Best Animal Rights Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 367: PETA TALKS WITH DR. JOHN GLUCK ON SCIENCE AND ETHICS 1:10:31

1h ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Dr. John P. Gluck was honored with PETA's Trailblazing Advocacy Award in 2021 for being a shining example of ethics in science. In this conversation with Emil Guillermo, Dr. Gluck-- a one-time animal experimenter who studied with the infamous Harry Harlow--describes his transformation from an animal experimenter to a compassionate bioethicist commi…

1
Saving North Atlantic Right Whales featuring Sheryl Fink 18:32

1d ago18:32

18:32

North Atlantic Right Whales are at extreme risk of extinction, with only around 370 individuals and around 70 reproductive females. According to RightWhales.org, over 142 individuals have been injured or died since 2017 – a shocking 35% of the current population. Fortunately, individuals like Sheryl Fink of the International Fund for Animal Welfare…

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The Power of Play: Using Improv to Strengthen Animal Advocacy with Zoe Novic and Austin Meyer 1:33:55

4d ago1:33:55

1:33:55

In this engaging episode, documentary filmmaker Austin Meyer and sanctuary director Zoe Novic share how improvisation techniques can revolutionize animal advocacy. From their work leading “Advocacy Playground” workshops at the Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit to Austin’s compelling animal-focused documentaries, the couple demonstrates how creativit…

1
Ep. 366: PETA's Cargo Act Cuts Waste and Cruelty 15:20

6d ago15:20

15:20

CARGO Act stands for "Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas." When PETA uncovered the waste and cruelty, a bill was introduced by Democrats and Republicans that could save billions spent by NIH (National Institutes of Health) Take action on the CARGO act. Go to PETA.org. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all…

1
The Switch: Meal Planning to Reduce Food Waste 3:52

8d ago3:52

3:52

Canadians waste a ton of food - literally! Learn how meal planning can reduce food waste, save you money, and reduce your impact on emissions and climate change by listening now. SHOW NOTES: LoveFoodHateWaste.ca: https://lovefoodhatewaste.ca/ Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at [email protected], by vi…

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Rethinking Rat Control: Wildlife Conservation and Compassionate Solutions with Dr. Bec Gooley 1:36:54

11d ago1:36:54

1:36:54

In this eye-opening episode, conservation scientist Dr. Bec Gooley challenges our perceptions of one of the most maligned animals – rats. From debunking disease myths to exposing the devastating environmental impact of rodenticides, Dr. Gooley shares groundbreaking research about how rat poisons are affecting entire ecosystems. As both a scientist …

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Ep. 365: Back From Obesity: A Vegan's Tale 33:12

14d ago33:12

33:12

She was 5-foot-8-inches and 264 pounds. She thought she was on the road to health. However, Stephanie was an obese vegan who needed to pay attention to the fat content in her diet. And she knew it was a matter of life and death. Find out how to go vegan and get your starter kit at PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights or…

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Episode 234: Gender and animals with Chloë Taylor 34:08

15d ago34:08

34:08

This episode's guest is Professor Chloë Taylor, a scholar of gender studies and critical animal studies at the University of Alberta, as well as one of the editors of the Animal Politics book series at Sydney University Press, who are sponsors of Knowing Animals. We explore the 2024 Routledge Companion to Gender and Animals, which Chloë edited.…

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Biodiversity and Urban Connectivity feat. Dr. Thami Croeser and Dr. Holly Kirk 53:46

15d ago53:46

53:46

Enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is a critical step in improving our ecosystems, resilience against the climate crisis, and ensuring nature exposure for residents. But how do you increase biodiversity on pavement? According to two researchers, it can start with stepping stones. Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk tackled this issue and showed th…

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The Truth About Regenerative Grazing with Jennifer Molidor and Ashley Capps 1:29:39

18d ago1:29:39

1:29:39

In this essential episode for animal advocates, environmental experts Jennifer Molidor (Center for Biological Diversity) and Ashley Capps (A Well Fed World) expose how the meat industry uses “regenerative grazing” claims to greenwash factory farming. From debunking myths about grass-fed beef to revealing the devastating impact of cattle grazing on …

