The Vegan Report

We travel to Lebanon to meet an amazing animal rights activist who is harnessing the power of social media to spread the vegan message across the Arab world. Her name is Maya Kawas, she is a Muay Thai fighter and a journalist with over 300K followers on Instagram.We discussed her most recent viral video and the crazy reactions it got from across the Middle East. The gender dynamics in Arab cultures. The Beginning of her vegan journey when her friend was sacrificed for a religious holiday. And much more.Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maya_kawas/Maya's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayaxkawasFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshow

Rakefet Cohen Ben-Are, research manager at the China Vegan Society, delves into three key tactics of effective advocacy: the concept of vegan default, the identifiable victim effect and making plant-based shopping more convenient. China Vegan Society: https://www.chinavegans.org/China Vegan Society’s report: https://rakefet.life/ChinaVeganSocietyReport2025Identified victim effect: https://rakefet.life/IdentifiedVictimVegan defaults: https://rakefet.life/DefaultChinaVeganSummitLet's connect: rakefetc.biu@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakefetcohen/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Alisia from Pixabay

Today, we lift the veil on a world of lies, confusion, spying, corruption and hypocrisy. We expose the Meat Dairy and Egg social media war strategy unleashed against vegans. A real conspiracy of PR Firms, scientists, health experts, environmental organizations and more.To tackle this issue, I have with me Maddy Haughton-Boakes, a Senior Campaigner at Changing Markets Foundation. Changing Markets has been doing amazing work investigating, documenting and reporting on the current mis and dis-information campaign about food systems.For more conversations like this, follow and subscribe to the show. Please consider leaving a good review. And share this episode with the vegans you know. We need to alert our movement of these cowardly tactics.Changing Markets' Reports: https://changingmarkets.org/campaigns/climate-misinformation/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Grand_Project from Pixabay

Which is the most effective animal charity out there? The one that has moved the animal rights movement forward the most.Well, for the last 12 consecutive years, there is one animal charity that has been evaluated and recommended again and again and again by Animal Charity Evaluators and its name is The Humane League. Think of them as the smart kid of the class always getting an A+That got me curious. Why has it been deemed such a successful charity? What explains their success?To get some answers, I have with me none other than the CEO of the Humane League, Dan Shannon. Dan and I discussed, among other things, who is his favorite employee, does he think big ag spies on his non-profit, the secret agenda of the welfare reforms he is passing and how he takes care of the mental health of his employees.Donate to the Humane League: https://donate.thehumaneleague.org/donate#Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Brian Cradden from Pixabay

These charities work in ways that are most likely to produce the greatest gains for animals, actively evaluate and improve their programs, and have a demonstrated need for more funding.Learn more about Animal Charity Evaluators: https://animalcharityevaluators.org/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Alisia from Pixabay

What is your idea of the perfect vegan date?Well, I have a suggestion for you. On the weekend of December 6 & 7 the Vegan Christmas Market of Montreal will be in full bloom. It is a delicious initiative bringing together the entire vegan community of Quebec, including many new food vegan entrepreneurs eager to test their products. And I will be there to try everything.This is an amazing opportunity to kick off the holiday season and meet inspiring vegans. Starting with An Pham, the founder of The Vegan Christmas market, as well as Bodhi Gourmet and BOÏDA Outwear.I sat down with her to discuss the 2025 edition of the Market, like the surprises waiting for us. We also talked about Beyond Meat, and the bad press surrounding it. Why mock-meat is not just for new vegans. How dating carnists may be the most effective form of vegan activism. And much more.A special thank you to the restaurant Chai-Yo, which opened its doors for us before opening hours. Sign Up to the 2025 Vegan Christmas Market: https://www.marchenoelvegane.com/Discover Chai-Yo: https://www.chai-yo.ca/Inviting Carnists to the Vegan Christmas Market. With An Pham | Ep. 57 https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/1771742/The Making of The Vegan Christmas Market of Montreal & Toronto. With An Pham | Ep. 20 https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/1232754/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Aspie Duck from Pixabay

