Every second, 300 animals are killed for food. These animals are the ghosts of our food machine. Tortured, exploited, abused and murdered, farm animals are voiceless and unable to defend themselves which is why we need to stand up for them. That's exactly what today's guest, Nathan Runkle, has dedicated his life to doing. No one would stand by and watch a puppy or kitten get slammed head first into the ground yet that's exactly what happens to piglets. It's considered a standard agricultural practice and as such, is exempt from animal cruelty charges. The law doesn't provide protection for "food animals" however, the only difference between pets and animals for slaughter is our perception. Some are simply unfortunate enough to be born as a species that society says doesn't matter. Nathan grew up on a farm in a small town. At 15 years old, after witnessing the brutal murder of a piglet, he founded Mercy for Animals. He started by carrying out open rescues: going into farms' undercover and rescuing injured animals. Trawling through manure pits, witnessing first-hand the cruel conditions, and investigating the horror of slaughterhouses made him even more determined to give animals a voice and drive positive change in the world. Today, Mercy for Animals is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to animal rights and putting an end to the cruel and unsustainable factory farming industry. Let's face it, slaughterhouses don't have a place in a humane, peaceful world. In order for us to survive as a species, we need to switch to a plant-based diet. The good news is that on top of a growing vegan movement, cellular agriculture is growing quickly—it won't be too long before clean meat (meat without murder) makes it to supermarket shelves! Nathan has just written a book entitled "Mercy for Animals" to inspire people to take action on behalf of farm animals. It tells the story of the unsung heroes of the animal advocacy movement who risk their lives, physical safety and emotional wellbeing to shine a light in some of the darkest places in our society. This book will empower you and show you how you can make a difference to animals and help create a kinder, more sustainable world. Get involved! Here are some of Nathan's tips for animal advocacy: • How you can live your own values to the fullest? How can you embody loving compassion and respect? • Adopt a vegan diet—it's the best thing to do to help planet and the animals. • How can you be more proactive in driving change? • Get involved in animal rights: animals can't lobby for new laws; we need to do that for them. Check out Mercy for Animals for initiatives. • Use social media to spread information, hold companies accountable, and demand change. • Find your own unique voice; use your own perspective and talents to drive change for animals. Make donations. Money is energy. Taking on the 1 trillion-dollar global meat industry takes resources. Animal rights organizations need support. Being hailed as "Sex and the City for Food," The Food Heals Podcast brings together experts in the field of nutrition, health and healing to teach you the best-kept natural secrets to being a hotter, healthier, happier YOU! The Food Heals Podcast is hosted by Allison Melody and Suzy Hardy – two self-proclaimed natural chicks who will rock your world and change your beliefs about health! This sexy, savvy duo provides eco-friendly advice on a variety of issues including the healing power of nutrition, living authentically, turning your passion into your career, choosing the best natural health and beauty products, the benefits of a plant-based diet and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices