Better Life for Animals

Cheryl Moss
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Monthly

Better Life for Animals is your go-to podcast for powerful stories from animal sanctuaries, vegan activists, and animal welfare changemakers. Each episode dives into real-life journeys of rescuing farmed animals, building compassionate communities, and living a cruelty-free, plant-based lifestyle. Hosted by animal advocate Cheryl Moss, the show highlights how rescue sanctuaries across the globe give abused and abandoned animals a second chance at life. You'll hear from nonprofit founders, vegan thought leaders, and animal rights experts who are creating a better world—one animal at a time. Whether you're passionate about ethical living, run a small sanctuary, or simply want to support animal rescue efforts, this podcast will inspire and empower you to take action. Tune in and discover how you can help create a better life for animals everywhere.

  1. 067: Is Factory Farming Destroying the Planet Faster Than We Realize?

    4d ago

    067: Is Factory Farming Destroying the Planet Faster Than We Realize?

    Can what we eat really influence the future of the planet? In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, Cheryl Moss speaks with Matthew Dominguez, U.S. Executive Director of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), about the far-reaching consequences of factory farming and why transforming our food systems has become one of the most urgent issues of our time. Matthew shares how growing up on a cattle ranch shaped his understanding of animals and how his path through environmental law ultimately led him into animal advocacy. Today, he works at the forefront of efforts to end factory farming by 2040. The discussion explores the deep connection between climate change, food production, animal suffering, public health, and global food insecurity. Matthew explains why factory farming is not only an animal welfare issue but also one of the largest contributors to environmental destruction and resource depletion. Cheryl and Matthew also discuss: • Why food choices matter more than many people realize  • The role consumers play in driving change  • Corporate commitments and accountability  • The "Food Not Feed" campaign  • Why reducing animal consumption can dramatically reduce suffering  • How advocacy movements create momentum over time  • The emotional and psychological barriers surrounding these conversations This episode is both informative and inspiring, offering listeners a grounded look at how individual actions, collective awareness, and systemic change can help create a better future for animals, people, and the planet. https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/067-Matthew-Dominguez

    34 min
  2. 066: Breaking Through the Trance: Clare Mann on Animal Advocacy and Human Psychology

    May 25

    066: Breaking Through the Trance: Clare Mann on Animal Advocacy and Human Psychology

    Most people move through life without questioning the systems around them. Then something changes. Maybe it's watching footage from a factory farm. Maybe it's meeting a rescued animal and realizing they are far more emotionally complex than we were taught to believe. Or maybe it's the unsettling realization that the products we once consumed without thought are connected to immense suffering hidden behind closed doors. For many vegans, that moment creates a profound psychological shift. The world no longer looks the same. In this deeply thought-provoking episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with vegan psychologist, author, and speaker Clare Mann to explore the emotional reality of awakening to animal suffering while living in a society that continues to normalize it. Clare coined the term vystopia to describe the emotional distress, grief, and isolation many ethical vegans experience after becoming aware of the disconnect between society's stated love for animals and its participation in systems of exploitation. This conversation goes far beyond food choices. Together, Cheryl and Clare unpack the hidden psychology behind why people resist changing their behavior, even when they genuinely care about animals. They explore cognitive dissonance, denial, emotional self-protection, social conditioning, cultural traditions, and the powerful influence of conformity. You'll also hear practical guidance for becoming a more effective advocate without burning out emotionally. Rather than relying solely on facts, Clare explains why compassionate communication, emotional connection, and thoughtful questions often create far more meaningful conversations than confrontation or debate. Throughout the episode, Cheryl and Clare role-play real-world conversations many vegans encounter with family members, coworkers, and friends. Clare shares strategies designed to reduce defensiveness while helping people feel safe enough to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors. This episode is especially important for: • Vegans navigating feelings of grief, frustration, or isolation • Animal advocates seeking healthier ways to communicate • Anyone curious about the psychology behind resistance to veganism • People interested in cognitive dissonance and human behavior • Those searching for hope in the movement for animals The conversation also shines a light on the healing role animal sanctuaries play in helping people reconnect with animals as individuals instead of commodities. Despite the emotional weight of the topic, the episode ultimately delivers a message of hope: meaningful change is possible, and it often begins with one honest, compassionate conversation at a time. https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/066-Clare-Mann  About Clare Mann Clare Mann is a vegan psychologist, speaker, communications coach, and author known internationally for her work on the psychological impacts of living ethically in a non-vegan world. Her groundbreaking work on vystopia has helped countless vegans better understand the emotional challenges that can arise after awakening to the realities of animal exploitation.

