The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Pam Ahern, the inspiring founder of Edgar’s Mission, Australia’s most well-known animal sanctuary. 

From her beginnings as an equestrian to becoming a fierce advocate for farmed animals, Pam shares her remarkable journey of following her heart and changing the world, one animal in need at a time.

Episode Highlights:

Pam’s early life and her transition to veganism.

The story behind Edgar Alan Pig and how he inspired the creation of Edgar’s Mission.

The challenges of starting a sanctuary and the lessons learned along the way.

Reflections on a 20-year journey, and how Edgar’s Mission grew from humble beginnings to an iconic sanctuary with a global reach.

The essential role of volunteers and supporters in keeping the sanctuary running.

Changing perceptions of farmed animals through storytelling and connection.

Winning the TikTok for Good award and other milestones that have made an impact.

Resources and Links:

Learn more about Edgar’s Mission: Website 

Follow Edgar’s Mission on social media:

Instagram 

Facebook

TikTok

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Welcome to ‘News of the week’ on The Vegan Compass Podcast. This week, we’ve got a mix of stories that highlight the ongoing struggles and some surprising shifts in the world of animal rights and veganism. 

From the horrifying story of a zookeeper who tragically lost his life in a lion enclosure, to another greyhound trainer banned for baiting offences. We’ll also talk about a multi-million-dollar company stepping into the vegan world, and a restaurant chain that seems to have lost its way after abandoning veganism.

As always, we’re here to unpack these stories, bring you the truth behind the headlines, and keep the focus on what matters most: the lives of sentient beings.

So, settle in for a conversation that’s equal parts hard-hitting and hopeful, because we’ve got a lot to talk about.

You can find the direct links to each news story below, as well as ways to help or get involved!

1.    Horror moment zookeeper films his own death in tragic mauling

2. Victorian Trainer Banned For Baiting Offences

Support efforts to ban greyhound racing

3. Multi-Million Dollar Company Unilever Promote ‘Game-Changing’ Vegan Diet

4.    A popular California vegan restaurant chain announced it was shutting its doors after years of financial struggles — but the final nails in the coffin came from angry vegans who began attacking the company when it put meat on the menu.

5.    The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance is calling for Parks Victoria to maintain its security at Cardinia Reservoir Park after a recent series of kangaroo killings seems to continue unabated.

Support the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance

6.    Sydney woman charged with wildlife trafficking amid crackdown on native animal exportations

7.    ‘I Could Never Go Vegan’ Ads Take Over London Underground

8.    Why Eating Vegan The Indian Way Is Healthier (And Tastier) Than You Think

In this episode, we sit down with Bailey Mason, a passionate young animal activist whose work is making waves in the fight against animal exploitation. 

Bailey runs the Instagram account @warriorforanimals and has dedicated his life to campaigns like shutting down greyhound racing, freeing marine animals from captivity, and promoting a vegan lifestyle. His thought-provoking advocacy has captured worldwide attention, shining a spotlight on the plight of animals.

Bailey shares how his activism journey began, the diverse approaches he has taken over the years, and the challenges he has faced as a young voice in the movement. We dive into his focus on marine animal captivity, discussing the misconceptions people have about marine parks, the backlash from the industry, and the importance of public education in driving change.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference for animals, Bailey’s story will inspire you to take action and join the fight for animal liberation.

What We Cover:

How Bailey became an activist and his journey toward veganism.

The different types of activism he has been involved in.

Challenges faced as a young activist and how he overcame them.

Bailey’s work to free marine animals from captivity and the misconceptions about marine parks.

Collaborations with other activists and organizations.

Responses from the marine park industry and navigating backlash.

Actions listeners can take to help oppose marine animal captivity.

Advice for those interested in starting their activism journey.

Resources & Links:

Follow Bailey on Instagram: @warriorforanimals

Join the protest at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary on Jan 26th.

Sign the petition to end dolphin captivity at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary 

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Support The Vegan Compass

The best way to support the show is to ‘follow’ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or ‘subscribe’ on YouTube.

