The Farah Amber Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Rebecca Loviconi, an investigative filmmaker and photojournalist known for her documentary Slay, which exposes the fashion industry's use of fur and animal skins. Rebecca has spent years going undercover inside factory farms across Europe, China, and the US, documenting egg operations, fur farms, dairy farms, and feedlots most people will never see.

We talk about the disconnect between the products we consume and the animals they come from, the devastating reality of "winter lambing" in the wool industry, and the disturbing luxury market for baby animal skins.

We also get a first look at her upcoming documentary, Crime or Rescue, which follows activists who break the law to save animals from abuse, including the story behind the historic Ridglan Farms beagle rescue, and two activists whose real-life love story unfolded during filming.

To follow Rebecca's work and get updates on Crime or Rescue: find her on Instagram @rloviconi

Time stamps:

00:00 — Teaser

00:31 — Introduction

01:31 — Introduction by Rebecca

02:51 — Rebecca's Path from Journalism to Investigative Filmmaking

04:06 — Her First Time Inside a Factory Farm & Bearing Witness to Suffering

09:19 — Why People Stay Disconnected from Where Food Comes From

14:54 — Winter Lambing and the Truth Behind "Sustainable" Wool

18:45 — Going Undercover at a UGG Sheepskin Factory

20:11 — The Luxury Market for Baby Animal Skins

22:15 — Introducing Her New Documentary, Crime or Rescue

22:46 — A Love Story Born from Open Rescue

24:48 — Is It a Crime, or Is It a Rescue?

26:31 — Fighting for the Right to Rescue

28:52 — Inside a "High Welfare" Egg Farm

37:03 — The Hidden Factory Farms Behind the Pet Industry

38:50 — Freedom Through Information, Not Judgment

41:26 — Closing Message

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/0DJtvrrHA-U

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr 

Connect with Rebecca: https://www.instagram.com/rloviconi 

More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber 

Contact me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Melanie Joy, a psychologist, founding president of Beyond Carnism, and the author of eight books, including the groundbreaking Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows.

Melanie breaks down the psychology of "Carnism”, the invisible belief system that conditions us to love some animals while eating others. We discuss why good people participate in harmful systems, how to handle the "annoying vegan" stereotype, and how to stay effective in our advocacy without burning out.

We also talk about:

• The Invisible Shield: Why people shut down when talking about animals
• Vegan Allies: Why you don’t need everyone to go 100% vegan to make an impact
• Navigating Relationships: How to talk to non-vegan family without the drama
• The Pioneer Price: Managing the emotional toll of living in a non-vegan world
• Sustainable Activism: Why self-compassion is a tool for the long haul

To support Beyond Carnism & access free resources for advocates: go to https://www.carnism.org & https://www.veganadvocacy.org

Time stamps:

00:00 — Teaser

00:28 — Introduction

02:16 — Introduction by Melanie

03:30 — How Melanie's Vegan Journey Began

05:00 — Carnism: The Invisible Belief System

07:46 — Navigating Relationships with Non-Vegans

14:20 — Mental Health in Vegan Advocacy

15:22 — Good People Can Do Harmful Things

18:23 — The Importance of Effective, Non-Shaming Advocacy

21:43 — How to Break Through the Carnism Bubble

23:27 — The Importance of Impact over Argument

30:27 — Resources & Conclusion

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/WuVhOpb--20

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr Connect with Melanie Joy & Beyond Carnism: https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniejoy https://www.instagram.com/beyondcarnism https://www.carnism.org

