. But the main takeaway for me is that Roger is a genuinely enjoyable guy to speak with. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Roger's YouTubeRoger's IGRoger's FBRoger's TikTokTom Regan speech"Defending Animal Rights"Roger on Green Scare PodWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

For my last episode of the holiday season, I thought it would be appropriate to take stock of the incredible achievements of the animal rights movement in 2025. And the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT) was a huge part of it. Orchestrating a dizzying number of wins that just keep rolling in, CAFT has shown what a relatively small group of committed activists can achieve with the right amount of focus and determination. CAFT executive director Suzie Stork is a big reason for it. Suzie is an impressive leader of an impressive group that's part of an impressive coalition, along with groups like Animal Activism Collective (AAC) and the International Council for Animal Welfare (ICAW) that have brought big results for animals this year. The latest CAFT win, getting influential designer Rick Owens to go fur free, was won in just five days. I can barely keep track of all the wins. And that's the best holiday gift I could ask for. Thank you for an amazing 2025, and here's to a 2026 that sees the fur industry finished for good.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:CAFT websiteCAFT newsletterCAFT IGAAC LinktreeICAWWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

Alex Hershaft was just a child when he and his family were forced into the Polish Warsaw Ghetto by the Nazis. Fortunately, Alex survived where so many others perished, making his way to America. Years later, while inspecting a slaughterhouse, he was taken back to images he remembered from the Holocaust. He would dedicate his life to saving animals, organizing a national conference in 1981, a huge milestone in the American modern animal rights movement and forming the group Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM).Now 91 years old, I had the honor to speak with Alex for the first time for this podcast. Alex comes across to me as very affable and thoughtful, with loads of insight into the history of the animal rights movement, a major topic of interest for this channel. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Five Decades - One MissionAlex's websiteAlex's blogAlex's IGAlex's FB"Never Again"FARMWatch Earthlings

Dr. Richard D. Ryder coined the term "speciesism" in the late 1960s at a time when there were new terms such as "racism" and "sexism" more widely beginning to permeate the culture, describing a prejudice based on morally insignificant traits. This concept started to bounce around a small group of intellectuals at the University of Oxford, including the young philosopher Peter Singer, who would go on to popularize the term in his transformative book "Animal Liberation." Ryder had originally agreed to be a cowriter along with Singer, but pulled out with other work at the time. But his influence on "Animal Liberation" was significant. It was, in fact, this intellectual framework thus described beautifully in the opening monologue of the documentary "Earthlings" which led to my discovery of animal rights and directly changed the course of my life. Put simply, I am doing what I am doing today in large part due to the groundwork laid by Richard.And in fact, it was Peter Singer who graciously made the introduction to Richard at my request. I didn't know at the time how opportune a moment it was to be asking, as Peter alerted me to Richard's new book "The Ban on Hunting with Hounds and Other Campaigns Against Speciesism." Richard explained that this book would describe the massive campaign against hound hunting while simultaneously serving as a sort of autobiography. He said it would probably be his last book. The book is set to be released on December 8th. It was a real honor and treat to be able to speak with him about it, and to meet a man who gave voice to the animals throughout his entire life and indirectly changed the course of mine. Thank you, Richard.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Richard's author page on AmazonWatch Earthlings

Melanie Kaplan's new book "Lab Dog" is a crowning achievement. The book is a story of Melanie's research project she undertook with her co-pilot beagle Hammy, the titular "lab dog" himself. It was to find out where Hammy came from and what had been done to him. That project ballooned into an incredibly well-researched exposé into the world of animal testing. And while she obviously had "Hammy bias," as she put it, this is a work of journalism, looking at multiple viewpoints and facets. It sort of blew my mind how little I actually knew about the subject and learned from this book. It was a joy to speak to Melanie and I hope everyone reads "Lab Dog." A blurb on the cover from Jane Goodall calls it "remarkable" and I tend to agree.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Melanie's website"Lab Dog" on AmazonHammy on IGMelanie on FBWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

It would be impossible for me to capture in words the amount of gratitude I feel towards Ingrid Newkirk. The co-founder of PETA is simply a giant of the animal liberation movement. It could be argued that everything I do as an animal rights activist can be traced back in some way to Ingrid laying the groundwork. On August 1st, PETA announced that Ingrid would be stepping aside as president and remaining on as PETA's principal (which she said would change her day-to-day very little). Tracy Reiman was named PETA's new president. PETA and Ingrid are no stranger to criticism. While some of those critiques have some merit to them, I find most of them to be absurd. Speaking for myself, I can only say that Ingrid's dedication is a massive inspiration to me, something to strive to equal or exceed. A question I am constantly asking myself is: Am I making the world a better place for animals? Or: Has my presence on this planet been a net positive or a net negative? I don't know the answer to these questions, but I can confidently say that the world is a better place because of Ingrid Newkirk. Thank you, Ingrid. This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:PETAPETA YouTubePETA IGPETA FBPETA TikTokPETA BlueSky"I Am An Animal"Watch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

An amazing thing happened last month when it was reported that the infamous Ridglan Farms would be losing its license to breed beagles to sell for animal testing. That closure would end at least that portion of the operations of the second largest beagle breeder (with Marshall BioResources in upstate New York the largest) for cruel and inhumane tests on dogs. While credit for this huge leap forward goes to many people, the local group Dane4Dogs was instrumental and so I brought Dane4Dogs president Rebekah Robinson on to chat about it.Rebekah is an incredible activist. And it's not hard to see why Ridglan had their hands full with Rebekah. Her background is with the U.S. Army and she worked at the Pentagon for over a decade. After Wayne Hsiung staged a daring rescue of three beagles from the Dane County, Wisconsin breeder in 2018, Rebekah was inspired to start the group Dane4Dogs, which kept the relentless focus on Ridglan that ultimately led to where we are today. I have a huge amount of gratitude towards her for all her work to save those beagles, and really enjoyed this episode.This conversation is also available on YouTube. Links:Dane4Dogs FBDane4Dogs websiteDane4Dogs IGWayne Hsiung substackWayne's YouTubeThe Marty Project FBAlliance for AnimalsRise for AnimalsAnimal Wellness Action