    39 min
  3. 065: They Had Never Touched Grass Before: Erica Camp on Giving "Spent Hens" a Second Chance

    May 18

    065: They Had Never Touched Grass Before: Erica Camp on Giving "Spent Hens" a Second Chance

    Chickens are often overlooked, misunderstood, and treated as commodities. But as Erica Camp of Second Hen'd shares in this powerful episode of Better Life for Animals, spending just a few minutes with a rescued hen can completely change the way people see these intelligent, emotional animals. In this conversation, Erica discusses the heartbreaking reality facing egg-laying hens, the work of rescuing and rehoming chickens, and why compassion for farmed animals matters more than ever. She also shares how meaningful human connection with rescued animals can inspire lasting change. Listen and subscribe: https://BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/065-Erica-Camp

    41 min
  4. 064: Animals, Sanctuaries, and Compassion in Action with Ayelette Robinson

    May 11

    064: Animals, Sanctuaries, and Compassion in Action with Ayelette Robinson

    Why do so many people care deeply about animals, yet still struggle to connect the dots when it comes to farmed animals? In this compelling episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Ayelette Robinson for a conversation that goes far beyond veganism and advocacy slogans. Together, they explore the emotional and cultural barriers that shape how society views animals and why connection, not confrontation, is often what creates lasting change. Ayelette shares her fascinating journey from corporate law and technology into animal advocacy, sanctuary leadership, and storytelling. She opens up about the moment she realized her daily choices were no longer aligned with her values and how that realization changed the course of her life. This episode dives into the power of sanctuaries to transform hearts, why humane education matters, and how storytelling in film and media can help normalize compassion for animals in everyday life. Cheryl and Ayelette also discuss the importance of meeting people where they are, leading with empathy, and helping others see animals as individuals rather than products. You'll also hear about the work being done at Blue Barn Farm & Sanctuary, the importance of monthly donor support, and why building emotional connection may be one of the most effective tools in creating a better future for animals. If you have ever wondered how real cultural change happens, this is a conversation you will not want to miss. Learn more and listen here: www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/064-Ayelette-Robinson

    42 min
  5. 063: Inside the Global Standard for Animal Sanctuaries with Jessica Harris

    May 4

    063: Inside the Global Standard for Animal Sanctuaries with Jessica Harris

    What does it really mean for animals to be safe, respected, and protected for life? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jessica Harris, Farmed Animal Program Director at the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), to explore what separates true animal sanctuaries from places that simply use the name. If you care about animal welfare, vegan living, or ethical treatment of farmed animals, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. Most people have never met a pig, a sheep, or a chicken. And that lack of connection is exactly why it's easy to overlook their lives. But when that connection happens, everything changes. Jessica shares what it takes to create real sanctuary spaces, why accreditation matters, and how sanctuaries play a critical role in shifting public awareness around animal rights and compassionate living. Discover why animals deserve more than survival. They deserve a life. Learn more and explore the full episode: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/063-Jessica-Harris

    34 min
  6. 062: Orangutan Conservation Crisis: Why Leif Cocks Says Sanctuaries Are the Primary Path to Survival

    Apr 27

    062: Orangutan Conservation Crisis: Why Leif Cocks Says Sanctuaries Are the Primary Path to Survival

    Orangutans are facing rapid extinction due to deforestation, palm oil expansion, and habitat loss. In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Cheryl Moss speaks with Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project, about what it will take to protect orangutans, restore rainforests, and secure a future for wildlife. Leif shares his journey from working in zoos to becoming a global advocate for orangutan conservation. He explains why captivity is not a solution for saving endangered species and why protecting large, connected rainforest ecosystems is essential for survival. This conversation covers the impact of palm oil plantations, monoculture farming, and industrial deforestation on biodiversity and climate change. Leif also outlines the importance of rewilding, sanctuary based conservation, and working with local communities to create sustainable solutions. If you care about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and protecting the planet, this episode offers a clear look at the challenges and the path forward. In this episode: Why orangutans are critically endangered The impact of palm oil and deforestation on rainforests Why zoos cannot save endangered megafauna The importance of habitat protection and ecosystem size How rewilding can help stabilize climate and biodiversity What individuals can do to support conservation efforts Listen here: https://betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/062-Leif-Cocks

