Herd Around the Barn: Recent Episodes
Kathy Stevens
Each Wednesday, join Kathy Stevens, acclaimed author, speaker, and founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CASanctuary.org), one of the world's leading sanctuaries for farmed animals, as she and her guests explore our relationship with those animals, and how that relationship is impacting all of us. The podcast is broadcast from sanctuary grounds, and features occasional visits with the animals who call it home!
This week, Kathy is joined by one of her all-time favorite authors, Sy Montgomery. Sy is the international bestselling author of The Good Good Pig, The Soul of an Octopus, and her most recent release The Hawk’s Way. In their joyful conversation, Kathy and Sy talk about:
- Sy’s childhood growing up with animal friends and how these interspecies relationships influenced her professional career
- Why Sy is so optimistic about “being alive” in this tumultuous time
- The importance of seeing all animals as equals, rather than “underlings” or “babies”
- How loving hawks without expecting any affection in return was “liberating” to Sy
- Nancy Cowan, the master falconer who taught Sy and influenced her new book The Hawk’s Way
- Christopher Hogwood, the 750 pound star of her bestselling book, who changed her life by teaching her that family doesn’t have to include those of the same genetics or species
Sy’s books are available wherever you buy books - but she hopes you’ll consider purchasing from a local bookstore. Her favorite is The Toadstool Bookshop.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
In this special episode of Herd Around the Barn, Kathy is joined by her podcast producer, Clare, to talk about some recent news surrounding the animals at Catskill Animal Sanctuary. In their conversation, they discuss:
- How CAS protected their rescued birds from avian influenza through building innovative "birdios"
- Buddy III’s passing at the age of 35 and how his friend, Buddy IV, is coping with his loss
- How Kathy is staying optimistic about the future, thanks to the all star team at CAS
- The upcoming Goat Games virtual fundraiser, which was recently featured in The L.A. Times
- Why fundraising is so vital for sanctuaries right now due to inflation and Covid-19 related financial issues
If you're interested in signing up for The Goat Games, register as an athlete here.
To attend a Break All the Rules Tour with Kathy, buy your tickets here.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
Disclaimer: This conversation contains graphic depictions of cruelty toward chickens.
This week, Kathy is joined by Harvard Law graduate and founder of the non-profit Legal Impact for Chickens, Alene Anello. In their lively conversation, the two discuss:
- Alene’s relationship with her pet cockatiel, Conrad, who changed her view of animals forever
- How working at PETA and the Animal Legal Defense Fund made Alene want to work for animal rights “forever”
- LIC’s lawsuit against Costco, citing animal welfare law violations, following a gruesome Mercy for Animals undercover investigation
- The horrific ways that chickens suffer in production plants and why Costco’s treatment of chickens demands legal action
- Kathy compares Alene’s work to the Nonhuman Rights Project’s work to represent animals in a court of law
- Alene teases some exciting new projects for her team at LIC
To support Legal Impact for Chickens, follow them on social media:
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
“In conservation, the lost causes are the best worth fighting for.” This week, Kathy speaks with Damien Mander, the renowned war veteran and founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. In this informative episode, Kathy and Damien discuss:
- Damien’s unique path to animal activism after an extensive military career ultimately led to establishing found the IAPF
- How Damien transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2012 after realizing that he “ran out of excuses” for not going plant-based sooner: “I was saving some and eating others.”
- Why nature is the “best self-regulating system” and how IAPF approaches environmental issues through social justice activism, including scholarships and health care reform, in neighboring communities
- Akashinga: Africa’s first armed, plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit whose lives are completely changed by finding their voices and purpose in their work
- Katana, the newest canine member of IAPF, and the role of working dogs as part of the ranger team in Africa
To follow the IAPF and stay updated on their work, check out their social media pages here:
Find the Akashinga documentary short from National Geographic here.
Watch Damien’s Ted Talk here.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
This week, Kathy announces some news regarding the podcast and talks about exciting upcoming developments for Catskill Animal Sanctuary!
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
Kathy takes a few minutes this week to talk about the devastating impact fireworks have on all animals. She shares her personal struggles to keep her rescue Pitbull, Chumbley, calm during Fourth of July fireworks.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
This week, Kathy is joined by John Di Leonardo, the founder and president of Humane Long Island. John’s work with PETA, and now with HLI, is the embodiment of “think globally, act locally” approach to social change. During a very lively conversation, Kathy and John talk about:
- John’s work to eliminate animal use in entertainment on Long Island, including direct protests to Ringling Brothers Circus and the horrific “Banana Derby”
- Humane Long Island’s incredible victory to prevent an aquarium from being built in a local mall
- John’s connection to water fowl and birds who face dumping and abandonment on Long Island, and how HLI hopes to create a “transitional sanctuary” to help these animals in need
- The recent PETA protest at a Manhattan Starbucks, where John joined Oscar-nominated actor James Cromwell to urge for plant-based milk upcharges to be eliminated
- HLI’s teaming up with Horseracing Wrongs to protest the Belmont Stakes earlier this month
To support Humane Long Island and stay updated on John’s work, you can find them on social media:
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
Referred to as the “Queen of the Animal Rights Movement” by Rich Roll, PETA co-founder and bestselling author Ingrid Newkirk joins Kathy on the podcast this week to talk about the 30th anniversary edition of her landmark novel, Free The Animals: The Amazing, True Story of the Animal Liberation Front in North America. In this incredible episode, Kathy and Ingrid will talk about:
- How Ingrid responds to criticism about PETA’s more “controversial” protest tactics
- Free The Animals unique story as a fictional novel “completely based on fact” from the early days of the animal rights movement
- The role of the Animal Liberation Front in PETA’s early days in the 1980s, and the widespread misunderstanding the ALF faced from the government and the media
- The Research Modernization Deal, a fully constructed proposal from PETA to create animal-free testing in the United States
- The story of Britches, a monkey who was rescued from horrific lab testing and eventually found a happily ever after with a surrogate mother
- The exciting news that animal activist and Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix acquiring the film rights for the book
Find Free The Animals anywhere books are sold!
