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January 5, 2010 Vegan Mind Meld: An Interview with Comedian Myq Kaplan 
Is there something about veganism that is inherently funny? What exactly is funny about being a vegan comedian performing at a steakhouse? Is legalizing human-animal marriage really the next step after legalizing gay marriage? In this conversation with vegan comedian Myq Kaplan, we discuss the finer points of being a funny and conscientious person, comedy as outreach, and New Year’s Resolutions. With comedy that’s as pointed as a rusty nail (and just as infectious!) Myq Kaplan provides us with 45min of laughter in the form of his voice. You’ll laugh until you cry, I promise. From his website: A Jewy-ish vegan atheist who spells the name “Mike” weird, Myq enjoys words, social justice, Netflix, and comic books. Also non-comic books, ping-pong, and being great with women. And grammar and run-on sentence fragments. And of course, being hilarious to his demographic, which is anyone who might know the word “demographic”. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
December 15, 2009 An Ocean of Energy: An Interview with Bob Timmons 
Few activists can boast the energy and determination of Bob Timmons. Bursting onto the Toronto animal advocacy community just two short years ago, Bob has proven himself since to be a dedicated and tireless member of groups such as ARKII. He has written letters, facilitated networking among activists, and logged countless hours of in-the-streets activism. In addition to his on-the-ground work, Bob also continues to create stunning “awareness paintings” that call attention to the ever-tragic stories of marine animals around the world as he pushes his visual arts practice without concern for profit or fame. Join us for this conversation where we learn about how Bob became passionate about animal issues, specifically marine conservation, and be a part of an exclusive announcement that Bob is now on the advisory board of Oceanic Defense! This is a portrait of an activist that you don’t want to miss. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music | Oceans
April 14, 2009 A Hen’s Perspective: Inside the Virtual Battery Cage 
Mark Middleton, creator of Animal Visuals: Visual Resources for Animal Advocates, wants us to shift our perspective... literally. In his Virtual Battery Cage infographic, Middleton provides an immersive first person environment that attempts to give the user a visual and audio experience of a typical "battery hen," an egg-laying chicken who spends most of her life cramped within a cage. In this interview, we explore the motivation behind Middleton's striking infographic, weigh into the politics of representation, and examine this innovative contribution to animal activism. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
March 3, 2009 Music for the Banger’s Heart: Propagandhi Gives us a Good Thrashing 
Photo from Smallman Records Supporting Caste, the newest offering from Winnipeg's Propagandhi has the kind of heart that makes you want to laugh, sob, raise your fist, and dissolve into a puddle of punk rock gratitude. Sprinkling their lyrics with characteristic irony and sarcastic political critiques, the searing honesty and blunt vulnerability of the band nonetheless cuts through as clearly as their fast and intricate riffs. In this interview, Chris Hannah (guitarist and a lead vocalist for the band) discusses the inspiration for the album, including some of its most controversial songs, such as one track that (tongue firmly planted in cheek) turns a "humane meat" advocate into a decadent dinner. Deeply self-reflexive but never narcissistic, Propagandhi makes music that is best listened to on repeat. News links: If you would like more information on the study mentioned in this program, "The Social World of Vegetarians and Vegans", or would like to participate, please click here.