Elin Pöllänen is the co-author of the only study exploring the link between the use of psychedelics and how we treat animals. The study is titled "Classic Psychedelics and Human-Animal Relations". Read the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9266040/Access Kieli's music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SZafIXhqrZdZg4VAFI6cl?si=QUvf1RWQT76OdAO5HTrhXQSpecial thanks to Cynthia, Adam (https://www.easyforanimals.com/), Astrid, Christopher (https://nolumberjacks.com/) and Andreas for voicing the testimonials!Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshow

The Party Scientist is an entrepreneur, an event planner who has organized (might still be operating) many hiking raves. I discovered him on Instagram, where he regularly promotes his hiking raves through multiple accounts. He opened my eyes on the new trend of hiking raves, a form of animal cruelty I wish to denounce.Authorities put damper on hike rave: https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/authorities-put-damper-on-hike-rave-3055859Why Chickens Don't Belong in your Backyard. https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/2214334/My message to Jacques:Hi Jacques,My name is Rayane, and I am messaging you today about the hiking raves you organize.I am happy for your success. However, can you please consider that your forest raves are disturbing countless animals and insects?Human-generated sounds negatively impacts animals by interfering with communication, foraging, navigation, and reproduction, potentially leading to stress, habitat abandonment, and even injury or death.By avoiding loud music or screams in the forest, you are providing a safe and peaceful environment for innocent beings who struggle to survive.Maybe your groups could wear headphones or organize those raves in the artificial environment of a greenhouse or glasshouse.I hope this message finds you well.Thank you,RayaneFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshow

Corey Lee Wrenn, PhD is an American sociologist specializing in animals and society, the animal rights movement, ecofeminism, and vegan studies.Visit Dr. Coree Lee Wrenn's website: www.coreyleewrenn.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyleewrennYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoreyWrennA Rational Approach to Animal Rights (Palgrave 2016) Piecemeal Protest (University of Michigan Press 2019) Animals in Irish Society (SUNY Press 2021) Vegan Witchcraft (Routledge 2026)Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Alisia from Pixabay

Dr. Vasile T. Stănescu is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Mercer University. His research examines the intersections of climate change, capitalism, and animal agriculture, with a particular focus on corporate greenwashing and environmental communication.Unparalleled Suffering is a multimedia producer who focuses on the plight of nonhuman animals who suffer intentionally violent and degrading acts by humans. He has extensively documented animal welfare conditions across numerous farming operations.Subscribe to Vasile's substack: https://winforanimals.substack.com/Listen to Vasile's Podcast: https://www.winforanimals.orgDiscover Unparalleled Suffering's portfolio: https://www.unparalleledsuffering.org/Covert Art Picture from Unparalleled Suffering.Green Eggs and Ham (critiques locavorism and "humane" farming, and discusses the conservative origins of the humane farming movement): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388722129_Green_Eggs_and_Ham_The_Myth_of_Sustainable_Meat_and_the_Danger_of_the_LocalSelling Eden: Environmentalism, Local Meat, and the Postcommodity Fetish: https://www.researchgate.netpublication/331415819_Selling_Eden_Environmentalism_Local_Meat_and_the_Postcommodity_FetishWhite Power Milk (discusses the connection between the right wing and the consumption of dairy and meat): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363267122_Animal_Studies_Journal_'White_Power_Milk'_Milk_Dietary_Racism_and_the_'_Alt-Right'_'White_Power_Milk'_Milk_Dietary_Racism_and_the_'Alt-Right'The Omnivore's Deception: https://www.johnsanbonmatsu.com/the-omnivores-deception.htmlFarmed to Fable: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32149324-farm-to-fableThe Ultimate Betrayal: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18087473-the-ultimate-betrayalHappy Meat, Humane Animal Research, and Other Myths: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/216748533-happy-meat-humane-animal-research-and-other-mythsMusic by Rockot from Pixabay

