The Truth Files with Jane Velez-Mitchell

Jane Velez-Mitchell
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What if I told you there's a way to be healthier, save money, save animals, save the planet and be happier? If you like how that sounds, give us a listen. The UnchainedTV "Truth Files with Jane Velez-Mitchell" podcast offers you a new way of living. Our host, TV journalist and New York Times bestselling author Jane Velez-Mitchell, helps you turn on the lightbulb and jump to the next phase of human evolution. There's a peaceful, joyous, sustainable, healthy, fun way of living right under our noses. The secret is simple: don't look for it out there, practice it in your daily choices. You might say, the solution to so many of the world's problems is right on your plate. Visit: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse for more info.

  1. Jul 22

    Fight for Wild Horses

    America's wild horses are facing one of their most critical moments in years. From the proposed roundup of the Montgomery Pass herd in California's Eastern Sierra to nationwide policy changes that could affect wild horse management across the West, important decisions are being made now. Wildlife ecologist Craig C. Downer and Karen Sussman of the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros,  join Lindsey Baker to explain what's happening and why it matters. The discussion explores the science, the controversy, and the human impact behind helicopter roundups, habitat protection, long-term holding facilities, and current legislation. Most importantly, viewers will learn practical ways to make their voices heard and help protect America's iconic wild horses for generations to come.   TRANSCRIPT: Fight for Wild Horses (0:00) Welcome to Action Hour podcast. I have breaking news. America's wild horses need your help today.   (0:09) Major decisions are being made and hundreds of horses face helicopter roundups that could (0:14) separate families and send many of them into government holding facilities. Today I'm joined (0:21) by three leading wild horse advocates to explain what's happening. Let's talk to them now.   (0:27) Welcome. I'm here with Karen Sussman and Craig Downer. Both are wild horse advocates and I (0:35) would say experts.   They've both been advocating for wild horses for many, many, many years and (0:43) we have some breaking news for you today. We have action you actually have to take today. (0:50) Yeah, I gave my input on the 30th of June and this is a very serious proposal because it largely (0:56) exempts the public lands ranchers and the BLM and I guess it probably influenced the Forest Service (1:05) too from abiding by environmental laws and Wild Horse and Burrow Act when it comes to their plans (1:13) for the wild horses.   In other words, they're not valuing the wild horses and burrows (1:20) and they're letting the big monopolizers of the public lands call the shots and that's (1:27) outrageous. But why is it so important? Like what happens to the horses when they're rounded up? (1:36) Yeah, well they'll be eliminated pretty much from their legal areas or taken down to extremely low (1:43) genetically non-viable levels and they'll allow the ranchers to have even more of a monopoly (1:52) and the other interests in their legal habitats where they're supposed to be (1:57) the principal resource recipient. So they're really subverting the true intent and spirit (2:05) of the Wild Tree Roaming Horse and Burrows Act and ignoring the general public in this (2:11) wonderful quality of life issue by treating these wonderful animals as misfits and the truth is (2:19) they're all the opposite.   They're actually deeply rooted North American natives that (2:26) are wonderful restorers of ecosystems as a keystone species. It's always been, you know, (2:34) the cattle ranchers or other corporate interests come in and take over the horse's land that's (2:41) theirs but it seems like it's accelerated. Do you feel Karen that it has and if so why do you think (2:48) it's suddenly it's even with all of these action items we have so many things happening to the (2:54) horses.   Why do you think that's happening right now? Well I believe that it has been going on (3:00) throughout history where the cattlemen have always had a greater right to the land even though that (3:06) they have a privilege the horses have a right but this is continued but in this particular(3:12) administration they're very proactive cattle and what they're going to do is reduce all kinds of (3:17) regulations that the cattle people have to do in order to contain their keep their permits going (3:25) and there's going to be fewer regulations for the cattle when in essence there already has been for (3:32) years no regulations for cattle people. The BLM has been and the Forest Service has been negligent (3:40) in being able to monitor the habitat to determine who actually is doing damage when they find out (3:49) that the cattle are doing the damage they ignore it. Yes that seems to be the story that we continue (3:57) to hear and this like I said this has been going on and it seems to be accelerating we are not (4:05) Unchained TV is not a political channel or animal rights and conservation channel so we do not take (4:12) political sides we want to state that right now but we are not in favor of either side (4:18) approaching and I think both corporate interests on both sides have done so in the past.   Craig (4:24) yeah that's that's for the Montgomery Pass wild horse herd that's one of the most(4:31) pristine un-PCP'd, un-gonocond, un-castrated herds that's been studied for many years and it's a (4:42) vibrant vital herd that they're trying to gut this herd and I did an appeal on this and now (4:52) and we're doing we've done a TRO and so have two Native American tribes so it's not certain that (4:59) the roundup will start however I think it would be good if you contact the Inyo National Forest (5:06) and I've given you the the website and you just go on contact us and you can voice your opinion (5:14) and that's bound to to have make a difference if you're yeah I want to make Craig I want to (5:21) make sure I can bring up the right one oh here we are Montgomery herd correct (5:26) uh yeah I I sent you that yeah that's it right there it's up in the corner now so Craig as (5:32) Craig's explaining and talking uh tell us a little bit more about why they're picking on this herd (5:39) and what is so uh wrong with what they're doing the science behind it it's because we delved into (5:46) this both the uh the medical doctor and the professional nature filmer yeah Sherry Tobin (5:54) and Carl Mrozek and we discovered that this is kind of a setup against these animals whereby (6:02) they have excluded them from vital water sources and basically not given them any value in their (6:10) own right but they've paved into the mainly the ranchers cattle and sheep there are a lot of sheep (6:18) there and also to people who just use the wild horses as a political pawn to favor say game (6:28) hunting interests including there in California so it's really a terrible thing they're they're (6:36) trying to do they're trying to scapegoat the horses for all kinds of things just because they move (6:42) around and not taking any measures to take steps to avoid avoid these problems uh which (6:49) some common sense steps could be taken and and they could avoid these problems okay Karen can (6:55) you go ahead and comment on that well so just to remind you we're talking about the Montgomery (7:01) Pass horses go ahead right and basically it would be a simple a letter to the government to say (7:07) please save these horses from being rounded up when you round up these horses you destroy their (7:13) family bands and destroy them forever do not round up the horses right that's as simple as that they (7:21) have to get into detail they're just people who are concerned about these horses (7:25) just a simple sentence or two that's all they really need to say right and I want to just (7:33) just tell people how important this is to take these actions today now even if we are past the (7:42) date you're seeing this afterwards still contact them because once we raise that public awareness (7:49) or rather the our politicians once we raise their awareness that we are watching we see things (7:56) change we we just went through the Ridgeland Farms dogs and that lab closing so many things (8:01) happening when when activists take action so please those of you out there watching whenever (8:07) you see this please click on these links and take the actions we're talking about there's another (8:12) really devastating proposal which is to exclude the environmental oversight of the public lands (8:23) ranchers and the input on that is due on July 13th and that's extremely important because (8:32) if they exclude them from Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act (8:38) and all the other acts you know Wilderness and Administrative then that would give them even (8:47) more monopoly on the public plants in other words they would be totally calling the shots (8:54) for the BLM and Forest Service on public land ranching permits. Yes and with that one I've (9:03) also set up I believe a link which I'm going to put at the top all of these links of this (9:08) broadcast but if you scroll down in there you will see who to contact and there's even a little (9:15) paragraph of what to say because a lot of times people are afraid to speak but let me tell you (9:22) your voice has so much power I think a lot of people get intimidated and they shouldn't this (9:28) is so important. Yeah and if you've been there mention that that I go here and it's a big part (9:38) of my life you know for my quality of life and what it means to them personally yeah.   Okay we (9:48) want to move on so that we can cover everything and I will give you guys each a chance at the (9:52) end if we miss something that you feel is really important but Karen I want to put the focus on you (9:57) and the Heber Herd I know you've been really really busy so tell us what is going on and how (10:04) people can help you support you. Okay our organization's been involved in saving the Heber (10:11) Herd of Northern Arizona they're the really in my book the last herd on public lands that has (10:17) literally been untouched from roundups and from a lot of manipulation and it's been more than 20 (10:24) some years so in 2007 we filed a stipulation agreement with the Forest Service that they need (10:32) to manage them in three areas and so we have participated throughout all these years to make (10:39) sure that we can protect this herd and very interestingly just in January the acting (10:47) superintendent his name is Mr. Miller he

