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Humane Hatcheries and the Secret Lives of Chickens with Francesca Duvall

Release Date: 01/22/2025

Rescue, Boundaries & Llama Camp Talk with Maddie Johnson

Human Animals

EP#08 | In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Emma reconnects with her longtime friend and powerhouse rescuer, Maddie Johnson. Together, they dive into Maddie's wild world of solo animal rescue—from chaotic piglet arrivals to rehabilitating orphaned llamas—all from the comfort (and chaos) of her own home. Maddie opens up about the emotional toll of rescue work, the importance of saying "no," and how her large social media following is both a blessing and a burden. The two reflect on their craziest rescue adventures—including road-tripping to save alpacas, water buffalo, and a runaway...

Animal Soulmates & Pig Welfare with Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Human Animals

EP#07 | This episode is all about exploring the deep connections we share with animals and the ethical challenges in commercial pig farming with Dr. Abbie Viscardi., a PhD in animal welfare and host of the Animal Soulmates podcast. Dr. Abbie shares the touching story of her soulmate dog, Amira, a black lab she raised as a guide dog puppy before adopting her back. Their bond highlights the profound impact animals have on our lives, offering stability, love, and companionship through life’s toughest moments. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Abbie’s work in animal welfare, focusing on pain...

Animal Communication with Sue Hopple

Human Animals

EP#06 | In this fascinating episode, Emma sits down with Sue Hopple, a gifted animal communicator, to explore the deep and often mysterious connections between humans and animals. Sue shares her lifelong ability to communicate with animals telepathically, offering insights into their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. From her earliest memories of hearing animals as a child to her professional work helping pet owners understand their companions, Sue’s stories are both enlightening and heartwarming. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this conversation will challenge your...

Rescuing America's Wild Horses with Clare Staples

Human Animals

EP#05 | Meet Clare Staples, founder of SkyDog Sanctuary, a refuge for wild mustangs and donkeys rescued from neglect, abuse, and the slaughter pipeline. In this episode, Emma and Clare discuss the emotional intelligence of wild horses, the challenges of running a large-scale rescue, and the evolving ethics of horse training and riding. Clare shares her personal journey from the entertainment industry to full-time rescue work, highlighting the resilience of these incredible animals. Whether you’re passionate about horse welfare or just curious about the deep connections between humans and...

Building Trust with Horses & Ourselves with Taylor Tatum

Human Animals

EP#04 | Meet Taylor Tatum, a backcountry trail-riding-focused horse trainer, believes in laying strong foundations in the arena to ensure success on the trail. In this episode, Emma and Taylor discuss the deep connection between humans and horses, how equine-facilitated mental health (EFMH) is changing therapy, and the parallels between horse and human psychology. Taylor shares insights on herd dynamics, the importance of trust and leadership, and how working with horses can help individuals recognize their own emotional patterns. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply curious...

Big Cats and Their Stories with Kate Vannelli

Human Animals

EP#03 | Meet Kate Vannelli, conservationist and world traveler, currently leading the Living With Big Cats initiative for the World Wildlife Fund. In this episode, Kate shares her experiences working with big cats across the globe, from Namibia to the Himalayas and Tanzania. Listen to stories of cheetah conservation, snow leopard ecotourism, and the cultural and emotional connections humans have with apex predators. Kate and Emma discuss human-wildlife conflict, the impact of policy, and how animals like P-22, the famed Hollywood mountain lion, inspire global efforts for coexistence. About the...

Humane Hatcheries and the Secret Lives of Chickens with Francesca Duvall

Human Animals

EP#02 | Meet Francesca Duvall, founder of Alchemist Farm, the world’s first humane chicken hatchery. In this episode, Emma and Francesca discuss ethical practices in chicken farming, innovative solutions to industry challenges, and the surprising intelligence and personality of chickens. Learn how regenerative farming can transform soil health, reduce food waste, and reconnect us to the land. Francesca shares her journey of building a zero-waste, solar-powered farm and offers actionable insights for anyone interested in sustainable living or backyard chicken keeping. About the Guest:...

Pigs, Empathy, and the Meaning of Home with Autumn Whitacre

Human Animals

EP#01 | Meet Autumn Whitacre, the passionate founder of Autumn's Acres, a mini pet pig homestead in Ohio. In this heartwarming episode, Autumn shares her journey from pig lover to educator, her life on a homestead, and the special bond her family has with their animals. From raising pigs to educating others about their care, Autumn's insights reveal the deeper connection between humans and animals. Join us as we explore life lessons, pig behavior, and the joy animals bring to our lives. About the Guest: Autumn Whitacre, Founder of Autumn's Acres, Mini Pet Pigs Autumn Whitacre runs a homestead...

More Episodes

EP#02 | Meet Francesca Duvall, founder of Alchemist Farm, the world’s first humane chicken hatchery. In this episode, Emma and Francesca discuss ethical practices in chicken farming, innovative solutions to industry challenges, and the surprising intelligence and personality of chickens. Learn how regenerative farming can transform soil health, reduce food waste, and reconnect us to the land. Francesca shares her journey of building a zero-waste, solar-powered farm and offers actionable insights for anyone interested in sustainable living or backyard chicken keeping.

About the Guest:
Francesca Duvall, Founder of Alchemist Farm

Francesca Duvall is a pioneer in humane chicken farming, operating Alchemist Farm in Northern California. Her hatchery is powered entirely by solar energy, uses biodegradable packaging, and emphasizes ethical treatment of chickens. She also educates others through online classes, social media, and monthly live video chats, inspiring a new generation of chicken keepers to embrace sustainability and humane farming.

About the Animals:
Chickens are remarkable creatures known for their intelligence, adaptability, and contributions to agriculture. Beyond providing eggs, they play a crucial role in regenerative farming by enriching soil and reducing food waste. With over 30 unique vocalizations and distinct personalities, chickens are fascinating animals that connect us to nature in profound ways.

Episode Takeaways:

Ethical farming practices can challenge and transform the chicken industry.
Regenerative farming with chickens enriches soil, promotes biodiversity, and reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
Chickens are intelligent, social creatures that enrich human lives and mental well-being.
The chicken industry faces ethical challenges, such as the treatment of male chicks and misleading marketing practices.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Francesca Duvall and Alchemist Farm
[00:01:30] The vision and ethics behind humane chicken hatcheries
[00:08:00] Industry challenges: male chick euthanasia and warehouse farming
[00:15:00] Exploring regenerative farming and rotational grazing with chickens
[00:25:00] Chicken intelligence, personality, and the human-chicken bond
[00:35:00] How backyard chicken keeping reduces food waste and improves well-being
[00:45:00] The power of ethical consumer choices in reshaping food systems
[00:55:00] Fun facts: Chicken neck anatomy, gender determination, and unihemispheric sleep

Quotes

“Chickens give us so much with so little—they’re the perfect gateway animal to sustainability.” – Francesca Duvall
“Cage-free doesn’t mean what most people think. True transparency is key to ethical farming.” – Francesca Duvall
“Every action we take on the farm is about respecting the natural world and each other.” – Francesca Duvall

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