Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

In this episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin (celebrating her birthday) and Mariann deliver a delightfully chaotic news roundup featuring animals who seem to be staging their own revolution. From escaped lab monkeys to surfboard-stealing sea otters in Santa Cruz, the duo explores these wild and emotional stories alongside significant animal rights victories. Between Broadway tangents and birthday celebrations, they share…

This week on Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives headfirst into the media’s convenient climate amnesia, where apparently animal agriculture’s massive emissions are just too spicy for mainstream coverage. A mere 3.8% of climate articles dare mention meat production—shocking absolutely no one who’s been paying attention. Meanwhile, the agricultural industry clutches its pearls at being called out, with one writer genuinely suggesting…

In this enlightening conversation, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Jessica Culpepper, Executive Director of FarmSTAND, about their unique approach to dismantling industrial animal agriculture through legal advocacy that unites multiple stakeholders. Culpepper shares how FarmSTAND strategically challenges the systems that enable animal exploitation by representing workers, communities, and animals simultaneously—creating powerful coalitions against corporate interests that typically divide these groups. Rather than…

In this thought-provoking interview, Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan speak with Liv Baker and Kristin Stewart from PAN Works about their groundbreaking “animal trusteeship” framework – a new approach that transforms how we advocate for wild animals in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Key Points: Wildlife Representation Framework: Pan Works has developed an innovative animal trusteeship model that gives wild…

In this week’s episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann balance the melancholy of fall with a lively rundown of animal rights news. Between linguistic deep dives and Jasmin’s theatrical preparations (complete with “lozengers” of questionable etymology), the duo delivers updates that actually matter for animals. They discuss the USDA’s increasingly toothless enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, celebrate the…

In this week’s sardonic serving of Rising Anxieties, Mariann dives into the absurdist theater that is animal agriculture PR. From a tone-deaf defense of “necessary” mutilations (apparently clipping animals’ teeth is just like childproofing your home—who knew?), to some flattering paranoia about our movement’s supposed wealth and power, to the truly disturbing footage uncovered by Animal Partisan showing law enforcement conspiring…

In this powerful episode, we speak with legendary investigator Gail Eisnitz about her new memoir, Out of Sight: An Undercover Investigator’s Fight for Animal Rights and Her Own Survival. Eisnitz shares her remarkable journey from HSUS writer to becoming their only female national investigator, and ultimately chief investigator for the Humane Farming Association, all while battling an undiagnosed visual processing disorder.…

In this episode of The Hen Report, Jimmy Videle joins the hens to discuss veganic farming at his Québec farm where he grows food without animal inputs, introduces his new book “Preserving Our Sacred Lands,” and shares details about the upcoming Veganic Summit (November 7-9). The hosts also cover Zoe Rosenberg’s animal rescue trial receiving coverage in the San Francisco Chronicle…

In this revealing episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan peels back the paper-thin veneer of PR to expose what’s really making Big Meat break into a sweat. From industry giants simultaneously fighting and adopting plant-based alternatives to the hilariously transparent attempts to convince consumers that dairy cows don’t actually care about their calves (spoiler alert: they absolutely do), we’re treated to…

This episode explores the vision and priorities of Tracy Reiman, PETA‘s new president with over three decades of experience in animal advocacy. In this compelling conversation, Reiman shares insights into PETA’s evolving strategies to reach younger generations through innovative technology, while continuing their groundbreaking work through investigations, campaigns, and legal action. With 10.4 million members worldwide, PETA remains focused on creating…

In this week’s episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann navigate everything from protein powder debates to theories of change in animal activism with their signature blend of warmth and wit. The duo shares breaking news about Jane Goodall’s passing at 91—reflecting on her revolutionary approach to animal research and advocacy—while lamenting environmental organizations’ persistent reluctance to directly address animal…

In this spirited episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan ditches the intro song and dives headfirst into the media’s maddening blind spots around animal agriculture. With her trademark blend of righteous indignation and sharp wit, Mariann unpacks how mainstream outlets consistently fail to connect the dots between soy production, deforestation, and animal feed—all while industry spin doctors work overtime to rebrand…

