Welcome to the 122nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Chloe Jo Davis of Girlie Girl Army.  In today's episode, we discuss an annoying article regarding the sentience of peas. We talk about tactics for getting non-vegan family and friends to try the non-hummus dishes at vegan restaurants. We give you the skinny on Mariann's recent talk on (... More)

Welcome to the 122nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Chloe Jo Davis of Girlie Girl Army. 

In today's episode, we discuss an annoying article regarding the sentience of peas. We talk about tactics for getting non-vegan family and friends to try the non-hummus dishes at vegan restaurants. We give you the skinny on Mariann's recent talk on animal law, and we ruminate on whether or not to get a hybrid.

Joining us today is Chloe Jo Davis, founder of GirlieGirlArmy.com, and vegan fashionista extraordinaire. Chloe will talk to us about everything from vegan pregnancy and parenting, to current trends within vegan fashion, to tips on getting the animal message seen and heard in mainstream media.

For our review, we'll give you our thoughts on the newest vegan cheese out there — vegan cheese shreds this time — thanks to Galaxy Nutritional Foods. Don't  miss this review of – okay, we'll ruin it – the best vegan cheese Jasmin has ever had.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include: 

“Safeway to drop pork from pregnant pigs raised in crates” from USA Today “Piglets twirled, pigs kicked by farm workers, activist video shows” from U.S. News  “Review panel confirms abuse in HSUS video” from MeatPoultry.com  “Foie Gras Lawsuit: Opponents Claim USDA Allows Sale of ‘Diseased Bird Organs’” from Huffington Post  “Dog Pulls Unconscious Owner From Train’s Path” from WCVB.com  “Deuce the vegan and other potential truths” from ESPN 

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight.” -e.e. cummings

Today's episode is being sponsored by The Seed: A Vegan Experience, coming to NYC on June 16 and 17. Explore a compassionate and scrumptious plant-based world at The Seed: A Vegan Experience, featuring two full days of the finest food from New York's famed vegan restaurant scene – the best in the world! Discover and delight in the latest cruelty-free products and services, world-renowned speakers, athletes and chefs, screenings of award-winning films, and eye-opening cooking demonstrations. Experience music and art that will make your heart sing, and enjoy stellar giveaways that will make your friends jealous.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 121st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Main Street Vegan author, Victoria Moran, with special guests Lori Gruen and Sally Tamarkin.  In today’s episode, Mariann and I discuss the sadly ironic situation of Petunia the Pig. We also talk about how to respond to “humane meat” myths when you find yourself confronted (... More)

Welcome to the 121st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Main Street Vegan author, Victoria Moran, with special guests Lori Gruen and Sally Tamarkin. 

In today’s episode, Mariann and I discuss the sadly ironic situation of Petunia the Pig. We also talk about how to respond to “humane meat” myths when you find yourself confronted with them. We will then, as always, give you the skinny on some vegan events we attended here in NYC — including the gallery opening for artist Sue Coe, an event which was held in conjunction with her new earth-shattering book, Cruel. And we will tell you all about the launch party we attended for Victoria Moran’s new masterpiece, Main Street Vegan.

Then, we’ll be talking to author Victoria Moran herself — all about the way the vegan scene has shifted since 28 years ago, when she herself took the leap. We’ll discuss the myth that being vegan is expensive, and the unfortunate perception held by some meat-eaters that vegans will eventually “go back.”

Following that interview, as a special treat, we will give you a glimpse into next week’s much-anticipated Brooklyn Food Conference. Specifically, we’ll be examining a panel that Jasmin will be moderating entitled, “Women, Feminism, and the Use of Animals for Food.” Joining us for that discussion is philosopher Lori Gruen, who will let us in on some of the thoughts that she will further explore at the panel. Don’t miss this.

For our review, we eagerly welcome back Our Hen House’s Sally Tamarkin, who will give us her take on the book, Main Street Vegan. Somehow this review results in Sally discussing both polyamory and peanut butter — though not together. (This time, anyway.)

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Calif. lawmakers: No repeal of foie gras ban” from San Francisco Chronicle  “The killing agency: Wildlife Services’ brutal methods leave a trail of animal death” from The Sacramento Bee “Mad cow case highlights need for further investigation and better testing” from Consumer Reports “‘Ag Gag’ Bills and Supporters Have Close Ties to ALEC” from Green is the New Red “Ellen DeGeneres says her vegan diet wasn’t always easy, but glad she made the change” from The Washington Post “Pathetic” from Eating Plants  “I belong to no party and I am militant for no one. All of my causes, including the most radical, are motivated by the defense of animals.” -Brigitte Bardot

Today's episode is being sponsored by The Seed: A Vegan Experience. Explore a plant-based world at The Seed: A Vegan Experience, New York City's premier vegan event, scheduled for June 16 & 17. Featuring the best in vegan food, exciting vegan products and services, world-renowned speakers and presenters, film screenings and more.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 120th episode of Our Hen House, featuring vegan chef Ayinde Howell.  In today's episode, we talk all about The Seed: A Vegan Experience, which is set to come to Soho on June 16 and 17. We'll tell you why you don't want to miss this event, and we'll talk about our involvement in this groundbreaking and delicious happening. We'll (... More)

Welcome to the 120th episode of Our Hen House, featuring vegan chef Ayinde Howell. 

In today's episode, we talk all about The Seed: A Vegan Experience, which is set to come to Soho on June 16 and 17. We'll tell you why you don't want to miss this event, and we'll talk about our involvement in this groundbreaking and delicious happening.

We'll also discuss the results of the New York Times essay contest asking people to share their thoughts on the false, flawed assumption that “it's ethical to eat meat.” And we'll share the results of our essay contest where we asked you why it is unethical to eat meat. The responses overwhelmed us.

We'll talk about the term “meat-free,” and we'll tell you about an old video, circa 1976, from The Vegan Society. We'll share with you our experiences attending the NYU “Panel on Global Equity and Animal Agriculture,” as well as a clothing swap that benefited Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers. We'll also talk about the recent controversy all over the news about vegan parenting, and we'll tell you about Ginny Messina's recent eye-opening blog entry about umami being a “secret ingredient of vegan activism.”

Joining us today is vegan chef Ayinde Howell, who will talk all about his pop-up restaurant, Wildflower, which is popping up in San Francisco on May 4 and 5. Ayinde will discuss with us everything from being born and raised as a vegan, to why the pop-up model is so effective for budding vegan entrepreneurs.

For our review, Ari Solomon will be joining us and will tell us about the product line Herban Cowboy, which is an all-vegan line of goodies including soaps, shaving creams, deodorants, and other grooming must-haves.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Burger King makes cage-free eggs, pork promise” from Associated Press “Mad-Cow Case Confirmed in Central California, USDA Says” from Bloomberg Businessweek  “India Bans University Experiments on Animals” from The Chronicle of Higher Education “‘Hurry up and die’: Shocking footage of pigs being beaten to death and abused on farm supplying meat to top supermarkets” from Mirror News  “Colorado Woman Awarded $65,000 After Dog’s Death” from ABC News  “HSUS files complaint against NPPC with the FTC” from Ohio’s Country Journal 

“You are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.” -Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Today's episode is being sponsored by The Seed: A Vegan Experience. Explore a plant-based world at The Seed: A Vegan Experience, New York City's premier vegan event, scheduled for June 16 & 17. Featuring the best in vegan products and services, world-renowned speakers and presenters, film screenings, demos, and more.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 119th episode of Our Hen House, featuring the undercover investigator, “Pete,” with special appearances by Kaitlyn Miklinevich (of Tie Dye Files) and Drew Wilson (of VegWorcester).  In today's episode, we discuss the recent story of the cow dubbed “Moo-dini” who escaped from slaughter, and the important role that (... More)

Welcome to the 119th episode of Our Hen House, featuring the undercover investigator, “Pete,” with special appearances by Kaitlyn Miklinevich (of Tie Dye Files) and Drew Wilson (of VegWorcester). 

In today's episode, we discuss the recent story of the cow dubbed “Moo-dini” who escaped from slaughter, and the important role that escapees play in our movement. We will also give you our thoughts on the unfortunate quote-unquote “animal welfare” video produced by a huge restaurant chain. We'll make you jealous with our banter about the new Café Blossom, this one on Carmine Street here in New York City, where we ate this past week, and we'll give you the low-down on Jasmin’s performance in Mortified. We'll also share with you our amazing experiences last weekend, where we spoke at the Worcester VegFest, and we'll chat with organizers Drew Wilson and Kaitlyn Miklinevich about what it takes to put such an event together.

Joining us for our feature interview is “Pete,” the undercover investigator responsible for the undercover work that led to the film “Death on a Factory Farm,” as well as the HBO documentary, “Dealing Dogs,” not to mention countless other investigations into kennels selling animals to research, as well as puppy mills, factory farms, and slaughterhouses. Pete will give us a glimpse into this mind-blowing work, and he'll tell us what it takes to become an investigator. You absolutely won't want to miss this interview with a true unsung hero.

For our review, Our Hen House's reviewer, Ari Solomon, will give you his thoughts on the book, One Good Dog, by Susan Wilson. Listen to Ari's insightful take, and then order yourself this engrossing novel.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Footage of Illegal Slaughterhouse Prompts Arrest” from Food Safety News “LA City Council Moves Forward On Banning Pet Sales” from CBS Los Angeles “The Myth of Sustainable Meat” from The New York Times “The Challenge of Going Vegan” from The New York Times “Is Veganism Good for Everyone?” from The New York Times “Is It Ethical to Eat Meat?” from The New York Times

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -St. Francis of Assisi 

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Welcome to the 118th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Timothy Pachirat, author of Every Twelve Seconds: Industrialized Slaughter and the Politics of Sight. In today's episode, we will make a very big announcement about where we'll be spending 6 months of this year, and why. Here’s a clue: It has to do with animal law, and, for a while (... More)

Welcome to the 118th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Timothy Pachirat, author of Every Twelve Seconds: Industrialized Slaughter and the Politics of Sight.

In today's episode, we will make a very big announcement about where we'll be spending 6 months of this year, and why. Here’s a clue: It has to do with animal law, and, for a while anyway, we will no longer be on the east coast. We'll also give you the run-down on Mariann's birthday celebration, including vegan soft serve, Ghost the Musical, and our middle of the night visit to the Apple store. We'll also report back on our vegan Passover, as well as our Easter, and we'll tell you about some exciting upcoming speaking engagements.

Joining us today is Timothy Pachirat, the brilliant author behind Every Twelve Seconds: Industrialized Slaughter and the Politics of Sight. Timothy, who is joining us in person here in Our Hen House, will tell us about what it was like working inside a slaughterhouse where 2,500 cows were killed per day – one every twelve seconds. He'll discuss his thoughts on animal agriculture being used as a metaphor for other forms of violence, he'll talk about ritual slaughter, and he'll discuss the question of who is more responsible: those who work in the slaughterhouse, or those who eat the meat? You won't want to miss this eye-opening, riveting interview. And you also won't want to miss the opportunity to get your own signed copy of Timothy Pachirat's Every Twelve Seconds. We’ll tell you how.

For our review, we'll tell you about our favorite frozen fruits and vegetables, and our best go-to ways to use them.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Use of Common Pesticide Linked to Bee Colony Collapse” from Harvard School of Public Health  “UC settles suit with activist group over 2008 raid” from San Francisco Chronicle  “Slaughter Free City: Progress for Chickens in Minneapolis” from One Green Planet “Pennsylvania Egg Factory Accused of Animal Cruelty, Filth” from ABC News

“Today’s problems cannot be solved if we still think the way we thought when we created them.” -Albert Einstein 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 117th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Anat Pick. In today’s episode, we talk about our upcoming vegan Passover seder and non-vegan Easter, Mariann tells us about her thoughts on the new book that she just finished entitled Every Twelve Seconds, we discuss a segment on The Daily Show all about a new book that (... More)

Welcome to the 117th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Anat Pick.

In today’s episode, we talk about our upcoming vegan Passover seder and non-vegan Easter, Mariann tells us about her thoughts on the new book that she just finished entitled Every Twelve Seconds, we discuss a segment on The Daily Show all about a new book that focuses on military dogs, and we give you the skinny on Mariann’s birthday fundraiser (we hope you donate!).

Joining us today is Anat Pick, author of Creaturely Poetics: Animality and Vulnerability in Literature and Film (which we recently reviewed). Anat, who is visiting New York City from her home in London, where she teaches at the University of East London, will discuss with us the role that animals play in film, and whether or not the use of animals in film is inherently unethical. She’ll also talk to us about her thoughts on how literature and film relate to animals and their role in our lives. We’ll chat about where academia and activism intersect, and where she thinks they should intersect. And we’ll talk with her about her feelings on the science behind animal minds, as well as the significance of a vegan diet — from a personal as well as political perspective.
For our review, we’ll tell you about Ruby Roth’s new children’s book, Vegan is Love, which teaches the benefits of veganism for people, animals and the planet.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Chef Sued Over False Advertising of Foie Gras” from The Wall Street Journal  “PETA Sues Merck Over Animal Rights” from Courthouse News Service “Jury acquits animal broker of cruelty to primates” from San Francisco Chronicle  “Animal-rights groups upset by rules adopted by Texas” from Star-Telegram

“Walk the street with us. Get off the sidewalk.” -Dolores Huerta 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 116th episode of Our Hen House, featuring chef Juan Pablo Chavez. In today's episode, we discuss the new Vegan Bodega, Blossom Bakery, annoying Facebook comments, cursing (and in what dialect it might be more appropriate) and an unfortunate evening of theatre. Joining us today is the charming and talented Juan Pablo Chavez, (... More)

Welcome to the 116th episode of Our Hen House, featuring chef Juan Pablo Chavez.

In today's episode, we discuss the new Vegan Bodega, Blossom Bakery, annoying Facebook comments, cursing (and in what dialect it might be more appropriate) and an unfortunate evening of theatre.

Joining us today is the charming and talented Juan Pablo Chavez, the chef at the Whole Foods Wellness Club. Juan Pablo will tell us about the delicious vegan concoctions that Whole Foods' new Wellness Club is cooking up, and he'll talk about how the program – which advocates only plant-based options – is empowering shoppers and everyday people to get their health back.

For our review, we'll tell you about the exhibit we attended here in New York City, entitled “The Wild Horses of Sable Island.”

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Horses to the Slaughter” from The New York Times “Animal broker faces trial for cruelty after 15 monkeys die during long, circuitous shipment” from The Washington Post “Herman Cain raises eyebrows with new anti-stimulus ad where rabbit is shot and killed” from NY Daily News  “Pink slime maker suspending production amid outcry” from ABC News 

“It’s exhilarating to be alive in a time of awakening consciousness; it can also be confusing, disorienting, and painful.” -Adrienne Rich

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below! beneath the recipe!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

BONUS! 

Thanks to today’s guest, Juan Pablo Chavez, and to The Whole Foods Wellness Club for providing this recipe!

Whole Foods Market Wellness Club Mexican Pipian Stew

Serves 6 to 8

This traditional green pipian mole from Mexico is full of bright, fresh herbal flavors and is thickened with toasted pumpkin seeds. “Mole” comes from the Nahuatl word “molli” which means “concoction” (and is recognizable in the well-known “guacamole”). Serve with cooked brown rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce, or over steamed potatoes.

Ingredients

2 large yellow onions, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

6 cups water

1 dried bay leaf

2 lbs green tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed

1 bunch green onions, white and green parts only, thinly sliced

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into ˝ inch pieces

1 cup sugar snap peas

1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas

1 cup cooked garbanzo beans

2 zucchini squash, diced

2 yellow squash, diced

2 bunches of cilantro

1 bunch flat leaf parsley, leaves only

1 cup loosely packed mint, leaves only

˝ bunch chives (optional)

˝ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

To make the Pipian:

Combine water, 2 sprigs of the cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the parsley leaves, bay leaf, garlic, 1 onion half, and bring to a boil. Add tomatillos. Simmer until bright green color becomes opaque, 7 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer tomatillos to a food processor. (Strain cooking liquid and reserve.) Cut remaining yellow onion half into large pieces and add to food processor along with jalapeńos, white parts of green onions and 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Puree until smooth and season with some freshly ground pepper.

Transfer 4 cups of the remaining cooking liquid to a large pot.  Stir in the tomatillo mixture and bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Add green beans, sugar snap peas, peas, squash and zucchini. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Just before serving, finish the pipian by placing the remaining cilantro, remaining parsley, mint and chives into a blender with 1 cup of the warm stew liquid and the toasted pumpkin seeds. Puree and season with freshly ground pepper. Add herb mixture back into the rest of the veggie mix, stir  and serve immediately over brown rice or quinoa.  Garnish with remaining green onions.

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Welcome to the 115th episode of Our Hen House, featuring human rights and animal rights attorney, Bina Ahmad.  In today's episode, we discuss the New York Times' contest asking people to write and explain why they think it's ethical to eat meat, and the reasons behind our counter-contest. We also talk about dreams, non-vegan tweeters, and (... More)

Welcome to the 115th episode of Our Hen House, featuring human rights and animal rights attorney, Bina Ahmad. 

In today's episode, we discuss the New York Times' contest asking people to write and explain why they think it's ethical to eat meat, and the reasons behind our counter-contest. We also talk about dreams, non-vegan tweeters, and our thoughts on being asked to speak to the subject of growing up… oppressed. Mariann will also make us all jealous as she talks about her experience at the brand new Candle Café West, here in New York City.

Joining us today is Bina Ahmad, a human rights and animal rights attorney. Bina will talk to us about activists' rights, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, ag-gag laws, and her favorite karaoke songs. Don't miss this eye-opening interview.

For our review, we'll tell you about Cages of Shame, the new documentary which tells the story of the dramatic rescue of 10 bears from a bile farm in Shandong Province, China. And if you're in NYC, on April 14 you won't want to miss the US premiere of this film which will benefit Animals Asia's work to help endangered moon bears in Asia.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Herbert signs so-called ‘ag-gag’ bill” from The Salt Lake Tribune  “L’Oreal backs away from animal chemical testing” from NY Daily News “Detroit Police settle lawsuit with ACLU over phony misdemeanor charges” from Detroit Free Press “Animal rights group calls on Aqueduct Racetrack to be shut down amid alarmingly high numbers of horse fatalities” from NY Daily News

“Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done.” -Amelia Earhart 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 114th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Marc Bekoff and Gena Hamshaw.  In today's episode, we will tell you about the animal-themed art exhibit we saw at the Morgan Library entitled, “In the Company of Animals,” including why our pigeon-skirt wearing curator disappointed us with her assertions that it is, in the end, about (... More)

Welcome to the 114th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Marc Bekoff and Gena Hamshaw. 

In today's episode, we will tell you about the animal-themed art exhibit we saw at the Morgan Library entitled, “In the Company of Animals,” including why our pigeon-skirt wearing curator disappointed us with her assertions that it is, in the end, about us humans. We'll talk about the Citizen Radio interview we were on this week, and we'll discuss the pluses and minuses of blogging about companion animal issues. Joining us for part of our ramblings is nutritionist Gena Hamshaw from Choosing Raw, who will help us get to the bottom of the recent green smoothie controversy.

Joining us today is scientist Marc Bekoff, who will give us his thoughts on everything from animal rights activists being accused of being anti-science, to facts and insights about animals that astonish people, to his work on compassionate conservation, to his work in prisons. You won't want to miss this eye-opening interview with a true pioneer in animal studies.

For our review, we'll go back to our kitchen and give you the skinny on two more of our kitchen appliances. Today, we talk about our beloved soymilk maker and our darling rice cooker.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“HBO Ends ‘Luck’ After Horse Deaths” from Hollywood Reporter “ADI applauds North Lanarkshire Council for voting to ban animal circuses” from PR ADI “Council Says No to Puppy in the Window” from Laguna Beach Independent  “The Trump Boys’ African Killing Spree” from The Discerning Brute “The Human Cost of Animal Suffering” from The New York Times “A Chicken Without Guilt” from The New York Times “Study: Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Lifespan” from CNN

“We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.” -Cesar Chavez

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 113th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Doron Petersan and Michelle Schwegmann.  In today's episode, we ponder about the mindset of vegetarians: Why stop half-way? We share some updates about the latest ag-gag laws and we give you our feelings about this movement toward repressing activists' voices and their First Amendment (... More)

Welcome to the 113th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Doron Petersan and Michelle Schwegmann. 

In today's episode, we ponder about the mindset of vegetarians: Why stop half-way? We share some updates about the latest ag-gag laws and we give you our feelings about this movement toward repressing activists' voices and their First Amendment rights. Plus, we tell you about the latest Rethinking Animals lecture we attended here in New York.

Telling us all about the NYC VegFest is Michelle Schwegmann, co-owner of the center of Portland, OR's vegan mecca, Herbivore Clothing. Also joining us today is Doron Petersan, founder of Sticky Fingers Vegan Bakery, and author of the new Sticky Fingers cookbook. Listen closely for your chance to win your very own copy of this cookbook!

For our review, we'll discuss a performance art piece we attended entitled The Homo Bonobo Project.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Bill passes to ban farm photos under ‘false pretenses’” from The Salt Lake Tribune  “In Ohio, Kaptur ousts fellow Democrat Kucinich from House” from USA Today “2750 Cattle Die at Sea” from Vegan.com “People standing up against bear farming” from Animals Asia 

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage” -Anais Nin

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 112th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Patty Shenker, Nathan Runkle, and Kim Sturla.  In today's episode, we come to you from Los Angeles, where Mariann was a judge in the Lewis & Clark Animal Law Moot Court, held this year at UCLA. When we weren't in that neck of Tinseltown, we were eating our way through this delicious (... More)

Welcome to the 112th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Patty Shenker, Nathan Runkle, and Kim Sturla. 

In today's episode, we come to you from Los Angeles, where Mariann was a judge in the Lewis & Clark Animal Law Moot Court, held this year at UCLA. When we weren't in that neck of Tinseltown, we were eating our way through this delicious city, and we'll tell you all about it. We also got to catch up with some incredible movers and shakers who are heavily involved in all things animal rights.

One such person was longtime activist Patty Shenker, who will be our feature interview today. Patty will talk to us about her work with Animal Rescue Corps, and the importance of rescue work. She'll let us in on such items as: the resource she co-created, FreeAnimalVideo.org, her trip to visit Birute Galdikas, the role of sanctuary in the animal protection movement, and a new play she'll be performing in that is a take-off of the Vagina Monologues.

We have a couple of special guests joining us for our news section, too. First, we'll be joined by Kim Sturla, founder of Animal Place, who will tell us about the over four thousand hens they rescued and took in at the biggest farmed animal rescue in California's history. We'll also talk to Mercy for Animals' Executive Director, Nathan Runkle, who will shed light on the recent turn of events regarding Iowa's ag-gag law.

For our review, Our Hen House's Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, will give us his take on the new movie, Big Miracle. That will launch us into a discussion about animal actors.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Largest California Farm Animal Rescue — Inside A&L Egg Farm” from Animal Place “‘Ag gag bill’ to governor; opponents fear effects” from DesMoinesRegister.com “Shame on Iowa: Governor Signs Ag-Gag Bill to Protect Animal Abusers” from The MFA Blog “Broad Spectrum of National Interest Groups Sign On to Oppose ‘Ag-Gag’ Laws That Seek to Ban Farm Investigations” from Bradenton Herald  “The Most Sweeping Anti-Cruelty Policy in the Food Service Industry” from The Atlantic “Scientists lobby for dolphin, whale ‘bill of rights’” from Cape Cod Times “The PR Man Behind the Oscar Night Anti-Humane Society Slam” from Mother Jones “Best of New York: Dun-Well of East Williamsburg takes the honors for Best Doughnuts” from NY Daily News

“It is now life and not art that requires the willing suspension of disbelief.” -Lionel Trilling

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 111th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dawn Moncrieffe from A Well-Fed World.  In today's episode, we'll talk all about the recent episode of “What Would You Do?” that asked the question, “Is It Un-American to Avoid Meat?” Then, we'll ruminate on the word “vegan” and what we think it means. Some of you might find you disagree (... More)

Welcome to the 111th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dawn Moncrieffe from A Well-Fed World. 

