The Farah Amber Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Rajeshwar Singh Maini 

(@rsmaini) of Animal Save India and the Plant Based Treaty. Rajeshwar is a prominent animal rights advocate who launched The Save Movement in India, starting with Mumbai Animal Save in 2018. Rajeshwar works on individual change in activism and institutional change through his work with the Plant Based Treaty.

Rajeshwar shares his vegan journey story coming from a family that owned a poultry shop to becoming a leading voice in the vegan movement in India. In our discussion, Rajeshwar shares about his involvement with Animal Save, the National Animal Rights Day, and about his work at the COP28 in Dubai with Plant Based Treaty.

Tune in as Rajeshwar shares valuable advice on effective animal advocacy methods and shares insights into creating a vegan India.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:52 — Rajeshwar’s Vegan Journey

07:20 — Rajeshwar’s Animal Activism Projects

11:16 — COP28 in Dubai with the Plant Based Treaty

17:27 — Socratic Method in Animal Advocacy 

23:10 — On Veganism in India

26:27 — Experience Visiting Slaughterhouses

30:28 — Managing Mental Health in Activism

35:00 — On The Support of Family and Friends

36:34 — Future Projects and What’s Next For Rajeshwar

38:34 — Final Message and Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

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 Rajeshwar: 

https://www.instagram.com/rsmaini 

https://www.instagram.com/animalsaveindia 

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

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we're joined by Malavika Malaviya (@malagoesgreen). Malavika is a passionate vegan advocate and social media influencer who has made significant strides in promoting a cruelty free and sustainable lifestyle through her online platform.

During our conversation, Malavika shares about her personal journey toward veganism and the motivations for launching her platform. She offers a look into the often-overlooked aspects of the dairy and leather industries in India, providing eye-opening insights that challenge mainstream beliefs.

Tune in as Malavika shares valuable advice on advocating for veganism and presents practical tips for those interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, all supported by local resources in India. 

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

05:24 — Malavika’s Vegan Journey & Start of @malagoesgreen

07:40 — Farah’s Vegan Journey

09:25 — What Consumers In India Don’t Know

13:30 — Dealing With Cognitive Dissonance in Animal Activism

17:23 — Thoughts on Different Effective Vegan Advocacy Methods

22:02 — Is Leather a By-Product or a Co-Product?

31:26 — Malavika’s Projects

32:26 — Advice For Aspiring Vegans in India

39:33 — What’s Next For Malavika?

40:22 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

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

Connect with Malavika:  https://www.instagram.com/malagoesgreen 

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

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Harsha Atmakuri (@harshadoc_), a filmmaker and animal rights activist who directed the exposé Maa Ka Doodh (Mother’s Milk), an undercover investigative documentary on the Indian dairy industry. 

Harsha is a doctor from South India who quit his job and transitioned from studying medicine to becoming a full-time animal activist and filmmaker. He embarked on an investigative journey across India to uncover the link between the nation's massive dairy consumption and its beef exports which he documented in ‘Maa Ka Doodh’ (watch Maa Ka Doodh for free in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi here)

Tune in to hear Harsha discuss his vegan journey, the challenges of dairy industry investigation, and the intricate complexities surrounding cow and buffalo exploitation in India. Gain insights into how Gaushalas (cow shelters) can still exploit cows, the marketing strategies behind A2 milk, and the fate of male calves in the dairy industry.

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction02:06 — Harsha’s Vegan Journey08:52 — Harsha’s Animal Activism10:30 — The Journey Towards ‘Maa Ka Doodh’

17:37 — On The Production of ‘Maa Ka Doodh’

21:16 — The Response of ‘Maa Ka Doodh’24:42 — Do Gaushalas Exploit Cows?27:20 — A2 Milk Marketing Strategy

30:39 — Cow vs Buffalo Beef

35:00 — What Happens To The Male Calves in the Indian Dairy Industry

37:58 — Transport of Cows to Slaughter-allowed States

40:23 — Emotional Detachment Advice in Activism 

44:28 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

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

Connect with Harsha:  https://www.instagram.com/harshadoc_ https://www.instagram.com/maakadoodhmovie  

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

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we're joined by Priyansh (@prunchme), a vegan chef and influential content creator who uses his platform to inspire millions by showcasing delicious food that just happens to be vegan.