    19 min
  7. 061: CEO of the American Vegan Society Anne Dinshah on Sanctuaries, Compassion, and Vegan Living

    Apr 20

    061: CEO of the American Vegan Society Anne Dinshah on Sanctuaries, Compassion, and Vegan Living

    When Anne Dinshah reflects on the state of the world, one number stands out. When her father helped found the American Vegan Society, an estimated 8 billion land animals were killed each year for food. Today, that number exceeds 80 billion. That staggering shift is exactly why Anne continues her life's work. Not from a place of overwhelm, but from a grounded belief that each of us can do the most good and the least harm, every single day. On episode 061 of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Anne shares how compassion, consistency, and practical choices can create meaningful change for animals and for ourselves. A Legacy Rooted in Compassion Anne Dinshah didn't discover veganism later in life. She was raised in it. As the daughter of Jay Dinshah, founder of the American Vegan Society, living vegan was simply normal. But what she gained went far beyond diet. She developed a deep understanding of human behavior. Most people are simply living the way they were taught. That realization has shaped her approach to advocacy. Instead of judgment, she leads with empathy. Instead of pushing, she invites. Dynamic Harmlessness: A Practical Approach to Living Vegan At the heart of Anne's message is a concept her father called dynamic harmlessness. You may not be able to eliminate all harm, but you can consciously reduce it while increasing the good you do. Every meal, every purchase, every interaction is an opportunity to align your actions with your values. More at: www.betterlifeforanimals.com/podcast/061-anne-Dinshah

    32 min
  8. 060: Juliana Castañeda Built Colombia's First Farm Animal Sanctuary, Saving 2,300 Animals… So Far!

    Apr 13

    060: Juliana Castañeda Built Colombia's First Farm Animal Sanctuary, Saving 2,300 Animals… So Far!

    2,300 animals rescued. Colombia's first farm animal sanctuary. One woman who decided at just five years old that animals were not food—and never looked back. In this episode of Better Life for Animals, Juliana Castañeda shares the powerful journey behind building a sanctuary that has saved more than 2,300 animals and continues to care for nearly 200 at any given time. But what stands out most is not just the rescue work—it's her unwavering belief that rescue alone will never be enough. Juliana explains why education is the only true path to ending animal suffering, and how her programs are reaching children and families across Colombia, creating real, lasting change. With over 20 years of activism, she brings a unique perspective shaped by experience, resilience, and two degrees in physical sciences—blending compassion with credibility. We also explore the realities of running a sanctuary, from the constant financial pressure to the creative ways she sustains the work, including building a dog daycare to help fund operations. Juliana shares what it's like raising her son at the sanctuary, where he naturally sees animals as equals—without ever being taught. This conversation goes beyond inspiration. It offers insight into animal advocacy, vegan living, plant-based choices, and the deeper question of how we create a more compassionate world. If you've ever wondered what real change looks like, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Listen now: www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/060-Juliana   #AnimalSanctuary #AnimalRescue #Vegan #PlantBased #AnimalRights #AnimalAdvocacy #CompassionForAnimals #FarmAnimals #VeganPodcast #BetterLifeForAnimals

    32 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Better Life for Animals is your go-to podcast for powerful stories from animal sanctuaries, vegan activists, and animal welfare changemakers. Each episode dives into real-life journeys of rescuing farmed animals, building compassionate communities, and living a cruelty-free, plant-based lifestyle. Hosted by animal advocate Cheryl Moss, the show highlights how rescue sanctuaries across the globe give abused and abandoned animals a second chance at life. You'll hear from nonprofit founders, vegan thought leaders, and animal rights experts who are creating a better world—one animal at a time. Whether you're passionate about ethical living, run a small sanctuary, or simply want to support animal rescue efforts, this podcast will inspire and empower you to take action. Tune in and discover how you can help create a better life for animals everywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    Cheryl Moss
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Better Life for Animals

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