On this episode Hope talks with author John Sanbonmatsu about his new book The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves. This engaging book covers a variety of philosophical aspects of meat-eating culture, offers insight into our fraught relationship with farmed animal and explores the importance of incorporating love into our ethics. John and Hope discuss humanewashing and the deception around the reality of animal farming, the cognitive dissonance of loving and eating animals, and how eating meat is an aspect of the US culture wars. They also debate a pessimistic vs. optimistic view of the trajectory of the last few decades of vegan and animal activism.

John Sanbonmatsu is a Professor of Philosophy at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, where he teaches ethics and politics, among other topics. He is the author of The Postmodern Prince and editor of the book Critical Theory and Animal Liberation. His new book, The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves (New York University Press) challenges the myth of "enlightened" omnivorism and the idea that we can have our meat and our conscience too.

MUSICAL BONUS:

At the conclusion of the episode, we share with you a new song by vegan musician Brent Ratkovich titled “Trying.” This beautiful song is a heartfelt love letter to farmed animals that conveys a profound vegan message.

Resources:

Book: The Omnivore’s Deception

Humane Hoax Panel Discussion: July 19, information and registration here: https://www.humanehoax.org/upcoming-event

Brent Ratkovich: preview and purchase music: brentratkovich.bandcamp.com

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Hope for the Animals Podcast

Compassionate Living

In this episode, we explore the psychological aspects of living vegan on our social, emotional, and even spiritual psychology. Angela Crawford, the author of “The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World,” shares her research having interviewed hundreds of vegans to uncover common themes related to the benefits and challenges of living vegan. She talks about value alignment, the different stages of readiness for people to hear the vegan message, and the importance of including ourselves in our circle of compassion.

Angela Crawford, Ph.D. is a psychologist, vegan educator, and author of The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (Lantern, 2025). She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and previously worked as a psychotherapist for 25 years, empowering clients toward greater holistic well-being. She is certified as a Master Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator (MSVA), licensed PCRM Food for Life instructor, and Transformational Coach.

Resources:

Angela’s Website

Buy the Book from Lantern

Social media links: @angelacrawfordphd on Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn

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Hope for the Animals Podcast

Compassionate Living

Fires, hurricanes, floods—animals are also victims of recent unprecedented natural disasters. Diana Hulet, an environmental writer and animal photojournalist, shares her experience documenting the destruction of the recent LA fires and its impact on animals. She witnessed distressed wildlife, people risking their lives to protect animals, and participated in animal rescues. Diana and Hope discuss the climate crisis and how all these recent “un-natural” disasters are fueled by human actions. Diana also shares her personal contemplative practice, which helps her navigate the difficult subject matter she encounters in her work.

Diana Hulet is a Pacific Northwest and Colorado-based environmental writer, animal photojournalist, and yoga teacher with over three decades of experience in yoga philosophy and contemplative traditions. After establishing her own Yoga studio and leading trainings and retreats internationally, Diana pivoted her attention and received a Bachelor of Science degree at Oregon State University in 2017, focusing on environmental ethics, ecology, and climate change. Diana's growing concern for the well-being of animals prompted her to pick up a camera and begin documenting the details of their lives. Her ongoing project, What if We Saw Them, encourages reflection on our relationship with animals in various contexts, advocating for compassion as a catalyst for systemic change. She is a contributor to two animal photojournalist nonprofits We Animals and Sanctuary Doc, where she also serves as the Board Vice President.

Resources:

Diana Hulet Website

Sanctuary Doc

What If We Saw Them Project

Support this podcast:

Hope for the Animals Podcast

Compassionate Living