Episode 27. In this episode, we hear from Vallary. Vallary shares her experiences of mainstream vegan activism - both how she came into the movement and how she broke away from it. Vallary challenged the dominant narrative within the movement, sometimes directly with the organisations she saw as problematic. She calls instead for an anti-colonial approach which focuses on grassroots, local activism. Vallary’s personal journey has led her to a place where self-care and empathy are prioritised, as is allowing space for growth and learning – not just for herself, but for others too.

Episode 26. In this episode, we hear from India, who explains some of the ideas and aims behind the Vegan Rainbow Project. We hear about the importance of building an inclusive vegan movement which explores the interconnections of oppression and builds alliances with other social justice movements. India also shares her thoughts on feminist theory within anti-speciesist discourse and some of the benefits and challenges of grassroots community building.

Episode 25. In this episode, we hear from Shakira about the importance of providing nonhuman animal care during and after rescue and liberation. Shakira calls for more work to be done in the vegan community, so that more humans feel empowered to become involved in this aspect of liberation. Nonhuman animal care is itself a form of activism. Shakira also explains some of the issues that contribute to the oppression of nonhumans kept as companion animals, particularly dogs designated by law as “dangerous”. It’s vital that anti-speciesist activists and vegans increase their knowledge of nonhuman animal behaviours and individual needs, as well as be mindful of their language and actions so that they don’t play into the hands of the oppressors.

Episode 24. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Catherine Oliver. Catherine’s studies in vegan geographies have led her to explore how and why people take up veganism, and how for the majority of them, veganism is a politics that is felt, emotionally and physically, and lived and performed. This embodied politics contrasts with the simplistic sound bites of social media influencer-activists. We also hear about Catherine’s study of Richard Ryder’s work, and how a group of men including Tom Regan and Peter Singer came to dominate the discourse of animal rights. Catherine also outlines some of the questions she intends to look at within her current area of investigation – the rehoming of chickens, particularly in London – and the complications and possible outcomes around this.

Episode 23. In this episode, we hear from Aiyana. Aiyana explains the concept behind the Anti-Speciesist Arts Collective, as well as how true freedom can be found through what she terms “uncaged art”. Aiyana also shares her thoughts on how we can take care of ourselves and each other through collective care as we navigate our way through conformist, capitalist society. Reclaiming animality and breaking binaries are also key to unlocking true liberation.

Episode 22. In this episode, we hear from Jo. Jo uses a systems thinking approach to climate justice, which helps to identify the impact of individual and systems change. Jo picks up on some of the problems with the mainstream environmental movement, calling for it to centre social justice and inclusion. Jo shares some thoughts about the situation of climate refugees and the rise of eco-fascism. Jo also explains how imagination and futurism can be harnessed to envision and empower our communities and help create the worlds we want to see.

Episode 21. In this episode we hear from Elliott. Based in London (UK), Elliot rescues non-human animals that need assistance. He tells us about some of the complications and challenges, but also successes of rescuing and liberation. Elliott explains the importance of getting to know non-human animals as individuals, de-centring humans in the struggle for animal liberation and sharing stories of animal agency and resistance. We also hear of Elliott's vision for creating sanctuary and how this could contribute towards collective liberation.

Season 1, Episode 20. This is the last episode of Season 1. In this episode, we hear the voices of black people, past and present. Akala, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, George the Poet, Kyla Lacey, Angela Davis, Toni Morrison.

Season 1, Episode 19. In this episode, we hear from Pinar. Pinar is a young anti oppression activist based in Toronto. She’s involved with the climate justice movement and a local grassroots animal liberation group. She tells us about some of the challenges of youth activism, from the impact on mental health to ageism. But also, the hopefulness that can be found in activism too. Pinar’s dreams of a better world for everyone motivate her to keep going.

Season 1, Episode 18. In this episode, we hear from Iye. Iye speaks about the benefits of stepping away from the mainstream vegan movement. Instead, she focuses on local activism in her community, mainly with Plant the Power 614. Iye explains how a focus on the health aspects of veganism and food accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on animal ethics. She also sees a need for more exposure of the voices of black, indigenous, people of colour, for the movement to really move forward.