Our Hen House

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Natalie Ahwesh of Humane Action Pennsylvania and Hannah Truxell of The Animal Policy Alliance about creating effective animal protection legislation at the local level. Learn how grassroots organizations can work with national resources to pass meaningful laws for animals, from foie gras bans to broader farmed animal protections. This episode explores: • How to…

Leading researchers from the Psychology of Human Animal Intergroup Relations (PHAIR) Society join us to explore the science behind effective animal advocacy. Social psychologists Kristof Dhont and Jared Piazza share evidence-based insights about why people resist changing their behavior toward animals despite claiming to care about them and what this means for vegan advocacy and animal rights activism. This episode explores:…

Christine Kim, founder of My Dog is My Home, joins us to discuss the critical intersection of housing justice and animal companionship. This eye-opening conversation explores how homeless services, emergency shelters, and housing policies can better serve people and their companion animals, challenging systemic barriers that often force families to choose between shelter and keeping their pets. This episode explores: The…

In this powerful episode, we welcome Frances Gonzalez, founder of Little Logan’s Farm, who shares her inspiring journey of creating a veganic sanctuary and educational space in New York’s Hudson Valley. After experiencing profound personal loss, Frances channeled her grief into building a community space that champions veganic farming and compassionate living. Through innovative farm-to-table events and educational programs, she’s breaking…

On this week’s Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann explore how we maintain focus on animal advocacy during times of broader crisis, discussing everything from the power of repetition in countering industry narratives to the latest developments in vegan food innovation. Through personal stories and current events, they examine why animal rights remains a crucial lens for understanding and addressing global challenges.…

Scientist Dr. Rachel Mason joins us to break down her groundbreaking research on dismantling industrial animal agriculture through systems thinking. From her work with Animal Charity Evaluators to her current research using AI to track factory farms globally, Dr. Mason reveals how different forms of activism can work together for maximum impact in challenging factory farming. This episode explores: How the…

In this engaging episode, documentary filmmaker Austin Meyer and sanctuary director Zoe Novic share how improvisation techniques can revolutionize animal advocacy. From their work leading “Advocacy Playground” workshops at the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit to Austin’s compelling animal-focused documentaries, the couple demonstrates how creativity and playfulness can strengthen activism while building essential skills like listening and adaptability. Their unique approach…

In this eye-opening episode, conservation scientist Dr. Bec Gooley challenges our perceptions of one of the most maligned animals – rats. From debunking disease myths to exposing the devastating environmental impact of rodenticides, Dr. Gooley shares groundbreaking research about how rat poisons are affecting entire ecosystems. As both a scientist and policy advocate, she discusses California’s landmark legislation restricting anticoagulant rodenticides…

In this essential episode for animal advocates, environmental experts Jennifer Molidor (Center for Biological Diversity) and Ashley Capps (A Well Fed World) expose how the meat industry uses “regenerative grazing” claims to greenwash factory farming. From debunking myths about grass-fed beef to revealing the devastating impact of cattle grazing on wildlife and climate change, this conversation equips our flock with science-backed…

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with family physician Dr. Zach Burns about transforming healthcare through plant-based nutrition. From examining the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on medical education to exploring practical solutions for chronic disease prevention, discover how integrating lifestyle medicine could revolutionize our approach to health. Through candid discussion about medical training, patient care, and systemic change, Dr. Burns shares insights…

Philosopher and researcher Bob Fischer joins us to explore the fascinating and complex world of insect consciousness. From fruit flies being used as depression models to bees playing with marbles, discover how new science is challenging everything we thought we knew about sentience. Through candid discussion about the scale of insect farming, the evidence for insect consciousness, and the practical implications…

Step inside Toronto’s Wishbone Animal Rights Lab, an innovative 1,270-square-foot activist hub providing everything from recording equipment to fake blood (yes, really) for animal advocates. This groundbreaking community space serves as a prototype for activist centers worldwide, combining practical resources with a strict “no drama” policy and the occasional karaoke night to create sustainable, accessible advocacy. Key Discussion Points: • Creating…

Science journalist and author Brandon Keim joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book “Meet the Neighbors,” exploring how recognizing animals as thinking, feeling beings transforms our relationship with nature. From urban wildlife to conservation ethics, Keim bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding of animal intelligence, while offering hope for meaningful change in how we interact with the creatures…

In this special year-end episode, Jasmin and Mariann reflect on Our Hen House’s journey through 2024 while looking ahead to 2025. From discussing standout interviews and emerging food technology to examining media coverage of animal issues, our hosts provide their unique perspectives on the state of animal advocacy. Their candid conversation balances hope with realism, offering insights into how activists maintain…

Whistleblower and animal rights advocate Maddie Krasno exposes the dark reality of animal experimentation in university research facilities. After caring for 500+ primates at UW-Madison’s testing laboratories, Krasno reveals how the industry systematically silences workers while continuing questionable experiments with taxpayer funding. Now, as co-founder of Justify, she’s building a groundbreaking support network for former lab workers while advocating for ethical,…

Undercover investigator Pete Paxton and attorney Cailen LaBarge from Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development (SEED) discuss their groundbreaking investigation of livestock auctions across America. After infiltrating 17 auctions in 10 states, they reveal how these largely overlooked facilities serve as crucial links in industrial animal agriculture while fostering systematic abuse. The conversation explores how cultural dynamics perpetuate cruelty, SEED’s innovative…

Vegan pioneer Victoria Moran discusses her new book “Age Like a Yogi” and explores how yoga’s principle of non-violence (ahimsa) connects with animal advocacy. Drawing from 40 years of activism, Victoria shares how spiritual practices can sustain long-term advocacy while preventing burnout. Key topics include: Why yoga philosophy naturally leads to veganism Using meditation to process activist trauma Connecting animal rights…

Join Our Hen House for an illuminating conversation with Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882 (aka Djurens Rätt), Sweden’s largest animal rights organization. Learn how this groundbreaking organization combines grassroots vegan activism with corporate outreach and legislative advocacy to create meaningful change for animals across Europe. ABOUT OUR GUEST Benny Andersson is the CEO of Project 1882, an animal rights organization…

We are thrilled to present this very special holiday episode of Sanctuary: A Radio Play, an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This special performance marks the world premiere of John Yunker’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation’s Compassion Arts Festival. ABOUT THE PLAY A dark comedy by John Yunker, Sanctuary tells the…

Misinformation, disinformation, fake news, outright lies. When it comes to the horrific harms caused by factory farms, the truth can be hard to come by. This week, we are joined by Robbie Lockie to discuss The Freedom Food Alliance, which is helping both consumers and policymakers get the real story. ABOUT OUR GUEST Robbie Lockie is the founder and CEO of…