For the same reason beagles are beloved family members to so many, they are exploited by researchers. Their docile, trusting and forgiving nature makes them the unfortunate targets of a callous industry that regards them as a means to an end. This horrific practice is not known by a large segment of the public, and Fiaz Ahmed is out to change that with his upcoming documentary Born on Death Row.Fiaz is a first-time filmmaker who embodies the spirit championed on this channel of TRY. I find it incredibly inspiring that he had the courage to step up, despite the nagging doubts we all feel such as: am I good enough? I hope this podcast answers that question with a resounding Yes. Fiaz is deeply thoughtful, articulate, and hard-working. And I can't wait what he and his co-director wife Jacqui come up with, and I hope the end product moves us closer to abolishing this barbaric industry.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Support the FilmBODR YouTubeBODR websiteBODR IGReal Media YouTubeReal Media IG

There's been a flurry of wins in the last few weeks for the grassroots animal liberation movement. Most notably: Vogue publisher Condé Nast will no longer promote fur across all their publications. Just days after that monumental win, Omni Hotels announced they will drop foie gras across their vast hotel chain. There are many people to thank for the win, but unquestionably, the main drivers were Animal Activism Collective and the Duck Alliance. That was a great opportunity to bring back to the podcast my buddy Trey at AAC. I'm a huge Trey-head. Not that it's a competition, but I put Trey right in the top tier of animal rights activists. Part of it is that some of our very formative moments in activism were together, but also that I see the huge and growing number of wins that AAC is able to facilitate. It's hugely inspiring and I feel really honored anytime I'm around the guy, much less have him on the podcast. This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:AAC on YouTubeAAC's WebsiteDonate to AACAAC on IGAAC on FBAAC on TikTokDuck Alliance IGDuck Alliance LinktreeCAFTCAFT IGICAWICAW IGWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

The Animal Liberation Front is a fascinating study. The leaderless, amorphous group of mostly young people carrying out raids on laboratories and fur farms, rescuing animals and inflicting economic sabotage, was most active in the 80's and 90's. It's incredible to learn how desperately intense the struggle for animal liberation was since before I was even born. Around 50 years since it was formed, the founder of the ALF, Ronnie Lee, is still fighting for animals. And it was such a joy to speak with him.Ronnie comes across to me as incredibly gregarious, generous and thoughtful. I learned a huge amount from Jon Hochschartner's biography of Ronnie, and what stood out to me the most was his bravery and initiative. Ronnie wasn't waiting around for anyone to organize for the animals, he did it himself. And it was that DIY ethos that was the ALF. Ronnie paid the price of his struggle with 3 prison stints, but he has never let that stop him. Even as others have come and gone through the movement for the animals, Ronnie has stayed on. It was really fascinating to hear Ronnie recount some of those notable moments, and I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Ronnie's FBRonnie's biography"The Animals Film"Ronnie's band Total Attack"Shake Some Action"Watch DominionWatch Earthlings

In a major development, Condé Nast announced they were no longer going to promote new fur in any of their publications, which includes Vogue Magazine. This came after a nearly year long campaign by the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT). It could be a major turning point in the culture of fashion and another nail in the coffin of the fur industry.When news of this broke, I reached out to Lauren at CAFT to invite her on the podcast. Lauren and CAFT have been great partners over the last few years to myself and other groups I've been involved with. Something really beautiful has been happening lately in the animal rights movement. A movement that unfortunately is often beset by great divisons, there have been recent sparks of collaboration. One partnership has been especially fruitful: the one between CAFT and Animal Activism Collective, who have teamed up to boost each other's campaigns, and in so doing, scoring dramatic wins against the fur industry. That in turn has sparked collaborations with other groups, notably the International Council for Animal Welfare (ICAW). These collaborations are animal exploitation industry's worst nightmare. When we work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.Fur is no longer in Vogue. It's because of activists like Lauren and the hundreds of others who took part. Next up: Berluti.

This conversation is also available on YouTube.

Links:

CAFT websiteCAFT newsletterCAFT IGCAFT YouTubeAAC LinktreeAAC YouTubeICAWWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

It was only recently that I even learned who Gail Eisnitz is. But I had known about her work for years. As the chief investigator at Humane Farming Association, Gail's investigations over more than four decades have been some of the most consequential for animals, leading to changes in law, closing factory farms, and garnering worldwide media attention. Her new memoir, "Out of Sight: An Undercover Investigator’s Fight for Animal Rights & Her Own Survival" takes us behind those investigations, revealing the incredible struggles she had to endure to shine a light in some of the darkest places on earth.And as difficult as it is to investigate a slaughterhouse or factory farm, as difficult as it is get a recalcitrant media to care, as difficult as it is to work in conditions where your own boss is trying to stop you, it was Gail's persistent and undiagnosed health problems that are the drive of this book. We learn how Gail cannot see the world the way most people do. She sees the world in dots. She would become disoriented, overwhelmed and sick, all while visiting places that would disorient, overwhelm and sicken anyone who goes in them. This is a condition doctors couldn't understand. We eventually learn what it is, but we learn it only several years after Gail does, and so she spent her life wondering if she was crazy, or doing it to herself. I find it truly extraordinary that Gail persevered through this to do these harrowing investigations, some documented in her first book "Slaughterhouse" and others that find account now in her memoir. Gail is a true hero to the animals and it was an honor to have her on the podcast.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Gail's website"Out of Sight""Slaughterhouse"Gail's IGGail's FBHumane Farming AssociationHFA IGHFA FBHFA YouTubeSuwanna Ranch"Death on a Factory Farm"Watch DominionWatch Earthlings