In today's episode, we'll talk all about the recent episode of “What Would You Do?” that asked the question, “Is It Un-American to Avoid Meat?” Then, we'll ruminate on the word “vegan” and what we think it means. Some of you might find you disagree with us. So be it…

Joining us today is Dawn Moncrieffe, the Founder and Executive Director of A Well-Fed World. Dawn will talk to us all about how and why we can feed so many more people in the world. She'll also give us some insight into commonly asked questions regarding meat-eating and land use. Dawn will give us a glimpse into some groundbreaking campaigns that A Well-Fed World is working on, including one that revolves around peanut butter and jelly.

For our review, we'll talk about the old movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, The Electric Horseman.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“VICTORY! Labor votes animals into office” from Animals Australia  “NJ Steel Pier Drops Plan for Diving Horse’s Return” from ABC News  “Food Project Proposes Matrix-Style Vertical Chicken Farms” from Wired

“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming ALL other living beings, we are still savages.” -Thomas Edison

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Welcome to the 110th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kezia Jauron and Gary Smith from Evolotus PR.  In today's episode, we tell you about the talk we went to on Rethinking Animals, which discussed, among other things, the consciousness of animals. We'll whine about a horrible string of events we attended, and we'll share with you our excitement (... More)

Welcome to the 110th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kezia Jauron and Gary Smith from Evolotus PR. 

In today's episode, we tell you about the talk we went to on Rethinking Animals, which discussed, among other things, the consciousness of animals. We'll whine about a horrible string of events we attended, and we'll share with you our excitement about yet another new Our Hen House advisory board member – whom we each have a huge crush on.

Joining us today are Kezia Jauron and Gary Smith, the masterminds behind Evolotus PR, a public relations agency working for a better world. Kezia and Gary will give us their thoughts on the power of using the media to create social change, and they'll give us a glimpse into some of the groundbreaking campaigns they've worked on for the betterment of animal rights.

For our review, we'll give you a look into our kitchen – specifically, to the section of it known as “Kitchen Appliance Wonderland.” We'll give you the skinny on two of our appliances that we simply cannot live without.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Breaking News: Butterball Employees Arrested for Cruelty to Animals Following MFA Investigation” from Mercy for Animals “Whistleblowing Expose Reveals Cruelty at Iowa Pig Breeding Factory Farm and Hormel Supplier” from The Sacramento Bee “Inside the British Pork Industry” from Animal Equality  “McDonald’s Set to Phase Out Suppliers’ Use of Sow Crates” from The New York Times

“Those who have the privilege to know, have the duty to act.” -Albert Einstein 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 109th episode of Our Hen House, featuring lauren Ornelas from Food Empowerment Project.  In today's episode, we discuss clothing swaps, new juice joints, our deep love for pigeons, and how stupid we think Valentine's Day is. (Well, mostly.) Joining us today is lauren Ornelas, the founder and director of Food Empowerment (... More)

Welcome to the 109th episode of Our Hen House, featuring lauren Ornelas from Food Empowerment Project. 

In today's episode, we discuss clothing swaps, new juice joints, our deep love for pigeons, and how stupid we think Valentine's Day is. (Well, mostly.)

Joining us today is lauren Ornelas, the founder and director of Food Empowerment Project. Just in time for Valentine's Day, lauren is going to talk to us about chocolate, including the ethical issues that frequently arise regarding its production. You will definitely not want to miss this eye-opening glimpse into the oftentimes hideously cruel world of cocoa production. You'll also learn about how to spot the truly ethically-sourced varieties (don’t miss F.E.P.’s Chocolate List), and why there is a correlation between boycotting animal products, and boycotting other unfairly-produced food products.

Since it's Valentine's Day, we'll also be sharing some of your own stories of love – love of animals, that is. Many of you sent us your stories of animals who worked their way into your hearts, and, today, we're going to highlight 5 of your touching tales.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Judge Tosses Case Seeking Rights for Orcas” from ABC News “Return of Diving Horses Sparks Controversy” from NBC10 Philadelphia  “Horse axes 25-year-old ‘pit bull’ law” from Toledo Blade  “Wonder Dog” from The New York Times Magazine “18 Tigers, 17 Lions, 8 Bears, 3 Cougars, 2 Wolves, 1 Baboon, 1 Macaque, and 1 Man Dead in Ohio” from GQ Magazine “Fukushima’s animals abandoned and left to die” from CNN “Mindful Eating as Food for Thought” from The New York Times

“The love of all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” -Charles Darwin

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

 

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Welcome to the 108th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Zia Terhune from VegFund.  In today's episode, we give you the skinny on everything from the screening of Vegucated at the Artivist Film Festival, after which Mariann spoke on the panel; to the annoying (and expensive) runaround that many vets give people; to a discussion on how much (... More)

Welcome to the 108th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Zia Terhune from VegFund. 

In today's episode, we give you the skinny on everything from the screening of Vegucated at the Artivist Film Festival, after which Mariann spoke on the panel; to the annoying (and expensive) runaround that many vets give people; to a discussion on how much – if at all – we should broaden the scope of what we discuss here on our podcast.

Joining us today is Zia Terhune, the co-founder of VegFund, a unique organization that empowers vegan activists worldwide by funding and supporting outreach activities that inspire people to go vegan. Zia will talk with us about how the idea of VegFund stemmed from a potluck, and she'll tell us how we can all get in on the fun — and the changemaking — of this incredible organization.

For our review, we'll talk about the short film, Together: Dancing With Spinner Dolphins, by Chisa Hidaka. This film is a great segue into discussing the multitude of ways that animal advocates can use film to inspire change.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include: 

“Two pig farms in Oklahoma accused of abuse” from Chicago Tribune “A question of freedom for chimpanzees who spend lives in research labs” from Rock Center With Brian Williams “Animal Rights Activist Gets $15,000 Settlement” from Care2 “Smuggling Scandal brings down Texas deer hunt breeders” from Standard Examiner “Miami-Dade County expected to repeal pitbull ban” from The Telegraph “Ohio law defining pit bulls as vicious could soon be changed” from Northwest Ohio

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audra Lorde 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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 Welcome to the 107th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Matt Rossell from Animal Defenders International.  In today's episode, we will tell you about the animal rights character we learned about in The Canterbury Tales, and why we learned about him in rap form. Jasmin will tell you about the most hideous trip to a restaurant she’s (... More)

 Welcome to the 107th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Matt Rossell from Animal Defenders International. 

In today's episode, we will tell you about the animal rights character we learned about in The Canterbury Tales, and why we learned about him in rap form. Jasmin will tell you about the most hideous trip to a restaurant she’s ever taken (she trusts that you'll also be equally horrified on her behalf). We'll ruminate on whether vegans are too nice, we'll tell you about our expanding flock of chicks, we'll profess our love for dahl and for oranges, and we'll update you on the latest theatre happenings in our world.

Joining us today is Matt Rossell, the Campaigns Director for Animal Defenders International, who will give us the skinny on the international efforts of this animal protection organization, including the latest news on their Break the Chain campaign, and how you can help.

For our review, we'll talk about the Nova episode, “How Smart Are Animals?”, which is available for your viewing, for free, both on PBS.org, and on Netflix's instant queue.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Supreme Court: Federal Meat Inspection Act preempts California’s slaughter ban” from The Sacramento Bee “Bill Introduced to Improve Animal Welfare Standard for Egg-Laying Hens” from Food Safety News “Anti-Battery Cage Bill Introduced to Congress” from Vegan.com “What Are Agribusiness Groups Trying to Hide with ‘Ag-Gag’ Bills?” from A Humane Nation “The HSUS Praises Florida Legislative Committees for Removing ‘Ag-Gag’ Language from Agricultural Bill” from The HSUS “The Veggie Burger’s New Dream: Be More Like Meat” from The Wall Street Journal 

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” -St. Francis of Assisi

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 106th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Erik Marcus from Vegan.com.  In today's episode, we gripe about the recent NYC subway ads that center around reducing your portion size as a way to reduce disease. We also give you our thoughts on everything from the film, Dive: Living Off America's Waste, to the sushi rolls at Pure (... More)

Welcome to the 106th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Erik Marcus from Vegan.com. 

In today's episode, we gripe about the recent NYC subway ads that center around reducing your portion size as a way to reduce disease. We also give you our thoughts on everything from the film, Dive: Living Off America's Waste, to the sushi rolls at Pure Food and Wine, to the Wellness Club brunch we got to try at a nearby Whole Foods, to Paula Deen.

Joining us today is longtime activist and author, Erik Marcus, the mastermind behind Vegan.com. Erik will talk to us about everything from the strengths and limitations of the health and environmental arguments for veganism, to how to make a truly persuasive ethical argument for living cruelty-free, to how to effectively use social networking tools for advocacy, and a heckuva lot more. You won't want to miss this interview with the voice behind so many articles and books that speak up for animals (including The Ultimate Vegan Guide, which is available for only 99 cents in digital form).

Tatiana Pavela as Dian Fossey in "Leakey's Ladies." Photo by Shell Sheddy.

For our review, we'll share with you our thoughts on the play, Leakey's Ladies, which explores the lives and work of Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, and Birute Galdikas. This play is the most recent merging of theatre and advocacy to come across our radar, and we're eager to share with you our experiences of watching these stories of animal ambassadors come to life.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Are Animal Actors Protected? The Future of Animals in Hollywood” from TIME Magazine “Mystery Surrounding Abandoned Horses Finally Solved” from HumaneSpot.org  “They Bark, They Fetch, and Their Humans Vote” from The New York Times “Vegan Bakery Sticky Fingers Beats Out Traditional Sweets on Food Network’s ‘Cupcake Wars All-Stars’” from The Huffington Post “The Evidence for a Vegan Diet” from The Atlantic (featuring Our Hen House!)

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” –Robert Louis Stevenson

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 105th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Lori Gruen.  In today's episode, we discuss our foray into Brooklyn to visit the new all-vegan establishment that's garnering tons of buzz, Dunwell Doughnuts. We'll also share our thoughts on the hideous piece that we feel is, to say the least, off the mark, “A Dog's Right to Life?” (... More)

Welcome to the 105th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Lori Gruen. 

In today's episode, we discuss our foray into Brooklyn to visit the new all-vegan establishment that's garnering tons of buzz, Dunwell Doughnuts. We'll also share our thoughts on the hideous piece that we feel is, to say the least, off the mark, “A Dog's Right to Life?” from the New York Times column, “The Ethicist,” as well as the on-the-mark piece from The Thinking Vegan (written by Kezia Jauron). And we'll give you the skinny on the new Whole Foods Wellness Club, and the talk that we saw Dr. Fuhrman give this past week.

Today's episode is full of strong, inspiring, changemaking women! First, Chicago-based jewelry designer, and animal rights activist, Michelle Rubin, will spill the beans about a prank she instigated this week. Let's just say that Jasmin put her BFA in Acting to the test. Michelle is the talented jeweler behind the sterling silver and hematite necklaces that say “vegan” that we offer on our site in exchange for a donation. Listen closely for your chance to get in on a one-week special that Michelle is offering just to our devoted podcast listeners.

Our feature interview today is with activist and scholar, Lori Gruen, who is – among other things – the author of Ethics and Animals: An Introduction. Lori will discuss with us what's involved in teaching animal ethics, the crossovers between animal studies and animal activism,  the role that chimpanzees have played with shaping her ethical thought, and her feelings regarding the prevalence of women in the animal protection movement.

For one week, donate $75 to OHH and in addition to getting a silver and hematite necklace stamped "VEGAN," you will also receive this heart pendant, and an additional stone!

For our review, Our Hen House's protein-prosperous intern, Sally Tamarkin, will give us her thoughts about a subject she feels she was put on this planet to discuss: peanut butter. Sally put several peanut butter brands to the test and has determined the very best one – that is, of the unsalted, crunchy variety.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“DA: State Official Told Butterball Turkey Farm Raid Was Coming” from ABC News “COK files lawsuit against California hatchery to stop cruel and unlawful practices” from Compassion Over Killing “We’re Eating Less Meat. Why?” from The New York Times “A Tighter Leash on Exotic Pets” from The New York Times “Natalie Portman Considers Doing Eating Animals: The Movie” from Vegan.com

“When you cease to make a contribution you begin to die.” -Eleanor Roosevelt 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you're a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

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Welcome to the 104th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bruce Friedrich from Farm Sanctuary.  In today's episode, we will discuss what makes some people act in unethical ways. This topic was inspired by a couple we passed “oo-ing” and “ahh-ing” in front of a puppy store, discussing which one to buy. It made us think of this saying by RD Laing: In (... More)

Welcome to the 104th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bruce Friedrich from Farm Sanctuary. 

In today's episode, we will discuss what makes some people act in unethical ways. This topic was inspired by a couple we passed “oo-ing” and “ahh-ing” in front of a puppy store, discussing which one to buy. It made us think of this saying by RD Laing:

In order to change something: The range of what we see and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.

We'll talk about that, and ruminate on how, as animal advocates, we can help people notice that they're… failing to notice.

We'll also banter about Portlandia, TOFU Magazine (check out the interview with Jasmin in Issue Six), and the new, raw, NYC restaurant that found its way into our hearts, Gingersnap’s Organic.

Joining us today is longtime activist, Bruce Friedrich, who will tell us about the plans he has with his new role at Farm Sanctuary – including the “Someone, Not Something” campaign, and how he intends to involve local community in ending animal cruelty and adopting a vegan diet.

For our review, Our Hen House's brilliant intern, Sally Tamarkin, will join us for a fun look at the new board game, Fur & Feathers, which is dedicated to educating children and adults on the importance of remembering how our everyday choices affect the lives of animals. Not to ruin anything, but let's just say that Jasmin kicked some ass. (And through the end of February, enter code “OURHENHOUSE” when you purchase your very own Fur & Feathers board game, and Our Hen House will get $5 of the purchase!)

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Long awaited legislation outlaws puppy farming in Ireland” from Irish Central “Sculptured by Weights and a Strict Vegan Diet” from The New York Times “FDA limites 1 class of antibiotics in livestock as public health groups urge gov’t to do more” from The Washington Post “Livestock Groups, Egg Industry at Odds Over HSUS Deal” from Food Safety News “Justice And A Safe Haven For Chicago’s Court Case Dogs” from Forbes

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” -Lena Horne

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. If you’re a weekly listener, you might consider making a recurring monthly donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don't forget — we're reader and listener supported. Plus, we offer some fantastic thank you gifts for your donations. Thank you for helping us to create quality content, and for helping us bring you a new, hour-long podcast each week!

Photo at top of blog: Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary. Photo by Connie Pugh. 

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Welcome to the 103rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gena Hamshaw from Choosing Raw. In today's episode, we are putting aside our stomach virus and sharing with you – not our virus – but our feelings about the recent 42 million dollar donation to Heifer International, our experiences being perceived as the difficult vegans at our Christmas (... More)

Welcome to the 103rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gena Hamshaw from Choosing Raw.

In today's episode, we are putting aside our stomach virus and sharing with you – not our virus – but our feelings about the recent 42 million dollar donation to Heifer International, our experiences being perceived as the difficult vegans at our Christmas dinner, and our hopes for the New Year, vis a vis changes to our attitudes.

Joining us on this extra special episode – the last of 2011 – is nutritionist and writer, Gena Hamshaw. Gena, who is the mastermind behind the uber-popular blog, Choosing Raw, will let us in on how much raw food vegans should ideally have in their diets. She'll also talk about how she incorporates animal activism into her mostly food-centric platform. And she'll discuss disordered eating, and how veganism can act as a healing mechanism for people who have struggled with these issues. Gena will discuss loads more, too. You won't want to miss this year-end interview with an incredibly articulate and insightful woman who is on the road to taking the medical profession by storm, the vegan way.

Then, Our Hen House's Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon (of “Shit Vegans Say” fame), will be joining us for a very special musical tribute to some of the vegan and AR highlights of 2011. We flex our vocal chords too. Don't miss this.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Leaving Animals Out of the Cosmetics Picture” from the New York Times “Butterball Turkey Raided Amid Animal Abuse Allegations” from ABC News “How Smart Is This Bird? Let It Count the Ways” from the New York Times “An Idyllic Picture of Serenity, but Only If You’re Not Inside” from the New York Times “Liberty, the last battery hen in Britian, is set free” from Metro “Fur Coats Banned at Animal Lover’s East Side Bars” from DNAinfo.com

“Activism is the rent I pay for living on this planet.” -Alice Walker

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can listen and subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Don’t forget — we’re reader and listener supported. And through the end of the year, if you set up a recurring donation of at least $10 a month, you will receive a free, ethically-sourced Our Hen House tote bag. And also through the end of the year, if you donate a minimum of $250, we’ll send you a signed copy of a “Riot of the Hens” poster by legendary artist Sue Coe!

Thanks for helping to build Our Hen House!

Photo at top of blog from Choosing Raw.

 

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Welcome to the 102nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jamie Kilstein from Citizen Radio.  In today's episode, as Christmas approaches, we are doing our best to be nice and not naughty… but we're failing miserably. We will share with you our retort to one website's question regarding whether feminists should be vegan. And we'll vent (... More)

Welcome to the 102nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jamie Kilstein from Citizen Radio. 

In today's episode, as Christmas approaches, we are doing our best to be nice and not naughty… but we're failing miserably. We will share with you our retort to one website's question regarding whether feminists should be vegan. And we'll vent a little regarding the latest piece in The Atlantic that promoted eating animals (the act of it, not the book). On the nicer side, though, we'll also share with you the incredibly exciting news regarding our latest video on Sue Coe.

Joining us today is powerhouse Jamie Kilstein, half of the brains behind the wildly popular podcast, Citizen Radio. Jamie's extended interview will include his ramblings about how he began Citizen Radio, his thoughts about reaching the lefty crowd with the vegan message, his ruminations on his experiences performing vegan jokes in his stand-up comedy act, and tons more.

For our review, Our Hen House's Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, will give us his thoughts on the forthcoming Stephen Spielberg film, War Horse. Ari will discuss with us not only the film itself, but some of the issues regarding the use of animals in film. (Also see: “Animal Stories in Film: Inherently Exploitative? Potentially Eye-Opening?“)

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“U.S. Will Not Finance New Research on Chimps” from the New York Times “State senator brings back ‘Ag Gag’ bill” from The Florida Independent “Lawsuit challenges animal enterprise terror law as unconstitutional” from the Los Angeles Times “FBI Says Activists Who Investigate Factory Farms Can Be Prosecuted as Terrorists” from Green is the New Red “Animal-Rights Activists and Commissioners Win One for the Circus Elephants in Margate” from Broward Palm Beach New Times “India to cut out animal dissection” from Nature.com “Jay-Z Joins Beyonce’s Pregnancy Diet” from US Weekly “Vegan Crowned Toughest Woman” from VegNews.com

 “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.” -Henry David Thoreau 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! And through the end of the year, if you set up a recurring donation of at least $10 a month, you will receive a free, ethically-sourced Our Hen House tote bag. Thanks!

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Welcome to the 101st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Liuba Grechen from Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery, with a special appearance by vegan artist extraordinaire, Sue Coe.  In today's episode, we discuss our recent foray into de-tchotchke-ifying our lives, and our need for nesting. We also talk about health – including some ruminations on the (... More)

Welcome to the 101st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Liuba Grechen from Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery, with a special appearance by vegan artist extraordinaire, Sue Coe. 

In today's episode, we discuss our recent foray into de-tchotchke-ifying our lives, and our need for nesting. We also talk about health – including some ruminations on the differences between a junk food vegan diet and a whole foods based vegan diet. We'll tell you about the home study we've been doing throughout our current juice fast.

Joining us today is Liuba Grechen, owner and founder of  Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery – a new cruelty-free company in NYC. Liuba will talk about for-profit activism, how she feels the tide is turning for vegan businesses, and what you need to know if you want to start your own.

Jasmin eating a cupcake from Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery. Photo by Anthony Two Moons.

Then, as a special addition to today's episode, we will play for you the story of how vegan artist extraordinaire, Sue Coe, met her first dog.

For our review, our Hollywood Correspondent Ari Solomon will be joining us to give us his take on the book, An Eagle Named Freedom.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“‘They would wince, scream, tremble and shake’: U.S. lab investigated for horrific abuse of test monkeys” from Daily Mail “University of Michigan ceases use of cats in Survival Flight training” from AnnArbor.com  “Chimps bid farewell: Last of Coulston primates leave for Florida” from Alamogordo Daily News “South Vietnam rescue begins” from Animals Asia “Quorn Launches First Vegan Product” from PR Newswire “Last Hope for Horses” from The Humane Society of the United States

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”  -Bruce Lee

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! And through the end of the year, if you set up a recurring donation of at least $10 a month, you will receive a free, ethically-sourced Our Hen House tote bag. Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery sponsored the Our Hen House Hen Party last month! Those were their delicious concoctions. Photo by Anthony Two Moons. 

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Welcome to the 100th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Peter Singer and Isa Chandra Moskowitz. In today's monumental episode, we will talk about the Food Activism for the Holidays workshop we gave last week, and we'll share with you our thoughts on how to get a good holiday vegan meal at a non-vegan restaurant. We'll also sing a few original (... More)

Welcome to the 100th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Peter Singer and Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

In today's monumental episode, we will talk about the Food Activism for the Holidays workshop we gave last week, and we'll share with you our thoughts on how to get a good holiday vegan meal at a non-vegan restaurant. We'll also sing a few original songs – including “The 12 Days of Carnivorous Christmas.”

Happy 100th Episode, Us.

Joining us for episode 100 are two of our favorite past guests: Famed ethicist and author of the groundbreaking book Animal Liberation, Peter Singer, and bestselling vegan cookbook author, Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Peter will talk with us about his views on the current state of the animal liberation movement, and Isa will talk about what she dubs “baketivism.”

Then, as part of our special 100th episode, we'll be answering your questions! You asked us about everything from how to handle kids who want to go to zoos, to how to find inspiration for juice-fasting, to what our plans are for 2012 with Our Hen House. Today, we'll answer those – and more. At the end of the episode, we'll announce the very lucky winner of the $100 gift certificate to MooShoes.

Speaking of which, today's episode is being sponsored by MooShoes. MooShoes proudly offers the largest variety of vegan shoes and accessories in the world. They have men’s and women’s shoes for all occasions as well as bags, purses, belts, jackets, and other fun stuff – all cruelty-free. Visit MooShoes 7 days a week at their physical location in New York City’s Lower East Side, or shop with them online at www.mooshoes.com.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“In First for Asia, Taiwan to Ban Shark Finning” from Time Magazine  “Hansom Cab Horse Collapses Outside Central Park” from CBS New York “200 Bears Killed on First Day of NJ Bear Hunt” from Gothamist  “How Many Adults Are Vegan in the U.S.?” from The Vegetarian Resource Group

“This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals.” -Walt Whitman 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  IN HONOR OF OUR 100TH PODCAST EPISODE, PLEASE HELP US GET TO 100 REVIEWS! Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! And through the end of the year, if you set up a recurring donation of at least $10 a month, you will receive a free, ethically-sourced Our Hen House tote bag. Thanks!

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Welcome to the 99th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Miriam Jones of VINE Sanctuary and Debra Kowalski of For the Animals Sanctuary.  In today's episode, we will discuss the label “activist.” We'll talk about a couple of Montana residents who have two very different takes on the word. We'll also tell you about our recent trip to New Jersey. (... More)

Welcome to the 99th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Miriam Jones of VINE Sanctuary and Debra Kowalski of For the Animals Sanctuary. 

In today's episode, we will discuss the label “activist.” We'll talk about a couple of Montana residents who have two very different takes on the word. We'll also tell you about our recent trip to New Jersey. And we'll discuss people's unfortunate unfamiliarity with their constitutional rights vis a vis leafleting and protesting. We'll also give you the skinny on our upcoming 100th episode, and we'll tell you how you can win a $100 gift certificate to MooShoes!

Photo from VINE Sanctuary (www.vine.bravebirds.org)

Today's episode is Part 2 (of 2) of our sanctuary spotlight. Last week, we highlighted two smaller farmed animal sanctuaries, and this week we are doing that one more time, focusing on two more sanctuaries.

