The Vegan Compass Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with C.K. Gerstel , author of ‘The Vegans Are Coming’ , a sharp, satirical exploration of human behavior, cognitive dissonance, and animal exploitation. Describing himself as a chronic overthinker who notices where human reasoning starts to wobble, C.K. uses humour, philosophy and social commentary as a crowbar to pry open difficult conversations people usually prefer...

In this powerful episode we sit down with Chris Delforce, founder of Farm Transparency Project (FTP) and creator of the acclaimed documentaries Lucent and Dominion. Chris shares his lifelong passion for social justice and how his journey from vegetarianism to veganism sparked a career dedicated to exposing the hidden realities of animal agriculture. With over 14 years of investigative work, Chris...

Trigger warning: In this episode, we do detail animal experimentation statistics and procedures which are distressing. We understand if now is not the time for you to listen to this episode and you are welcome to back to it at a later date. In this special episode, hosts Ric Allport and Mackenzie Cross recap the recent Animal Free Science protest at Sydney Town Hall, sharing personal reflections a...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers and animal advocates Kate Clere and Mick McIntyre . For nearly thirty years, this powerhouse duo has used storytelling to challenge perceptions and spark massive global conservation movements. Kate and Mick share the origins of their personal and creative partnership, taking us back to their early days creating the documentary, ‘What To Do About Whales’...

In this episode, we sit down with vegan activist and animal rescuer Monika Ryniewicz , who has dedicated her time to advocating for two of the most stigmatised and misunderstood species on the planet: rats and pigeons. Mon takes us inside her journey as a proud adopter of three ex-research rats from the Liberty Foundation. She shares what it was like to help her rats heal and experience simple joy...

In this episode, we sit down with Bhavani Baumann , the trailblazer who is veganising Australia's deeply entrenched pub culture with her 100% vegan pub, The Chippo Hotel . Located in Sydney’s inner suburbs, The Chippo is a historic venue that Bhavani has completely transformed into a vegan pub and bistro. From parmis, burgers and loaded fries to local craft beers and cruelty-free cocktails usi...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rachel Lamarche , Senior Lecturer in Fashion Marketing at Torrens University, Australia. Fresh off the stage from speaking at the Vogue Codes Summit, Rachel joins us to discuss the intersection between fashion, veganism and consumption. Rachel’s PhD research examined the complex consumer psychology of veganism and fashion consumption, exploring how new vegans...

In this episode, we sit down with Anita Marriott , a former veterinarian and sustainability professional who has transitioned into a qualified, trauma-informed life and mindset coach for vegans.  Anita’s unique path has given her a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental well-being, but it also led her through some of the darkest corners of activist bu...

In 2016, Kerrie Carroll founded Lucky Stars Sanctuary with a conviction that injured, neglected or abandoned animals deserve a safe haven to flourish. In 2019, Clint Seares joined the sanctuary as Kerrie’s devoted partner in both life and mission. Tragically, Kerrie passed away in 2023, leaving Clint and his daughter Anna as custodians of the 100+ sanctuary residents, now located in Wooton, NSW. I...

In this episode, we sit down with Jemma Fittock , the Vice President of Free The Hounds and producer of the ‘Talking Couch Potatoes’ podcast.  Jemma works full-time as a Registered Nurse, but her after-hours dedication is focused entirely on ending the greyhound racing industry in Western Australia. Jemma joins us to pull back the curtain on the harsh realities of the racing industry. We dive into...

In this special tribute episode, we honour the late Christine Townend , a pioneer who laid the foundation for the animal rights movement in Australia. We are joined by two icons of the movement and friends of Christine, Lynda Stoner and Glenys Oogjes, to share her life and monumental work. Christine was a force of nature who shaped the movement from its infancy in the mid-1970s. From founding Anim...

In this episode, we’re joined by Brisbane-based content creator Jakob Guy , better known online as Humane Vision. With a combined audience of over 300,000 and content that reaches millions of people every month, Jakob has redefined what it means to be an animal advocate in the digital age. Jakob shares his unique approach to advocacy, which blends education, humour, and direct storytelling to make...

