Best Wayne Hsiung Podcasts (2025)

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BARRY JONES: champion of humanity 49:27

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1h ago49:27

49:27

Barry Jones is an Australian polymath, politician, writer, lawyer and public intellectual. He gained fame in the 1960s by appearing in over 200 episodes of the quiz show 'Pick-a-Box'. His passion for humanitarian issues, inspired by witnessing poverty and suffering, led him to pursue a career in politics, where he played a significant role in aboli…

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MARTHA NUSSBAUM: the intersection of philosophy & justice 1:08:32

6d ago1:08:32

1:08:32

philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses the themes of human vulnerability, stoicism, and her capabilities approach to justice which extends to both humans and animals, advocating for broader perspectives in political and ethical considerations. Nussbaum also details the emotional and philosophical journey surrounding her daughter's illness and death,…

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STEPHEN FRY: from rebellion to reverence 1:06:12

13d ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Stephen Fry shares his personal evolution from a troubled youth to a celebrated intellectual and artist. His candid discussion covers his youthful indiscretions, and his journey towards self-acceptance during a time when being gay in England was fraught with stigma. Fry details his profound connection to literature, having been inspired by figures …

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ANNA MACHIN: the evolution of love 1:06:55

21d ago1:06:55

1:06:55

Anna Machin is an evolutionary anthropologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, specialising in human relationships, fatherhood, and the science of love and bonding. Anna discusses the biological roots of attraction, the neurochemistry behind falling in love, and the evolutionary reasons for our romantic instincts. The conversation unpack…

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That "Crazy" Animal Rights Lawsuit is About to Change the World (with PETA's Jeff Kerr) (Ep.84) 59:26

2M ago59:26

59:26

Jeff Kerr at PETA has brought some of the wildest legal cases in animal rights history: monkey selfies, orca slavery, and more. I chatted with him about why these “crazy” cases actually have solid legal grounds–and why Jeff has immense hope for the future of animal law and animal rights. — “Right to listen” lawsuit: https://www.peta.org/news/peta-s…

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ELLEN LANGER: question everything 1:19:31

2M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

Ellen Langer is an influential American psychologist and social scientist who bridges mindfulness, aging, health, and decision-making. Dr. Langer's insights challenge conventional views on aging, health, and personal capabilities, promoting a more mindful and engaged approach to life & happiness. Ellen emphasises the importance of active engagement…

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The Case for Optimizing Everything with Joey Savoie (Ep.83) 1:52:55

2M ago1:52:55

1:52:55

Joey Savoie, the co-founder of Ambitious Impact, lives his life by spreadsheets, and it’s allowed him to create tremendous impact. Should we follow in his footsteps? — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.simpleheart.org! — Chapters: Intro) 00:00-13:41 Why Joey l…

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WAYNE HSIUNG: the legal challenges of animal liberation 1:26:29

2M ago1:26:29

1:26:29

Wayne Hsiung is an animal‑rights and environmental activist. He co‑founded Direct Action Everywhere and focuses on “open rescue” efforts - publicly removing suffering animals from factory farms to provide them medical aid. Wayne recounts various direct action efforts and the legal battles stemming from these actions. Learn more about Wayne subscrib…

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DASHO DECHEN WANGMO: pandemics & politics 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

Dasho Dechen Wangmo is a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, she has championed universal health coverage, mental health, and disease prevention, and gained international recognition as President of the 74th World Health Assembly, advocating for vaccine equity and global health solidarity. Dechen played a pivotal…

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DEAN SPEARS: the depopulation of humanity 1:04:49

3M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Dean Spears is an economic demographer and development economist, co-author of After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People. Dean explores the future of global population trends, noting that depopulation is now the most likely scenario, and the inherent ethical considerations of reducing the population and the practical implicatio…

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MEG SMAKER: artistic integrity & cancellation 1:15:11

3M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Meg Smaker is an American documentary filmmaker known for her immersive storytelling and exploration of complex global issues. Meg shares the impactful experiences from her life, including being kidnapped in Colombia, interacting with Somali pirates, and exploring motivations behind terrorism. Her most notable work is the 2022 feature documentary T…

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TALI SHAROT: the optimism bias 1:03:31

3M ago1:03:31

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Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot explores the role of optimism in our lives, examining why individuals often maintain personal hope despite collective anxiety. She explains the concept of optimism bias, how anticipation shapes happiness and memory. Learn more about the Digital Diet and download the chrome plug-in Keep up to date with Peter on S…

