In this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, Dr. Lisa Kemmerer, an animal activist, philosopher, and author, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about her book "Amore and Vegan Ethics." As a retired philosophy professor, Lisa shares insights into her acronym "AMORE," which encapsulates the core moral reasons for adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

She starts with "A" for animal suffering, delving into the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of animals in various industries, with a focus on dairy farming. Moving on to "M" for medical, Lisa explores the health benefits of a plant-based diet, emphasizing its positive impact on preventing diseases like cancer and heart-related issues.

The discussion then turns to "O" for oppression, where Lisa highlights the interconnectedness of social justice issues with veganism, addressing aspects such as world hunger, workforce conditions in animal agriculture, and the environmental impact.

The "R" in AMORE takes us into the realm of religion, where Lisa unpacks how different religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Eastern religions, align with or challenge the principles of veganism. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the religious perspectives of individuals to foster meaningful conversations.

Finally, Lisa covers "E" for the environment, breaking down the environmental consequences of animal agriculture, including soil degradation, deforestation, climate change, water pollution, and fresh water reduction.

Throughout the conversation, Lisa provides valuable insights for activists, encouraging a thoughtful and considerate approach to advocacy. She shares personal experiences, recommends strategic conversations based on individual beliefs, and stresses the significance of education in creating awareness about the moral reasons behind adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

In the picturesque town of Whistler, British Columbia, a heartwarming tale of community, passion, and resilience unfolds. Meet Natasha and Ed Tatton, the dynamic duo behind Ed's BReD, a thriving vegan/plant-based bakery that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Their story is one of humble beginnings, the power of community, and the spirit of innovation.

It all began with a simple gesture of kindness. Natasha, a yoga enthusiast, started gifting loaves of sourdough bread to Tina, the owner of a local yoga studio, in exchange for yoga classes.

Word of mouth quickly spread, and soon, the demand for their delectable sourdough bread soared. Fueled by the support of their tight-knit community, Natasha and Ed decided to turn their passion into a business.

In March 2019, BReD officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs.

Little did they know, their resolve would be tested by an unexpected turn of events - the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns in effect, their bakery faced an uncertain future.

However, Natasha and Ed's resilience shone through. In the face of adversity, they swiftly pivoted their business model, launching an online store and offering a diverse range of products, including their renowned hummus and olives.

Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to their community did not go unnoticed. Media outlets, including Forbes, featured their inspiring story, catapulting them into the spotlight. Their popularity continued to soar, leading to accolades such as the Small Business BC Award and a coveted book deal with Penguin Random House.

Their book, a delightful compilation of sourdough and vegan baking recipes, is a testament to their culinary expertise and creativity.

In this episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, I am talking with Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE).  In this enlightening conversation, we delve deep into the transformative power of humane education and solutionary thinking.

One central theme we explored was the incredible evolution of humane education since the late '80s. Zoe's journey began with a simple summer job teaching middle school students about animal issues, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in her life. It was during this experience that she witnessed the profound impact of education on young minds.

One standout student, in particular, learned about the harsh realities of animal testing and, driven by sheer determination, handwrote leaflets to raise awareness. Instead of distributing them to classmates, he took them to the streets of Philadelphia, becoming an overnight activist. This moment marked the beginning of Zoe's realization of the profound capacity of education to inspire action and create change.

This epiphany led Zoe to become a humane educator, dedicated to teaching about the interconnected issues of human rights, animal protection, and environmental sustainability. Through her journey, she founded the Institute for Humane Education, where they empower others to become humane educators and integrate humane education into school curricula.

Today, Zoe's programs and initiatives reach students worldwide, empowering them to be solutionaries who can address the most pressing global challenges. It's a journey brimming with hope and determination, recognizing the potential of young people to drive meaningful change in the world.

In our podcast episode, we discuss the progress and challenges in animal welfare since the '80s, the pivotal role of education in shaping a brighter future, and how individuals can contribute to creating more compassionate and sustainable systems.

I wholeheartedly invite you to embark on this enlightening journey of discovery and action. Listen to the full episode here: www.veganvisibility.com/265-Zoe-Weil

Together, let's be the change the world desperately needs. #HumaneEducation #SolutionaryThinking #BeTheChange #VeganVisibilityPodcast