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Bookshop
To find cruelty-free products and services online, check out PETA’s links here:
- Bunny Free App
- Beauty Without Bunnies Database
Follow PETA on all social media:
- TikTok
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
In this week’s mouth-watering new episode, Kathy is joined by Hannah Sunderani - the powerhouse vegan blogger and author of The Two Spoons Cookbook. During their lively conversation, Kathy and Hannah discuss:
- The incredible, and sometimes tumultuous, relationship between CAS sheep Hannah and Rambo, featured in Kathy’s books
- Hannah’s unconventional road to veganism, stemming from GI issues that developed in her early 20s after losing her partner to cancer
- The sometimes-hilarious experience of being vegan and living abroad in France, the land of foie gras, chocolate, and cheese
- How anyone can cook French cuisine, as shown in Hannah’s ongoing Instagram series “Mitch in the Kitch”
- The struggle of developing The Two Spoons Cookbook while struggling with infertility, but now celebrating its release with her son, Oliver
Follow TwoSpoons and Hannah’s work on:
- TikTok.
Find the book at:
- The Two Spoons website
- Barnes & Noble
- Bookshop
- Or wherever you buy books online!
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
TikTok: @CASanctuary
This Saturday marks the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes - the third and final leg of the Triple Crown races. To honor the horses who suffer needlessly for gambling and entertainment, we are re-releasing Kathy's conversation with longtime animal-rights activists Nicole Arciello and Patrick Battuello, founders of Horseracing Wrongs,
In this episode, they discuss:
- Kathy’s childhood on a thoroughbred farm, and how it informed her attitude toward horseracing
- the lives of racehorses from training to racing, to what happens when their racing careers are over
- why Patrick and Nicole believe that “reforming” the industry fails to address the worst of the abuses
- why they believe that horseracing is a dying industry, and how you can help bring about its end
Follow Horseracing Wrongs on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
In this re-released episode, Kathy discusses:
- How an animal who had never known love, kindness, or safety changed her life, and how his lessons inform much of what Catskill Animal Sanctuary is today.
- The choice to believe in humanity’s goodness, people’s capacity, and their willingness to change.
Key Takeaways:
- All animals want their lives as much as we want ours.
- Animals have infinitely more capacity than most people understand.
- Choosing to recognize the disastrous path we are on is the first step to help animals, improve your health dramatically, and reduce your environmental footprint.
"Rambo taught me that there were many more far-reaching lessons to be learned from animals than all the ones I learned when I was a kid." – Kathy Stevens
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
In this mouth-watering episode, Kathy is joined by Shenarri Freeman, the superstar executive chef of Cadence. In just a year, Cadence has become one of NYC’s most exclusive reservations and was named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S. by The New York Times. During their lively conversation, Kathy and Shenarri discuss:
- Shenarri’s unlikely journey from cooking as part of a large family in Virginia to becoming a James Beard Award semifinalist for her vegan cuisine
- The important role veganism played in her life after losing her partner in 2018, and her inspiring step forward to attend culinary school
- Overthrow Hospitality and Cadence’s incredibly diverse staff and the importance of compassion within the organization, extending among staff and customers
- Shenarri’s favorite reactions from non-vegan guests who were blown away by the plant-based menu - including Grammy Award winner Solange
- What the future holds for Cadence, and Shenarri, after a showstopper first year in business
Check out Cadence’s menu and make reservations on their website.
Follow Cadence and Overthrow Hospitality on social media:
Follow Shenarri Freeman on social media:
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
While most of us have at least one social media account, we may not be using it as an effective way to advocate for the animals we so dearly love. Today, Kathy is joined by social media professional and vegan activist John Oberg, to talk about:
- His personal journey to veganism after watching the groundbreaking documentary Earthlings while he was in college
- How social media’s “share” ability is one of the most important, yet overlooked, aspects of online activism
- The importance of overcoming speciesism on social media in order to help “less cuddly” animals such as chickens, turkeys, and sea creatures
- Social media’s role as the ultimate “word of mouth” advocating for any cause, with exponential growth capabilities
- John’s online courses for animal advocates, including his latest addition Mastering Social Media to Change the World
Stay up to date on John’s work on:
Support John’s activism on Patreon and DonorBox.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Book: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- TikTok: @CASanctuary
Iowa Farm Sanctuary opened its doors in 2016 as the first farmed animal sanctuary in the state of Iowa. Today, the co-founders of the accredited sanctuary, Shawn and Jered Camp, join Kathy for an inspiring conversation about sticking to your values in the face of adversity. In this episode, they discuss:
- Jered’s unconventional path to animal advocacy after being raised in a hunting family and as a 4-H member
- The environmental impact of Iowa’s farming industry - the second largest in the nation - and how the waste produced by livestock is comparable to more than 45x the state’s human population
- Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s mission to “infiltrate the epicenter” of factory farming by bringing animal advocacy, liberation, and activism to Iowa communities
- The daunting pig rescue Iowa Farm Sanctuary attempted after devastating floods ravaged the Midwest
- The incredible stories of two IFS residents - Auggie, the special needs cow with an extensive wardrobe, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown, a pig who survived a dramatic escape from the slaughterhouse
For more information on the Pignic, go to Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s website.
Stay up to date on Iowa Farm Sanctuary by following them on social media:
- TikTok
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
The End of Medicine is a new film, out May 10th, from BAFTA-winning director Alex Lockwood that could not be more timely. This urgent documentary features medical experts, animal activists, and social justice advocates speaking about the disastrous health effects of factory farming. In this week’s episode, Kathy is joined by Alex and Dr. Alice Brough, the film’s whistleblower and protagonist, to talk about:
- The all-star team of producers who helped make the film, including Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and activist producer Keegan Kuhn
- The eerily prescient message of the film, which started production in early 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began
- Dr. Alice’s life-changing decision to leave her career as a livestock pig vet to become a vegan activist, speaking about the cruelty and suffering she found in animal agriculture
- The influence of large companies from the dairy, meat, and pharmaceutical industries on lawmakers who refuse to change factory farming regulations
- How animal agriculture contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a process in which viruses, bacteria, and parasites no longer react to medicinal treatment
Stream The End of Medicine on AppleTV and iTunes starting May 10th!
Stay up-to-date on The End of Medicine:
Follow Alex Lockwood and his company, Lockwood Film, on:
Follow Dr. Alice Brough on:
- Patreon
Other great documentaries from Keegan Kuhn and Alex Lockwood:
- 73 Cows
- Cowspiracy
- What The Health
- They're Trying to Kill Us
- Milked
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this informative episode, Kathy is joined by Monica Engebretson, the North American Campaign Manager for Cruelty Free International.
- What “cruelty free” really means and how you can identify products that haven’t been tested on animals by looking for the Leaping Bunny logo
- The history of animal testing and why it is not the most accurate way to predict human reactions to chemicals
- Exciting new legislation, both in New York State and at the federal level, that would ban animal testing and spare millions of animals from needless suffering
- New humane, non-animal based research that will help ensure more accurate studies in laboratories through the HEARTS Act
- The CARE Act, which will ensure that dogs, cats, and rabbits are placed in loving homes rather than being killed after they are considered “no longer useful” in research
To support Cruelty Free International and learn more about their work, follow the link here.
- To support and learn more about the legislation mentioned in this episode, go to:
- Make New York Cruelty Free: Action Page
- Humane Cosmetics Act: Action Page
- HEARTS Act: Action Page
- CARE Act: Action Page
- Stay up-to-date on Cruelty Free International at the following links:
- YouTube
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day - an annual campaign that calls attention to the many threats to our planet from human kind and urges each of us to act as better Earth stewards . This week, Kathy tag teams with her podcast producer, Clare O’Brien, to talk about the connection between factory farming and climate change. Today, the two discuss:
- How animal agriculture is one of the top causes of climate change - and why it’s so difficult to find exact data of its impact
- The devastating impact of methane, a greenhouse gas 10x more destructive than carbon dioxide, produced by cows who are used for meat and dairy products
- a brief history of Earth Day, dating back to its origins as a protest in the early 1970s
- The effects climate change has had on the Catskill Animal Sanctuary property, including heat waves that canceled events and ice storms and “microbursts” that have destroyed dozens of trees
- The urgency of adopting a plant-based diet and utilizing the power of influence, rather than waiting for corporations or the government to battle climate change effectively
Find the Earth as an Apple experiment here.
Some recommendations from Kathy:
- Our Great National Parks with President Barack Obama
- Cowspiracy
- Eating Our Way to Extinction
- Eating Animals
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“Not just dogs…lambs!” Just in time for Easter, Kathy is joined by Brendon Smale - the founder of Saint Beans Animal Sanctuary, the first rescue in New Zealand dedicated solely to the protection of lambs and sheep. During their wonderful conversation, Kathy and Brendon discuss:
- The life-changing encounter with a newborn lamb that led Brendon to leave his corporate career and pursue animal activism
- Beans, the adventurous lamb who started it all, and his other sheep friends who serve as “Lambassadors” of the animal sanctuary
- How animal activists can promote plant-based eating in the face of holiday traditions (ex: Turkey on Thanksgiving, Lamb on Easter, etc.)
- The myth that wool is an acceptable animal product that does not harm the sheep who are stuck in the industry
- Brendon’s goals to help people “make the connection” through visiting his sanctuary and meeting the animals who are as individual and intelligent as traditional companion animals
To follow Brendon, Beans, and the other “Lambassadors,” find them on Instagram.
To learn more about Saint Beans Animal Sanctuary, or make a donation, go to www.saintbeans.org
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“If the oceans die, we die.” – Captain Paul Watson
Kathy is joined by the legendary Captain Paul Watson, founder of the international non-profit Sea Shepherd and co-founder of Greenpeace. For fifty years, Captain Watson’s mission has been to eradicate illegal fishing and whaling on the high seas, and his achievements on behalf of marine life are extraordinary. In this riveting conversation, he and Kathy discuss:
- Capt. Watson’s life-changing encounter with whales that saved his life and led him to establish Sea Shepherd in 1977
- How essential phytoplankton are to the oceans and the planet as a whole, serving as a vital source of oxygen and life, and how illegal fishing methods endanger it
- The dangers of “bycatch,” where marine life will be harmed, and often killed, by fisheries working to fish out shrimp and salmon
- Sea Shepherd’s vegan ships filled with volunteer staff who risk their lives to protect the animals of the world’s oceans
- The thrilling missions Sea Shepherd has made to arrest illegal fishers and enforce government regulations around the world
To stay updated on Sea Shepherd and Capt. Paul Watson, find them at the links below:
- Capt. Paul Watson: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Sea Shepherd: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
To watch the acclaimed documentary, Watson, find it on Amazon Prime.
To purchase Sea Shepherd’s vegan cookbooks, follow the links below:
- Cookin’ Up A Storm: SeaShepherd.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
- Think! Eat! Act!: Amazon
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“We can’t forget that humans are animals, too.” In this eye-opening episode, Kathy is joined by Rev. Sarah Bowen, a founding member of Compassion Consortium and author of the new book Sacred Sendoffs: An Animal Chaplain’s Advice For Surviving Animal Loss, Making Life Meaningful, & Healing The Planet (out April 5th!). Stay tuned for her conversation with Kathy, where they discuss:
- Sarah’s early relationships with animals, including a beloved family cat and the squirrels outside her window
- How Sarah’s farmer grandfather influenced her views of animals, and the “aha” moment that changed her life
- The themes of understanding animal loss and grief discussed in her new book
- The basic steps anyone can take to better understand the animals around them, including meditation with their own companion animals
- Compassion Consortium's goal to support those who feel something is “missing” from their pre-existing spiritual practices
Find the book Sacred Sendoffs anywhere you buy books. To stay updated on Rev. Sarah’s work and the Compassion Consortium, follow them at:
Rev. Sarah Bowen: Instagram and Facebook.