More links: https://hoo.be/farahamber

Contact me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Wasseem Emam, Founder and Executive Director of Ethical Seafood Research, an applied research organisation focused on improving the welfare of animals in aquatic food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. To date, ESR has helped improve the lives of over 300 million aquatic animals across 12 countries.Wasseem takes us behind the scenes of the fish farming industry, from earthen pond farms in Egypt and Kenya to the brutal realities of how fish are slaughtered, and what it actually takes to make change from the inside.We also talk about:- What aquaculture actually looks like and why it's so different from what you imagine- How ESR reached 1,000 fish farms in Egypt using a welfare assessment app- The cruel reality of how fish are killed and the more humane alternatives that exist- Why Wasseem changed his mind about salmon farming being the "gold standard"- The dark side of caviar and bluefin tuna farming- The fishmeal problem and how farmed salmon is affecting food security in Africa- The tension between animal welfare reform and animal rights abolitionTo learn more about Ethical Seafood Research and to support them, go to: ethicalseafoodresearch.org Thanks for listening!!Much love,Farah AmberTime stamps:00:00 —Teaser & Intro01:59 — Introduction by Wasseem02:51 — Founding Ethical Seafood Research03:33 — Fish Welfare in the Industry | Aquaculture vs. Wild-Caught06:05 — Zanzibar Seaweed Farming Project09:28 —The Fish Welfare Assessment App11:29 — Monitoring Transparency & Welfare Standards14:05 — How Fish Are Slaughtered on Ice & Better Methods19:22 — Animal Rights vs Welfare 22:55 — Certification Labels27:12 — Octopus Farming28:50 — Salmon Farming 32:48 — Caviar Industry & Sturgeon Welfare38:07 — Bluefin Tuna Farming42:16 — Know Your Labels43:29 — The Fishmeal Problem & Fish In: Fish Out46:08 — Stocking Density & Species Diversity 50:56 — Industry Pressure Tactics53:22 — Eyestalk Ablation54:04 — Wild-Caught vs. Farmed & Closing Thoughts59:42 — ConclusionListen to the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/2IMIEzcDwGEConnect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr Connect with Wasseem & ESR:https://www.instagram.com/wasseem.e https://www.instagram.com/ethicalseafoodresearch www.ethicalseafoodresearch.org More links: https://hoo.be/farahamber Contact me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible activists: Zoe Rosenberg, investigator and rescuer with Direct Action Everywhere, and Rose Patterson, co-director of Animal Rising. Both are facing criminal charges for openly rescuing animals from extreme suffering and they share their stories in full.

Zoe explains how she took part in a major investigation into Purdue’s Petaluma Poultry in California, uncovered routine cruelty, and rescued four severely abused chickens from the slaughterhouse floor. For saving those birds, she’s now been convicted on felony and misdemeanor charges and faces up to 4.5 years in jail at her upcoming sentencing.

Rose shares the inside story of the two open rescues at MBR Acres, the UK’s notorious beagle breeding facility for animal testing. She describes entering the sheds, the smell, the conditions, and carrying puppies to safety, before being caught by police. She now faces burglary charges and up to 10 years in prison, with trials running throughout 2025 and early 2026.

To support Zoe, Rose, and ongoing rescue trials: go to animalrising.org and directactioneverywhere.com 

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

01:38 — Zoe’s Introduction

02:16 — Rose’s Introduction

03:07 — Zoe’s Rescue at Petaluma Poultry

05:26 — Rose’s Rescue at MBR Acres

09:22 — What They Hope These Trials Will Change

14:54 — Why They Rescued These Animals

21:57 — How It Feels to Be Prosecuted for Saving Lives

25:33 — Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here. 

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr 

Connect with Rose & Zoe: 

https://www.instagram.com/rose__patterson/ 

https://www.instagram.com/zoe_rooster/ 

https://www.instagram.com/directactioneverywhere/ 

https://www.instagram.com/animal.rising

More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber 

Contact me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Rose Patterson and Ben Newman, co-director of Animal Rising, the UK group behind some of the most high-profile animal rights actions of the last few years.

Rose and Ben share the full story of their open rescues at MBR Acres, the UK’s only beagle breeding facility for animal testing, including how they infiltrated the site, broke in under 24/7 security, and carried beagle puppies to freedom.

For saving those dogs, they’re now facing burglary charges and potential prison sentences of up to 10 years, with trials beginning at the end of 2025.