Joining us today are Miriam Jones from VINE Sanctuary in Vermont, who will give us an update on some of their new residents, and Debra Kowalski from For the Animals Sanctuary in New Jersey, who will tell us about how her work as a nurse intersects with her work rescuing and rehabilitating farmed animals.

For our review, we'll give you our take on the very best vegan nogs and other non-dairy holiday drinks!

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Ringling circus agrees to $270K USDA fine involving alleged violations of animal welfare rules” from The Washington Post “Animal Rights Group Accuses Sparboe Farms of False Advertising” from ABC News “Horse Slaughterhouses May Reopen After Five Year Ban” from ABC News  “A Vegan Tour of Toronto” from VegNews TV

“Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog, and photo of duck in blog, both courtesy of VINE Sanctuary. 

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Welcome to the 98th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis from Maple Farm Sanctuary and Bill Crain from Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary.  In today's episode, we will tell you about everything from our excursion to Queens – including the delicious vegan Indian food we had – to Mariann's appearance on an LGBT-themed radio show, (... More)

Welcome to the 98th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis from Maple Farm Sanctuary and Bill Crain from Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary. 

In today's episode, we will tell you about everything from our excursion to Queens – including the delicious vegan Indian food we had – to Mariann's appearance on an LGBT-themed radio show, where she discussed the horrors of the horse-drawn carriage industry. We'll also talk about 2 upcoming workshops we are giving here in New York City, and we'll give you the nuts and bolts version of the most recent article we wrote for One Green Planet, entitled, “Cigarettes are Bad for You (and Other Life Lessons for a Healthy and Compassionate Tomorrow).”

Photo from Maple Farm Sanctuary (http://www.maplefarmsanctuary.org/)

Today's episode is part one of two that will focus on some of the smaller farmed animal sanctuaries that are very much changing the world for animals. The sanctuary community is so deeply important to the overall animal rights movement, and in this week's episode, as well as next week's, we are delighted to shed light on some of the smaller sanctuaries that are on the front lines of animal rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

With that in mind, joining us today are two sanctuary founders – Cheri Ezell-Vandersluis from Maple Farm Sanctuary and Bill Crain from Safe Haven Sanctuary. Cheri will tell us the unbelievable, life-altering story of how she founded Maple Farm Sanctuary, and Bill will tell us about the incredibly special event that took place at Safe Haven last week in honor of Thanksgiving. We'll give you a clue: It involved some lucky, rescued turkey ambassadors, and a whole bunch of Buddhists.

For our review, Our Hen House's Hollywood correspondent Ari Solomon will give us his take on the movie, Contagion, from an animal rights perspective.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Investigation: Inside Egg ‘Factory Farm’” from ABC News “Police Raid Illegal Slaughterhouse” from WSVN-TV “Puerto Rico senate says monkey-breeding facility not wanted” from Caribbean News Now!  “Faux Fur May Not Be So Faux” from The Wall Street Journal “My hope is that we can ultimately find the common ground that will bring us together in our efforts.” -Marti Kheel

This week's episode is dedicated to our dear friend, Marti Kheel, a tireless ambassador for animals and women. Marti's passion and compassion paved the way for groundbreaking insight into the world of ecofeminism and animal rights. Thank you for changing the world, Marti Kheel. We miss you already.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 97th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kim Stallwood. In today's episode, Jasmin will tell you about her vegan whirlwind trip to San Francisco, including the food, the rad, and smugly. Meanwhile, back in New York City, Mariann attended an eye-opening talk about the Non-Human Animal Rights Project given by Steve Wise, and she'll (... More)

Welcome to the 97th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kim Stallwood.

In today's episode, Jasmin will tell you about her vegan whirlwind trip to San Francisco, including the food, the rad, and smugly. Meanwhile, back in New York City, Mariann attended an eye-opening talk about the Non-Human Animal Rights Project given by Steve Wise, and she'll tell us about that. We'll also talk Thanksgiving, including how to survive it as a vegan.

Kim Stallwood (pic from www.kimstallwood.com)

Joining us today is longtime animal activist, Kim Stallwood. Kim, who joined us from his home in England, will talk politics with us – specifically as it relates to animal rights. He'll also discuss with us some of the interconnections between animal rights and gay rights, and – based on his decades involved in this movement – he will ruminate with us on the evolving world of animal issues.

For our review, we'll talk about bars. Not those kind of bars, nor are we talking about law-related bars. We're talking energy bars. In particular, we're giving you our thoughts on the vegan bar, Pure Fit.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Animal rights activists acquitted on nearly all counts in secret videotaping of pig farm conditions” from Helsingin Sanomat — International Edition “ND farmers push for constitutional right to farm” from The Associated Press “Dallas Cowboy, Tony Fiametta, Goes Vegan” from The Discerning Brute “Appeals Court Says Owners May Sue to Recover the Sentimental Value of a Dog” from Courthouse News Service “From Bad Boy to ‘Good Dog‘” from The New York Times

“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” -John F. Kennedy

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 96th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Elizabeth Hess. In today's episode, we will tell you about our trip to Jersey, including the activism talk we gave in Montclair, and the vegan restaurants we visited while in the Garden State (like Go Lightly!). We will also let you in on Jasmin’s current obsession with a trashy (... More)

Welcome to the 96th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Elizabeth Hess.

In today's episode, we will tell you about our trip to Jersey, including the activism talk we gave in Montclair, and the vegan restaurants we visited while in the Garden State (like Go Lightly!). We will also let you in on Jasmin’s current obsession with a trashy TV show that she just cannot stop watching, and we'll vent a little about a certain email we received in response to our recent knitting video.

Joining us today is Elizabeth Hess, the author of Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would be Human. Elizabeth will chat with us about everything from the story of Nim, which was recently re-launched into the public sphere by way of the documentary based on the book, entitled Project Nim – to her experiences as an investigative journalist who went behind the scenes at animal shelters.

Then, for our unscientific, unofficial Facebook survey, we will talk vegetables. More specifically, we asked the question: What is your favorite unusual vegetable? Broccoli, lettuce, and cauliflour need not apply. The results might surprise and perplex you.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Should You Go to the Circus? How About the Rodeo?” from Mother Jones “The Cruelest Show on Earth” from Mother Jones  “Update: Judge Rules to Revoke Permit for Truck Stop Tiger” from Convenience Store News “Bob Barker touts bill to protect traveling circus animals” from CNN “Signing Off” from Vegan.com 

“If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities.” -Voltaire

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 95th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Will Potter from Green is the New Red.  In today's episode, we will tell you all about our trips to New Orleans and Boston – both of which took place this past week. In New Orleans, Mariann talked animal law, and in Boston, both of us talked veganism! We'll give you the skinny on our (... More)

Welcome to the 95th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Will Potter from Green is the New Red. 

In today's episode, we will tell you all about our trips to New Orleans and Boston – both of which took place this past week. In New Orleans, Mariann talked animal law, and in Boston, both of us talked veganism! We'll give you the skinny on our experiences at the biggest VegFest in the country. We'll also tell you about the workshop we attended back here in New York where New York Times columnist Mark Bittman was the super special guest, and we'll ruminate about a whole lot more. Our big birthday bash fundraiser was this past week, too, so we'll tell you all about that deliciousness.

Joining us today is Will Potter – mastermind behind the book and website Green is the New Red. Will, an award-winning independent journalist, will talk to us about how animal rights and environmental activists are being labeled as “eco-terrorists,” and what that means for our safety and freedom. Don't miss this fascinating, horrifying, and ultimately hopeful discussion.

For our review, we'll give you our take on Nathalie Van Balen's new project for kids of all ages, a zine entitled “Happy Thanksliving!” This zine is an accessible and affordable tool that gently challenges some of the ridiculous and antiquated traditions of Thanksgiving, while also celebrating compassion, deliciousness, open-mindedness, and new traditions.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi to Open a Vegan Restaurant” from Us “Council bans sale, consumption of shark fin” from The [Toronto] Star “ASPCA: Central Park Carriage Horse Was Unhealthy Before It Died” from CBS New York “Animal rights group’s suit to allege Sea World is keeping orcas in slavery” from from the Los Angeles Times “A Vegetarian Feast, No Turkeys Allowed” from the New York Times

“The greatest mistake of the movement has been trying to organize a sleeping people around specific goals. You have to wake the people up first, then you’ll get action.” -Malcolm X

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 94th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Michael Greger and Sally Tamarkin.  In today's episode, we share our thoughts on everything from the woman who won a contest with the reward of allowing her to visit a dairy farm, to Jasmin's hopes and wishes for her birthday, to the magic of the Diva Cup (don't worry — it’s (... More)

Welcome to the 94th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Michael Greger and Sally Tamarkin. 

In today's episode, we share our thoughts on everything from the woman who won a contest with the reward of allowing her to visit a dairy farm, to Jasmin's hopes and wishes for her birthday, to the magic of the Diva Cup (don't worry — it’s just a quick mention).

Visit www.nutritionfacts.org

Joining us today is Dr. Michael Greger, a physician, author, and internationally recognized speaker on a number of important public health issues. Dr. Greger will share with us the story of how his grandmother acted as the catalyst for him to pursue a life in medicine, and he will tell us why a healthy, plant-based diet is the only way forward. He will also tell us all about his incredibly exciting new comprehensive resource that you wont want to miss, Nutritionfacts.org.

Also joining us today in Our Hen House is Sally Tamarkin, our new intern extraordinaire. Sally, who recently fell from the planet Wherehaveyoubeenallourlives, will help us out with a segment we like to call our “New Vegan Series,” where she will let us in on her recent transition to veganism and how she plans to merge that with her longtime activism. Sally will stick around for our review, giving us her take on the movie, Babe – including the good, the bad, and the exploitative.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Slaughter of Horses Goes On, Just Not in U.S.” from the New York Times  “Carriage horse collapses, dies in midtown; Animal rights activists up in arms” from the NY Daily News “Greyhound Trainer Receives Five Year Prison Sentence in Ebro Cruelty Case” from Saving Greys “U.S. Sportsman fined $14,500 for animal cruelty, illegal practices in Alberta” from Edmonton Journal 

“Compassion is the basis of all morality.” -Arthur Schopenhauer 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 93rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Maneesha Deckha, Bruce Wagman, Jaclyn Leeds, Peter Sankoff, Sarah Baeckler, Kristen Stilt, and Joyce Tischler.  In today's episode, we tell you about the eye-opening and brilliant “Animals in the Arts” presentation created and presented by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau that we attended at Alexander (... More)

Welcome to the 93rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Maneesha Deckha, Bruce Wagman, Jaclyn Leeds, Peter Sankoff, Sarah Baeckler, Kristen Stilt, and Joyce Tischler. 

In today's episode, we tell you about the eye-opening and brilliant “Animals in the Arts” presentation created and presented by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau that we attended at Alexander Gray Associates here in New York City. We'll also share with you some big news for Our Hen House – to the tune of being named the Indie Media Powerhouse of 2011 by VegNews Magazine. Oh, and in other big news, Jasmin will talk about her newly platinum hair.

Lay down the law.

This week we come to you from Portland, Oregon, where we were speakers at the annual Lewis and Clark Animal Law Conference. In honor of this one-of-a-kind conference, today's episode is an extended one, and features several concise interviews with some of the movers and shakers from the world of animal law. Talking to us today are such luminaries as Maneesha Deckha, Bruce Wagman, Jaclyn Leeds, Peter Sankoff, Sarah Baeckler, Kristin Stilt, and Joyce Tischler. Today's episode will undoubtedly prove revelatory for non-lawyers, budding lawyers, and seasoned lawyers.

For our review, we will give you our top 5 animal law related films that everyone should see.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“BREAKING NEWS: 800 Caged Dogs Rescued From Dog Meat Trade In Chengdu, China” from The GirlieGirl Army “100-Year-Old Fauja Singh sets world record: Oldest runner to complete a marathon” from NY Daily News “Police Kill Dozens of Animals Freed on Ohio Reserve” from the New York Times “The French Government Outlaws Vegetarianism in Schools” from European Vegetarian and Animal News Alliance

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -Dr. Seuss in The Lorax

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 92nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring musician Kirsti Gholson, and  Australian activist, Leigh-Chantelle.  In today's episode, we discuss everything from black bean brownies, to our thoughts on the importance of finding synergy between vegan food and Occupy Wall Street, to how we can each find super immunity. We'll tell you (... More)

Welcome to the 92nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring musician Kirsti Gholson, and  Australian activist, Leigh-Chantelle. 

In today's episode, we discuss everything from black bean brownies, to our thoughts on the importance of finding synergy between vegan food and Occupy Wall Street, to how we can each find super immunity. We'll tell you about an important Mercy for Animals event we attended – and why the gift bags were the best in gift bag history. Plus, we'll discuss whether we come across as too angry or not, and if so, if there's anything wrong with that.

Our first guest today is singer/songwriter Kirsti Gholson, whose new CD – “The Summer I Stopped Whining” – carries strong animal rights messages throughout it. We'll talk to Kirsti about the importance of combining the arts with advocacy, and you'll have the opportunity to win a copy of her new CD.

Also joining us is Leigh-Chantelle, an Australian activist whose many animal rights projects are creating waves not only in her community of Brisbane, but also internationally. Leigh-Chantelle will let us in on some of her inspiring projects, and she'll give us her thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses within the movements — both in Australia and the U.S.

For our review, we'll give you our take on the film, Planeat, by Shelley Lee Davies and Or Schlomi, which is based on the research of T. Colin Campbell.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Veggie Grill Raises $11 Million from Investors” from Los Angeles Business Journal “Governor signs shark fin ban” from the San Francisco Chronicle  “Farming minister hints at UK ban on sale of imported battery cage eggs” from Business.scotsman.com  “Compassion Condemns EU Decision on Illegal Eggs” from Compassion in World Farming  “Have Trunk Will Travel defrauded the public over elephant star of Water for Elephants, says ADI” from Animal Defenders International 

“There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -Winnie the Pooh 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 91st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Liz Marshall from The Ghosts in Our Machine. In today's episode, we'll give our thoughts on Occupy Wall Street – a quickly growing movement aimed to seek justice for the underdog. We're happy to say that that sentiment includes animals. We'll also talk Russian Bathhouses, soon-to-expire (... More)

Welcome to the 91st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Liz Marshall from The Ghosts in Our Machine.

In today's episode, we'll give our thoughts on Occupy Wall Street – a quickly growing movement aimed to seek justice for the underdog. We're happy to say that that sentiment includes animals. We'll also talk Russian Bathhouses, soon-to-expire Groupons, and we'll tell you all about the HSUS Gala that we were lucky enough to attend.

Joining us today is Liz Marshall, filmmaker behind The Ghosts in Our Machine — the cross-platform project that goes into the world of the ghosts who are used for clothing, medical and consumer product testing, food, and other forms of exploitation (as featured on our blog). Liz is not only a long-time passionate and compassionate activist, but she's recently become vegan – and will tell us all about her journey. No doubt you will leave this interview feeling inspired and moved by her thoughtful and profound experiences.

For our review, we'll give you our thoughts on the film, Eating – the one that made Las Vegas billionaire, Steve Wynn, go vegan.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Animal abuse becomes a felony in Nevada” from ABC Action News Las Vegas “‘Occupy Wall Street’ Protests Corporate Cruelty to Animals” from The MFA Blog “FOK Companion Book Reaches #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List for Paperback Advice” from Forks Over Knives

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” -Desmond Tutu 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 90th episode of Our Hen House, featuring vegan bodybuilder Robert Cheeke.  In today's episode, we'll give you our thoughts on an event we attended that featured Frances Moore Lappe. (Let's just say that we're probably in the minority with our feelings about it.) We'll also ruminate on everything from juicing to traveling, and (... More)

Welcome to the 90th episode of Our Hen House, featuring vegan bodybuilder Robert Cheeke. 

In today's episode, we'll give you our thoughts on an event we attended that featured Frances Moore Lappe. (Let's just say that we're probably in the minority with our feelings about it.) We'll also ruminate on everything from juicing to traveling, and we'll tell you about Jasmin’s brother's inadvertent food activism (hint: try Brody’s Bakery immediately). We'll also get you up to speed on our upcoming squawking engagements.

Photo from www.veganbodybuilding.com

Joining us today is vegan bodybuilder Robert Cheeke, who will talk to us about what it takes to be a fit, vegan athlete. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind interview, where Robert talks about everything from protein to exercise, with more than a touch of activism throughout.

For our review, we'll tell you about The Whale, the new documentary by Michael Parfit and Suzanne Chisholm that tells the true story of Luna, a young wild orca who lost his family and tried to make friends with people.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“O Celebrates Feel-Good, Animal-Friendly Fashion” from O, The Oprah Magazine “The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act Sets an Unusual Standard for Crime” from The Wall Street Journal “Going After Dairy, Big Time” from Our Hen House

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 89th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Carolyn Merino Mullin from the National Museum of Animals & Society.  In today's episode, we give you our thoughts about a vegan art show we attended, and a workshop that Jasmin co-led for Mercy for Animals entitled “Commonality of Oppression.” Joining us today is Carolyn Merino (... More)

Welcome to the 89th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Carolyn Merino Mullin from the National Museum of Animals & Society. 

In today's episode, we give you our thoughts about a vegan art show we attended, and a workshop that Jasmin co-led for Mercy for Animals entitled “Commonality of Oppression.”

Joining us today is Carolyn Merino Mullin, founder and executive director of the National Museum of Animals & Society, which employs traditional museum stratagems in achieving its mission: to enrich the lives of animals and people through exploration of our shared experience. Carolyn will tell us about the role that animal issues play in the museum movement, and will explain the process of bringing her brainchild – this one of a kind museum – to life.

For our review, we'll give you our take on the latest book by powerhouse Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge (buy it here).

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“West Hollywood to Ban Sale of Fur Garments” from The New York Times “No Justice for Animals” from The Huffington Post “SeaWorld trainers told to use caution with whale” from Associated Press 

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” -John Muir

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 88th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Danielle Konya of Vegan Treats.  In today's episode, we tell you all about our vegan adventures in Bethlehem, PA, where we were speaking at the Bethlehem VegFest. We'll also talk about one of our favorite songs, which just so happens to focus on animal rights. The song, entitled “I Broke (... More)

Welcome to the 88th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Danielle Konya of Vegan Treats. 

In today's episode, we tell you all about our vegan adventures in Bethlehem, PA, where we were speaking at the Bethlehem VegFest. We'll also talk about one of our favorite songs, which just so happens to focus on animal rights. The song, entitled “I Broke the Law,” is written and performed by the incredible singer/songwriter, Joy Askew, and gives us serious goosebumps every time we hear it. You won't want to miss this. (Also check out the Art of the Animal video we made of Joy last year.)

Danielle Konya (photo from VeganTreats.com)

You also won't want to miss our inspiring interview, because joining us today is Danielle Konya, the mastermind baker and entrepreneur behind the wildly successful, and out-of-this-world delicious company, Vegan Treats, which is based in Bethlehem, PA. Danielle will tell us how she put vegan desserts on the map, and she'll give us some insight into running a vegan business.

For our review, we'll share our thoughts on the new documentary, Got the Facts on Milk? by Shira Lane. But beware: What you hear might shock you, and it might even change your life.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Farm Sanctuary Adds Animal Acres’ Southern California Shelter to Its National Program” from Farm Sanctuary “Meatless Meals at Your Local 7-11” from The HSUS Farm Animal Protection Campaign “California to Enforce Foie Gras Ban in July 2012” from All Headline News “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” -Frederick Douglass

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 87th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Ben Grossblatt from Suicide Food.  In today's episode, we will ruminate on everything from the use of anger in our activism, to our fascination with growing and picking kale, to the animal law class that Mariann is teaching. Joining us today is Ben Grossblatt, the creator of Suicide (... More)

Welcome to the 87th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Ben Grossblatt from Suicide Food. 

In today's episode, we will ruminate on everything from the use of anger in our activism, to our fascination with growing and picking kale, to the animal law class that Mariann is teaching.

Joining us today is Ben Grossblatt, the creator of Suicide Food, a truly unique blog that collects depictions of animals who act as though they wish to be consumed. Ben will tell us all about Suicide Food, and will discuss with us the use of satire as a means of working toward social change.

We'll also discuss the results of our unscientific, unofficial Facebook survey – which was inspired by a podcast listener's suggestion – where we asked you to explain, in your own words, the importance of veganism as opposed to vegetarianism. The conversation that ensued was unexpected.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“USDA: Closing Our Borders to Puppy Mills” from Animals & Politics “Calif. lawmakers pass bill banning shark-fin trade” from Associated Press “The slow but steady animal rights revolution, from ‘Planet of the Apes’ to slaughter-free meat” from The Daily News 

“This is winter wheat we’re sowing, and other hands will harvest.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 86th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jess Scone (of Vida Vegan Con, Get Sconed, and Stumptown Vegans), Chelsea Lincoln (of Flavor Vegan), and 6 1/2 year old lifelong vegan, Ruby Bird Hooten.  In today's episode, Jasmin will give us the vegan skinny on her trip to Portland to speak at the Vida Vegan Bloggers Conference. She’ll (... More)

Welcome to the 86th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jess Scone (of Vida Vegan Con, Get Sconed, and Stumptown Vegans), Chelsea Lincoln (of Flavor Vegan), and 6 1/2 year old lifelong vegan, Ruby Bird Hooten. 

In today's episode, Jasmin will give us the vegan skinny on her trip to Portland to speak at the Vida Vegan Bloggers Conference. She’ll tell us all about the food she devoured, the activists she crushed on, and the town that took wonderful care of her as Mariann stayed behind to batten down the hatches, thanks to Hurricane Irene.

"Blissful Bites" by Christy Morgan

Joining us today are three very special Portland guests: First, Vida Vegan Con co-organizer Jess Scone will give us an inside glimpse into what it was like organizing this powerhouse event. She'll also tell us all about her projects: Vida Vegan Con,  Get Sconed, and Stumptown Vegans. Then, blogger Chelsea Lincoln, from Flavor Vegan, will chat with us about everything from how to handle animal lovers who aren't (yet) vegan, to her thoughts on fat acceptance. Our third guest is a very special and incredibly smart little girl. Six-and-a-half year-old Ruby Bird Hooten (of Herbivore Clothing, by association anyway) has been vegan since birth, and will share with us her thoughts on everything from not eating animals, to why she loves her dog, Sassy, to the secrets of making a delicious salad.

For our review, we'll give you our thoughts on Christy Morgan's new cookbook, Blissful Bites, which just hit bookstore shelves. This book is aptly titled, and has quickly become one of our go-to cookbooks. Learn why.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include: 

“Animal Liberation by Peter Singer — ALL-TIME 100 Best Nonfiction Books” from Time Magazine “Meat Without Slaughter: ’6 Months’ to bio-sausages” from New Scientist (by way of Vegan.com) “All sides have new livestock-care rules” from The Columbus Dispatch “Register investigation: Egg farms rack up violations” from Des Moines Register “Dr. Esselstyn on Sanjay Gupta’s CNN Special” from Vegsource “Vegans: The Greatest Threat to a Nutritionist’s Paycheck” from Eating Plants “Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease Hits #1 on Amazon.com” from Vegan.com

“We cannot believe that if we refuse to look at what we do not wish to see, it will not exist. This is especially the case when what we do not wish to see is what we wish to eat.” Leo Tolstoy

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: Jasmin Singer and co-panelist Webly Bowles (of Stumptown Vegans) presenting a Podcasting 101 workshop at Vida Vegan Con. Photo by JL of JL Goes Vegan. 

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Welcome to the 85th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Carol J. Adams.  In today's episode, we explore vegan mentions in non-vegan-specific books, examine our I-just-don't-get-it attitude towards avant garde art and how we'd much rather look at a bird, ruminate on hope and whether it's justified, and get you up to speed on some personal happenings (... More)

Welcome to the 85th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Carol J. Adams. 

In today's episode, we explore vegan mentions in non-vegan-specific books, examine our I-just-don't-get-it attitude towards avant garde art and how we'd much rather look at a bird, ruminate on hope and whether it's justified, and get you up to speed on some personal happenings in our lives. Today we come to you from Sag Harbor, where we're visiting family and searching for a good vegan meal.

Joining us today is Carol J. Adams, author of the critically-acclaimed book, The Sexual Politics of Meat, which was just republished for its 20th anniversary. Carol will chat with us about everything from how the feminist-vegetarian scene has changed since she wrote the book, to her thoughts on the fictionalized version of her that appeared on the “Beef episode” of Law and Order SVU.

For our review, we'll share our thoughts on Dr. Michael Greger's newest nutritional DVD, which examines everything vegans and not-yet-vegans need to know about the latest health research. You won't want to miss this review on an eye-opening – not to mention artery-opening – DVD.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“From omnivore to vegan: The dietary education of Bill Clinton” from CNN “University opens nation’s first Vegan cafeteria” from USA Today “USDA Finally Defines ‘Egregious Cruelty’” from USDA by way of Vegan.com  “U.S. places $40 million chicken order” from CNN

“Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.” -Edward Abbey

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 84th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, with a special appearance from Jasmin’s 87-year-old veg grandma, Sherrey Glickman.  In today's episode, we will ruminate on everything from animal rights poetry to an offensive t-shirt someone was wearing on the subway, as well as share our thoughts on (... More)

Welcome to the 84th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, with a special appearance from Jasmin’s 87-year-old veg grandma, Sherrey Glickman. 

In today's episode, we will ruminate on everything from animal rights poetry to an offensive t-shirt someone was wearing on the subway, as well as share our thoughts on Holocaust comparisons. We'll also play for you a laugh-out-loud funny message that Jasmin’s mom left for her regarding the film, Planet of the Apes, which – incidentally – we loved.

"The 30-Day Vegan Challenge" by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

Joining us today is vegan author and inspirational speaker, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, of Compassionate Cooks. Colleen will give us the vegan skinny on everything from her newest book – The 30 Day Vegan Challenge – to her feelings about using the word “fake” to describe vegan meats. You won't want to miss this enlightening, powerful interview by one of our movement's favorite people.

For our review, we'll be joined by yet another extra special guest – Jasmin’s 87-year-old veg grandma – who will discuss with us the documentary, Project Nim, which tells the story of the chimpanzee, Nim, who became the focus of a landmark experiment in the 1970's. The film was jarring and eye-opening. Don't miss Grandma's insights.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Survey: 21% of U.S. college students limit meat consumption” from Sustainable Food News  “Kris Carr: Crazy Sexy Entrepreneur” from The New York Times Magazine “Want to Kill Fewer Animals? Give Up Eggs” from Scientific American “Chimpanzee research an endangered species as experts debate usefulness, ethics” from The Washington Post “Secret life of mammals caught on camera” from CNN 

“Auschwitz begins whenever someone looks at a slaughterhouse and thinks: they're only animals.”  -Theodor Adorno 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 83rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals, Karol Orzechowski of Maximum Tolerated Dose, with special guests Jessica Almy of VegBooks, and our very own Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon. In today's episode, we come to you from Toronto, where we are eating our way through this glorious, and oh-so-vegan-friendly, (... More)

Welcome to the 83rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals, Karol Orzechowski of Maximum Tolerated Dose, with special guests Jessica Almy of VegBooks, and our very own Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon.

In today's episode, we come to you from Toronto, where we are eating our way through this glorious, and oh-so-vegan-friendly, Canadian city. We will tell you all about our experiences filming a video that will be all about vegan Toronto, and we'll give you an update on the happenings of the Animal Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s TIPS section.

Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals (www.weanimals.org). According to We Animals, "This cub had been rescued by the Animals Asia Foundation two days before the photo was taken. He seems to be enjoying his new room and "hammock". Vietnam, 2008."

Joining us today are Toronto activists, Jo-Anne McArthur and Karol Orzechowski. Jo-Anne will give us the skinny on her project, We Animals, which documents, through photography, animals in the human environment. Karol will tell us all about his new feature length film that is currently in production, entitled Maximum Tolerated Dose, which explores animal experimentation by speaking with people who have previously been experimenters or lab technicians, and by telling the stories of animals who have seen both sides of the cage.

For our review, our Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, will give us the animal rights take on The Rise of the Planet of the Apes. You won't want to miss this review (or this film).

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights. As a bonus, special guest Jessica Almy (of VegBooks, among other things) will join us for our news section.

This week’s news items include:

“Whoa There: BLM Cancels Wyoming Wild Horse Roundup Plan” from The Atlantic  “Peru has banned wild animals in circuses” from Animal Defenders International “Vegan chain takes root in Chicago” from The Chicago Tribune “Going Vegan With Ellen” from The Ellen Degeneres Show “Jail Time Yields a Clash on Vegetarian Meals” from The New York Times “Stop Using Chimps as Guinea Pigs” from The New York Times “How a Billionaire’s Wife Is Becoming the Mustang’s Messiah” from Time Magazine 

“Lots of people talk to animals… Not very many listen, though… That's the problem.” -Benjamin Hoff from The Tao of Pooh

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: By Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals. “Street dog, Chile, 2005″

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Welcome to the 82nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Farm Sanctuary‘s National Shelter Director, Susie Coston.  In today's episode, we tell you about our vegan happenings back here in New York City, including a frolic uptown to check out Ayurveda Café (where we met the Shannons), then on to see an old Molly Ringwald movie. We'll also (... More)

Welcome to the 82nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Farm Sanctuary‘s National Shelter Director, Susie Coston. 

In today's episode, we tell you about our vegan happenings back here in New York City, including a frolic uptown to check out Ayurveda Café (where we met the Shannons), then on to see an old Molly Ringwald movie. We'll also discuss the importance of recognizing the difference between vegan potlucks and vegan outreach. And we'll give you our take on how to approach people who say the incredibly annoying – yet all too common – sentence, “Oh, but I buy my meat locally…”

Joining us today is Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary's National Shelter Director. Susie, who is one of our heroes and soon to be one of yours (if she's not already), will talk about everything from the importance of the sanctuary movement, to stories of animals in her life who have touched her beyond words. Trust us: You won't want to miss her heartfelt insights.

"Pack of Two" by Caroline Knapp

For our review, our Hollywood correspondent Ari Solomon will give us the skinny on the book, Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs, by Caroline Knapp.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“UK Government Refuses to Prosecute Extreme Cruelties Uncovered in New Pig Investigation” from Vegan.com “Big Chicken: Pollution and Industrial Poultry Production in America” from Pew Environmental Group “Animal Victory: Governor Brown Passes Law Banning Roadside Animal Sales” from LAist “L.A. County animal control officers will have power to declare dogs vicious” from LA Daily News “Growing menace: animal-rights terrorism” from Homeland Security News Wire

“If the times aren’t ripe, you have to ripen the times.” -Dorothy Height, social activist and educator
You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: Farm Sanctuary Shelter Director Susie Coston holds long-time resident Bron as he is being euthanized, 2006. Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals. 

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Welcome to the 81st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jackie Horrick of Alternative Outfitters, and Ari Solomon of A Scent of Scandal Candles.  In today's episode, we come to you from Los Angeles, California, where we're speaking at the National Animal Rights Conference, and enjoying the vegan and activist scene here in Tinseltown. We'll (... More)

Welcome to the 81st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jackie Horrick of Alternative Outfitters, and Ari Solomon of A Scent of Scandal Candles. 

In today's episode, we come to you from Los Angeles, California, where we're speaking at the National Animal Rights Conference, and enjoying the vegan and activist scene here in Tinseltown. We'll give you some inside stories of the conference, including new insights we gleaned from it, and we'll also tell you all about the vegan food we experienced while visiting the West Coast (including Stuff I Eat, which we visited with Lynn Chen of The Actor’s Diet).

Your name here.

Joining us today is Jackie Horrick, owner of the uber-popular vegan store, Alternative Outfitters. Though largely based online, Alternative Outfitters has a fantastic storefront in Pasadena. Today, we visit the store and chat with Jackie all about the amazing activism she regularly participates in here in L.A., and we also talk to her about what it's like running a vegan business. Joining us for that interview and for our review is Our Hen House's Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon.

For our review, we'll chat with Ari about the Veggie Grill movement. The Veggie Grill is a huge fast-food chain of healthy, vegan food here in Southern California, but they have plans on expanding everywhere. We'll let you in on that, and on what you have to order the next time you find yourself at a Veggie Grill.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“PETA strikes Cherokee bear zoos with new sign” from Citizen Times “Wild Horses Are (Again) Losing Their Home On The Range” from The Atlantic “The Joy of a Sun Bath, a Snuggle, a Pâté” from The New York Times “Beef processor gets probation in calf cruelty case” from AP Texas News “Backyard Hens: A Trend Coming Home to Roost?” from Freakonomics (featuring Our Hen House!)

“When no one else cared, I can tell you, the little old ladies cared.” -Carol J. Adams

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 80th episode of Our Hen House, featuring filmmaker Marisa Miller Wolfson, powerhouse behind the new movie Vegucated.  In today's episode, we will talk about the new vegan item at Starbucks and the backlash that we and other vegans have received because of it. We’ll banter about the fragmented world within the vegan scene (... More)

Welcome to the 80th episode of Our Hen House, featuring filmmaker Marisa Miller Wolfson, powerhouse behind the new movie Vegucated. 

In today's episode, we will talk about the new vegan item at Starbucks and the backlash that we and other vegans have received because of it. We’ll banter about the fragmented world within the vegan scene here in New York City. And we'll give you the skinny on the vegan BBQ where Jasmin gave her Summertime Food Activism spiel, and why she was pleasantly surprised to not recognize anyone there.

A scene from the new documentary, Vegucated (www.getvegucated.com)

Joining us today is Marisa Miller Wolfson, filmmaker behind the newly-released documentary, Vegucated, which follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers as they learn about the horrors of animal food production, and the wonders of veganism. Marisa will give us a glimpse into the process of creating a feature-length documentary, and how she managed to keep the movie entertaining, despite being faced with some of the most depressing truths one can imagine.

For our review, we'll tell you all about the book (yes, book), Forks Over Knives: The How-To Companion to the Feature Documentary Forks Over Knives. Two lucky listeners will also have a chance to win this useful, accessible book, so listen closely!

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“China to release more pork reserves onto market to curb soaring prices” from Xinhua Net “Vegan Outreach Distributed Booklet Number 15,000,000!” from Your Daily Dose of Vegan Outreach “New state law aims to protect pets from domestic violence” from KHOU.com “T. Colin Campbell on Bill Maher’s HBO Show” from VegSource

“Justice, or even benevolence, will not be a powerful spring of action unless it extends to the whole creation.” -Mary Wollstonecraft 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 79th episode of Our Hen House, featuring bestselling author of Skinny Bitch, powerhouse Rory Freedman.  In today's episode, we give you the skinny on our trip to Rockaway Beach here in NYC, and all the amazing, mindblowing vegan options that this odd expanse of boardwalk had to offer. We also will give you the rundown on our (... More)

Welcome to the 79th episode of Our Hen House, featuring bestselling author of Skinny Bitch, powerhouse Rory Freedman. 

In today's episode, we give you the skinny on our trip to Rockaway Beach here in NYC, and all the amazing, mindblowing vegan options that this odd expanse of boardwalk had to offer. We also will give you the rundown on our inspiring event with historian and author James McWilliams, which we called “The Truth Will Set Them Free.”

Rory Freedman inspires us today on our podcast.

Joining us today is Rory Freedman, bestselling author of Skinny Bitch. Rory, who is one of the most instrumental animal activists of our time, will give us her take on karaoke, breakfast smoothies, ex-vegans, and the future of the animal rights movement.

For our review, we will give you our snapping thoughts of Pur Gum, a totally vegan, aspartame-free gum that is available far and wide. (Spoiler alert: YUM!)

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from animal rights.

This week’s news items include: 

“Kan. poultry farm loses 4,300 turkeys in heat wave ” from the Associated Press “Bipartisan Legislation Introduced in Congress to Crack Down on Animal Fighting Spectators” from HSUS “Bahamas Bans Shark Fishing” from The New York Times “Chile Bans Shark Finning: Congress Unanimous” from Discovery News “How ‘Conscientious Carnivores’ Ignore Meat’s True Origins” from The Atlantic

“What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.” -Chief Seattle

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 78th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kelly Peloza and David Wolfson.  In today's episode, we talk about everything from the vegan ice cream we found at the Jersey Shore (Eddie Confetti), to the long-debated quandary of how to handle family members who eat animal products in front of you, to how to introduce animal issues (... More)

Welcome to the 78th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kelly Peloza and David Wolfson. 

In today's episode, we talk about everything from the vegan ice cream we found at the Jersey Shore (Eddie Confetti), to the long-debated quandary of how to handle family members who eat animal products in front of you, to how to introduce animal issues to kids, and so much more. We'll also tell you about a few shows we saw here in New York City, including one non-fiction reading series (Freerange Nonfiction) that featured a famous vegan comedian.

Joining us today is 20-year-old vegan cookbook author, Kelly Peloza, whose book – The Vegan Cookie Connoisseur – includes such goodies as cookies fashioned after famous drinks. Kelly, who started writing the book when she was 15, will give some tips on activism for young people. We guarantee you'll be as inspired as we are by this incredibly successful do-gooder.

Shirley Temple Cookies by Kelly Peloza, The Vegan Cookie Connoisseur. We've tried these. Yes, they're as good as they look. YUM.

For our news section, we'll be joined by special guest animal rights lawyer David Wolfson, who will discuss with us the groundbreaking agreement to introduce federal legislation in the United States that will impact farmed animals.

For our review, we will tell you about the new vegan soap and body product line, Foreue.

Don't miss our review of Foreue.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” -Winston Churchill 

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Jasmin's 87-year-old vegetarian Grandma and her vegan button.

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Welcome to the 77th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Beth Gallie, Susan Rooker, and Betsy Carson. In today's episode, we come to you from Portland, Maine, where we are speaking at the Maine Vegetarian Festival and experiencing all the vegan goodness that this pretty New England city has to offer. Chatting with us today are VegFest (... More)

Welcome to the 77th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Beth Gallie, Susan Rooker, and Betsy Carson.

In today's episode, we come to you from Portland, Maine, where we are speaking at the Maine Vegetarian Festival and experiencing all the vegan goodness that this pretty New England city has to offer.

Chatting with us today are VegFest organizer, Beth Gallie; as well the author of the children's book Lucky Pigs, Susan Rooker; and the producer of the Maine-based vegan show, Delicious TV, Betsy Carson.

We'll also be reviewing Gobble Green, a vegan gourmet meal delivery service.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Riding the Tour De Vegetable” from The Wall Street Journal “Local Food or Less Meat? Data Tells the Real Story” from Harvard Business Review “Undercover Video Gives the Dirt on Pigs in Factory Farms” from Time Magazine “MPs defy government and agree to ban on use of circus animals” from The Guardian

“We must be able to take out of our desires and our visions a template or a pattern for the future.” -Audra Lorde

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 76th episode of Our Hen House, featuring vegan cookbook author Terry Hope Romero, and Mad City Vegan Fest co-organizer, Courtney Mayhew. In today's special expanded episode, we come to you from Madison, Wisconsin, where we are speaking at the Mad City Vegan Fest. We'll give you our full report of all the vegan delectables Madison (... More)

Welcome to the 76th episode of Our Hen House, featuring vegan cookbook author Terry Hope Romero, and Mad City Vegan Fest co-organizer, Courtney Mayhew.

In today's special expanded episode, we come to you from Madison, Wisconsin, where we are speaking at the Mad City Vegan Fest. We'll give you our full report of all the vegan delectables Madison has to offer, as well as the other Mad City activities that kept us busy during this incredibly inspiring trip to the Midwest.

We'll talk to Vegan Fest co-organizer Courtney Mayhew all about the nuts and bolts of what it takes to organize a successful, huge-scale event like this. Courtney will also let us in on the vegan scene in Madison, and will tell us about some of the advocacy she's been spearheading during her day job as a nurse practitioner.

Also joining us today is Terry Hope Romero, another speaker at the Mad City Vegan Fest, and bestselling author of several vegan cookbooks. Terry will give us the skinny on everything from how vegan food – and animal activism – have changed since she started her auspicious career, to how to reach out to people in a friendly, non-judgmental way that will inspire them to stay in it for the long-run.

Don't miss our review of "Queen of the Sun"

For our review, we'll be giving you our take on the documentary, Queen of the Sun, which explores the dark underbelly of the global bee crisis.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“State of the Ocean: ‘Shocking’ Report Warns of Mass Extinction From Current Rate of Marine Distress” from The Huffington Post “Study: Honeybees Might Have Feelings, Too” from NPR “Meatless Mondays Catch On, Even With Carnivores” from The New York Times

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thrilled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 75th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Myq Kaplan. In today's episode, we will tell you about Mariann's talk on farm animal law for the activist, Jasmin’s new article on the connections between gay rights and animal rights, and the amazing dinner we had at a vegan pop-up restaurant here in NYC.

It's (... More)

Welcome to the 75th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Myq Kaplan.

In today's episode, we will tell you about Mariann's talk on farm animal law for the activist, Jasmin’s new article on the connections between gay rights and animal rights, and the amazing dinner we had at a vegan pop-up restaurant here in NYC.

It's true. He's funny. And vegan.

Joining us today is vegan comedian Myq Kaplan, who will tell is what it was like to be in the top 5 of “Last Comic Standing,” and will give us the skinny on his CD, “Vegan Mind Meld.”

As a special added section of today’s podcast, Our Hen House's reviewer, Kyle Knies, will let us in on how his recent volunteer vacation to India was, including stories about working with some animals there.

For our review, we'll let you know what we thought of flaxmilk. (That's right – flax milk!)

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Animal protection a worthy cause” from BCLocalNews.com “Legislation to punish activists who videotape livestock abuse falters in several states” from The Washington Post “Stray Cat Strut: Woman Beats IRS” from The Wall Street Journal “End of pet stores in LA as we know them?…” from Rancho Park Online

“A time comes when silence is betrayal.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thriled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 74th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kathy Freston. In today's episode, we will talk about everything from the mouse in our house, to our big vegan trip to Philadelphia, and our farewell to one of our favorite restaurants. Joining us today is bestselling author Kathy Freston, who will talk about her belief in the (... More)

Welcome to the 74th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Kathy Freston.

In today's episode, we will talk about everything from the mouse in our house, to our big vegan trip to Philadelphia, and our farewell to one of our favorite restaurants.

Joining us today is bestselling author Kathy Freston, who will talk about her belief in the power of positivity. Kathy will also tell us all about how Veganist came to be, and will give us a gentle reminder of the importance of acceptance.

Don't miss Kathy Freston's inspiring interview.

Then, we'll be joined by our Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, who will give us the skinny on the latest animal rights extravaganza to hit Tinseltown. Ari will also enlighten us with his review of the dog-centric novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“When Will Scientists Grow Meat in a Petri Dish?” from Scientific American “United States Department of Agriculture ChooseMyPlate.gov” from USDA “Why Demi Moore Is No Dumbo” from E! Online “Number of Rare E. Coli Cases in U.S. Rose Last Year” from The New York Times “The High Cost of Cheap Meat” from The New York Times

“New and stirring things are belittled because if they are not belittled the humiliating question arises ‘Why then are you not taking part in them?” -H.G. Wells

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Of course, we would be thriled if you would also consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 73rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring lawyer and professor, Rebecca Huss. In today's episode, we will get you up to speed on everything from the vegan meal delivery service we're trying, to the movies we're loathing, and the cruelty-free cookouts we're collecting.

Horsing around. Joining (... More)

Welcome to the 73rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring lawyer and professor, Rebecca Huss.

In today's episode, we will get you up to speed on everything from the vegan meal delivery service we're trying, to the movies we're loathing, and the cruelty-free cookouts we're collecting.

Horsing around.

Joining us today is lawyer and professor, Rebecca Huss, who will tell us all about companion animal law, and how her veganism relates to her personal and professional academic and legal activism.

For our review, we'll share with you our thoughts on the new Broadway play, War Horse, which follows the story of a horse, Joey, during World War I.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“When ‘free’ trade trumps U.S. law” from Salon.com “Felony Animal Cruelty Warrants Issued Following MFA’s Undercover Investigation at Texas Calf Factory Farm” from Mercy for Animals “Nein zu Wildtieren im Zirkus” from Wormser Beitung

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” ~ Muhammad Ali

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 72nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring NOLA Veggie Fest organizers, Dr. Leslie Brown and Jehan Strouse. In today's episode, we come to you from Amelia Island, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. In Amelia Island, Mariann was busy with an animal law meeting, and in Nawlins, we both were excited to speak at the fabulous NOLA (... More)

Welcome to the 72nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring NOLA Veggie Fest organizers, Dr. Leslie Brown and Jehan Strouse.

In today's episode, we come to you from Amelia Island, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. In Amelia Island, Mariann was busy with an animal law meeting, and in Nawlins, we both were excited to speak at the fabulous NOLA Veggie Fest. We will give you the full roundup of those two events, as well as our vegan adventures in those two very different towns.

Joining us today are the organizers of the NOLA Veggie Fest, Dr. Leslie Brown – who, when she's not helping to put together the Veggie Fest, is a pediatrician who vocally advocates a plant-based diet — and Jehan Strouse, nutritionist extraordinaire, who spends her days immersed in selling vegan food to health food stores, and working on further veganizing the jazzy city that she is so passionate about.

The vegan gumbo is not to be missed.

For our review, we will tell you all about the book, Good Time Eatin' in Cajun Country: Cajun Vegetarian Cooking, by Donna Simon. In Southern Style, we will try our hand at everything from Vegan Gumbo to Cajun Tofu.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week's news items include:

“Meatless burgers revisited: Wherein Stewart David gets through to me with humor” from Mountain Xpress “Video: Animal Rights Campaigners Disappointed At Government Failure to Ban Wild Animals in Circuses” from Sky News HD “South Korea Won’t Ban Fur Show” from Vegan.com “‘Ag Gag’ Bills Die in Florida, Minnesota” from The Humane Society of the United States “Texas Egg Producer to Pay $1.9 Million Penalty to Resolve Clean Water Act Violations” from United States Environmental Protection Agency “Federal Jury Declares Calif. Egg Farm a Nuisance, Awards Damages” from The Humane Society of the United States

“Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” -Elie Wiesel

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 71st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Joshua Katcher. In today's episode, we’ll tell you about the vegan happenings in our world, including an incredible clothing swap that provided us with an entire new wardrobe, our long overdue night at the prom, and our fabulous night out at Farm Sanctuary‘s 25th Anniversary (... More)

Welcome to the 71st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Joshua Katcher.

In today's episode, we’ll tell you about the vegan happenings in our world, including an incredible clothing swap that provided us with an entire new wardrobe, our long overdue night at the prom, and our fabulous night out at Farm Sanctuary‘s 25th Anniversary Gala, where Jasmin played ace reporter. We’ll also tell you about a video we filmed all about knitting, without the wool of course, and we’ll contemplate our upcoming trip to sunny Florida, where Mariann will take part in some bar association animal law goings-on, and steamy New Orleans, where we will both be speaking at the long-awaited NOLA Veggie Fest.

Brave Gentle Man

Joining us today is Joshua Katcher of the Discerning Brute, who will tell us all about his soon-to-be-launched new venture, Brave Gentle Man. Joshua will fill us in on everything fashionable in the vegan world, and will share some exciting news about new vegan trends and new vegan products for men, including bow ties! (Though is there anyone out there who looks as good in a bow tie as Joshua does?) He will also discuss the latest in fur activism and anti-fur message wear, including the cutting edge work from “Pinnacle: Reinvent the Icon.”

For our review, Our Hen House’s Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, will join us for his take on a new, and moving, HBO production, Saving Pelican 895.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

Review: Forks over Knives, by Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun-Times Fur Flies at Fendi as Seoul Puts Ban on Catwalk Show from the Daily Mail Tampa’s Big Cat Rescue Will Provide Permanent Home to Tony the Truck Stop Tiger from the Examiner

“Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.” John Kenneth Galbraith

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

 

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Welcome to the 70th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Alka Chandna. In today's episode, we will tell you about the vegan happenings in our world. We'll talk with our genius intern, Nick Laccetti, about a class he attended on religion that incorporated animal rights material. We'll give you our thoughts on Mother's Day, and we'll let (... More)

Welcome to the 70th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Alka Chandna.

