The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this special tribute episode, we honour the late Christine Townend, a pioneer who laid the foundation for the animal rights movement in Australia. We are joined by two icons of the movement and friends of Christine, Lynda Stoner and Glenys Oogjes, to share her life and monumental work.

Christine was a force of nature who shaped the movement from its infancy in the mid-1970s. From founding Animal Liberation and co-founding Animals Australia (at the time it was called the Australian Federation of Animal Societies), to her profound work on the ground in India.

As a true visionary, Christine paved the way so that others could follow. We discuss her strategic brilliance, her creative spirit as an artist and poet, and her unwavering courage. 

Christine’s life centred on animal justice and her story is essential listening for the future generation of animal advocates.

• Working for Animals (Christine and Jeremy’s animal rescue in Darjeeling, India)
• Christine with her Animal Justice Award for Lifetime Achievement

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In this episode, we’re joined by Brisbane-based content creator Jakob Guy, better known online as Humane Vision. With a combined audience of over 300,000 and content that reaches millions of people every month, Jakob has redefined what it means to be an animal advocate in the digital age.

Jakob shares his unique approach to advocacy, which blends education, humour, and direct storytelling to make the reality of animal exploitation impossible to ignore. We go behind the scenes of his creative process and discuss how he developed his technical skills, where he finds inspiration for his original content, and his approach to navigating the ever-changing social media landscape.

Beyond the metrics, we have a candid conversation about the mental weight of constant digital presence and navigating online abuse. Jakob also imparts his wisdom for any new activists wanting to leverage social media.  

If you’ve ever wanted to use social media to spread the vegan message, or are just curious about all the work that goes into Jakob’s content, then this episode is for you!

Connect with Jakob:

• Instagram

• TikTok

• YouTube

• Clothing shop

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LINKS 

• Sponsor the podcast
• ⁠⁠Be our guest
• Podcast merch

Please subscribe to support the show.

Follow us on socials:

• ⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• Facebook⁠
  

In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with Gail Eisnitz, Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association (HFA) and a true pioneer of animal cruelty investigations in the USA. 

Gail has spent 43 years exposing the hidden horrors of the animal farming and slaughter industries, but her latest book, Out of Sight, reveals a health battle she was fighting behind the scenes.

Gail opens up about her childhood struggles with undiagnosed OCD and a rare visual processing disorder, and how those early feelings of isolation led her to identify with the helplessness of animals. 

We discuss her career as the first female national investigator in the 1980s, her courageous work documenting slaughterhouse violations while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and her relentless pursuit of justice against the unyielding power of industry and law enforcement.

Finally, Gail shares what it was like receiving a diagnosis for her mystery illness after 60 years of searching for answers, and how she continues to lead the HFA’s mission to protect farm animals today.

Connect with Gail:

• ⁠Buy ‘Out of Sight’⁠
• ⁠Learn more about Gail ⁠
• ⁠Follow Gail on Instagram⁠
• Follow Gail on Facebook
• Connect with Gail on LinkedIn

Learn more and support HFA:

• Learn more about HFA
• Follow HFA on Instagram
• Follow HFA on Facebook

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LINKS 

• Sponsor the podcast
• Be our guest
• Podcast merch

Please subscribe to support the show.

Follow us on socials:

• ⁠Instagram⁠⁠
• Facebook⁠
  

In this episode, we connect with Danish actress, singer, and songwriter Nina Bergman to explore the intersection of her career and animal rights activism. 

Known for her intense, action-packed roles, Nina shares what it’s actually like to prepare for these roles and maintain your values on a Hollywood film set.

We also dive into Nina’s journey to becoming a vocal vegan activist, including her experience taking the stage for a TEDx talk. Nina also introduces us to her latest project, Fierce N Vegan, a 12-week masterclass designed to guide you through nutrition, fitness, and strengthening your mental health.

Whether you’re looking for strategies to avoid activist burnout or curious about the life of a vegan in the entertainment industry, Nina’s fierce message is one you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Nina:

• Website

• Instagram: Nina Bergman and FierceNVegan

• Fierce N Vegan masterclass
• Nina Bergman - Walking Alone (Deathstalker soundtrack)

Cover image credit: Allan Amato

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LINKS 

• Sponsor the podcast

• ⁠⁠Be our guest
• Podcast merch

⁠

Please subscribe to support the show.

Follow us on socials:

• ⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• Facebook⁠
  

In this episode, we sit down with Brett and Krzysztof, the duo behind the award-winning vegan cheese brand Faux Sho.

From their beginnings selling "Frizzas" (fried pizzas) in London's Brick Lane to taking home nine medals at the Australian Fine Food Awards, their journey is a masterclass in resilience and culinary innovation.

We dive into their beginnings working under big names like Jamie Oliver, the science of plant-based cheese, and the reality of running a vegan business in a challenging political climate.

Brett and Krzysztof have a fascinating journey that spans international borders, high-stakes hospitality, and even legal run-ins with French cheese royalty. We hope you enjoy this conversation.

Follow Faux Sho on Instagram

Visit their website

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• Sponsor the podcast
• ⁠⁠Be our guest
• Podcast merch

⁠

Please subscribe to support the show.

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⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Facebook⁠

In this episode, we explore the deep – but often forgotten – relationship between humans and the ecosystem with vegan chef Elijah Attard and filmmaker Liam Allen. 

Together, they have created ‘Awakened’, a cinematic short film that investigates our role in nature through the lens of foraging and ocean conservation.

Elijah shares his journey from kitchen porter to vegan fine dining, and how his passion for wild foods led to his signature Roots Dining experience. 

