Animal Voices is Toronto’s animal liberation radio show broadcasting locally on CIUT 89.5 FM and worldwide at www.ciut.fm, live, every Tuesday at 11 am-noon EST. Volunteer-run, Animal Voices covers the local, national, global, and politically diverse campaigns, struggles and victories of the animal liberation movement. Tune in for interviews with a broad spectrum of activists and academics working toward the liberation of animals, social justice, and environmental health.
Hosted and produced by Karol Orzechowski, Animal Voices strives to shine a light on the issues around the taking of animal lives for human pleasure. In the words of past guest and AIDS and animal rights activist, Steven Simmons, “It’s time for us to end this hierarchy of who has the right to live, who deserves not to suffer, who should be respected — that there’s a limit to the amount of compassion that we can have for our fellow creatures.”
Steven passed away in 1997 but his words remain the foundation for why Animal Voices exists today.
The Crew
Karol Orzechowski - Host/Producer
Neil Harvey - Web Support
Karol
Karol first came became aware of animal issues through vegan and vegetarian punk rock bands. The fast music and screamed lyrics were the perfect package to deliver a pro-animal rights message to a young punk from the suburbs who had some vague notion that the world was not what it appeared to be on television.
In the last few years, he has become much more passionate about animal issues, due to a critical mass of information and circumstances that have strongly influenced how he views his ethical responsibilities. Being a regular listener of — and later becoming a volunteer for — Animal Voices, was easily the most important aspect of this shift.
Neil
Neil transfers our shows to mp3 format and keeps up the website and podcast feed. He credits his interest in animal issues to the good influence of Lauren and his wise big sister, Cheryl. He likes making vegan food of dubious nutritional value and is particularly proud of his Irish cream recipe. Neil is happy to think that all the great guests on Animal Voices can reach an even wider audience through the podcast and archives.
Animal Voices alumni
Lauren
Lauren Corman was a dedicated host and producer of Animal Voices from February 2001 to July 2009. She currently teaches Critical Animal Studies at Brock University. Her academic research looks at the intersections among feminist, labour, and critical race theories, specifically as they relate to “the question of the animal.” She enjoys good friends, writing, vegan food, books, as well as her bike, Daoism, and inspiring activism.
Rob
Rob, seen here jumping off a cliff, pretty much did the same when he joined Animal Voices in September, 2003. Following a degree in fine arts from York University, he decided to graduate from letter-writing animal activist to radio activist when Lauren advertised for a newsperson.
Rob works as a freelance fitness instructor and personal trainer in Toronto.
Lamia
Lamia, a self-proclaimed gender-queer, strikes a pose outside the CIUT station where she has been a fiercely dedicated technician and Animal Voices DJ since September, 2003.
Especially partial to Spearhead and K-OS, she showcases the best animal rights music around.
An activist and healer, Lamia brings a deep commitment to human and animal politics to the program, and believes in revolutionary and radical politics.