In this thought-provoking episode of the Animal Law Podcast, we dive into a First Amendment case that cuts straight to the heart of animal advocacy: can the government prevent activists from showing the public what actually happens to animals in industrial agriculture? Mariann speaks with Sara Berinhout of FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) and John Greil of the University…

From horse-drawn carriages finally facing political opposition in NYC to innovative cultivated meat farms in the Netherlands, this week’s Hen Report serves up a feast of animal rights news with a side of irreverent commentary. Jasmin and Mariann dive into Kenny Torrella’s eye-opening Vox article quantifying chicken suffering (spoiler alert: it’s worse than you think), celebrate animal rights pioneer Jim Mason’s…

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives headfirst into the meat industry’s surveillance state that would make Big Brother blush. From the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s creepy database of 2,400 activists (complete with tracking their romantic partners) to their direct line to the FBI, we discover that taking photos of farm conditions is now considered “extreme activity” while the…

Our Hen House presents an eye-opening conversation about the growing movement to limit factory farming through state legislation, focusing on New York’s efforts while exploring the broader national implications. This episode explores how advocates are working to address the environmental devastation and animal suffering caused by industrial animal agriculture through policy change. This episode explores: The details of New York’s proposed…

In this candid conversation, Jasmin and Mariann explore how animal advocates maintain their focus during politically challenging times, reminding listeners that their commitment to changing the world for animals remains central even when everything else feels overwhelming. This episode explores: How animal rights activism provides perspective during politically tumultuous times Zoe Rosenberg’s trial for rescuing chickens from a Purdue slaughterhouse Colombia’s…

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, we go on a whirlwind tour through the meat industry’s latest absurdities. From a meat industry writer’s hilariously misguided claim about “the first real science fiction movie” to the EPA’s disturbing rollback of slaughterhouse waste regulations (because nothing says “unleashing prosperity” like animal blood in the water supply), Mariann doesn’t hold back. The episode culminates…

What happens when a casual vegan dinner leads to one of the most significant open rescue cases in US animal rights history? This week, we’re joined by Adam Durand, who went from rule-following citizen to jailbird activist after exposing conditions at Wegmans Egg Farm back in 2004. Adam shares the wild journey of sneaking into a factory farm with a ragtag…

In this week’s episode of The Hen Report, we welcome back our favorite constitutional law scholar and wingman Michael Dorf to dish about the viral saga of Peanut the Squirrel. What started as a heartbreaking story about a beloved social media star squirrel and his raccoon friend Fred—both killed by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation under troubling circumstances—turned into a…

In this week’s emotional rollercoaster of righteous indignation, Mariann dives headfirst into the meat industry’s latest shenanigans. From legal battles over lab-grown meat to the absurdity of milk being crowned official state beverage in 20 states (water, anyone?), to the heartbreaking reality of dairy farm fatalities, this episode serves up a buffet of reasons why the meat industry should be nervous.…

In her eye-opening book, Rethinking Rescue, journalist Carol Mithers examines how poverty and economic inequality create impossible choices for pet owners who love their animals but lack resources to keep them. Through the remarkable story of Lori Wiese, who pioneered community-based animal care in Los Angeles’ most underserved neighborhoods, Mithers demonstrates not only that we can’t adopt our way out of…

In this eye-opening episode of The Hen Report, hosts Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan welcome back Jan Dutkiewicz, professor of political science at Pratt Institute and co-author of the forthcoming book Feed the People: Why Industrial Food is Good and How to Make it Even Better. The conversation centers on a problematic New York Times article about animal rights activism in…

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan examines several developments causing concern within the meat industry. From evolving shareholder activism tactics to questionable comparisons between cultivated meat and lab-grown diamonds, the episode reveals how animal agriculture interests are responding to various challenges while continuing to rely on government support and biased media coverage. This episode explores: The evolution of…

This episode of the Animal Law Podcast features Christopher Berry, Executive Director of the Nonhuman Rights Project, discussing a groundbreaking court case that recognizes companion animals as family members in certain legal contexts. Mariann and Christopher explore how this New York decision challenges decades of precedent that treated beloved pets as mere property rather than family, potentially opening new doors for…