In today's episode, we will tell you about the vegan happenings in our world. We'll talk with our genius intern, Nick Laccetti, about a class he attended on religion that incorporated animal rights material. We'll give you our thoughts on Mother's Day, and we'll let you in on our meeting with the kind folks over at From A to Vegan.

Joining us today is Alka Chandna, the Laboratory Oversight Specialist for PETA. Alka will talk to us about her work fighting vivisection, why this is such a difficult area of animal protection advocacy, and why the laws are ineffective in protecting these animals. She'll also tell us about some successful campaigns she's been a part of, as well as her own inspiring story of how her parents’ activism led to her own.

For our review, we'll tell you all about the book, Garlic-Onion-Beet-Spinach-Mango-Carrot-Grapefruit Juice, by Nathalie VanBalen.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Preventing Cruelty on the Farm” from The New York Times “Florida ‘Ag Gag’ Bill Fails” from The Humane Society of the United States “Farm Subsidies Become Target Amid Spending Cuts” from The New York Times “Movie Star Electric Shocked” from Animal Defenders International “Pita Pit Adds Vegan Patty” from Vegan.com

“For the fate of man and the fate of beast — they have one and the same fate: as one dies, so does the other, and they all have the same spirit. Man has no superiority over beast.” Ecclesiastes 3:19

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Episode 70 is dedicated to the memory of Mary Hardy.

Mary Hardy in her garden

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Welcome to the episode 69 of Our Hen House, featuring Masami Mizuguchi and Kozue Watanabe from Choices for Tomorrow. In today's episode, Mariann and I will tell you about our adventures filming the forthcoming NYC Vegan Weekend on a Budget video – including the many sweets we consumed, and the sweet people we ran into, during our very long (... More)

Welcome to the episode 69 of Our Hen House, featuring Masami Mizuguchi and Kozue Watanabe from Choices for Tomorrow.

In today's episode, Mariann and I will tell you about our adventures filming the forthcoming NYC Vegan Weekend on a Budget video – including the many sweets we consumed, and the sweet people we ran into, during our very long one day film shoot. We'll air our dirty laundry a bit and tell you about why things are so overwhelming sometimes, and we'll talk about ways to keep it under control and avoid burnout.

"Mama Pig" by Bonnie Shulman, downloaded from Vegan Stock Photo, courtesy of a Creative Commons License (http://www.veganstockphoto.com/photo/view/id/188)

Joining us today are Masami Mizuguchi and Kozue Watanabe, from the animal advocacy organization, Choices for Tomorrow. Masami and Kozue have been heavily involved in the efforts to rescue animals in the aftermath of Japan's disastrous earthquake and tsunami.  They will get us up to speed on what has – and hasn't – been happening for animals, and how we can help out. (Also see our blog post, The Animals of Japan, for more info on how to get involved with these efforts.)

For our review, we'll give you the skinny on the new movie, Equine Destiny, which exposes the horrors of horse slaughter. It will lead us into a lively discussion about the problems of single-issue animal advocacy.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week's news items include:

“Another Side of Tilapia, the Perfect Factory Fish” from The New York Times “Nixon vetoes bill restricting lawsuits against industrial hog farms” from Political Fix “Judge finds all Austrian activists NOT GUILTY on all counts” from AnimalEQUALITY “HOC farmers market bans live chicken sales” from San Francisco Bay Guardian Online “YouTube Reverses Ban on ‘Shocking' MFA Investigation Video” from Mercy for Animals

“The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” -Rosa Parks

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: “Lamb” by Neil, downloaded from Vegan Stock Photo, and used courtesy of a Creative Commons License.

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Welcome to the 68th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Neal Barnard, M.D., and Dan Dunbar. In today's episode, we'll give you our full report on our Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale, including the good, the better, and the burnt. We'll also tell you about our one day trip to Washington DC to present at the Eating Green Conference. Plus, we'll (... More)

Welcome to the 68th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Neal Barnard, M.D., and Dan Dunbar.

In today's episode, we'll give you our full report on our Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale, including the good, the better, and the burnt. We'll also tell you about our one day trip to Washington DC to present at the Eating Green Conference. Plus, we'll give you some delicious news about the new vegan doughnut line to come to the Big Doughnut – I mean the Big Apple – Dunwell Doughnuts, and we'll chat with co-founder Dan Dunbar.

Joining us today is Dr. Neal Barnard, M.D., who will tell us all about his new book, the 21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart, a book which, of course, advocates a plant-based diet. Dr. Barnard will tell us about his role running the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, and he'll talk all about the specifics of living as optimally as possible, while consuming delicious vegan grub.

For our review, we'll give you the skinny on Food for Lovers' vegan queso, a delectable new item that will likely become your newest obsession.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Changing the world, one vegan cookie at a time” from CNN.com “Hiding the Truth About Factory Farms” from The New York Times “Who Protects the Animals?” from The New York Times “As science turns from chimp research, U.S. wants to restart” from McClatchy Newspapers “EU: Agrees new leather, fur labelling law” from Just Style “How Healthy Are Our Fisheries?” from The New York Times (letter to the editor by Mariann Sullivan)

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed.” -Cesar Chavez

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: “Miss Piggy,” a happy resident at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the 67th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Joe Cross, filmmaker behind Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. In today's episode, we will tell you about Jasmin’s adventure with corsets — all for the animals, of course. We'll report on how Jasmin’s “Writing for Animal Rights” talk went, and we'll make you jealous with (... More)

Welcome to the 67th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Joe Cross, filmmaker behind Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead.

In today's episode, we will tell you about Jasmin’s adventure with corsets — all for the animals, of course. We'll report on how Jasmin’s “Writing for Animal Rights” talk went, and we'll make you jealous with the food we had afterwards. We'll also very briefly give you our take on the latest vegan story in the news.

Don't miss the review of Star Trek 4, from an AR perspective!

Joining us today is Joe Cross, the mastermind behind the film that changed our lives, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. Joe will talk to us all about his journey doing a 60-day juice fast, and will give us unbelievable insight not only into the benefits of juice fasting, but also the sad state of the American diet.

For our review, Our Hen House's own Ari Solomon will give us his take on Star Trek 4, from an animal rights perspective. You might be surprised at his observations!

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Dog-saving stirs debate” from Global Times “Missouri Deal Would Leave Dogs Out in the Cold” from HSUS “Bigger hen cages not enough, say foes of bill” from The Seattle Times “Glenn Beck Goes Vegan, Hell Begins to Freeze Over” from Ecorazzi “No Mercy: Calf Farm Cruelty Exposed” from Mercy for Animals

“The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous.” -Émile Zola

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

 

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Welcome to the 66th episode of Our Hen House, featuring James E. McWilliams. In today's episode, we will tell you about the fundraiser we attended, Comedy for Karma, including our take on the amazing vegan comics, and the pitiful, un-funny bullies who also took to the stage. We'll give you the round-up on Mariann's birthday celebrations, (... More)

Welcome to the 66th episode of Our Hen House, featuring James E. McWilliams.

In today's episode, we will tell you about the fundraiser we attended, Comedy for Karma, including our take on the amazing vegan comics, and the pitiful, un-funny bullies who also took to the stage. We'll give you the round-up on Mariann's birthday celebrations, including our gallivant to the best raw restaurant on the planet, and our role in the mention of “vegan” and “cruelty-free” on NPR radio.

We'll tell you about Jasmin’s new article in VegNews and why it will likely make you ravenous, and we'll give you the skinny on the undercover investigator who spoke at Mariann's animal law class. We'll also give you the latest on Jasmin’s Pinup for Pitbulls adventure, our upcoming talks on activism, and so much more.

"Just Food" by James E. McWilliams

Joining us today is none other than James E. McWilliams, esteemed columnist for The Atlantic and the New York Times and author of several books, including Just Food: Where Locavores Get it Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly. James, a true environmentalist, will give us his take on veganism, and how sustainable food choices should be shaped by what our food is, not where it comes from.

For our review, we'll be telling you all about the new documentary, The Elephant in the Living Room, which examines the world of exotic pet-keeping.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“An Inconvenient Truth: Free-Range Meat Isn't ‘Natural'” from The Atlantic (by James E. McWilliams) “Congress, in a First, Removes an Animal From the Endangered Species List” from The New York Times “Vegan Wins on Food Network” from VegNews “CBS Sunday Morning Animal Show — Animal Episode” from CBS Sunday Morning

“Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” -John Muir

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 65th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gene Baur, Delci Winders, and Jenny Rigterink. In today's episode, we come to you from New Orleans, Louisiana, where we will give you the rundown on the vegan and activist scene here, as well as the cutting-edge resolution that one law school passed which will ensure vegan food at events. (... More)

Welcome to the 65th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gene Baur, Delci Winders, and Jenny Rigterink.

In today's episode, we come to you from New Orleans, Louisiana, where we will give you the rundown on the vegan and activist scene here, as well as the cutting-edge resolution that one law school passed which will ensure vegan food at events. We'll talk with the law student, Jenny Rigterink, responsible for that winning campaign. While in New Orleans, we also will catch up with Farm Sanctuary's president, Gene Baur, who will give us the inside skinny on what it was like to be on the vegan episode of the Martha Stewart Show – something we're excited to hear about, particularly since we were in the audience.

"You know what it means to miss New Orleans..."

Back in NY, we arrive just in time to speak at the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival, and we'll tell you all about that massive and impressive event.

Joining us today is Delci Winders, PETA's director of captive animal law enforcement. Delci, who is based in New Orleans, will not only give us the ins and outs of the veganness of this jazzy city, but will also get us up to speed on the life-saving work she is doing with PETA – as well as teach us the nuts and bolts of the issues involved with circus animals and roadside zoos.

For our review, we'll tell you all about the juicy documentary, Fat Sick & Nearly Dead, which not only changed the lives of the film's subjects through the power of juicing, but it also changed our lives. We'll tell you why.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“The Rise of Animal Law” from Science Magazine “Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Votes to Phase Out Veal Crates” from HSUS “UK to Ban Animal Circuses After Cruelty Exposed” from Treehugger “The Morality of Mealtime” from Time Magazine

“Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!” -Theophile Gautier

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 64th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jane Velez-Mitchell. In today's episode, we will tell you about a panel we attended here in NYC all about local agriculture. We'll give you all the gory details, including the skinny on the 3 meat-obsessed panelists, as well as the one voice of reason on the stage, our saving grace, (... More)

Welcome to the 64th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Jane Velez-Mitchell.

In today's episode, we will tell you about a panel we attended here in NYC all about local agriculture. We'll give you all the gory details, including the skinny on the 3 meat-obsessed panelists, as well as the one voice of reason on the stage, our saving grace, environmentalist James E. McWilliams. We'll also talk about the recent vegan segment on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and we'll give you the low-down on our very musical weekend.

Joining us today is none other than Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of the nightly show on CNN's HLN, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. Jane, a true ambassador for animal rights, will tell us what got her started on this path, and she'll share with us her hope for the future of this movement. She'll also be telling us all about her amazing new book, Addict Nation: An Intervention for America, which, as part of a no-holds-barred discussion of our various addictions, addresses our country's addiction to unhealthy, unethical food. You won't want to miss this interview with powerhouse Jane Velez-Mitchell. You'll also have the opportunity to win your very own signed copy of the book, Addict Nation. (To enter to win, listen to the podcast, and email contest[at]ourhenhouse.org indicating that you are entering to win a copy of Jane’s book. Please include your full mailing address. You must send your email by midnight ET on April 9, 2011. A random winner will be chosen and notified on the week of April 10.)

For our review, Ari Solomon will give us his take on Galaxy Nutritional Foods' new dairy free cream cheese alternative. But be forewarned: This review will likely result in your needing to bake a vegan cheesecake pretty much immediately, possibly to be eaten with a bagel and schmear on the side.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Runway to Green to Be Fur-Free” from PETA “Dolphins die after underwater Navy training exercise near San Diego” from The Los Angeles Times “Polar bear Knut may be stuffed for display” from Bloomberg News “Japan's pet survivors face post-tsunami struggle” from Bangkok Post “Japanese Town Mulls Future Without Whaling Industry” from the New York TImes

“We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap.” –Kurt Vonnegut

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 63rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Paul Waldau. In today's episode, we'll give you the trials and tribulations of the latest Food Network stunt, and how that pertains to us vegans. You'll find out why the producers of the new show “Meat and Potatoes” just don't get it! We'll give the latest on our fast for health and, (... More)

Welcome to the 63rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Paul Waldau.

In today's episode, we'll give you the trials and tribulations of the latest Food Network stunt, and how that pertains to us vegans. You'll find out why the producers of the new show “Meat and Potatoes” just don't get it! We'll give the latest on our fast for health and, our dog Rose's new homemade vegan food. We'll also talk about pinups – so stay tuned.

"Animal Rights: What Everyone Needs to Know" by Paul Waldau

Joining us today is Paul Waldau, author of the new book, Animal Rights: What Everyone Needs to Know. In addition to discussing that groundbreaking book with us, Paul, who has also written extensively on animals in religion, will discuss what everyone needs to know about religion and animal rights.

For our review, we will be joined by our fabulous Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, who will give us the skinny on last weekend's Genesis Awards, honoring the major news and entertainment media for producing outstanding works that raise public awareness of animal issues.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Survey finds Iowa voters oppose prohibiting secret animal-abuse videos” from DesMoinesRegister.com “L.A. County ordinance cracks down on ‘puppy mill' abuse” from the Los Angeles Times “Masters of Disguise Among Meatless Burgers” from the New York Times “Born to be a vegan” from Asia One Health

“When I see bacon, I see a pig; I see a little friend, and that's why I can't eat it. Simple as that.” -Paul McCartney

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 62nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring fashion designer John Bartlett. In today's episode, we will discuss everything from our latest need to chill out and take inventory, to the beauty of kale chips, to some tickets we scored to attend a vegan episode of a popular TV talk show.

John Bartlett Joining (... More)

Welcome to the 62nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring fashion designer John Bartlett.

In today's episode, we will discuss everything from our latest need to chill out and take inventory, to the beauty of kale chips, to some tickets we scored to attend a vegan episode of a popular TV talk show.

John Bartlett

Joining us today is fashion designer John Bartlett, who will tell us all about his newfound veganism and his plans to become a 100% vegan designer.

For our review, we'll give you our take on e.l.f. cosmetics, which will launch us into an unanticipated discussion about make-up.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Mark Bittman: Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others” from The New York Times “Mark Bittman: More on Farm Animal Protection” from The New York Times “Why Is Everyone Going Vegan?” from Glamour Magazine “No Face, but Plants Like Life Too” from The New York Times

“Support your right to arm bears.” -Cleveland Amory

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you're listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it's tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 61st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Brighter Green‘s Mia MacDonald. In today's episode, we will discuss how veganism is portrayed in the media. We’ll also let you in on why one particular day this week started out anything but sunny, and how it has to do with our blog. Joining us today is Mia MacDonald, (... More)

Welcome to the 61st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Brighter Green‘s Mia MacDonald.

In today's episode, we will discuss how veganism is portrayed in the media. We’ll also let you in on why one particular day this week started out anything but sunny, and how it has to do with our blog.

Joining us today is Mia MacDonald, the director and founder of the public policy action tank, Brighter Green. Mia will talk to us about what it's like to devote your life to issues that span the environment, animals, and sustainable development, both globally and locally. Her stories and facts will both shock and inspire, so stay tuned.

For our review, Our Hen House's resident rooster, Kyle Knies, will give you his take about the new movie, The Last Lions.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Foxhunting views placed on par with religion after landmark legal ruling” from The Telegraph “Chickens are capable of feeling empathy, scientists believe” from The Telegraph “The Quiet Death of Free Speech” from The Huffington Post “Soup Without Fins? Some Californians Simmer” from The New York Times “Sticky Fingers Vegan Bakery Wins Cupcake Wars” from Sticky Fingers

“It is just like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.” -Mark Twain

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment!  Also, if you like what you’re listening to, please consider making a donation. Any amount is hugely appreciated, and Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it’s tax-deductible! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 60th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Pamela Frasch from the Center for Animal Law Studies, and Scot Fitzsimmons from the vegan shoe store, Sudo Shoes. In today's episode, we come to you from Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Mariann is a judge in the Center for Animal Law Studies' moot court competition at Harvard Law School. As (... More)

Welcome to the 60th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Pamela Frasch from the Center for Animal Law Studies, and Scot Fitzsimmons from the vegan shoe store, Sudo Shoes.

In today's episode, we come to you from Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Mariann is a judge in the Center for Animal Law Studies' moot court competition at Harvard Law School.

As usual, we are eating our way through the city and reporting on our scrumptions vegan findings.

We'll be chatting with Scot Fitzsimmons, owner of Cambridge's brand new all-vegan shoe store, Sudo Shoes. Then, joining us will be Pamela Frasch, Assistant Dean of the Lewis and Clark Law School Animal Law Program & Executive Director of the Center for Animal Law Studies. Pamela will talk to us about the animal law competitions being held during our weekend in Cambridge, and all the amazing work the being done by the Center for Animal Law Studies.

Finally, in honor of our being in Beantown, we asked you what your favorite bean is! The results are a hoot.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week's news items include:

“Statement by Wayne Pacelle on Ohio Livestock Standards Care Board Vote to Allow Veal Confinement” from HSUS “Florida Bill Would Make Undercover Cruelty Investigations a Felony” from Vegan.com “Don’t End Agricultural Subsidies, Fix Them” from the New York Times

“Wilbur burst into tears.‘I dont want to die,' he moaned.‘I want to stay alive, right here in my comfortable manure pile with all my friends. I want to breathe the beautiful air and lie in the beautiful sun.'” E.B. White, in Charlotte’s Web

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 59th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Simone Reyes from Running Russell Simmons, and Drew Winter from The Vegan Sex Shop. In today's episode, we will tell you all about the workshop Jasmin led earlier this week for Mercy for Animals, entitled “Taking the Step from Veganism to Activism.” We'll also share with you our eating (... More)

Welcome to the 59th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Simone Reyes from Running Russell Simmons, and Drew Winter from The Vegan Sex Shop.

In today's episode, we will tell you all about the workshop Jasmin led earlier this week for Mercy for Animals, entitled “Taking the Step from Veganism to Activism.” We'll also share with you our eating adventures through Veganland, including a daytrip to Brooklyn (Eclipse Restaurant has a winning vegetarian menu) and another one to Red Bank, NJ (get yourself to Good Karma Cafe).

"Don't eat me."

Joining us today is Simone Reyes, from the hit show on Oxygen, Running Russell Simmons. A tried and true activist, Simone will give us the skinny on what it's like to run Russell Simmons, as well as share her take on fur activism and other forms of animal activism. Plus, she'll give you her thoughts on the vegan-friendliness of NYC versus LA.

For our review, we'll be joined by Drew Winter, founder of The Vegan Sex Shop. Drew will share his story of starting this new endeavor, as well as give us tips on, you guessed it, vegan sex products. You don’t want to miss this review, at the end of which we'll announce a contest where you can win your very own Vegan Sex Shop t-shirt!

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Antiwhaling group claims victory” from The Japan Times “American Bar Association Supports Social Justice for Victims of Animal Cruelty” from Change.org “Today’s Lab Rats of Obesity: Furry Couch Potatoes” from The New York Times “Duke, UNC Choose ‘Eating Animals’ for Summer Reading” from Duke University

“Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression.” -Pythagoras

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 58th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Leigh and Ken Saluzzi of Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe, and Jeanette Zeis of VeganDish. In today's episode, we come to you from Atlanta, Georgia, where we are sampling all of the vegan yumminess this city has to offer, and meeting up with activists and entrepreneurs who are changing the (... More)

Welcome to the 58th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Leigh and Ken Saluzzi of Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe, and Jeanette Zeis of VeganDish.

In today's episode, we come to you from Atlanta, Georgia, where we are sampling all of the vegan yumminess this city has to offer, and meeting up with activists and entrepreneurs who are changing the world for animals right here in the beautiful south. We'll catch up with Jeanette Zeis from VeganDish, who will give us the inside scoop of what it's like to run a vegan-themed pottery business. Then, joining us today for our feature interview are Ken and Leigh Saluzzi from Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe. Ken and Leigh will share with us their esteemed opinion on hot new vegan products, and they'll offer advice to anyone interested in starting a vegan business.

VeganDish by Jeanette Zeis

For our review, we'll give you a sneak peak into the up-and-coming vegan bakery here in Atlanta called Dough. If you don't live in Atlanta, you might just want to plan a visit.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Meatless Mondays bedevil pork, beef producers” from DeMoinesRegister.com “A bakery that creates more than just treats” from Atlanticville “Buehrles passionate about animal rights” from ALL IN (also see: “Mark Buehrle On Michael Vick: My Wife And I Hoped He Would Get Injured” from The Huffington Post) “Urban Outfitters Falsely Advertises Real Fur as Fake” from Change.org (also see: “International Retailer Urban Outfitters Admits to Deceptive Mislabeling of Real Fur as Fake” from PINNACLE: Reinvent the Icon’s Joshua Katcher) “Plans for Lincolnshire ‘super dairy’ are withdrawn” from BBC News

“The most violent element in society is ignorance.” -Emma Goldman

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 57th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Daniel Hauff, Director of Investigations from Mercy for Animals. In today's episode, we come to you from The Windy City, where we are hanging out with the good folks at Mercy for Animals, eating all of the vegan grub Chicago has to offer, and trying to wear enough layers to shield (... More)

Welcome to the 57th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Daniel Hauff, Director of Investigations from Mercy for Animals.

In today's episode, we come to you from The Windy City, where we are hanging out with the good folks at Mercy for Animals, eating all of the vegan grub Chicago has to offer, and trying to wear enough layers to shield us from the very chilly temperatures.

mercyforanimals.org

Joining us today is Daniel Hauff, Mercy for Animals' Director of Investigations. Daniel will talk to us about the ins and outs of being behind the scenes doing the most hard-hitting job imaginable, including how he supports his precious undercover investigators, as well as the skinny on some recent investigations MFA conducted that truly have the power to change the world.

For our review, Mariann and I will talk about Dead Pile, a new play in Chicago that goes undercover at a dairy facility. Stay tuned to hear all about our thoughts on this new theatrical endeavor.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“News flash: Gays more humane than straights” from Dallas Voice “Farm to Fridge — The Truth Behind Meat Production” from Mercy for Animals “USDA Proposed New Protections for Downer Veal Calves” from HSUS “Russell Simmons on money, bliss, and veganism” from CNN.com “John Bartlett: ‘I Want to Be a 100% Vegan Designer‘” from NBC New York “Vandals Deface Vegetarian Restaurant” from ABC News 13 in Asheville

“Many years ago I found out something about hamburgers that really grossed me out. You may not know this, so I hope I don't make you sick, but it turns out hamburgers are actually made out of dead cows. I am not making this up. Needless to say, as soon as I discovered that, I gave up meat entirely.” -Weird Al Yankovic

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 56th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring ethologist Jonathan Balcombe. In today’s episode, we will give you our reactions to Oprah’s Vegan Challenge, including the good, the bad, and the unbelievably annoying. Joining us today is scientist, ethologist and author Jonathan Balcombe, who will discuss (... More)

Welcome to the 56th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring ethologist Jonathan Balcombe.

In today’s episode, we will give you our reactions to Oprah’s Vegan Challenge, including the good, the bad, and the unbelievably annoying.

Joining us today is scientist, ethologist and author Jonathan Balcombe, who will discuss his research and findings on the sentience of animals, as well as his upcoming book, The Exultant Ark: A Pictorial Tour of Animal Pleasure.

"The Exultant Ark" by Jonathan Balcombe

For our review, we will be joined by Our Hen House’s Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, who will lead us in a colorful discussion about the musical Wicked, from an animal rights perspective, of course.

Plus we’ll announce the two winners of our Valentine’s Day vegan truffles giveaway (thanks again for those, Brody’s Bakery).

