Better Life for Animals

When the mortgage industry collapsed, Tim Woodward took a hard look at his life and realized something was missing. A volunteer role with In Defense of Animals exposed him to the hidden crisis of animal suffering across the country and set him on a path that would change everything.

Seventeen years later, Tim is the Executive Director of Animal Rescue Corps, a national organization built to serve communities with no shelters, no animal control, and no resources when cruelty strikes. ARC works directly with law enforcement, responds at no cost, and steps in whether the case involves...

Discover how compassionate education is transforming the lives of children and rescued animals in this powerful conversation with Michele Fasnacht, founder of Solid Rock Community School and the Sanctuary at Solid Rock. Michele shares how her personal journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, and a life changing shift to plant based living shaped an education model unlike anything else in the country.

In this episode, you will learn how rescued pigs, primates, ducks, and other farmed animals have become mentors for students, teaching empathy, responsibility, and emotional awareness through daily connection and hands on care. Michele explains...

What if compassion could change the world again, just like it did more than two thousand years ago?

In this episode, you will meet Rayane Laddi, a Buddhist vegan who is proving that kindness is not an idea. It is a practice. His work shows how ancient teachings can transform modern problems, from animal advocacy to fundraising to environmental health.

This conversation takes you inside Dharma Voices for Animals, the first organization to align Buddhist teachings with vegan living. What started with one simple question has become a global movement grounded in mindfulness, non harming...

What if two rescued goats could change the direction of your life?
That is exactly what happened to Miyoko Schinner.

In this episode, Miyoko walks through the moment she said yes to helping two baby goats and how that single choice grew into Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary now home to more than 100 rescued animals in Northern California. She shares the turning points, the setbacks, and the daily work it takes to build something that matters.

The Birth of Rancho Compasión

Miyoko explains how a short term favor became a long te...

What if the way we live with animals could change everything?

In this episode, Dr. Katherine Baxter, co-founder and CEO of the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence (AHAC), shares how she is leading a movement to turn conflict into cooperation, from elephants in Kenya to wolves in North America.

You will hear how a simple idea, planting sunflowers instead of maize, transformed entire communities, stopped crop raids, and created new sources of income. These same lessons are now being applied to predator conservation around the world.

Dr. Baxter brings decades of experience in animal...

Veterinarian and activist Dr. Crystal Heath has built a groundbreaking career rooted in courage, conscience, and compassion. As the executive director of Our Honor, she leads a growing movement of veterinarians who challenge unethical practices in animal testing, factory farming, and education.

In this episode, Dr. Heath discusses her journey from 4-H to animal advocacy, how she stood against ventilation shutdown during the pandemic, and why she believes the veterinary field must confront its moral contradictions. She also shares how Our Honor supports whistleblowers who speak out against cruelty and her vision for a compassionate, cruelty-free future...

If you've ever wondered how one small moment can completely change the course of your life, this episode is for you.

It started with a baby monkey named Samantha riding on the back of a poodle.

That single image changed everything for Kari Bagnall.

She walked away from a successful career in interior design and built a sanctuary that now gives nearly 200 monkeys a safe and loving home.

In today's episode, you'll hear how one act of compassion led to the creation of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida—
a...

What if the biggest barrier to living our values isn't ignorance, but comfort?

In this eye-opening conversation, longtime activist and author Hope Bohanec joins Kathleen to reveal the truth behind "humane" and "sustainable" labels. These words make us feel better about consuming animal products—but do they actually make a difference?

You'll learn why many so-called ethical food labels are designed to protect consumers' emotions, not animals. Hope shares what she discovered after decades investigating farms that claimed to treat animals humanely—and what she found will challenge everything you think you know.

Hope...

In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where animal agriculture dominates the landscape, Lancaster Farm Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion. Co-founders Sarah Salluzzo and Jonina Turzi launched the sanctuary in 2017 with the mission to rescue farmed animals, educate the public, and build a plant-based community grounded in kindness and connection.

What began as a small property with no staff has grown into a thriving nonprofit with nearly 100 rescued residents, 40 volunteers, and a team of dedicated caregivers. Sarah, a social worker and nonprofit professional, and Jonina, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in trauma-informed care, have...

Naomi Alicia-Hallum, CEO of Generation Vegan (Gen V), shares her journey from growing up in a rural English farming village to leading one of the most influential global vegan organizations. Under her leadership, Gen V has delivered over 360,000 vegan meals, guided 160,000 people toward plant-based living, and inspired international campaigns challenging leaders to act for animals, the planet, and humanity.

Naomi discusses compassionate parenting, reaching audiences beyond the vegan community, and how Gen V empowers people to take meaningful first steps—without judgment or perfection. Her story is a reminder that each of us can help shape a ki...