Compassion Consortium: Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this timely episode, Kathy speaks with Daniel Cox, the Campaigns Team Director with PETA Germany, who has been on the front lines helping companion animals flee Ukraine with their human counterparts. The two discuss:
- PETA Germany’s quick deployment to the Ukrainian border only 72 hours after the Russian invasion began
- The logistical issues families and refugees face when deciding to transport their companion animals across the border
- The “happy ending” for a street dog, Mishka, and his fellow canine friend caught in the midst of war
- The literal TONS of pet food that PETA Germany has brought to shelters and communities within Ukraine
- How listeners can help Ukraine’s animals in this urgent time
To support PETA Germany’s efforts, please consider donating on their website. You can find out more about their work on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Hailed by Oscar-winning director James Cameron as “a wake-up call,” Milked: White Lies in Dairy Land is a gripping new documentary (out March 18th) from the team that brought you Cowspiracy. Chris Huriwai, the young Māori environmentalist and animal rights advocate featured in the film, joins Kathy this week to talk about the importance of exposing the dairy industry that has ravaged New Zealand - and the world. Today, Kathy and Chris discuss:
- Chris’s journey to activism, including his background growing up around animals in rural New Zealand (known as Aotearoa to the Māori community)
- The documentary’s deep dive into Fonterra - the largest dairy producer in New Zealand - and the dirty lies behind it’s friendly marketing
- Milked’s release on Water Bear, a FREE streaming platform online showcasing documentaries and short films focused on helping the planet
- How decolonization serves humans and animals in the environmentalist and animal rights movements
- How YOU can help bring and end to the global dairy industry through individual choices and efforts, including those found on the Milked website’s “Take Action” page
To watch Milked, find it streaming on Water Bear on March 18th! Stay updated on the film and Chris’s work at the following links:
- Milked: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
- Aotearoa Liberation League: Facebook and Instagram
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this fascinating conversation, Kathy is joined by animal law powerhouse and social justice activist Akisha Townsend Eaton. Akisha is the Chief of Policy at CARE - a BIPOC led animal welfare organization. In this episode, she and Kathy discuss:
- Akisha’s journey to animal activism and the “escape” it allowed her during her childhood as the only black kid in her neighborhood
- Her work with some of the most influential animal rights organizations - including the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Humane Society of the United States, and Best Friends Animal Society
- The challenges that people of color and their companion animals face as a result of natural disasters, and how Akisha and CARE are helping communities in Kentucky recover from a devastating tornado in late 2021
- Akisha’s belief that being a good animal advocate requires both being aware of and working for other social justice issues
- Akisha’s work with several faith-based animal rights groups and her belief that that people of faith must encourage the church to embrace the principles of social justice and animal rights
To support Akisha and her important work, check out the following organizations on social media:
- CARE - Facebook and Instagram
- CreatureKind - Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this special episode, Kathy is interviewed by her podcast producer, Clare O’Brien, about Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s busy month of February! Today, they discuss:
- The brutal ice storm that ravaged CAS, leaving the animal care team to scramble without electricity
- The goat rescue that didn’t come together, and how rescue situations affect every member of the sanctuary team
- The animal care team’s work supporting goats offsite before they’re rescued by other sanctuaries
- The incredible day of DOUBLE rescues on 02/22/2022 which found CAS welcoming 6 new goats and twin newborn calves
- Sanctuary rescue preparation and the ability to welcome new animals with limited resources
To support Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s newest residents, please consider donating a Twins Healthy-Start Pack at casanctuary.org/shop/twins/
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Have you ever wondered what sets apart one animal sanctuary from the next? It can be hard to decide which to support when they all seem to work towards the same goal. Kathy is joined this week by Jessica Harris - the Farmed Animals Program Director at the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). In this informative conversation, they discuss:
- Jessica’s path to working in animal rights, and particularly in her current role to support the work of farmed animal sanctuaries
- The important work of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to certify well-practiced organizations around the world as top animal protection charities
- The unfortunate path of some sanctuaries that become hoarding situations
- The invaluable lessons gained in her unique job, and how she applies those lessons to her work
- Raising a vegan child and bringing her to CAS, where she met and fell in love with many different animals
To learn more about the work of GFAS, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“It’s incomprehensible that our society is looking the other way.” This week, Kathy is joined by powerhouse activist Jane Velez-Mitchell, who's bringing animal rights issues to her new platform UnChainedTV. In this episode, the two discuss:
- Jane’s early career in broadcast journalism, bringing her from her hometown of New York City to Los Angeles to cover crime news for CNN and HLN
- The conversation with cattle rancher-turned animal rights advocate Howard Lyman that inspired Jane to go vegan over 20 years ago
- The lack of animal rights coverage on mainstream networks due to advertiser funding from the meat and dairy industry
- UnchainedTV, Jane’s brand-new streaming network that provides free vegan content, including documentaries, cooking shows, and breaking news on all things related to animals and plant-based eating
- The award-winning documentary Countdown to Year Zero, produced by UnChainedTV, featuring the founder of Climate Healers, Dr. Sailesh Rao, and his urgent message to slow climate change before 2026
To download UnChainedTV, find it in the app store or online.
To follow Jane and her work, find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Go here to learn more about the urgent work of the Agriculture Fairness Alliance.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“We want people to learn how much horses have to teach and to give.” In this heartwarming new episode, Kathy speaks to Jorg Huckabee-Mayfield and Tom Mayfield, the co-founders of White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue in Burkeville, Virginia. They discuss:
- How Jorg and Tom’s work as volunteer transporters for dogs ultimately led to their establishment of a horse rescue
- The troubled history of the Appaloosa horse, their remarkable personalities, and the unfortunate health conditions unique to the breed
- Other horses’ roles in helping blind horses thrive
- Jorg’s two books, I Am Mr. Bowersox and Big Belle, both inspired by real horses at their sanctuary
- Exciting new projects for Jorg and Tom as their sanctuary approaches its 20th anniversary
Be sure to follow White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue on Facebook!
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“I just felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.” Kathy is joined this week by Eat Green Make Green podcast host and plant-based entrepreneur Pat McAuley. In this inspiring conversation, the two discuss:
- Pat’s life-changing decision to start eating plant-based after suffering from asthm, arthritis, and other health challenges described in a 2018 Ted Talk viewed over a million times
- Their shared belief that consuming animal products means “absorbing their fear and anxiety” and how going plant-based brought Pat a new sense of calm in his life
- Eat Green Make Green’s role in supporting the growth of veganism through social media and podcast featuring A-List guests
- PlantPub, the Boston-based restaurant and brewery established by Pat and world-renowned chef Mary Dumont that hopes to “redefine the pub” with delicious vegan comfort food
Follow Pat McAuley on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Be sure to check out PlantPub on Facebook and Instagram.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“Going vegan was like another beginning of my life.” Acclaimed vegan chef Eddie Garza joins Kathy for this mouth-watering episode that will have you craving tapas! The two discuss:
- Eddie’s incredible transformation from struggling with childhood obesity to losing 150 pounds with the help of a plant-based diet
- The factors that lead to numerous health challenges in our poorest neighborhoods and regions of the country
- Eddie’s work as the Food and Nutrition Manager of The Humane Society of the United States to change food offerings in schools, hospitals, and prisons
- Eddie’s upcoming projects, including a cookbook with TV host and supermodel Daisy Fuentes, and the second season of his cooking show Global Bites with Eddie Garza
- How the Covid-19 pandemic has changed demand and interest in vegan eating around the planet
Be sure to check out Eddie’s second cookbook, The 30-Day Vegan Meal Plan for Beginners. Stay updated on Eddie’s upcoming work by finding him on Instagram or Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“My whole life I have always believed in the underdog.” In this heartwarming episode, Kathy welcomes Josh and Wendy Smith, the co-founders of Odd Man Inn Animal Refuge. They discuss:
- Odd Man Inn’s work to help special needs animals, including the larger-than-life Melvin, a three-legged potbelly pig who lost his ears in a dog attack
- A blossoming friendship between two pigs, Willy and Daisy, who share their lives via the fan-favorite Swamp Cam on Odd Man Inn’s Facebook page
- The life changing decision to relocate the sanctuary and its animals from their original Washington location to Tennessee, where overnight Wendy and Josh acquired not only 90 acres…but 150 additional pigs!
