Because They Need Us - Our Political Fight to Save Animals

with Judie Mancuso & Nick Sackett

Saving & protecting animals, one law at a time. socialcompassion.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Plant Protein, Power, and the Future of Food — with T.K. Pillan - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

    JAN 19

    Plant Protein, Power, and the Future of Food — with T.K. Pillan - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

    Welcome to this episode of Because They Need Us, the official podcast of Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), inspired by Judie Mancuso’s memoir of the same name.In this conversation, Judie is joined by T.K. Pillan, a longtime plant-based food entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, for a thoughtful discussion on the past, present, and future of plant-based advocacy.Judie and T.K. reflect on the early momentum of the plant-based movement, the cultural and industry forces that helped it grow, and the resistance that has slowed progress in recent years. Drawing on his experience building and investing in mission-driven food companies, T.K. discusses the need to re-educate consumers about the benefits of plant protein and address misconceptions around health, processing, and nutrition.Judie shares her perspective as a 35-year vegan and longtime animal advocate, highlighting how powerful meat and dairy interests have shaped public narratives and policy outcomes. Together, they explore why messaging matters, how polarizing labels have created confusion, and why focusing on the benefits of plant protein—rather than ideology—may be key to accelerating adoption.The episode concludes with a forward-looking conversation about collaboration, content strategy, and how advocacy, business, and policy can better align to rebuild momentum and expand the reach of the movement.Topics Covered * Lessons from the early plant-based movement * Why progress has slowed in recent years * Industry influence and public perception * Health myths and misunderstandings about plant-based foods * Reframing the conversation around plant protein * The role of business, investment, and policy * Strategies to reach broader audiences and regain momentum Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  2. URGENT - SPAY & NEUTER ACTION NEEDED! - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

    12/16/2025

    URGENT - SPAY & NEUTER ACTION NEEDED! - Because They Need Us with Judie Mancuso

    URGENT!! TIME SENSITIVE SPAY & NEUTER ACTION NEEDED REGISTER FOR PET LOVER’S PLATE The vision behind the California Pet Lover’s License Plate is being fulfilled every year. First launched in 2013, the plate was created by Judie Mancuso, Dr. Gary Michelson, and Linda Starr, with generous support from Keely and Pierce Brosnan—who also contributed his own artwork for the design. Its purpose is simple and powerful: to provide sustainable funding for low-cost and free spay and neuter programs across California. If you don’t yet have your Pet Lover’s plate, please consider getting one and help continue this life-saving work! APPLY FOR SPAY & NEUTER GRANTS We are thrilled to announce that the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will be granting out up to $500,000 in funding for the 2026 Pet Lover’s License Plate Grant Program (Pet Lover’s), which will mean over $2.5M dollars has now gone to spay and neuter!Applications for FUNDING are due by 5pm PT on Monday, January 5, 2026. **Attention Potential Applicants**  Join the CDFA webinar on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PT This will featuring an overview of the program and application process. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the program’s website for full details. Please review the 2026 Request for Grant Proposals for detailed application instructions. Grant Proposal Applications must be submitted electronically to grants@cdfa.ca.govno later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Monday, January 5, 2026. TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED! The CDFA is welcoming volunteers with knowledge and expertise in California’s veterinary, animal rescue/shelter, and animal services industries to serve on the 2026 Pet Lover’s Technical Review Committee (TRC). The TRC reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to CDFA on proposals submitted for funding. To participate in the 2026 Pet Lover’s TRC, download the application here: TRC Applications are due by 5pm PT on Monday, December 22, 2025. If you have questions about the process please contact: Office of Grants Administration California Department of Food and Agriculture Tel: (916) 657-3231 grants@cdfa.ca.gov Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min

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Saving & protecting animals, one law at a time. socialcompassion.substack.com