The Animal Liberation Hour by AAM

Animal Activism Mentorship

The Animal Liberation Hour seeks insight from animal rights and liberation activists around the world so that we can think, reflect, learn, and be inspired.

This podcast is a project of Animal Activism Mentorship. Want to learn more about animal rights activism? Visit our website and sign up for a mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.com

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Episodes

Episode 37 - Maddie Krasno
Dec 18 2023
Episode 37 - Maddie Krasno
How can the animal advocacy movement create a safe space for those who used to work in industries that exploit animals and now seek to advocate for the best interest of animals and change the system?What are the roadblocks that keep them from speaking up?Why are conversations on mental health and support often ignored and what can we as activists do to address this void?What was Maddie's journey going from a former primate laboratory worker to an animal sanctuary work?We explore all this and more in this insightful conversation with Maddie Krasno, co-founder of the non-profit, Justify, which seeks to empower folks who desire to speak up but fear retaliation from their places of work and animal activists.Maddie also discusses her ongoing free speech lawsuits with the University of Wisconsin Madison and the National Institutes of Health for suppressing her voice when sharing her experiences working in a primate research laboratory during her undergraduate days. To learn more about Maddie and her work, follow her on:InstagramTwitterLearn more about her non-profit, Justify:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInMaddie's ongoing lawsuit: Animal Law podcastRecommended read: Voracious Science and Vulnerable Animals- Dr. John GluckAAM Linktree (follow us, donate, bookshop, merch store, future events, and more):linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work monthly: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipTo keep up with the podcast, follow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.Join the conversation in the Animal Activism Mentorship Community facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start?Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comPlease remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 34 - Dr. Faraz Harsini
Nov 27 2023
Episode 34 - Dr. Faraz Harsini
Tune into this exciting conversation with AAM mentor and dedicated animal activist, Dr. Faraz Harsini.Dr. Harsini delves into his history in various social justice movements in his hometown in Iran that led him to the Animal Liberation cause. With a doctorate in Biomedical Sciences focusing on Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics and extensive background as a biomedical scientist in pharmaceutical companies,  involvement in clinical trials, and more, Dr. Harsini's expertise has been immensely valuable in advocating for the need to transition away from using animals in biomedical research toward ethical, human-relevant methods. He is currently a Cultivated Meat Bioprocessing Senior Scientist at the Good Food Institute.He is also the Founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), a nonprofit seeking to establish a national network of animal advocate students at universities and empowering them to pursue professional careers where their knowledge and expertise will benefit countless animals.We even talk about his @SelenaGomez tweet that made him go viral on social media AND raised awareness of the importance of respecting and being kind to all species!Check the links below to connect with and learn more about Dr. Harsini's important work and to get involved with Allied Scholars for Animal Protection:Dr. Harsini:WebsiteInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokLinkedInASAP:WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookYouTubeLinkedInWe hope you enjoy this insightful conversation with the brilliant Dr. Harsini!AAM Linktree (follow us, donate, bookshop, merch store, future events, and more):linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work monthly: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipTo keep up with the podcast, follow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.Join the conversation in the Animal Activism Mentorship Community facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start?Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comPlease remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 32 - Samaran Thamarai
Nov 13 2023
Episode 32 - Samaran Thamarai
Today, we have the honor of speaking with a remarkable Animal Liberation activist from Chennai, India- Samaran Thamarai.When Samaran realized that "ethical vegetarianism" didn't align with his stance against ALL animal exploitation, he decided to dedicate his work and commitment to Animal Liberation. Since then, he has given various radio and television interviews on mainstream platforms in Chennai, been invited as a guest speaker at universities, and organized regular outreach events in public spaces to spread the social justice message of Animal Liberation.In this conversation, we talk about-Samaran's story that inspired his activismReligious misperceptions when it comes to how certain animal species are considered superior to othersCaste and religion-based roots of vegetarian dietsWhy vegans for animal liberation must oppose the beef ban in IndiaAnd so much more!Folks can follow and support Samaran and his organization, LIFE- Liberation and Independence for Earthlings- on social media.Samaran: InstagramTwitter/XAAM Linktree (follow us, donate, bookshop, merch store, future events, and more):linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work monthly: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipTo keep up with the podcast, follow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.Join the conversation in the Animal Activism Mentorship Community facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start?Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comPlease remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 29 - Jessica Scott-Reid
Aug 22 2022
Episode 29 - Jessica Scott-Reid