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Ep.364: Don't Leave Them Out in the Cold: PETA Tips to Keep Animals Safe 34:46

20d ago34:46

34:46

Dogs are being reported dead in Michigan and Indiana. And that's just the ones that get reported. Don't leave your animal companions out in the cold. Simple tips that will show you care and keep your animals alive. Emil talks with Emily Allen of PETA's CAP program. If you see an animal out in the cold, contact peta.org. See the impact of the cold w…

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The Case of the Thirsty Elk: Saving Point Reyes’ Tule Elk with Chris Green and Rebecca Garverman 1:10:56

21d ago1:10:56

1:10:56

Chris Green and Rebecca Garverman join us this week to talk about a case that managed to catch the attention not only of the public at large but of a number of lawyers and, after a great deal of hard work, resulted in a historic victory. You may have heard about the plight of the Tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore. These extraordinary animal…

1
Dealing With Winter Drafts 3:16

22d ago3:16

3:16

Cold drafts in winter aren’t only unpleasant, they could be costing you money and wasting energy. Listen now to The Switch to hear how to quickly identify and deal with a draft. SHOW NOTES: Photo of a door equipped with two types of draft stoppers by AndreyPopov / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at DefenderRa…

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Plant-Based Medicine and Healthcare Reform with Dr. Zach Burns 1:36:59

25d ago1:36:59

1:36:59

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with family physician Dr. Zach Burns about transforming healthcare through plant-based nutrition. From examining the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on medical education to exploring practical solutions for chronic disease prevention, discover how integrating lifestyle medicine could revolutionize our app…

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Ep. 363: Halting Cambodian Monkey Trade for Lab Experiments 26:47

27d ago26:47

26:47

With PETA’s help an international trade org is stopping the Cambodian Monkey trade, a move that would protect an endangered species and lead to an end to lab experimentation. Dr. Lisa Jones Engel explains in this conversation with Emil Guillermo. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is …

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Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways To Love A Mink feat. Dr. Nadja Lubiw-Hazard 32:17

29d ago32:17

32:17

One day at school, 7-year-old animal loving Georgia discovers her best friend is wearing a coat made with mink fur; with the companionship of her dog Tizzy, Georgia and her friend begin to learn about animals that live in fur farms – and that they must stand up for them. Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love A Mink is the lovely chapter book by NML Ha…

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Insect Sentience with Bob Fischer

1M ago

—

Philosopher and researcher Bob Fischer joins us to explore the fascinating and complex world of insect consciousness. From fruit flies being used as depression models to bees playing with marbles, discover how new science is challenging everything we thought we knew about sentience. Through candid discussion about the scale of insect farming, the e…

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Ep. 362: Emil talks with Dominck Thompson About Going Vegan 29:49

1M ago29:49

29:49

Are you keeping your New Year's resolution to go vegan? If you're struggling, you need some inspiration: "Eat Like Elephants Eat," by Dominick Thompson. He learned how to be vegan in prison. Part II of Emil's conversation with Dominick. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million …

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Season 11 Coming Soon! 1:14

1M ago1:14

1:14

I’m excited to announce season 11 of Defender Radio and The Switch is going live this month! You’ll be hearing long-form interviews from expert scientists around the world talking about wildlife behaviour, population dynamics, and the environment. We’ll be exploring ways you can reduce your impact on the climate crisis and become more resilient thr…

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Building an Animal Rights Community Center: Sue Spahr and Wishbone Lab 1:28:19

1M ago1:28:19

1:28:19

Step inside Toronto’s Wishbone Animal Rights Lab, an innovative 1,270-square-foot activist hub providing everything from recording equipment to fake blood (yes, really) for animal advocates. This groundbreaking community space serves as a prototype for activist centers worldwide, combining practical resources with a strict “no drama” policy and the…

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Ep.361: Plant-based Journey Begins in Prison--Dominick Thompson's "Eat What Elephants Eat." 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