Andy Stepanian is best known as a member of the SHAC 7. The Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign against the contract animal testing laboratory then called Huntingdon Life Sciences began in the UK, before spreading to the US, where Andy became involved. The hugely successful tactics were ultimately cracked down on by both governments leading to draconian arrests and sentencing of those involved. That included, in America, the SHAC 7. Andy would serve 3 years in prison for his role, including time in a top-secret maximum security prison.I realize a 3 hour interview is hard to digest in our busy world. I didn't anticipate it going that long. But the interview surprised me in how much I learned that I didn't know about Andy. We talked about SHAC, the Animal Liberation Front, Andy's time in what's called a Communications Management Unit, a secretive and controversial "prison within a prison" as Andy described it, alongside Earth Liberation Front prisoner Daniel McGowan. Those things I knew about, but many details I didn't. We also talk about Gaza and how that issue has roiled the animal rights movement. We talk about his past trauma and abuse, his PTSD of being there as Heather Heyer was run over by a white supremacist in Charlottesville, Virginia. I had considered breaking this interview into multiple parts, or adding timestamps. I decided I'm not going to do that, even though it may ultimately doom this interview to low views. For that, I'm sorry to Andy. But I think too much of this conversation was informed by the other parts, that I don't want it broken up. I'd rather it be understood in full.I have enormous gratitude for Andy's time and for all he has done for animals. I got a lot from this conversation, and hope you do too.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Andy's IG"The Animal People" trailer"If a Tree Falls"Tom Harris' bookMy interview with Tom"Green is the New Red"Prisoner support: Anarchist Black Cross

Books Through BarsWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Calvin Tasker came onto my radar fairly recently. It was a video from Mel and Steve's channel. They teamed up with long-time investigator Chris Hines to take his brother Colin, who was at that point not even vegan, in the dark of night onto a pig farm. That story was compelling enough that I interviewed all of them. But there was another member of that team, and it was Calvin. And after seeing him there, I started to notice him more and more in the vicinity of well known activists like Joey Carbstrong and Jamie Logan.Calvin gets more impressive the more you know about him. Not only does he courageously go into the dark shadows that only a select few dare to, but he takes from there hard-hitting photographs that linger in your mind long after seeing them. Following the formula from when I asked animal photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur to select photographs for us to pore over, I asked Calvin to do the same. The result is a fascinating look at images that endure for their personal intimacy, their beauty and heartbreak, and the stark, grotesque reality facing animals 24/7. I remember reading a simple but gutting quote once from PETA co-founder Ingrid Newkirk, something along the lines of "we are trying really hard to make the world wake up." I'm convinced that if more people saw images like the ones Calvin has captured and shared here, the world would wake up. I hope that, as small as my channel is, at least a few more people will see them than would have otherwise.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Calvin's IGMultitaskers IGMultitaskers YouTubeMultitaskters FBMel and Steve podcast episodeWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Rod Coronado's story is one of the wildest I've ever read. As a prominent member of the Animal Liberation Front, Sea Shepherd and the Hunt Saboteurs, he saved thousands of animals and embarked on a campaign against animal exploitation industries that had massive ripple effects. One of his earliest actions was to sink two docked whaling ships in Iceland. That's quite a way to start your activism career. Rod ended up doing around 6 years in prison after a campaign against the fur industry and research laboratories. His incredible story is documented in the book "Operation Bite Back" by Dean Kuipers, through his own words in "Flaming Arrows" and a memoir just about to release called "Memories of Freedom." Releasing this interview on 9/11 seemed strangly poignant, as the government hunted Rod Coronado in a way you would a violent criminal. And indeed, Rod and other radical animal and environmental activists have been deemed "eco-terrorists" many times before, but though Rod engaged in property destruction, he did it to rescue lives, not take them. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to speak with Rod Coronado. Beyond his story, we touch on topics like veganism and infighting in the animal rights movement. I think it's a shame that more younger activists may not be aware of Rod's incredible struggle for animals and I hope this interview at least shares it a little further.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Operation Wolf Patrol documentary"Flaming Arrows" book"Operation Bite Back" book"Memories of Freedom" bookVermont Wildlife Patrol FBTeam Wolf Patrol FBWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

To be honest, I wasn't that excited to interview Gary Yourofsky. Yes, I admire his advocacy for animals. Yes, I recommend his speech. Yes, I think he is a hero for the animals. Yet...I wasn't stoked. And no, it's not for the reason you think. It's not because of Gary's various controversial statements. It's not because of his views on politics or war. No offense to Gary or any other animal activist, I care about as much about his views on the Middle East as I do about his favorite color. I care about his views on what he's an expert on, animal rights and animal liberation. And Gary knows a lot about it. So why wasn't I revved up?It's because I didn't think I had anything to offer to the conversation. Gary has come back after a years-long hiatus from public advocacy. He was basically out of the spotlight by the time I even went vegan. Since coming back several months back, he's done dozens and dozens of interviews. What could I possibly add to this?Well, I was wrong to think about it this way. I'm going to try to explain why. In texting with Gary and then the few moments we spoke before recording, I don't think I've ever been more at ease in a conversation. Usually there's at least a small moment of familiarization that's needed for a genuine, authentic conversation. Not so with Gary. There is no filter. It doesn't matter what I bring. Or Gary, for that matter. Only so much as Gary is a mouthpiece for the animals. And if I was an animal, I would want someone speaking EXACTLY like Gary Yourofsky. And talking with Gary even briefly, I could see this was going to be easy. I felt like I was talking to an old friend before we even started. So by the time we started recording, I was pretty pumped. So did I clickbait you into reading this? Guilty. Gary is a wrecking ball, a force of nature. You may not agree with him on everything, or like or respect him. That's your right. But if you want to question his effectiveness or dedication, you might direct your questions to Sasha Farm sanctuary, or to the animals he helps care for there or to the animals whose cages he opened. I hope you can overlook the messy signal. We did our best. Just like my conversation with John Curtin of Camp Beagle, some of these old school activists are the amazing people they are exactly because they are so uninterested in things like that, so unpolished. I love it. Despite all of this, I honestly feel this is one of the most beautiful and surprising interviews I've ever conducted, exactly because it was so natural.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Donate to SashaBest Speech You'll Ever HearGary's IGADAPTTWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