- How humane education and animal ambassadors transform casual animal lovers to vegan advocates
To stay updated on Odd Man Inn, find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this moving episode, Kathy speaks with investigative journalist and author Rich Hardy about his undercover work exposing grievous animal mistreatment in slaughterhouses and other animal businesses, and about his new venture, a “no-dig” vegetable farm. In this conversation, he and Kathy discuss:
- Rich’s childhood growing up in a vegetarian household, and his family’s transition to veganism when he was a teenager
- The two decades Rich spent as an investigative photojournalist, documenting cruelty and malpractice, starting with a chicken slaughterhouse in New Zealand
- the harrowing story of working in a reindeer slaughterhouse in the Arctic Circle and almost getting caught undercover, a story featured in his book Not As Nature Intended
- How he protected his mental health by using the camera as “a shield” of separation during his assignments
- Rich’s second act as founder of Lazy Meadow Farm, the veganic and no-dig farm he operates with his partner Prue
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“Veganism is the ultimate rebellion.” In this rockin’ new episode, Kathy welcomes the acclaimed singer Alissa White-Gluz, lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Arch Enemy and passionate vegan activist. In this compelling conversation, Kathy and Alissa talk about:
- Misconceptions regarding the heavy metal community and the unlikely similarities between veganism and heavy metal
- Alissa’s passion for animal rights activism and how she incorporates the movement in her music, especially through her “growling” style of singing
- How lyrics from Arch Enemy’s newest single “House of Mirrors” applies to the rebellion nature of being vegan
- Alissa’s participation in the recent Fur Free Friday protest in Toronto and her involvement in the documentary Real Fur: Make Fur Farms History
- How Alissa feels about the state of animal rights and growing trends in veganism heading into 2022
To follow Alissa’s work and stay updated on her new music, find her and Arch Enemy on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find exclusive music and videos from Alissa on her Patreon.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In the last episode of 2021, Kathy reflects on the past year and the hardships the sanctuary overcame. She also looks ahead to 2022 with hope as she recounts the progress made in vegan living and animal welfare.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this special, holiday-themed episode, Kathy recounts the incredible teamwork that saved the life of an old horse named Pliars.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
While you may be familiar with her namesake and his groundbreaking artwork, have you ever heard of the world’s first PIG ARTIST? In this heart-opening episode, Kathy speaks to Joanne Lefson, founder of Farm Sanctuary South Africa, and collaborator with Pigcasso, the porcine Abstract Expressionist. Kathy and Joanne discuss:
- How Pigcasso came into Joanne’s life and shook things up when she enjoyed brushes more than toys
- Joanne’s lifelong love for animals and her journey to leading several rescue organizations, including Oscar’s Arc, inspired by the love of a shelter dog
- Pigcasso’s recent portrait of Prince Harry that has taken the internet by storm
- The process of creating art with an animal and what makes them as creative as humans
- Joanne’s goal of creating more vegans by showing them how intelligent and inspiring animals can be
To follow Pigcasso and Farm Sanctuary SA, find them on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Before there were animal sanctuaries and well-known non-profits acting on behalf of the voiceless, the ASPCA launched the modern animal rights movement in America. Its founder, Henry Bergh, is the topic of the critically acclaimed book, A Traitor To His Species: Henry Bergh and the Birth of the Animal Rights Movement, written by our guest, Dr. Ernest Freeberg of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Freeberg and Kathy talk about:
- How Henry Bergh was inspired to take action on behalf of animals after living among the elite in Russia
- The harrowing treatment of animals in late 1800s America, including those used as livestock, for entertainment, or for transportation
- The lengths Henry Bergh took to seek justice on behalf of animals; including raids on turtle ships and rat-baiting rings
- Henry Bergh and P.T. Barnum’s complicated relationship as two extremely influential leaders in New York City
- How Dr. Freeberg was inspired to write Bergh’s story and how his own perception of animals has changed
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
As 2022 quickly approaches, Matthew Glover wants you to start your year going plant-based. His organization, Veganuary, has influenced over half a million people in the UK to ditch animal products as part of their New Year’s Resolution. Today, he joins Kathy for a lively conversation about:
- His childhood spent in slaughterhouses, and how this led him to veganism as an adult
- Veganuary’s start as a humble organization launched by Matthew and his wife, Jane, at their dining room table
- How Veganuary differs from country to country, and Matthew's aim to spread the campaign in the U.S.
- The importance of investing in plant-based businesses through Veg Capital
- VFC, Matthew’s newest foray into Vegan Fried Chicken and plant-based eating
To stay up-to-date with Veganuary, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Check out Vegan Fried Chicken at www.vfcfoods.com.
While her staff takes a much-needed break for the Thanksgiving holiday, Kathy shares a warm message of gratitude to her listeners. She expresses her thanks for her CAS staff, the sanctuary's supporters, and the incredible animals themselves.
Be sure to tune in next week, as Kathy speaks with Matthew Glover, the founder of the wildly popular organization Veganuary! They'll talk about New Year's resolutions, going plant-based, and the time he spent visiting Catskill Animal Sanctuary.
Happy Thanksgiving!