Dominick Thompson's gang life caught up with him and he served hard time in federal prison. But it was there that he found his true self as a vegan. In part 1 of our conversation, he talks about how taking responsibility for his bad choices changed his life. Thompson's book, "Eat What Elephants Eat," shares his story and his recipes. It's now avail…

1
Episode 233: Animals and the climate crisis with Richard Twine 35:40

1M ago35:40

35:40

This episode features a returning guest: someone who first appeared on Knowing Animals nearly nine years ago, in February 2016. Dr Richard Twine is a Reader in Sociology at Edge Hill University in the UK. He’ll be well-known to lots of regular listeners of this podcast for the work he’s done championing the discipline of critical animal studies. Hi…

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“Meet the Neighbors”: Exploring Animal Intelligence with Brandon Keim 1:29:09

2M ago1:29:09

1:29:09

Science journalist and author Brandon Keim joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book “Meet the Neighbors,” exploring how recognizing animals as thinking, feeling beings transforms our relationship with nature. From urban wildlife to conservation ethics, Keim bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding of animal intelligen…

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Ep. 360 "Chimp Crazy," is Rolling Stone's Top True Crime Series for 2024; But made it happen? A PETA Whistleblower. 57:58

2M ago57:58

57:58

"Chimp Crazy" was just named by Rolling Stone as the No.1 True Crime docu/series for 2024. So in honor of that and the New Year, we hear again from Angela Scott, who tells the story of how a 19-year-old girl with a passion for chimpanzees was able to expose the cruelty and criminality that drove the narrative in "Chimp Crazy." It's the power of the…

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The Hen Report: “Look back, but don’t stare” – A New Year’s Conversation 1:00:23

2M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

In this special year-end episode, Jasmin and Mariann reflect on Our Hen House’s journey through 2024 while looking ahead to 2025. From discussing standout interviews and emerging food technology to examining media coverage of animal issues, our hosts provide their unique perspectives on the state of animal advocacy. Their candid conversation balanc…

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The Case of the Cultivated Chicken with Paul Sherman 1:05:17

2M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Paul Sherman, senior attorney with the public interest law firm The Institute for Justice, joins us this week to discuss the legal battle over cultivated meat in Florida. Paul is leading the landmark lawsuit brought by UPSIDE Foods, challenging Florida’s controversial statute that criminalizes (criminalizes!) the production and sale of USDA-approve…

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Exposing Animal Research: From Lab Worker to Activist with Maddie Krasno 1:15:57

2M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Whistleblower and animal rights advocate Maddie Krasno exposes the dark reality of animal experimentation in university research facilities. After caring for 500+ primates at UW-Madison’s testing laboratories, Krasno reveals how the industry systematically silences workers while continuing questionable experiments with taxpayer funding. Now, as co-…

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Ep. 359: Captain Paul Watson is Free, But Not Yet the Whales and Orca 52:42

2M ago52:42

52:42

Captain Paul Watson was freed from a Danish prison in Greenland after five months in custody for attempting to save whales. The Japanese whaling industry advocated for his arrest and extradition. But Denmark finally refused and let Watson free. Hear Watson's passion in this reprise of our conversation on his book, "Orcapedia." Other related PETA Po…

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Factory Farming’s Hidden Link: Investigating Livestock Auctions with Pete Paxton and Cailen LaBarge 1:26:26

2M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Undercover investigator Pete Paxton and attorney Cailen LaBarge from Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development (SEED) discuss their groundbreaking investigation of livestock auctions across America. After infiltrating 17 auctions in 10 states, they reveal how these largely overlooked facilities serve as crucial links in industrial animal…

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Ep. 358: Alpha Genesis? PETA Whistleblower Exposes South Carolina Company's Cruelty and Mismanagement 21:28

2M ago21:28

21:28

When 43 monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis, a monkey supplier in South Carolina, the company went silent, and the news stopped. Now, a whistleblower has given PETA hundreds of pages of documents exposing the company's mismanagement and cruelty to animals. Will the company be shut down now? What you need to know about Alpha Genesis. And why it's imp…

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Age Like a Yogi with Victoria Moran: Veganism, Spirituality, and Animal Rights 1:42:18

