Thrive Vegan World

We explore Aiyana's evolution from mainstream vegan activism to their creative projects centring anti-speciesism and collective liberation. Aiyana guides us through some of the concepts and language from her recently published book. In ‘Radical Companionship: Rejecting Pethood & Embracing Our Multispecies World', Aiyana offers a theory and praxis of how we can develop more respectful relationships with others through an anti-speciesist lens, with particular focus on individuals he terms as 'colonised into pethood'.

Corey shares her research on the professionalisation of animal rights organisations and how this is detrimental to a radical abolitionist message. We explore the importance of an evidence based focus for effective activism, and why the science backs an interconnected approach. We discuss the sociology of the movement through a vegan feminist lens and look at how we can dismantle the misogyny within. Corey shares insights on how we can challenge the invisibilisation of non human animals in history through a re imagining and retelling of their stories. 

Michelle shares how a passion to spread the animal rights message led her and husband Josh to found Herbivore Clothing  and more recently to co-create the animal-free cook book 'Eat Like You Give A Damn'. We hear of the challenges of running a vegan business, including navigating ethical entrepreneurship within an oppressive capitalist system. We explore Michelle's work with Wildwood Farm Sanctuary, as well as her role with The Raven Corps, a youth-led total liberation activist community.

Exploring how scientific findings on other animal cognition and behaviour can inform our advocacy in the animal liberation movement.  We hear insights on how human exceptionalism - 'the rage of inhumanity' - is detrimental to free-living, captive and 'homed' animals, and how we might foster more respectful relationships and learn to better co-exist with them. Marc shares some remarkable stories from his extensive field work observing the complex and familiar nature of other animal's emotional lives.

We discuss the claims that the movement is becoming too human-centred with its focus on diet, health and human experiences of oppression. Carol shares why she believes promoting veganism for health is problematic, and why we are failing other animals if we refuse to use an interconnected approach in our advocacy. We also explore how vegan-feminism is helping us move towards animal liberation and social justice, and look at the resistance of non-vegan feminists to Carol's work beyond the species barrier.

Carol discusses some of the themes of her revolutionary book, The Sexual Politics of Meat, including the inextricable link between misogyny and speciesism. We explore how understanding masculinity and meat, feminised protein and the function of the 'absent referent' is so important to dismantling these interconnected oppressions. Carol also gives her views on why, despite parallels between human and non-human oppression, making direct comparisons in our advocacy could be counterproductive to our goals.

pattrice shares her journey from her early activism in the LGBTQ+ and antiracist movements to educating on social justice issues and co-founding VINE Sanctuary. We explore why pattrice advocates a contextual & interconnected approach to animal liberation through the lens of a failed campaign to save two oxen, as detailed in her remarkable book 'The Oxen at the Intersection'. We discuss how the ecofeminist ethic of care fits with the concept of moral rights for other animals. Through the tales of some of the survivors resident at VINE, we hear how their courage, resilience and their relationships with each other could better inform our allyship.  

Exploring Lynda's recent paper, The Peppa Pig Paradox, and how children are socialised into loving other animals whilst learning to normalise their use and consumption. Given the powerful social forces at play, we consider how we can start to break the cycle of conditioning to create a new narrative. Lynda shares the challenges of raising a child with vegan values in a non-vegan world. We hear of lessons learned as a long term animal rights campaigner, and how scholar activists can bridge the gap between theory and activism.

We hear about Kristof's research into the psychology of human-animal relations and how Social Dominance Orientation and Right Wing Authoritarianism influence oppressive behaviours, including speciesism. We explore through a psychological lens why, despite powerful socialisation, some individuals are awakened to the injustice perpetrated on other animals and break from societal norms to embrace veganism, and how this might inform effective advocacy for behavioural change in others.

Mylan shares his journey from an upbringing in a family of hunters and pig farmers to philosophy professor and ethical vegan. We explore the importance of morality in achieving social change, and whether an understanding of 'rights based' theory is necessary for effective advocacy.   We hear how Mylan's work in animal, environmental and food ethics has informed his understanding of how we can connect to non-vegans through shared values and positive marketing strategies. And we explore the role of emotion in our moral considerations, and whether reasoned thinking alone is enough to effect behavioural change.  