Animetrics is a women-led research and capacity-building organization, founded in 2023 by two economists from Türkiye with PhDs.We specialize in economics, impact evaluation, and research tailored to local contexts. We help animal advocates, especially in the Majority World (also called the ‘Global South') and Muslim communities, use evidence to strengthen their work. Most of the world’s farmed animals live in these regions, yet resources for advocacy are limited. We’re here to change that.Visit Animetrics Now: https://www.animetrics.org/Follow Animetrics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animetrics.research/Follow Animetrics on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animetrics-research/Email Animetrics: hello@animetrics.orgFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Alisia from Pixabay

According to a 2017 survey, 73% of vegans self-identify as atheists or agnostics.That’s why I know this might not be the most popular opinion, but I deeply believe that leading a spiritual practice is not only a powerful way to deal with the struggle of being an outspoken vegan in a non-vegan world, but also an essential part of a happy healthy life.To discuss the power of spirituality, I am joined by Victoria Moran. Victoria is a longtime animal activist, successful author (she has written more than 13 books!), fellow podcaster (she is host of the Main Street Vegan podcast), and yogi, During the interview, Victoria references many great resources to kick start your spiritual journey. Visit the episode's note to access each of her recommendations and connect with her.As always, I invite you to follow the show. Share the podcast with the staunch atheists you know and spark a conversation. Leave a good review. Every gesture of support is appreciated, thank you.Connect with Victoria Moran: https://victoriamoran.com/Listen to the Main Street Podcast: https://mainstreetvegan.com/category/podcast/Discover Victoria's books: https://victoriamoran.com/books-and-articles/A Prayer for Compassion (documentary): https://youtu.be/KuTpNGIbp-w?si=ODujxy2d6a2e87vCThe impersonal life (book): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/552115/the-impersonal-life-by-joseph-s-benner/9780143131113Vegetarian Christian Saints (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1572385.Vegetarian_Christian_SaintsThe Razor’s Edge (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31196.The_Razor_s_EdgeA Parenthesis in Eternity: https://www.joelgoldsmithbooks.com/product/a-parenthesis-in-eternityInterfaith Vegan Coalition: https://www.idausa.org/campaign/sustainable-activism/interfaith-vegan-coalition/Compassion Consortium: https://www.compassionconsortium.org/Music by KonstantinosP from Pixabay

Seth Ariel Green is a research scientist at the Humane and Sustainable Food Lab.Humane and Sustainable Food Lab: https://www.foodlabstanford.com/The first paper I'm talking about: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666325003861?via%3DihubThe second: https://osf.io/z6rn2_v1Maya Mathur, who runs the lab: https://www.mayamathur.com/Andrew Jalil, whom I mention in contexts of Jalil et al. 2023: https://www.oxy.edu/academics/faculty/andrew-jalilThat paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-023-00712-1Gregg Sparkman, whom I name drop: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/faculty-directory/gregg-sparkman.htmlAnderson & Nelander: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4336/12/1/2Piester et al. (2020): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666319312115When I talk about Maya running several default studies, probably this is a good one to link to: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.1001157/fullI mention a study on changing the size of the serving spoons: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-22495-9Gwern’s laws of social evaluations: https://gwern.net/doc/sociology/1987-rossiFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Alisia from Pixabay

Today, we compare two different approaches to advancing the environmental cause from two vegan giants: Jane Goodall and David Attenborough. CORRECTION: David Attenborough is not vegan. "(...) though he has significantly reduced his meat consumption for environmental reasons and recommends plant-based diets. He no longer eats red meat and consumes cheese and fish, a decision he has called a "middle-class hypocrisy" given his public advocacy."Both have released documentaries focused on the climate crisis, animal welfare, and their personal journeys into activism. Jane Goodall's documentary, The Hope, is available on YouTube. David Attenborough's A Life on Our Planet, is on Netflix. You’ll find the links in the episode notes.To discuss this topic, I’m joined by the amazing Alex Ventimilla Sanchez, professor in the Department of English & Film Studies at the University of Alberta. We talked about the stereotype of the Ecological Indian, the apocalyptic predictions environmentalists love to make, the collapse of humanity's birthrates, the role of plant-based diets and animal welfare in the environmental cause, and much more.Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ventimilla/The Hope - Jane Goodall: https://youtu.be/4ST6pqfCTy0?si=9s-k21fN35XuFxh3David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/80216393Dismantling Indigenous Stereotypes: Indigeneity and the Environment: https://www.fewforchange.org/blog/2021/11/dismantling-indigenous-stereotypes-indigeneity-and-the-environmentFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowJurassic Park Is Not Just a Movie. With Alex Ventimilla | Ep. 85 https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/2139762/Music by Tunetank from Pixabay

