In this episode, Ben Hunt sits down with spoken word artist, digital collage maker, and vegan-feminist researcher Lauren-Marie Kennedy. From growing up rescuing worms on the playground to challenging anthropocentric norms in her academic work, Lauren-Marie’s journey is one of transformation, vulnerability, and radical creativity.Together, they explore:What it means to be a “creative with a cause”How satire, poetry, and humour can open space for deeper reflectionThe emotional toll of activism—and how art can offer resilienceBlending non-traditional academic methods with creative researchThe roots of Scottish veganism and her exciting PhD plansLauren-Marie shares her reflections on burnout, inspiration, performance, and the power of creative freedom as an antidote to despair.🌐 Learn more about Lauren-Marie and her work: https://www.laurenmariekennedy.com📬 Subscribe to our Substack newsletter for extended content and behind-the-scenes reflections: https://performinganimalrights.substack.com🎧 Explore past episodes and creative resources at: https://www.performinganimalrights.orgIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your creative activist community!
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Animating Animal Rights
In this episode, Ben Hunt speaks with Rob Pownall, Founder and CEO of Protect the Wild, to mark the 10-year anniversary of the organisation's founding. What began as a Facebook page to resist fox hunting has grown into one of the UK’s most impactful wildlife protection groups, blending bold media strategy with grassroots activism.We explore:Rob’s unexpected journey from teenager to full-time campaignerThe evolution of Protect the Wild and the anti-hunt movementHow animations became their most powerful tool for changeWhy storytelling, data, and digital strategy matter in animal rightsThe psychology behind why animations connect with audiences🎥 Watch Protect the Wild’s animations: https://protectthewild.org.uk📬 Subscribe to the Performing Animal Rights Substack: https://performinganimalrights.substack.com🌐 Explore more episodes, resources, and creative projects: https://www.performinganimalrights.org🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!
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Vegan Character Comedy
In this episode of The Performing Animal Rights Podcast, Ben Hunt sits down with Lee Brace, an award-winning actor, comedian, and writer known for his comedic character "Dawn Chorus." With a blend of humour, bird facts, and vegan advocacy, Lee’s performances at events like VegfestUK and Vegan Camp Out have captivated audiences and sparked conversations around animal rights.Together, they explore the origins of Dawn Chorus, the role of comedy in activism, and Lee’s plans to take vegan stand-up into the mainstream. Discover how laughter, satire, and creative storytelling can be powerful tools for social change.Find Lee online:Website: leebrace.co.ukInstagram: @plant_bracedFor more episodes, visit performinganimalrights.org.
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Building a Vegan Theatre
In this episode of The Performing Animal Rights Podcast, host Ben Hunt sits down with Alison Harris and Terry Thompson, the founders and directors of The Garlinge Theatre in Canterbury, Kent—the UK’s first all-vegan theatre. Located on a stunning organic farm, this 300-seat venue is a trailblazer for combining performance art with a strong ethical stance.Alison and Terry share the inspiring story behind The Garlinge Theatre’s creation, the challenges of establishing a theatre with vegan principles, and their vision for the future of sustainable and ethical performance spaces. They also discuss how theatre can act as a tool for change, shaping conversations around veganism, sustainability, and compassion.Tune in to learn how The Garlinge Theatre is redefining the intersection of art and activism, and what’s next for this unique community space.🎭 Follow The Garlinge Theatre:Instagram & Facebook: @garlingetheatre🌱 For more podcast episodes, visit: performinganimalrights.org
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Viral Vegan Activism
In this episode of The Performing Animal Rights Podcast, Ben speaks with Molly Elwood, creator of the satirical project Elwood Organic Dog Meat, and comedian Jake Yapp, host of the Vegan Life Magazine Podcast. They explore how humour and satire can disarm audiences and provoke thought, with Elwood Organic Dog Meat challenging society’s ethical double standards by presenting a fictional dog meat farm that parallels the treatment of other animals in agriculture. Together, they discuss the challenges of balancing humour with the seriousness of animal rights, as well as the impact of Elwood Dog Meat as a viral tool for activism.Learn more about Molly’s work at elwooddogmeat.com and mollyelwood.com, and follow Jake’s comedy and podcasting at jakeyapp.co.uk. For more episodes and resources, visit performinganimalrights.org.
The Performing Animal Rights podcast series explores creative practice within the animal rights movement. Researcher Ben Hunt converses with activists who harness artistic practice in their advocacy, delving deep into how creativity manifests in the movement, and how it can play an important role in bringing about a better world.
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