We explore the psychology of speciesism. How are we able to use, kill and consume some other animals whilst claiming to love others? Many people are upset by what happens in the animal use industries, yet they don't change their behaviour. How can we explain this? What stops vegetarians and pescatarians going vegan? Were lapsed vegans ever truly ethical vegans? Maria gives us an insight into the strategies we use when navigating the moral emotions that arise when faced with the clash of our values and behaviours. We explore the importance of the language we use in our advocacy, and it's potential to be both harmful and ineffective, as well as a powerful tool for social change. And we discuss how we might communicate our message more effectively in order to progress our movement, including the importance of getting feedback from outside our bubble.

Louise paints a colourful picture (including a garlic devotee supply teacher and a hair raising experience at the Boar's Head pub) of her path to becoming vegan and an animal rights activist. From her innate connection to other animals as a child, to her entry into radical activism as a teenager.  We pass through tales of a laboratory raid that led to Louise's arrest, and how her letters to imprisoned animal rights activist and founder of the ALF, Ronnie Lee, were the start of a budding romance. Louise tells us of the inspiration behind the launch of Greyhound Action, whose campaigns have played an important part in the dismantling of the dog racing industry in the UK. We explore the value of single issue campaigns, the importance of a consistent anti-speciesist message, and closing the gap between animal rights, environmental and other social justice movements.  

Marking the podcast's anniversary with a subject that was my, and my guest's, entry into the Animal Rights movement.  Mel Broughton has been at the heart of campaigning for the abolition of animal testing for 4 decades. This dedication has not come without a price. Mel has served time both in prison and on license, living under severe restrictions, for his part in some of those campaigns. This year marks the seventeenth anniversary of SPEAK, founded by Mel to be a voice for the animals who are held captive and hidden away in laboratories. SPEAK have since had a consistent, weekly presence outside the Oxford laboratory. Anti-vivisection used to be a corner-stone of the Animal Rights movement, and yet in more recent years has become all but invisible. This is something that concerns both Mel and me, as well as many other activists. In this podcast, we explore a little of the history of the anti-vivisection movement and how it became the catalyst for the burgeoning radical Animal Rights movement, how it got left by the wayside after the hard hitting campaigns of the 80s & 90s, the positive drive for change within the scientific community, and what the AR movement can do to send a clear, strong message against animal testing. CW brief references to the distressing violations that other animals endure in laboratories.

Exploring: How a wealth of investigative journalism, human rights and environmental activism informed Pamela's animal rights activism. The complex entanglements of oppression and neoliberalism, and the struggle for huge systemic change. The importance of language in challenging the dominant speciesist culture. Empowering activists, and the importance of curiosity and learning to the growth and evolution of the movement.  

Exploring: Jennifer's vegan ‘awakening' and a calling to advocate for our fellow animals. Art as activism to deliver a strong animal rights & vegan message. How humour in our advocacy can help us reach non vegans, and be a life saving stress release. The trauma of our exposure to graphic footage, and whether this is an effective strategy when advocating to the public. Why creative expression, connecting to our purpose and regularly breaking from the mind chatter, are so important for our health & well-being.

Exploring: How Lynn's background in farming and hunting led her to animal rights activism and veganism. The importance of trust and support between activists for resilient individuals and a sustainable movement. Individual empowerment and self-reliance for effective, non-hierarchical activism. Passing through Lynn's experiences of sabbing, sustaining life changing injuries, and huge personal sacrifice in the name of activism. CW: Killing of other animals and activists. Activist Trauma. Sexual Abuse.    

Welcoming back vegan psychologist, Clare Mann, to explore how we can better navigate the relational challenges we face in our daily lives as vegans and animal rights advocates. Looking at ways to improve all our relationships including: - -the one with ourselves - the importance of self care and community. -with our fellow animals - how to relate more respectfully, and why 'love' may. not be the best focus of our advocacy. -with other vegans - discoursing on difficult issues without the toxicity that is rife on social media. -with non-vegans - being effective advocates and finding empathy for those we see as complicit in the oppression we stand against.

Exploring: Tom's evolution within activism from organiser of an Anonymous for the Voiceless chapter, to co-founding grassroots group Surrey Animal Liberation Alliance. Taking animal rights advocacy to the younger generations through educative school talks. How Tom's counselling experience has given him invaluable communications skills for his activism as well as strategies for dealing with the difficult emotions experienced as a vegan in a pre-vegan world. Being a panelist on the Animal Rights Show, and the importance of continual personal growth and learning to becoming better allies for social justice. The importance of supporting those providing sanctuary to the other animals.  