You've probably seen Jo-Anne McArthur's photography, whether you knew it or not. And if you haven't seen any of her thousands of iconic images, you've probably seen some from her many collaborators at the non-profit We Animals that she founded. Jo-Anne is simply one of the most talented and driven photojournalists working today.Shortly before our interview, I asked Jo-Anne to send me some images that stood out to her that we could analyze on the program. Not surprisingly, I had already been well-acquainted with several of them. One, in fact, was the leading image of one of the proudest recent stories facilitated by the Direct Action Everywhere press team, a feature piece about open rescue in National Geographic.To meet Jo-Anne is a treat. To be able to comb through some of the extraordinary images with her and hear the stories behind the images is something else entirely. I'm incredibly grateful to Jo-Anne for the generosity of her time and her amazing work that is changing the world for animals.This conversation is also available on YouTube and may be a more rewarding experience to be able to see her photographs.Links:We AnimalsDonate to We Animals"The Ghosts in Our Machine"Jo-Anne's websiteHer booksHer IGHer FBWe Animals IGFBBlueskyNational Geographic open rescue pieceWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Dr. Faraz Harsini is making waves in the animal rights movement with his no-nonsense, yet approachable outreach style. His background in biomedical science lends gravitas just as his upbringing in Tehran and immigration to America is moving and inspiring. I've known about Faraz for awhile and wanted to have him on my program. But since we connected, I've learned more about him, and I now find him even more compelling. I could speak a lot about his background and professional resume, but what I admire most about Faraz is his commitment to bringing a vegan message to college campuses through his nonprofit Allied Scholars for Animal Protection. As I mentioned multiple times in this interview, it's something I wish I had come across when I was in college decades ago. This was the first time I've really spoken with Faraz. He shared that he is an introvert and I think that comes across in this interview. I think it's a kind of superpower for him, because it gives him a manner that is very disarming and gentle. I believe this is part of what makes him so effective at communicating. He also has a genuine empathy and curiosity towards others. But you'd be very mistaken if you think that he compromises on the message. He doesn't. He keeps the focus on the animals and speaking for them in the way they would want and deserve. As I said, I have admired Faraz for a while, but after speaking more with him, I'm convinced that he's among our greatest advocates. We are lucky to have him in this movement.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Allied ScholarsDonate to ASAPFaraz's YouTubeFaraz's IGFaraz's FBFaraz's BlueSky

ASAP IG

FBGood Food InstituteWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Well, this was unfortunate. I invited Molly Elwood, CEO of Elwood's Organic Dog Meat, for what I hoped would be a cordial debate. It started out well. But things all started to go off the rails after Molly, in true Cruella de Vil style, started to cackle after describing some tragic details of what happens to her dogs. After that moment, and as the questions started to get too intense for her, she started mashing buttons on her keyboard to cause the feed to crash out over and over. I wasn't about to let her sabotage the debate, though. So I've done my best to edit it back into a seamless, watchable debate. Despite Molly's childish behavior, I am considering inviting her back for a part 2. I hesitate whether to give someone as despicable as Molly a platform. But in fairness to her, I will include her links below. However, I would warn people with regards to her website. Under no circumstances should you scroll to the bottom of the page. There's some really horrific stuff down there. If you can bear to see her, this podcast is also available on YouTube.Links:Elwood's websiteElwood's on YouTube

Elwood's IGMolly's IGElwood's FBMolly's FBElwood's TikTokElwood's BlueSkyWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

I'm really fond of this conversation, for the same reason I'm fond of Jake's channel and podcast  @plantgeezer . It's raw, honest, and unapologetically vegan AF. And even with the IDGAF attitude (or maybe because of it), Jake IMO comes across really well. It's probably because he has a huge heart for the animals. That is what is making doing all these interviews such a joy. I am seeing the best humanity has to offer, even while my guests' work may be to expose the worst of it. I started this channel with the tentative plan to expose the good in people. They've made my job easy.Jake's channel is one I just discovered, thanks to the YouTube algorithm. And watching video after video, you can see that Jake is skilled as an activist in areas from debate and humor all the way to serious investigative work. I've only just scratched the surface and it seems to me that Plant Geezer is really a channel to watch and follow. Luckily, there are a few activists I have seen at the moment that have about the same energy and drive that Jake does. But not a ton. Jake sets the bar high. We all should strive to reach that bar. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links: Jake's YouTubeJake's IGJake's TikTok"I walked straight in"Calling an abbatoirBrian debateFarmer lady debateWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Alexandra Paul may be best known as a Hollywood actress starring in Baywatch, but most people in our movement know her for her bold and daring rescue and investigative work around factory farms. My first introduction to Alexandra was during the Sonoma trial of Wayne Hsiung, when Alexandra was one of our witnesses. Watching hours of footage from different angles of the Sunrise demonstration, rescue and civil disobedience, she impressed me with her demeanor and confidence. And why shouldn't Alexandra be confident? She had already been acquitted for rescuing chickens from a slaughterhouse truck and been a long time activist for animal, environmental, and anti-war causes. She's done numerous undercover investigations of factory farms, like the recent expose of Mountaire chicken facilities run by a major donor to Donald Trump. I'm blown away that someone like Alexandra, who could spend her time living in the lap of luxury, instead goes into hellhole factory farms to expose what's being hidden inside, and willing to sit in a jail cell for doing so. I've really enjoyed whenever I've gotten a chance to talk or joke around with Alexandra, but we have never really had a chance to really go in depth about life and activism beyond the immediate task at hand. So this was a joy, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Alexandra on IGOn FBWayne video on Mountaire investigationExtended versionVox articleWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

