A move from Houston to a cattle ranch in rural Texas was never meant to alter the course of her life so completely, but that is exactly what happened for Renee King-Sonnen, founder of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. What began as a new chapter alongside her husband became something far more complicated as her relationship with the animals deepened and she confronted realities on the ranch she could no longer ignore, reshaping everything from her marriage to her identity and sense of purpose. That internal shift led to the creation of a sanctuary for rescued animals and the path she now walks in advocacy and education, a journey she captures in her memoir Rowdy Girl: Confessions of a Vegan Cattle Rancher.

In this conversation, Renee also opens up about deeply personal experiences from her past as we explore awakening, resilience, and the courage it takes to rebuild when everything familiar no longer aligns with what you believe.

What we discuss:

What it really takes to make a life-changing transformation.
The challenges of Renee's childhood, family struggles, and how adversity shaped the person she would become.
The tipping point that led Renee to question everything she believed about animals.
How carnism and lifelong conditioning shape the way we see, use, and think about animals.
The incredible story of Brokeleg the cow, who escaped a slaughter-bound truck not once, but twice, and found a second chance at life.
What life is really like for cows raised in the cattle industry.
How Renee raised the money to purchase her husband's cattle and turn a dream of sanctuary into reality.
How Renee's husband's evolving relationship with animals changed not only his life, but also his relationships with family, friends, and the ranching community.