The Farah Amber Podcast

Farah Amber
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You've made it to The Farah Amber Podcast, where I spotlight the global changemakers and initiatives changing the world for animals.

  1. Jul 24

    #31 - Crime or Rescue? Inside Factory Farms with Rebecca Loviconi (Investigative Filmmaker)

    In this episode, we're joined by Rebecca Loviconi, an investigative filmmaker and photojournalist known for her documentary Slay, which exposes the fashion industry's use of fur and animal skins. Rebecca has spent years going undercover inside factory farms across Europe, China, and the US, documenting egg operations, fur farms, dairy farms, and feedlots most people will never see. We talk about the disconnect between the products we consume and the animals they come from, the devastating reality of "winter lambing" in the wool industry, and the disturbing luxury market for baby animal skins. We also get a first look at her upcoming documentary, Crime or Rescue, which follows activists who break the law to save animals from abuse, including the story behind the historic Ridglan Farms beagle rescue, and two activists whose real-life love story unfolded during filming. To follow Rebecca's work and get updates on Crime or Rescue: find her on Instagram @rloviconi Time stamps: 00:00 — Teaser 00:31 — Introduction 01:31 — Introduction by Rebecca 02:51 — Rebecca's Path from Journalism to Investigative Filmmaking 04:06 — Her First Time Inside a Factory Farm & Bearing Witness to Suffering 09:19 — Why People Stay Disconnected from Where Food Comes From 14:54 — Winter Lambing and the Truth Behind "Sustainable" Wool 18:45 — Going Undercover at a UGG Sheepskin Factory 20:11 — The Luxury Market for Baby Animal Skins 22:15 — Introducing Her New Documentary, Crime or Rescue 22:46 — A Love Story Born from Open Rescue 24:48 — Is It a Crime, or Is It a Rescue? 26:31 — Fighting for the Right to Rescue 28:52 — Inside a "High Welfare" Egg Farm 37:03 — The Hidden Factory Farms Behind the Pet Industry 38:50 — Freedom Through Information, Not Judgment 41:26 — Closing Message Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/0DJtvrrHA-U Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr  Connect with Rebecca: https://www.instagram.com/rloviconi  More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber  Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

  2. Apr 3

    #30 - How to Talk to Non-Vegans Without Losing Your Friends with Dr. Melanie Joy

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Melanie Joy, a psychologist, founding president of Beyond Carnism, and the author of eight books, including the groundbreaking Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows. Melanie breaks down the psychology of "Carnism”, the invisible belief system that conditions us to love some animals while eating others. We discuss why good people participate in harmful systems, how to handle the "annoying vegan" stereotype, and how to stay effective in our advocacy without burning out. We also talk about: The Invisible Shield: Why people shut down when talking about animalsVegan Allies: Why you don’t need everyone to go 100% vegan to make an impactNavigating Relationships: How to talk to non-vegan family without the dramaThe Pioneer Price: Managing the emotional toll of living in a non-vegan worldSustainable Activism: Why self-compassion is a tool for the long haulTo support Beyond Carnism & access free resources for advocates: go to https://www.carnism.org & https://www.veganadvocacy.org Time stamps: 00:00 — Teaser 00:28 — Introduction 02:16 — Introduction by Melanie 03:30 — How Melanie's Vegan Journey Began 05:00 — Carnism: The Invisible Belief System 07:46 — Navigating Relationships with Non-Vegans 14:20 — Mental Health in Vegan Advocacy 15:22 — Good People Can Do Harmful Things 18:23 — The Importance of Effective, Non-Shaming Advocacy 21:43 — How to Break Through the Carnism Bubble 23:27 — The Importance of Impact over Argument 30:27 — Resources & Conclusion Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/WuVhOpb--20 Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr Connect with Melanie Joy & Beyond Carnism: https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniejoy https://www.instagram.com/beyondcarnism https://www.carnism.org More links: https://hoo.be/farahamber Contact me: farahamberh@gmail.com