Dr. Alka Chandna has for decades worked to expose vivisection laboratories through her work with PETA. Having Alka on my channel is timely as PETA just released new whisteblower footage from Massachusetts General Hospital showing deplorable, horrific experiments being conducted on monkeys. Alka has been a huge help to myself and others during the time I have known her. Whenever we needed something, be it research documents, contacts, whatever it was, she has provided it. That has been my experience with everyone at PETA, by the way: timely, accessible, and professional. In this conversation we talk about the Mass General footage, and how Alka went from writing an article for her student newspaper about animal testing to Vice President of Laboratory Oversight and Special Cases at arguably the most consequential and effective animal rights organizations in the world. The animal rights movement is lucky to have her.This conversation is also available as an audio podcast, wherever you download them. Just search my name.Links:Mass General footageRecent PETA beagle investigationThe CARGO ActTest Subjects short filmThe Failed Experiment docuseriesAlka on Wayne's channelAlka on IG

Alka's FBUndercover. Inside the Bunker on PrimeWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

Peter Young is one of the most prominent American activists in the Animal Liberation Front, the underground direct action anonymous animal rescuers best known for raiding labs and fur farms. He's one of the most prominent because he's one of the few who are actually known. The reason for that is that he got caught, after rescuing likely in excess of 10,000 minks and foxes from fur farms. After 7 years as a fugitive, he ultimately served two years in prison. Since then, he's been freed up to talk about his life in illuminating ways.Peter's book "Liberate: Stories and Lessons on Animal Liberation Above the Law" had a huge impact on me, and not just because it was about people saving animals. It's because, as we discuss in this conversation, a lot of the book is about overcoming false perceptions and overhyped dangers that often live only in our own heads. This can be applied to any facet of your life, in and outside the animal liberation movement. That book was introduced to me at a time that could have been discouraging as I was seeing friends of mine struggling through the legal system, and in Wayne Hsiung's case, imprisoned for the open rescue of animals. Learning about the deep struggle for animal rights that's been going on for decades and the immense courage shown by Peter and all the anonymous ALF activists was a unique and timely gift of perspective.I am starting to sound like a broken record, but I was deeply honored just to meet Peter, let alone to have him on the channel. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Peter Young's websitePeter on YouTubeBooksPeter's FBPeter on Nancy Grace

Animal Activism Collective chat

Green Scare Podcast episodeWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

It's been a minute since I had Wayne on the podcast. A lot has happened since then. Probably most siginificantly for Wayne is that he's gotten married. I wanted to catch up with Wayne about life, marriage, and the state of the animal rights movement. We also discuss the massive increase in animal agriculture subsidies inside the "Big, Beautiful Bill" that was recently passed by the U.S. Senate, and being haggled over right now in the House.

It's always a joy to chat with Wayne, and I'm really happy that he has found some real bright spots in the world.

You can also watch this on YouTube.

Links:

Wayne's YouTube

Wayne's blogWayne's IG

Wayne's TikTok

Wayne's FaceBook

Watch Earthlings

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Dr. Jerry Vlasak has one hell of a resume in the animal liberation movement. From his deep involvement in the legendary Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) campaign, to joining Captain Paul Watson on the high seas to stop whaling and seal hunts, to running the North American Animal Liberation Press Office, few people I know have spent more time and done so much for the animals. I consider myself incredibly lucky to even know him, much less stand side by side with him at demonstrations. In this conversation we talk about his adventures with Watson, going before Senator Jim Inhofe to voice the animal rights position of the SHAC activists, and even the controversial remarks he made about violence that have followed him around during his decades in the movement. As part of the animal liberation press office, Jerry gives voice to the anonymous animal liberationists who are unable to speak. Whether he's giving voice to the activists with no voice or the animals, or performing life-saving surgery during his long medical career, Jerry has spent his time in the service of others. He's a kind, generous man, quite the opposite of how the animal exploitation industries would try to paint him. It's a true honor to have him on my podcast.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Press OfficeIGBooks and merchCAFT websiteCAFT IGAAC IGWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

Of all the activist content I've reviewed since starting this channel, I probably have watched more of Mel and Steve's videos than anyone else. The reason for that is simple. The quality of their work is matched by the intense passion and energy they bring. And because of that, they are cranking out banger after banger so that every time I go live, there's a new Mel and Steve video to check out. While the channel started and remains a platform for street outreach, Mel and Steve have also begun doing investigations on farms, and bringing viewers directly to slaughterhouses during livestreams. We discuss the time they brought Chris Hines's brother Colin to a pig farm before Colin was vegan. It's been interesting to hear about that experience from Chris, Colin, and now Mel and Steve as well. If it isn't obvious from their commitment to the animals or their street outreach, Mel and Steve are just the loveliest people, and I was truly honored to have them on the program.This conversation is also available on YouTube. Mel and Steve's YouTubeM&S LinktreeM&S IGFBTikTokPart 1 of Colin VideoMy interview with ColinMy interview with Chris HinesWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