In 1985, only 200 mountain gorillas were left in the wild. Today their numbers are growing thanks to conservation and ecotourism. In this episode, Cheryl welcomes Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author and founder of Joyful Vegan Trips, to discuss how we can live more compassionately every day.

Colleen shares why labeling food as vegan can sometimes turn people away and how focusing on flavors and ingredients makes plant-based meals inviting to all. She explains how Joyful Vegan Trips creates authentic, satisfying travel experiences with plant-based meals that celebrate local culture.

The conversation also covers the importance of supporting real...

A single plant-based meal can save 1,000 gallons of water. That simple fact fuels Paige Parsons Roache's mission to build a kinder, more compassionate world.

Host Cheryl Moss sits down with Paige, a full-time activist and media professional whose journey began when her daughter chose to go vegan. That decision led Paige from family cooking experiments to animal vigils, and eventually to a leadership role amplifying plant-based and ethical living through Unchained TV, grassroots campaigns, and vegan policy initiatives.

In this episode Paige shares:

How animal vigils shaped her advocacy

Why sanctuaries...

Austin Farm Sanctuary, founded by Chris and Angela Fuller-Wigg, has grown from rescuing two goats on a half-acre to providing refuge for more than 240 farm animals on 95 acres in Cedar Creek, Texas. In this episode, Chris shares how a simple act of compassion became a thriving mission built on respect, sustainability, and community. From events like Doya Palooza to youth programs and virtual tours, discover how the sanctuary educates, inspires, and creates change for animals far beyond Texas.

Full post and video at: 

www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/030-Chris-Fuller-Wigg

Most people do care about animals, yet support industries that harm them. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, I talk with Dr. Faraz Harsini about why this happens and what we can do to change it.

Dr. Harsini shares his personal journey from believing animal use was "necessary" to becoming a leading voice in plant-based science and student empowerment. He outlines how Allied Scholars for Animal Protection is creating systems of change in universities across the United States.

From cultivated meat to replacing animal testing with human-relevant science, this conversation is...

Most people have heard of burnout. Fewer recognize it as the deeper emotional exhaustion known as compassion fatigue—a condition that can affect anyone who spends their life caring for others. In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Juliette Watt, an Emmy-nominated writer, former ATP pilot, and long-time animal rescuer, to explore what happens when caregivers hit their breaking point.

Juliette shares her incredible journey, from working at Best Friends Animal Society during Hurricane Katrina to finding healing through her deep bond with horses. Together, they discuss th...

Most horses are rehomed an average of seven times during their lifetime. This instability often results in neglect, emotional distress, or a tragic end in the slaughter pipeline. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Lidia Kuleshnyk, also known as Lady Apona, founder of AponaHealing.com.

Lidia discusses her mission to heal the disconnection between humans and nature. She explains her L.O.V.E. Method, her use of Ho'oponopono to bring healing energy to horses, and her vision for creating equine land trusts and forever sanctuaries. She also outlines...

Can a 5-acre sanctuary in suburbia change how we treat farmed animals? Michele Waldman says yes—and she's living proof. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Michele shares how she founded Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in a residential Maryland neighborhood to bring compassion closer to home.

A licensed psychotherapist, Michele uses her deep understanding of trauma to connect people with animals in transformative ways. At Rosie's, rescued farm animals become teachers, and youth become leaders through LEAP internships, immersive tours, and hands-on humane education. From pigs painting snout art to launching state legislation, this sa...

More than 70 billion land animals are raised and slaughtered every year, yet most people rarely think about the individuals behind those numbers. Elizabeth Novogratz, founder of Species Unite, is working to change that.

In this conversation with Better Life for Animals Podcast host Cheryl Moss, Elizabeth shares her journey from witnessing cruelty in the global animal trade to building a nonprofit media platform that inspires global action.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why 70% of Species Unite's non-vegan audience reports reducing or eliminating animal products

The promise of cultivated meat and...

Less than 3% of American students receive humane education, yet it's one of the strongest predictors of ethical leadership. In this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Danielle Hanosh, co-founder of LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) and Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary.

A former middle school teacher, Danielle shares how her passion for education and animal welfare inspired a national movement that's transforming farm sanctuaries into youth leadership hubs. LEAP is a compassionate alternative to 4-H and FFA, teaching students public speaking, ethical decision-making, climate literacy, and animal protection—wi...

Most people don't expect to find a thriving farm animal sanctuary nestled on just four acres of land in Indiana. But Jessica Wallace isn't most people. A lifelong animal lover with a background in equine sciences and veterinary care, Jessica joined Cheryl Moss on the Better Life for Animals Podcast to share how her small but mighty sanctuary is making a big difference, especially for goats.

A Lifelong Passion Sparked by Horses

Jessica's journey started with a love for horses. She earned an associate degree in equine sciences and worked in veterinary clinics for over...

