013: Jordi Casamitjana: Defending Animals Through Science, Sanctuary, and the Power of Ethical Veganism
Release Date: 05/19/2025
030: Rescue, Respect, Repeat: The Compassionate Growth of Austin Farm Sanctuary with Chris Fuller-Wigg
Better Life for Animals
Austin Farm Sanctuary, founded by Chris and Angela Fuller-Wigg, has grown from rescuing two goats on a half-acre to providing refuge for more than 240 farm animals on 95 acres in Cedar Creek, Texas. In this episode, Chris shares how a simple act of compassion became a thriving mission built on respect, sustainability, and community. From events like Doya Palooza to youth programs and virtual tours, discover how the sanctuary educates, inspires, and creates change for animals far beyond Texas. Full post and video at:
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029: The Scientist Who’s Reshaping the Animal Rights Movement with Dr. Faraz Harsini
Better Life for Animals
Most people do care about animals, yet support industries that harm them. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, I talk with Dr. Faraz Harsini about why this happens and what we can do to change it. Dr. Harsini shares his personal journey from believing animal use was "necessary" to becoming a leading voice in plant-based science and student empowerment. He outlines how Allied Scholars for Animal Protection is creating systems of change in universities across the United States. From cultivated meat to replacing animal testing with human-relevant science, this conversation is...
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028: From Emmy Nods to Animal Rescue: Juliette Watt’s Journey to Healing Through Sanctuary Work
Better Life for Animals
Most people have heard of burnout. Fewer recognize it as the deeper emotional exhaustion known as compassion fatigue—a condition that can affect anyone who spends their life caring for others. In this powerful episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Juliette Watt, an Emmy-nominated writer, former ATP pilot, and long-time animal rescuer, to explore what happens when caregivers hit their breaking point. Juliette shares her incredible journey, from working at Best Friends Animal Society during Hurricane Katrina to finding healing through her deep bond...
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027: How Lidia Kuleshnyk is Turning Trauma Into Transformation, For Humans, Horses, and the Planet
Better Life for Animals
Most horses are rehomed an average of seven times during their lifetime. This instability often results in neglect, emotional distress, or a tragic end in the slaughter pipeline. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Lidia Kuleshnyk, also known as Lady Apona, founder of AponaHealing.com. Lidia discusses her mission to heal the disconnection between humans and nature. She explains her L.O.V.E. Method, her use of Ho’oponopono to bring healing energy to horses, and her vision for creating equine land trusts and forever sanctuaries. She also outlines the...
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026: Rosie's Farm Sanctuary: How Michele Waldman is Changing the Narrative for Animals
Better Life for Animals
Can a 5-acre sanctuary in suburbia change how we treat farmed animals? Michele Waldman says yes—and she’s living proof. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Michele shares how she founded Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in a residential Maryland neighborhood to bring compassion closer to home. A licensed psychotherapist, Michele uses her deep understanding of trauma to connect people with animals in transformative ways. At Rosie's, rescued farm animals become teachers, and youth become leaders through LEAP internships, immersive tours, and hands-on humane education. From pigs...
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025: From Cultivated Meat to Sanctuaries: Elizabeth Novogratz Shares Solutions That Save Lives
Better Life for Animals
More than 70 billion land animals are raised and slaughtered every year, yet most people rarely think about the individuals behind those numbers. Elizabeth Novogratz, founder of Species Unite, is working to change that. In this conversation with Better Life for Animals Podcast host Cheryl Moss, Elizabeth shares her journey from witnessing cruelty in the global animal trade to building a nonprofit media platform that inspires global action. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why 70% of Species Unite’s non-vegan audience reports reducing or eliminating animal products The promise of...
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024: From Rescues to Role Models: Danielle Hanosh’s Mission to Transform Sanctuaries Into Youth Leadership Hubs
Better Life for Animals
Less than 3% of American students receive humane education, yet it's one of the strongest predictors of ethical leadership. In this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Danielle Hanosh, co-founder of LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) and Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary. A former middle school teacher, Danielle shares how her passion for education and animal welfare inspired a national movement that’s transforming farm sanctuaries into youth leadership hubs. LEAP is a compassionate alternative to 4-H and FFA, teaching students...
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023: From Equine Science to Goat Advocacy: Jessica Wallace’s Mission at The Farm Micro Sanctuary
Better Life for Animals
Most people don’t expect to find a thriving farm animal sanctuary nestled on just four acres of land in Indiana. But Jessica Wallace isn’t most people. A lifelong animal lover with a background in equine sciences and veterinary care, Jessica joined Cheryl Moss on the Better Life for Animals Podcast to share how her small but mighty sanctuary is making a big difference, especially for goats. A Lifelong Passion Sparked by Horses Jessica’s journey started with a love for horses. She earned an associate degree in equine sciences and worked in veterinary clinics for over a decade. In 2012,...
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022: Zoe Weil Says Humane Education Can End Factory Farming, And She’s Got a Plan
Better Life for Animals
Factory farming produces over 70 billion land animals every year—yet most students are never taught to question the system behind it. In this eye-opening episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, we sit down with Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), to explore how education can be a powerful force for compassion, justice, and change. Zoe introduces us to solutionary education—an innovative, systems-based approach that teaches students to identify and solve real-world problems affecting people, animals, and the environment. From factory...
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021: From Legal Briefs to Animal Advocacy…How Thom Norman of FarmKind is Changing the Narrative of Compassion
Better Life for Animals
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...
info_outlineJordi Casamitjana is a vegan zoologist, animal rights activist, and author whose work spans science, sanctuary care, legal advocacy, and compassionate living.
Originally from Catalonia and now based in the UK, Jordi’s journey into veganism began with an unexpected moment involving a wasp. That encounter sparked a lifelong commitment to seeing the value in all animals, no matter how overlooked. He spent five years at Wild Futures, a monkey sanctuary in Cornwall, where he cared for woolly monkeys rescued from the exotic pet trade.
Later, with the Born Free Foundation, he exposed the suffering caused by animal captivity in zoos. His insights reveal how animals in captivity lose space, stimulation, and choice. In 2020, Jordi made history by winning a landmark legal case recognizing ethical veganism under the UK’s Equality Act. His book Ethical Vegan explores this journey and the broader ethics behind living without causing harm. He also introduced the concept of the “blood footprint,” urging us to consider how our choices affect sentient beings.
Jordi’s life is a powerful reminder that empathy, science, and activism can come together to create real change.
Full post at: https://www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/013-Jordi-Casamitjana