2M ago1:42:18

1:42:18

Vegan pioneer Victoria Moran discusses her new book “Age Like a Yogi” and explores how yoga’s principle of non-violence (ahimsa) connects with animal advocacy. Drawing from 40 years of activism, Victoria shares how spiritual practices can sustain long-term advocacy while preventing burnout. Key topics include: Why yoga philosophy naturally leads to…

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Ep. 357: Don't Leave Them Out in the Cold: PETA's Tips to Keep Your Animal Companions Safe and Warm 34:53

3M ago34:53

34:53

Don't leave your animal companions out in the cold. Simple tips that will show you care and keep your animals alive. Emil talks with Emily Allen of PETA's CAP program. See more about the CAP program on PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million strong and growing. This i…

1
Episode 232: Postanimal companion species with Liza Bauer 37:25

3M ago37:25

37:25

Dr Liza Bauer is the scientific manager of the Panel on Planetary Thinking project at the University of Giessen in Germany, having recently completed a PhD on literary animal studies at the same institution. In this episode, we discuss her book Livestock and Literature: Reimagining Postanimal Companion Species, which was published by Palgrave Macmi…

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Animal Rights in Europe with Benny Andersson 1:23:51

3M ago1:23:51

1:23:51

Join Our Hen House for an illuminating conversation with Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882 (aka Djurens Rätt), Sweden’s largest animal rights organization. Learn how this groundbreaking organization combines grassroots vegan activism with corporate outreach and legislative advocacy to create meaningful change for animals across Europe. ABOUT OUR…

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Ep. 356: PETA'S Vegan Thanksgiving Without Turkey Or Ozempic--Thanks to Dr. Barnard's Power Foods 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

Happy Thanksgiving! We give thanks for good information. You don't need Turkey or Ozempic, or even Wegovy to enjoy the traditional holiday meal. Dr. Neal Barnard talks about power foods that are vegan, and avoids all those drugs. Not to mention a turkey on the table. See more about turkeys this season here. The truth about turkeys. A Butterball inv…

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Animal Law Podcast 114: The Case of the Not-So-Clean Water Act 1:00:53

3M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Emily Miller of Food and Water Watch joins us to talk about Food and Water Watch v EPA, which involves the Clean Water Act and why, when it comes to one particular industry (guess which one!), it is so ineffective in guarding our water from being polluted with outright filth. Whether it comes to the failure to require factory farms to get permits o…

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Thanksgiving Special – Sanctuary: A Radio Play 42:45

3M ago42:45

42:45

We are thrilled to present this very special holiday episode of Sanctuary: A Radio Play, an annual Thanksgiving tradition at Our Hen House! This special performance marks the world premiere of John Yunker’s Sanctuary at New York City’s Symphony Space during the Culture & Animals Foundation’s Compassion Arts Festival. ABOUT THE PLAY A dark comedy by…

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Combatting Misinformation with Robbie Lockie 1:41:46

3M ago1:41:46

1:41:46

Misinformation, disinformation, fake news, outright lies. When it comes to the horrific harms caused by factory farms, the truth can be hard to come by. This week, we are joined by Robbie Lockie to discuss The Freedom Food Alliance, which is helping both consumers and policymakers get the real story. ABOUT OUR GUEST Robbie Lockie is the founder and…

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Ep. 355: Oreos Vegan But Not Cruelty Free? PETA Wants To Change the Food Industry 23:05

3M ago23:05

23:05

Oreos may be vegan, but they aren't cruelty-free. Parent company Mondelez is now under pressure from PETA. Dr. Frances Cheng, PETA scientist, explains the ridiculous experiments being done on animals and how you can stop them. Cheng also owns a small vegan restaurant and says if you prefer cruelty-free products like cosmetics, you should check out …

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Hungry, Beautiful Animals with Matthew Halteman 1:48:02

3M ago1:48:02

1:48:02

Is the key to reaching more people with a vegan message to stop talking about the horrors that we want to end and start talking more about what we want to create? That’s what Matthew Halteman is aiming for with his new book Hungry, Beautiful Animals, and he joins us this week to discuss details of the book and his theory of change. ABOUT OUR GUEST …