  3. Mar 13

    #29 - The Truth About Fish Farming with Wasseem (Ethical Seafood Research)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Wasseem Emam, Founder and Executive Director of Ethical Seafood Research, an applied research organisation focused on improving the welfare of animals in aquatic food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. To date, ESR has helped improve the lives of over 300 million aquatic animals across 12 countries.Wasseem takes us behind the scenes of the fish farming industry, from earthen pond farms in Egypt and Kenya to the brutal realities of how fish are slaughtered, and what it actually takes to make change from the inside.We also talk about:- What aquaculture actually looks like and why it's so different from what you imagine- How ESR reached 1,000 fish farms in Egypt using a welfare assessment app- The cruel reality of how fish are killed and the more humane alternatives that exist- Why Wasseem changed his mind about salmon farming being the "gold standard"- The dark side of caviar and bluefin tuna farming- The fishmeal problem and how farmed salmon is affecting food security in Africa- The tension between animal welfare reform and animal rights abolitionTo learn more about Ethical Seafood Research and to support them, go to: ethicalseafoodresearch.org Thanks for listening!!Much love,Farah AmberTime stamps:00:00 —Teaser & Intro01:59 — Introduction by Wasseem02:51 — Founding Ethical Seafood Research03:33 — Fish Welfare in the Industry | Aquaculture vs. Wild-Caught06:05 — Zanzibar Seaweed Farming Project09:28 —The Fish Welfare Assessment App11:29 — Monitoring Transparency & Welfare Standards14:05 — How Fish Are Slaughtered on Ice & Better Methods19:22 — Animal Rights vs Welfare 22:55 — Certification Labels27:12 — Octopus Farming28:50 — Salmon Farming 32:48 — Caviar Industry & Sturgeon Welfare38:07 — Bluefin Tuna Farming42:16 — Know Your Labels43:29 — The Fishmeal Problem & Fish In: Fish Out46:08 — Stocking Density & Species Diversity 50:56 — Industry Pressure Tactics53:22 — Eyestalk Ablation54:04 — Wild-Caught vs. Farmed & Closing Thoughts59:42 — ConclusionListen to the episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/2IMIEzcDwGEConnect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr Connect with Wasseem & ESR:https://www.instagram.com/wasseem.e https://www.instagram.com/ethicalseafoodresearch www.ethicalseafoodresearch.org More links: https://hoo.be/farahamber Contact me: farahamberh@gmail.com

  4. 12/03/2025

    #28 - Prosecuted for Animal Rescue with Zoe & Rose (DxE x Animal Rising)

    In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible activists: Zoe Rosenberg, investigator and rescuer with Direct Action Everywhere, and Rose Patterson, co-director of Animal Rising. Both are facing criminal charges for openly rescuing animals from extreme suffering and they share their stories in full. Zoe explains how she took part in a major investigation into Purdue’s Petaluma Poultry in California, uncovered routine cruelty, and rescued four severely abused chickens from the slaughterhouse floor. For saving those birds, she’s now been convicted on felony and misdemeanor charges and faces up to 4.5 years in jail at her upcoming sentencing. Rose shares the inside story of the two open rescues at MBR Acres, the UK’s notorious beagle breeding facility for animal testing. She describes entering the sheds, the smell, the conditions, and carrying puppies to safety, before being caught by police. She now faces burglary charges and up to 10 years in prison, with trials running throughout 2025 and early 2026. To support Zoe, Rose, and ongoing rescue trials: go to animalrising.org and directactioneverywhere.com  Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Time stamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:38 — Zoe’s Introduction 02:16 — Rose’s Introduction 03:07 — Zoe’s Rescue at Petaluma Poultry 05:26 — Rose’s Rescue at MBR Acres 09:22 — What They Hope These Trials Will Change 14:54 — Why They Rescued These Animals 21:57 — How It Feels to Be Prosecuted for Saving Lives 25:33 — Conclusion Watch the podcast on Youtube here.  Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr  Connect with Rose & Zoe:  https://www.instagram.com/rose__patterson/  https://www.instagram.com/zoe_rooster/  https://www.instagram.com/directactioneverywhere/  https://www.instagram.com/animal.rising More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber  Contact me: farahamberh@gmail.com

  5. 11/27/2025

    #27 - Prison for Rescuing Beagles? with Rose Patterson & Ben Newman (Animal Rising)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Rose Patterson and Ben Newman, co-director of Animal Rising, the UK group behind some of the most high-profile animal rights actions of the last few years. Rose and Ben share the full story of their open rescues at MBR Acres, the UK’s only beagle breeding facility for animal testing, including how they infiltrated the site, broke in under 24/7 security, and carried beagle puppies to freedom. For saving those dogs, they’re now facing burglary charges and potential prison sentences of up to 10 years, with trials beginning at the end of 2025. We also talk about: Why beagles are used in toxicology tests and what actually happens to themThe emotional reality of going inside farmsAnimal Rising’s strategy to end factory farming in the UKTheir massive nationwide investigationHow they’re blocking new factory farms through legal challenges and local campaignsTo support Animal Rising & the beagle rescue trials: go to animalrising.org  Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Time stamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:33 — Introduction by Rose & Ben 02:07 — Ben’s Vegan Journey 03:20 — Rose’s Vegan Journey 04:30 — Beagle Rescue at MBR Acres 15:30 — Arrests & Charges for the Rescue 17:20 — Animal Rising’s Project to End Factory Farming 20:06 — CAFF System & Blocking Factory Farms 22:20 — How to Support Animal Rising 25:10 — Conclusion Watch the podcast on Youtube here. Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr  Connect with Rose & Ben at Animal Rising:  https://www.instagram.com/animal.rising   https://www.instagram.com/rose__patterson/  https://www.instagram.com/bennewman90  www.animalrising.org  More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber  Contact me: farahamberh@gmail.com