Exploring: The team's personal visions for a vegan world, and why trying to end cruelty to other animals will not bring us closer to this. How the Animal Rights Show intends to bring more 'rights-based rights' to the movement, and empower individuals to advocate for respect and justice for our fellow animals. In our (not so) quick-fire round we get to know the team a little better  - passing through tales of a reincarnated duck-billed platypus, a pregnant spider, and people who just bloody ought to be vegan!  The biggest challenges along with the best things about living vegan.

Exploring: What living vegan means to the team. The importance of understanding and staying true to the principles of original vegan pioneers. The changing landscape of veganism as it comes into mainstream awareness. Is the proliferation of vegan products instrumental in bringing about a vegan world, or merely feeding the oppressive, capitalist monster. The relationship between animal rights and veganism - are they synonymous? Should we advocate for 'baby steps' towards veganism and what is the baseline for calling ourselves vegan?

Exploring: The burden of knowing and the distress of living vegan in a non-vegan world, an existential experience that Clare calls Vystopia. The importance of understanding human psychology and breaking the trance when advocating for our fellow animals. The role of cruelty in our activism - a necessary evil, or a hindrance to animal rights? Is expanding human empathy the fundamental key to ending speciesism? And just how did Bob Geldoff hold the key to Clare's veganism?  

We talk about how the tragic death of Animal Rights activist, Regan Russell, inspired Orlando and team to organise a global running event in her memory. Orlando shares how 2 inspiring, badass vegan writers led him to a total shift in mindset and to find an unexpected passion for running. We explore why showing up is way more important than our results alone, and how living in service to others ultimately helps transform our relationship with ourselves.  

Exploring: What's in a name? Where does the Animal ‘Welfare' Party stand on Animal Rights? The concept of kinship, the importance of being a citizen of the earth, and the impact of taking the ‘no-flight pledge'. The current political landscape for our fellow animals, and why Jane will be marching on Parliament with Animal Rebellion. How Jane has turned regretful childhood experiences into inspiration to write an anti-speciesist children's book. The importance of standing in our truth, appreciating and learning from all our experiences and knowing that nothing is wasted. Passing through tales of hedgehogs highways, roads for toads, a badger brigade and respectful rodent relocation.

Exploring: How funding salaried mentors for local grassroots groups could radically change the direction of the movement. Why environmentalism can't be ignored if we are to achieve animal liberation. The incompatibility of vegan ethics and a capitalist system, and why the movement needs to align with leftist values. Tune in for a smattering of ancient Chinese proverbs, a serving of cold tea, a dose of Ronnie's infectious laugh and a surprise visit from Izzy, an elbow biting terrorist. 

Exploring: Ronnie's early days as an Animal Rights Activist and the birth of the ALF.  His experiences in prison, why he went on hunger strike, and how the ALF actions affected the movement. The importance of vegan education and local grassroots advocacy. We pass through stories of peanut butter prohibition, sheep dog karmic revenge and flour bomb terror. And look out for a cameo appearance by damage expert activist Misty cat.      

Exploring How Nella discovered purpose in adversity and why living purposefully is fundamental to our wellbeing and fulfilment. Nella's experiences of activism in Greece and why local grassroots activism is essential if we are to be effective. Why new activists can learn a lot from the movement's history and seek inspiration and wisdom from more experienced advocates. The importance of aligning with our values as individuals, and being clear and consistent in our message against oppression.  Amplifying female voices within a male dominated, though predominantly female, movement.

Exploring: How we can better amplify the voices of our fellow animals and respectfully centre them at the heart of our activism.  How to frame our advocacy more positively with a ‘rights-based' approach, as opposed to the more widespread language and tactics of ‘welfarism'. The importance of breaking expectations of how we see our fellow animals, and the language we use about them, to shine a light on the unique individuals they are.  The inspiration and intentions behind Jeremy's latest project with Roger Yates and others, The Animal Rights Show - a discussion based platform for AR Activists.  With lashings of “bunny ears”, and a dollop of pineapple and ice cream .  VeganInteractions.com        

Roger Yates has been an ethical vegan and rights-based animal advocate since the late 1970s. Roger shares with us his path into the AR movement and veganism, and gives us an insight into the often overlooked radical nature of the early vegan pioneers. We explore the confusion in the movement, and ask whether we actually have an Animal Rights Movement at all. Roger gives his perspectives on celebrity vegan culture, large international organisations and why grassroots activism is the backbone of the movement. From wasps to Gary Glitter, via Tom Regan, ALF and a blow to the head from a police baton, Roger talks candidly, and with a generous slice of humour.