Journalism is a powerful tool to spread the Animal Rights message and our guest, Jessica Scott-Reid does just that! Jessica's passion for food, culture, and the environment led her into exploring these topics and writing about responsible food choices. Naturally, she learned that this responsibility extends to the animals who are raised for various forms of consumption.She broke free from the "humane" myth, and the "cage-free/free-range" fallacies and made it her mission to expose the unpleasant truths of animal agriculture through her writing.  Whether they are sourced locally, or from a factory farm, Jessica urges her readers to recognize that there is no "right, kind, or humane" way to exploit animals.Jessica's work has been published in several mainstream platforms including Vox, CBC, and Toronto Star, to name a few. She is also a regular contributor to Sentient Media, a  leading Animal Rights media platform.In this conversation, Jessica addresses some of the challenges of bringing Animal Rights issues into the "mainstream media," and offers sage advice to aspiring and seasoned writers who care deeply about Animal Rights and want to make their voices heard on behalf of the animals. It's time to pick up your mighty pen and write to save the animals!Follow Jessica on Instagram and Twitter.Resources from Jessica:Animal Justice—Canada’s only national animal law advocacy organization, Paw and Order podcast (no longer recording)Animal Justice Academy------Upcoming AAM Events:Ohio Occurrence: Sep 2 - Sep 4For more information on these events, our online workshops, and much more, visit our Linktree:linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipFollow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube to keep up with the podcast. Join the conversation in the AAM club on Clubhouse and the Animal Activism Mentorship Community Facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start? Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comAAM is fueled by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement).Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 27 - Gemunu de Silva
Aug 8 2022
Episode 27 - Gemunu de Silva
Tune in to what may be one of AAM mentor and podcast co-host Shriya's top favorite interviews! Joining us is a hidden "gem" of the Animal Liberation movement—veteran filmmaker and undercover investigator, Gemunu de Silva.Gem is a trailblazer, whose investigative work propelled the field of undercover investigations in Animal Rights.  He has worked with several international animal protection groups, obtaining critical footage for a variety of their campaigns. Later on, Gem founded Tracks Investigations, a contract agency that works with animal protection groups around the globe on various undercover projects. To date, Tracks have completed over 260 investigative film projects for many different animal rights and protection organizations in more than 50 countries, AND have been instrumental in ensuring multiple groundbreaking legislations to protect our fellow creatures on the planet.In this interview, Gem recalls his entry into Animal Rights as a punk aficionado passionate about social justice,  early days with the hunt saboteurs, and experiences as a man of Sri Lankan descent at the dawn of the grassroots animal rights era in the UK, and much more. His words of wisdom and dedication to the power of undercover work ignite a drive to celebrate our talents and skills and utilize them to the fullest to fight for Animal Liberation.Follow Tracks Investigation on Instagram and Twitter Check out some of Tracks' investigations and Gem's early documentary work here.-------Upcoming AAM Events:Ohio Occurrence: Sep 2 - Sep 4For more information on these events, our online workshops, and much more, visit our Linktree:linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipFollow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube to keep up with the podcast. Join the conversation in the AAM club on Clubhouse and the Animal Activism Mentorship Community Facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start? Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comAAM is fueled by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement).Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 26 - M.C Ronen
Aug 1 2022
Episode 26 - M.C Ronen
Maya Cohen-Ronen (pen name M. C Ronen) is a New Zealand based author. She has been vegan since 2012 and an animal rights activist not long after. Maya is one of the founding organisers of the Wellington chapter of the Animal Save Movement, and partakes in slaughterhouse vigils, animal rights marches, street outreach, protests, and disruptions. She is the author of ‘The Liberation Trilogy’ (‘The Shed’, ‘Liberation’, and ‘It Was In Our Hands’), a thrilling dystopian suspense series with a strong vegan/ animal rights message.Host Trey Morrow talks with Ronen about creative activism, why she decided to write vegan fiction, her books ‘The Liberation Trilogy’, and so much more.Maya’s website: https://mcronenauthor.comThe Liberation Trilogy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092DXFKWYMaya on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCRonenMaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcronen_activist_authorAAM Linktree:linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipTo keep up with the podcast, follow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Join the conversation in the AAM club on Clubhouse and the Animal Activism Mentorship Community facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start? Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comAAM is fueled by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement).Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 25 - Iye Bako
Jul 25 2022
Episode 25 - Iye Bako