In this week’s Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann weave through a tapestry of topics with their signature blend of wit and passion. From Rochester’s unseasonably cold August weather to the legal victory against “Alligator Alcatraz,” the conversation takes delightful detours while tackling serious issues like the persistent protein myths still plaguing vegans and the complexities of meat reduction trends worldwide. This…

In this week’s episode of Rising Anxieties, we examine the meat industry’s growing concerns. From water scarcity issues affecting livestock-heavy regions to unexpected anti-vax policy changes impacting animal agriculture, Mariann walks listeners through the headlines that have industry executives worried. The episode covers everything from depleting aquifers in agricultural states to the prosecution of mink liberation activists, while also exploring challenges…

This episode explores the powerful connections between factory farming, political repression, and the rise of authoritarianism with award-winning investigative journalist Will Potter. In a thought-provoking conversation about his new book Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable, Potter reveals how his decade-long investigation uncovered the dangerous intersection between industrial agriculture and fascist movements. With authenticity and passion, Mariann…

This episode features a conversation with Michael Dorf, Cornell Law School professor and animal advocate, who shares insights from his presentations at Vegan Summerfest. Jasmin and Mariann discuss their upcoming “staycation” plans while reflecting on the early days of Our Hen House. This episode explores: How human rights frameworks can be applied to animal rights advocacy The nationwide shelter crisis and…

In this heartwarming episode, Jasmin and Mariann welcome Sherri Franklin, founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. What began with just 27 dogs in Sherri’s kitchen has transformed into a revolutionary cage-free shelter in San Francisco that now rescues more than 27 dogs every week. Through Sherri’s…

In this delightfully candid episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann dive into a mix of animal rights victories, personal news, and the peculiarities of content creation in the digital age. Episode Highlights: Jasmin’s Big News: Jasmin reveals she’ll be playing Judy Garland in “End of the Rainbow” at Center Stage Theater in Rochester this December. Fur Industry Collapse: Discussion…

In this week’s delightfully disturbing dive into animal agriculture’s paranoia, Mariann Sullivan unpacks the industry’s latest pearl-clutching over those pesky activists who have the audacity to…checks notes…document actual conditions on farms. Gasp! From Canadian farmers fretting about undercover investigations to Perdue shaping chicken meat into cute sea creatures while the plant-based industry gets crucified for “confusing” labeling, the hypocrisy reaches ocean…

In this collaborative episode with Animal Policy Alliance, Our Hen House explores the critical defensive battles being waged in state legislatures to protect animals from harmful agricultural industry bills. From blocking anti-drone legislation in Missouri to defeating rabbit farming expansion in Connecticut, our guests share their strategies for legislative success despite being outspent and outmaneuvered by powerful industry interests. Successfully blocked…

In this episode of The Hen Report, Mariann and Jasmin welcome back Richard “Kudo” Couto of Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) for a crucial follow-up to his interview from episode 819. When Kudo first appeared on the show, his major investigation into Woodcrest Dairy was just breaking, and he couldn’t share all the details. Now he returns to reveal how ARM’s…

In this week’s Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the theater of the absurd that is animal agriculture politics. From the Trump administration’s laughable attempt to blame California’s cage-free egg laws for nationwide price hikes (spoiler alert: it’s actually bird flu), to pork industry lobbyists desperately trying to justify their existence by fighting animal welfare laws nobody asked them to fight.…

In this compelling episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Elise Bennett, Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, about the lawsuit challenging the controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades. Bennett details how this hastily constructed center in Big Cypress National Preserve threatens endangered species, water quality, and the integrity of a crucial ecosystem that has received billions in restoration funding…

In this compelling episode, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Elise Bennett, Senior Attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, about the lawsuit challenging the controversial immigration detention facility in Florida’s Everglades. Bennett details how this hastily constructed center in Big Cypress National Preserve threatens endangered species, water quality, and the integrity of a crucial ecosystem that has received billions in restoration funding…

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the agricultural industry’s latest pearl-clutching moments. From state fair organizers panicking over PETA’s “Hell on Wheels” truck to a farmer claiming slaughterhouse screams are “edited,” this episode exposes the absurd lengths the animal agriculture industry will go to avoid confronting reality. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s is suing activists, and politicians are suggesting…

This week we dive into the mysterious kingdom of fungi with infectious enthusiasm and scientific precision. Our conversation with ecologist Aishwarya Veerabahu takes us on a journey from underground mycelial networks to the emerging world of mushroom-based alternatives to animal products. The unique perspective bridges the gap between ecological understanding and animal rights, demonstrating how our relationship with the fungal world…

In a world seemingly drowning in sordid headlines, Jasmin and Mariann take a refreshing dive into some genuinely positive developments for animals. From chimpanzees finally escaping laboratory confinement to plant-based milk options becoming more accessible in schools, this episode serves up a welcome plate of good news with just enough irreverent commentary to keep it real. The hosts navigate through victories…

In this delightfully sardonic edition of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan takes us on a whirlwind tour through the landscape of animal agriculture’s latest woes. From the Trump administration’s absurd lawsuit blaming California’s modest animal welfare laws (not bird flu!) for egg price hikes, to the stomach-turning news of deadly salmonella outbreaks from those same eggs, this episode showcases the industry’s spectacular…

In this thought-provoking episode of Our Hen House, Mariann Sullivan interviews philosopher John Sanbonmatsu about his groundbreaking book The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong About Meat, Animals, and Ourselves. With intellectual rigor and a touch of irreverence, Sanbonmatsu dismantles the cultural narratives that keep some people comfortably consuming animals while knowing better. From exposing the “humane meat” mythology popularized by…

In this delightfully chaotic episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan stumble through podcast identity confusion before diving into pressing animal rights news and media recommendations. The pair balance serious discussions about animal welfare trade policies and methane production with lighthearted moments about Jasmin’s new senior dog adoption and her “Hens Before Mens” t-shirt that sparks unexpected veganism…

In this week’s parched edition of Rising Anxieties, Mariann dives into the meat industry’s growing water crisis – where aquifers are disappearing faster than industry excuses. While Texas suffers floods, livestock regions face exceptional drought conditions with vital aquifers dropping several feet annually. The meat industry’s brilliant solution? Water-free animals and air-to-water technology! Meanwhile, lab-grown salmon makes a splash in Portland’s…

In this spirited episode, Jasmin introduces her newest family member—a senior Chihuahua named June—while Mariann delivers both encouraging and concerning news from the animal rights world. The duo dives into Kenny Torrella’s thought-provoking Vox article about the surprising effectiveness of showing people the reality of factory farming through well-made documentaries like Dominion, challenging current conventional wisdom about animal advocacy strategies. They…

In this episode of Rising Anxieties, Mariann Sullivan dives into the latest concerns from the animal agriculture industry—and what’s concerning us about them. From beef producers lobbying for the “Big Beautiful Bill” that would allow them to pass on up to $30 million tax-free to their heirs, to the American Butter Institute’s meltdown over Country Crock’s dairy-free products, the industry’s anxieties…

In a groundbreaking episode of The Animal Law Podcast, we explored radical new concepts that could fundamentally transform how constitutional law treats animals. Host Mariann Sullivan welcomed Cambridge University’s Raffael Fasel and Queen Mary University’s John Adenitire to discuss their book “Animals and the Constitution: Towards Sentience-Based Constitutionalism” – a work that challenges centuries of legal tradition by proposing constitutional frameworks…

In this lively episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann swap stories from Vermont road trips to unexpected animal activism, all while tackling the psychological framing of veganism and celebrating rare wins for wildlife. Between family dinner dynamics and debunking anti-vegan psychology, our hosts remind us why standing firm in our ethics isn’t a “psychological prison” but rather a path…

This week on Rising Anxieties, we dive into the agricultural industry’s panic attack over Trump’s flip-flopping immigration policies. From ICE raids causing dairy farm labor shortages to the bizarre 1300% surge in white South African H-2A visa workers, the industry’s self-interest is on full display. Financial institutions wielding their power against conventional animal agriculture practices The flesh-eating screwworm nightmare threatening to…

The fearless founder of Animal Recovery Mission takes no prisoners in his quest to expose the darkest corners of animal exploitation. Richard “Kudo” Couto, a former Miami Beach real estate developer turned undercover investigator, joins us to reveal how his organization infiltrates illegal slaughterhouses, exposes factory farm abuses, and challenges corporate giants like Coca-Cola’s Fairlife. From Miami’s underground horse meat trade…