The Humble Hero Everyone Needs to Know: Fiona Oakes

Fiona Oakes vegan

I had planned to give myself a break from writing this week, but here I am, having just returned from the UK and feeling too inspired NOT to share one of my experiences with you today – visiting Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary (with my boyfriend, Quinn).

Fiona Oakes and Ella Magers vegansIt’s hard for me to even begin to put into words how much it meant for me to meet Fiona Oakes in person at her sanctuary (Tower Hill Stables), where she and Martin Morgan dedicate their entire lives to providing a forever home to around 450 rescued farm animals.

Fiona is the most humble hero I’ve ever met… A true champion for animals who has a story so extraordinary that they made a documentary about her called Running for Good that I HIGHLY recommend watching for a full-body-chills viewing experience! Fiona Oakes and Percy bear(That’s Percy bear in the picture, by the way, who you get to know when you watch the movie.)

Fiona, with her extreme authenticity and altruism, combined with her super-human athletic abilities, deserves a global spotlight… not for the purpose of fame, which she gives zero shits about, but rather to support her mission of amplifying the voices of farmed animals and funding her sanctuary.

That said, from what I’ve learned, she’s been let down time and time again, like when she was cut out of the Game Changers movie at the last minute without an explanation, and when Rich Roll trashed an episode they recorded without offering to re-record (and for some reason refusing to follow her or the sanctuary on social media).

Martin, Fiona’s partner in running the sanctuary, generously put Quinn and I up for the night in his home, gave us the grand tour of the sanctuary letting us help out where we could, shared his food with us, and gave us the inside scoop about the struggles they face.

The operating cost of the sanctuary is around $30,000 UK pounds per month. Martin’s salary used to cover a lot of that cost, but now that he’s retired they rely more heavily on donations which have been declining each year. Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary Goat

Martin, Fiona’s partner in running the sanctuary, generously put Quinn and I up for the night in his home, gave us the grand tour and let us help where we could, shared his food with us, and gave us the inside scoop about the struggles they face.

The operating cost of the sanctuary is around $30,000 UK pounds per month. Martin’s salary used to cover a lot of that cost, but now that he’s retired they rely more heavily on donations which have been declining each year.

Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary Ella Magers turkeysAnd by the way, Martin hasn’t had more than ONE day away from the sanctuary in over 20 YEARS, and he only mentioned it because I asked (he wasn’t complaining).

If you haven’t listened to the interview I did with Fiona for the Rise & Thrive podcast, it’s my all-time favorite interview. Check out the podcast episode here and watch the Running for Good documentary here.

Follow Fiona and Tower Hill Stables on Instagram, subscribe to Fiona’s inspirational Patreon account here for as little as $1/month (for just $5 you’ll be buying a stack of carrots for the animals each month), and/or donate directly to the sanctuary here if you can.

Every little bit helps!

Emmy Award Winner Alison Argo (EP 33: The Vegan Life Coach Podcast)

In this powerful ThanksLiving special episode of The Vegan Life Coach Podcast, I interview six-time Emmy Award-winner Allison Argo.

LISTEN/WATCH

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify |  YouTube

*Links mentioned in the episode are at the bottom of this page.


Allison Argo is a producer, director, editor, and writer whose films have won six national Emmys, duPont Columbia, and over 80 awards internationally, including Genesis, Jackson Hole, NY, Banff, and dozens of awards from New Zealand to Japan.

Allison is known for her emotionally-charged and deeply personal films – in particular her intimate portraits of abused and endangered animals. 

The nearly two dozen films she’s produced, directed and written have all been broadcast by PBS and/or National Geographic and have reached audiences worldwide. 

The Last Pig continues Allison’s mission to provide a voice for those who are not heard– and to deepen understanding and respect for all beings.  

We had an intriguing discussion, starting with Allison’s path to film-making, which involved the incredible story of Ivan the Gorilla (which has a very happy ending)!

We talk about social conditioning, why we treat some animals as pets and others as food, and about the disconnects society programs into us from an early age (why are dogs accepted as pets, while pigs are considered food and sentenced to death), and so much more.

 I had the privilege of viewing Allison’s latest documentary, The Last Pig, prior to our interview. Allison’s mission for this remarkable film is to provide a voice for those who are not heard– and to deepen understanding and respect for all beings. 

The Last Pig was one of the most extraordinary films I’ve ever seen… Absolutely beautiful, and heart-wrenching at the same time.

Here is the film’s description:

In the rolling hills of Upstate New York, a farmer is in crisis: after years of raising pigs, he can no longer bear the ultimate act of betrayal. 

This award-winning film chronicles his final year on the farm, capturing in intimate detail the farmer’s personal upheaval as he questions his beliefs and the value of life.

The Last Pig is an immersive snapshot, a tale of choice, grit, and the changing landscape of animal agriculture.

The farmer’s inner reflections share his struggle to align life with values, and through the story’s simple intimacy, the farmer’s moral quandary quietly becomes our own.

I am not only blown away with Allison’s talent as a producer, but also by her authenticity, generosity, and unwavering passion for making a positive impact on the lives of all animals and the Planet.

I’m excited to now share an opportunity for you to see the streaming of The Last Pig and get access to a special, live Q&A with Allison and the Directors of the 4 animal sanctuaries who are benefiting from the ticket sales!

Hogs & Kisses Farm Sanctuary (if you haven’t yet, you’ll definitely want to check out episode 30 with founder Anne Molina) has put together a package as part of it’s “soft launch” this week. 

The package includes a ticket to see The Last Pig as well as my latest Ebook, “Plant-Empowered: Reshape Your Body by Reconditioning Your Mind” for a minimum donation of just $10! 

$5 will be going to the other 4 sanctuaries and to help fund The Last Pig on PBS. The other $5+ will go to helping Hogs & Kisses, a 501c3 nonprofit that has been sponsoring farm pigs who are waiting for them to build what will be their forever home!

As always, we’d love to hear your feedback and answer your questions! Please share inside our Empowered Life Group on Facebook.

**And if you’re not a Vegan Life Coach Academy member yet, make sure you’re on the wait list so that you’ll be the first to know when we open our doors to new members again!

 


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Last Pig: Website   

Hogs & Kisses Launch Package, Including The Last Pig Tickets and Ella’s Latest Plant-Empowered Ebook!

Ticket to The Last Pig Only (No Package)

The Last Pig Streaming Event Flyer

The Last Pig Trailer

 


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