George Martin, Carnism Debunked, joins the channel for a discussion about some of the most harmful things in the vegan movement over the last decade or so. As a self-described centrist, George has been one of the fiercest critics of some on the political left's gatekeeping of animal rights, as well as intersectionalism in the movement. He often takes on topics that others are timid to touch and isn't afraid of the isolation that could bring. I have not always agreed with George's takes, but I agree with him more than not. And I appreciate how willing he is to take on tough topics.Beyond that, I find George to be one of the most articulate and clear when it comes to advocating animal rights. I appreciate his good-natured style in debates, and how he seems to relish in the pursuit of truth. As I told him in the interview, I think we are lucky to have in the movement. We discussed Seaspiracy director Ali Tabrizi failing to navigate the marshmallow minefield (hat tip my friend Felix for that line), the short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" and of course intersectionalism in this episode. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:George's YouTubeGeorge's IGGeorge's FBCarnismdebunked.com"The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" videoPodcast with Natalie FultonPodcast with Wayne Hsiung Watch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

I've been an admirer of Jim Sande's music for decades. Jim makes rich, layered sonic tapestries that are hard to describe in a few words. I was so deeply moved by what I consider his masterpience album "Harvest Bell Ride" that I reached out to him, and he responded with a kind message of his own. This was probably 20 years ago. Since then, I've kept a sporadic, sparse correspondence with him over the years. Finally, I decided why not ask him to be on my program?There are several reasons for doing so. For one, I felt Jim was a hidden gem of sorts, a composer few knew about that more ought to. Another reason was purely selfish: I just wanted to talk to the guy and pick his brain. Remember the old saying "Never meet your heroes"? That didn't apply here. Jim was as kind and gracious and interesting as I expected him to be, if not moreso. Talking to him felt like talking to an old friend, and in a way I was. The way I listen to Jim Sande is oddly specific. I listen to him often while reading Haruki Murakami novels. I've shared with him that they pair so well together that it's as if they collaborated, and that I can't really read Murakami without listening to Sande's music, because it feels incomplete. And to this day, I still don't.I also hear in Jim's music a sensitivity, a kindess that made it feel appropriate to bring him on what is primarily an animal rights channel. And interestingly enough, we did discuss animals quite a bit. Perhaps it's his Buddhist background, his artist sensibility, or some combination, but he seems to hold a deep reverence for animals. I forgot that over the years, his paintings, another passion of his, have largely been of animals, and only recalled that as I looked for photos after the fact for a thumbnail (haha!).In any case, I deeply enjoyed getting to know Jim a bit better, and I hope some of you will discover him and find his music through this conversation. This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Jim's blogJim on SpotifyJim on FacebookJim on IG"Harvest Bell Ride"Jim on YouTubeWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

Elizabeth MeLampy's book "Forget the Camel" is unforgettable. It's a look at a world most of us know very little about: the world of animal festivals. I've come to learn animal festivals are nearly everywhere, yet most of them detailed in this book I'd never heard of. And while there are some well-known festivals like the Iditarod sled dog race and the Groundhog Day festival, even those I got a richer understanding of after reading "Forget the Camel."

I have come to know Elizabeth because she plans to work on a book about the open rescue movement. After reading her recently released debut novel, I am even more looking forward to that book. Because Elizabeth brought an enormous amount of care and thoughtfulness to this project on animal festivals, which was simultaneously a continuation of her grandmother's unfinished work on this same topic as well as grappling with her own concerns as someone who wants a better world for animals. The book asks hard questions about festivals that are centered on animals who have not in any way consented to their use. And Elizabeth asked those questions in a way that is honest and open-minded, and leaves us with a provocative work that will keep you thinking after you've closed the book.

This interview is also available on YouTube.

Links:

The book

Elizabeth's website

Elizabeth on IG

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Steven Lee August, AKA Vegan Heretic has led a fascinating life as an entertainer, activist and author. He made a living as a juggler and magician in Las Vegas, but his real passion is his Christian faith and his compassion for animals. And as a Christian animal rights activist, he has a lot of wisdom to share, especially with non-Christians, particularly when it comes to effective outreach TO Christians. And so when life came to a standstill during Covid, Steven parked himself at a local vegan restaurant where, for hours on end, powered by coffee refills, he penned his book "Vegans Vs. The Verses." It's a handy guide to all things vegan in the Bible and how to effectively communicate that message of kindness towards all living beings. Steven embodies the best of Christianity, and was a real joy to speak with. This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Steven's book "Vegans vs. The Verses"Steven's YouTubeSteven's IGSteven's websiteVegan TheologyCreation Care ChurchWatch ChristspiracyWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

John Curtin has been involved in the animal liberation movement since before I was even born. He's taken the fight to the teeth of the vivisection industry, a fight that continues to this day. John has spent the last 3 1/2 years as a resident of Camp Beagle, an ongoing protest camp outside of beagle breeding facility MBR Acres in the UK. He's rescued animals, raided laboratories and been to prison numerous times standing up for animals. But don't call him a hero.If you try calling John a hero, he'll correct you that he's just a knobhead. And I love that. We need a few more knobheads like John in this movement. John got raw in this interview, telling me about things he says he rarely talks about. Crazy traumatic experiences, watching a hunter die in front of his face, desecrating a grave. I was honored to be able to ask John about the late Jill Phipps, Barry Horne, and Mike Hill, all of whom he knew personally. John is a bit mad in the best way, an old punk. But what makes John such a special person is his absolute love for animals. I've watched him break down numerous times over the plight of the beagles at MBR Acres. There's a bottle of champaigne at Camp Beagle that's only going to be opened when that place shuts down. I can't wait to watch that video.This conversation is also available on YouTube.If you're a UK resident, sign the petition to end testing on dogs.Links:John's IGThe Camp Beagle IGCamp Beagle FBThe Camp BeagleJill Phipps docWatch EarthlingsWatch DominionJohn's book recs:The Dreaded ComparisonThe Bloodless RevolutionEternal Treblinka

