NBSV 222: Paul Erlandson on ethical veganism and running an animal sanctuary

What does it mean to treat veganism not just as an identity, but as a practice? I'm joined by Paul Erlandson, co-founder of Rivendell Sanctuary, for a conversation about animal sanctuaries, ethical veganism, mindfulness, and the relationships we build with farmed animals when we actually get to know them as individuals. Paul shares the story of how he and his wife started their sanctuary from scratch during the pandemic, why their first rescued pigs changed everything, and how his decades-long spiritual practice shaped his approach to veganism. We also get into some nuanced territory: rescue chickens and eggs, veganism as a "practice" versus an "identity," the discomfort of being the only vegan at the table, and why sanctuaries can be such powerful catalysts for change. We discuss: How and why Paul went from musician to sanctuary founder Why veganism isn't a "lifestyle preference" How sanctuaries help people connect the dots between dogs, cats, and farmed animals Why delicious vegan food is part of activism …and much more!