Because They Need Us - Our Political Fight to Save Animals

New Film! We Are Animals | Because They Need Us 11 with Lady Freethinker's Nina Jackel

In Episode 11 of Because They Need Us, hosted by Social Compassion in Legislation founder Judie Mancuso, Judie and Nick Sackett sit down with filmmaker and animal advocate Nina Jackel to discuss her powerful new documentary, We Are Animals.Join us on Thursday, June 25th for the Premiere of We Are Animals6pm at the Lumiere Theater in Beverly Hills Nina shares the inspiration behind the film, explaining how influential documentaries such as Blackfish helped shape her vision of creating a compelling and educational film that highlights the connection between humans and other animals without overwhelming viewers. She reflects on the hope and progress she witnessed while interviewing advocates and changemakers throughout the animal welfare movement.The conversation explores the role of storytelling in advancing animal rights, the challenges of documentary filmmaking, and the lessons Nina learned while bringing the project to life—including navigating production during the pandemic. Nina also offers advice for aspiring filmmakers and advocates looking to make an impact through media.Judie provides updates on recent legislative victories for animals, discusses the growing bipartisan support for animal welfare policies, and shares exciting developments in Social Compassion in Legislation’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful change.The episode concludes with a look ahead to the premiere of We Are Animals and future collaborations aimed at expanding awareness and inspiring action for animals everywhere.Nina Jackel, Lady Freethinker FounderNina Jackel is a journalist and activist known for effecting change for animals around the world through her non-profit organization, Lady Freethinker. As the founder of LFT, Jackel leads numerous divisions at the org. that expose cruel and illegal activities through undercover operations; targeted education to change outdated cultural norms; and galvanizing ordinary citizens to make a difference by signing petitions to government, law enforcement, and major companies. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe [https://socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

STOP the Save Our Bacon Act | Because They Need Us 10 with Josh Balk

🛑 🐷 RED ALERT 🚨 FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS Contact your U.S. Senators IMMEDIATELY and tell them to OPPOSE the Save Our Bacon act. Because They Need Us Podcast – Episode 10Featuring Judie Mancuso, Nick Sackett, and Josh Balk A central focus of the episode is the proposed Save Our Bacon Act and its potential impact on farmed animal welfare protections across the United States. Josh Balk explains that the legislation represents a significant threat to existing and future farmed animal protection laws, including California’s Prop 12, which bans the sale of pork products produced on farms which use gestation crates.According to Balk, the bill would not only roll back current protections but would also prevent states from enacting meaningful new animal welfare legislation moving forward. While a controversial egg-related provision has reportedly been removed from the proposal, the legislation would still undermine laws addressing the treatment of pigs, veal calves, gestation crates, and foie gras production. Balk emphasizes that the bill would weaken some of the most important advances made in farm animal protection over the past several decades.With the Senate Agriculture Committee expected to debate the Farm Bill in mid-July, Balk urges concerned citizens to contact their U.S. senators and express opposition to the Save Our Bacon Act. He stresses that public engagement will be critical in determining the future of farm animal welfare protections nationwide. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe [https://socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Compassion PAC Endorses Janelle Kellman for Lieutenant Governor | Because They Need Us | Episode 9

Episode 9 of the Because They Need Us Podcast highlights Compassion PAC's endorsement of Janelle Kellman for Lieutenant Governor of California.This in-depth conversation with hosts Judie Mancuso and Nick Sackett expands on Janelle Kellman's views on compassionate leadership, environmental protection, animal welfare, and California’s future.A former mayor of Sausalito, environmental and land use attorney, nonprofit founder, and climate resilience expert, Kellman discusses how her background in environmental law, wildfire prevention, coastal resilience, and disaster preparedness shapes her vision for California. The conversation explores the critical connection between habitat protection, marine conservation, clean water, wildfire response, and animal welfare policy.Kellman shares how the Lieutenant Governor’s role on the Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, and higher education boards can help advance humane policies, restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and create workforce pathways in habitat restoration, marine science, and animal care. She also highlights the importance of protecting California’s coastline, restoring kelp forests and wetlands, reducing pollution runoff, and ensuring emergency planning includes animals during disasters.This thoughtful and inspiring episode examines how compassion, science, and practical policy solutions can work together to protect animals, communities, and the environment for generations to come — with a few heartwarming cat stories along the way.Remember to vote for Janelle Kellman for California's next Lieutenant Governor!Learn more about Janelle:www.janellekellman.com [http://www.janellekellman.com] Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe [https://socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The International Effort to Save Wildlife ft. Emma Hurst | Because They Need Us | Episode 8 | Part 2

Part 2 of Episode 8 of the Because They Need Us Podcast continues an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Emma Hurst, diving into groundbreaking animal protection legislation, political strategy, and the growing global movement for animal rights.Emma shares her experience as an elected official in Australia and discusses several landmark laws she has helped pass, including bans on glue traps, fur sales, and forced swim and smoking experiments on animals. She also highlights legislation supporting the release and rehabilitation of animals used in medical research, as well as efforts that ultimately ended dolphinariums in New South Wales. Alongside Judie and Nickolaus, the conversation explores how state-level legislation can create ripple effects internationally, with California inspiring laws for banning wild animals in circuses and puppy mill-bred animals from pet stores.The discussion also turns to marine animal protection, including California’s historic legislation banning orca breeding and octopus farming. Judie reflects on California proactively prohibiting octopus aquaculture before the industry could begin in the state, while Emma explains the unique political challenges of advancing similar protections in Australia. The group also touches on emerging ethical concerns surrounding genetically modified animals, including proposed legislation addressing the breeding and sale of altered species such as glow-in-the-dark rabbits.Emma provides a candid look into ongoing efforts to reform the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales, discussing disturbing allegations involving live baiting, misconduct within the industry, and controversial licensing practices. She also shares details about advocacy efforts exposing a secret baboon breeding facility connected to medical experimentation. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the shared political realities animal advocates face across Australia and the United States.The episode concludes with a powerful discussion about international pressure campaigns targeting Australia’s kangaroo and koala killing industries. Emma explains how global attention and support from U.S. lawmakers and advocates can influence policy change abroad, emphasizing that international collaboration remains one of the most effective tools for protecting iconic species and advancing animal welfare worldwide. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe [https://socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Inside the Kangaroo Industry featuring Emma Hurst | Because They Need Us | Episode 8 | Part 1

In Part 1 of Episode 8 of the Because They Need Us Podcast, Social Compassion in Legislation's Judie Mancuso & Nick Sackett are joined by Emma Hurst to expose the harsh realities of Australia’s commercial kangaroo industry and the international fight to stop its expansion. Emma shares how the Animal Justice Party has worked to oppose kangaroo slaughter practices, challenge misleading population estimates, and protect one of Australia’s most iconic native species.About Emma HurstEmma Hurst is an Australian Member of Parliament representing New South Wales and a leading voice for animal protection through the Animal Justice Party. Since entering office, she has championed legislation and investigations focused on wildlife protection, factory farming, companion animal welfare, and ending cruel commercial animal industries. Her work has made her one of Australia’s most recognized political advocates for animals and ethical reform.In this EpisodeThe episode explores the cruelty of kangaroo hunting, including the killing of joeys, concerns over public health risks tied to kangaroo meat, and the devastating impact commercial exploitation has on wildlife populations. Judie, Emma, and advocates discuss the successful campaign to defeat California’s SB1212, a bill that would have reopened California’s market to kangaroo products, highlighting the power of international collaboration, grassroots advocacy, and behind-the-scenes legislative action to protect animals. Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Social Compassion in Legislation’s Substack at socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe [https://socialcompassion.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]