Beyond Species

Season 1, Episode 10. In this episode, we hear from Isa. Based near Kuala Lumpur, Isa’s activism has a strong focus on food justice and anarchism. We hear about his involvement with Food Not Bombs and DIY activism like chalking and graffiti. Isa also tells us how his experience in chef school and the music scene, and a health issue, led him to explore veganism.

Season 1, Episode 17. In this episode, we hear from lauren, from the Food Empowerment Project. lauren explains how food justice is central to FEP’s advocacy for social justice for both human and nonhuman animals. We hear about some of the initiatives taking place, including the chocolate list – and how a plantbased diet doesn’t necessarily equal an ethical one. We also hear from lauren about the importance of a decolonial approach to understanding diets and how chapter-based activist groups can be damaging to the grassroots movement.

Episode 34. In this episode, we hear from Jemma, about her concept of radical animism and book of the same name. We begin with Jemma’s current studies of fungi and what we humans can learn from it. Jemma then expands on some of the themes of Radical Animism – including the 4 blows to human narcissism, the agency of the anthropocene, the evolution of language, and the animism of literature, including how texts like Alice in Wonderland can challenge and bring fresh light to our expectations of nonhuman animal agency.

Episode 32. In this episode, we hear from Fernando. Fernando explains some of the difficulties of pushing animal rights activism forward in Colombia. Issues around land ownership, a history of colonialism, war, poverty and trauma interconnect to create a challenging landscape. In a country where cattle ranchers, politicians and paramilitaries often work together to protect their interests, animal rights activism can be a dangerous calling. Fernando also explains some of the complications around bullfighting in Colombia.

Episode 23. In this episode, we hear from Aiyana. Aiyana explains the concept behind the Anti-Speciesist Arts Collective, as well as how true freedom can be found through what she terms “uncaged art”. Aiyana also shares her thoughts on how we can take care of ourselves and each other through collective care as we navigate our way through conformist, capitalist society. Reclaiming animality and breaking binaries are also key to unlocking true liberation.