Join this insightful discussion with Collective Liberation and Social Justice Activist, Iye Bako. In this chat with host Shriya, Iye recalls how her health journey propelled her entry into Animal Rights, addresses the importance of representation in the movement, emphasizes the power of seeking inspiration from and collaborating with other social justice movements, and drives home the message that all oppression is interconnected. But that doesn't have to be a daunting undertaking. Because by pulling a single thread in the fabric of oppression, we can untangle and dismantle ALL oppression. A just, equitable, vegan world is one where every living, feeling, sentient being is granted the respect they inherently deserve.Check out Iye's recommended resources for embracing inclusivity within the Animal Rights movement: Christopher SebastianIsaias Hernandez (@queerbrownvegan)Total Liberation Podcast by Mexie,Vegan Warrior Princesses Attack (no longer make new episodes)The Bearded Vegans (no longer make new episodes)Books by Aph and Syl Ko— Aphro-ism, and Racism as Zoological WitchcraftFollow Iye on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and support her work here.-------Upcoming AAM Events:Chicago Convergence: July 29 - Aug 7Ohio Occurrence: Sep 2 - Sep 4For more information on these events, our online workshops, and much more, visit our Linktree:linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipFollow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube to keep up with the podcast. Join the conversation in the AAM club on Clubhouse and the Animal Activism Mentorship Community Facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start? Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comAAM is fueled by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement).Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 24 - Rama Ganesan
Jul 18 2022
Episode 24 - Rama Ganesan
Host Shriya is joined by former vivisectionist, turned Anti-Caste, and Animal Rights activist Rama Ganesan. Rama comes from a South Indian background where hierarchy based on caste is prevalent. After reading Eating Animals by Jonathon Safran Foer, she decided that veganism resonated with her ethical beliefs on how one must show up in this world. Since then, Rama has been expanding her activism to reach communities less discussed in the mainstream Animal Rights movement—the South Asian diaspora inflicted by the oppressions of Casteism.While the normalcy of vegetarianism in India is celebrated in the Animal Rights communities, Rama urges activists to reconsider this narrative and recognize its hidden core that is rooted in inherent speciesism, commodification, and exploitation of humans and animals by societal elites.We talked about why it's imperative that the vegan movement incorporates an Anti-Caste stance, the humane myth that may underlie the word "ahimsa," and Rama's views on incorporating facets of different cultures that may not truly be rooted in collective compassion and respect for all beings.There is so much fascinating history in this chat and we hope this conversation offers nuanced insight into often overlooked perspectives on the relationship between consuming animals and one's status in society.Check out Rama's literary work here.Rama's Recommended Reads: Annihilation of Caste, Book Excerpt- Read what Ambedkar wrote on why Brahmins started worshipping the cow and gave up eating beef Follow and reach out to Rama on Instagram, Facebook------Upcoming AAM Events:Chicago Convergence: July 29 - Aug 7Ohio Occurrence: Sep 2 - Sep 4For more information on these events, our online workshops, and much more, visit our Linktree:linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipFollow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube to keep up with the podcast. Join the conversation in the AAM club on Clubhouse and the Animal Activism Mentorship Community Facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start? Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comAAM is fueled by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement).Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!
Episode 21 - Jane Velez-Mitchell
Jun 27 2022
Episode 21 - Jane Velez-Mitchell
Join us in kickstarting Season 3 of The Animal Liberation Hour with the intrepid Jane Velez-Mitchell! In this conversation, Jane tells us how her childhood, journey through sobriety, and deep connection with animals all coalesced into her path to activism. She comes with years of experience in the "mainstream media," where she brought countless Animal Rights issues front and center. After a successful career in conventional media outlets, she decided to embark on creating an exclusive space for all things vegan, plant-based, environmentalism, and activism. Hence, Unchained TV (formerly Jane Unchained) was born! Unchained TV is a resource-rich platform that profiles vegan activists and celebrities and reports on animal rights news, issues, organizations, campaigns, protests, vigils, conferences, galas, VegFests, and restaurants. The mission is to bring vital information that is often ignored by advertiser-based mainstream media to the world's fingertips without any hassle.Jane's platform is behind the award-winning vegan cooking show New Day New Chef on Amazon Prime, the distinguished documentary Countdown to Year Zero, and several other revolutionary ventures to create the scale of awareness needed to save our planet.UnChainedTV is available as a FREE, downloadable App on your iPhone, Android phone, or via Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, the Apple TV device, AndroidTV, and LG Smart TVs with WebOS. Learn how to download Unchained TV on your device here.Connect with Jane: jane@unchainedtv.comFollow Unchained TV: Instagram, Facebook, TwitterWe hope you are inspired by this fascinating chat with Jane!Upcoming AAM Events:Chicago Convergence: July 29 - Aug 7Ohio Occurrence: Sep 2 - Sep 4For more information on these events, our online workshops, and much more, visit our Linktree:linktr.ee/animalactivismmentorshipTo support our work: Patreon.com/AnimalActivismMentorshipFollow @AnimalActivismMentorship on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube to keep up with the podcast. Join the conversation in the AAM club on Clubhouse and the Animal Activism Mentorship Community Facebook group.Want to get active for the animals but don't know where to start? Sign up for a free mentor at AnimalActivismMentorship.comAAM is fueled by FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement).Please remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast!