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    

Most people consider themselves compassionate—yet every day, choices at the dinner table contribute to immense animal suffering. Hidden behind sanitized labels and clever marketing, the brutal truth of animal agriculture remains largely unseen. But what happens when the veil is lifted?

In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss welcomes Dr. Angela Crawford—a psychologist, vegan educator, and author of the upcoming book The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World. Together, they explore the emotional and ethical shifts that occur when people awaken to the truth about animal exploitation and choose to live in alignment with their values.

Dr. Crawford shares her own journey from unawareness to advocacy, reflecting on how cultural conditioning once shaped her beliefs. Her story is a moving reminder of the burden that comes with knowing—and the strength it takes to act.

Listeners will discover:

• Why many compassionate people remain disconnected from the impact of their food choices

• The emotional challenges and rewards of embracing a plant-based lifestyle

• How to find resilience, purpose, and fulfillment through vegan advocacy

• Practical steps for staying committed in a non-vegan world

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the early stages of veganism or seeking a deeper sense of meaning in their activism.

Full post at: https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/005-Dr-Angela-Crawford 

The Climate Crisis Starts with Animal Exploitation—Dr. Sailesh Rao Reveals the Path Forward

Industrial farming is fueling climate change—and the solution starts with compassion. In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned climate scientist and founder of Climate Healers, Dr. Sailesh Rao, to explore how animal suffering is deeply intertwined with environmental destruction—and why shifting to a plant-based world is humanity’s most urgent task.

From deforestation and biodiversity collapse to carbon emissions and ecosystem collapse, Dr. Rao unpacks the devastating impact of animal agriculture—and how animal sanctuaries are leading the way toward healing. With decades of research and activism behind him, Dr. Rao calls on each of us to become part of a new system based on abundance, regeneration, and compassion.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why animal agriculture is a leading cause of climate change and deforestation

• How sanctuaries educate the public and inspire powerful change

• What it means to shift from a scarcity-based to an abundance-based society

• Practical steps YOU can take to make a difference today

• The urgent need for grassroots advocacy and plant-based living

Take Action for Animals and the Planet Support sanctuaries. Embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Raise your voice for climate justice. Learn how at  https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com

Subscribe to the Better Life for Animals Podcast for more eye-opening conversations with activists, sanctuary founders, and plant-based leaders working to create a kinder, more sustainable world for all beings.

Full post at: www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/004-Dr-Sailesh-Rao

Linda Middlesworth, known as The Vegan Mentor, has been a passionate ethical vegan for over 37 years. Now 81, she continues to lead with energy, purpose, and compassion—advocating for animals, plant-based living, and sustainable health around the world.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Linda about her journey from personal health crisis to becoming a prominent figure in the vegan movement. Linda founded the Sacramento Vegan Society, now with over 5,600 members, and co-founded v-dog, a leading vegan dog food company. She also launched Vegan Mentor, a coaching program that has guided hundreds toward a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle.

Linda is a certified Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a fitness trainer, and founder of the Go Healthy LIVE global summit series, which includes Go Compassionate LIVE and Go Sustainable LIVE. Her work spans education, activism, coaching, and sanctuary support.

She has received numerous awards from organizations including PETA, In Defense of Animals, PCRM, and Social Compassion in Legislation. Her decades-long commitment to animals and people proves it’s never too late to make a difference.

Topics include:

• How Linda transitioned to a vegan lifestyle and never looked back

• What inspired her to launch Vegan Mentor and v-dog

• The role of sanctuaries, summits, and education in building a kinder world

• Why fitness and health remain central to her mission at age 81

Visit: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/003-Linda-Middlesworth  Download the free guide: Be a Hero for the Animals Help support underrepresented sanctuaries by sharing this episode

Advocating for animals has never been more urgent—or more powerful. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, renowned animal advocate and digital strategist John Oberg shares how he has reached over 500 million people online with compelling pro-animal content. Since dedicating his life to animal rights in 2012, John has become a leading voice in the movement, using social media to change hearts and minds around the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How John Oberg uses social media to drive real-world change for animals

• Why digital advocacy can be more impactful than traditional protest-based activism

• The role of storytelling in inspiring compassion and action

• How sanctuaries help people see animals as individuals, not commodities

• The power of the reducetarian approach in expanding the vegan movement

• Why community support is vital for long-term activism

• What gives John hope for the future of animal rights

Key Highlights: John emphasizes the importance of balancing hard truths with uplifting stories to make content accessible and emotionally resonant. He discusses the growing influence of flexitarians and plant-based consumers in shifting market demand, and shares touching stories from animal sanctuaries—including the transformation of Sunshine, a piglet rescued from a slaughter truck.

Support John Oberg’s Work: As an independent advocate, John relies on donations to continue spreading awareness. 

Subscribe to Better Life for Animals for powerful conversations with changemakers in the animal protection movement. From activists and authors to sanctuary leaders and policy advocates, this podcast shares the stories that inspire compassion, connection, and action.

Full post at: https:  www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/002-John-Oberg