Factory farming produces over 70 billion land animals every year—yet most students are never taught to question the system behind it. In this eye-opening episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, we sit down with Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), to explore how education can be a powerful force for compassion, justice, and change.

Zoe introduces us to solutionary education—an innovative, systems-based approach that teaches students to identify and solve real-world problems affecting people, animals, and the environment. From factory farming to climate change, this model empowers the next...

Can $23 a Month Offset Animal Suffering? Thom Norman of FarmKind Explains

Can a small monthly donation create massive impact for animals? In this episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Thom Norman, co-founder and director of Outreach at FarmKind, to explore how $23 a month can reduce the suffering caused by an average omnivorous diet.

Thom introduces the concept of diet offsetting, a practical and inclusive solution for those who care about animals but may not be fully plant-based. Through FarmKind's Compassion Calculator, individuals can measure the impact of their dietary...

Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, Massachusetts is home to over 250 rescued animals, including cows, pigs, goats, turkeys, ponies, and llamas. Founded in 2016 by Kathy and John Halamka, the sanctuary provides lifelong refuge to farmed animals while serving as a hub for humane education and community outreach.

Co-founder Kathy Halamka brings her background in business and the arts to every aspect of the sanctuary. From coordinating volunteers to sharing stories through photography and writing, her hands-on leadership helps people connect deeply with the animals and the mission.

Unity's residents are never adopted out. Once they arrive...

Less than 1 percent of U.S. animal product consumers ever witness the conditions inside factory farms. Brent Ratkovich is part of the small percentage who has, and he has turned that truth into tireless action.

In this episode, Cheryl Moss sits down with longtime animal advocate Brent Ratkovich, whose journey from personal health transformation to frontline activism highlights the power of everyday people making an extraordinary impact for animals. From solo street protests to large-scale hen rescues, Brent's story is a powerful reminder that when it comes to animal rights, silence is never neutral.

A...

Over 70 billion land animals are killed for food every year, yet many of the people rescuing them, those running animal sanctuaries, struggle with visibility, funding, and the time it takes to spread their message.

On this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, host Cheryl Moss welcomed bestselling author and vegan book strategist Mitali Deypurkaystha, also known as The Vegan Publisher, to explore how books can amplify advocacy and help sanctuaries thrive.

A Book Is Your Mission in One Powerful Place

"There's something about writing a book," Mitali explained. "It gives people...

Animal sanctuaries are lifelines for creatures rescued from exploitation, yet their existence often remains overlooked. Pair that with the fact that fewer than 2 percent of Americans identify as vegan, and the urgency for education and advocacy becomes undeniable. Dr. Lisa Kemmerer, a global leader in animal ethics and founder of the educational nonprofit Tapestry of Peace, brought this message to life as a featured expert on the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss.

From Scholar to Activist: A Life Devoted to Justice

Dr. Kemmerer holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard...

What is it like to be born and raised vegan in a world that normalizes animal exploitation? Sarina Farb, a lifelong ethical vegan, activist, and co-founder of the International Vegan Earth Day March, shares how she turns her values into action through education, outreach, and advocacy.

She travels the country in a vegan-themed camper van, reaching millions with her message that veganism is not just a diet but a deeply rooted principle of compassion and justice. Sarina unpacks the truth about backyard eggs, fish consumption, the ex-vegan trend, and the marketing spin pushed by the meat and...

Why are 95 percent of dogs used in U.S. biomedical research purpose-bred beagles? And what does this reveal about our relationship with animals?

In this compelling episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned ethologist Marc Bekoff, PhD—author, activist, and longtime collaborator with Jane Goodall—to explore how society must shift from outdated ideas of animal welfare to a model rooted in well-being, agency, and compassion.

Dr. Bekoff shares powerful insights on:

Why "welfare" often justifies suffering—and what true well-being requires

How sanctuaries can restor...

From the moment Shelley Britenbucher stood up in her school classroom in the 1970s and declared, "I'm going to start a farm sanctuary when I grow up," the seed was planted. Decades later, that dream became reality. During this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Shelley shared the remarkable journey behind the founding of Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary in Litchfield, Ohio.

A Childhood Vow Comes Full Circle

Shelley and her husband Jeff opened the gates to Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary over seven years ago. What began with the rescue of two...

Jordi Casamitjana is a vegan zoologist, animal rights activist, and author whose work spans science, sanctuary care, legal advocacy, and compassionate living.

Originally from Catalonia and now based in the UK, Jordi's journey into veganism began with an unexpected moment involving a wasp. That encounter sparked a lifelong commitment to seeing the value in all animals, no matter how overlooked. He spent five years at Wild Futures, a monkey sanctuary in Cornwall, where he cared for woolly monkeys rescued from the exotic pet trade.

Later, with the Born Free Foundation, he exposed the suffering caused...