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JOSHUA GREENE: uniting moral tribes 1:02:13

3M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Joshua Greene is an experimental psychologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Joshua shares insights into how evolutionary psychology underpins group cooperation and the challenges of expanding moral circles. Josh also reflects on his personal feelings of hope and commitment towards fostering a more unified an…

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CYAN BANISTER: from homelessness to angel investor 1:13:11

4M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Cyan Banister is an angel investor and entrepreneur renowned for her early investments in transformative tech companies such as Uber, SpaceX, DeepMind, and Postmates. Banister's path to success was unconventional, she experienced homelessness as a teenager and dropped out of high school.Through self-education and determination, she became a self-ta…

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SLAVOJ ZIZEK: unleashed 1:24:12

4M ago1:24:12

1:24:12

Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher and cultural theorist known for his provocative blend of Marxism, Hegelian philosophy, and Lacanian psychoanalysis, he remains one of the most influential and polarising intellectuals in contemporary thought. Slajov gets into several complex and thought-provoking topics including but not limited to; the catas…

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CASS SUNSTEIN: the nudge towards a better future 1:03:27

4M ago1:03:27

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Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar, behavioural economist, and professor at Harvard Law School. Cass explores the concept of nudging and libertarian paternalism, addressing ethical concerns around manipulation and autonomy. He reflects on climate justice, the moral duties of high-emission countries, and global accountability in cli…

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LAWRENCE KRAUSS: our cosmic significance in an indifferent universe 1:06:43

4M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work in particle physics, cosmology, and science communication. Krauss explores the idea of cosmic insignificance and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe, emphasising the importance of appreciating the rarity of life, whilst exploring fundamental questions about…

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Visiting a Climate Leader in Prison (Ep. 82) 9:48

5M ago9:48

9:48

The UK climate movement achieved a historic win. Roger Hallam doesn’t give a f—. Visit the blog to learn how to ask for Roger to be freed: https://blog.simpleheart.org/p/does-virtue-matter-more-than-impact - The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://simpleheart.org!…

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RUTGER BREGMAN: the pursuit of moral ambition 1:09:55

5M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and public intellectual renowned for his progressive ideas on social and economic reform. Rutger emphasises that living well means taking meaningful, practical action to address global issues—not just raising awareness. Drawing from his books Humankind and his initiative The School for Moral Ambition, he…

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ELIZABETH BARNES: the minority body and the ethics of disability 57:11

5M ago57:11

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Elizabeth Barnes is an author and Professor of philosophy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she reflects on her unconventional journey into philosophy, and her experience living with disabilities. Elizabeth questions conventional views on disability, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of wellbeing, and shares how philosophy…

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This Might Get Me Canceled with George Martin / Carnism Debunked (Ep.81) 1:47:31

5M ago1:47:31

1:47:31

George Martin has some of the most controversial takes in animal rights, from George Floyd to Gaza. Should that get him canceled? Find more of George Martin at https://www.youtube.com/@CarnismDebunked/ — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.simpleheart.org! — Cha…

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THOMAS NAGEL: the mind and the universe 1:03:24

5M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Thomas Nagel is an American philosopher known for exploring consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific explanation. He is best known for his essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" and his critique of materialism in Mind and Cosmos. Thomas discusses how he was drawn to philosophy, he elaborates on the major themes of his work, especially the …

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ARTHUR C. BROOKS: the pillars of happiness 1:15:40

5M ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Arthur C. Brooks is an author and academic, he has written 13 books and is a columnist for the Atlantic with 'How to Build a Life' Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science. Happiness is defined through the components of enjoyment, …

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ANTONIO DAMASIO: understanding consciousness 1:08:43

6M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Antonio Damasio is a neuroscientist renowned for his extensive research into the neural underpinnings of emotions, decision-making, and consciousness Antonio reflects on his groundbreaking work on the brain, the impact of brain injuries on behaviour, and the connection between physical states and mental processes. Antonio speaks on the ethical impl…

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The Greatest Turnaround in Animal Rights History (Ep.80) 9:18

6M ago9:18

9:18

The state tried to jail me for rescuing dogs. Now it’s helping us save them. But there’s so much more than 3000 dogs at stake.-The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://simpleheart.org! - 00:00 Intro 01:10 How does scalable change work? 04:26 Action-attention feedback loo…

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Free Palestine Failed. Here’s How They Could Have Won. (Ep.79) 11:09