Shakira is someone whose love for animals has been her life's passion. Whether as a veterinary nurse or animal rights activist, caring for animals is what she does. And standing up for animals has come at a cost for her. She's faced consequences legally and professionally, but doesn't regret it, despite the hardships. And why? Because of them.I am so grateful that we have people like Shakira in this world. Her courage and conviction is exemplary, something we should all try to emulate. If the world had as much kindness and compassion as she did, we would live in a beautiful utopia, a world with far less pain and suffering. As she said during our conversation, she has a few "mini-me's" following in her footsteps. I hope this interview will inspire a few more. This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Shakira's IGShakira's TikTokShakira's YouTubeShakira's LinkTreeWatch DominionWatch Earthlings

Colin Pink-Hines is the brother of Chris Hines, a prolific UK-based animal rights activist. Colin is an animal lover himself, and always admired his brother's work. But it wasn't until Chris invited Colin to join a small team of activists to document conditions on a pig farm that it really hit home for him. That made what Chris had been telling him all those years immediate and real. The team followed up with a visit to a slaughterhouse that solidified in Colin the urgency of the atrocity happening to animals. And now Colin is not only vegan but an animal rights activist. Colin's transformation is really a credit to his openmindedness and courage to take a chance, and also to his close bond with Chris. It was during an interview with Chris that I realized I had questions for Colin he was game to answer. I want to shout out the incredible activists Mel and Steve, whose channel  @Itsmelandsteve  is where this series appeared on, as well as the investigator Calvin Tasker for doing the incredible work to bring light into the darkness of these horrible places. He took the incredible photo used in the thumbnail. And of course Chris for suggesting the conversation. His Youtube is  @chrishinesofficial  This conversation is also available on YouTube. Links: Colin's IG The farm visit The vigil The team discusses Chris's IG Mel and Steve IG Calvin's IG My interview with Chris Watch Earthlings Watch Dominion

If you are someone who consumes a lot of animal rights content on YouTube or social media, there's a good chance you've come across Chris Hines whether you knew it or not. Chris is a longtime activist, investigator, videographer and photographer. He's also a filmmaker. He's been working on a documentary that will be a thorough look at the strong links between music and animal rights. Chris was media liasion for Meat the Victims UK, an organizer with Save and Anonymous for the Voiceless, and a musician who ran a music magazine. He's worked closely with the prolific animal rights activist Joey Carbstrong and collaborated with loads of other well-known activists like David Ramms and Mel and Steve. We talk about some of that work. He's also indirectly the reason I discovered the deathcore band To The Grave. Chris is also just a really kind, down to the earth guy who's easy to talk to. This conversation was over two hours but it flew by for me. I feel like I could've talked to Chris for another 10 hours easy. This conversation is also available on YouTube.

Links: Chris Hines YouTube Chris on IG Chris on FB Chris on Bluesky Taking Note film on IG Taking Note on FB The Most Transparent Slaughterhouse on Earth Hogwood Documentary Pignorant film Mel and Steve video of Chris's brother Me reacting to Chris's BBC interview The Ghosts in Our Machine Punk Rock Vegan Movie

We are soon going to witness the fruits of 16 years of labor from Chris Cooney, aka Vegan Zombie. Chris came up with the concept of a zombie film with a vegan message so long ago that it happened nearly a decade before I was even a brand new vegan. I had never spoken with him until this interview, and I found it one of the most inspiring conversations I've had. Chris embodies the very concept of JUST TRY IT that has been a mantra for me since turning towards activism, music, and other life passions. I am so impressed by how he persevered towards achieving one of his major life goals with a miniscule budget and crew. This film looks scary and fun, and it may pack a surprising emotional bang, as Chris hints at in this conversation. Hear how he managed to make a feature film on a shoestring budget, grinding out a film in which he starred, directed and edited, just a mindboggling achievement. And that doesn't even get into his successful YouTube channel  @TheVeganZombie  which is one of the longest running vegan channels there is. Oh, and this interview is coming out on Chris's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS, and thank you so much for your dedication to following your heart and helping animals. This conversation is also available on YouTube. Links: A44 Trailer A44movie.com Vegan Zombie YouTube Vegan Zombie IG Vegan Zombie FB Vegan Zombie TikTok A44 on IG A44 on FB

Tom Harris' book "Your Neighbour Kills Puppies: Inside the Animal Liberation Movement" is a comprehensive firsthand account of the legendary SHAC campaign. The Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty campaign is one of the most important moments of the animal liberation movement. The campaign showed what was possible for activists to accomplish with enough bravery, ingenuity, and tenaciousness. It also, unfortunately, showed the incredible lengths government and industry will go to to protect the animal exploitation industries. Tom ended up doing several years in prison for his role in the campaign. I'm incredibly grateful to Tom for his sacrifice and continued fight for the animals. One of the most powerful moments from his book, and one he recounts during our interview, is a moment when he had made his way inside what was then Harlan Interfauna, coming face to face with the victims of the vivisection industry. But with no way to free the dogs, and the police bearing down on him, he looked one of them in the eye and made them a promise: "I will never stop fighting to end this industry." And he hasn't.

This conversation is also available on YouTube Links: Get Tom's book SHAC Justice Tom's IG Tom's FB Tom's LinkedIn Tom's website MBR Suppliers FB Group

In a media landscape woefully lacking in coverage of animal agriculture and animal rights, Marina Bolotnikova is one of the people filling that void. Having written pieces for such lauded publications like the Guardian, The New York Times, and The Intercept, Marina is now most visible as an editor for Vox. And Vox has been one of the few publications that has a dedicated team to writing about animal agriculture with an eye to exposing the reality of it and not whitewashing it in a way so many others do. When I began working more closely with Direct Action Everywhere's press team, I kept hearing a name over and over. That was Marina. And that's because DxE had identified a reporter who was passionate, smart, and took the issue seriously. Sadly this is a rare quality when it comes to the topic, as I have bemoaned on this channel quite a bit. I got to meet Marina in Wisconsin during the Ridglan trial-that-didn't-happen, but this is our first really in-depth conversation, and it was a joy. Thank you for shining a light into the darkness of these factory farms, Marina.

