A recent study by scholars at UC Berkeley and Yale shows that changing a person’s media consumption from Fox News to CNN had statistically significant impacts on “factual beliefs, attitudes, perceptions of issues’ importance, and overall political views.” But the media rarely covers issues such as animal rights. How do we change that? And what can each of us learn from media experts about how to create change? This conversation with Jessica Scott-Reid, who has placed powerful animal rights stories in some of the most important mainstream media publications in the world, will change how you think about persuasion, activism, and the products being sold in grocery stores as “humane.” Jessica-Scott Reid is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in Vox, The Globe and Mail, and numerous other publications. Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jesslsr/Investigation and feature by Jessica on the nature of “humane washing”: https://www.vox.com/22838160/animal-welfare-labels-meat-dairy-eggs-humane-humanewashingStudy showing changed news viewing patterns can change people’s beliefs: https://newsliteracymatters.commons.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/8164/files/2022/05/Partisan-Media-Paper-Excerpt.pdf

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Two moments in my life changed everything, and taught me important lessons about changing the world. 

Wayne delves into his emotional and profound journey, fresh from his release from jail following the Sonoma Trial. This episode provides a candid exploration of Wayne's time behind bars, offering a unique perspective on the parallels between jail life and factory farms.

Listeners will gain insight into the sentencing and probation conditions imposed on Wayne, highlighting the restriction that prevents him from seeing 14 of his "co-conspirators," including Priya. This episode poignantly covers the second to last day Wayne and Priya are allowed to spend together.

Furthermore, Wayne examines the tactics used by the prosecution and the owner of Sunrise Farms, uncovering the layers of complexity and controversy surrounding the trial. 

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The heart-wrenching ordeal of Ruby the horse in Sonoma County unveiled a chilling viewpoint entrenched in our legal system: "Animals are property," as the County's Operations Manager for Animal Control voiced. But this is not where the conversation ends. Steven Wise, affiliated with the Nonhuman Rights Project, pushes back, advocating fervently for the recognition of animal personhood. He draws parallels to past societal injustices, where marginalized groups, such as women and people of color, were denied personhood. When non-persons are relegated to mere 'things,' they're overlooked and unprotected by the laws meant to ensure justice. Ruby's story stands as a painful testament to this gap in our legal perspective. However, not all is bleak. The tale of Ruth, a rescued chicken in the Sonoma County Trial, serves as a beacon of hope and activism. Her rescue and subsequent visibility in the legal arena underscore the potential for change. But with change comes resistance. Priya and Wayne, some of the people behind Ruth's rescue, now face legal repercussions, highlighting the high stakes of this fight. The broader implications stretch beyond animals, touching on how society views and values life. The Sonoma County jury decision could reshape society's views and values of all living beings. The measure of a good society is how it treats the powerless.

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Wayne dives into the scorching reality of the summer of 2023, officially declared by the UN as the hottest on record. As the tendrils of climate change tighten their grip, our planet is subjected to catastrophic consequences. From the disturbing Maui fires to the harrowing tales of animals and humans alike struggling against nature's fury, the evidence is overwhelming. But is nature truly to blame? Our deep dive into the issue reveals a stark reality – humans' callous disregard for our natural systems is the root cause. It's not just about the devastating stories that hit the headlines. 

Wayne also discusses the Sonoma Rescue Trial, spotlighting how big systems, including household names like Costco and Whole Foods, have mistreated animals. This case goes beyond the issue of animal rights; it asks us to introspect on the very foundation of our society. Do we perpetuate a culture of cruelty, or can we foster one of compassion? Rescue shouldn't be an occasional act of goodwill or a headline story; it should be our way of life.

Join us as we envision a different world—a world where society pivots from exploitation to rejuvenation. Imagine a society where we don't ransack our invaluable natural resources but instead breathe life back into them. What if, instead of raising skyscraping factory farms that obliterate ecosystems, we built sanctuaries for creatures, whether they walk our streets or roam our wilds?

Calls to action:

Animal activists Priya and Wayne discuss the essence of open rescue, emphasizing its symbolic role in the animal rights movement beyond just a tactic. Sharing their experiences of facing trials, challenges with the legal system, and personal confrontations with powerful entities, they reflect on their inspirations, particularly the animals they seek to save. The story underscores the sacrifices they’re willing to make and the importance of standing up for what is right, even against overwhelming odds. 

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Dive deep with Wayne into The Simple Heart’s eye-opening post, “How Saving One Hen Can Save Billions.”

In 2017, Julianne Perry rescued a calf, leading many to question how we could save all 12,000 who were left behind. Perry set the stage for a debate that extended far beyond the confines of a single animal rescue. This episode explores the societal rules that bind us and the monumental impact of a story. Discover why institutions hold the key, how the Sonoma Rescue Trial symbolizes a turning point, and why the plight of one animal can galvanize a global movement. Beyond the obstacles and industry pushback, this is a tale of hope, truth, and the unyielding power of compassion. Tune in and be inspired – because change starts with saving just one life.

Curtis Vollmar was convicted in Utah for leafleting on a public sidewalk. Tracy Murphy was charged with grand larceny for aiding two stray cows who wandered onto her property. And, most recently, a member of Congress wrote a letter to the FBI asking for action to be taken against "vegan extremists." There is a moral panic over animal rights unfolding across the country – but if we play our hand correctly, we can harness it to make change for animals.

I speak with Jeremy Beckham, executive director of the Utah Animal Rights Coalition, about what we all need to know about moral panics, mob mentality, and how we can make repression backfire.

Defendant Alicia Santurio and attorney Jonathan Frohnmayer on how we won another historic victory in the Foster Farms Trial.

I’m pausing the podcast, to take on some big new projects. What I’ve learned from the last couple years, and what’s coming next.