  2. Jul 22

    Animal Testing Crisis: PETA Sounds the Alarm

    🎯 Episode Highlights 🐒 Why PETA says endangered long-tailed macaques are still ending up in research laboratories. 🌍 How the global wildlife trafficking pipeline fuels the laboratory monkey trade. ⚖️ The legal battle to secure stronger protections for endangered primates. 🔬 A discussion of the ethics of animal experimentation and emerging non-animal research alternatives. 📉 Why conservation experts warn that long-tailed macaque populations are rapidly declining. 💬 Jane Velez-Mitchell and her guest explain how viewers and listeners can take action to help protect monkeys from exploitation. 📝 Podcast Description Animal Testing Crisis takes an in-depth look at the fight to protect endangered long-tailed macaques from the global laboratory trade. In this compelling episode, Jane Velez-Mitchell speaks with one of the world's leading experts on primate trafficking and animal experimentation to examine why these intelligent animals continue to be captured from the wild despite mounting scientific evidence of their declining populations. "These animals are in crisis." – From the transcript You'll discover why PETA is urging U.S. officials to strengthen protections for endangered macaques, how wildlife trafficking feeds the laboratory supply chain, and why conservation scientists are warning that long-tailed macaques face severe population declines. The discussion also explores the ethical questions surrounding animal experimentation and the growing movement toward modern, non-animal research methods. Recent investigations highlighted by PETA and featured on UnchainedTV examine allegations that endangered macaques have entered the U.S. research pipeline through illegal trafficking networks. "There is a war on monkeys." – From the transcript Join Jane Velez-Mitchell and her guest as they explain what's at stake for endangered primates and what listeners can do to help protect wildlife and promote humane science. Call to Action: Subscribe, share this episode, and learn more about protecting endangered animals by visiting UnchainedTV and PETA. Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning journalist, TV producer and New York Times bestselling author who founded UnchainedTV, the world's premier plant-based streaming network. UnchainedTV offers more than 2,000 free documentaries, cooking shows, lifestyle, and news programs. Download UnchainedTV free on mobile devices or TV streaming platforms including Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Watch online: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse 🎥 WATCH for FREE: https://unchained.tv ✅ LEARN MORE: https://unchainedtv.com 📘 Facebook: janevelezmitchell 📬 SubStack: https://unchainedtv.substack.com 📸 Instagram: @unchained_tv 🐦 Twitter/X: @jvm     TRANSCRIPT: PETA Battle for Monkeys! (0:11) These animals are in crisis. (0:14) There is a war on monkeys. (0:17) They are being kidnapped from the wild for lab torture, and the U.S. government will (0:25) not admit that long-tailed macaques are now endangered, even though scientists are saying (0:32) they are endangered and they need protections.   (0:37) So we're going to go straight out to the person who knows more about this than any other person (0:43) on the planet, and that is PETA's Chief Scientist Advisor for Animal Experimentation, Dr. Lisa (0:52) Jones-Engel. (0:53) Dr. Lisa, tell us what's going on. (0:56) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they've decided that even though all the data is there (1:01) in front of them, the population declines, the smuggling, the illegal capture, the disease (1:05) risk, they've said now twice that long-tailed macaques are not worthy of being added to (1:13) the Endangered Species Act.   (1:14) And that's crazy, because the data don't lie. (1:18) And so the question that we all need to be asking U.S. Fish and Wildlife is, why aren't (1:22) you seeing it? (1:23) Why aren't you responding to what the scientists are putting in front of you? (1:31) How is it possible that they ignore the science, that they ignore major environmental scientific (1:37) groups who are saying these animals are endangered, and the reason why is that you keep kidnapping (1:41) them to put them in cages to be experimented on in torturous experiments? (1:48) You know, I think a lot of it has to do with we are up against an incredibly powerful industry. (1:55) You know, the pharmaceutical industry, the big primate, the big monkey importers, remember, (2:00) this is a billion-dollar industry.   (2:02) And a billion-dollar industry buys you a lot of time in people's offices. (2:08) It buys you a lot of meetings. (2:09) It buys you a lot of monkeys.   (2:12) And I think money is doing a lot of talking here, but as the money talks, the monkeys die.(2:21) The populations decline. (2:23) Just because U.S. Fish and Wildlife has again denied this petition doesn't mean that the (2:28) conservation risk, the threat for this endangered species has changed.   (2:34) The IUCN, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the global authority on whether (2:41) plants and animals are at risk of being endangered, critically endangered, going extinct, that (2:48) global authority has now said twice in the last four years, long-tailed macaques, these (2:55) animals are being wiped off the face of the earth. (2:59) And one of the driving forces is their extraction from the wild to be boxed up and sent around (3:05) the world, primarily here to the U.S. for use in experimentation. (3:11) I don't know how an agency like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can deny the numbers, (3:16) can deny their own data, can deny data from scientists and say, looks fine to us.   (3:22) You and your organization, PETA, has documented other risks to humans from the importation (3:31) of these macaques and other primates to the United States for experimentation.(3:37) Let's listen to you at a news conference in Washington, D.C. last year. (3:43) CDC's own data show that tuberculosis-infected monkeys imported from Southeast Asia and Mauritius (3:50) made it through federal quarantine and into U.S. laboratories, carrying multiple strains (3:55) of TB, including a strain that we have never seen before here in animals.   (4:02) A new peer-reviewed CDC paper, quietly published behind a paywall, confirms this. (4:10) Tuberculosis sickens 10 million people and kills one in a quarter of them every year. (4:16) It's the world's leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, according to the (4:22) World Health Organization.   (4:23) This deadly disease is coming into the U.S. and, ironically, going into the laboratories (4:29) that are supposed to be curing disease. (4:31) Not only is monkey experimentation not curing diseases, all the diseases they cite, cancer, (4:38) diabetes, heart disease, are going up, but it's posing a threat to humans. (4:44) Can you expand on that, Dr. Lisa? (4:47) Exactly.   (4:48) And so, I mean, thank you for playing that clip. (4:50) That was about a year ago now, when, again, what PETA has been doing is we've been following (4:56) the pathogens because we know that this, a real weak point for this industry is having (5:05) people look in and say, oh, not only are you just bringing endangered monkeys into the (5:10) U.S., these monkeys, once they're caught up in this importation pipeline, are invariably (5:18) harboring dangerous infectious diseases, everything from tuberculosis to Shigella to herpes B (5:25) to simian retroviruses to malaria parasites. (5:31) And I want to share something with you, Jane, that we just learned.   (5:34) So the CITES, Animal Committee, so the CITES, this is the global organization that oversees(5:41) trade in animals and plants. (5:44) CITES met last week, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Delegation had the audacity to say, (5:56) hey, stop trying to use the threat of infectious diseases being brought in with these monkeys (6:01) as a way to backdoor shutting the door on importation.(6:08) This was basically the same day that the CDC published another paper and said, yeah, you(6:15) know what? (6:15) Over the past couple of years, we've had more monkeys arriving.   (6:19) The shipments are larger. (6:21) The larger the shipments, the more sick the monkeys are.(6:24) We've not been able to detect all the infections.   (6:27) The infections are leaving quarantine. (6:29) Monkeys are moving to other facilities. (6:31) People are getting exposed.   (6:34) Again, I'm a scientist. (6:36) The data are right in front of all of these agencies. (6:42) What is it going to take at this stage? (6:47) You are making, you are defining the pathway for the next global pandemic with this industry.   (6:56) And for what? (6:57) Because the scientific community is rapidly moving beyond using non-human primates. (7:02) And yet this multi-billion dollar industry says, uh-uh, not yet. (7:06) I want to try to squeeze every single penny I can out of these monkeys.   (7:11) It's incredibly dangerous. (7:13) Meanwhile, there is still an effort to put a giant, a laboratory monkey breeding facility (7:20) in a small town in Georgia. (7:22) And there's been so much uproar about that.   (7:26) There's even a documentary that is now streaming on Unchained TV. (7:30) Let's take a look at a little clip of that documentary called 30,000 Monkeys in Our Backyard. (7:38) We learned that this proposed facility was going to be 30,000 monkeys.   (7:45) My God, you know, at this rate, this industry will empty the forest of macaques. (7:54) And then I actually read just a little bit more closely. (7:56) And that's when we saw who the main players were.   (8:00) He was the COO of a company named InVigo. (8:02) This is a company that, in addition to importing monkeys, (8:07) also ran a beagle factory farm that supplied beagles to laboratory experiments. (8:12) The Department of Justice ended up co

