In this episode of The Hen Report, Jasmin and Mariann cover a wide range of topics: Jasmin shares behind-the-scenes moments from her theater rehearsal, including an organic conversation about veganism, tallow lotion, and gelatin that unfolded among cast members without any agenda-pushing on her part. She also pays tribute to the legacy of Tommy Raskin, animal rights activist and son of Congressman Jamie Raskin, drawing from Jamie’s memoir Unthinkable. The hosts then dig into the story of marine biologist Emma Smart, who liberated a lobster from a UK fishmonger and faced a shockingly heavy-handed legal response, before closing with a rich discussion on Project Slingshot — a new UK campaign challenging factory farming with the slogan “Don’t Buy It” — and what it means for animal advocacy strategy.

Project Slingshot & the anti-factory farming movement: Mariann breaks down this new UK pressure campaign, its broad definition of factory farming, its “Don’t Buy It” slogan, and the ongoing debate about whether explicit vegan messaging helps or hinders progress toward animal liberation.
The lobster liberation story: Marine biologist Emma Smart rescued a lobster from a UK fishmonger, was strip-searched, and faced five criminal charges — raising urgent questions about how society and law enforcement respond to peaceful animal advocacy.
Tommy Raskin’s legacy: A reflection on Congressman Jamie Raskin’s memoir Unthinkable and his son Tommy, a passionate animal rights activist whose final words called on people to care for animals and the global poor.
Vegan identity vs. vegan options advocacy: Mariann draws a key distinction between advocacy that encourages people to go vegan versus advocacy that simply seeks to make vegan options more accessible and normalized.
Kickstarting for Good & other opportunities: Applications are open for the Kickstarting for Good 2026 incubator (apply by May 31) and the Anima International 2026 Fellowship in Warsaw (apply by May 17); the Grassroots Animal Rights Summit is also coming to DC, May 15–17.

RESOURCES

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