In Behalf of Animals

What does a lifetime of speaking up for animals look like?

In this Activist Spotlight episode, longtime San Diego advocate Ellen Ericksen brings not only decades of powerful activism—but also sharp wit, honesty, and laugh-out-loud moments. Ellen shares how she’s organized major protests, confronted cruelty at SeaWorld, racetracks, and rodeos, and inspired countless new activists along the way.

This conversation is energetic, candid, and funny, offering a refreshing look at what grassroots advocacy really feels like. A reminder that speaking up for animals can be bold, joyful, messy, motivating—and entirely human.

Come hang out with us!  Subscribe, follow and start listening for insights, interviews, and ...

You’re invited! Spend some time with us on Vegan Thanksgiving!

This bonus episode is all about connection, gratitude, and celebrating compassion! Patrick and Nicole reflect on Thanksgivings past and present, and explore what activism means during the holidays. 

We welcome you into our lives as we share stories, and hear from fellow activists about their vegan Thanksgiving traditions, how they honor animals, and ways they bring connection and meaning into this time of year.

Pull up a chair, share in our stories, and let’s celebrate a Vegan Thanksgiving filled with compassion — together. 🦃💚

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What can turkeys teach us about compassion and leading with love?

In this episode, Kathy Stevens of Catskill Animal Sanctuary shares the true lives, intelligence, and emotions of turkeys, and explores how connecting with rescued animals can open hearts. She also reflects on how we can approach family gatherings during the holidays with compassion—for both people and animals.

Kathy Stevens is a lifelong educator, author, and sanctuary pioneer whose work has shaped the modern farmed-animal sanctuary movement. In 2001 after ten years as an English teacher, Kathy founded Catskill Animal Sanctuary in New York’s Hudson Valley. Under her leadership over the next 25 years, CAS became one of the most...

What if we could end rodeos once and for all? Most people have no idea what really happens behind the scenes at rodeo events. Animals face blatant, intentional abuse, including a violent practice called steer tailing—where steers are deliberately injured for entertainment. In this episode, Steve Hindi of SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness) and Jodie Wiederkehr of Chicago Alliance for Animals, take us inside their fight to ban steer tailing in Illinois, and explain how you can take action to protect these animals.

Steve Hindi is an American animal rights activist and businessman. Founder and Pr...

Think backyard chickens are a kinder alternative to factory-farmed eggs? Think again. In this episode, Suzanne from Pennsylvania Voters for Animals explains how backyard flocks can still support factory farming and shares the important advocacy work she’s doing to protect animals in Pennsylvania.

Join the conversation on Substack: https://nicolearciello.substack.com/

Show Website: https://www.inbehalfofanimals.org/

About Suzanne:

Suzanne Gonzalez is a Pennsylvania resident and has worked for many years as a Registered Nurse and as senior management within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Since retirement, Suzanne focuses he...

Welcome Back! Nicole and Patrick kick off Season 2 of In Behalf of Animals by talking all about Horseracing Wrongs. How it began, what is really happening to the horses used for racing and how you can get involved in advocacy for all animals.

Horseracing Wrongs: https://horseracingwrongs.org/

Dr Cook on the cruelty of bits: https://horseracingwrongs.org/2022/08/05/expert-on-the-cruelty-of-bits-its-self-evident-purpose-to-cause-pain-is-bad-enough-but-its-unintended-consequence-of-asphyxiation-brings-to-mind-the-methods-similarity-to-that-of-waterboarding/

Horseracing Wrongs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@horseracingwrongs

Equine experts testifying about horseracing cruelty: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYbfjX6J81DlyX9xeyR6emCky2GU7d3Pf&si=OauTrRKkZTXl36...

We are back! Subscribe. Share. Get ready to be a voice for the animals every day!

Follow us on Substack: https://substack.com/@inbehalfofanimals?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

In this episode, guest co-host Jennifer Jones joins Nicole to break down the dos and don’ts of online activism. They share practical strategies for making an impact on social media—without getting caught in endless arguments or falling into burnout. Learn how to engage effectively, inspire action, and navigate online spaces in a way that truly helps animals. Whether you're new to activism or a seasoned advocate, this conversation will help you maximize your influence while protecting your energy.