“This isn’t a fad, this is the future of mankind.” Just in time for Thanksgiving, Kathy welcomes Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott to the podcast! In this timely episode, Kathy and Seth talk about:Seth’s h
“This isn’t a fad, this is the future of mankind.” Just in time for Thanksgiving, Kathy welcomes Tofurky founder Seth Tibbott to the podcast! In this timely episode, Kathy and Seth talk about:
-Seth’s humble beginnings as a tempeh producer living in a treehouse in rural Oregon, as discussed in his book, In Search of the Wild Tofurky -The release of Tofurky’s iconic Holiday Roast in 1995, and how that changed everything for the company -Seth’s experiences with turkeys and their incredible personalities -Seth’s advice to others struggling in this challenging time to use humor as a “portal to the human heart” -Promising new statistics about Americans willing to leave turkey off their Thanksgiving table
Follow Seth Tibbott and Tofurky on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary Twitter: @CASanctuary Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings Website: CASanctuary.org Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
After a difficult loss at the sanctuary, we are re-releasing an episode from Kathy’s previous podcast All Beings Considered. This episode features Dr. Sailesh Rao, Founder and Executive Director of Cl
After a difficult loss at the sanctuary, we are re-releasing an episode from Kathy’s previous podcast All Beings Considered. This episode features Dr. Sailesh Rao, Founder and Executive Director of Climate Healers. In this episode:
- Kathy pays tribute to Sister Mary Frances, a beloved pig “celebrity” at CAS
- Dr. Rao reflects on his time working with Al Gore, and the issues he had surrounding the former VP’s approach to climate change
- Kathy asks Dr. Rao how he determined that 2026 is a tipping point in the race to slow climate change
- Dr. Rao speaks about how his granddaughter helped him understand that humans and animals are a “family”
To find out more about Climate Healers and Dr. Rao’s work, find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“Hope is power. Hope is what gets us into action.” Kathy is honored to welcome Frances Moore Lappé, the author of the groundbreaking book Diet for a Small Planet, to the podcast to celebrate the book’
“Hope is power. Hope is what gets us into action.” Kathy is honored to welcome Frances Moore Lappé, the author of the groundbreaking book Diet for a Small Planet, to the podcast to celebrate the book’s 50th Anniversary Edition release. In a timely and urgent conversation, they talk about:
- How Frances spoke out against eating animals 50 years ago, when plant-based eating was a “fringe” movement
- The devastating environmental impacts of meat and dairy production, both then and now
- Working with her daughter, Anna Lappé, to establish the Small Planet Institute
- The one holdout Frances has about going vegan (Hint: it’s a certain type of cheese!)
To follow the Small Planet Institute, find them on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Content Note: This episode contains brief mentions of animal cruelty and bodily injuries.
“It’s really a recipe for disaster.” This episode features Edita Birnkrant, the driven leader of NYCLASS, a New York-based animal advocacy group working to enact animal rights legislation into law. Edita returns to the podcast to discuss the New York City carriage horse industry. She and Kathy talk about:
- The lives of New York City carriage horses
- Two recent horse carriage accidents that went viral, prompting immense public outcry
- Edie Falco’s PSA against the carriage horse industry
- Specific ways listeners can help end this archaic industry
To call your City Council member, find their information here.
Call Speaker Corey Johnson at 212-788-7210 to make your voice heard.
To follow and support NYCLASS, find them on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Content Note: This episode contains brief mentions of animal cruelty and bodily injuries. “It’s really a recipe for disaster.” This episode features Edita Birnkrant, the driven leader of NYCLASS, a Ne
In this mouth-watering episode, Kathy is joined by Lagusta Yearwood, the fiercely creative owner of Lagusta’s Luscious, a vegan chocolate shop in New Paltz, New York. During their conversation, Kathy
In this mouth-watering episode, Kathy is joined by Lagusta Yearwood, the fiercely creative owner of Lagusta’s Luscious, a vegan chocolate shop in New Paltz, New York. During their conversation, Kathy and Lagusta discuss:
- Lagusta’s journey from outspoken vegetarian to strong-headed vegan as a young adult in Arizona
- How she unexpectedly became a vegan chef and chocolatier in New York City
- The ethical issues behind chocolate production, include forced child labor and unsustainable environmental practices
- The unique products sold by Lagusta’s Luscious, including pagan barks and Furious Vulvas
- Evaluating the ethics of our diets
Check out Lagusta’s Luscious online to order your vegan chocolates...for Halloween or any time of year! Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“When we save animals, we save ourselves.” This week’s episode features a timely and important conversation with
“When we save animals, we save ourselves.” This week’s episode features a timely and important conversation with Dr. Aysha Akhtar, the President and CEO of the Center for Contemporary Sciences. She is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, author, and Tedx Speaker. Today, she and Kathy discuss:
- Dr. Akhtar’s connection to animals, beginning with a beloved dog named Sylvester
- The connection between animal agriculture and pandemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic
- The history of animal experimentation and the lack of regulations in the field today
- The ineffectiveness of testing drugs and medications on animals
- Alternative testing methods, including “Human Organs on a Chip,” that are researched and supported by the CCS
To follow the CCS and Dr. Akhtar’s work on social media, you can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“These animals want their lives as much as we want ours.” In this special episode, Kathy is interviewed by her assistant and podcast producer, Clare O’Brien, to talk about the dairy and egg industries
“These animals want their lives as much as we want ours.” In this special episode, Kathy is interviewed by her assistant and podcast producer, Clare O’Brien, to talk about the dairy and egg industries, about a special rooster named Paulie, and about Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s month-long Petunia’s Pledge program to encourage followers to go vegan for the month of October.
Kathy talks about:
- Her own journey from vegetarian to vegan
- “Humane washing” within the dairy and egg industry
- The lives of dairy cows and egg-laying hens
- The month-long Petunia’s Pledge challenge to encourage vegetarians (and the veg-curious!) to go vegan for the month of October
- A special chicken named Paulie
For more information on joining Petunia’s Pledge, or attending the workshop event at CAS, please visit the link here.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others…why wouldn’t we?” That is the mantra of this week’s guest, Pam Ahern. She is the founder and director of Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Australia, and in this episode, she and Kathy talk about:
- Pam’s journey to establishing a sanctuary out of love for one pig, Edgar Alan Pig
- The plight of farmed animals in Australia compared to those in the United States
- The courageous life of Baarack, a stray sheep who overcame the odds to live his life in peace at the sanctuary
- Be Kind to Animals Week, an annual campaign from Edgar’s Mission emphasizing the importance to show compassion for all beings
To follow Edgar’s Mission online, check out their Instagram account and Facebook page.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
“If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others…why wouldn’t we?” That is the mantra of this week’s guest, Pam Ahern. She is the founder and director of Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary
"How common is it that we buy tainted food?" That is one of many important questions Kathy asksAmanda Hitt, the director of the Government Accountability Project'sFood Integrity Campaign. In this wide-reaching conversation, they discuss:
- the work of the Food Integrity Campaign, started by Amanda to help whistleblowers raising concerns regarding animal welfare, worker safety, and tainted food
- the risks and rewards of stepping forward as a whistleblower
- Amanda’s view that whistleblowers, whom she describes as “generally compliant people,” are society’s heroes
- "survival tips" for whistleblowers, featured on theirwebsite
- how to spot humane washing in a grocery store
Check out Food Integrity Campaign’sWeek of Action page and stay updated on their work onInstagram andFacebook.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
"How common is it that we buy tainted food?" That is one of many important questions Kathy asks
“When food costs the Earth, who pays the price?” That’s the question behind the new documentary Eating Our Way to Extinction, narrated by Academy Award winner Kate Winslet. The film’s directors, Otto
“When food costs the Earth, who pays the price?” That’s the question behind the new documentary Eating Our Way to Extinction, narrated by Academy Award winner Kate Winslet. The film’s directors, Otto and Ludo Brockway, join Kathy for an in-depth look at the urgent new film, being released in theaters around the country on September 16th! They discuss:
- traveling to every corner of the globe to film the impact of climate change
- their use of “real science” and the disturbing influence that the big meat and dairy lobbies have on climate reports issued by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization
- the tiny window of time we have to slow the rate of global warming
- their optimism about our future
For more information on the film's rainforest restoration campaign, go to www.eating2extinction.com/take-action/eating-our-way-forest-pledge/ or visit www.ecosia.org. Check out the Eat for Tomorrow campaign here: www.meals.eatingfortomorrow.com for tips on plant-based eating and meal planning.