6M ago11:09

11:09

You can’t create change by threatening to kill people. - The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://simpleheart.org! - Chapters: Chapter 1) 00:00 Intro Chapter 2) 01:50 The importance of nonviolence Chapter 3) 03:38 Winning over adversaries Chapter 4) 05:37 Pushing back ag…

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SIGAL SAMUEL: optimising morality 1:01:30

6M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Sigal Samuel is a writer, editor, and journalist known for her work on religion, technology, and ethics. Sigal shares her value-driven approach to life, offering insights into moral decision-making, ethical giving, and the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas. Through her work in philosophical ethics and her advice column at Vox 'Your Mileage Ma…

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DAVID DUCHOVNY: the mystery of life 58:49

6M ago58:49

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David Duchovny is an actor, writer, director, and musician, best known for his iconic role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in The X-Files, a sci-fi series that became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. David explores the fine line between conspiracy and reality, the ethics of innovation, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence. How do we b…

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MICHAEL PLANT: insights on happiness 51:05

6M ago51:05

51:05

Michael Plant is the founding director of the Happier Lives Institute, he discusses the concept of happiness, its definitions, and global wellbeing. Michael shares insights from the newly released 2025 World Happiness Report, highlighting effective charities and the role of global happiness in public policy. Read the 2025 World Happiness Report Lea…

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ANNA LEMBKE: the dopamine dilemma 1:01:14

7M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Dr. Anna Lembke is professor of psychiatry at Stanford University and author of Dopamine Nation. Anna explores the intricacies of addiction, compulsive overconsumption, the role of dopamine in pleasure and motivation, and the ethical considerations surrounding free will and responsibility in addiction. Learn more about Anna Lembke and read her book…

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ROBERT SAPOLSKY: biological determinism 1:04:05

7M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Robert Sapolsky is an academic, author, neuroscientist, and primatologist, who has studied wild baboons in Kenya over a 25 year period. Robert explores how stress and social hierarchies affect baboon health and behaviour and how these findings parallel human experiences in societal structures. Sapolsky discusses the philosophical implications of bi…

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SAFEENA HUSAIN: the movement to educate girls 50:48

7M ago50:48

50:48

Safeena Husain is the founder of Educate Girls – a non-profit organisation that is focussed on mobilising communities for girls’ education in India’s rural areas. Safeena discusses the critical importance of combating deep-rooted cultural and patriarchal biases in favour of girls' educations, and the widespread issue of 122 million girls globally n…

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PROFIT FOR GOOD: building businesses that donate 100% of their profits to charity 1:12:55

7M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

Adam McCurdie and Josh Ross, founders of Humanitix, and Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman's Own Foundation talk about whether the example their companies set can transform capitalism. Find out more about Newman's Own Find out more about Humanitix Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks …

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MOBY: the path to punk rock activism 1:04:46

8M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Moby is a musician, songwriter, author, and animal rights activist. Moby explores the intersection of making groundbreaking music, and the philosophical & ethical implications of animal rights activism, offering a profound look at how personal experiences and cultural paradigms shape our choices and advocacy. Find out more about Moby Keep up to dat…

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RICHARD LAYARD: the science of wellbeing 1:05:11

8M ago1:05:11

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Richard Layard is a British Labour Economist, a member of the House of Lords, and co-editor of the World Happiness Report. Layard highlights the role of life satisfaction and wellbeing in government policy, and the importance of addressing mental health through public initiatives. He speaks to his research findings on wellbeing, including the the i…

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Trump Fired The One Woman Who Can Stop Elon (Ep.78) 12:40

8M ago12:40

12:40

Elon has one weakness: animal cruelty. And the one woman who could expose it has just been fired. — Register for the event “Animal Rescue in the Age of Trump - DC Summit” in March: https://rescue.eventbrite.com/?aff=spotify — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.…

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Why Animal Liberation Will Happen In One Generation (Ep.77) 16:59

8M ago16:59

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People say animal rights won’t be achieved for centuries or even millennia. Here’s why they’re wrong. — Register for the event “Animal Rescue in the Age of Trump - DC Summit” in March: https://rescue.eventbrite.com/?aff=spotify — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://…

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KAKENYA NTAIYA: the fight against FGM 50:54

8M ago50:54

50:54

Kakenya Ntaiya is a Maasia Woman and Kenyan advocate for girls' education and women's rights. She has dedicated her life to creating lasting change both in rural communities in Kenya and across Africa. Kakenya discusses her fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and her quest for education. Now, as a PhD holder and the found…

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What Vegans Can Learn From DeepSeek (Ep. 76) 28:07

