Why are 95 percent of dogs used in U.S. biomedical research purpose-bred beagles? And what does this reveal about our relationship with animals?

In this compelling episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned ethologist Marc Bekoff, PhD—author, activist, and longtime collaborator with Jane Goodall—to explore how society must shift from outdated ideas of animal welfare to a model rooted in well-being, agency, and compassion.

Dr. Bekoff shares powerful insights on:

• Why “welfare” often justifies suffering—and what true well-being requires

• How sanctuaries can restore dignity through freedom and choice

• The role of dogs as a gateway to expanding empathy for all species

• The unseen emotional toll of wildlife reintroduction programs

• Why language matters when advocating for animals

• The future of compassionate conservation, where every individual counts

From redefining how we view captivity—even in our homes—to inspiring the next generation of changemakers, this conversation offers a hopeful, urgent call to action.

Tune in and discover how a shift in mindset can lead to a better life for all animals—and ourselves.

www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/015-Marc-Bekoff 

From the moment Shelley Britenbucher stood up in her school classroom in the 1970s and declared, “I’m going to start a farm sanctuary when I grow up,” the seed was planted. Decades later, that dream became reality. During this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Shelley shared the remarkable journey behind the founding of Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary in Litchfield, Ohio.

Shelley and her husband Jeff opened the gates to Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary over seven years ago. What began with the rescue of two horses headed for slaughter,Tatanka and Maisie, quickly expanded. Soon, a donkey named Cisco joined the fold after enduring severe neglect. The sanctuary has since grown to nearly 20 residents, including senior dogs, goats, chickens, turkeys, and more farm animals needing lifelong care and love.

Shelley’s transition to veganism marked a pivotal point. Though she had been a vegetarian for nearly 40 years, a deeper awakening about the plight of animals led her to go fully vegan. This shift solidified her dedication to ensuring the animals she rescues are never harmed, exploited, or rehomed unnecessarily. “They are under your care for life,” she explains, reflecting on the profound responsibility of sanctuary work.

At Shangri-La, the commitment is clear: no harm, no exploitation. That means no leather, no honey, no silk, and certainly no products derived from the very beings they work to save. “You cannot have a fundraiser and serve the very animals you’re trying to save on a plate,” Shelley   says. For her, veganism isn’t optional, it’s foundational.

Full post: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/014-Shelley-Britenbucher

Jordi Casamitjana is a vegan zoologist, animal rights activist, and author whose work spans science, sanctuary care, legal advocacy, and compassionate living.

Originally from Catalonia and now based in the UK, Jordi’s journey into veganism began with an unexpected moment involving a wasp. That encounter sparked a lifelong commitment to seeing the value in all animals, no matter how overlooked. He spent five years at Wild Futures, a monkey sanctuary in Cornwall, where he cared for woolly monkeys rescued from the exotic pet trade.

Later, with the Born Free Foundation, he exposed the suffering caused by animal captivity in zoos. His insights reveal how animals in captivity lose space, stimulation, and choice. In 2020, Jordi made history by winning a landmark legal case recognizing ethical veganism under the UK’s Equality Act. His book Ethical Vegan explores this journey and the broader ethics behind living without causing harm. He also introduced the concept of the “blood footprint,” urging us to consider how our choices affect sentient beings.

Jordi’s life is a powerful reminder that empathy, science, and activism can come together to create real change.

Full post at: https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/013-Jordi-Casamitjana

According to Oxford researcher Joseph Poore, going vegan is “the single biggest way” to reduce your environmental footprint. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Professor Matthew Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. This heart-opening conversation explores how joy, not shame, can drive powerful change. From sanctuaries as emissaries of hope to the deep connection between food, identity, and justice, Halteman invites listeners to rethink veganism as a path of flourishing. He shares compelling stories, including a backyard epiphany that reshaped his life and work. Listen now to discover how beauty, awe, and compassion can inspire a more aligned and purpose-driven life. Full post at www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/012-Matt-Halteman 

Why 82% of Starving Children Live in Countries Growing Feed for Western Livestock

Eighty-two percent of starving children live in countries where crops are grown to feed animals eaten in the West. That staggering fact is just one of the many insights shared by John Vallimarescu in this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss.

John transitioned from a career in economic consulting to becoming Chair of the Board for Sunset Farm Sanctuary in Cove, Arkansas, home to 129 rescued animals. When the sanctuary suffered a $260,000 loss due to a fraudulent moving company, John responded with action by launching a powerful project: a $9.99 eBook called Voices of Kindness and Compassion: Interviews with Vegans.

This episode dives into John's unexpected path from TikTok user to sanctuary leader, his childhood bond with animals, and the reality of running a rescue. He also shares a thought experiment that challenges listeners to consider what truly matters in the face of a global crisis.

The book features 38 vegan voices from 10 countries, offering raw, real answers about why they went vegan, how it’s changed their health, and what inspires them to stay committed. Proceeds directly support the care and feeding of the animals at Sunset Farm.

Cheryl and John explore:

• The link between factory farming and global food insecurity

• The emotional and physical demands of animal sanctuary work

• How a simple eBook can make a real difference

• What it means to live with compassion at the center of your life

• Why veganism is about far more than food

Buy the book, support the sanctuary, and discover how small actions ripple into meaningful change.

Listen now and be inspired to become a voice for the voiceless. 

www.BetterLifeforAnimals.com/011-John-Villimarescu 

Can compassion heal the world? Dr. Will Tuttle, acclaimed author of The World Peace Diet and former Zen monk, believes it can—and it starts with how we treat animals.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Dr. Tuttle reveals how animal sanctuaries offer a powerful model for reversing centuries of violence, environmental destruction, and injustice. Sanctuaries aren't just rescue spaces—they are seeds of cultural transformation, embodying the Golden Rule and showing us a better way to live.

Learn how herding cultures shaped modern oppression, why eating violence leads to societal unrest, and how vegan living and supporting sanctuaries can spark massive positive change.

• Animal sanctuaries as living examples of compassion

• The critical importance of the Golden Rule for animals

• How herding cultures shaped today’s food systems

• Sanctuaries as catalysts for societal healing

• Why supporting animal sanctuaries is vital for a peaceful future

Dr. Tuttle’s message is clear: "While the problems are increasingly complex, the answers are embarrassingly simple." Choosing compassion changes everything.

Listen now and join the movement toward a more compassionate, sustainable, and just world.

https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/010-Dr-Will-Tuttle   

Many animal sanctuaries are underfunded, yet they play a critical role in protecting animals and educating the public. Faik Bouhrik, cosmologist, educator, and founder of Veggies, is turning that challenge into opportunity.

On this episode of Better Life for Animals, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Bouhrik shares how his platform—Veggies (veggius.com)—connects vegan-friendly travel and events with direct financial support for animal sanctuaries. Think Airbnb meets Eventbrite, but with a mission.

With 50% of service fees going to sanctuaries, a public-facing impact tracker, and zero extra effort required from partner organizations, Veggies is setting a new standard for ethical business in the plant-based world.

In This Episode:

• What inspired Bouhrik to launch Veggies

• How sanctuaries benefit without hosting events

• The power of merging commerce with compassion

• Why transparency and ethics are the future of vegan business

Full show notes at: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/009-Faik-Bouhrik 

Studies show that children who grow up with animals tend to develop stronger empathy and social skills. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Susan Hargreaves - founder of Animal Hero Kids and Be An Animal Hero - about how early humane education shapes lifelong compassion. 

With over four decades of experience in animal advocacy and youth education, Susan shares how her programs empower children to become changemakers for animals, the environment, and each other. From interactive classroom visits and cruelty-free education to books featuring vegan superheroes, Susan’s work is making kindness cool and accessible.

In this interview, you'll learn how teaching compassion to kids helps build a more just and sustainable future. Susan discusses the importance of animal storytelling, vegan education, and age-appropriate activism that inspires kids to speak up and take action. Whether you're a parent, educator, animal advocate, or simply care about raising a kinder generation, this conversation offers actionable insights and inspiration. Susan’s mission is supported by global icons like Jane Goodall, Michelle Obama, and Paul McCartney - and her legacy continues to grow with every child who learns to care.

To support this work or get involved, visit: www.BeAnAnimalHero.org www.AnimalHeroKids.org

Full episode and show notes: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/008-Susan-Hargreaves

Did you know that 97% of all animal welfare funding goes to companion animals—while farm animal sanctuaries receive less than 3%? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss talks with Helen Demas, founder of Sunset Farm Sanctuary, about the funding crisis that’s threatening sanctuaries across the country.

Helen shares her incredible journey from intelligence analyst to full-time animal advocate, and why she made the bold move from Oregon to Arkansas to keep her animals safe from wildfires and climate threats. We explore:

• The harsh financial reality farm sanctuaries face

• How climate change is impacting animal rescue efforts

• The critical shift from rescue to education

• Powerful stories of animal-human connection

• Why systemic change starts with compassion and awareness

Sunset Farm is currently struggling with severe infrastructure damage and medical challenges following a devastating windstorm. By learning more, you can help.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about animal rights, ethical living, and the future of farm sanctuaries. Hear how farm animals grieve, connect, and teach us what it means to care.

www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/007-Helen-Demes

Why do so many people say they care about animals and the planet—but stop short of real change? In this powerful episode, Mark Starmer—a leadership expert turned full-time animal advocate—joins host Cheryl Moss to explore the disconnect between values and action.

Mark shares his journey from corporate boardrooms to founding the Peace of Heaven Project, a sanctuary in British Columbia that’s home to over 150 rescued animals. He reveals how his work in human behavior and leadership is helping bridge the gap between awareness and meaningful action in both individual lives and corporate spaces.

• Discover the psychology behind behavior change
• Learn how immersive experiences with animals change hearts
• Explore how Mark helps companies adopt plant-based initiatives
• Hear about the realities of running a grassroots animal sanctuary
• Find out how sponsoring a single fence post can make a big difference

This episode is for anyone passionate about animal welfare, vegan living, sustainability, and leadership for social good. Whether you're an activist, sanctuary supporter, or corporate changemaker, Mark’s story will inspire you to take action for a more compassionate world.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who care about animals, the environment, and making a difference.

www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/006-Mark-Starmer