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!

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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!

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. 

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 100^th 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!

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 100^th 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. 

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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 

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

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 20^th 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!

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 

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″

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. 

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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!