Priyansh shares the pivotal moments that shaped his vegan journey, starting from a stark revelation during the Amazon fires in 2019 to his innovative approaches in presenting vegan food as accessible and enjoyable, rather than a sacrifice.

Tune in to hear about Priyansh’s experiences cooking at COP28, where his food truck became a hit among climate activists, and learn how he uses his platform to create positive change for animals and the environment!

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:14 — Priyansh’s Vegan Journey

05:00 — Priyansh’s Cooking Journey

06:25 — The Start of Prunch

08:47 — The Vegan Food Bias

10:54 — What Drives You Everyday?

13:00 — Day in the life of Prunch

15:43 — Biggest Challenges

17:00 — Projects of Prunch 

19:28 — COP28 + Going Plant-Based for the Environment

23:46 — Presenting Vegan Food to Non-Vegans

25:24 — Advice for Implementing PB Foods + Cooking Natural Foods

31:51 — What’s Next for Prunch

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

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

Connect with Priyansh:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/prunchme

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

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Shweta (@shweta_borgaonkar), an animal rights activist and co-lead of social media for Direct Action Everywhere (DxE - @directactioneverywhere).

Shweta shares about her work as an animal activist for 8 years, her personal vegan journey, and the work of DxE. DxE is a global network of activists working to achieve revolutionary social and political change for animals in one generation. They focus on changing systems and have campaigns such as the Right to Rescue and the Animal Bill of Rights.

Shweta shares about DxE’s animal rescue cases, where animals were rescued from farms, but the activists faced legal charges for rescuing them, such as the recent Ridglan Farms trial where activists were facing jail time for rescuing beagles from animal testing facilities.

Tune in to hear us discuss all about animal activism, including DxE’s work to implement the Animal Bill of Rights, also known as ‘Rose’s Law’:

• The right to be free - not owned - or to have a guardian acting in their best interest.
• The right to not be exploited, abused, or killed by humans.
• The right to have their interests represented in court and protected by the law.
• The right to a protected home, habitat, or ecosystem.
• The right to be rescued from situations of distress and exploitation.

UPDATE: In the episode, we speak about the Ridglan Trial. Ten days before the trial, all charges were DROPPED against the animal rescuers (Eva Hamer, Paul Darwin Picklesimer, and Wayne Hsiung) who saved three beagles from Ridglan Farms, a factory farm that breeds dogs for experimentation.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:25 — What does DXE do?

04:35 — Right to Rescue

07:25 — Lily & Lizzie Smithfield Trial & Wayne’s Case

11:30 — Ridglan Trial

17:00 — Shweta’s Vegan Journey & Animal Activism

26:20 — Rose’s Law & Bill of 5 Rights

29:25 — Will There Be a Vegan India/Vegan World?

35:50 — Future Projects, Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/plrcgj-Lrp0 

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

Connect with Shweta and DxE : 

⁠https://www.instagram.com/shweta_borgaonkar 

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

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

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Josh Whiton (@joshwhiton), regenerative technologist and founder of Make Soil, an initiative that turns organic waste into nutrient-dense soil. 

Josh discusses the importance of a sustainable plant-based food system and challenges listeners to reconsider their relationship with technology, food waste, and the broader ecological system.

Tune in to hear about his recent transition to veganism, the intersection of diet, sustainability, and consciousness, and learn how to adopt regenerative practices at home.

Discover how we can all play a part in nurturing a healthier, more sustainable world!

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

02:13 — What Is Regenerative Technology

04:42 — The Simplicity of Composting & Make Soil

08:37 — His Talk at COP28 Dubai

10:25 — Josh’s Vegan Journey & Regenerative Agriculture

13:45 — Creating a Sustainable Plant-Based Food System 

23:32 — Future Projects

28:03 — Final message  

Watch the podcast on Youtube

Connect with me on Instagram

Connect with Josh on Instagram

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

Contact me: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Anando and Saddhen, also known as my Vegan Grandparents. My grandparents live in a remote area in the middle of France and eat a whole food, plant-based diet from their home-grown garden.

They share their reasons behind their switch to veganism, including a battle with prostate cancer and a deeply rooted love for animals. They also share their knowledge on gardening tips and the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, as well as insightful tips on nutrition, the importance of meal planning, and tips on living a sustainable lifestyle. 