All that, vegan banter, and, of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“A Food Manifesto for the Future“ from the New York Times “100 Sled Dogs Killed After Downward Turn in Tourism“ from The Examiner “Crows Surprise Researchers With Advanced Tool Use“  from The Guardian “The Vegan Monologues“ from Vanity Fair

“If men had wings and bore black feathers, few of them would be clever enough to be crows.” -Henry Ward Beecher

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 55th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Vegan Outreach co-founder, Matt Ball. In today's episode, we will bring you our tales of veganland, including our new Art of the Animal video, our delicious and convenient grocery service, adventures in teaching animal law, and a sweet contest for you that might bring vegan chocolates (... More)

Welcome to the 55th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Vegan Outreach co-founder, Matt Ball.

In today's episode, we will bring you our tales of veganland, including our new Art of the Animal video, our delicious and convenient grocery service, adventures in teaching animal law, and a sweet contest for you that might bring vegan chocolates your way.

Joining us today is Matt Ball, co-founder of the brilliant animal advocacy organization, Vegan Outreach (and co-author with recent podcast guest Bruce Friedrich of The Animal Activist’s Handbook). After sharing the inspiring story of how this powerhouse organization began, Matt will give us tips on good, old fashioned, and effective grassroots tactics.

veganoutreach.org

Today's Facebook survey will be brought to you by the official Our Hen House pit bull, our pup, Rose, who asks her fellow dog-listeners the question: What kind of vegan dog treat do you fancy?

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Ecoterrorism: USDA admits mass poisoning of millions of animals” from Food Freedom “200 Dead Cows Found in Wisconsin” from The Huffington Post “Germany’s Meat Industry in a Panic” from Vegan.com “Sticky Fingers on Cupcake Wars” from VegNews.com

Referring to cow's milk, the late Jack LaLanne once said, “It's not good for you. It's good for a suckling calf. Are you a suckling calf?” The ultimate American fitness guru, Jack was on TV when Mariann was just a wee lass. He believed in the power of fruits and vegetables, which was proven by his 96 years of life. Rest in peace, Jack LaLanne.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 54th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Elizabeth Olsen. In today's episode, we’ll tell you about our big trip to New Jersey, including our visit to Kaya’s Kitchen, the vegan restaurant in Belmar that you simply have to visit during your next excursion to the Jersey Shore. Joining us today is Elizabeth (... More)

Welcome to the 54th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Elizabeth Olsen.

In today's episode, we’ll tell you about our big trip to New Jersey, including our visit to Kaya’s Kitchen, the vegan restaurant in Belmar that you simply have to visit during your next excursion to the Jersey Shore.

Joining us today is Elizabeth Olsen, the mastermind behind the vegan designer shoe line, olsen Haus. Elizabeth will tell us all about the trials and tribulations of the fashion business as well as the joys of success — all from a vegan perspective.

Olsen Haus Pure Vegan

For our review, we will be joined by our Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, who will lead us in a lively discussion of one of our favorite animal-themed Hollywood movies, The Year of the Dog.

All that, vegan banter, and, of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This weeks news items include: Elephant That Crushed Woman Handler Gets Reprieve, from ABC News Don Wesley leaving lobbying job with animal welfare group, from the Lincoln Journal Star China bans animal circuses, from The Telegraph Cage-Free Campaign Takes Wing in Washington, from Wayne Pacelle's Blog, A Humane Nation

“My doctrine is this: that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and we do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.” ~ Anna Sewell

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

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Welcome to the 53rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring John Goodwin. On today's episode – our first anniversary – we will fill you in on the workshop Jasmin did at Bluestockings bookstore on Going Vegan in 2011. We will also answer some questions from you about our own plans for 2011. Joining us today is John Goodwin, the manager (... More)

Welcome to the 53rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring John Goodwin.

On today's episode – our first anniversary – we will fill you in on the workshop Jasmin did at Bluestockings bookstore on Going Vegan in 2011. We will also answer some questions from you about our own plans for 2011.

Joining us today is John Goodwin, the manager of animal fighting issues at the Humane Society of the United States, who will tell us everything we ever wanted to know about cockfighting and dogfighting, and the continuing efforts being made to end it.

For this week's review, we will be joined by our Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, who will give us the low-down on I'm Sorry, a brand new animal rights themed play that just opened in Los Angeles.

All that, vegan banter, and, of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Foie gras faux pas” from Ottawa Citizen “Obama: Not So Wild About Wildlife” from Mother Jones “Move Over, Cow” from The Wall Street Journal “Four Million Animals and Counting Buried Alive in South Korea” from Vegan.com “Eating greens ‘best way to look good,’ research shows” from the BBC

“In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.” -Mohandas Gandhi

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 52nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Annie and Dan Shannon of The Betty Crocker Project. In today's episode, we will share our excitement about Our Hen House in the news. Plus, we'll tell you about the glorious time we had while visiting a sanctuary in Vermont, just in time to bring in the New Year. Joining us today (... More)

Welcome to the 52nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Annie and Dan Shannon of The Betty Crocker Project.

In today's episode, we will share our excitement about Our Hen House in the news. Plus, we'll tell you about the glorious time we had while visiting a sanctuary in Vermont, just in time to bring in the New Year.

Joining us today are Annie and Dan Shannon, the power couple behind the Betty Crocker Project, which aims to veganize every recipe in the Betty Crocker Cookbook.

Dan and Annie Shannon

We'll also share with you the results of our unofficial, unscientific Facebook survey which asked the question: What is your favorite animal-friendly message-wear slogan? And of course, we'll give you our favorites, plus chat about some of the more controversial ones.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Oslo Fashion Week Bans Fur” from The Huffington Post “Cupcakes are Dead. Long Live the Pie!” from NPR “For Arkansas Blackbirds, the New Year Never Came” from The New York Times “Bumble Bees in U.S. Suffer Sharp Decline, Joining Countless Other Species Disappearing Worldwide” from The Huffington Post “Vegan diets becoming more popular, more mainstream” from The Washington Post

Edgar Kupfer was a survivor of the Dachau death camp. After his liberation, he furtively scrawled the following message on the wall of a hospital barrack: “I refuse to eat animals because I cannot nourish myself by the sufferings and by the death of other creatures. I refuse to do so, because I suffered so painfully myself that I can feel the pain of others by recalling my own sufferings.”

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 51st podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart. In today's episode, we will tell you about a New Year's leafleting we did, and we'll share our resolutions for changing our attitudes in the coming year. Joining us today is Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, the beauty and brains behind the designer vegan fashion (... More)

Welcome to the 51st podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart.

In today's episode, we will tell you about a New Year's leafleting we did, and we'll share our resolutions for changing our attitudes in the coming year.

Joining us today is Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, the beauty and brains behind the designer vegan fashion line, Vaute Couture. Leanne will talk to us about everything from starting and running a vegan business, to fabric research, to modeling in Hong Kong.

www.vautecouture.com

For our review section, Our Hen House's reviewer, Kyle Knies, will review the book, Raw for Dessert: Easy Delights for Everyone, by Jennifer Cornbleet.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Year-End Study Names 2010′s ‘Five Best States to be an Animal Abuser” from Animal Legal Defense Fund “Humane State Ranking” from The Humane Society of the United States “Animal Rights Outrage As Captive Or ‘Canned Lion’ Hunt Remains Unregulated” from Culture Clash Daily “Pit-bull service dog ban in Denver: Is it time for ordinance that doesn’t single out breed?” from Denver Westword “Former President Clinton Named PETA’s 2010 Person of the Year” from Fox News blog

“Why is taste, the crudest of our senses, exempted from the ethical rules that govern our other senses?” -Jonathan Safran Foer

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 50th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Mary and Mark Hardy from The Lodge, a vegan retreat in Grenada. Also featuring Alexis Brill as part of our New Vegan Series. In today's episode, we will start by telling you about some unusual Christmas caroling we did in Central Park. (Clue: “We wish you wouldn't whip us…”) (... More)

Welcome to the 50th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Mary and Mark Hardy from The Lodge, a vegan retreat in Grenada. Also featuring Alexis Brill as part of our New Vegan Series.

In today's episode, we will start by telling you about some unusual Christmas caroling we did in Central Park. (Clue: “We wish you wouldn't whip us…”) Then, we'll let you know which celebrity we spotted at a hot NYC vegan restaurant (OMG!), and the conversation that ensued.

Then, we'll tell you all about our trip to Grenada, where we stayed at a breathtakingly beautiful vegan lodge. Joining us today are the masterminds behind the lodge in Grenada, Mary and Mark Hardy, former peace activists with quite a story to tell.

Merry Christmas

Following that, we once again bring you our new vegan series, where we will be joined by the articulate and lovely Alexis Brill, who we met several months ago at a dog and cat adoption event in NYC. Alexis will share her story of widening her circle of compassion to include all animals.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“From Skinny Bitch to Bill Clinton: The Rise of Veganism” by Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., from the Psychology Today blog “HSUS Exposes Inhumane Treatment of Pigs at Smithfield” from The Humane Society of the United States “Voluntary End to Surgical Castration of Piglets by 2018” from ThePigSite.com, by way of Vegan.com

“Nothing is more powerful than an individual acting out of his own conscience, thus helping to bring the collective conscience to life.” -Norman Cousins

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 49th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson. Joining us today are two of our favorite change-makers, Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, the couple behind the best vegan restaurant on the planet, Candle 79, and of course, the absolutely delectable Candle Café.  Joy and Bart will tell us about how (... More)

Welcome to the 49th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson.

Joining us today are two of our favorite change-makers, Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson, the couple behind the best vegan restaurant on the planet, Candle 79, and of course, the absolutely delectable Candle Café.  Joy and Bart will tell us about how a winning lottery ticket (!) was the green light for them to start their Vegan Empire. They'll also share relationship advice, business advice, and a whole lot more!

"Let's get squawking!"

Our Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, is back once again – this time to give us the vegan skinny on the big Hollywood PETA holiday party.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“American College of Animal Welfare Moves Forward Without Sign-off Requirement for AVMA Welfare Principles” from Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association “Veterinarian’s Oath revised to emphasize animal welfare commitment” from AVMA News “Missourians: Your vote doesn’t count” letter to the editor from St. Louis Today “In Kentucky, Noah’s Ark Theme Park Is Planned” from the New York Times

“As long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields.” -Leo Tolstoy

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 48th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Joel Fuhrman. In today's episode, we will give you our take on the NYC premier of the film, Forks Over Knives, which filled up a theatre on 19th Street. Joining us today is Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live. Dr. Fuhrman will talk to us all about nutrition, including (... More)

Welcome to the 48th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

In today's episode, we will give you our take on the NYC premier of the film, Forks Over Knives, which filled up a theatre on 19th Street.

Joining us today is Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live. Dr. Fuhrman will talk to us all about nutrition, including hot topics such as protein, B12, and processed foods.

For our review section, we will be joined by Ari Solomon, who will review the film, Never Let Me Go, from an animal rights perspective!

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This bear loves Our Hen House.

This week’s news items include:

“In her Defense, I’m Sure the Moose Had It Coming” from The Huffington Post “Bringing Vegan to the People” from the LA Times “Provisions on keeping laying hens unconstitutional” from German Constitutional Court (by way of Vegan.com‘s article, “German Court Outlaws Colony Cages“) “Why Free-Range Meat Isn’t Much Better Than Factory-Farmed” from The Atlantic “Fish Feel Pain Too?” from Discovery News

“For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love.” -Pythagoras

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 47th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bruce Friedrich. In today's episode, we will be talking Hanukah – and we'll let you know what newest kitchen gadget of ours will result in us no longer needing to buy soymilk. We'll also discuss other items that have been on our minds, including the medieval animal trials, and (... More)

Welcome to the 47th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Bruce Friedrich.

In today's episode, we will be talking Hanukah – and we'll let you know what newest kitchen gadget of ours will result in us no longer needing to buy soymilk. We'll also discuss other items that have been on our minds, including the medieval animal trials, and vegan latkes.

Joining us today is Bruce Friedrich, Vice President of Policy at PETA and co-author (with Matt Ball) of The Animal Activist’s Handbook. Bruce will give us his thoughts on effective activism, and a whole lot more.

For our review section, we will be joined by Our Hen House reviewer Kyle Knies. Kyle will giving you his tasty take on the cookbook More Great Good Dairy Free Desserts Naturally, by Fran Costigan.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Sow crates to be phased out by 2015” from New Zealand Herald “Perdue sued for claiming its chickens raised ‘humanely’” from The Baltimore Sun “Mike Tyson ‘to open restaurant chain’” from Monsters and Critics “Mr. Jessica Simpson Eyeing Vegan Fast Food” from Organic Authority “Exotic animal deadline nears as state ends future owners” from Natural Resource Report “7-11 to Test Vegan Options” from HSUS (via Facebook)

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.” -Rosa Parks

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 46th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Heather and Jenny Goldberg, “The Spork Girls.” In today's episode, Mariann will share with you her latest reinvention – a big one, which will impact both our lives as well as Our Hen House. You don't want to miss this. We'll also give you the skinny on some insanely delicious (... More)

Welcome to the 46th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Heather and Jenny Goldberg, “The Spork Girls.”

In today's episode, Mariann will share with you her latest reinvention – a big one, which will impact both our lives as well as Our Hen House. You don't want to miss this. We'll also give you the skinny on some insanely delicious vegan grub we grabbed this week in New York City. (Think: Gracious Gourmand and Candle 79.)

Jenny and Heather Goldberg

Speaking of delicious food, joining us today are the Spork girls – that's Jenny and Heather Goldberg, from Sporkonline.com. The two sisters will tell us everything you ever wanted to know about vegan food — from kitchen essentials that you really must have, to some soothing, hearty foods that perfectly complement the beginning of colder weather. The Spork girls will also tell us about their amazing new online cooking class, which has already enlightened and inspired us.

For our review section, we will talk about Sue Coe's harrowing and gorgeous book, Pit's Letter, which is written from the point of view of a hapless pit bull with a very big heart.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Study: Veggies, Still Really Good for You” from Time Magazine “Activist Relies on Islam to Fight for Animal Rights” from The New York Times “Is Their Pest Your Clean Conscience?” from The New York Times “As Vick Soars, Stigma of Conviction Fades” from The New York Times “Help Us Ensure Slaughterhouse Cruelty Does Not Go Unseen” from Farm Sanctuary

“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.” -Kahlil Gibran

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 45th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Erica Meier. In today's episode, we are talking Thanksgiving. We'll chat about what it's like to be a vegan around this odd holiday, and we'll also discuss some of the true wonders of one of our favorite species of animals, the turkey. Joining us today is Erica Meier, director (... More)

Welcome to the 45th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Erica Meier.

In today's episode, we are talking Thanksgiving. We'll chat about what it's like to be a vegan around this odd holiday, and we'll also discuss some of the true wonders of one of our favorite species of animals, the turkey.

Joining us today is Erica Meier, director of Compassion Over Killing. Erica will discuss the utter importance of restaurant outreach, and she'll let us in on some current campaigns she's working on, and how you can get involved.

For our survey section, we asked the question: What's your favorite fall food? The results will not only surprise you, they'll also ground you.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Babycakes bakery opens in Disney World, offers vegan treats” from This Dish is Veg “The great animal rights betrayal” from The Independent “Reducing Chronic Disease May Harm Meat Producers, Study Finds” from Business Week “50 Years of Chimpanzees” from The New York Times “Newsom Vetoes San Francisco Ban of McDonalds Happy Meal Toys — “Goes Too Far Into Control of Private Sector” from San Francisco Sentinel

“Now I can look at you in peace; I don’t eat you anymore.” — Franz Kafka

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 44th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Mark Middleton and Ari Solomon. In today’s episode, we will give you the low-down on two animal rights events we attended here in NYC — one having to do with false labeling, and the other centered all around vegan fashion. We’ll also update you on the pain and gain (... More)

Welcome to the 44th episode of Our Hen House, featuring Mark Middleton and Ari Solomon.

In today’s episode, we will give you the low-down on two animal rights events we attended here in NYC — one having to do with false labeling, and the other centered all around vegan fashion. We’ll also update you on the pain and gain of our second 10-day juice fast.

Joining us today is Mark Middleton, creator of the stunning and incredibly informative website, Animal Visuals. Mark will talk to us all about the compelling visuals and interactive media he creates to expose the injustices of animal exploitation.

Ari Solomon reviews this film from an AR perspective.

For our review section, we will be joined for the first time by Our Hen House’s new Hollywood correspondent, Ari Solomon, who will review the film, How to Train Your Dragon, from an animal rights perspective.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Reality TV Reaches the Chicken Coop” from Anonymous for Animal Rights “Vegetables Are the New Meat” from New York Magazine “While Warning About Fat, U.S. Pushes Cheese Sales” from The New York Times “The Rise of the Power Vegans” from Business Week “Steve Wynn: Viva Las Vegan” from Las Vegas Weekly

“For the sake of a little flesh, we deprive them of sun, of light, of the duration of life to which they are entitled by birth and being.” – Plutarch

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 43rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gary Kowalski. In today's episode, we will give you our full report on everything from the vegan Halloween party we attended last week, to our dog’s Halloween costume – which lasted all of 2 blocks, to all the wonder of NYC in fall. We’ll also tell you about our newest juice (... More)

Welcome to the 43rd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Gary Kowalski.

In today's episode, we will give you our full report on everything from the vegan Halloween party we attended last week, to our dog’s Halloween costume – which lasted all of 2 blocks, to all the wonder of NYC in fall. We’ll also tell you about our newest juice fast!

Joining us today as part of our recurring Religion Series is Gary Kowalski (check out his author’s page on Amazon, as well as his blog). Gary currently serves as the interim minister to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has written a number of best selling books on animals and spirituality. Gary will discuss with us how certain principles within Unitarian Universalism foster concern for other species, and how our spiritual beliefs can influence the way we treat animals – including through our diets.

tofuxpress.com

For our review section, we will share our experiences with the much-anticipated new device that is a must for every kitchen, the TofuXpress.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Article of Faith” from The New York Times “Victory Declared for Missouri’s Dogs and Arizona Wildlife” from The Huffington Post “Giving Thanks for Vegetables, Not Turkey” from The New York Times Blog “Janet Jackson’s Vegan Favorites” from The Tonight Show, by way of Vegan.com

“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.” -Bradley Millar

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 42nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Nancy Perry, Kyle Knies, and a super special surprise guest! In today’s episode, which happens to coincide with both Jasmin’s 31st birthday and World Go Vegan Week, we bring you our vegan tales from NYC: We'll discuss the scrumptious grub that one NYC restaurant — Gustorganics (... More)

Welcome to the 42nd episode of Our Hen House, featuring Nancy Perry, Kyle Knies, and a super special surprise guest!

In today’s episode, which happens to coincide with both Jasmin’s 31st birthday and World Go Vegan Week, we bring you our vegan tales from NYC: We'll discuss the scrumptious grub that one NYC restaurant — Gustorganics — added in honor of Vegan Week. We’ll also talk about a novel Jasmin’s reading, Water for Elephants, that goes behind the scenes and into the cruel world of circuses. On the much sunnier side, in honor of Jasmin’s birthday, we will be joined by a very special surprise guest! Here’s a clue: She’s 86, recently went vegetarian, and her favorite nickname for Jasmin is “bubala.”

Also joining us today is longtime vegan and animal rights activist, the lovely Nancy Perry, who is the Vice President of Government Affairs for The Humane Society of the United States. Nancy will talk to us all about everything from the Farm Animal Stewardship Act, to the best vegan food in our nation's capital.

Kyle Knies reviews The Birds from an AR perspective

Then — just in time for Halloween — for our review section, we will be joined by Our Hen House's own reviewer, Kyle Knies, who will give you his take on Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds – from an animal rights perspective.

All that, vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“New Way to Help Chickens Cross to Other Side” from The New York Times “Snooki, Lady Gaga’s meat dress are the hot costumes this year for Halloween” from New York Daily News “Teen saves pet chicken from slaughter at school” from The Kansas City Star “Go Vegetarian to save planet, scientists tell Government” from The Telegraph

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” -Martin Buber

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 41st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dylan Powell. In today's episode, as we settle back into life in NYC, we have loads to discuss — everything from last week's Texas State Veggie Fair, to a new anti-bully t-shirt that you have to own, to the controversial issue of animal hoarding.

The (... More)

Welcome to the 41st episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dylan Powell.

In today's episode, as we settle back into life in NYC, we have loads to discuss — everything from last week's Texas State Veggie Fair, to a new anti-bully t-shirt that you have to own, to the controversial issue of animal hoarding.

The Vegan Police

Joining us today is the fascinating and inspiring Dylan Powell, from The Vegan Police. Dylan will talk to us about why his radio show was considered “too vegan” and why he subsequently moved on to podcasting. He’ll also discuss the wonders of campus outreach, the importance of academia as a way to help animals, and so much more. Dylan will be back to join us for our review section, where he will give us “Dylan's Totally Legit and Crucial Review of Independent Vegan Artists Who You Should Support Because They Would Support You.” (BONUS! Read on for Dylan’s top 10 list, and his favorite vegan donut recipe!)

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Bittman: ‘Embrace Your Inner Vegan‘” from Vegan.com “Excessive meat-eating ‘kills 45,000 each year‘” from The Independent “Soy’s Night Out” from The NY Press

“If one person is unkind to an animal, it is considered to be cruelty, but where a lot of people are unkind to animals, especially in the name of commerce, the cruelty is condoned, and, once large sums of money are at stake, will be defended to the last by otherwise intelligent people.” -Ruth Harrison

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

www.herbivoreclothing.com

Bonus! Corresponding with Dylan Powell’s music review (a.k.a. “Dylan's Totally Legit and Crucial Review of Independent Vegan Artists Who You Should Support Because They Would Support You”), here is his top 10 list of independent vegan bands! (Or listen to them here.)

10. Sports the Band

9. The Weakerthans

8. Lemuria

7. Burning Love

6. Adam Gnade

5. No Age

4. Harmony Trowbridge

3. Paul Baribeau

2. Propagandhi

1. Ted Leo

And as a second bonus, be sure to try Dylan’s favorite vegan donut recipe!

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Welcome to the 40th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring guests Jamey Scott, Eddie Garza, and Julie Rothman. In today’s episode, we come to you from Dallas, Texas, where Mariann is busy with her Animal Law Committee, and Jasmin is prancing around town trying to find the city’s best vegan hotspots. She didn’t have (... More)

Welcome to the 40th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring guests Jamey Scott, Eddie Garza, and Julie Rothman.

In today’s episode, we come to you from Dallas, Texas, where Mariann is busy with her Animal Law Committee, and Jasmin is prancing around town trying to find the city’s best vegan hotspots. She didn’t have to look far: Turns out Dallas is home to a local Mercy for Animals chapter, Dallas Vegan Drinks, and a brand new event that will knock your socks off: The Texas State Veggie Fair! Lucky for us, Vegan Drinks and the Veggie Fair are both happening during our short trip, and we’ll give you the lowdown on those.

Julie Rothman, Jamey Scott, Jasmin Singer, Mariann Sullivan, and Eddie Garza at The Spiral Diner in Dallas

Joining us today is Jamey Scott, the creator of Dallas Vegan Drinks and the Texas State Veggie Fair, and the man currently behind DallasVegan.com. Jamey will tell us all about animal activism and the vegan scene down here in Dallas.

For our review section, we will give you the scoop on The Spiral Diner, a 100% vegan diner with two locations in the Dallas area. Joining us for our review are some very special friends — Jamey Scott, as well as Eddie Garza and Julie Rothman from Mercy for Animals here in Dallas. Eddie will also give us the vegan skinny on food activism in Texas. As a bonus review — since we simply could not resist — we will also be reviewing a raw vegan cafe in Dallas, appropriately called Bliss.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“An ancient tradition draws protests” from The Washington Post “Bob Harper Veganizes ‘The Biggest Loser’” from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser“; see article from Vegan.com “UK – CCTV to become standard in all abattoirs” from Meat Trade News “Heating Up the Steel” from Cattle Network

“If beef is your idea of ‘real food for real people,’ you’d better live real close to a real good hospital.” -Dr. Neal Barnard

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Nachos Supreme from The Spiral Diner

California Raw Pizza, Bliss Cafe

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Welcome to the 39th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring David Wolfson. In today's episode, we will report back from our much anticipated launch party for Our Hen House, where our speakers wowed us, the food impressed us, and the crowd – which delighted us – spilled out onto the sidewalk! We'll also give you an exciting update about (... More)

Welcome to the 39th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring David Wolfson.