  3. Jul 13

    LA'S SUMMER VEGAN BONFIRE PROVES VEGANS HAVE MORE FUN

    LA's Summer Vegan Bonfire! Live from the Beaches of California… The Summer Vegan Bonfire! Welcome to UnchainedTV, broadcasting live from the Summer Vegan Beach Bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey, California! This was a super-fun gathering of an incredible coalition of animal rights groups, including The Humane League, Mercy for Animals, Plant Based Treaty, New Roots, SoCalVegFest, Direct Action Everywhere, We The Free, Los Angeles Animal Defense League, Animal Alliance Network,  Anonymous for the Voiceless, UnchainedTV and others. This entirely plant-based potluck brought together passionate activists fighting for animals through street outreach, policy, and powerful campaigns. These incredible activists deserve a little down time to party! It was the perfect afternoon/evening to connect with a thriving community of like-minded activists enjoying the ocean breeze.  This gathering is entirely eco-friendly, so attendees are reminded to bring reusable cutlery and plates. To keep the space safe and inclusive, the event is strictly alcohol and drug-free, as well as entirely vegan—meaning completely meat and dairy-free. No animals suffered or died to make this party! Let's celebrate!     Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning journalist, television producer, and New York Times bestselling author. She is the founder of UnchainedTV, the world's premier plant-based streaming network, featuring more than 2,000 documentaries, cooking shows, lifestyle programs, and news reports promoting compassionate, sustainable living. 💡DONATION INFO & UNCHAINEDTV LINKS  Thank you for watching! UnchainedTV is a 501c3 nonprofit. Our vision is a world where plant‑based, cruelty‑free, sustainable living is the norm—across food, fashion, science, and entertainment. You can help us spread this crucial message here: 👉 Donate: https://unchainedtv.com/donate/   Links:  🎥 WATCH for FREE: https://unchained.tv ✅ LEARN MORE / https://unchainedtv.com 📘 Facebook / janevelezmitchell 📬 SubStack / https://unchainedtv.substack.com 📺 Rumble / https://rumble.com/user/UnchainedTV 📸 Instagram / unchained_tv 🐦 Twitter / jvm     TRANSCRIPT:   LA'S SUMMER VEGAN BONFIRE PROVES VEGANS HAVE MORE FUN (0:05) We are live from Playa Del Rey, California, and the vegan bonfire. (0:12) This is history in the making because you are looking at a big party and we are bringing (0:18) it to you live from Playa Del Rey, California. (0:22) If you hear a lot of planes, that is because LAX, Los Angeles International Airport, is (0:30) right in front, but this is a huge vegan bonfire, vegan party, just shows you vegans have more (0:39) fun.   (0:39) I want to bring in my co-host, Kate Delgado. (0:43) Woohoo! (0:44) Hey, how's it going?(0:44) This is our second annual vegan bonfire where we get the entire L.A. activist community(0:51) together, potluck, enjoy the beach, have fun, build community, and strengthen our cause.(1:00) Folks from Mercy for Animals, DXC, AAV, Plant Based Treaty, New Roots, We the Free, and(1:11) End Chain TV folks, and a lot of other organizations, all the volunteers came over to participate (1:18) in this.   (1:19) Okay, and you see, ah, everybody's just having a good time. (1:22) It's a party, and it's, oh, vegan s'mores, that's part of it. (1:28) You know, one of the things that I think is so important about this is that people think, (1:35) Kim, that vegans don't have any fun, and it's, I know, it's the craziest thing.   (1:41) That's ridiculous. (1:42) Yeah, it's the craziest thing, so we're going to go back to, look at those crazy vegans (1:48) having fun. (1:49) Yeah.   (1:49) I want to come back to you, and you're here with Wednesday, our rescue, and she's a service (1:57) dog, so don't get all crazy about that, but tell us, Kim, for people who think that vegans (2:03) don't have as much fun, what would you tell them? (2:06) I would say, go vegan, and you will find out how much fun we have. (2:10) This is the second annual, and this year it was much bigger than last year. (2:15) Next year, you'll be here joining us, and you'll see how much fun we have.   (2:19) Hi, I'm Katrina, I'm a yoga teacher and a psychologist, and I'm vegan. (2:24) And what are you doing with this event? (2:25) Are you involved? (2:27) I have friends here, and I love eating vegan food, and I'm a long-time vegan, yeah. (2:33) Randy and I co-organize with We the Free, we do street outreach together, mainly in (2:38) like Santa Monica, and we show people a three-minute movie documentary about various, like, farm (2:43) factory farm footage, and we show that to the public, after they watch that three-minute (2:47) video, then we have a conversation about them, and try to get them to go vegan.   (2:52) I found it's really an effective way to get people to go vegan, because they see the truth(2:56) behind the scenes of what's going on in animal agriculture, and we can have really effective(3:00) conversations with them. (3:01) So, We the Free is a really great organization to get involved with, that we've been volunteering. (3:05) So, we are here to build community, and I am here to, I am the Los Angeles organizer, (3:12) and I also oversee Orange County, and the Inland Empire area.   (3:17) And this event tonight, it's very important, because we're getting multiple organizations(3:22) together to amplify the activism that all local groups are currently doing to defend and(3:29) protect animals across different regions. (3:32) And at the Humane League right now, we're also getting activists to go after campaign (3:38) targets that will change the lives of millions of animals across the globe. (3:42) And so, I'm really happy to be here with so many other organizations, and friends, and (3:47) meet more new members of the community, and let's keep it going.   (3:52) Let's get stronger here to change the lives of so many around the world. (3:56) Thank you for being part of this historic live, the first time we've gone live with (4:02) a satellite dish. (4:03) In fact, I could probably just show you the satellite dish right here.   (4:08) Why not? (4:09) Full transparency. (4:10) There it is. (4:11) Right there.   (4:12) That's allowing us to go live. (4:15) Oh, Dale, come on down. (4:17) It's amazing that we can actually use technology, too.   (4:21) Yes. (4:21) As we should, to spread the word that vegan is the only way to go. (4:26) We've got to save our planet, save the animals, and, you know, peace begins on your plate.   (4:32) So let's start there. (4:34) Thank you. (4:34) Dale Hendrickson is an amazing artist who does The Simpsons.   (4:40) I mean, we've got some famous people here. (4:42) This is our second annual Vegan Summer Bonfire. (4:44) We have about double the people we had last year.   (4:47) I actually want to turn it over to my co-organizer, Annabelle. (4:50) We've been organizing together every single week. (4:52) She's on the other camera right there.   (4:54) I organize with a group called Los Angeles Animal Defense League. (4:57) We work on mostly international campaigns, whether it's against fur or foie gras or whatever. (5:06) I mostly organize fur, but currently I'm working on a campaign against Milan Fashion Week to get them to enact a fur-free policy.   (5:13) It's part of a larger global movement, and it is one of the final things upholding the fur industry. (5:20) So we want to end fur forever. (5:23) Coming back to us here.   (5:24) Look at the bonfire. (5:26) It's pretty amazing. (5:28) Hi.   (5:28) My name is Chinmayee Orcrystal, and I do a lot of activism. (5:33) I went vegan last year, and ever since then, I just want to do as much as I physically can for the animals. (5:38) I do a lot of AV outreach, plant-based 3D outreach.   (5:41) And also, I made a campaign at my school to have plant-based options for a big unified school district in California. (5:50) I'm vegan because I'm against animal exploitation. (5:53) If I was in their position, I would not want to be hurt.   (5:57) I would not want to be used for any purpose. (6:00) I would not want to be used for any purpose. (6:03) I'm not a resource the same way they're not a resource, because they're individuals who feel pain and suffer just like us.   (6:09) They deserve to live just like us, and we have no right to take anything away from them.(6:13) Why don't you tell on Shane TV who you are and what you're involved with. (6:18) Rick Scott, vegan hockey player.   (6:21) Yes. (6:22) I'm Lisa Valenza, private chef. (6:25) And why did you guys come out tonight?(6:28) I heard it was going to be, well, one, there was a lot of great food, and a lot of vegans.   (6:35) And I just wanted to, because I know there are a lot more vegans in the vegan community that I don't know. (6:44) That, like, we haven't all connected. (6:46) I see a lot of the same faces a lot.   (6:48) And at this event, in particular, there were several organizations combining forces. (6:54) And so there were, like, a lot of vegans here that I have never seen before. (6:59) And it was really exciting to, like, get to know new people and connect even with people in my area where I live who I didn't know.   (7:10) That's awesome. (7:11) And how about for you? (7:12) Real live vegans. (7:14) Right.   (7:15) The funny thing is, like, you know, so hockey player, figure skater. (7:20) I didn't know you were a figure skater. (7:21) That's awesome.   (7:22) Yeah, yeah. (7:24) This is the first one of these was a year ago. (7:28) And just as Lisa mentioned, like, the cool thing about this is this is a bunch of different organizations.   (7:33) It's Plank X 3D. (7:34) It's Mercy for Animals. (7:36) They sent me this after last year, by the way.   (7:37) Oh, that's cool. (7:38) So I was like, okay, let me read it or let me wear it. (7:41) And so, like, it's a big gro