I have a Big Announcement to make! In addition to the usual Tuesday episodes, I invite you to tune in every Wednesday for a special episode about the science of activism.Every Wednesday, I will give the microphone to researchers who study the effectiveness of animal advocacy and vegan activism. Learn from them what are the best, and worst ways to make a positive difference in the world.Since starting this podcast, I have come across strong - some would even say stubborn - opinions on what the way forward looks like. I even developed my own strong opinions.But this is our reality check. A way to verify if our beliefs are backed by evidence and check if our perception of reality is not distorted.So connect every Wednesday and become the most informed and effective activist out there. Thank you.Björn Jóhann┃Researcher-Writer, Animal Advocate: https://www.bjornjohann.com/More Than Meats The Eye | Björn | Substack: https://bjornjohannolafsson.substack.com/The Research on Nudges: How Plant-Based Defaults Work | Better Food Foundation: https://www.betterfoodfoundation.org/research-and-reports/research-plant-based-defaults-work/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X! https://x.com/veganreportshowFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Alisia from Pixabay

Throughout her life and remarkable career, Jane inspired generations of scientists, brought hope to countless people from all walks of life, and urged us all to remember that “every single one of us makes a difference every day – it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make”To discuss Jane Goodall's life and her legacy, I have with me three people who have met her and whose lives have been touched by her life work.I am joined by Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold, the Primate Communication Scientist and Associate Director at Fauna Foundation, the only Chimp Sanctuary in Canada, and Friends of Washoe, a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of chimpanzees. She is also the very first guest of the Vegan Report (yes, episode 1). I can say, with confidence, that without her voice, this podcast would not exist.I am also joined by Dr. Allan Kornberg, a pediatrician who first met Dr. Goodall in his role as board chair with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Allan supports plant-based diet change as executive director of Nutrition for Families and as a board member with Physicians Association for Nutrition. Other current affiliations include Treasurer for both Wilberforce Institute and Dharma Voices for Animals, two amazing nonprofits we have covered on this show.And lastly, Madeline Krasno, Founder and Executive Director of Justify, the only organization in the world focused on the human cost of animal experimentation and the uniquely intimate, often painful bond between lab workers and the animals they try to care for. She appeared many times on the podcast, A testament to how deeply I value her voice and contributions.Share this episode with the vegans you know - this episode is an inspiring invitation to action. For more meaningful conversations, follow the show. As always, thank you for listening!Jane Goodall Institute: https://janegoodall.global/rememberingjane/Fauna Sanctuary: https://faunafoundation.org/donate/Friends of Washoe: https://www.friendsofwashoe.org/Justify: https://www.whenwejustify.org/Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries: https://sanctuaryfederation.org/donate-to-gfas/Dr. Jane Goodall’s Final Message To The World: https://youtu.be/lfLKHY52ERc?si=_V3JhPoUExig3PugFollow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X! https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Gregor Quendel from Pixabay

