I am delighted to announce the release of my first podcast aimed at offering behind the scenes insights into Compassion’s work with influential and inspiring people, who are working to transform food and farming so that it works for animals, people and the planet.

The monthly STOPTHEMACHINE podcast series, produced by journalist Gilly Smith, will include discussions with philosophers and farmers, lobbyists, food business leaders and scientists about the issues that are key to a more sustainable food future.

Episode one features my talk about my latest book Dead Zone: Where the Wild Things Were at The Watershed for the ‘Bristol Festival of Ideas’, and my discussion with the audience on issues including the wastefulness of feeding grain to animals, and Compassion’s exciting new campaign STOPTHEMACHINE.

Facilitating my talk at the festival was food philosopher Julian Baggini, author of The Virtues of the Table: How to Think and Eat. The podcast features my discussion with Julian before the talk about the importance of mindfulness when making decisions about our food. In his words we need to “stop and think” because “when you become more aware about where your food comes from, it alters your appreciation and your relationship to it”.

Most importantly of all, as Julian pointed out, this episode highlights that even if animal welfare isn’t at the top of your agenda; “concern for animal welfare does link with ecology and economics and nutrition”.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can transform our global food and farming systems to work for people, the planet and animals, then join us at our Extinction and Livestock International Conference in October.

The first podcast is now available to listen to here, and do keep an eye out for the second instalment where we will speak to the farmers, producers and winners at Compassion’s Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards 2017.

New podcast series provides food for thought