  4. Jul 2

    1st Vegan to Compete in Mr Olympia

    Torre Washington is the first vegan bodybuilder to earn the Mr. Olympia stage.  Now, Torre Washington speaks to UnchainedTV LIVE as he embarks on one of the world's most intense physical challenges.  The vegan bodybuilder qualified for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding's most prestigious competition, after winning the Ben Weider Natural Pro-Am. Competing without animal products or performance-enhancing drugs, Washington has achieved what few athletes in the world ever do. His motto: winning without compromise!  The contest will be held in Las Vegas on from Thursday September 24th -Sunday, September 27th and he wants the support of the vegan, animal loving community to go to Vegas and watch him compete! Sounds like a party! Palms Casino Resort is a hotel at the center of the action, along with the Las Vegan Convention Center.  GET A T-SHIRT TO HELP TORRE IN VEGAS!  YOU can help Torre Washington by buying a t-shirt which helps pay for the costs associated with going to Vegas for the contest.  https://vegan2olympia.com GET YOUR MR. OLYMPIA TIX HERE https://mrolympia.com/ticket-type Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Torre Washington went plant-based in 1998 and never looked back. A natural, steroid-free competitor who has shared the stage at the Arnold Classic, he also coaches athletes. We will meet one of those athletes, Erin Tice.  In late 2025 he won both the Open Masters and Masters 40 classes at the Ben Weider Natural Pro-Am, qualifying him for the 2026 Mr. Olympia — and making him the first vegan, all-natural bodybuilder ever to reach that stage. WINS: 2009
Pro card, natural bodybuilding.
2017
IFBB Pro card, Men's Physique.
2025
Qualified for Mr. Olympia.
2026
1st vegan bodybuilder to Mr. Olympia. "It's an unreal feeling that anything is possible if you believe in yourself," Washington said. "I hope this shows people to never give up on their goals or dreams." A Historic Milestone for Vegan Athletes Each year, only a small number of professional bodybuilders earn the right to compete in Mr. Olympia, the pinnacle of the sport. Qualifying demands years of disciplined training, flawless nutrition, and unwavering focus. This victory is a milestone not only for vegan athletes but also for veganism and animal advocates everywhere. Washington's success on one of the world's largest stages demonstrates that compassion and athletic excellence can coexist and thrive. The moment marks a turning point for vegan representation in professional bodybuilding.     TRANSCRIPT:   1st vegan to compete in mr olympia  (0:00) Live from the Unchained TV headquarters in Los Angeles, California, (0:04) this is Truth Files with Jane Velez Mitchell. (0:10) We did it. Come on, we made history.   (0:25) Torrey Washington, he's here, people! It was a dramatic entrance and I love it that way.(0:32) First and foremost, Jane, thank you so much for the opportunity to share (0:36) such an amazing, historic, monumental event, not only in my life, but in the (0:43) journey or the history of vegan as we know it, you know, because this is something that (0:48) a lot of times you get the comment, you've never seen a vegan at an Olympia (0:56) or on the Olympia stage. And for the first time, we're going to have (1:00) a vegan male bodybuilder on stage at the Mr. Olympia, which is such a huge (1:06) Guinness World Record, Book of World Records type of moment.   (1:10) But I think because bodybuilding is such a niche and such a, like a cult thing, (1:16) but it's bigger because of social media, it hasn't really hit people as it should. (1:21) But it's such a big monumental feat that hopefully this is not the end of it, (1:27) you know, that there'll be more to follow after I do this for the first time, (1:33) trailblazing, setting the path for the next to come.(1:48) I coach, I train, I've been vegan since 1998 and I'm here for the planet, (1:55) the animals and the betterment of humanity.   (1:58) It's extraordinary. And I've been looking at videos of you working out and (2:03) I wanted to just hit the couch and relax because I just couldn't even believe it. (2:09) Look at this.   Look at this. It's extraordinary. So anybody who says, oh, vegans are weak.   (2:15) This man is a vegan. (2:17) What we need to focus on is making sure that our nutrition comes from many different sources, (2:22) because with this, we're getting the vitamins and minerals that our body needs. (2:27) Protein is going to come, especially if the calories that you're getting in(2:30) are enough to suit your day-to-day activity.   (2:34) I look to eat mostly carbohydrates and food form. (2:39) Japanese sweet potatoes. Japanese sweet potato would be on there, definitely.   (2:42) I love my nut butters, my almond, my peanut butters. (2:47) And then my other source of carbohydrates plus protein would be beans. (2:50) And that can be beans converted into tofu or tempeh, or it can just be beans in general.   (2:55) Also greens, all types of greens, doing asparagus, broccoli, bok choy. (3:01) You name it, I'm eating it. (3:03) We just ran a clip showing some of the things you eat on a typical day.   (3:07) Healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes. (3:10) OK, I want to say a couple of things.(3:12) I'm a little confused about Mr. Olympia.   (3:15) I know where Las Vegas is. (3:17) OK, I know where the Las Vegas Convention Center is.(3:20) But tell us exactly what's happening.   (3:22) Because I think one of the problems is people are like, (3:25) OK, it's this huge competition, but where do I go? (3:29) How do I sign up? (3:31) How do I support Tori? (3:33) Break it down for us so we can support you. (3:35) We want to go to Vegas. (3:37) And this is one case where what happens in Vegas is not going to stay in Vegas.   (3:41) Right. (3:44) I love it. I love it.   (3:46) The Mr. Olympia is typically held in Las Vegas. (3:50) It has been for probably more than a decade. (3:53) It moved to Orlando one time during 2020.   (3:56) But it's typically been in Las Vegas. (3:58) Prior to that, it used to move around. (4:00) So Mr. Olympia is the World Cup Super Bowl of bodybuilding.   (4:07) So what that means is 1% of the bodybuilders in the world make it to Mr. Olympia every year. (4:14) And some do it once in a lifetime. (4:17) Some never make it.   (4:18) Some make it multiple times because, you know, (4:20) they just are that phenomenon when it comes to their physique. (4:23) So it's hosted at three different hotels. (4:27) And I say that because the convention center in Las Vegas is where the expo is held.   (4:33) So Mr. Olympia has a big expo where you have Vegan Strong Team. (4:37) I've seen them there before. (4:38) You have a lot of vendors who supply supplements and different things (4:43) when it comes to bodybuilding, from weight training belts to dumbbells (4:47) to different lifting machines and massage machines.   (4:51) You have different events going on. (4:53) They're going to have cheerleading going on this time around. (4:56) They have wrestling.   (4:57) They have all of that in the expo. (4:59) And also in the expo, which happens on Friday, Saturday, (5:04) the expo, they also have the bodybuilding competition, (5:08) which is at the back of the convention center. (5:11) There's going to be a place where you can sit.   (5:12) And then there's going to be a surrounding gate where you can stand and watch it as well.(5:16) Now the expo is just an entry fee. (5:19) You pay to go into the expo.   (5:20) You can come watch the show. (5:22) Or if you want to pay more, you can come and sit down and watch the show. (5:25) And so there's just different ways in which you can view the show.   (5:28) Now, mind you, with the amount of vegans we're going to have (5:30) and my family and friends that are coming, (5:32) you know, we're just going to be loud. (5:35) And you can be as loud and obnoxious as you want. (5:37) And then they also have the finals, which shows at the hotel.   (5:44) It's typically at the New Orleans, (5:45) but they're also going to have a host hotel, which is the Palms Hotel. (5:49) So that is still to be determined, (5:51) whether or not it's going to be at the New Orleans or it's going to be at the Palm. (5:54) And on Thursday, Aaron knows about this.   (5:56) Thursday, they call it Meet the Olympian. (5:59) They used to call it Meet the Olympian,(6:01) but it's now called the Superstar Kickoff event, (6:04) where you get to come personally sit down, (6:08) talk to the fellow Olympian, the Olympian that you are a fan of, (6:13) or you want to support. (6:14) They'll have a table.   (6:16) You can bring your camera. (6:17) We're going to have a party, man. (6:18) We're going to bring music.   (6:20) My table is probably the most lit table in the event. (6:23) And you're just there to come support and show love for a couple hours. (6:28) And yeah, and we're going to also do a meet and greet twice.   (6:32) We're going to do one on Friday at Tarantino's. (6:34) We're going to do one on Sunday at Tarantino's. (6:37) This is just a way for people to come and meet me, talk to me, (6:41) talk to other vegans who are also going to be there.   (6:43) Veg Nutrition is going to be there. (6:45) Jane Velez and the whole crew is going to be there.(6:47) So it's going to be an amazing, amazing time.   (6:49) We're going to have a party, y'all. (6:51) This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us all to come together (6:54) to celebrate a historic moment. (6:57) So this is Thursday.   (6:59) You have a table. (7:01) People can come up to you at, I'm not sure, (7:04) the convention center or some locale there. (7:06) It'll probably be at the Palms.   (7:08) That's what I'm thinking. (7:09) Okay, at the Palms. (7:10) Friday, my very favorite restaurant on the planet, practically.   (7:14) I mean, I've never been. (7:17) Tarantino's. (7:18) Oh my G