This episode is also available on YouTube. Links: Marina's IG Processing Meat Newsletter Marina's FB Marina's Bluesky Marina's list of Bluesky accounts to follow Vox Future Perfect Vox.com Marina's Vox Profile Marina's website My interview with DxE Press Coordinator Cassie King Watch Earthlings Watch Dominion

For years, David Ramms has done a year-end livestream called the Rammys where he gives out awards for the best and worst of veganism for that year. While it's meant to be humorous in part, David also has a serious purpose to it, one of which is to showcase deserving activists' work. David spends so much of his channel's social capital supporting smaller content creators that I thought it was time for someone needs to give HIM some appreciation, and I'm happy to do it. So yes, I nominate David Ramms, fan appreciation award for 2024. Thank you for all the great work, David. I've been watching David's content for years, pretty much since I went vegan. I've watched him use biting wit to point out hypocrisy. I've seen him cover the animal rights news of the week with his "Face the Facts Friday." I got "fact" so many times I don't know what's fact and what's fiction anymore. I've watched him appear on big channels and make strong cases for animal rights. And for several years, I have seen him taking a serious look at his content and evolving to what he thinks will most help the animals. We talk about his channel's evolution, his time in India, calling out spiritual charlatans and much more. It was such an honor to speak with David. This conversation is also available on YouTube.

Links: David Ramms YouTube David's substack David's IG David's FB 2024 Unsung Hero award David talking about "Human Cruelties" 2024 Rammys David introduced me to Thich Nhat Hanh David interviewing Jidion David's speech on Unity Watch Dominion Watch Earthlings

There are people I can always count on during my time as an activist for advice, support, or whatever I needed. One of them is my buddy Trey from Animal Activism Collective. Trey and I were together for some of our earliest actions for animals. Siginficantly, he and I shared 5 days in eastern North Carolina that were instrumental in our development as activists. Trey was always someone who was there for the animals since I knew him, but following that five day event he became something even more powerful. In short, he found his voice. And what a voice that is. He speaks with a force that I consider the standard I reach for if I am holding a megaphone. And not only did he find his voice, he learned to build coalitions, organize, and develop other activists, something that took shape with the founding of Animal Activism Mentoriship, recently renamed Animal Activim Collective. Trey is one of the people that makes me confident in our movement's eventual victory. It was fun to reminisce about those formative five days we shared with legendary activists, and to get into some of Trey's philosophy and theory of change. I believe he is truly one of the vital pieces of the animal liberation puzzle. This conversation is also available on YouTube. Links: Animal Activism Collective AAC bookstore AAC IG AAC FB AAC YouTube AAC Workshop on pressure campaigns CAFT IG Duck Alliance IG Watch Dominion Watch Earthlings

Curtis Vollmar was peacefully protesting foie gras at an Omni Hotel in New Orleans when a man stuck a gun in his face. Luckily no shots were fired. News of the incident quickly reached activist circles and myself and others were incensed at how close such a well-regarded activist had come to getting seriously hurt or worse. The protest was part of a large multi-city campaign to pressure Omni Hotels to stop selling foie gras spearheaded by the Duck Alliance with the support of @AnimalActivismCollective  . I urge Omni Hotels to get rid of the foie gras and put an end to the violence, whether it's to ducks or to peaceful protesters who they've ignored. I've known Curtis for awhile now and consider him a good friend. He's one of the many multi-talented, impressive activists associated with  @DirectActionEverywhere  and Compassionate Bay. Having Curtis on the podcast was something I'd wanted for a long time, but it became suddenly very timely in the wake of that incident. I'm very happy he wasn't hurt and grateful for his incredible work. On this episode, Curtis discusses what happened and the many areas of activism he does, whether it's getting arrested, having guns pulled on him, flying his drone for an investigation, or pushing legislative and ballot box progress for animals. If I was picking my dream team of activists, Curtis would be on it. #animalrights #vegan #animalrightsactivists #gunviolence #gunviolenceawareness #gunviolenceprevention This episode is also available as an audio podcast, wherever you download them. Just search my name. Links: Video of the incident Curtis' IG Register for Zoe's Trial, ALC Duck Alliance IG Animal Activism Collective IG AAC on Youtube DxE Compassionate Bay Smell of Money documentary Gary Yourofsky speech Watch Eartlings Watch Dominion

I feel silly even writing an intro for Vegan Gains, since he's one of the most recognizable vegan activists on YouTube. So I'll write this with a personal touch. There's probably no one even close to the amount of content I've viewed online as Richard Burgess. Partly, that's because he streams all the time, and they are often a very entertaining mix of subject matter. I've learned a great deal and strengthened my own convictions partly as a result of Richard's content. He is someone who doesn't care what anyone thinks. That can come off with mixed results. He can be abrasive and come across as mean, but it also makes for very honest and therefore informative viewing. I have found him personally to be very kind and generous. As someone who has watched Vegan Gains throughout the years, I feel like I know him better than I know some of the closest people to me. And I've got his back. And that is because he has the animals' backs. And regardless of people getting their feelings hurt over his choice of words, he has the backs of who he sees being victimized, no matter who they are. I find that refreshing and needed. As activists, we have to be ok with being not liked. We just have to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done. I feel like Richard embodies that in ways that are admirable. When I was scheduling interviews over on Wayne Hsiung's channel (a role I've stepped away from), Richard was a top priority of mine and it turned out to have been a nice fit, as those conversations between them have been among the liveliest and most intellectually stimulating on the channel. Richard and I have talked only very briefly prior to this interview. This is the first time we have really spoken in depth, and it was an honor. Watch this conversation on YouTube. Links: Vegan Gains YT Vegan Gains IG Toronto slaughter footage Richard video on Regan Russell Richard calling out some BS Gary Yourofsky's speech Watch Earthlings Watch Dominion