015: Giving Animals Agency, A New Model for Sanctuary Ethics with Marc Bekoff
Release Date: 06/02/2025
015: Giving Animals Agency, A New Model for Sanctuary Ethics with Marc Bekoff
Better Life for Animals
Why are 95 percent of dogs used in U.S. biomedical research purpose-bred beagles? And what does this reveal about our relationship with animals? In this compelling episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned ethologist Marc Bekoff, PhD—author, activist, and longtime collaborator with Jane Goodall—to explore how society must shift from outdated ideas of animal welfare to a model rooted in well-being, agency, and compassion. Dr. Bekoff shares powerful insights on: Why “welfare” often justifies suffering—and what true well-being requires How...
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014: From Childhood Dream to Lifesaving Mission: Shelley Britenbucher’s Journey with Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary
Better Life for Animals
From the moment Shelley Britenbucher stood up in her school classroom in the 1970s and declared, “I’m going to start a farm sanctuary when I grow up,” the seed was planted. Decades later, that dream became reality. During this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Shelley shared the remarkable journey behind the founding of Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary in Litchfield, Ohio. A Childhood Vow Comes Full Circle Shelley and her husband Jeff opened the gates to Shangri-La Farm Sanctuary over seven years ago. What began with the rescue of two horses headed for...
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013: Jordi Casamitjana: Defending Animals Through Science, Sanctuary, and the Power of Ethical Veganism
Better Life for Animals
Jordi 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...
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012: Professor Matthew Halteman on Ethics, Animals, and Awe
Better Life for Animals
According to Oxford researcher Joseph Poore, going vegan is “the single biggest way” to reduce your environmental footprint. On this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Professor Matthew Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. This heart-opening conversation explores how joy, not shame, can drive powerful change. From sanctuaries as emissaries of hope to the deep connection between food, identity, and justice, Halteman invites listeners to rethink veganism as a path of flourishing. He shares compelling stories,...
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011: Rescue, Resilience, and Reverence: John Vallimarescu’s Story Behind Sunset Farm Sanctuary
Better Life for Animals
Why 82% of Starving Children Live in Countries Growing Feed for Western Livestock Eighty-two percent of starving children live in countries where crops are grown to feed animals eaten in the West. That staggering fact is just one of the many insights shared by John Vallimarescu in this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss. John transitioned from a career in economic consulting to becoming Chair of the Board for Sunset Farm Sanctuary in Cove, Arkansas, home to 129 rescued animals. When the sanctuary suffered a $260,000 loss due to a fraudulent moving company,...
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010: The Golden Rule in Action: Animal Sanctuaries and Dr. Will Tuttle’s Vision for Change
Better Life for Animals
Can compassion heal the world? Dr. Will Tuttle, acclaimed author of The World Peace Diet and former Zen monk, believes it can—and it starts with how we treat animals. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Dr. Tuttle reveals how animal sanctuaries offer a powerful model for reversing centuries of violence, environmental destruction, and injustice. Sanctuaries aren't just rescue spaces—they are seeds of cultural transformation, embodying the Golden Rule and showing us a better way to live. Learn how herding cultures shaped modern oppression, why eating violence leads to...
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009: Building a Kinder Economy: Faik Bouhrik’s Mission to Uplift Animal Sanctuaries Worldwide
Better Life for Animals
Many animal sanctuaries are underfunded, yet they play a critical role in protecting animals and educating the public. Faik Bouhrik, cosmologist, educator, and founder of Veggies, is turning that challenge into opportunity. On this episode of Better Life for Animals, hosted by Cheryl Moss, Bouhrik shares how his platform—Veggies (veggius.com)—connects vegan-friendly travel and events with direct financial support for animal sanctuaries. Think Airbnb meets Eventbrite, but with a mission. With 50% of service fees going to sanctuaries, a public-facing impact tracker, and zero extra effort...
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008: Why It’s “Cool to Care”: Susan Hargreaves and the Power of Compassionate Education
Better Life for Animals
Studies show that children who grow up with animals tend to develop stronger empathy and social skills. In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss speaks with Susan Hargreaves - founder of Animal Hero Kids and Be An Animal Hero - about how early humane education shapes lifelong compassion. With over four decades of experience in animal advocacy and youth education, Susan shares how her programs empower children to become changemakers for animals, the environment, and each other. From interactive classroom visits and cruelty-free education to books featuring...
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007: Farm Animal Sanctuaries Get Just 3% of Funding—Why It Matters with Helen Demes
Better Life for Animals
Did you know that 97% of all animal welfare funding goes to companion animals—while farm animal sanctuaries receive less than 3%? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss talks with Helen Demas, founder of Sunset Farm Sanctuary, about the funding crisis that’s threatening sanctuaries across the country. Helen shares her incredible journey from intelligence analyst to full-time animal advocate, and why she made the bold move from Oregon to Arkansas to keep her animals safe from wildfires and climate threats. We explore: The harsh financial reality farm...
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006: From Boardrooms to Barnyards: Mark Starmer’s Fight for Animal Welfare
Better Life for Animals
Why do so many people say they care about animals and the planet—but stop short of real change? In this powerful episode, Mark Starmer—a leadership expert turned full-time animal advocate—joins host Cheryl Moss to explore the disconnect between values and action. Mark shares his journey from corporate boardrooms to founding the Peace of Heaven Project, a sanctuary in British Columbia that’s home to over 150 rescued animals. He reveals how his work in human behavior and leadership is helping bridge the gap between awareness and meaningful action in both individual lives and corporate...
info_outlineWhy are 95 percent of dogs used in U.S. biomedical research purpose-bred beagles? And what does this reveal about our relationship with animals?
In this compelling episode of Better Life for Animals, host Cheryl Moss sits down with renowned ethologist Marc Bekoff, PhD—author, activist, and longtime collaborator with Jane Goodall—to explore how society must shift from outdated ideas of animal welfare to a model rooted in well-being, agency, and compassion.
Dr. Bekoff shares powerful insights on:
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Why “welfare” often justifies suffering—and what true well-being requires
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How sanctuaries can restore dignity through freedom and choice
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The role of dogs as a gateway to expanding empathy for all species
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The unseen emotional toll of wildlife reintroduction programs
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Why language matters when advocating for animals
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The future of compassionate conservation, where every individual counts
From redefining how we view captivity—even in our homes—to inspiring the next generation of changemakers, this conversation offers a hopeful, urgent call to action.
Tune in and discover how a shift in mindset can lead to a better life for all animals—and ourselves.