  5. Jun 26

    Can a Vegan City Change the World?

    🎙️ Podcast Highlights • 🌱 Can an entire city become vegan—and what would that mean for humanity? • 🍎 Is healthy, plant-based food a basic human right rather than a privilege? • 🌍 Dr. Sailesh Rao and the Climate Healers movement reveal a bold vision for transforming communities through compassion and food justice. • 🤝 Discover how the Together Around Food initiative in Port Townsend, Washington, is bringing people together over free, nourishing vegan meals. • 💚 Learn why this community experiment could become a blueprint for healthier people, a healthier planet, and a more compassionate future. 🎙️ Episode Description Can a Vegan City Change the World? What if one small city could spark a global movement? In this episode of The UnchainedTV Podcast, award-winning journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell travels to Port Townsend, Washington, where an extraordinary experiment is underway. The Together Around Food initiative, inspired by Dr. Sailesh Rao and Climate Healers, asks a revolutionary question: Should healthy, plant-based food be considered a basic human right? From community meals to climate solutions, this inspiring conversation explores how compassion, sustainability, and food justice intersect. You'll hear from the visionaries behind the movement and discover why they believe providing free, nourishing vegan meals can improve public health, strengthen communities, protect animals, and help combat the climate crisis. If you've ever wondered whether local action can create global change, this episode offers hope, practical ideas, and an inspiring vision for the future. Subscribe to The UnchainedTV Podcast on Libsyn and your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with friends and family who believe a healthier, kinder world is possible. Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning journalist, television producer, and New York Times bestselling author. She is the founder of UnchainedTV, the world's premier plant-based streaming network, featuring more than 2,000 documentaries, cooking shows, lifestyle programs, and news reports promoting compassionate, sustainable living. 🎥 Watch Free: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse 🌐 Learn More: https://unchainedtv.com ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/UnchainedTV 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/janevelezmitchell 📬 Substack: https://unchainedtv.substack.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/unchained_tv 🐦 X: https://x.com/jvm 👽 Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Unchained_TV/ #VeganCity #FoodJustice #PlantBasedLiving   TRANSCRIPT: A Vegan City? Food as a Basic Human Right? (0:25) An exciting experiment is happening right now in Port Townsend, Washington State, and(0:32) it could take the world by storm. (0:35) Here's where it's happening. (0:37) Just about a two and a half hour drive northwest of Seattle, and it's called Together Around Food, (0:48) and the basic concept is that, well, vegan food, healthy plant-based fruits, vegetables, nuts, (0:55) and grains, should they be a basic human right? This entire concept is the brainchild of one of (1:03) my heroes, Dr. Silas Rao of Climate Healers.   Dr. Rao, how is it going? (1:10) It's going great. We started out slow for the first three days, and then yesterday, (1:16) we overflowed pretty much the room that we were in, and so we had to get tables from the other room (1:22) and, you know, safety overflow people. So, exactly what we wanted, you know, things picking up like (1:29) that, and so now we are looking at new spaces that we need to go find to accommodate the people (1:37) who are coming.   (1:38) You are looking at a live cam on the kitchen where food is being prepared for a lot of people,(1:46) and one reason that this can happen, because it is free food for anybody in the town who wants to (1:54) take advantage of it, and when I say food, it's not, you know, a meat burger and fries. It's healthy (2:00) plant-based food. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes brought to us by Loving Hut.   So, we (2:08) want to go to the representative of Loving Hut, who is Mike Zanabria. Mike, tell us, wow, this is (2:16) extraordinary. What's happening? What's the who, what, when, where, why happening? (2:20) Awesome.   So, we are here in Washington on the Olympic Peninsula at the Tri-Area Community (2:26) Center, which is in a city called Chimicum, just outside of Port Townsend, and the goal with (2:32) Together Around Food is, as you said, Jane, to showcase that whole food, plant-based meals that(2:38) are gourmet, that are delicious. They should be served to the community, by the community, in a (2:45) community center like this, free of charge, as a community project, where anyone, breakfast, lunch, (2:51) and dinner, can come to their local community center and get a free delicious meal that's (2:57) awesome for their health, great for the environment, great for the animals. So, this is really what (3:02) could propel our world into world peace and the vegan world that we're hoping that we are moving (3:08) towards very quickly, especially since we are in the current climate crisis that we are all feeling (3:14) the pressure of.   Now, I want to make a very important point. Port Washington, Port Townsend in Washington (3:22) State, is not an impoverished community. We have a lovely resident who has agreed to join us.   (3:29) There's no major food insecurity, malnutrition, starvation. These are people who are (3:35) taking part in this experiment as a test example of something that could expand to the rest of(3:43) the world, and some areas where there is food insecurity. So, I just want to give a shout out to (3:49) everybody in Port Townsend for taking a leap of faith, and we're going to go to Patty Schmucker, who (3:55) is one of the local residents.   Patty, what inspired you to get involved? Well, we had the opportunity (4:03) here in Port Townsend. We have a community that is very environmentally aware. Port Townsend is a (4:10) very pristine environment, a rural environment, and like every other community, we do have some food insecurity, (4:17) and we do have issues with homelessness, and those kinds of issues, but we also have 55 percent of our (4:25) population is over the age of 50, and we have a lot of people who have made their fortunes (4:32) in other parts of the United States, and have retired here.   So, we have a very diverse population. (4:39) I'm one of those. I've spent the last 45 years in Los Angeles, and made Port Townsend my (4:44) full-time home just two years ago, and my motivation to be involved is I know that we (4:50) have a crisis.   We have a crisis at many different levels with regards to what's going on in our (4:56) society, and what's going on with regards to our planet, and now is the time to act, and this was (5:01) for me where I'm feeling sometimes very hopeless about some of the things that are going on. (5:07) This was an opportunity to lean in, and be able to do something that what I thought was impossible(5:13) three weeks ago when we started this whole discussion, and yet the community has just(5:19) embraced it. The food has been amazing.   The lectures and the programs that we've done (5:25) has just really enrolled the community, and has started a very important and conversation of real (5:33) substance. Well, for those who are just joining us, the concept is should food be a basic human (5:41) right, and we're not talking about fast food, junk food, cookies, and meat burgers, and french (5:50) fries. We're talking about healthy, whole food, plant-based.   Should it be a right like air or (5:57) water? This is the fundamental question being posed, because after all, you can't live very (6:03) long without food. Now, we know that air is a right. We certainly hope that water is a right, (6:09) but since you can't live without air, water, and food, maybe food should be a basic human right.   (6:17) This is a radical concept, and the test is happening now in Port Townsend, Washington.(6:24) You are looking at a live camera of this extraordinary experiment in progress, live. (6:32) So, the question is, could this end up being exported to other towns? But even before we get (6:41) to that, I want to talk about some of the really ambitious goals this project has, and as I was (6:49) looking at the website, which is, we'll put it up in a second, I was blown away.   (6:58) I know Dr. Rao is an overachiever, but gee, there's a lot of goals here. Eliminate hunger(7:06) and malnutrition worldwide, improve human health, support local food systems, strengthen community, (7:14) accelerate the plant-based transition, and restore planetary health. Wow.   Dr. Rao, (7:23) tell us, how are you going to achieve all this, sir? (7:26) This is the food system transformation. To me, any system is based on an objective function, (7:35) constraint set. So, I sort of analyzed it, as an engineer would, and I said, (7:40) the current food system is not designed to nourish people.   So, this is why even (7:46) people who are wealthy, who don't have food insecurity, are not eating the right food, (7:52) and they're getting sick. So, it's evidenced in the amount of sickness that's going on in society. (8:01) So, if people are not getting the right food, they're being misinformed, they're being deceived (8:08) into eating the wrong foods.   So, let's create healthy food as a basic human right. And so, (8:15) then everyone knows, okay, if you eat like this, that's my baseline, you know, that should be free. (8:20) So, if healthy food is free, then it's impossible for you to be unhealthy, right? It's almost (8:27) impossible.   You have to choose to be unhealthy. So, that's the goal, and you can make it very (8:34) delicious. This is why we enrolled Marlene Matsanchara and Bill Chara of the Human Ecology (8:40) Project, because I h