In today's episode, we will report back from our much anticipated launch party for Our Hen House, where our speakers wowed us, the food impressed us, and the crowd – which delighted us – spilled out onto the sidewalk! We'll also give you an exciting update about our TimeOut New York article, and we'll express our thoughts on why people to need to share the love with Ellen DeGeneres, even if they don't think she's perfect.

Our Hen House Launch. Photo by Jessica Mahady

Joining us today is animal rights lawyer, David Wolfson, who is a partner in the Global Corporate Group at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. David has some exciting news for us regarding undergraduate academia that you won’t want to miss.

For our review section, we will talk fast food – vegan fast food, of course.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week's news items include:

“Should we eat meat?” from CBC Radio “Farm Groups Face Uphill Battle in Animal Welfare” from Farm Futures (also see the Vegan.com article covering this) “Anger as puppy thrower escapes charges” from The Daily Telegraph “Why Lea Michele and Natalie Portman Went Vegan” from Us Magazine “More Vegan Vegas: Steve Wynn Has His Employees Learning to Eat Meat Free” from Tiny Green Bubble

“We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims.” -R. Buckminister Fuller

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 38th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Veggie Conquest’s Jessica Mahady. In today's episode, we will share with you the exciting news about our feature in Time Out New York; we’ll tell you Mariann's impetus for proclaiming that we shouldn't spend more than $60 in garlic (!); we'll give you our vegan take (... More)

Welcome to the 38th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Veggie Conquest’s Jessica Mahady.

In today's episode, we will share with you the exciting news about our feature in Time Out New York; we’ll tell you Mariann's impetus for proclaiming that we shouldn't spend more than $60 in garlic (!); we'll give you our vegan take on the quaint town of Saugerties, NY; and Mariann will report on how her two animal law teleconferences went.

Courtesy Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Joining us today is Jessica Mahady, creator of the hugely popular amateur vegan cooking contest, Veggie Conquest. Jessica will tell us all about how Veggie Conquest grew from a seed of an idea into a phenomenon that sells out within 10 minutes of tickets going on sale.

For our review section, we will give you our take on the Top 5 Stupidest Named Vegan Foods.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Congress Wastes No Time in Passing New ‘Crush Video’ Law” from The Wall Street Journal Law Blog “Advocate for Animals Expands Academics at NYU” from The Wall Street Journal “It’s Time to Ban Factory Farm Ghost Ships” from Vegan.com “CAFO: A Must-Read for Any Conscious Eater” from Change.org

“A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite.” -Leo Tolstoy

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Both photos used in this blog entry are courtesy Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the 37th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring VegNews’ publishers, Joe Connelly and Colleen Holland. In today’s episode, we will give you the low-down on the joy of our new, one-of-a-kind, vegan-produced tote-bags; the horrors of the animal exploitation at the San Genarro Feast here in NYC; and the story of a (... More)

Welcome to the 37th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring VegNews’ publishers, Joe Connelly and Colleen Holland.

In today’s episode, we will give you the low-down on the joy of our new, one-of-a-kind, vegan-produced tote-bags; the horrors of the animal exploitation at the San Genarro Feast here in NYC; and the story of a little pigeon on Prince Street who tugged at Jasmin’s heartstrings and re-routed her afternoon.

VegNews Magazine

Joining us today are vegan power couple, Joe Connelly and Colleen Holland, publishers of the uber-popular VegNews Magazine. Colleen and Joe will talk to us all about the high points of the past 10 years — since VegNews’ conception — including favorite interviews, the changing face of the vegan food movement, and advice for young writers and future business owners who want to incorporate the animal rights message into their profession.

For our review section, we will be joined by actress and foodie blogger, Lynn Chen, of The Actor’s Diet, who will give us the non-vegan’s take on the greatest vegan cookies around.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news item include:

“The Rise of the Power Vegan” from Men’s Journal (read a snippet) “Clinton’s Weight Loss Secret: Plants” from CNN (watch the video) “Prop B would curb puppy-mill cruelty” from Southeast Missourian (read the article)

“Humanity’s true moral test, its fundamental test…consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect humankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it.” -Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 36th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Peter Singer. In today's episode, we'll give you the low-down on why Jasmin was telling a theatre full of perfect strangers all about her adolescent secrets; we'll discuss Lady Gag-Gag's recent venture into the dark side (and how some animal activists are fighting back); and we'll (... More)

Welcome to the 36th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Peter Singer.

In today's episode, we'll give you the low-down on why Jasmin was telling a theatre full of perfect strangers all about her adolescent secrets; we'll discuss Lady Gag-Gag's recent venture into the dark side (and how some animal activists are fighting back); and we'll tell you about a protest that Jasmin filmed for PETA earlier this week.

Peter Singer

Joining us today is the illustrious Peter Singer – of no relation to Jasmin, by the way. Peter – who is perhaps the greatest philospher of our time — will give us his thoughts on why animals are important,  how he feels about rights for certain species (such as the Great Ape protections in Spain), and give us his take on in-vitro meat. You absolutely won't want to miss this exclusive interview with the man who shaped the animal rights movement as we know it.

For the unscientific, unofficial Facebook survey portion of our show, we'll be begging the question: What do you think is the most effective tool for inspiring people to go vegan? The results may surprise you.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Animal rights groups face off with scientists over fate of chimps” from The LA Times “Your Pet’s Back-to-School Blues” from The NY Times blog “EU tightens up animal testing rules” from EUobserver.com

“From an ethical point of view, we all stand on equal footing – whether we stand on two feet, or four, or none at all.” -Peter Singer

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 35th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary Director and Co-founder, Jenny Brown. In today's episode, as we prepare to come off of a 10-day juice fast, we will bring you our report from life in our vegan utopia. We'll also chat about vlogging – perhaps as a means of activism.

Photo (... More)

Welcome to the 35th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary Director and Co-founder, Jenny Brown.

In today's episode, as we prepare to come off of a 10-day juice fast, we will bring you our report from life in our vegan utopia. We'll also chat about vlogging – perhaps as a means of activism.

Photo by Derek Goodwin, courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Joining us today is none other than the illustrious Jenny Brown, co-founder and director of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Jenny will talk to us all about sanctuary life, including what originally prompted her to go that route, what it's like to rescue and rehabilitate farmed animals, and some star-studded upcoming events at Woodstock Sanctuary.

For the unscientific, unofficial Facebook survey portion of our show, we'll be sticking with the sanctuary theme and sharing with you some special stories of different ways people have been touched during sanctuary visits.

We'll also be announcing the winner of last week's contest to win a free copy of the novel, The Tourist Trail, by John Yunker. (And stay tuned for an upcoming review of the book in the next few days — with yet another free giveaway!)

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, tons of current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Tasty Vegan Food? Cupcakes Show It Can Be Done” from The New York Times blog “Denny’s Serves Veggie Burgers” from VegNews blog “Bird flu jumps to pigs” from NewScientist “Horse Advocates Pull for Underdog in Roundups” from The New York Times

“Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” -Albert Einstein

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Both photos — the one at the top of the blog as well as the one within in it — courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and taken by Derek Goodwin. The photo at the top of the blog shows Jenny Brown (the human) with Nemo (the pig), and the one in the middle of the blog shows Andy the Steer.

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Welcome to the 34th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring author John Yunker. Today, as we enter our fourth day of juice fasting, you’ll hear about our kale and carrot woes, our dreams of seitan piccata, and our determination to get through our 10-day fast… or, feast.

The Tourist Trail by John (... More)

Welcome to the 34th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring author John Yunker.

Today, as we enter our fourth day of juice fasting, you’ll hear about our kale and carrot woes, our dreams of seitan piccata, and our determination to get through our 10-day fast… or, feast.

The Tourist Trail by John Yunker

Joining us today is John Yunker, author of the new novel, The Tourist Trail. John will talk to us all about his animal rights-themed novel, the importance of fiction as a means of advocacy, and how his experience volunteering with The Penguin Project influenced his book. You’ll have the opportunity to win a copy of The Tourist Trail, so be sure to listen closely.*

Following that, we’ll keep our juice theme going strong as we discuss the results from our Facebook survey which asked you what your favorite juices and smoothies are.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Wynn Increases Vegan and Dairy-Free Food Options on Las Vegas Strip” from Go Dairy Free Mercy for Animals’ new investigation (with new spokesperson Bob Barker) “Investigation Broadens in Egg Recall” from The Wall Street Journal “The Feminist Food Revolution” from Ms. Magazine

“A Robin Redbreast in a Cage Puts all Heaven in a Rage.” -William Blake

*Contest: Specific instructions to win a copy of The Tourist Trail by John Yunker can be found on this podcast episode. To enter, email info (at) ourhenhouse.org and note that you are entering this drawing. You must include your full name and full mailing address or your entry won’t be considered. Only one entry per household please. In order to be considered, you must enter no later than midnight on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Winners will be announced on our podcast episode next week (September 11, 2010). The winner will be selected by a random drawing. Please note that we received a free copy of The Tourist Trail for review — as well as giveaway copies — sent by the author. No goods or services were exchanged for the books.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog from The Penguin Project

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Welcome to episode 33rd podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Steven M. Wise. Today, we're back home in NYC. Mariann's animal law classes have started, and Jasmin has given up coffee. We also have some exciting announcements from here in Our Hen House! Joining us today is long-time animal law guru, Steve Wise, who will talk to (... More)

Welcome to episode 33rd podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Steven M. Wise.

Today, we're back home in NYC. Mariann's animal law classes have started, and Jasmin has given up coffee. We also have some exciting announcements from here in Our Hen House!

Joining us today is long-time animal law guru, Steve Wise, who will talk to us all about the Non-Human Rights Project.

Henrietta by David Mamet, Illustrated by Elizabeth Dahlie

In our review section, we'll be reviewing the book Henrietta, by David Mamet – which follows the story of a pig who wants to go to law school.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Where’s the Beet?” from Time Magazine “Weekday Vegetarians” from Time Magazine “Food Fight” from Utne Reader “Vegan Anyone?” from NPR

“The question is not, “Can they reason?” nor, “Can they talk?” but rather, “Can they suffer?” -Jeremy Bentham

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Picture from Henrietta by David Mamet, Illustrated by Elizabeth Dahlie

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Welcome to the 32nd podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Carter Dillard. On today's episode, we come to you from Sag Harbor, where we're grateful that we have family right by the beach. Joining us today is animal rights lawyer Carter Dillard, who will talk to us about everything from the organization he co-founded – Four Feet Forward (... More)

Welcome to the 32nd podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Carter Dillard.

On today's episode, we come to you from Sag Harbor, where we're grateful that we have family right by the beach. Joining us today is animal rights lawyer Carter Dillard, who will talk to us about everything from the organization he co-founded – Four Feet Forward — to litigating on behalf of animals, to human overpopulation.

In our review section, we'll be discussing a new animal rights themed novel called The Tourist Trail, by John Yunker. If you're like us, you'll want to eat this book up, which is fine, since it's vegan.

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Eat an Apple (Doctor’s Orders)” “The Ugliest Catch” “Eggs Recalled After Outbreaks” “Vegans ‘Significantly Less Polluted’”

“The squirrel that you kill in jest, dies in earnest.” -Henry David Thoreau

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: The Tourist Trail

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Welcome to the 31st podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring David Cassuto. On today's episode, we come to you from Big Sur, California where we are searching for good food, breathless from the scenery, and trying to weed out an offensive word from Jasmin's vocabulary. Joining us today is animal and environmental lawyer, David Cassuto, (... More)

Welcome to the 31st podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring David Cassuto.

On today's episode, we come to you from Big Sur, California where we are searching for good food, breathless from the scenery, and trying to weed out an offensive word from Jasmin's vocabulary.

Joining us today is animal and environmental lawyer, David Cassuto, who will talk to us about some of the intersections between those overlapping areas.

In our review section, Kyle Knies – a California boy himself – will give us the skinny on faux gras (and we really mean faux gras).

All that, some vegan banter, and of course, current events from the world of animal rights.

This week’s news items include:

“Inside the Minds of Animals” – Time Magazine “Farmers Lean to Truce on Animals’ Close Quarters” – The New York Times

“California, California… such a wonder that I think I'll stay in bed.” –Rufus Wainwright

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 30th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Zoe Weil. In today's episode, we come to you from the City by the Bay, San Francisco. We'll start by telling you about our vegan adventures and misadventures, including some a tale of delicious cruelty-free Japanese food, and a rather disturbing  stuffed animal story. We (... More)

Welcome to the 30th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Zoe Weil.

In today's episode, we come to you from the City by the Bay, San Francisco. We'll start by telling you about our vegan adventures and misadventures, including some a tale of delicious cruelty-free Japanese food, and a rather disturbing  stuffed animal story.

We will be joined today by Zoe Weil from the Institute for Humane Education. Zoe, who was just inducted into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame, will talk all about humane education, as well as what it really means to do the most good and least harm.

In our news section, we will tell you about a group of cattlemen who are having some issues with a recent audit of their spending.  We'll also discuss why conflicted meat-eaters deny that animals have the capacity to suffer. And we'll discuss the vegan fare at Chelsea Clinton's wedding.

In our review section, we will give you our impressions of the new film, Chow Down, which follows three people with severe heart disease who have decided to make some serious and necessary lifestyle changes. And trust me, you'll be batting for them.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Used with permission (http2007) through a Creative Commons License.

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“We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.” -William Ralph Inge In today's episode, we will tell you about our upcoming vegan filled trip to the West Coast, some (... More)

“We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.” -William Ralph Inge

In today's episode, we will tell you about our upcoming vegan filled trip to the West Coast, some new one-of-a-kind arty tote bags that will benefit Our Hen House, and lots more about what's new and good here in Veganland.

Joining us today will be best-selling vegan cookbook author, Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Isa will talk about everything from her upcoming book, to the changing scene of veganism, to palm oil.

In our news section, we're talking about a lot of bull – bullfighting in Catalonia, and bull-riding and other rodeo horrors in Santa Cruz. Plus, we'll tell you about a cool new movie that’s full of heart.

In our review section, we will give you our thoughts on a blast-from-the-past animated film with a message – Chicken Run.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Chicken Run

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Welcome to our 28th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Michael Croland from heeb’n'vegan, with cameos by Jasmin’s grandma and mother. In today's episode, we give you the low-down on a very special vegan bakery that delivers all over the country. Trust me, you'll want to try their cupcakes. I'll also tell you all about (... More)

Welcome to our 28th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Michael Croland from heeb’n'vegan, with cameos by Jasmin’s grandma and mother.

In today's episode, we give you the low-down on a very special vegan bakery that delivers all over the country. Trust me, you'll want to try their cupcakes. I'll also tell you all about a very melodic animal rights fund-raiser that I attended in NYC.

Joining us today is Michael Croland, from Heeb’n'vegan. Michael is joining us as part of our religion series, where we talk with people about how their religion or spirituality relates to their philosophy on animal rights. Michael will enlighten us about how Judaism and veganism relate. He'll discuss everything from Kosher slaughter, to philosophy, to an ingredient you simply have to include in your next tofu scramble.

In our news section, we will discuss a new bill for animals that just passed the US House of Representatives. We'll also talk about a debarking law in Massachusetts, and Mariann will share her thoughts on an article in Time Magazine that asks: Can animal rights go too far?

For our review section, Mariann and I will share with you an amazing restaurant experience we had, right in the Heartland.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 27th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Melanie Joy, and with Kyle Knies, as well as Jasmin’s grandma. On today's episode, we are coming to you live from Kansas – where we will talk to my 86-year-old grandmother who just went vegetarian. Then, joining us will be Dr. Melanie Joy, author of Why We Love (... More)

Welcome to the 27th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dr. Melanie Joy, and with Kyle Knies, as well as Jasmin’s grandma.

On today's episode, we are coming to you live from Kansas – where we will talk to my 86-year-old grandmother who just went vegetarian.

Then, joining us will be Dr. Melanie Joy, author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism. Melanie will talk to us about her fascinating insights  into the psychological mechanisms people use to allow themselves to coninue eating animals.

In our news section, we will discuss an exciting New York Times editorial that is very pro-farm animal. We'll also talk about some good news for the AETA 4, and we'll share with you James McWilliams' take on lab-grown meat.

In our review section, Our Hen House reviewer, Kyle Knies, will give you the results of his unscientific survey on vegan milks.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 26th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring an interview with Meena Alagappan of HEART, with special guests Stewart David (Carolina Action for Animals) and Matt Rice (Mercy for Animals). On today’s show, we begin with a very exciting announcement about the influence that Mariann’s New York Times letter to the (... More)

Welcome to the 26th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring an interview with Meena Alagappan of HEART, with special guests Stewart David (Carolina Action for Animals) and Matt Rice (Mercy for Animals).

On today’s show, we begin with a very exciting announcement about the influence that Mariann’s New York Times letter to the editor had on Jasmin’s grandma.

Joining us today is Meena Alagappan — director of HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers). Meena will talk to us all about the importance of humane education as a means of creating social change, and she’ll share some of her personal journey from animal law to running HEART.

In our news section, we will be joined by Stewart David, co-founder of Carolina Action for Animals. Stewart will share his thoughts on Jane Velez-Mitchell’s “Jane’s Fight for Animal Rights” which aired this past week on her CNN HLN show, Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell. We’ll also discuss the outcome of a puppy mill bill in North Carolina, and an egg bill in California.

For our review section, we will be joined by special guest Matt Rice — of Mercy for Animals. Matt will review the new animal rights Facebook game called Farm Rescue, which was conceived by activist and artist, Mark Middleton (of Animal Visuals).

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 25th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Glenn Gaetz and Joanne Chang from Liberation B.C. In today's episode, we will share with you a new and exciting activist idea that was gleaned from a workshop at last week's Let Live Conference – and we'll explain why that resulted in a Lady Gaga song getting interminably stuck (... More)

Welcome to the 25th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Glenn Gaetz and Joanne Chang from Liberation B.C.

In today's episode, we will share with you a new and exciting activist idea that was gleaned from a workshop at last week's Let Live Conference – and we'll explain why that resulted in a Lady Gaga song getting interminably stuck in our heads.

Joining us today will be Glenn Gaetz and Joanne Chang from Liberation B.C. Glenn and Joanne will talk to us all about the exciting projects that their animal rights organization is currently working on, as well as why Vancouver seems to be where it's at as far as vegan cuisine.

In our news section, we will discuss our mixed feelings regarding surprising turn of events with the Ohio farm animal ballot initiative. We will also discuss the passing of Senator Robert Byrd. And we'll tell you why a very famous travel guide founder has made nice with animal advocates and with whales alike.

In our review section, we'll discuss the sweet – or sometimes not-so-sweet – smell of cruelty-free deodorants and their wearers.

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 24th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Josh Hooten and Michelle Schwegmann — owners of Herbivore Clothing. In today's episode, I am coming to you from the City of Roses – Portland, Oregon – where I'm knee-deep in Voodoo Donuts and food carts. On today's show, Mariann – who is still in NYC where she is busy trying (... More)

Welcome to the 24th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Josh Hooten and Michelle Schwegmann — owners of Herbivore Clothing.

In today's episode, I am coming to you from the City of Roses – Portland, Oregon – where I'm knee-deep in Voodoo Donuts and food carts. On today's show, Mariann – who is still in NYC where she is busy trying to manage the heat wave that has come over the Big Apple – will share some very exciting news about a letter to the editor she wrote.

Joining us today is Michelle Schwegmann and Josh Hooten, the owners of Herbivore Clothing, here in Portland, and two of the co-founders of the Let Live Foundation. Michelle and Josh will talk all about the importance of creative activism – which happens to also be the theme for this weekend's conference (the reason I’m on the left coast) – and they will talk about the perks of raising a vegan child.

In our news section, we will discuss the endangered species status that is being sought for a special kind of sea life. We'll also talk about a cupcake competition on the Food Network's show, Cupcake Wars, and why vegans have reason to celebrate.

In our review section, I will be reviewing the movie, Bold Native, a fiction feature film about an animal liberator wanted by the United States government for domestic terrorism.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Patches from Herbivore Clothing.

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Welcome to the 23rd podcast episode of Our Hen House – a place to find our way to change the world for animals – featuring Eastern Shore Sanctuary's Miriam Jones and Aram Polster. On today's show, we are podcasting from Vermont – where we are visiting Eastern Shore Sanctuary and all of the beautiful rescued beings who inhabit it. Joining us (... More)

Welcome to the 23rd podcast episode of Our Hen House – a place to find our way to change the world for animals – featuring Eastern Shore Sanctuary's Miriam Jones and Aram Polster.

On today's show, we are podcasting from Vermont – where we are visiting Eastern Shore Sanctuary and all of the beautiful rescued beings who inhabit it. Joining us today will be the amazing folks who run the sanctuary, Miriam Jones – who is also the co-founder – and Aram Polster. Miriam and Aram will let us in on what sanctuary life is really like, including lending their advice to people who might wish to run their own sanctuary someday, and sharing their thoughts on the connections between the exploitation inherent in the dairy and egg industries with feminist theory.

In our news section, we will discuss a Washington Post article asking the question: “Do Animals Have Rights?” We'll also talk about an article in the New York Times Magazine making the connection between violence to animals and violence to humans, but leaving out one crucial fact. Then we'll discuss the Humane Society of the United States' complaint about an Indiana egg company.

Finally, we will go over our most recent Facebook survey, which asked: Who are your favorite vegan celebrities?

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of the Eastern Shore Sanctuary

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Welcome to the 22nd podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dan Piraro. In today's episode, we will start by telling you about our recent trip to Brooklyn, my nose hoop, and our upcoming train trip to Vermont, where we will get our due time with some rescued chickens.

bizarro.com Then, we'll be talking (... More)

Welcome to the 22nd podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Dan Piraro.

In today's episode, we will start by telling you about our recent trip to Brooklyn, my nose hoop, and our upcoming train trip to Vermont, where we will get our due time with some rescued chickens.

bizarro.com

Then, we'll be talking to funnyman Dan Piraro, creator of the Bizarro cartoons. Dan – who was recently named “Cartoonist of the Year” by the prestigious National Cartoonists Society – will share the eye-opening story of why he went vegan, what made him an animal rights activist, how he incorporates his advocacy into his cartoons, and where he finds his inspiration.

In our news section, we will update you on Quality Eggs’ pleading guilty to 10 counts of animal cruelty, we'll inform you about some new mock chicken that is raising awareness, making the news, and pleasing taste buds, and we'll discuss the $25 million settlement in an anti-trust lawsuit against the egg industry.

For our review section, we will give you the low-down on some vegan cheese from Galaxy Nutritional Foods, including the good, the bad, and the melty.

BONUS:

Tune in to the podcast for the full story, but here’s a review teaser. Out of the 8 vegan cheeses by Galaxy Nutritional Foods that Jasmin tasted, her favorite three were Rice Vegan Pepper Jack Slices, Rice Vegan American Slices, and Rice Vegan Cheddar Slices (all pictured above). All three were melty, made a mean grilled cheese, and reminded Jasmin of cheese sandwiches from 1982 … but minus the oppression (and the side ponytail).

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

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Welcome to the 21st podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring an interview with an undercover investigator. On today’s show, we’ll discuss the sad loss of Golden Girl — and long-time animal rights activist — Rue McClanahan. Then, we’ll be joined by an undercover investigator who has been responsible for (... More)

Welcome to the 21st podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring an interview with an undercover investigator.

On today’s show, we’ll discuss the sad loss of Golden Girl — and long-time animal rights activist — Rue McClanahan.

Then, we’ll be joined by an undercover investigator who has been responsible for many of the investigations you've seen inside factory farms recently. He will tell us how he copes with such an impossible-to-imagine field of activism.

In our news section, we'll discuss why Psychology Today says that vegans are wired to have more compassion than omnivores. We'll also update you on the Gulf, and Newsweeks' devastating – but not surprising – report that BP has put a hold on any real journalism or coverage of their disaster. And we’ll talk about a new UN report urging a global move toward a vegan diet.