What’s the best way to advocate for veganism? Nicole Arciello explores why ethical veganism—focusing on animals—is the most effective advocacy approach. Reflecting on her own journey, she highlights the pitfalls of health-focused messaging and offers practical tips for centering animals in activism. Start 2025 strong by being a voice for the animals in every conversation and action.

In Behalf of Animals Website

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Do you ever feel like the "vegan friend," "vegan cousin," "the weird vegan one," at family gatherings or social events? Host Nicole Arciello explores how to move beyond that label and become a strong, effective advocate for animals. Learn how to navigate tough conversations with empathy, share your vegan journey, and inspire curiosity and change. Let’s commit to making 2025 the year we amplify our voices for animals like never before!

In Behalf of Animals Website

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"You're vegan? You eat fish, right?" In this episode, Nicole sits down with Mary Finelli, president and founder of Fish Feel, to explore why fish are animals and why they deserve the same compassion as land animals. Together, they delve into the overlooked suffering of aquatic animals, discuss plant-based alternatives to fish and seafood dishes, and share insights on challenging common misconceptions about fish and veganism (vegans don’t eat fish!). This conversation will open your eyes to the truth beneath the surface!  

Mary Finelli is president and founder of Fish Feel, and she chairs the Save the R...

Ever wondered what sparks someone to take up the cause for animals? In this episode of In Behalf of Animals, Nicole chats with Bailey Chapman, one of the passionate team members at Horseracing Wrongs. Join us as we explore her unique journey into animal activism and discover how she stays motivated and balanced in this challenging work. How can her story inspire your own advocacy? Tune in to find out!

About Bailey:

Bailey Chapman began her journey into veganism, animal rights, and activism in August 2019. Since then, she has become a formidable force for the...

Have you ever wondered how you can influence laws that protect animals? In this episode, Nicole sits down with Brian Shapiro, the New York State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, to discuss how anyone can become a citizen lobbyist for animals. They share practical steps for reaching out to legislators, offer tips on effective advocacy, and dispel common misconceptions about politicians and the political process. Learn how to make your voice heard and take action for animals!

Brian Shapiro brings four decades of animal advocacy experience to the Humane Society of the United...

Patrick explores the ancient roots of animal rights, tracing them back over 2,000 years. He shares his passion for history and philosophy through readings from influential philosophers, scientists, and artists who advocated for kindness toward animals. Patrick challenges the common belief that animal rights began in the 1970s, offering a broader perspective on the longstanding tradition of compassion for animals throughout history.

Learn more about In Behalf of Animals, contact us, leave us a review and follow here: www.inbehalfofanimals.org

More about Patrick.

Can one person truly make a difference for animals? Jodie Wiederkehr of the Chicago Alliance for Animals joins Nicole to share how she led the fight to ban horse-drawn carriages in Chicago and shares the steps we all can take each day to become powerful advocates for animals.

Jodie Wiederkehr is the Founder and Executive Director of the Chicago Alliance for Animals (CAA), the Partnership to Ban Horse Carriages Worldwide, and the Center For Ethical Science (CFES).

Due to CAA’s relentless pressure on public officials, documentation of daily violations by Chicago's horse-drawn ca...

What drives someone to advocate for animals? In this first episode of In Behalf of Animals, hosts Patrick and Nicole share their journeys into animal activism and the mission behind the podcast. Join us as we explore our motivations and vision for a compassionate world for all animals. Tune in and discover how you can be a voice for the voiceless!

Show notes: 

To learn more about Nicole and Patrick:  https://www.inbehalfofanimals.org/

Petco Stops Selling Rabbits: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2024/09/24/petco-rabbits-adoption/75351849007/

Patrick and Nicole's work at Ho...

If you’re heartbroken by stories of animal cruelty and want to make a difference, "In Behalf of Animals" is the podcast for you.

Hosts Nicole Arciello and Patrick Battuello, vegan activists and leaders of Horseracing Wrongs, dive into animal rights issues, exploring the power of everyday choices.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned activist, this podcast offers inspiring stories and actionable insights to empower you to advocate for a kinder, more compassionate world. Join us for our first episode on October 4th, with new episodes every other Friday.

Don't forg...