According to Oxford researcher Joseph Poore, going vegan is "the single biggest way" to reduce your environmental footprint. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Professor Matthew Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. This heart-opening conversation explores how joy, not shame, can drive powerful change. From sanctuaries as emissaries of hope to the deep connection between food, identity, and justice, Halteman invites listeners to rethink veganism as a path of flourishing. He shares compelling stories, including a backyard epiphany that reshaped his life and work...

Why 82% of Starving Children Live in Countries Growing Feed for Western Livestock

Eighty-two percent of starving children live in countries where crops are grown to feed animals eaten in the West. That staggering fact is just one of the many insights shared by John Vallimarescu in this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss.

John transitioned from a career in economic consulting to becoming Chair of the Board for Sunset Farm Sanctuary in Cove, Arkansas, home to 129 rescued animals. When the sanctuary suffered a $260,000 loss due to a fraudulent moving...

Can compassion heal the world? Dr. Will Tuttle, acclaimed author of The World Peace Diet and former Zen monk, believes it can—and it starts with how we treat animals.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Dr. Tuttle reveals how animal sanctuaries offer a powerful model for reversing centuries of violence, environmental destruction, and injustice. Sanctuaries aren't just rescue spaces—they are seeds of cultural transformation, embodying the Golden Rule and showing us a better way to live.

Learn how herding cultures shaped modern oppression, why eating violence leads to societal unre...

Many animal sanctuaries are underfunded, yet they play a critical role in protecting animals and educating the public. Faik Bouhrik, cosmologist, educator, and founder of Veggies, is turning that challenge into opportunity.

On this episode of Better Life for Animals, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Bouhrik shares how his platform—Veggies (veggius.com)—connects vegan-friendly travel and events with direct financial support for animal sanctuaries. Think Airbnb meets Eventbrite, but with a mission.

With 50% of service fees going to sanctuaries, a public-facing impact tracker, and zero extra effort required from partner organizations, Veggies is setting a new...

Studies show that children who grow up with animals tend to develop stronger empathy and social skills. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Susan Hargreaves - founder of Animal Hero Kids and Be An Animal Hero - about how early humane education shapes lifelong compassion. 

With over four decades of experience in animal advocacy and youth education, Susan shares how her programs empower children to become changemakers for animals, the environment, and each other. From interactive classroom visits and cruelty-free education to books featuring vegan superheroes, Susan's work i...

Did you know that 97% of all animal welfare funding goes to companion animals—while farm animal sanctuaries receive less than 3%? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss talks with Helen Demas, founder of Sunset Farm Sanctuary, about the funding crisis that's threatening sanctuaries across the country.

Helen shares her incredible journey from intelligence analyst to full-time animal advocate, and why she made the bold move from Oregon to Arkansas to keep her animals safe from wildfires and climate threats. We explore:

The harsh financial reality farm sanctuaries face

Why do so many people say they care about animals and the planet—but stop short of real change? In this powerful episode, Mark Starmer—a leadership expert turned full-time animal advocate—joins host Cheryl Moss to explore the disconnect between values and action.

Mark shares his journey from corporate boardrooms to founding the Peace of Heaven Project, a sanctuary in British Columbia that's home to over 150 rescued animals. He reveals how his work in human behavior and leadership is helping bridge the gap between awareness and meaningful action in both individual lives and corporate spaces.

Most people consider themselves compassionate—yet every day, choices at the dinner table contribute to immense animal suffering. Hidden behind sanitized labels and clever marketing, the brutal truth of animal agriculture remains largely unseen. But what happens when the veil is lifted?

In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss welcomes Dr. Angela Crawford—a psychologist, vegan educator, and author of the upcoming book The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World. Together, they explore the emotional and ethical shifts that occur when people awaken to the truth abou...

The Climate Crisis Starts with Animal Exploitation—Dr. Sailesh Rao Reveals the Path Forward

Industrial farming is fueling climate change—and the solution starts with compassion. In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned climate scientist and founder of Climate Healers, Dr. Sailesh Rao, to explore how animal suffering is deeply intertwined with environmental destruction—and why shifting to a plant-based world is humanity's most urgent task.

From deforestation and biodiversity collapse to carbon emissions and ecosystem collapse, Dr. Rao unpacks the devastating impact of animal...

Linda Middlesworth, known as The Vegan Mentor, has been a passionate ethical vegan for over 37 years. Now 81, she continues to lead with energy, purpose, and compassion—advocating for animals, plant-based living, and sustainable health around the world.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Linda about her journey from personal health crisis to becoming a prominent figure in the vegan movement. Linda founded the Sacramento Vegan Society, now with over 5,600 members, and co-founded v-dog, a leading vegan dog food company. She also launched Vegan Mentor, a coaching program that ha...