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Dr. Jane Goodall describes her work as “enchanting and powerful” while Psychology Today warned to “avoid” her books. In this episode, Kathy is joined by children’s author / illustrator and vegan activist Ruby Roth to discuss:
- The controversy surrounding her books, including the widely discussed Vegan is Love
- The importance of including children in the animal rights movement
- How to stand your ground as an activist
- Her book, Bad Day, that helps discuss mental health with children
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Dr. Jane Goodall describes her work as “enchanting and powerful” while Psychology Today warned to “avoid” her books. In this episode, Kathy is joined by children’s author / illustrator and vegan activ
On today’s episode, Kathy speaks to Dr. Kim Williams, M.D., a renowned cardiologist whose research includes revolutionary findings on the importance of plant-based diets. This episode discusses: - W
On today’s episode, Kathy speaks to Dr. Kim Williams, M.D., a renowned cardiologist whose research includes revolutionary findings on the importance of plant-based diets. This episode discusses:
- Why Dr. Williams got into medicine
- His own vegan journey
- The benefits of a plant-based diet for your health
- The dangers of a “low-carb” or Keto diet
- How you can reverse serious health issues through your diet
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Two men adopt a “mini pig”--who eventually grows to over 600 pounds! Today, Steve Jenkins, co-founder of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, tells Kathy about his journey to becoming an “unexpected a
Two men adopt a “mini pig”--who eventually grows to over 600 pounds! Today, Steve Jenkins, co-founder of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, tells Kathy about his journey to becoming an “unexpected advocate” for animals and human dad to Esther the Wonder Pig.
In this episode, Kathy and Steve chat about:
- How Steve and his partner, Derek, became porcine parents to a commercial sized pig
- Their decision to become vegan after meeting Esther
- Esther’s online presence and the impact she’s made outside of the vegan community
- What makes any animal a “wonder”
- The power of animal sanctuaries to open hearts and change behavior
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
On today’s episode, Kathy chats with Dr. Brent Loken, Ph.D., the Global Food Lead Scientist for the World Wildlife Fund. During their conversation, they discuss:
- Defining “sustainable” food
- The environmental impact of a variety of foods
- The Planetary Health Diet: how to optimize human health and reduce environmental impact of food
- The EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health
- The WWF’s study Bending the Curve: The Restorative Power of Planet-Based Diet
- How one person’s food choices can impact the environment
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
On today’s episode, Kathy chats with Dr. Brent Loken, Ph.D., the Global Food Lead Scientist for the World Wildlife Fund. During their conversation, they discuss: - Defining “sustainable” food The envi
Note: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorders and mental health crises. In this episode, Kathy speaks with Olympic silver medalist and national champion cyclist Dotsie Bausch, who is
Note: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorders and mental health crises.
In this episode, Kathy speaks with Olympic silver medalist and national champion cyclist Dotsie Bausch, who is using her experience as a plant-based athlete to influence others to ditch dairy. She and Kathy discuss:
- Her journey from addict to world-class athlete
- Dotsie's vegan story
- The impact of dairy on human health
- Switch4Good: Dotsie’s non-profit that partners with elite athletes to promote a dairy-free lifestyle
- Dotsie's vision for a "plant-forward" 2028 LA Olympics
- Her enthusiastic support of The Goat Games!
To support any of the sanctuaries involved with this year’s Goat Games, go to https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/goatgames or find the link on the homepage of www.casanctuary.org!
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this special episode, Kathy announces the 2nd Annual Goat Games--a collaboration between 10 animal sanctuaries around the country to raise support for their amazing animals! Today, Kathy chats with
In this special episode, Kathy announces the 2nd Annual Goat Games--a collaboration between 10 animal sanctuaries around the country to raise support for their amazing animals! Today, Kathy chats with a few of those sanctuaries to learn more about their work and how they plan to go for the Gold in this year’s Goat Games. In this episode, she talks with:
- Christopher Vane, Founder & Executive Director of Little Bear Sanctuary in Punta Gorda, FL
- Sarah Chouinard, Programs Manager of Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, MI
- Michelle Blake, Vice President of Wildwood Farm Sanctuary and Preserve in Newberg, OR
- Danielle Thibault, Administrative Director of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge in Pittsboro, NC
To support any of the sanctuaries involved with this year’s Goat Games, go to https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/goatgames or find the link on the homepage of www.casanctuary.org!
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Content Note: While Kathy's conversation with Dr. Smith-Blackmore is incredibly important, the graphic nature of certain descriptions regarding animal cruelty and hoarding may be upsetting to listener
Content Note: While Kathy's conversation with Dr. Smith-Blackmore is incredibly important, the graphic nature of certain descriptions regarding animal cruelty and hoarding may be upsetting to listeners.
Today, Kathy chats with internationally renowned forensic veterinarian and animal hoarding expert Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore. In their conversation, Kathy and Dr. Smith-Blackmore discuss:
- the definition of animal hoarding, the different hoarder classifications, and which ones are most/least susceptible to intervention
- the link between animal hoarding and forms of human exploitation
- their own experiences rescuing animals from hoarding cases
- how to report an animal hoarding case to the authorities
- The Animal Doe Project, Dr. Smith-Blackmore’s effort to provide veterinary forensic services for cases involving unknown animals
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Note: While our guest’s audio is perfect, Kathy's is a bit muted in portions of the recording. We apologize, but don’t believe this will impact your enjoyment of this important conversation. Meet pow
Note: While our guest’s audio is perfect, Kathy's is a bit muted in portions of the recording. We apologize, but don’t believe this will impact your enjoyment of this important conversation.