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

Follow us on Instagram

Like us on Facebook

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Welcome back to The Vegan Compass Podcast! Today, we’re guiding you through the latest news from the animal rights and vegan movement.

It’s a mix of heartbreak, mystery, and a bit of uplifting progress—which, let’s be honest, is kind of the standard emotional rollercoaster of these weekly news episodes!

You can find the direct links to each news story below, as well as ways to help or get involved!

1. Tiger among 20 cats to die of bird flu at sanctuary in Washington state

2. Mystery as hundreds of Aussie birds and flying foxes fall from the sky

Support Bats QLD: https://www.batsqld.org.au/

3. Texas cheerleader charged with animal cruelty for 'killing classmate's goat with poison'

4. Using Social Media To Call Out Animal Exploitation

5. Can Contraceptives Improve Wild Animal Welfare?

6. Australia’s Kangaroo Cull Raises Complex Questions of Survival and Ethics

Support Kangaroo Conservation: https://www.kangaroosalive.org/

7. Man fined $80,000 after 71 kangaroos found dead on his property

8. Veganism: A resolution for health, planet, and compassion

9. New Vegan Zombie Film Features Dr Michael Greger And Jane Velez Mitchell

10. Prospect Of A Vegan World Leaves Public Feeling Hopeful For Future

11. Athens Prioritises Animal Welfare with Silent New Year's Eve Fireworks

12. Warning as an iconic Australian animal could soon face extinction

Support threatened species protection: https://www.australianwildlife.org/

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In this episode of The Vegan Compass Podcast, we take a deep dive on Australia’s live animal export industry with our guest, Katrina Love.

Katrina was the Campaign Manager for the grassroots community organisation formed in Fremantle in the 1990s – Stop Live Exports – for over a decade and involved in that campaign since 2002. 

She sat on the Animals Australia Executive Committee for four years as the WA representative and continues to work closely with them and other animal protection organisations as an independent consultant on live animal exports.

Katrina was a senior member of the Animal Justice Party from 2013 to 2023 as national Vice President for four years, State Convenor in WA for nine years and then in Tasmania for two years, also having run in and coordinated nine federal and state elections. 

She was one of the founding Directors of the Animal Justice Foundation in 2020 and remains in that (Secretary) position, but apart from AJF and her live export contributions is otherwise semi-retired, focused on her own business and living on four acres in southern Tasmania with her rescue German Shepherd cross – Avery, three sheep – Buster, Lucille and Tobias, Dash and Marty the two rescued budgies, and an abundant wildlife population pf pademelons, brushtail possums, eastern barred bandicoots, spotted quolls and 35 species of birds (so far), and volunteers as a wildlife rescuer for Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Episode Highlights:

Katrina’s journey into animal activism, and how the live export campaign influenced her to go vegan.

We discuss the Australian live animal export industry, including the animal welfare concerns during voyages and at slaughter upon arrival overseas. 

Katrina delves into the Albanese government’s recent announcement to phase out live sheep exports, the industry’s counterarguments, and the economic and ethical implications of ending live exports.

We also touch on the importance of “single-issue” campaigns, and the future opportunities of farming and trade in Australia.

Connect with Katrina:

Katrina's Facebook

Katrina's Bluesky

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Welcome to ‘News of the week’ on The Vegan Compass Podcast, where we navigate the highs and lows in animal rights news and advocacy.

Together, co-hosts Mackenzie and Ric will bring you the stories that matter—some will leave you outraged, others inspired, but all of them serve as reminders of why we fight for justice for all sentient beings.