  6. Jun 20

    Outrage after Another NYC Carriage Horse Dies. What Next?

    SHARE OUT IF YOU LOVE HORSES! Yet another horse has died in New York City's carriage trade. Deniz, a 16-year-old male who worked the city streets for a decade, collapsed and died in Central Park on June 9th near famous Strawberry Fields. His final breaths were caught on tape, a video that has gone viral, sparking grief and outrage. This latest tragedy has also reignited calls for New York City to end the carriage trade once and for all. In this episode of UnchainedTV's award-winning Truth Files podcast, host Jane Velez-Mitchell dives into the rising national movement to end this controversial practice. Joining the conversation are Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS and one of the nation's leading voices against the trade, along with prominent NYC social media influencer Jamie Logan. Together, they discuss the growing momentum to pass Ryder's Law, a bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages in NYC. The tide is undeniably turning. The podcast highlights how the mood of the nation is shifting, pointing to the Philadelphia City Council's historic vote to ban the carriage horse businesses. Both famed tennis star Martina Navratilova and Meghan McCain, former co-host of The View, have expressed heartache and anger on X over the horse's death. Crucially, even the prominent Central Park Conservancy has broken tradition to take a public stand urging an end to horse drawn carriages. Advocates argue these gentle animals deserve dignity, not the stress of navigating gridlocked traffic, exhaust fumes, and concrete. However, opponents push back; Transport Workers Union Local 100, representing the drivers, maintains that the horses are well-cared for and that a ban would eliminate jobs. Truth Files extends an open invitation to union representatives to comment further. Tune in to hear how the tragic loss of Deniz, caught on video, could be the game changer for horses,     TRANSCRIPT Outrage after Another NYC Carriage Horse Dies. What Next? (0:01) All right, we are live with extraordinary breaking news. (0:06) After nearly 10 years of campaigning (0:08) by animal rights organizations, (0:10) the beagles at Ridgeland Farms are all being freed, (0:14) every last one of them. (0:16) This is history in the making.   (0:18) You are looking at just released footage (0:21) of the beagles who were released today. (0:24) We're talking about 325 dogs being released today (0:28) and tomorrow. (0:30) So this is a truly extraordinary.   (0:33) Big Dog Ranch Rescue secured the deal (0:35) to ensure that the remaining 475 dogs (0:39) at Ridgeland Farms will be released (0:42) and the facility is going to close permanently, (0:46) which is really history in the making. (0:49) Of course, those of you who have been following this(0:52) know that it is a saga that has gone on for a decade. (0:56) And take a look at these beagles.   (0:58) I mean, this is huge breaking news. (1:00) We've also got huge breaking news (1:02) about what's happening with carriage horses. (1:05) Another tragic death of a carriage horse in Central Park.   (1:10) His last moments you are seeing there caught on videotape, (1:15) which has sparked outrage from celebrities (1:18) like Martina Navratilova, Meghan McCain, (1:21) and some of the Kardashians just saying, (1:23) what is going on in New York City (1:25) that this is being allowed to happen? (1:27) We have one of the leaders (1:29) of the ending carriage horse trade movement on with us, (1:33) but first we're gonna go straight out to Wisconsin (1:37) on the beagle story. (1:40) So much happening. (1:41) Amy Van Artsen with the Marty Project.   (1:44) You brought us these incredible images. (1:47) What's happening there? (1:49) Yeah, thanks so much for having me, Jane. (1:50) It was such an incredible day.   (1:52) I just, truly some of the best news ever (1:54) is to hear that Ridgeland Farms is finally closing. (1:56) I couldn't be more ecstatic to finally feel this (1:59) after so many years. (2:00) There's been so many individuals in the movement (2:02) that it took to make this happen.   (2:04) And we finally did it. (2:05) So come August, the doors will close for the last time (2:07) and I couldn't be more excited. (2:09) Now you got this footage.   (2:12) What was your emotional reaction seeing (2:15) that these dogs were in cages all of their lives? (2:19) Some of them undoubtedly subjected to experiments. (2:24) These are the dogs with tattoos on their ears. (2:27) I mean, what was it like to see this? (2:29) Yeah, I think for me, it was especially powerful (2:32) just to connect with them individually.   (2:33) Like I think today I had a little more time (2:35) just to sit in the grass with them (2:36) and like to have them come up one by one. (2:38) That was something I'll just never forget. (2:41) And so just to, I mean, just to see their faces (2:43) and to see them take it in and as they, you know(2:45) gain confidence and just start to see the tail legs (2:48) and just to see them, you know, interact with each other (2:50) like that, just to take it all in today was, (2:52) I mean, just such an honor (2:53) and privilege to be there with them.   (2:55) Given everything that's happened in Wisconsin (2:58) and we have a team of experts here standing by (3:02) to talk about this, but given what has been national (3:06) even global media attention on the whole Ridgeland dog saga (3:13) with of course the attempts to get all the beagles out (3:19) by going in there and doing open rescues, (3:22) open rescues that at first got about two dozen dogs out (3:28) but then there was a second open rescue (3:31) that turned into a fiasco (3:34) as the rescuers were hit with tear gas. (3:38) You know, it's been a global story. (3:42) Do you feel that this outcome is a turning point (3:46) in animal rights history, Amy? (3:49) Oh, I entirely do.   (3:50) And Jane, I'll be right back. (3:51) I'm sorry, I got to jump off quick. (3:52) Okay, no worries.   (3:54) There's a lot going on in Wisconsin. (3:57) The dogs are still being taken out. (3:59) So the fact that you're seeing people pop on and pop off (4:05) it's because that there is just so much breaking news (4:07) happening right now.   (4:08) And we're going to get to the horses in a second (4:10) but I do want to ask Hurek Tela (4:14) who is an anti-vivisection activist (4:16) who has worked for literally decades (4:19) to end animal experimentation. (4:21) Do you feel this is the tipping point? (4:24) Hurek. (4:24) I definitely believe so.   (4:27) The secrecy of the cruelty to animals has been exposed (4:33) thanks to brave activists who have been fighting this, (4:38) documenting this specifically in Richland (4:41) and in other vivisection laboratories around the country (4:44) and around the world. (4:45) And the secrecy is out. (4:49) People now are starting to see (4:51) what they couldn't even imagine (4:54) goes on in vivisection labs.   (4:56) And next, we have the opportunity now with this momentum (5:00) to help people understand that animal research doesn't work, (5:05) that there is human beings who need help(5:09) with all kinds of diseases, cancer, diabetes, you name it (5:12) and that they need the help(5:14) and medical doctors can definitely work with those patients (5:19) and come up with solutions on top of some other laboratory, (5:24) non-animal based laboratory technologies. (5:27) I mean, we're talking about in the age of the computers (5:30) and technology. (5:32) So the momentum is on our part to say goodbye (5:35) to animal research once and forever, (5:38) not just the beagles who are the sweet little creatures (5:42) but also even all kinds of animals, rats, mice.   (5:47) There's a couple of hundred million animals every year (5:51) in the United States that's being used for vivisection. (5:54) They don't have an accurate count (5:55) because mice and rats aren't even reportable. (5:59) There are estimates that about a hundred million mice, (6:02) rats are being used.   (6:03) Another hundred million other animals, (6:05) dogs, cats, pigs, ferrets, bunnies. (6:09) And it's about time that we stop, (6:14) that we help people understand that this is not science. (6:18) This is not research.   (6:20) This is a government funded torture of other creatures (6:25) that is not helping human medicine, (6:28) whether it's in pharmaceutical drugs or in other areas. (6:31) So I think the momentum is on our side. (6:34) I am so pleased that JFK Jr. (6:36) and Secretary of Groups Rawlings (6:39) announced the formation of ORIVA, (6:41) which is an organization under NIH,(6:44) which is going to hopefully expedite the transition (6:49) to non-human methodologies.   (6:53) And we need to take this momentum and run with it. (6:59) I agree. (7:00) I wanna thank you, Hurrik.   (7:02) There's so much happening. (7:04) Now we're gonna go to Adita Bernkrant. (7:07) Adita is one of the most prominent animal rights activists (7:10) in the United States, indeed the world.   (7:12) She leads New York class, (7:13) which has led the fight to ban carriage horses. (7:17) So Adita, I wanna get your response to this latest death, (7:21) which has gone viral because it was caught on videotape. (7:26) What is the significance (7:27) and how is it reactivating the push (7:30) to end the carriage horse trade in New York? (7:33) Right now we have incredible momentum(7:36) because this footage, (7:39) this heartbreaking footage of 16 year old Dennis (7:42) who took his last breaths in front of people (7:44) that were sobbing, hugging each other, traumatized, (7:50) this went unbelievably viral in a way we've never seen.   (7:53) And it has reignited the demand (7:57) that the New York City Council do the right thing here(8:00) and free these horses from this miserable existence. (8:05) This is one of many horses who has been worked (8:08) to the point of collapse and death. (8:10) We've a

