Animal Voices - Youth

Calm Like a Bomb: An Interview with Em Firesmith of the Canadian Animal Liberation Movement

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 -0500

On this week’s Animal Voices, we speak with Em Firesmith, a representative from the Canadian Animal Liberation Movement or, CALM. Building themselves on a series of simple guidelines and principles that allow for decentralized structure and fluidity in their campaigning, CALM brings a fresh perspective to the Canadian AR scene, which is often represented by larger, more bureaucratic organizations. Working in cell-type groups who live together, support each other, and work together at all times, CALM concetrates on youth outreach and actionable goals, working towards an eventual goal of Total Animal Liberation.

Join us as we speak with Em about his work as a CALM actvist, why he has dedicated his life to animal advocacy, and how he maintains his inspiration and energy. If you care about animals but need a kick in the butt because you think you as an individual can’t make a difference, this is an interview for you.

The Haunted Scalpel: Jan Oakley Investigates Dissection

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0400

For some, the image of a mangled pig fetus or an cut up frog on the Biology room table remains a painful and disturbing memory. While the number of animals involved in dissection might seem relatively small compared to other uses, Jan Oakley argues that not only are staggering numbers killed every year, but also that the ecological consequences of such "procurement" are severe.

In this interview, we connect with doctoral candidate, Jan Oakley, to discuss her research on dissection. We cover scientific understandings, industry economics, controversial student cases, silenced voices, rigorous alternatives, and why the issue deserves much more attention than it receives.

News links:

Herbivore Magazine & The Imaginary Childhood Journal of Albert Schweitzer

Tue, 22 May 2007 12:00:00 -0400

Maybe you've noticed that cheeky Herbivore magazine has recently taken a bit of whatever Alice did, and has shrunk to about a quarter of its original size. Today we connect with editor, Josh Hooten, to learn more about the Indy Press Newsstand Services (a unit of the Independent Press Association) debacle, the sorry state of indie publishing, and how Herbivore learned to make lemonade out of some pretty nasty lemons. Hooten will also give us a taste of what's in store this summer for subscribers and other Herbivore fans.

Then, Sheila Hamanaka joins us to discuss her new book The Boy Who Loved All Living Things: The Imaginary Childhood Journal of Albert Schweitzer, including a conversation about the challenge of writing textured, animal-themed children's lit and more about the man who inspired her recent text. "Children lead complicated lives. Like many kids today, Albert felt peer pressure... Like many kids, he was dealt with severely at times, and like many kids, he sometimes meted out the same treatment in kind to his animal friends. This is real stuff," writes Hamanaka. "What is different about Albert, and what I hope kids take away, is how he chose to deal with his challenges... I hope that this book will bring a Nobel prizewinner to life as a real — not perfect — person, and remind us all to be kinder." Well-known for his "reverence for life" philosophy and his medical missionary work in Africa, Schweitzer won the Nobel Peace Prize of 1952. He remains both a complex and compelling figure for many.

Folktails: Jan Thornhill talks about animals, children, and literature

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:00:00 -0400

Folktails

Jan Thornhill

On this week's Animal Voices, we'll hear from Marine Mammal Specialist Richard O'Barry about the annual Japan Dolphin Day, the international protest against the slaughter of 20,000 dolphins in Japan. This year's protest is on Wednesday, September 20 at noon at Japanese Embassies worldwide. Click here for more details.

Then we'll be speaking with children's author Jan Thornhill about her fascinating books Folktails: Animal Legends from Around the World and I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids' Guide to the Cycle of Life and Death. In Folktails, Jan brings together playful animal trickster stories from every continent (except Antarctica!) and pairs them with distinctive illustrations that both adults and children can enjoy. Employing a direct yet sensitve approach, I Found a Dead Bird presents children with thoughtful information about death and dying, and helps them understand this perplexing phenomenon.

Thornhill teaches kids about animals without resorting to clichés and without patronizing them about more serious issues. Tune in to hear about how she approaches animal subjects in children's literature, and how she translates those thoughts into her beautifully-illustrated and informative books.

