Better Life for Animals

Cheryl Moss

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 058: From a Simple Favor to a Global Mission for the Animals with Dave Graham

    MAR 30

    058: From a Simple Favor to a Global Mission for the Animals with Dave Graham

    Most businesses start with a plan. Dave Graham's did not. A weekend stay at a vegan bed and breakfast in Australia turned into an unexpected opportunity when the owner asked if he could build a website. Dave said yes. That one project led to another, and soon he was working with vegan professionals, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses around the world. What began as a side project quickly evolved into a full-time career. But it was not until Dave began working closely with animal sanctuaries that everything clicked into place. Why Animal Sanctuaries Became the Focus Working across multiple industries required constant shifts in strategy. Each project demanded a different approach, different messaging, and different systems. Animal sanctuaries were different. Dave realized he could create repeatable, effective website structures specifically designed to support their needs. More importantly, he saw the impact his work could have. Sanctuary founders are experts in animal care. They dedicate their lives to rescuing and protecting animals. But most do not have the time or expertise to build websites that consistently generate donations. That gap became Dave's mission to fill. The Biggest Challenge Sanctuaries Face Online The issue is not a lack of effort. It is overwhelm. Sanctuaries are trying to manage social media, care for animals, coordinate volunteers, and handle daily operations. In the process, their website often gets pushed aside. That is a costly mistake. A website is where donations happen. It is where volunteers sign up. It is where people go when they are ready to take action. Social media should guide people back to the website, not replace it. The Hidden Problem with DIY and Quick Fix Websites Many organizations believe they can solve their website challenges with quick DIY tools or AI-generated solutions. While those tools can be helpful, they often miss the bigger picture. A website is not just about looking good. It needs to function as a tool that converts visitors into donors, supporters, and volunteers. Without that focus, even a well-designed site can fall short. More at: https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/058-Dave-Graham

    28 min
5
out of 5
8 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.

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