This week, we’ve got a packed lineup. We talk about a major shake-up at the RSPCA in the UK, horrifying cases of animal abuse involving NSW school students, we’ll celebrate Portugal’s groundbreaking decision for a plant-based transition, and look ahead to Veganuary 2025, which is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

The headlines:

Beef Industry Study Accidentally Proves Plant Protein Just As Good As Meat

Crayford Greyhound Track In England To Close After Christmas

Freed Activist Paul Watson Vows To End Whaling Worldwide

Horrific Acts of Cruelty Against 29 Chickens Found Dead at NSW High School

School Ducks Tortured and Killed in Disturbing Act of Animal Cruelty

Meat Eaters More Likely To Be Disgusted By Meat After Taking Part in Veganuary

Portugal To Create A National Plant-Based Strategy

Kangaroo Remains On The Loose in Texas After Jumping Fence

Chris Packham Resigns As RSPCA (UK) President Over Animal Cruelty Claims

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In this powerful episode of The Vegan Compass Podcast, Mackenzie and Ric sit down with Chris Delforce, founder of Farm Transparency Project (FTP) and creator of the acclaimed documentaries Lucent and Dominion.

Chris shares his lifelong passion for social justice and how his journey from vegetarianism to veganism sparked a career dedicated to exposing the hidden realities of animal agriculture.

With over 14 years of investigative work, Chris has delved into more than 100 farms, slaughterhouses, and other exploitation facilities, documenting widespread animal suffering and using this evidence to demand accountability and transparency.

Chris discusses the emotional challenges of this work, the impact of undercover investigations—such as the inquiry into pig gas chambers—and the evolving fight for justice for animals.

Listeners will also learn how they can support Farm Transparency Project’s mission and upcoming campaigns.

Episode highlights:

- Chris’s early activism and journey to founding FTP

- The intricacies of undercover investigations and their emotional toll

- Insights into the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Pig Welfare

- How Chris handles the criticism that comes his way

- Practical ways to support transparency in animal agriculture

Connect with Farm Transparency Project

Website: farmtransparency.org

Social Media: @farmtransparencyproject

Support FTP: Donate, share their work, or volunteer

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Welcome to another ‘News of the week’ episode, where we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of animal rights, ethical living, and the journey toward a vegan world.

Today, we’re diving into some heated stories that highlight both challenges and wins for animal rights and vegan progress.

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For this week’s guest interview on The Vegan Compass Podcast, we chat with Brad King, founder of Farm Animal Rescue (FAR).

FAR is a 55-acre sanctuary in Queensland. Dedicated to providing a safe haven for animals rescued from the commercial food industry. Through the animal’s stories, FAR encourages a deeper understanding of the realities of animal agriculture.

What sets FAR apart is its open-plan approach. Brad challenges the romanticised image of farms and instead seeks to restore animals to the environments nature intended for them.

Today, Farm Animal Rescue stands as a testament to Brad’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and creating a better future for farm animals. Through his work, Brad continues to challenge perceptions, inspire change, and bring to light the often-overlooked realities of the animal agriculture industry.

Episode highlights:

Originally from the UK, Brad’s vegan journey began in Florida, where inspiration struck to move to Australia and establish FAR.

Brad dives into the sanctuary’s mission, explaining how the 110 rescued animals—each with their own story—serve as ambassadors for their species.

Get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary, the unique challenges of running a 55-acre open-plan refuge, and the incredible transformations animals experience under FAR’s care.

Brad also shares insights on FAR’s investigations, and the critical role of volunteers.

Connect with FAR

Website: farmanimalrescue.org.au

Social Media: @farmanimalrescue

Support FAR: Volunteer, donate, or share their mission!

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Today on The Vegan Compass Podcast, we’re exploring the latest news stories that reveal both the challenges and triumphs in the fight for animal rights and veganism.

From heartbreaking footage of animal testing to the wonderful news that greyhound racing is set to be banned in New Zealand. 

We’ll also highlight how plant-based diets are showing promise in preventing diseases, debunk myths about vegan meat alternatives with Viva!’s new guide, and dive into creative projects like The Vegan Dictionary, making veganism more accessible to all.

Read the news articles mentioned:

Heartbreaking new footage shows beagle puppy being trained to inhale toxins

What is fish milk?

Anti-whistleblower “ag-gag” laws help global pandemics grow and spread