Meet powerhouse Brenda Sanders, a Baltimore food justice activist, bringing veganism to her community and beyond. Kathy and Brenda discuss:
- how childhood hunger and the predictable illnesses that plague people living in marginalized communities were catalysts for her work
- the creation of multiple groundbreaking programs and non-profits—a vegan deli and food distributor, an Afro-Vegan Society, the Vegan Soulfest, and more!--to meet the needs of her community
- how white vegans need to “get that it’s time for a diverse movement”
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Join Kathy for an inspirational conversation with Craig Watts, former Perdue chicken farmer and "Whistleblower of the Year" who showed the world what's wrong with modern farming. He and Kathy discuss:
Join Kathy for an inspirational conversation with Craig Watts, former Perdue chicken farmer and "Whistleblower of the Year" who showed the world what's wrong with modern farming. He and Kathy discuss:
- How modern farmers are “serfs with mortgages,” trapped by debt and with no control over any aspect of their operation
- Chicken farming as one of the leading causes of suffering on the planet
- The “why” behind Craig’s decision to open his doors to filming, even though he knew Perdue would come after him
- Craig’s current work with two organizations whose aims are a “total reboot” of the farming industry
- The promise of a program called Transfarmation, and how Craig hopes to be a model to others seeking to leave animal farming
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this episode, Kathy chats with longtime animal-rights activists Nicole Arciello and Patrick Battuello, founders of Horseracing Wrongs, who believe it's time to end horse racing. Join us to learn ab
In this episode, Kathy chats with longtime animal-rights activists Nicole Arciello and Patrick Battuello, founders of Horseracing Wrongs, who believe it's time to end horse racing. Join us to learn about:
- Kathy’s childhood on a thoroughbred farm, and how it informed her attitude toward horseracing
- the lives of racehorses from training to racing, to what happens when their racing careers are over
- why Patrick and Nicole believe that “reforming” the industry fails to address the worst of the abuses
- why they believe that horseracing is a dying industry, and how you can help bring about its end
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Today, Kathy chats with Catskill Animal Sanctuary's very own Chef Linda Soper-Kolton, Director of their plant-based cooking program, Compassionate Cuisine: - Kathy shares how her mom, a wonderful cook
Today, Kathy chats with Catskill Animal Sanctuary's very own Chef Linda Soper-Kolton, Director of their plant-based cooking program, Compassionate Cuisine:
- Kathy shares how her mom, a wonderful cook, gave her a deep and lasting appreciation of food and of dinner time.
- Linda, who had the opposite experience, discusses learning to cook from necessity.
- Linda addresses three frequent “objections” to trying veganism: 1. Where will I get my protein? 2. I don’t have enough time to cook like that, and 3. It’s summer: I don’t want to grill TOFU!
- They discuss the changing landscape of veganism.
- Linda talks about how Covid demanded an instant switch to virtual cooking, and invites listeners to her upcoming pasta class!
- Linda shares the impact of the animals on her work.
Follow Linda on Instagram: @addlovestir
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Join us for a fast-paced conversation with Dr. Michael Greger, vegan physician and expert on pandemics, as he discusses healthy eating, how to protect ourselves from illness, and exciting shifts in th
Join us for a fast-paced conversation with Dr. Michael Greger, vegan physician and expert on pandemics, as he discusses healthy eating, how to protect ourselves from illness, and exciting shifts in the world's biggest food corporations. Kathy and Dr. Greger chat about:
- beans as the optimum health food
- why most doctors still recommend medication and surgery as opposed to diet and exercise
- Dr. Greger's free public service, nutritionfacts.org
- the relationship between food production and pandemics
- important developments within food production
Connect with Kathy Stevens: * Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary * Twitter: @CASanctuary * Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings * Website: CASanctuary.org * Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary * YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Unlike cities around the nation, NYC has not banned carriage horses. Part 2 of Kathy's conversation with Edita Birnkrant is a deep dive into this industry:
- learn about the day-to-day life of Manhattan’s carriage horses
- learn what happens to them once they retire
- hear about the tireless work of one passionate advocate to change the lives of these horses
- discover why Edita believes that a carriage horse ban will soon be passed
- learn how you and your iPhone can change the world for animals
Connect with Kathy Stevens: * Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary * Twitter: @CASanctuary * Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings * Website: CASanctuary.org * Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary * YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Unlike cities around the nation, NYC has not banned carriage horses. Part 2 of Kathy's conversation with Edita Birnkrant is a deep dive into this industry: - learn about the day-to-day life of Manhatt
In this podcast, the first of a two-part conversation, Kathy speaks with Edita Birnkrant, Director of NYCLASS, a New York City-based animal advocacy and political action organization, about its progress on a number of fronts. The two discuss:
- the recent passage of historic animal-friendly legislation
- the effort to close live slaughter markets in New York City
- the campaign for a fur ban in New York State
Connect with Kathy Stevens: * Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary * Twitter: @CASanctuary * Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings * Website: CASanctuary.org * Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary * YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
In this podcast, the first of a two-part conversation, Kathy speaks with Edita Birnkrant, Director of NYCLASS, a New York City-based animal advocacy and political action organization, about its progre
Kathy welcomes Bree the Rooster and his human, Camille Licate, Speaker, Educator, and Animal Advocate.
In this episode:
- Kathy shares the story of meeting a young boy whose offhand comment helped her understand how much work advocates need to do on behalf of chickens.
- Camille tells us how rescuing Bree literally changed her life.
- Camille discusses how the pandemic deepened her relationship with her best friend Bree.
- Camille explains Bree’s role in her humane education program, Kids for Positive Change, and her interactive website, Wake Up With Bree.
- Bree has a few things to say as well!
Connect with Kathy Stevens: * Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary * Twitter: @CASanctuary * Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings * Website: CASanctuary.org * Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary * YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Kathy welcomes Bree the Rooster and his human, Camille Licate, Speaker, Educator, and Animal Advocate. In this episode: - Kathy shares the story of meeting a young boy whose offhand comment helped her
In this kickoff episode, Kathy tells the story of growing up on a thoroughbred horse farm, discusses how her childhood informed her decision to open a non-profit rescue for farmed animals, and shares
In this kickoff episode, Kathy tells the story of growing up on a thoroughbred horse farm, discusses how her childhood informed her decision to open a non-profit rescue for farmed animals, and shares how the Catskill Animal Sanctuary informs the podcast. Welcome to the show!
Connect with Kathy Stevens:
- Facebook: Kathy Stevens, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
- Twitter: @CASanctuary
- Books: Where the Blind Horse Sings
- Website: CASanctuary.org
- Instagram: @catskill_animal_sanctuary
- YouTube: Catskill Animal Sanctuary