  6. 06/30/2025

    #26 - How Farm Kind Is Helping You Help More Animals

    In this episode, we’re joined by Thom Norman, co-founder of Farm Kind (@farmkindgiving), a new nonprofit helping people donate more effectively to end factory farming.  We talk about the massive funding gap in farmed animal advocacy, what makes a charity “super effective,” and how Farm Kind is empowering donors to help the most animals possible. We also explore the real-world impact made by the charities they recommend.  This is an inspiring and practical conversation for anyone who wants their giving to have the biggest possible impact for animals. Learn more at farmkind.giving Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Time stamps: 00:00 — Introduction 02:07 — Introduction by Thom 02:34 — How Farm Kind got started 03:16 — AIM incubator & the funding gap in farmed animal advocacy 05:15 — Why it matters to support super effective charities 07:40 — The six super effective charities Farm Kind recommends 10:22 — How the Impact Fund works & how Farm Kind maximizes donations 11:55 — Real impact: what these charities have achieved for animals  14:55 — Animal agriculture & factory farming’s climate impact 18:54 — Conclusion & final thoughts Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/heB9IYfu5G0 Connect with me: ⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/farahamberr  Connect with Farm Kind:  https://www.instagram.com/farmkindgiving  www.farmkind.giving  More links: ⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahamber  Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

  7. 08/29/2024

    #25 - Meet the First Vegan to Climb Mount Everest: Kuntal Joisher

    In this episode, we’re joined by Kuntal Joisher, a pioneering vegan mountaineer and passionate animal advocate. Kuntal made history as the first vegan to climb Mount Everest, not just once, but twice, all while staying true to his principles by designing and using the world’s first animal-free climbing suit. Kuntal shares his incredible journey to veganism, detailing the challenges he faced and overcame in the world of extreme sports. We explore his passion for creating a community where vegans can embark on adventures without compromising their values, and he offers practical tips for those in India looking to transition to a vegan lifestyle. Tune in to hear Kuntal’s inspiring story—from his transformation from a software engineer to a record-setting mountaineer, to his advocacy for a cruelty-free lifestyle in every aspect of life. You’ll also gain valuable insights into how Kuntal is breaking barriers in the adventure world and empowering others to follow in his footsteps. Note: About 50 minutes into the episode, the microphone’s SD card filled up, and we had to switch to the camera’s audio. Hope this doesn’t impact your listening experience too much! Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Time stamps: 00:00 — Introduction 02:20 — Introduction by Kuntal 07:44 — Kuntal’s Vegan Journey 25:35 — Kuntal’s Vegan Climb on Mount Everest 40:06 — Nepal Earthquake Avalanche 50:28 — Second Attempt to Climb Mount Everest 58:00 — Creating the First Animal-Free Climbing Suit for Mount Everest 1:05:00 — Tips for Adopting a Vegan Lifestyle in India 1:12:30 — Final Thoughts & Conclusion Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/IoHw7h9H9wU  Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber  Connect with Kuntal:  https://www.instagram.com/kuntalj  More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/itsfarahamber Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

  8. 08/05/2024

    #24 - Vegan Restaurant Industry in India with Ritv Kapoor - People of Tomorrow (POT)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Ritv Kapoor, a dedicated vegan entrepreneur from India. Ritv is the founder of "People of Tomorrow," an exceptional vegan restaurant in New Delhi that originally started as a sustainable living platform. His commitment to sustainability and veganism shines through his innovative business approaches and community-focused efforts. Ritv shares his vegan journey, discusses the evolution and challenges of running a vegan restaurant in India, and provides insights into the booming vegan scene in New Delhi. He elaborates on the unique sustainability practices at his restaurant and the importance of making vegan food appealing to non-vegans.  Tune in to learn about Ritv's experiences in the restaurant industry, his innovative sustainability practices, and his vision for the future of veganism in India. Thanks for listening!! Much love, Farah Amber Time stamps: 00:00 — Introduction   04:52 — Start of People of Tomorrow 06:40 — Ritv’s Vegan Journey 08:53 — All About People of Tomorrow 15:53 — Sustainability Practices at People of Tomorrow   18:37 — Veganism & India 22:06 — Marketing Vegan Food to Non-Vegans 27:45 — POT food and recipes 30:32 — Advice for Aspiring Vegan Entrepreneurs   32:38 — Challenges in the  Vegan Restaurant Business   36:27 — What’s Next for Ritv & POT 43:05 — Final Message & Conclusion   Watch the podcast on Youtube here. Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber  Connect with Ritv:  https://www.instagram.com/ritvkapoor https://www.instagram.com/peopleoftomorow/ https://www.instagram.com/peopleoftomorow2.0/ More links:⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠  Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

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About

You've made it to The Farah Amber Podcast, where I spotlight the global changemakers and initiatives changing the world for animals.

Information

  • Creator
    Farah Amber
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Farah Amber
  • Show Website
    The Farah Amber Podcast

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