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 choices and offset harm by donating to carefully vetted, high-impact animal charities.

Thom shares his personal journey from corporate law to full-time animal advocacy, inspired by his own companion animals and the powerful message of The Life You Can Save. He also highlights how corporate campaigns, like the move toward cage-free eggs, are achieving real change at scale.

What you'll learn:

• How diet offsetting empowers more people to help animals

• Why $1 can free a chicken from a battery cage

• How transparency and accountability build donor trust

• What makes FarmKind’s giving strategy unique and effective

• Why you do not have to be fully vegan to start making a difference

Whether you are a lifelong vegan or just beginning your journey toward more compassionate living, this episode will show you how your dollars can do more than you ever imagined.

Full post: https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/021-Thom-Norman

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, they become permanent family members. For animals they cannot take in, Kathy works with other sanctuaries to ensure safe, long-term placements with thoughtful planning and support.

With over 1,300 volunteers and a growing base of monthly donors and sponsors, Unity relies on community support to thrive. Fundraising efforts are transparent and mission-driven, including animal sponsorships, legacy giving, and events like Dudley Fest.

Education is at the core of Unity’s work. Programs serve all ages, including the LEAP initiative, which offers students an ethical alternative to traditional 4-H and FFA programs. Tours and workshops promote kindness, compassion, and respect for animals as sentient beings.

To learn more, support the mission, or schedule a visit, go to www.unityfarmsanctuary.org.

Full post and other episodes: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/020-Kathy-Halamka

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.

Brent’s vegan journey began in 2013 for health reasons, but everything changed after watching the documentary Meet Your Meat. What started as a personal lifestyle shift quickly evolved into a public mission. He began attending protests with Mercy for Animals and soon launched One Cow Army, a bold solo outreach effort designed to grab attention and plant seeds for compassion through simple signs and meaningful conversations.

Taking Action Where It Matters Most

Within two years of going vegan, Brent was fully immersed in sanctuary life. His volunteer work with Animal Place Sanctuary included hands-on caregiving, barn cleaning, and life-saving rescue missions. From the emotional weight of pulling hens from the brink of death to the joy of watching them dust bathe for the first time, Brent understands what it takes to restore dignity to animals who have endured suffering.

He also volunteers at other sanctuaries, including Harvest Home, Blue Barn, and Welcome Home Sanctuary. His message is clear: sanctuaries need both financial support and boots-on-the-ground help to keep going.

https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/019-Brent-Ratkovich