Elizabeth MeLampy's book "Forget the Camel" is unforgettable. It's a look at a world most of us know very little about: the world of animal festivals. I've come to learn animal festivals are nearly everywhere, yet most of them detailed in this book I'd never heard of. And while there are some well-known festivals like the Iditarod sled dog race and the Groundhog Day festival, even those I got a richer understanding of after reading "Forget the Camel."

I have come to know Elizabeth because she plans to work on a book about the open rescue movement. After reading her recently released debut novel, I am even more looking forward to that book. Because Elizabeth brought an enormous amount of care and thoughtfulness to this project on animal festivals, which was simultaneously a continuation of her grandmother's unfinished work on this same topic as well as grappling with her own concerns as someone who wants a better world for animals. The book asks hard questions about festivals that are centered on animals who have not in any way consented to their use. And Elizabeth asked those questions in a way that is honest and open-minded, and leaves us with a provocative work that will keep you thinking after you've closed the book.

This interview is also available on YouTube.

Links:

The book

Elizabeth's website

Elizabeth on IG

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Steven Lee August, AKA Vegan Heretic has led a fascinating life as an entertainer, activist and author. He made a living as a juggler and magician in Las Vegas, but his real passion is his Christian faith and his compassion for animals. And as a Christian animal rights activist, he has a lot of wisdom to share, especially with non-Christians, particularly when it comes to effective outreach TO Christians. And so when life came to a standstill during Covid, Steven parked himself at a local vegan restaurant where, for hours on end, powered by coffee refills, he penned his book "Vegans Vs. The Verses." It's a handy guide to all things vegan in the Bible and how to effectively communicate that message of kindness towards all living beings. Steven embodies the best of Christianity, and was a real joy to speak with. This conversation is also available on YouTube.Links:Steven's book "Vegans vs. The Verses"Steven's YouTubeSteven's IGSteven's websiteVegan TheologyCreation Care ChurchWatch ChristspiracyWatch EarthlingsWatch Dominion

John Curtin has been involved in the animal liberation movement since before I was even born. He's taken the fight to the teeth of the vivisection industry, a fight that continues to this day. John has spent the last 3 1/2 years as a resident of Camp Beagle, an ongoing protest camp outside of beagle breeding facility MBR Acres in the UK. He's rescued animals, raided laboratories and been to prison numerous times standing up for animals. But don't call him a hero.If you try calling John a hero, he'll correct you that he's just a knobhead. And I love that. We need a few more knobheads like John in this movement. John got raw in this interview, telling me about things he says he rarely talks about. Crazy traumatic experiences, watching a hunter die in front of his face, desecrating a grave. I was honored to be able to ask John about the late Jill Phipps, Barry Horne, and Mike Hill, all of whom he knew personally. John is a bit mad in the best way, an old punk. But what makes John such a special person is his absolute love for animals. I've watched him break down numerous times over the plight of the beagles at MBR Acres. There's a bottle of champaigne at Camp Beagle that's only going to be opened when that place shuts down. I can't wait to watch that video.This conversation is also available on YouTube.If you're a UK resident, sign the petition to end testing on dogs.Links:John's IGThe Camp Beagle IGCamp Beagle FBThe Camp BeagleJill Phipps docWatch EarthlingsWatch DominionJohn's book recs:The Dreaded ComparisonThe Bloodless RevolutionEternal Treblinka