A Vegan Lounge

"What are the stories we tell ourselves about the world, and how do they shape the way we live, relate to one another and imagine the future?

In this episode of A Vegan Lounge, we're joined by Dr Courtney White, Green Party candidate for Hutt South and longtime animal advocate, to explore the power of storytelling in shaping our individual lives and collective realities. "

For this month’s episode, we are joined by well-seasoned animal rights activist Mark Fitzpatrick. Mark has been involved in frontline action since his teenage years in the ’80s and is now using his knowledge to educate the masses. Tune in to hear about some of the colourful actions Mark has been part of, as he shares tips for the new generation of activists. While you’re at it, check out his book, “The Humanity Trigger”, for a deep dive into the history of hunt sabotage.

In this episode of A Vegan Lounge, Grace, President of the University of Canterbury Animal Rights Club, shares her journey from growing up in Abu Dhabi to becoming a passionate advocate for animal liberation in Aotearoa. Together, we discuss intersectionality, activism, academia, and why animal rights are still often left out of conversations about social and environmental justice. We also reflect on the effect universities, political systems, and grassroots organising has on animal liberation.

After a conversation sparked at National Animal Rights Day, I sat down with fellow activist Abe O'Donnell to explore what the future might hold for animals, humanity, and our planet. From artificial intelligence and robotics to longer lifespans and a world of greater abundance, we discuss how emerging technologies could reshape society, our values, and our relationship with other animals. Join us for a fascinating, open-ended conversation on what the future could look like.

"For this month’s episode of A Vegan Lounge, we’re joined by Dr Erin Jones, founder of the Merit Dog Project, for a thought-provoking conversation about dogs, ethics, consent, and human relationships with other animals. From canine consent to veganism, this episode challenges assumptions about the animals we share our lives with and explores how we can build more respectful relationships with them.

"For this months episode, we are joined by artist, composer, fellow animal rights activist, and all round wonderful human, Denali Kauffman. Denali takes us on a journey through his upbringing, his music career, to where he has landed today. Tune in to be one of the first to experience two of Denali's most recently composed songs.

The sanctuary mentioned where Denali spent some time volunteering is ""Te Paranui - Animal Sanctuary in Marlborough"". Please consider donating toward their work. "

"This month, we’re joined by historian Mark Edward, who’s spent years diving deep into the world of animal rights—both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas, even fully immersing himself in the movement at times. Tune in as we trace the origins of animal rights and see how far the movement has come today.

The book mentioned in this episode is titled ""The Compassionate Contrarians: A History of Vegetarians in Aotearoa New Zealand"" by Catherine Amey. "

This month, we are joined by Rebekah Share, a local animal activist who was raised in a conservative Christian family, to discuss the faith-based and ethics-centered documentary WWJD (formerly known as Christpiracy). Join us as we share our views on why this documentary is important for all religious followers to consider, and how religion could be key to the movement toward a more vegan world.

"In this episode, we are joined by Dr Nik Taylor, Professor of Sociology and co-director of the New Zealand Centre for Human–Animal Studies. Nik’s work uncovers the deep connections between human and non-human animal lives, exploring how issues like domestic violence, animal abuse, “meat culture”, and speciesism intersect.

A thoughtful and eye-opening conversation for anyone interested in veganism, social justice, or compassionate living."

This month’s episode, we are joined by the wonderful Sandra, a longtime animal and compassion advocate who has recently published her book Pawprints on My Heart: A New Zealand Woman’s Journey to Help Street Animals in India. Join us as we learn about Sandra’s advocacy and vegan journey.