We also talk about:

• Why beagles are used in toxicology tests and what actually happens to them
• The emotional reality of going inside farms
• Animal Rising’s strategy to end factory farming in the UK
• Their massive nationwide investigation
• How they’re blocking new factory farms through legal challenges and local campaigns

To support Animal Rising & the beagle rescue trials: go to animalrising.org 

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

01:33 — Introduction by Rose & Ben

02:07 — Ben’s Vegan Journey

03:20 — Rose’s Vegan Journey

04:30 — Beagle Rescue at MBR Acres

15:30 — Arrests & Charges for the Rescue

17:20 — Animal Rising’s Project to End Factory Farming

20:06 — CAFF System & Blocking Factory Farms

22:20 — How to Support Animal Rising

25:10 — Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here.

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr 

Connect with Rose & Ben at Animal Rising: 

https://www.instagram.com/animal.rising  

https://www.instagram.com/rose__patterson/ 

https://www.instagram.com/bennewman90 

www.animalrising.org 

More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber 

Contact me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Thom Norman, co-founder of Farm Kind (@farmkindgiving), a new nonprofit helping people donate more effectively to end factory farming. 

We talk about the massive funding gap in farmed animal advocacy, what makes a charity “super effective,” and how Farm Kind is empowering donors to help the most animals possible. We also explore the real-world impact made by the charities they recommend. 

This is an inspiring and practical conversation for anyone who wants their giving to have the biggest possible impact for animals.

Learn more at farmkind.giving

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

02:07 — Introduction by Thom

02:34 — How Farm Kind got started

03:16 — AIM incubator & the funding gap in farmed animal advocacy

05:15 — Why it matters to support super effective charities

07:40 — The six super effective charities Farm Kind recommends

10:22 — How the Impact Fund works & how Farm Kind maximizes donations

11:55 — Real impact: what these charities have achieved for animals 

14:55 — Animal agriculture & factory farming’s climate impact

18:54 — Conclusion & final thoughts

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/heB9IYfu5G0

Connect with me: ⁠⁠

https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr 

Connect with Farm Kind: 

https://www.instagram.com/farmkindgiving 

www.farmkind.giving 

More links:

⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber 

Contact me:

[email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Kuntal Joisher, a pioneering vegan mountaineer and passionate animal advocate. Kuntal made history as the first vegan to climb Mount Everest, not just once, but twice, all while staying true to his principles by designing and using the world’s first animal-free climbing suit.

Kuntal shares his incredible journey to veganism, detailing the challenges he faced and overcame in the world of extreme sports. We explore his passion for creating a community where vegans can embark on adventures without compromising their values, and he offers practical tips for those in India looking to transition to a vegan lifestyle.

Tune in to hear Kuntal’s inspiring story—from his transformation from a software engineer to a record-setting mountaineer, to his advocacy for a cruelty-free lifestyle in every aspect of life. You’ll also gain valuable insights into how Kuntal is breaking barriers in the adventure world and empowering others to follow in his footsteps.

Note: About 50 minutes into the episode, the microphone’s SD card filled up, and we had to switch to the camera’s audio. Hope this doesn’t impact your listening experience too much!

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

02:20 — Introduction by Kuntal

07:44 — Kuntal’s Vegan Journey

25:35 — Kuntal’s Vegan Climb on Mount Everest

40:06 — Nepal Earthquake Avalanche

50:28 — Second Attempt to Climb Mount Everest

58:00 — Creating the First Animal-Free Climbing Suit for Mount Everest

1:05:00 — Tips for Adopting a Vegan Lifestyle in India

1:12:30 — Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/IoHw7h9H9wU 

Connect with me:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber 

Connect with Kuntal: 

https://www.instagram.com/kuntalj 

More links:

⁠⁠https://hoo.be/itsfarahamber

Contact me:

[email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Ritv Kapoor, a dedicated vegan entrepreneur from India. Ritv is the founder of "People of Tomorrow," an exceptional vegan restaurant in New Delhi that originally started as a sustainable living platform. His commitment to sustainability and veganism shines through his innovative business approaches and community-focused efforts.