  7. Jun 5

    Why Are Dogs Still Being Used in Experiments?

    🎙️ Podcast Highlights • Why activists are demanding an end to dog experimentation • The role beagles play in laboratory testing and why they are commonly used • Voices from the front lines of a New York City animal rights rally • The growing movement for cruelty-free scientific research • How you can help advocate for animals used in experiments Why Are Dogs Still Being Used in Experiments? Animal advocates, rescued beagles, and concerned citizens gathered in New York City to demand an end to dog experimentation and animal testing. This powerful rally shines a spotlight on the ongoing use of beagles in laboratory research and the growing movement calling for humane, cruelty-free alternatives. UnchainedTV brings you coverage from the streets of Manhattan as activists raise their voices for animals who cannot speak for themselves. "Why are dogs still being used in experiments?" – Rally Participant What You'll Discover In this compelling episode, you'll hear from activists, advocates, and supporters working to end animal experimentation. The rally highlights concerns about the continued use of dogs in research facilities and explores the increasing demand for modern, humane alternatives. Listeners will gain insight into the ethical concerns surrounding animal testing and the passionate movement working to create change. "The beagles need us to speak for them." – Rally Speaker Join the Conversation If you believe in compassion, transparency, and advancing science through humane methods, share this episode and help amplify the voices advocating for animals. Every conversation helps bring greater awareness to the issue of animal experimentation. Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning journalist, TV producer and NY Times bestselling author who founded UnchainedTV, the world's premier plant-based streaming network. UnchainedTV offers 2,000 free documentaries, cooking shows, lifestyle and news programs. Download UnchainedTV free on mobile or TV streaming devices like Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Watch online: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse 🎥 WATCH for FREE: https://unchained.tv ✅ LEARN MORE / https://unchainedtv.com 📘 Facebook / janevelezmitchell 📬 SubStack / https://unchainedtv.substack.com 📸 Instagram / unchained_tv 🐦 Twitter / jvm     TRANSCRIPT: NYC Rally against Dog Experimentation (0:28) Pet owners in America is the largest coalition that there is, and if we're not going to stand(0:34) for just us hiding behind the fact that the laws aren't on our side, we need new laws. (0:40) We need new laws that are going to stop this barbaric practice once and for all. (0:54) Welcome to our team coverage of the Beagle Battle, which has gone from Wisconsin to New York State.   (1:04) Extraordinary developments. We've got an incredible team here. (1:08) Lindsay Baker, our co-host, and Jamie Sasone, who was at the protest yesterday.   (1:13) I want to play some breaking news that just happened. (1:18) And then we're going to go over to Edita Bernkrandt, who is in New York City. (1:23) We are here with some... Let me just flip the camera.   Hang on. (1:29) We're here in New York City. We've got... Look who we've got here.   Who's this? (1:37) Sir Ethan. (1:38) Sir Ethan. This is Sir Ethan from Envigo Labs Rescued.   Now you're with your forever home, right? (1:50) How's it going? (1:52) Wow. (1:53) We're... I can't hear. We're live in New York City in Union Square.   (1:58) We're getting ready for a rally to call for an end to animal testing and for a release of all of the beagles. (2:05) So everybody's just gathering here. We're getting set up.   (2:10) We have Rachel, the organizer, here. (2:13) And we have another rescue doggy here. (2:19) Hi.   (2:19) Who's this? (2:20) This is Clover. (2:21) This is Clover. Where are you from? (2:23) Clover is available for adoption from Puppy Kitty, New York City.   (2:28) She's about three. She's a dog. (2:31) She likes everybody except cats.   She does not like cats. (2:35) No cats. (2:36) And she loves toys.   She loves kids. She loves other dogs. (2:40) She's a dog.   (2:41) Awesome. Okay. (2:43) So we're going to come back in a few minutes when we are ready to set up for all the speakers and all the excitement here.   (2:50) Let's see that poster. (2:52) Yes. (2:53) Here we go.   (2:54) Are we going to introduce them? (2:55) Yep. (2:56) All right. (2:59) Incredible.   Thank you so much. (3:02) Thank you. Thank you.   (3:03) And we're going to go back to our other team here and talk a little bit about some of the breaking news that has been happening. (3:13) Really incredible news. (3:16) Jamie Sessone, you were at a rally against beagle experimentation in New York State.   (3:24) And there was some breaking news announced by a congressman who sounds like an animal rights activist. (3:30) Absolutely extraordinary. (3:32) But let's hear the breaking news about the dogs who remain at Wisconsin's Ridgeland Farms.   (3:39) Now, just a little background here for those who don't know because it is a very fast unfolding breaking news story. (3:50) Beagles at Ridgeland Farm have been the centerpiece of a saga that has been going on actually for years. (3:59) But most recently, there were rescues of about two dozen beagles.   (4:05) And those rescues happened at Ridgeland Farms led by the famed animal activist Wayne Shung. (4:14) And approximately two dozen beagles were rescued and taken out. (4:21) This is called an open rescue where animal activists go in and they videotape themselves and broadcast their own rescue.   (4:32) And so the authorities called this stealing. (4:36) There's a whole bunch of legal issues that emanated from that. (4:41) But the fact is that approximately two dozen dogs were removed to homes.   (4:48) Then what happened was that there was another attempted rescue. (4:54) And that one did not go as well, even though there were so many more people involved. (5:00) That was a rescue that resulted in a lot of drama and actually injuries as well.   (5:10) So I'm going to show you a little bit of that. (5:55) OK, so as you can see, that second mass beagle rescue failed. (6:00) But then there was a positive development where mainstream organizations like the Center for Humane Economy, (6:11) which is more along the lines of like an HSUS Humane Society than a more, let's say, open rescue style organization got involved.   (6:27) And the bottom line was that fifteen hundred beagles were purchased and free. (7:01) So what remains are, I believe, approximately 600, according to some reports, beagle still inside Ridgeland. (7:11) Now, you brought us this, Jamie.   We're going to get the information on the other side. (7:16) A congressman speaking yesterday said this in terms of Ridgeland. (7:23) That was the start of change.   