Helping Troubled Teens with Veganism: The Link Between Food and Behaviour

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:00:00 -0400

The Bay Point School for Boys in Miami, Florida

Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers — we've all heard how eating meat and dairy can affect our physical health. But what about our mental health? Especially in developing children, can veganism be the answer to perceived behavioural disorders and even low grades in school? One of the only people to have studied this topic, Antonia Demas, PhD, will discuss the surprising results of her month-long study at a school for troubled young males from the streets, and give us the details on her Food is Elementary curriculum that teaches children about food, nutrition, culture, and healthy living, and The Food Studies Institute, devoted to changing the health destinies of children through proper nutrition and education.

Click here to read more about the Bay Point study and journal excerpts from the students.

The Vegan Lunch Box & New Vegans

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 11:00:00 -0500

Did you make any New Year's resolutions? What if your resolution was to change your diet, your lifestyle, and make a daily commitment to helping animals? Today we'll be speaking with Sheena Turcotte who decided to take the plunge and go vegan in 2006. Tune in to hear all the expectations, concerns, hopes and fears of someone just starting out on the vegan path. Over the next year, Animal Voices' will be calling on all the experts and cheerleaders we can muster in order to ease her transition.

Then, following the news, Jennifer McCann, creator of the popular site "Vegan Lunch Box," will tell us about keeping lunches fun, tasty, and innovative. For mouth-watering pictures of each neatly-packed lunch box, along with accompanying food reviews (based on her son's enjoyment of the meal), check out http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/. On today's show we'll discuss Jennifer's approach to vegan parenting, her favourite lunches, and why she chose the web for her activism. Vegan Lunch Box is a heart-warming site that is inspiring for people of all ages. Anything but boring, let the drooling and envy begin!

AR in Japan / PETA2’s Jason Bayless

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 11:00:00 -0500

Sakae Hemmi

Jason Bayless

First, we speak with author and environmentalist Sakae Hemmi of the Elsa Nature Conservancy from Japan who joined us August 30th to discuss the dolphin hunt. In this interview, Sakae discusses the state of the general animal protection movement in Japan.

Then Jason Bayless, senior youth outreach specialist with PETA2, a youth marketing and resource branch of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, talks about speaking with today's teens about vegetarianism, what it was like touring for the past 4 years with the Warped Tour, and his experiences being featured in the upcoming documentary, Wake Up Screaming.

Activism Through Entertainment Part II: Compassionate “Veg-ucation” and Veggie Video Games!

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 12:00:00 -0400

Join us for the second exciting installment of Activism Through Entertainment featuring: Kerry Lea who directs a performing troupe of vegetarian/vegan kids; and Johnathan Skinner, President and Founder of Veggie Games, Inc., creator of the video game, Steer Madness, and a founder of Vegan Voices, a Vancouver-based animal rights group. Karen Davis of United Poultry Concerns also gives us her view on the passing of California's foie gras bill.

Dr. Kenneth Shapiro on childhood abuse of animals

Tue, 31 Aug 2004 12:00:00 -0400

Dr. Shapiro, founder and editor of Society and Animals: Journal of Human-Animal Studies, will share his insights into the reasons kids hurt animals, precursors to abuse, ideas for prevention, techniques for treatment, and connections between human and animal violence. He will also tell us about the innovative AniCare Child materials developed through the Society & Animals Forum.

Raising Vegan Children with Erin Pavlina plus Veggie Songs from Bob Pyle

Tue, 10 Aug 2004 12:00:00 -0400

Erin and daughter Emily

Interviews with Erin Pavlina, editor of VegFamily Magazine and author of Raising Vegan Children in a Non-Vegan World, and singer-songwriter Bob Pyle.

Music to Make You Giggle & Tasty Summer Fare

Tue, 13 Jul 2004 12:00:00 -0400

Please join us for a conversation and live performance with Hamilton-based TURKEY Rhubarb, a musical group geared towards children. We'll hear about why they sing music for kids, as well as find out more about their multi-lingual singing abilities. According to the group, they "sing in English, French and Spanish; and perform traditional children's songs from North America, Mexico, Antigua, England, Scotland and Ireland." TURKEY Rhubarb will treat our listeners to a couple animal-friendly renditions of traditional folk tunes.

Also, later in the program we will be speaking with Marie Crawford, owner of the Pulp Kitchen. PK offers tasty and healthy food in a comfortable diner atmosphere. Marie will share with us the philosophy behind the restaurant as well as the work required to start up your own veggie eatery.