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Ep. 354: PETA Plan To Save Loose South Carolina Monkeys 28:58

3M ago28:58

28:58

The PETA plan to save the monkeys running loose in South Carolina is on the table. But will Alpha Genesis,the company contracted to NIH, concede and allow the monkeys to be saved. PETA monkey expert Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel in conversation with Emil Guillermo. Learn more about the South Carolina monkey situation. Go to PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, t…

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Lady Freethinker Combats Cruelty with Nina Jackel 1:12:54

3M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

From unmasking fake “rescues” on social media to getting stories placed in major media outlets, the work of Lady Freethinker tells people all over the world about some of the worst things that are happening to animals and, crucially, what they can do about it. This week, we are joined by Nina Jackel to hear about her work publicizing and fighting t…

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Ep. 353: PETA Pressure Ends Upcharge on Vegan Milk at Starbucks 25:46

3M ago25:46

25:46

PETA campaign forces Starbucks to end upcharge on vegan milk starting Nov. 7. Emil Guillermo talks with PETA's Amanda Brody. Learn more about the upcharge protest, and go vegan. Go to PETA.org The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million strong and growing. This is the place to fin…

1
Episode 231: The edge of sentience with Jonathan Birch 36:00

4M ago36:00

36:00

This episode features Professor Jonathan Birch of the Department of Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Jonathan is a philosopher of science who will be best known to an animal studies audience for his work on the science of sentience. This includes his 2021 report Review of the Evidence…

1
The Hen Report: “Don’t ask me that. You’re not going to like the answer.” 1:18:01

4M ago1:18:01

1:18:01

Join us this week as Jasmin and Mariann discuss the latest news from the world of animal rights. Plus, we share Jasmin’s keynote address to the Rochester UN as a special treat. RESOURCES Vegan Posse podcast on Youtube Animal Law Podcast #113 Tracking the U.S. bird flu outbreak has been hard. It’s about to get harder Exclusive: State and industry in…

1
Ep.352: With PETA Assist, First City In Nation Bans "Tortured Breeding" 31:09

4M ago31:09

31:09

The City of Ojai, California, became the first in the U.S. to ban tortured breeding. With PETA's help, the Companion Animal Protection Ordinance is a reality, following the example in many European countries. The new law stops the growth of BIBs and keeps breeders at bay so that animal suffering can end. What's a BIB? Listen now. The PETA Podcast P…

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Animal Law Podcast 113: The Case of the Cows Who Sought Sanctuary 1:19:00

4M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Wayne Hsiung and Justin Marceau are joining us on this episode to talk about the criminal prosecution of Tracy Murphy, founder and director of Asha’s Farm Sanctuary in Newfane, New York, for supposedly stealing two cows who wandered onto her property seeking, you guessed it, sanctuary. You have probably heard of this case, but maybe, like me, you d…

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The Goat Conspiracy with Nicole Schonemann 1:19:14

4M ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Turning a goat dairy farm into a goat sanctuary isn’t something that happens every day. But that’s exactly what just happened in Bloomington, Indiana, and Nicole Schonemann is here to share the whole beautiful story. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nicole Schonemann is one of the four original founders of the Goat Conspiracy, a former goat dairy farm in Bloomingto…

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Ep. 351-- PETA: Pig Parts No Answer to Transplantation Snafus 23:58

4M ago23:58

23:58

The transplantation system in the U.S. is dysfunctional. What the Senate found and what should be done now. The PETA Podcast PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization with all its global entities, is 9 million strong and growing. This is the place to find out why. Hear from insiders, thought leaders, activists, investigators, politicians…

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Planted Society with Britty Mann 1:07:32

4M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

More vegan options for everybody? Yes, please!!! Britty Mann of Planted Society joins us to tell us about their Plant Based for the Planet Initiative, which encourages local restaurants to put delicious plant-based options on the menu. ABOUT OUR GUEST Britty Mann is the Founder & Executive Director of Planted Society, a nonprofit whose mission is m…

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