Ritv shares his vegan journey, discusses the evolution and challenges of running a vegan restaurant in India, and provides insights into the booming vegan scene in New Delhi. He elaborates on the unique sustainability practices at his restaurant and the importance of making vegan food appealing to non-vegans. 

Tune in to learn about Ritv's experiences in the restaurant industry, his innovative sustainability practices, and his vision for the future of veganism in India.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction  

04:52 — Start of People of Tomorrow

06:40 — Ritv’s Vegan Journey

08:53 — All About People of Tomorrow

15:53 — Sustainability Practices at People of Tomorrow  

18:37 — Veganism & India

22:06 — Marketing Vegan Food to Non-Vegans

27:45 — POT food and recipes

30:32 — Advice for Aspiring Vegan Entrepreneurs  

32:38 — Challenges in the  Vegan Restaurant Business  

36:27 — What’s Next for Ritv & POT

43:05 — Final Message & Conclusion  

Watch the podcast on Youtube here.

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber 

Connect with Ritv: 

https://www.instagram.com/ritvkapoor

https://www.instagram.com/peopleoftomorow/

https://www.instagram.com/peopleoftomorow2.0/

More links:⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠ 

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Shreya Ghodawat, an influential sustainability advocate, entrepreneur, and climate activist from India. Shreya hosts the podcast “Sustainable Tea with Shreya,” where she delves into climate action and sustainability with various thought leaders and experts. She is the co-founder of “Meat Less Meet More,” an initiative focusing on luxury plant-based networking events in India, and serves as the India Ambassador for SHE Changes Climate, promoting the role of gender in climate discussions.

Shreya shares her inspiring vegan journey, offers insights on sustainability in India, and recounts her experiences at COP28. She discusses the importance of making sustainability accessible, the concept of a de-influencer economy, and the critical role of gender in climate action.

Tune in to gain valuable tips on living a more sustainable lifestyle and to hear about Shreya's inspiring work, including her initiatives like "Meat Less Meet More" and her podcast "Sustainable Tea with Shreya.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction  

05:20 — Shreya’s Vegan Journey

13:26 — Veganism in India

17:25 — Sustainability in India

19:58 — On Being More Sustainable

22:47 — Shreya’s Experience at COP28

27:28 — Making Sustainability Cool / De-Influencing Economy

33:05 — Earth Overshoot Day

35:09 — Gender and Climate / She Changes Climate

40:22 — What’s Next for Shreya

42:07 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/BbNQHocD0nY 

Listen to the podcast here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6AcLaofzDZ6uMJNstfnGYX

https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/changemakers/id1647956676

Connect with me:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber 

Connect with Shreya: 

https://www.instagram.com/shreyaghodawat

https://www.instagram.com/sustainableteawithshreya 

More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠ 

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Shivam Nandi, also known as Voice of Vegans (@voiceofvegans_). Shivam is a vegan educator and content creator on YouTube, Instagram, and his blog, voiceofvegans.com.

Shivam shares his insights on effective vegan advocacy in India, discussing the challenges and strategies for pr vegan mdebates.

Tune in to hear Shivam's expert advice on animal advocacy, his experiences with street activism, and tips for aspiring vegans. 

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction  

02:47 — Shivam’s Vegan & Activism Journey  

13:00 — Shivam’s Activism & Street Outreach  

16:49 — Tips for Animal Advocacy Methods  

28:33 — On Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World  

32:43 — Tips for Aspiring Vegans  

35:38 — Nuances of the Indian Dairy Industry  

55:57 — Open Slaughterhouses in India  

1:00:58 — Practices Not Known to the Public  

1:03:27 — Reacting to Anti-Vegan Comments / Human-Animal Victim Analogy  

1:09:41 — What’s Next for Voice of Vegans  

1:13:06 — Final Message & Conclusion  

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber 

Connect with Shivam: 

https://www.instagram.com/voiceofvegans_ 

https://www.youtube.com/@voiceofvegans

https://www.voiceofvegans.com/

More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠ 

Contact me: [email protected]