8M ago28:07

28:07

A breakthrough Chinese AI shook the global economy. Vegans can do the same – if we learn from what made Deepseek great. — Register for the event “Animal Rescue in the Age of Trump - DC Summit” in March: https://rescue.eventbrite.com/?aff=spotify — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightTo…

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Am I Ruining Veganism? (Ep.75) 35:59

8M ago35:59

35:59

Getting arrested for the animals isn’t a problem for the movement. It’s an opportunity. — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.simpleheart.org! — Register for the event in March “Animal Rescue in the Age of Trump - DC Summit”: https://rescue.eventbrite.com/?aff=s…

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ADAM GRANT: the magic of learning 1:07:26

8M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Adam Grant is an organisational psychologist and bestselling author who explores the science of motivation, generosity, rethinking, and potential. He is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and live more generous and creative lives. In this episode, Adam Grant discusses his multifaceted life—from his earl…

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How Vegans Are Winning in Trump Country (Ep. 74) 33:48

8M ago33:48

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There’s nothing like the threat of imprisonment to force you to learn. — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.simpleheart.org! — Chapters: Chapter 1) 00:00-5:44 Intro: using persuasion to make the world a better place & how people disagree Chapter 2) 5:45-10:39 O…

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Is MAGA Coming For the Vegans? (Ep.73) 9:47

8M ago9:47

9:47

What Trump 2.0 could mean for animal rights. Surprisingly, it’s not all bad. — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://simpleheart.org! — Chapters: 0:00-3:52 Who are the MAGA people in Trump’s incoming administration 3:53-5:10 The culture war around plant-based meats 5:…

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EDITH EGER: from trauma to triumph 44:49

8M ago44:49

44:49

Holocaust survivor Edith Eger shares her emotional journey of surviving Auschwitz, her encounter with Josef Mengele, and how she became known as the 'Ballerina of Auschwitz.' Edith highlights the slow, evolving process of coming to terms with her past, influenced by Viktor Frankl's work, and how she uses her traumatic experiences to help others as …

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How We Turned The Tables on Ridglan Farms (Ep.72) 13:47

8M ago13:47

13:47

Three factors that allowed us to prevail in the face of overwhelming odds. — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.simpleheart.org! — Chapters: Chapter 1) 00:00-3:30 Intro: the judge granted the petition to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Ridglan Farms…

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I Didn’t “Steal” Dogs. I Rescued Them. (with Jade Ara) (Ep.71) 1:49:18

9M ago1:49:18

1:49:18

People keep accusing me of stealing animals. I speak to Jade Ara of the Stop Yulin Podcast on why they’re wrong. — Subscribe to Stop Yulin channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stopyulin8640 Also watch and like the original full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eRdnHSq597Y Follow Jade: https://www.facebook.com/jade.ara.12 https://www.ins…

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STEVEN PINKER: rational optimism in a complex world 1:15:48

9M ago1:15:48

1:15:48

Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, linguist, and influential author, and professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. Pinker’s research spans psycholinguistics, visual cognition, and the science of human behaviour. He is a proponent of rationality, evidence-based thinking, and the application of evoluti…

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The Single Most Important Lesson for 2025 (Ep. 70) 22:00

9M ago22:00

22:00

It’s very simple: have faith. — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://www.simpleheart.org! — Chapters: Chapter 1) 00:00-5:36 Intro, on YouTube content and the newsletter on Substack, how to start 2025, & on being criminally changed in 2018 for open rescue Chapter 2) 5…

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Why Angry Men Are Killing From NYC To New Orleans (w/ the Supreme One aka Jeremy Loeb) (Ep.69) 1:46:41

9M ago1:46:41

1:46:41

The real reason men are killing people across the nation. — The Simple Heart on Substack - Subscribe to Wayne Hsiung's newsletter to learn more about the #RightToRescue at https://simpleheart.org! — Follow Jeremy: https://www.youtube.com/@loebjeremy Watch our podcast with Kam Waters: https://youtu.be/S3DXB8AvPMs — Chapters: Chapter 1) 00:00-6:20 In…

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I “Stole” Turkeys From Him. Then He Saved Me. (Ep. 68) 33:46

9M ago33:46

33:46

On the virtues of making friends with your enemies. — Watch “Operation Deathstar”: https://youtu.be/wlSE1X-hSqQ Watch Rick testifying at the Smithfield Rescue Trial“One of the defense’s star witnesses, a turkey farmer who had one of his animals taken by activists, explains to the prosecutor why he supports what they do. He does an impressive job re…