Episodes

What happens when ordinary people decide to speak up for animals? In this episode, Matthew King joins Nicole to talk about how cities big and small across the U.S. are banning rodeo and bull riding through grassroots action, community pressure, and people who simply refuse to stay silent. Matthew A. King is the president of the Christian Animal Rights Association, which he co-founded with his wife, Nina. He is the author of I Will Abolish the Bow: Christianity, Personhood, and the End of Animal ...

In this New Year’s episode, Nicole sits down with Stephanie and Tiffany, two of the founders of Revolution Philadelphia, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about grassroots activism. They share how they got started, the campaigns they’ve taken on, and why community and friendship are so important in the fight for animals. This episode is a reminder that anyone can get involved — and that real change starts with people who care. Tiffany Stair has been a lifelong animal lover and nurse for...

Can art change the way we see animals? Nicole chats with artist Lisa Goldberg about how creativity becomes a powerful form of activism. A contributor to the #FreeHappy billboard campaign and the NYC Animal Rights March, Lisa’s “animal artivism” blends compassion and visual storytelling to give animals a voice and challenge us to rethink our relationship with them. Lisa Goldberg is a mixed-media artist and illustrator, working in both traditional and digital mediums. She is captivated by the inte...

What does a lifetime of speaking up for animals look like? In this Activist Spotlight episode, longtime San Diego advocate Ellen Ericksen brings not only decades of powerful activism—but also sharp wit, honesty, and laugh-out-loud moments. Ellen shares how she’s organized major protests, confronted cruelty at SeaWorld, racetracks, and rodeos, and inspired countless new activists along the way. This conversation is energetic, candid, and funny, offering a refreshing look at what grassroots advoca...

You’re invited! Spend some time with us on Vegan Thanksgiving! This bonus episode is all about connection, gratitude, and celebrating compassion! Patrick and Nicole reflect on Thanksgivings past and present, and explore what activism means during the holidays. We welcome you into our lives as we share stories, and hear from fellow activists about their vegan Thanksgiving traditions, how they honor animals, and ways they bring connection and meaning into this time of year. Pull up a chair, share ...

What can turkeys teach us about compassion and leading with love? In this episode, Kathy Stevens of Catskill Animal Sanctuary shares the true lives, intelligence, and emotions of turkeys, and explores how connecting with rescued animals can open hearts. She also reflects on how we can approach family gatherings during the holidays with compassion—for both people and animals. Kathy Stevens is a lifelong educator, author, and sanctuary pioneer whose work has shaped the modern farmed-animal sanctua...

What if we could end rodeos once and for all? Most people have no idea what really happens behind the scenes at rodeo events. Animals face blatant, intentional abuse, including a violent practice called steer tailing—where steers are deliberately injured for entertainment. In this episode, Steve Hindi of SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness) and Jodie Wiederkehr of Chicago Alliance for Animals, take us inside their fight to ban steer tailing in Illinois, and explain how you can take actio...

Think backyard chickens are a kinder alternative to factory-farmed eggs? Think again. In this episode, Suzanne from Pennsylvania Voters for Animals explains how backyard flocks can still support factory farming and shares the important advocacy work she’s doing to protect animals in Pennsylvania. Join the conversation on Substack: https://nicolearciello.substack.com/ Show Website: https://www.inbehalfofanimals.org/ About Suzanne: Suzanne Gonzalez is a Pennsylvania resident and has worked for man...

Welcome Back! Nicole and Patrick kick off Season 2 of In Behalf of Animals by talking all about Horseracing Wrongs. How it began, what is really happening to the horses used for racing and how you can get involved in advocacy for all animals. Horseracing Wrongs: https://horseracingwrongs.org/ Dr Cook on the cruelty of bits: https://horseracingwrongs.org/2022/08/05/expert-on-the-cruelty-of-bits-its-self-evident-purpose-to-cause-pain-is-bad-enough-but-its-unintended-consequence-of-asphyxiation-bri...

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