Exploring: How we can capitalise on a difficult situation, like the Covid19 outbreak, and the changes it has brought to our lives, and not only survive, but come out the other side stronger than ever. What if we choose to see this as a Pattern Interrupt and a beautiful opportunity to re-evaluate our lives and course correct? Practical steps we can take, not just in these challenging times, but at any time in our lives, in order to thrive.  

Mother animals are exploited for their very ability to be mothers.  They are used again and again for the breeding of more animals to continue the cycle of exploitation across many industries. Their babies are stolen from them. Their bodies are commodified for their milk or eggs, and eventually for their very flesh.  What did they do to deserve these lives of misery?  Nothing, except to be born female, and into a different species.   Juliet has witnessed first hand the plight of mothers in factory farms and shares her experiences of her undercover investigations. She also tells some heart-warming, funny and occasionally tragic tales of some of the mothers she has had the privelege to rescue.  We hear of the strong bonds and fierce protectiveness of non-human animals towards their children. With a glimpse into their unique personalities, Juliet leaves us in no doubt of the individuality of these beautiful beings, and the love they have for their families.     

Exploring:  James' bumpy road into veganism fuelled by beans and Oreos. Being the best version of yourself and the importance of self care. Staying positive about changing the plight of animals in the face of harsh reality. The paradox of finding empathy for the oppressor and the oppressed. Finding a healthy balance between emotional mastery and emotional expression. The story behind the creation of James' first film project, 'Planet Vegan', and James' mission to empower a new generation of activists. The heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of the rescue of Zuli hen.  

Talking: Rose's Earthlings experiences, having big lady balls, and being rude to an Oscar winning actor! Is it really a war between vegans and farmers and how do we shift this relationship to have a positive impact for animals? Why animal welfare is dangerous to animal rights. Her role with Animal Rebellion, their mission for system change and the importance of taking imperfect steps. Avoiding burnout, and finding balance. Finding appreciation for our journey, including our failures, and realising that nothing is wasted. Roses new entrepreneurial vegan venture!

Mel Broughton, co founder of SPEAC, now SPEAK, is a long standing vegan and dedicated Animal Rights Activist of 40 years. We explore: The early days of the AR movement, being forged in the back of cramped, smelly vans on the way to hunt sabbing events, fuelled by those sophisticated vegan options Trailmix, nuts and bread rolls! The relentless drive to stand against injustice and the personal costs of hard-hitting activism. Rising to the challenges of prison life, and using the struggles as a catalyst for positive change. And why veganism is essential, but not the whole story for the Animal Rights movement.  

John Awen is a published author, public speaker for animal rights and veganism, vegan nutritionist and Beneath the Wood animal sanctuary co-owner. John openly shares with us his story of drug addiction, violence and experiences of animal slaughter, to his spiritual and vegan awakening, and journey into animal rights/vegan advocacy. His story is an inspiring example of how when you hit rock bottom, if you just get up and keep going, gifts and rewards, not to mention personal growth and evolution, await you on the other side. 

Talking about Jordi's recent court ruling on protection for ethical vegans and what that could mean for vegans worldwide.  Learning to use guilt to empower you and be a better version of you. How embracing life's challenges is the path to happiness.  And Jordi reveals the surprising and unexpected (and perhaps supernatural!) catalyst that led him on his path to veganism! Jordi's continuing legal costs are relying on crowd funding. He has already made history and helped set the legal wheels in motion for the protection of ethical vegans, which will have huge ripple effects.  If you want to help, please use the following link: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/securing-protection-for-vegans/

Alex's story is an incredible example of how following your gut really does change your life.  We talk about Alex's brave leap of faith on his path to independent, ethical film making. How making the connection with animals changed his life forever. His obsession with all things cheese and the challenges of his vegan journey.  And just what is it like with all those paps in your face on the red carpet of the BAFTAS? Lockwoodfilm.com