The Vegan Compass Podcast

Trigger warning: In this episode, we do detail animal experimentation statistics and procedures which are distressing. We understand if now is not the time for you to listen to this episode and you are welcome to back to it at a later date.In this special episode, hosts Ric Allport and Mackenzie Cross recap the recent Animal Free Science protest at Sydney Town Hall, sharing personal reflections and the atmosphere of the protest.In talking with passers by, it became apparent that many people believe animal testing has already ended in Australia. This episode aims to expose the reality that millions of mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats, primates, fish, farmed animals and native animals are still subjected to cruel and painful experiments.We highlight snippets from key speeches at the protest, including Susan Sorenson (on behalf of Emma Hurst MLC), Flavia Coleman, Robyn Kirby (Animal Free Science Advocacy), Dr Kevin Coleman, Doug Leith, Lynda Stoner, Paula Wallace (Liberty Foundation).This episode documents the united front against animal testing and experimentation in Australia. Join us in advocating for these innocent animals hidden away in research facilities, bred for only one purpose, to suffer for so-called science. Resources Mentioned:Animals Australia Campaign on toxicity testing: toxicity.incEpisode 37 with Dana Kolsky from Animal Free Science Advocacy: Watch on YouTube Sentient DocumentaryArticle: Breaking Down The Barriers To Animal-Free Research ____LINKS Vegan businesses and organisations can advertise on the podcast⁠⁠Apply to be our guest and share your storySupport the show and wear your values with our apparel, mugs and heavy-duty market totes Follow us on socials:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers and animal advocates Kate Clere and Mick McIntyre. For nearly thirty years, this powerhouse duo has used storytelling to challenge perceptions and spark massive global conservation movements.Kate and Mick share the origins of their personal and creative partnership, taking us back to their early days creating the documentary, ‘What To Do About Whales’. The pair were heavily involved in the push away from whaling in the late 1970s to incentivise whale watching as a lucrative tourism opportunity.With the treatment of wildlife always front of mind, Kate and Mick embarked on another investigative documentary, ‘Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story’. Over five years of filming, they explored the shocking treatment of Australia’s native icon, which made it clear that kangaroos were in desperate need of someone to advocate for them.Kangaroos Alive was born to promote coexistence with the kangaroo. Through their ‘Kangaroo Walks and Talks’ initiative, they take lessons from their experience with the anti-whaling campaign to promote kangaroo ecotourism in Australia.We also discuss their highly acclaimed television series, 'Eating Plants', which covers their global travels documenting the explosive rise of plant-based eating and why the future of food leaves them feeling incredibly optimistic. This conversation is a beautiful reflection on a legendary partnership devoted to giving a powerful, cinematic voice to animals.Learn more & connect with Mick and Kate:Kangaroos Alive WebsiteFacebook profileInstagramWatch Kangaroo: A Love-Hate StoryWatch Eating Plants____LINKS Vegan businesses and organisations can advertise on the podcast⁠⁠Apply to be our guest and share your storySupport the show and wear your values with our apparel, mugs and heavy-duty market totes Follow us on socials:Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠

In this episode, we sit down with vegan activist and animal rescuer Monika Ryniewicz, who has dedicated her time to advocating for two of the most stigmatised and misunderstood species on the planet: rats and pigeons.Mon takes us inside her journey as a proud adopter of three ex-research rats from the Liberty Foundation. She shares what it was like to help her rats heal and experience simple joys for the very first time. Mon also busts the biggest myths surrounding rats, showing us why these intelligent, clean and affectionate creatures make extraordinary companion animals.We then shift our focus to the city streets, exploring Mon’s hands-on work with urban pigeon rescue and the widespread issue of string-foot (a painful condition caused by discarded human thread, hair and plastic getting tightly wrapped around their toes and feet). Mon walks us through how she safely catches and disentangles pigeons, offering actionable ways for everyday city dwellers to help protect urban wildlife.Whether you're curious about adopting ex-research rats, or want to learn how to help your local urban wildlife, this episode is a powerful look at how we can rewrite the narrative for two of the most stigmatised species.Connect with Mon:Follow Mon on Instagram: @freefromcruelty Visit the Liberty Foundation Adoption Centre: 6 Rose Street, Wyong NSW (open to the public from Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm each day). Click here to volunteer, Adopt or Donate.Sydney Pigeon Rescue: Follow on Facebook and Instagram ____LINKS Vegan businesses and organisations can advertise on the podcast⁠⁠Apply to be our guest and share your storySupport the show and wear your values with our apparel, mugs and heavy-duty market totesFollow us on socials:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠

In this episode, we sit down with Bhavani Baumann, the trailblazer who is veganising Australia's deeply entrenched pub culture with her 100% vegan pub, The Chippo Hotel.Located in Sydney’s inner suburbs, The Chippo is a historic venue that Bhavani has completely transformed into a vegan pub and bistro. From parmis, burgers and loaded fries to local craft beers and cruelty-free cocktails using aquafaba, The Chippo has fast become a neighbourhood favourite.Bhavani takes us through the daily realities of running an independent small business in the current economic landscape, and the secrets to winning over skeptical non-vegans. As a female publican, she shares what is top of mind when creating a safe and inviting pub atmosphere.Finally, we explore who Bhavani is outside of work – delving into her life as an independent singer-songwriter and how she finds balance amidst the demands of business ownership.Connect with Bhavani & The Chippo:Website: thechippohotel.com.auVisit the Pub: 87-91 Abercrombie St, Chippendale NSW 2008Instagram: @thechippohotel____LINKS Vegan businesses and organisations can advertise on the podcastApply to be our guest and share your storySupport the show and wear your values with our apparel, mugs and heavy-duty market totesFollow us on socials:⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @thevegancompass_podcast Facebook⁠: The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Lamarche, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Marketing at Torrens University, Australia. Fresh off the stage from speaking at the Vogue Codes Summit, Rachel joins us to discuss the intersection between fashion, veganism and consumption.Rachel’s PhD research examined the complex consumer psychology of veganism and fashion consumption, exploring how new vegans tackle the moral dilemma of their pre-existing animal-derived garments and navigate future retail choices.Rachel also shares insights from her academic papers and challenges us to strip away the human-centred, resource-based language that turns animals into mere textile supplies, offering a new definition of vegan fashion that centres the animals themselves.As the founder of the innovative and award winning micro-brand Les Plantes, Rachel is undertaking research in practice to examine how luxury fashion can be entirely animal-free, petroleum-free, and meticulously designed for end-of-life compostability. Learn more & connect with Rachel:Linked InAcademic ProfileLes PlantesInstagram____LINKS Support Mackenzie in running the City2Surf, fundraising for Greyhound Rescue.Sponsor the podcast⁠⁠Be our guest⁠⁠Podcast merchFollow us on socials:⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