That was the start of turnover. (7:28) They're still 650 at Ridgeland. And I think our next they're on a limited timeline.   (7:34) Right. We all know Ridgeland shutting down. We got to do something about those 650.   (7:41) One hundred and fifty more coming out of Ridgeland on Monday. (7:49) Well, how about that? That would be called late breaking news, right? (7:55) Hot off the press. I love it.   (7:59) Wow. How incredible this breaking news. (8:04) A hundred and fifty beagles coming out.   You brought us that news, Jamie. (8:09) Tell us the scene there at this protest against the New York state based beagle breeding facility, (8:18) Marshall Bio Resources, which is huge, an estimated 20,000 beagles at least there. (8:26) Yes.   Thank you, Jane. Yes. So I was at Marshall Bio Resources yesterday for a protest organized by Beagle Lovers and Rescuers, Inc.   (8:37) They've been organizing protests there for years. (8:40) And I think we're super happy now to see more media coverage and light being shined on this. (8:45) And a congressman actually coming out to speak on behalf of the dogs at Marshall.   (8:50) So yesterday when I was there, there were protesters. (8:54) Several of them had been there since Thursday, the 28th, all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. protesting. (9:01) So total over the three days, there's an estimate of around 180 protesters there.   (9:06) And this includes speakers like Congressman Langworthy, as well as local rescue organizers. (9:15) Against All Odds Animal Alliance is a local rescue organization that has had a huge part in this. (9:21) They were at Ridgeland in April, ready to take some of the dogs and unfortunately had to leave empty handed.   (9:27) But when the 1500 were finally released, they did take eight of them that they have been caring for now at their rescue here in upstate New York. (9:37) So they were there yesterday. They organized this great lineup of speakers, including connecting us with Congressman Langworthy.   (9:45) It's absolutely extraordinary to listen to a U.S. congressman talk like an animal rights activist. (9:53) I'm going to play a clip of some of the things he said and then talk to Lindsay Baker, our co-host, on the other side. (10:02) Listen to this.   (10:04) Those people inside of Marshall, they're hearing them too here today. (10:08) And you're hearing them every day from this day forward. (10:14) They know they have a problem on their hands.   (10:18) And, you know, like I said, I paid a visit here. (10:20) We pulled in within one minute of our arrival and we pulled over there and tried to kind of peek around the corner. (10:27) There's a big gate.   (10:29) They had security out here so fast. (10:31) They didn't know what was coming. (10:34) It was made very clear that we weren't welcome.   (10:37) We had no appointment and we could go buzz off. (10:41) They don't want anyone to see what's going on behind those gates and in those buildings. (10:47) But as y'all drove up here and you saw the map on your car, you see th

  8. May 29

    Texas Cattle Rancher Turned Vegan Invites President Trump to Her Farmed Animal Sanctuary Amid Talarico Vegan Controversy

    🎙️ PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS Why did a vegan controversy become a major political talking point in Texas? The backlash surrounding James Talarico and accusations of veganism How animal rights, climate concerns, and politics collided The growing public response from vegan advocates and supporters What this controversy reveals about food culture, identity, and political messaging The larger conversation about compassion, sustainability, and social change 📝 Description Attacked for Being Vegan? The Backlash Explained dives into the heated controversy surrounding Texas politician James Talarico and the political firestorm sparked by accusations of veganism. As debates over animal rights, climate change, and food choices intensify, vegan advocates are speaking out and pushing back against stereotypes and attacks aimed at the plant-based movement. Recent political criticism framed veganism as politically damaging, fueling a broader national discussion about ethics, identity, and cultural values. "I am proud to say that our campaign has officially become a non-meat campaign." — James Talarico What You'll Discover In this episode, we examine the response from the vegan community after Talarico became the target of criticism tied to comments supporting reduced meat consumption and vegan business purchases. The discussion explores why animal rights advocates view these attacks as part of a larger effort to marginalize conversations about sustainability, compassion, and food system reform. The controversy grew after resurfaced remarks connected vegan purchasing choices with climate concerns and respect for animals. "It is now existential that we try to reduce our meat consumption." — James Talarico Join the Adventure What do these attacks reveal about society's relationship with food, politics, and animal advocacy? Listen now and join the conversation. Share your thoughts, subscribe, and help amplify discussions about compassion, sustainability, and informed public dialogue. Jane Velez-Mitchell is an award-winning journalist, TV producer and NY Times bestselling author who founded UnchainedTV, the world's premier plant-based streaming network. UnchainedTV offers 2,000 free documentaries, cooking shows, lifestyle and news programs. Download UnchainedTV free on mobile or TV streaming devices like Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Watch online: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse 🎥 WATCH for FREE: https://unchained.tv ✅ LEARN MORE / https://unchainedtv.com 📘 Facebook / janevelezmitchell 📬 SubStack / https://unchainedtv.substack.com 📸 Instagram / unchained_tv 🐦 Twitter / jvm Hashtags: #VeganActivism #AnimalRights #PlantBasedLiving

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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

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What if I told you there's a way to be healthier, save money, save animals, save the planet and be happier? If you like how that sounds, give us a listen. The UnchainedTV "Truth Files with Jane Velez-Mitchell" podcast offers you a new way of living. Our host, TV journalist and New York Times bestselling author Jane Velez-Mitchell, helps you turn on the lightbulb and jump to the next phase of human evolution. There's a peaceful, joyous, sustainable, healthy, fun way of living right under our noses. The secret is simple: don't look for it out there, practice it in your daily choices. You might say, the solution to so many of the world's problems is right on your plate. Visit: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse for more info.

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