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
January 6, 2009 A Friendly Face-to-Face: An Upcoming Documentary Series Gets Personal 
Photo from ananimalfriendlylife.com Although the term "vegan" is gaining cultural currency, who vegans are and what motivates them are still often subjects of widespread misconception and stereotyping. On the flip side, some vegans can stumble when explaining their ethical positions and dietary choices to a skeptical, or perhaps even receptive, audience. While graphic images and animal-related literature remain common outreach tools, filmmaker and popular blogger Eric Prescott takes a fresh and personal approach in his efforts to demystify veganism. Enter "I'm Vegan," a "series of short documentary profiles that aim for long-term impact as an online series normalizing veganism ... intended to serve as a form of ongoing advocacy." Tune in to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
August 19, 2008 Wildlife Photography: The Legacy of Camera Hunting, Masculinity, and Colonialism 
Theodore Roosevelt with a dead elephant. Photo by Edward Van Altena, 1909. In this conversation, Dr. Mathew Brower, Curator at the University of Toronto and Lecturer in Museum Studies, gives us a fascinating historical account of wildlife photography in the United States and Britain. With an emphasis on "camera hunting" and an eye toward masculinity, Brower notes the shifts in hunting and photography practices, and the larger accompanying political and cultural contexts that informed their development. From Roosevelt and the end of "manliness" to industrialization and the physical decline of "game" populations, the story of wildlife photography twists and turns through a number of interesting characters who were set on proving their prowess and skill, while animals at times disrupted the photographers' pursuits. Entangled with colonial history, tune in to learn how wildlife photography signifies much more than pretty pictures. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: July 29, 2008 
Photo by Brigitte Cronje Listen in as we connect with Kevin Tillman, founder of the Vegan Hip Hop Movement website and promoter of all things people, animal, and earth-friendly. In this interview, Kevin takes us back to the roots of hip hop, and offers us insight into its message of empowerment that arose within the South Bronx and continues to inspire communities internationally. Indivisible from that resistant history, the world of vegan hip hop raises its voice for humans and nonhumans alike. Engaging issues related to consumerism, colonialism, racism, animal exploitation, among others, the vegan hip hop movement cultivates a holistic anti-oppression approach that pushes veganism and animal rights to go further, while also urging hip hop to broaden its scope. Tune in to hear some fine tracks from vegan hip hop artists, and tap into a movement that shakes it all up. Thanks to Labtekwon, Farm Fresh, and Hush Money for giving us the green light to include their music in the podcast. We're still hoping to hear back from Loer Velocity, Ruffmic and Freedom Writer. Thanks also to Kevin for selecting the music, and helping us to meet our Canadian content requirements! News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
July 8, 2008 Thousand Mile Song: An Interview with David Rothenberg First, animal rights campaigner Paula Stibbe provides an update about the ten imprisoned Austrian animal activists who were arrested on May 21st. We learn of their recently-extended remand, and the condition of the advocates, including Dr. Martin Balluch who was on a hunger strike. Stibbe also describes the many successes of the animal rights movement in Austria, and what she believes are the political motivations behind the arrests. To offer your support, please visit the VGT (Verein Gegen Tierfabriken/Association Against Animal Factories) website. Then we reconnect with clarinetist, composer, and philosopher, David Rothenberg, author of such books as Always the Mountains, Why Birds Sing: A Journey into the Mystery of Bird Song and the recently-published Thousand Mile Song: Whale Music in a Sea of Sound. With his characteristic exuberance and thoughtfulness, Rothenberg introduces us to the musical world of whales. Throughout, he urges his readers to revisit whale-song anew, with both an appreciation of current ethological research and a willingness to admit how little we really know. Tune in to hear about the sublime lives of whales, anecdotes from Rothenberg's adventures, and his own attempts to blur the watery boundary between our species and theirs.
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music | Oceans
April 29, 2008 New Media and Animal Life: An Interview with Carol Gigliotti 
photo from Gigliotti's forthcoming edited book, Leonardo's Choice: genetic technologies and animals As technologies change so does art in its response and engagement. New ethical questions emerge, while old debates are reignited, both about the meaning of art and the world beyond. In this conversation, we speak with artist and professor Dr. Carol Gigliotti (Emily Carr University of Art and Design) about contemporary artists' use of animal life in interactive technologies, also known as New Media. Gigliotti guides us through some case studies, including that of Alba, artist Eduardo Kac's "GFP (green fluorescent protein) Bunny," while she elaborates on her own ethical and aesthetic interpretation of such projects. Informed by years of study and relationships with other artists, Gigliotti deftly challenges New Media's cutting edge as it slices across art and science, social taboos, and animals' lives. Gigliotti's upcoming book is entitled Wildness and Technology. She is the Co-Chair of the Community Engagement Research Cluster for Vancouver's Center for Interactive Research in Sustainability, and is the Associate Editor of the Journal for Critical Animal Studies. For more information, please see her extensive website www.carolgigliotti.net. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
February 5, 2008 Seeing Through the Fence: An Interview with Eleni Vlachos 
Photo by Jeremy M. Lange. Source: porchlifeproductions.com Meat-eating is a ubiquitous practice through many parts of the world. While vegetarians are frequently asked why they eschew animal products, it is less likely to hear omnivores reflect on their dietary choices. Eleni Vlachos, with camera in hand and judgement reserved, takes to the streets in the United States to talk with activists and non-activists alike about animals, culture, food, and the many factors that shape daily consumption. We also travel with Vlachos to Greece, as she meets with her father and other family to explore these questions in person. What emerges is a set of intimate conversations that are at times funny and bittersweet. Those who have found themselves misunderstood by their families because of their veganism will likely see their experiences reflected in these moving and sympathetic family portraits. First-time documentarian Eleni Vlachos offers a film whose ethical heart rests at the seat of conversation. Join us as she shares the challenges and rewards of making Seeing Through the Fence. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Arts & Music
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