Tune in to hear them share their day-to-day life, including cycling to the grocery store, growing their own food, and the simplicity of preparing nutritious meals. Be inspired by the legendary vegan grandparents who prove it's never too late to change your life and the world for the better.

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:17 — Grandpa’s Vegan Journey

05:00 — Grandma’s Vegan Journey

08:16 — Health improvement + Active Lifestyle

10:00 — What Does Their Plant-Based Diet Consist of?

13:50 — On Saving Water & Electricity

15:36 — Gardening Tips

17:14 — A day in the Life of the Vegan Grandparents

24:30 — Health & Doctors 

27:37 — Final Message & Conclusion

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

Connect with me on Instagram

More links

Contact me at [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Atul Sarin (@atul.sarin), founder of animal rescue center Welfare For Animals in Goa (@welfare_for_animals_in_goa). WAG Sanctuary is home to 70 cows, 1 buffalo, 3 goats, 10 chickens, 20 budgies, 3 parrots, 50 dogs, and 10 cats. 

Atul shares about the importance of legal action in animal welfare and offers a unique perspective on tackling animal cruelty and illegal activities in India. Atul also shares his knowledge on the complex issue of stray cows in India and proposes practical solutions. 

Tune in to hear him share his personal vegan journey story, his experiences in animal rescue and learn more about the importance of sanctuaries in promoting vegan awareness and inspiring change.

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

02:14 — Introduction by Atul

03:42 — The Start of WAG Sanctuary

07:10 — Atul’s Journey to Dairy-Free and Egg-Free

12:35 — All Things WAG Sanctuary 

15:43 — Latest Animal Rescue + The Importance of Legalities 

22:33 — All Things Buffalo Dairy Cows 

30:47 — Stray Cow Situation in India

39:45 — What’s Next For WAG?

43:10 — How Can We Help WAG?

45:30 — Final Message & Conclusion

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Watch the podcast on Youtube here:

https://youtu.be/S6m7PC_Z8KA

Connect with me:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber 

Connect with Atul: 

⁠https://www.instagram.com/atul.sarin

⁠https://www.instagram.com/welfare_for_animals_in_goa 

More links:

⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠ 

Contact me:

[email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by Ryuji Chua (@ryujichua), filmmaker and animal advocate known for creating educational resources about animal ethics, including his independent documentary “How Concious Can a Fish Be?”

Ryuji shares his vegan journey story, which began after reading “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. His advocacy work focuses on education, explaining concepts such as animal sentience, speciesism, factory farming, wild animal suffering in a way that's easily understandable and engaging.  

Tune in to hear him share insights from his research on the sentience of fish, as well as share valuable tips for effective animal advocacy, drawing from his own personal experiences.

Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction02:00 — Ryuji’s Vegan Journey13:23 — Ryuji’s Journey to Animal Advocacy24:31 — Tips for Effective Animal Advocacy27:45 — “How Conscious Can a Fish Be?” Documentary Insights & Fish Sentience39:08 — Exploring the Differences & Similarities between Human and Non-Human Animals41:55 — Final Message To Listeners & Conclusion

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Watch the podcast on Youtube here.

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

Connect with Ryuji: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ryujichua

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

Contact me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Seb Alex (@seb.alex), a prominent figure in the animal rights movement known for his educational lectures and strong social media presence.

Seb share effective advocacy strategies, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in spreading the vegan message. He discusses his founding role in the Middle East Legal Society, aimed at raising awareness and creating content on animal rights in Arabic, addressing a crucial need in the region.

Tune in to hear him share his personal vegan journey, his experiences in activism and learn more about the impactful role of education and advocacy in the animal rights movement. 

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:00 — Introduction by Seb

04:56 — Seb’s Animal Activism

07:16 — Animal Advocacy Methods

12:00 — Animal Rights & the Name The Trait Method

18:11 — Seb’s Vegan Journey + Health Aspect of Veganism

27:13 — Middle East Vegan Society Future Projects

30:32 — Final Message & Conclusion

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Watch the podcast on Youtube here:

https://youtu.be/ItMW3stpXG0

Connect with me:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber 

Connect with Seb: 

https://www.instagram.com/seb.alex

More links:

⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠ 

Contact me:

[email protected]