Joining us for our review section is Kyle Knies, who will lead us in a thought-provoking conversation of the documentary film, Mine, which follows the stories of the animals left behind after Hurricane Katrina.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary. Taken by Derek Goodwin.

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Welcome to the 20th podcast episode of Our Hen House, a place to find our way to change the world for animals. Today’s episode features Brad Goldberg. Today, we will start by updating you about a very special adoption event where we were overwhelmed with cuteness. Then, joining us is Brad Goldberg, founder of Animal Welfare Trust (... More)

Welcome to the 20th podcast episode of Our Hen House, a place to find our way to change the world for animals. Today’s episode features Brad Goldberg.

Today, we will start by updating you about a very special adoption event where we were overwhelmed with cuteness.

Then, joining us is Brad Goldberg, founder of Animal Welfare Trust and Animal Welfare Advocacy. Brad will talk about the importance of philanthropic grants that benefit animal issues.

Following that, we'll be joined for a brief update by Kelly Overton from PATH. As the oil hits the Gulf, Kelly – who joins us from New Orleans – will let us know what’s going on down there.

In our news section, we will go over some sad news for animals, which is thankfully getting some mainstream attention: Mercy for Animals' latest undercover investigation, and a puppy mill report brought to us, shockingly, by the USDA itself.

Finally, we'll discuss the result of a survey we conducted asking people what they think is the biggest misconception about veganism and how they respond when those misconceptions arise for them.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the 19th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Martin Rowe, Kelly Overton, and Jasmin’s grandma. In today's episode, we will tell you all about a perfect little doggie in Puerto Rico who we were lucky enough to help rescue. Then, joining us will be the debonaire Martin Rowe, Director of Publishing at Lantern Books. (... More)

Welcome to the 19th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Martin Rowe, Kelly Overton, and Jasmin’s grandma.

In today's episode, we will tell you all about a perfect little doggie in Puerto Rico who we were lucky enough to help rescue.

Then, joining us will be the debonaire Martin Rowe, Director of Publishing at Lantern Books. Martin will tell us how his journey with activism led him to running a publishing company whose focus is animal advocacy and social justice. He'll also have some important tips for all of you up and coming authors out there.

Following that, Kelly Overton of PATH – who is currently stationed in the Gulf of Mexico – is back once again to give us an update about how things are going in the near wake of the tragic oil spill that is already affecting so many animals. (Also be sure to check out Andy Stepanian’s Huffington Post article, “BP’s Greenwashing Can’t Clean Up Their Spill.”)

In our news section, we will discuss some truly frightening news regarding the effect that overfishing is having on our oceans. We'll also talk about how and why Chipotle is under attack, and what that has to do with animals.

For our commentary, we will be joined once again by Our Hen House correspondent, Sherrey Glickman – also known as Jasmin’s lovely grandma. Grandma will tell us about some recent mentions of veganism in the mainstream.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the 18th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Ledy Van Kavage, Kelly Overton, and Kyle Knies. In today's episode, we come to you from Puerto Rico, where we have found ourselves full — with vegan mofongo, and a rich culture that has captured our hearts. Joining us today, live and in person, is Ledy Van Kavage, (... More)

Welcome to the 18th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring Ledy Van Kavage, Kelly Overton, and Kyle Knies.

In today's episode, we come to you from Puerto Rico, where we have found ourselves full — with vegan mofongo, and a rich culture that has captured our hearts.

Joining us today, live and in person, is Ledy Van Kavage, the Senior Legislative Attorney for Best Friends Animal Society. Ledy will be talking to us all about pit bulls: everything from breed discriminatory laws to how you can get involved with fighting for these precious creatures, originally nicknamed “The Nanny Dog” because of their gentleness and impressive way with children.

Our second guest is Kelly Overton, Executive Director of PATH, who is joining us once again from the Gulf of Mexico, where he preparing to assist in rescue and relief for the animals affected by the oil spill.

In our news section, we will talk about the lawsuit that was won against a foie gras facility, a TV show that will go behind the scenes at a puppy mill, the big media that a vegan ultramathoner is receiving, and a sweet compassionate addition to LA's Studio City.

Joining us for our review section is Our Hen House's own reviewer, Kyle Knies, who will give us his thoughts on the new feature-length film exposing the fur industry, entitled Skin Trade.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the 17th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring special guests Paul Shapiro and Kelly Overton. In today's episode, we will begin by talking about some strong new vegans, as well as some artistic ones … .

Jasmin Singer with Paul Shapiro during the 2008 Prop 2 Campaign Joining us today (... More)

Welcome to the 17th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring special guests Paul Shapiro and Kelly Overton.

In today's episode, we will begin by talking about some strong new vegans, as well as some artistic ones … .

Jasmin Singer with Paul Shapiro during the 2008 Prop 2 Campaign

Joining us today is Paul Shapiro, Senior Director of The Humane Society of the United States' End Factory Farming campaign. Paul will talk about everything from the latest from the Ohio anti-confinement ballot initiative, to how he – a long-time vegan and animal rights activist – avoids activist burnout.

In our news section, we will report on some animal news about Goldman Sachs, and the implications it has for China. We will also share some muy bien news right from Our Hen House.

Our second guest today will be Kelly Overton, Executive Director of People Protecting Animals and their Habitats (PATH). Kelly is currently stationed on the Gulf of Mexico and is preparing to assist in efforts to rescue animals at risk because of the oil spill. We will hear Kelly's thoughts about British Petrolium, and he will let us know how we can help the situation down there, right from home.

Finally, we will discuss the results of our Facebook survey where we asked you to tell us your favorite quote.

Kelly Overton

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

BONUS: Below are some articles that Kelly Overton from PATH recommended we read to educate ourselves about what is going on down south.

The Effects of Maritime Oil Spills on Wildlife Including Non-Avian Marine Life Tracking the Oil Spill Some oil spill events U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Supporting Mississippi Canyon Incident Response Efforts First Oiled Bird is Recovered (PDF) Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response (PDF) 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill BP not interested in list of volunteers

And, of course — once again — here is more information on how you can help PATH’s rescue efforts. Also, for those of you in NYC, MooShoes will be donating 10% of all in-store sales on Saturday, May 8th and Sunday May 9th to PATH. They will also provide customers with an additional 5% off of your purchase if you donate any of the desperately needed supplies that PATH is requesting.

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Welcome to the 16th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring special guest Joan Schaffner. In today's episode, we will discuss a popular new cooking competition that's raising eyebrows — and lowering cholesterol! — throughout New York City. We'll also give you some personal news from the world of dot com, or shall we now say (... More)

Welcome to the 16th podcast episode of Our Hen House, featuring special guest Joan Schaffner.

In today's episode, we will discuss a popular new cooking competition that's raising eyebrows — and lowering cholesterol! — throughout New York City. We'll also give you some personal news from the world of dot com, or shall we now say dot org.

Joining us today is animal law professor Joan Schaffner, who will be telling us about her forthcoming book, Introduction to Animals and the Law, as well as sharing some tips for folks interested in getting involved with animal law. In our news section, we will be discussing the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana, and the implications that has for wildlife. We'll also be telling you about some big news in the media that has to do with li’l old us.

Finally, we will be discussing some popular animal rights themed books, and talking about the results of our Facebook survey where we asked you to share your favorites. The results might surprise you!

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/ / CC BY 2.0

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Welcome to the 15th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Gene Baur. Photo: www.farmsanctuary.org In today's episode, we will report back on the trials and tribulations about our vegan bake sale, including some pretty exciting news about the media coverage it is going to receive. Then, we will be joined by the one (... More)

Welcome to the 15th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Gene Baur. Photo: www.farmsanctuary.org

In today's episode, we will report back on the trials and tribulations about our vegan bake sale, including some pretty exciting news about the media coverage it is going to receive. Then, we will be joined by the one and only Gene Baur – who some might say is the person responsible for the entire farm animal protection movement as we know it today. Gene will discuss everything from veganic gardening, to artistic expression as a way to advocate for animals.

Jasmin and Grandma

In our news section, we will go over this week's Supreme Court ruling regarding animals and the First Amendment. In our review section, we will be joined by our very most special guest ever, Jasmin's grandma, who will give us her thoughts on this week's episode of Law and Order SVU, which went inside a slaughterhouse.

Jasmin and Marisa at our vegan bake sale

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!) or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don't forget to leave us a friendly comment! Thanks!

Bonus: Check out Grandma’s moving and inspirational Storycorps interview (with Jasmin).

Picture at top of blog: “Uncertain Mouse” by Benjamin Arthur, from NPR.

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Welcome to the 14th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Victoria Moran (www.victoriamoran.com) In today's episode, we tell you about some exciting upcoming plans, which are bound to make this Earth Day pretty darn tasty. Then, we will be joined by best-selling author Victoria Moran, who will let us in on what it (... More)

Welcome to the 14th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Victoria Moran (www.victoriamoran.com)

In today's episode, we tell you about some exciting upcoming plans, which are bound to make this Earth Day pretty darn tasty. Then, we will be joined by best-selling author Victoria Moran, who will let us in on what it means to have a charmed life. In our news section, we will be joined by the President of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals (also check out their progress report), Jane Hoffman, who will tell us all about an exciting new grant (that's made some big news) which will help a significant amount of animals. Finally, we will discuss the results of our Facebook survey, asking people which is their favorite online vegan store.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

Photo at top of blog: Courtesy of the Mayor’s Alliance  for NYC’s Animals

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Welcome to the 13th podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will admit what led to us feeling like unpopular, slightly awkard 12-year-olds. We will also discuss the new book, Gristle, edited by Moby and Miyun Park. Joining us today is John Phillips, the Executive Director of the New York League of Humane Voters. John (... More)

Welcome to the 13th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will admit what led to us feeling like unpopular, slightly awkard 12-year-olds. We will also discuss the new book, Gristle, edited by Moby and Miyun Park.

Joining us today is John Phillips, the Executive Director of the New York League of Humane Voters. John will talk with us all about the importance of using the political machine to create change for animals.

In our news section, we will discuss a new resolution in San Francisco to make Mondays meat-free. We'll also talk about a new undercover investigation at an egg farm, conducted by the Humane Society of the United States.

Finally, we will talk make-up – cruelty-free make-up, that is, and we'll discuss the results of our Facebook survey which asked people to share their favorite vegan make-up product.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

Photo courtesy of Jessica Mahady

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Welcome to 12th podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will talk cupcakes – and we'll tell you from where and because of why we just ordered 50 of them. Then, we'll discuss Jane Goodall's take on the core issue that is responsible for so many problems on the planet. Joning us today will be chef and vegan cooking school (... More)

Welcome to 12th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will talk cupcakes – and we'll tell you from where and because of why we just ordered 50 of them. Then, we'll discuss Jane Goodall's take on the core issue that is responsible for so many problems on the planet.

Joning us today will be chef and vegan cooking school owner, Christine Waltermyer, who will share her ideas on everything from cabinet essentials to the healing properties of vegan foods. (Bonus! Keep scrolling down for a yummy recipe from Christine!)

In our news section, we will discuss a very special animal sanctuary in Colombia, and a Maryland lawsuit that is ruffling some feathers. Then, we will talk about some very inappropriate behavior that petty legislators displayed toward an animal activist in Missouri. Finally, we'll share some LOL activism with you, directly from the Gotham Comedy Club in NYC.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

Bonus: Here is a recipe, courtesy of today’s amazing special guest, Christine Waltermyer.

Millet Cauliflower Mash

If you like mashed potatoes, you’ll love millet-cauliflower mash. Smother with vegan gravy and enjoy a delicious version of this nutritious little powerhouse of a grain. You’ll also reap the anti-cancer benefits of cruciferous veggies like cauliflower.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium sized head cauliflower, broken into florettes
1 cup millet, rinsed and soaked overnight in 3 1/2 cups of water
1/2 cup minced parsley
1 tablespoon Earth Balance margarine or olive oil
Sea salt and pepper

Place cauliflower in a medium sized pot. Add millet, soaking water and sea salt. Cover pot and bring to boil over medium high flame. Reduce heat to simmer on low 25 minutes, until cauliflower is fork tender and millet is fluffy. Add parsley and Earth Balance margarine or olive oil. Mash coarsely with a potato masher and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with hot gravy.

Serves 4

Top Photo (of the chicken) courtesy of Jessica Mahady.

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Welcome to the 11th podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will share some personal news pertaining to the legal status of our relationship.Then, we'll get over ourselves, and we'll discuss the new term that the Boston Globe coined as an effort to label ethical men. We'll then be joined by the effervescent Marisa Miller Wolfson (... More)

Welcome to the 11th podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will share some personal news pertaining to the legal status of our relationship.Then, we'll get over ourselves, and we'll discuss the new term that the Boston Globe coined as an effort to label ethical men. We'll then be joined by the effervescent Marisa Miller Wolfson of Kind Green Planet, who will tell us all about her revolutionary online coaching program, Vegan at Heart. Following that, as part of our religion and spirituality series, we'll be talking with Calla Wright and Nick Laccetti about how Christianity directly corresponds to animal rights.

In our news section, we'll be discussing an unusual animal (for New York City, anyway) who was out and about – and creating quite the stir – just a few blocks from our apartment. We'll also tell you about an intriguing new channel that National Geographic is launching, focusing on wild animals. Finally, we'll let you in on our favorite ever Passover cookbook – minus the schmultz, of course.  All that, and more, today on our podcast.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Photo by Bob Esposito.

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Welcome to the tenth podcast episode of Our Hen House! Today, we'll start off by discussing a few tips on how we like to avoid activist burnout. Next, we are excited to be joined by vegan chef extraordinaire and author of the new book, Vegan Living for Dummies, Alexandra Jamieson (of Nutrition for Empowered Women). Alex will shed light (... More)

Welcome to the tenth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Today, we'll start off by discussing a few tips on how we like to avoid activist burnout.

Next, we are excited to be joined by vegan chef extraordinaire and author of the new book, Vegan Living for Dummies, Alexandra Jamieson (of Nutrition for Empowered Women). Alex will shed light on healthy snacks, holistic mindset, and how she managed to score a gig with the very mainstream Dummies series.

Then, as part of our “New Vegan” series — featuring folks who just joined the team – we'll be talking to businessman and all around great guy, Richard Donovan, all about what inspired him to go vegan.

In our news section, we will discuss a recent article in the New York Times about violence to animals. (Note: On this subject, we also recommend the book, Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisnitz, as well as the article, “Slaughterhouses and Increased Crime Rates” by Amy J. Fitzgerald, Linda Kalof, and Thomas Dietz [you will need to purchase the article -- the link is to the blurb about it]). Also in the news, we will consider the future — or the lack of future — for an iconic and beautiful fish, after an important meeting this week in Qatar.

Finally, we will review a movie theatre. That's right – we're telling you all about the delicious cruelty-free digs we scored on date night at the movies.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

Photo: Courtesy of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Photo by Derek Goodwin.

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Welcome to ninth podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will discuss how to react when people tell you how much they “looove” their meat, and what to do when they pull out the “humane” card. Then, we will interview the truly fabulous Joshua Katcher – founder of The Discerning Brute. Joshua will talk about cavemen, (... More)

Welcome to ninth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will discuss how to react when people tell you how much they “looove” their meat, and what to do when they pull out the “humane” card. Then, we will interview the truly fabulous Joshua Katcher – founder of The Discerning Brute. Joshua will talk about cavemen, cooking, and how to be a real man. In the news, we will discuss a positive development about puppy mills in Iowa, and the big news out of Hollywood. Finally, we will review Nellie McKay's take on Doris Day — two women who share in common so much soul; their voices are as likely to be raised in song as they are to be raised in protest against animal abuse.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

–BONUS —

Joshua Katcher’s “Caveman” Reading List:
(Note: If you don’t know what why we’re discussing this, listen to the podcast already!)

Discovery of the Century from The Discerning Brute Future Caveman: The Paleo Diet from The Discerning Brute Primitivism from Wikipedia Ishmael by Daniel Quinn Anything written by Derrick Jensen Anything written by John Zerzan

Photo: Courtesy of Eastern Shore Sanctuary & Education Center.

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Welcome to the eighth podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will discuss our current flirtation with yoga, and the importance of finding a way to take care of your body that comports with your values. We will also chat about how fur is all the rage — which can set off your own rage and lead to some very bad activism. (... More)

Welcome to the eighth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will discuss our current flirtation with yoga, and the importance of finding a way to take care of your body that comports with your values. We will also chat about how fur is all the rage — which can set off your own rage and lead to some very bad activism. What to do, what to do, what to do …

Then, we will talk about how being laughed at isn't the worst thing in the world. It could mean you're getting somewhere.

Joining us today is Gary Lowenthal, the man behind the new phenomenon that is the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale. Be prepared to be inspired to get out your baking tools.

In the news, we will be talking about some nasty developments in the world of farm animals and how factory farms are regulated — plus one potentially exciting development in Switzerland. We will also discuss the oxymoronic Humane Slaughter Act,  and some attention being paid to its poor enforcement.

Finally we will review our own personal take on going raw.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes. Also, if you like what you hear, please  rate it on iTunes, and don’t forget to leave us a friendly review! Thanks!

Photo: The soon-to-be-released Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale t-shirt, designed by Josh Hooten, and available later this month from Herbivore.

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Welcome to the seventh podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will discuss what's mean and what's green about eco-tourism. Then, we'll talk about some meat-industry folks who have come up with a great slogan – one you'll actually be happy about. We will also chat about the beauty of good old-fashioned grassroots tactics as (... More)

Welcome to the seventh podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will discuss what's mean and what's green about eco-tourism. Then, we'll talk about some meat-industry folks who have come up with a great slogan – one you'll actually be happy about. We will also chat about the beauty of good old-fashioned grassroots tactics as a means of creating big change.

After that, we will interview filmmaker and activist Eleni Vlachos – whose film, Seeing Through the Fence – is raising eyebrows and awareness as she hosts screenings throughout the United States.

We will discuss the sad story of the whale who killed his trainer at SeaWorld, and the horror inherent in holding sea mammals captive for “entertainment.”

Finally, we will discuss Avatar from an animal rights and environmental perspective. Joining us for that discussion will be long-time activist and animal rights lawyer, Amy Trakinski.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes.

Photo: Courtesy of Eastern Shore Sanctuary & Education Center.

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Welcome to the sixth podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's episode, we will discuss Ellen DeGeneres' role in Jasmin’s nightlife, which, oddly enough, will lead us into a discussion of children's TV. (Should you call it children's TV when you're an adult and you watch it?) Continuing with our childlike theme, we will talk with (... More)

Welcome to the sixth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's episode, we will discuss Ellen DeGeneres' role in Jasmin’s nightlife, which, oddly enough, will lead us into a discussion of children's TV. (Should you call it children's TV when you're an adult and you watch it?) Continuing with our childlike theme, we will talk with children's book author and animal advocate, Maya Gottfried, about her new book, Our Farm, which is a collection of poems (and paintings!) for children – all from the animals' perspective. Following that, we will discuss some news for animals from West Hollywood, as well as an incredibly provocative New York Times Op-Ed piece — “End Animal Pain on Factory Farms.” Then, we'll let you in on some upcoming events that are not to be missed. Finally, we will give you our take on the best vegan cities – as least of the ones we've been to – in our humble opinions.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes.

Photo: From Our Farm, painted by Robert Rahway Zakanitch.

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Welcome to the fifth podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today's very special Valentine’s Day episode, we give you the low-down on cruelty-free aphrodisiacs, lesbian albatrosses, and what it means to be a vegansexual. We also start two different series which we hope will be on-going: the new vegan series, where we interview someone (... More)

Welcome to the fifth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today's very special Valentine’s Day episode, we give you the low-down on cruelty-free aphrodisiacs, lesbian albatrosses, and what it means to be a vegansexual.

We also start two different series which we hope will be on-going: the new vegan series, where we interview someone who just recently joined the vegan team, and the spirituality series, where we have individuals share their own personal insights about how their beliefs inform their activism and veganism. Today, we'll be talking to new vegan, Paula Burke, and Buddhist animal activist, Casey Martinson (from The Daily Return).

Then, we will discuss some big news in the media: the piece on CBS news covering the use of antibiotics in factory farms, as well as the new rules for organic standards as they relate to animal care. Plus, we’ll tell you about a movie that we just can’t wait to see …

Finally, we will review our favorite chocolates – just in time for Valentine's Day.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes.

Blog photo courtesy of Eastern Shore Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the fourth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Special guest Delci Winders' new tattoo, as discussed in this episode of Our Hen House. Tattoo designed and done by Brian T. Wilson of www.scapegoattattoo.com. In today’s episode, we come to you from Disneyworld — where Mariann is busy with (... More)

Welcome to the fourth podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Special guest Delci Winders' new tattoo, as discussed in this episode of Our Hen House. Tattoo designed and done by Brian T. Wilson of www.scapegoattattoo.com.

In today’s episode, we come to you from Disneyworld — where Mariann is busy with meetings for the Animal Law Committee of the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, and Jasmin is busy gallivanting around the Magic Kingdom. It quickly becomes apparent to us, however, that the “magical” cuisine at DW is lacking vegan food, despite what the hype (and our friends) had us believing. We’ll discuss that, and, along with animal rights lawyer, Delcianna Winders (who will join us live), we’ll also discuss in detail various labeling schemes that the industry uses to persuade unsuspecting consumers that their meat, dairy and eggs were the products of happy animals. Not so. We will also fill you in on some new news from the mid-west, including an important new ballot initiative for farm animals, and why it is unlike any other in history.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes.

Blog photo courtesy of Eastern Shore Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the third podcast episode of Our Hen House! In today’s episode, we start out by talking all about the vegan deliciousness that is Portland, Oregon. We then discuss one of the greatest stumbling blocks in going vegan (and, as of late, greatest joys) — cheese! We talk about a recent lawsuit against puppy mills, and about (... More)

Welcome to the third podcast episode of Our Hen House!

In today’s episode, we start out by talking all about the vegan deliciousness that is Portland, Oregon. We then discuss one of the greatest stumbling blocks in going vegan (and, as of late, greatest joys) — cheese! We talk about a recent lawsuit against puppy mills, and about the utter importance that undercover investigations play in creating change for animals. Speaking of which, we talk with Nathan Runkle, executive director and founder of Mercy for Animals — the group responsible for the recent undercover investigation of a major dairy factory in New York State. Lastly, we give you our full vegan review of the Trader Joe’s near us, which is probably not that unlike the Trader Joe’s near you.

You can listen to our podcast directly on our blog (below!), or you can subscribe on iTunes.

Photo on blog entry courtesy of Eastern Shore Sanctuary.

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Welcome to the second podcast episode of Our Hen House! Today, we start by discussing some big ch-ch-changes in our lives. Then we give a run-down of our new blog! After that, we talk about the new vegan ventures of Whole Foods and Starbucks. Michael Parrish DuDell then joins us to talk about everything from the importance of engaging young (... More)

Welcome to the second podcast episode of Our Hen House!

Today, we start by discussing some big ch-ch-changes in our lives. Then we give a run-down of our new blog! After that, we talk about the new vegan ventures of Whole Foods and Starbucks. Michael Parrish DuDell then joins us to talk about everything from the importance of engaging young people with the animal movement, to why advocacy should be looked at as “a buffet.” Finally, we give you our reactions to the new vegan burrito (Gardein and all) being test-marketed at the Chipotle near us.

We hope that you’ll listen to Our Hen House (the podcast), and that you’ll subscribe on iTunes!

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Welcome to our first ever podcast episode! Today, we do our general intros — yadda yadda yadda — including info on how each of us got started in the animal rights movement. Then, when we’re done self-obsessing, we recap steps taken for farm animals in 2009. Later, we interview longtime activist Stewart David (author of the (... More)

Welcome to our first ever podcast episode!

Today, we do our general intros — yadda yadda yadda — including info on how each of us got started in the animal rights movement. Then, when we’re done self-obsessing, we recap steps taken for farm animals in 2009. Later, we interview longtime activist Stewart David (author of the much-needed article, “Greenwashed“) all about the “Locavore” movement. And finally, we review the newest mock meats on the market: Match Meat and Gardein. We hope that you’ll listen!

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