Episode 473: Elana Kirshenbaum

This week, Jasmin talks to Elana Kirshenbaum from Catskill Animal Sanctuary about New Leaf, their great new vegan mentoring program, the importance of pairing new vegans with like-minded mentors, the future of mentoring programs, and how people can get involved.



Elana has been at Catskill Animal Sanctuary overseeing different programs for almost 6 years. She developed and currently oversees the New Leaf Vegan Mentor Program. With over 20 years experience in animal advocacy as well as a diverse background in program management, teaching, and social work, Elana is passionate about creating a more just world for all beings and the earth. She is the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Rhode Island Vegan Awareness, which she led for a decade. Elana has a degree in writing and creative arts and has studied with the International Institute for Humane Education. She recognizes the power of New Leaf to advance vegan ethics into the mainstream and help invert the cultural paradigm of violence to one of reverence.

In the intro to this episode, Mariann and Jasmin talk about this incredible recent story in the guardian about a farmer who took his lambs to a sanctuary instead of a slaughterhouse. They also talk about Bruce Friedrich’s recent appearance on the Ezra Klein Show podcast and the importance of seeking systemic change above individual change. Lastly, Mariann brings us some Rising Anxieties. More info in the show notes!



This week’s episode brought to you in part by Sunday Scaries Vegan AF CBD gummies for anxiety, and the American Pets Alive! Conference.

As always, the award-winning weekly Our Hen House podcast is hosted by Mariann Sullivan and Jasmin Singer.



This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.

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The Our Hen House theme song is written and sung by the incredible Michael Harren, who is also OHH’s Director of Communications! Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.