Did you know that most of the plant-based food you are eating is grown using animal products as fertilizers? Manure, blood meal, bone meal, feather meal, and fish emulsion, All obtained from the animal exploitation industry.But there is a better, safer, more sustainable and ethical alternative: veganic farming. Veganic agriculture uses plant-based techniques instead of animal products to grow crops. So, for example, instead of using shrimp compost for fertilization, the veganic farmer will use vegetable compost, chipped branch wood or mulch.To discuss this topic, I have with me Meg Kelly. Meg co-founded the Veganic Agriculture Network (https://goveganic.net/). She also teaches the Learn Veganic (https://learnveganic.com/) online gardening course to empower people around the world to grow their own fruits and veggies at home.We discussed why organic farming is problematic, the arsenic in rice, the E.Coli in lettuce, what it means to be vegan when the plants you eat were grown with animal products, and much more.To learn more about veganic farming, sign up for free to the 2025 Edition of the Veganic Summit. It is 100% virtual. And again, 100% free. It is from November 7-9 Get your ticket now and connect with amazing speakers. I will definitely be there. Spread the word that this is happening. You can share this episode with your friends. Thank you!Get your free ticket to the Veganic Summit NOW: https://veganicsummit.com/Music by panji712 from Pixabay

I want to discuss the tens of millions of hens that are kept in the backyards of your neighbors. There are currently more than 85 million hens in the US, at least 1,2 million in the UK, 2 million in Australia - and those global numbers: they were a fraction of that only yesterday. Virtually all of those hens have been bred by the poultry industry. And for everyone of them, there was a male chick systematically eliminated.For me, this is a fire in the house situation, and I wanted to talk with other vegans who share that feeling with me, who think it is time to sound the alarm bell and wake up other vegans to this unfolding tragedy.So for this episode, a group conversation with Juliane Priesemeister, the ED of the Truth Organization, who are behind Egg-Truth.com, the reference for everything related to the poultry industry. Haidy Mansfield, Founder of Belle & Fleur, a UK based non-profit dedicated to rescuing hens. And Liz White, the leader of the Animal Protection Party of Canada, thanks to whom backyard chickens where banned in Canada's biggest city: Toronto.Please share this episode with the vegans you know.Egg-Truth.org: https://www.egg-truth.com/Belle & Fleur: https://www.belleandfleur.org/contact-usAnimal Protection Party of Canada: https://www.animalprotectionparty.ca/Why Chickens Don't Belong in your Backyard. https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/2214334/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X! https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Dvir Silverstone from Pixabay

Today, we respond to an episode from the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, posted on April 17 and titled "The Best Argument Against Veganism".For that episode, Dr. Peterson interviews Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farm and an outspoken proponent of regenerative animal farming. Joel Salatin happens to be featured in Chapter 8 of the Omnivore's Dilemma, the best-seller of author Michael Pollan. Both of them, Salatin and Pollan, have been instrumental in popularizing the idea that animal exploitation can be humane and ecological.To debunk this Jordan Peterson interview and set the record straight, I have with me the perfect guest: John Sanbonmatsu. John has written the Omnivore's Deception, which completely obliterates the Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma. The Omnivore Deception is a true animal rights classic and I highly recommend it.Order the Omnivore's Deception NOW: https://www.johnsanbonmatsu.com/the-omnivores-deception.htmlInside the Mad World of Meatistan. With John Sanbonmatsu | Ep. 79 https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/2063993/Is Cell-Based Meat Good for Animals? With Leah Garces, Bruce Friedrich, Vasile Stanescu & John Sanbonmatsu | BONUS https://rss.com/podcasts/veganreport/2018735/Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X! https://x.com/veganreportshowMusic by Timothy Kulig from Pixabay

Billy Nicholles is a researcher specialising in the pet food protein transition. He is based at Bryant Research, a UK research consultancy specialising in the protein transition, where he conducts research related to pet diets, with a focus on the environmental impacts of meat-based and vegan pet foods. He has published on the sustainability of pet diets, and on consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins. He was also formerly a Founders’ Associate at Omni, one of the UK’s leading vegan pet food companies. He has spoken internationally on the pet food protein transition.Follow The Vegan Report on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganreportpodcast/Follow The Vegan Report on X: https://x.com/veganreportshowAccess studies and information relating to vegan pet food diets: https://sustainablepetfood.info/Connect with Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-nicholles-01777821a/Learn more about Bryant Research: https://bryantresearch.co.uk/Music by Purrple Cat from Pixabay