039: Miyoko Schinner’s Rancho Compasión: How a Simple Rescue Became a Global Force for Change
Release Date: 11/17/2025
039: Miyoko Schinner’s Rancho Compasión: How a Simple Rescue Became a Global Force for Change
Better Life for Animals
What if two rescued goats could change the direction of your life? That is exactly what happened to Miyoko Schinner. In this episode, Miyoko walks through the moment she said yes to helping two baby goats and how that single choice grew into Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary now home to more than 100 rescued animals in Northern California. She shares the turning points, the setbacks, and the daily work it takes to build something that matters. The Birth of Rancho Compasión Miyoko explains how a short term favor became a long term mission as she built a 501c3 focused on healing for both animals...
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038: From Elephants to Wolves: Dr. Katherine Baxter’s Mission to Unite People and Wildlife
Better Life for Animals
What if the way we live with animals could change everything? In this episode, Dr. Katherine Baxter, co-founder and CEO of the Alliance for Human-Animal Coexistence (AHAC), shares how she is leading a movement to turn conflict into cooperation, from elephants in Kenya to wolves in North America. You will hear how a simple idea, planting sunflowers instead of maize, transformed entire communities, stopped crop raids, and created new sources of income. These same lessons are now being applied to predator conservation around the world. Dr. Baxter brings decades of experience in animal welfare,...
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037: Dr. Crystal Heath: The Veterinarian Who’s Challenging Animal Testing and Factory Farming
Better Life for Animals
Veterinarian and activist Dr. Crystal Heath has built a groundbreaking career rooted in courage, conscience, and compassion. As the executive director of Our Honor, she leads a growing movement of veterinarians who challenge unethical practices in animal testing, factory farming, and education. In this episode, Dr. Heath discusses her journey from 4-H to animal advocacy, how she stood against ventilation shutdown during the pandemic, and why she believes the veterinary field must confront its moral contradictions. She also shares how Our Honor supports whistleblowers who speak out against...
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036: From Interior Design to Monkey Sanctuaries: Kari Bagnall’s Journey
Better Life for Animals
If you’ve ever wondered how one small moment can completely change the course of your life, this episode is for you. It started with a baby monkey named Samantha riding on the back of a poodle. That single image changed everything for Kari Bagnall. She walked away from a successful career in interior design and built a sanctuary that now gives nearly 200 monkeys a safe and loving home. In today’s episode, you’ll hear how one act of compassion led to the creation of Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida— a refuge for monkeys rescued from research labs, the pet trade,...
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035: Exposing the Humane Hoax: Hope Bohanec on Labels, Rationalizations, and True Compassion
Better Life for Animals
What if the biggest barrier to living our values isn’t ignorance, but comfort? In this eye-opening conversation, longtime activist and author Hope Bohanec joins Kathleen to reveal the truth behind “humane” and “sustainable” labels. These words make us feel better about consuming animal products—but do they actually make a difference? You’ll learn why many so-called ethical food labels are designed to protect consumers’ emotions, not animals. Hope shares what she discovered after decades investigating farms that claimed to treat animals humanely—and what she found will...
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034: Lancaster Farm Sanctuary: Creating Community, Compassion, and Change
Better Life for Animals
In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where animal agriculture dominates the landscape, Lancaster Farm Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion. Co-founders Sarah Salluzzo and Jonina Turzi launched the sanctuary in 2017 with the mission to rescue farmed animals, educate the public, and build a plant-based community grounded in kindness and connection. What began as a small property with no staff has grown into a thriving nonprofit with nearly 100 rescued residents, 40 volunteers, and a team of dedicated caregivers. Sarah, a social worker and nonprofit professional, and Jonina, a...
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033: Raising Gen V: Naomi Alicia-Hallum on Vegan Activism, Parenting & Compassion
Better Life for Animals
Naomi Alicia-Hallum, CEO of Generation Vegan (Gen V), shares her journey from growing up in a rural English farming village to leading one of the most influential global vegan organizations. Under her leadership, Gen V has delivered over 360,000 vegan meals, guided 160,000 people toward plant-based living, and inspired international campaigns challenging leaders to act for animals, the planet, and humanity. Naomi discusses compassionate parenting, reaching audiences beyond the vegan community, and how Gen V empowers people to take meaningful first steps—without judgment or perfection. Her...
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032: Colleen Patrick-Goudreau: Compassionate Living on the Road and at Home
Better Life for Animals
In 1985, only 200 mountain gorillas were left in the wild. Today their numbers are growing thanks to conservation and ecotourism. In this episode, Cheryl welcomes Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author and founder of Joyful Vegan Trips, to discuss how we can live more compassionately every day. Colleen shares why labeling food as vegan can sometimes turn people away and how focusing on flavors and ingredients makes plant-based meals inviting to all. She explains how Joyful Vegan Trips creates authentic, satisfying travel experiences with plant-based meals that celebrate local culture. The...
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031: From Vigils to Vegan Policy: Paige Parsons Roache on Building a Kinder World
Better Life for Animals
A single plant-based meal can save 1,000 gallons of water. That simple fact fuels Paige Parsons Roache’s mission to build a kinder, more compassionate world. Host Cheryl Moss sits down with Paige, a full-time activist and media professional whose journey began when her daughter chose to go vegan. That decision led Paige from family cooking experiments to animal vigils, and eventually to a leadership role amplifying plant-based and ethical living through Unchained TV, grassroots campaigns, and vegan policy initiatives. In this episode Paige shares: How animal vigils shaped her advocacy ...
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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:
info_outlineWhat if two rescued goats could change the direction of your life?
That is exactly what happened to Miyoko Schinner.
In this episode, Miyoko walks through the moment she said yes to helping two baby goats and how that single choice grew into Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary now home to more than 100 rescued animals in Northern California. She shares the turning points, the setbacks, and the daily work it takes to build something that matters.
The Birth of Rancho Compasión
Miyoko explains how a short term favor became a long term mission as she built a 501c3 focused on healing for both animals and people.
The Power of Connection
You will hear stories about cross species friendships, kids discovering plant based food they actually love, and the way real relationships erase the labels we put on animals.
Beyond Rescue
Miyoko talks about what it really takes to create a sanctuary that lasts. Planning, budgeting, staffing, veterinary care, feed, housing, and real time off. This is not a hobby. It is a promise.
Building Community
Miyoko believes the cure for loneliness begins in the kitchen. Cook together. Eat together. Invite people in. Community grows at the table.
The Vegan Creamery
Her new book gives practical tools for making dairy free milks, yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams at home using whole food ingredients and simple repeatable methods.
If you have ever wondered how one person can create change, this conversation shows exactly what it looks like in real life.
Full post: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/039-Miyoko-Schinner