This episode explores the vision and priorities of Tracy Reiman, PETA‘s new president with over three decades of experience in animal advocacy. In this compelling conversation, Reiman shares insights into PETA’s evolving strategies to reach younger generations through innovative technology, while continuing their groundbreaking work through investigations, campaigns, and legal action. With 10.4 million members worldwide, PETA remains focused on creating the next generation of compassionate consumers while challenging industries that exploit animals – from wool production to animal testing.

This episode explores:

• How PETA is adapting its advocacy strategies using technology like animatronics and virtual reality to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha
• The organization’s successful campaigns against fur and animal testing, and current focus on leather, wool, and other animal products
• PETA’s concerns about “humane washing” in the meat, dairy, and egg industries and why they believe it undermines progress for animals
• Tracy’s personal journey from college activist to PETA president, including the defining moments that shaped her dedication to animal rights
• Actionable ways listeners can get involved in animal advocacy through PETA’s action teams and resources

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tracy Reiman serves as president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) after 34 years with the organization. A strategic force behind PETA’s global impact, she oversees international campaigns, corporate affairs, digital strategy, and youth outreach. Under her leadership, over 450 major fashion brands have abandoned fur and other animal products, Ringling Bros. circus ended animal performances, and SeaWorld halted orca breeding. Reiman pioneered PETA’s digital dominance, consistently outperforming other nonprofits in social media engagement, while making vegan options mainstream across America. Her early career victories include convincing major oil companies to prevent bird deaths, persuading Calvin Klein to abandon fur, halting NASA’s primate space experiments, and securing the first-ever factory farm cruelty conviction for chicken mistreatment.

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Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

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