In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with Gail Eisnitz , Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association (HFA) and a true pioneer of animal cruelty investigations in the USA.  Gail has spent 43 years exposing the hidden horrors of the animal farming and slaughter industries, but her latest book, Out of Sight , reveals a health battle she was fighting behind the scenes. Gail opens up...

In this episode, we connect with Danish actress, singer, and songwriter Nina Bergman to explore the intersection of her career and animal rights activism.  Known for her intense, action-packed roles, Nina shares what it’s actually like to prepare for these roles and maintain your values on a Hollywood film set. We also dive into Nina’s journey to becoming a vocal vegan activist, including her expe...

In this episode, we sit down with Brett and Krzysztof , the duo behind the award-winning vegan cheese brand Faux Sho . From their beginnings selling "Frizzas" (fried pizzas) in London's Brick Lane to taking home nine medals at the Australian Fine Food Awards, their journey is a masterclass in resilience and culinary innovation. We dive into their beginnings working under big names li...

In this episode, we explore the deep – but often forgotten – relationship between humans and the ecosystem with vegan chef Elijah Attard and filmmaker Liam Allen .  Together, they have created ‘Awakened’, a cinematic short film that investigates our role in nature through the lens of foraging and ocean conservation. Elijah shares his journey from kitchen porter to vegan fine dining, and how his pa...

In this post-event wrap-up episode, Ric and Mackenzie sit down to reflect on an inspiring weekend at the Animal Rights Forum 2026 held at the Sydney Masonic Centre.  After two days of presentations, panels, and deep-diving into the most urgent issues facing animals today, we share our personal highlights and the talks that moved us most. We discuss the power of seeing the community come together i...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Sophie Wilcher , a dedicated animal rights activist and investigator with Farm Transparency Project whose journey has led her into some of the most confronting places in Australia’s ‘food’ system. After beginning her advocacy through street outreach, vigils, and community activism, she soon stepped into investigative work. In 2019, she entered her first fac...

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and marine conservation advocate Andre Borell , co-founder of the Envoy Foundation and director of the 2021 documentary, Envoy: Shark Cull which exposed Australia’s shark control programs and the global fight to protect our oceans. In our chat, Andre shares how his lifelong love for marine animals led him to expose the devastating impact of shark nets an...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Peter Varvaressos , the ingenuitive mind behind some of Sydney’s most loved vegan food businesses: Greens Supermarket , Vandal and Kimusabi . From creating a community hub for plant-based groceries to redefining sushi and Mexican street food, Pete has played a huge role in shaping Sydney’s vegan food culture. We start by exploring Peter’s background, having...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Amanda Dorn , Western Australia’s first Animal Justice Party MP , whose journey from dedicated volunteer to elected representative is nothing short of inspiring. Amanda shares how her vegan journey began nine years ago after watching powerful documentaries like Dominion . Before politics, she built a career in Real Estate and became a small business owner—b...

In today’s episode we chat with Forest Nash , a natural bodybuilding champion and online fitness and nutrition coach. He is passionate about breaking down stereotypes as a strong, fit vegan role model, and helping others to truly thrive and achieve their fitness goals on a plant-based diet. Forest was raised as an ethical vegetarian from birth, and has been vegan since 2015. In our conversation, F...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Dana Kolsky , a qualified veterinary surgeon also on the team at Animal Free Science Advocacy (AFSA) , an organisation at the forefront of efforts to end animal experimentation in Australia. Dana shares the uncomfortable truth about what life for animals used in science really looks like, how these experiments are approved, and why these outdated method...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Emma Hurst MP , elected member for the Animal Justice Party in NSW Parliament. A psychologist, animal protection campaigner, and former vegan bodybuilder, we dive into Emma’s remarkable journey from a young animal advocate to the halls of parliament. Emma shares how her passion for animals began at a young age and the winding path that led her from roles...

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Galli , vegan health coach, host of the Healthification podcast, and author of The Plant Positive Journal . Kate is passionate about helping people create their fittest, strongest, most confident selves while living in alignment with their values through a plant-based lifestyle. Kate opens up about her own transformation, including the shift from being an “an...