Liam discusses the making of ‘Awakened’, featuring insights from Sea Shepherd and environmental scientists to ask if the damage to our planet is done, or if we can still take a step in the right direction.

‘Awakened’ Short Film Premiere: Info and Tickets

Maroubra Beachside Foraging Tour: Info and Tickets

Connect with our Guests:

Elijah Attard:

• Instagram

• Website

Liam Allen:

• Instagram

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LINKS 

• Sponsor the podcast
• Be our guest
• Podcast merch

⁠Please subscribe to support the show.

Follow us on socials:

• ⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• Facebook⁠

In this post-event wrap-up episode, Ric and Mackenzie sit down to reflect on an inspiring weekend at the Animal Rights Forum 2026 held at the Sydney Masonic Centre. 

After two days of presentations, panels, and deep-diving into the most urgent issues facing animals today, we share our personal highlights and the talks that moved us most.

We discuss the power of seeing the community come together in person, from the high-energy exhibition hall to the intimate discussion circles that allowed for real connection. 

We also look back at the Animal Justice Awards, a night dedicated to spotlighting the tireless advocates who form the backbone of our movement.

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LINKS

• 45 ways to help animals (when you don't have time)
• Sponsor the podcast
• Be our guest
• Podcast merch
• Visit our website

Support the show with a ‘follow’ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or ‘subscribe’ on YouTube.

If you’re loving the show, please leave us a review or rating.

Follow us on socials:

• Instagram
• Facebook

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Sophie Wilcher, a dedicated animal rights activist and investigator with Farm Transparency Project whose journey has led her into some of the most confronting places in Australia’s ‘food’ system.

After beginning her advocacy through street outreach, vigils, and community activism, she soon stepped into investigative work. In 2019, she entered her first factory farm, rescuing hens from a caged-egg facility and exposing the hidden realities of farming in Australia.

Since then, Sophie has spent six years participating in direct actions, documenting conditions inside slaughterhouses and farms, and rescuing hundreds of animals from these places. She shares their stories online to help people see them as the precious individuals they are.

This episode is a powerful and deeply human insight into what it takes to expose the truth, and how to have hope for the future despite having seen the worst of humanity.

Follow and connect with Sophie on Instagram: @thesophiemouse

Details for the Animal Rights Forum:

February 21st-22nd 2026

Sydney Masonic Centre

More information at animalrightsforum.org/

Get tickets at: trybooking.com/events/landing/1460942

Support The Vegan Compass Podcast:

NEW PODCAST MERCH! Get yours at vegancompass.theprintbar.com

Support the show with a ‘follow’ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or ‘subscribe’ on YouTube.

If you’re loving the show, please leave us a review or rating.

Instagram: @thevegancompass_podcast

Facebook: The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and marine conservation advocate Andre Borell, co-founder of the Envoy Foundation and director of the 2021 documentary, Envoy: Shark Cull which exposed Australia’s shark control programs and the global fight to protect our oceans.

In our chat, Andre shares how his lifelong love for marine animals led him to expose the devastating impact of shark nets and drumlines, and why these outdated methods fail to keep swimmers safe. We break down why they provide a false sense of security, and the non-lethal alternatives that can protect both humans and wildlife.

We also explore the incredible work of the Envoy Foundation, how a documentary project turned into an international movement, and the urgent environmental issues the team is tackling right now.

If you care about ocean conservation, science-backed solutions and the power of community — this episode is a must-watch!

About Envoy Foundation: envoy.foundation

Watch Envoy: Shark Cull: envoy.foundation/projects/envoy-shark-cull

Sign the petition: change.org/nosharkcull

Connect with Andre: linkedin.com/in/andreborell/

Details for the Animal Rights Forum:

February 21st-22nd 2026

 Sydney Masonic Centre

More information at animalrightsforum.org/

Get tickets at: trybooking.com/events/landing/1460942

Support The Vegan Compass Podcast:

NEW PODCAST MERCH! Get yours at vegancompass.theprintbar.com

Support the show with a ‘follow’ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or ‘subscribe’ on YouTube.

If you’re loving the show, please leave us a review or rating.

Instagram: @thevegancompass_podcast

Facebook: The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Peter Varvaressos, the ingenuitive mind behind some of Sydney’s most loved vegan food businesses: Greens Supermarket, Vandal and Kimusabi. From creating a community hub for plant-based groceries to redefining sushi and Mexican street food, Pete has played a huge role in shaping Sydney’s vegan food culture.

We start by exploring Peter’s background, having grown up around his parent’s catering company and how that influenced his career path. He shares the moment he realised there were major gaps in the vegan food scene and how that insight inspired him to create businesses that are innovative and loved by even the harshest of critics. 

Pete walks us through the biggest mistakes he sees vegan food businesses make, and the key ingredients that have contributed to his long-term success in a rapidly changing industry.

Pete is passionate and constantly dreaming up the next venture, so tune in to get the scoop on what new ideas are brewing and where to follow his journey.

Connect with Pete:

Instagram: @greens.supermarket @vandal_sydney and @kimusabi.katering

Email: [email protected]

Details for the Animal Rights Forum:

February 21st-22nd 2026

 Sydney Masonic Centre

More information at animalrightsforum.org/

Get tickets at: trybooking.com/events/landing/1460942

Support The Vegan Compass Podcast:

NEW PODCAST MERCH! Get yours at vegancompass.theprintbar.com

Support the show with a ‘follow’ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or ‘subscribe’ on YouTube.

If you’re loving the show, please leave us a review or rating.

Instagram: @thevegancompass_podcast

Facebook: The Vegan Compass Podcast