In this episode of the Vegans Explore Podcast, we welcome Ingrid Newkirk, co-founder of PETA, for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about the personal experiences that shaped her path into animal advocacy.
Ingrid shares how she did not grow up Vegan, and how a series of powerful, emotional moments slowly changed her worldview. From releasing live snails instead of cooking them, to a heartbreaking realization over a lobster dinner, to rescuing a neglected pig while working in law enforcement, each story reveals how real connection can spark lifelong change.
The conversation also explores the early days of PETA in 1980, what activism looked like before the internet, and how persistence, storytelling, and youth engagement helped grow one of the most influential animal rights organizations in the world. Ingrid reflects on major advocacy victories, the rise of Vegan food innovation, cruelty-free fashion, and why compassion must always be followed by action.
This episode is a reminder that movements are built one story at a time, and that anyone can change when they truly see animals for who they are.
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The Vegans Explore Podcast is on a mission to record a new episode every day until November 1, 2026, spotlighting Vegan topics, changemakers, nonprofits, and brands from around the world. Explore additional episodes.
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