We're living in a 280 character moment, where on almost every complex issue,

there is an enormous social incentive to oversimplify ideological positions, people, and organizations.

And there are a few places where there is more of this than in the discourse

around PETA. PETA, people for the ethical treatment of animals, has been oversimplified,

and frankly mischaracterized, often deliberately, often in campaigns financed by the meat industry,

as an evil extremist organization. And so there is bound to be a fraction of you listening,

who hear the name PETA, and get launched past some emotional event horizon where you stop being open to new info.

If that's you, if you're someone who has a negative view of pita, now is your chance to hear the

other side of the story people have told you.

Now is your chance to listen to what PETA actually is, and hear what they stand for.

Hear what the organization actually wants for the world.

And if you're like me, and you have a mostly positive view of PETA, boy do I have a treat for you.

Yesterday I spoke with Ingrid Newkirk. She is the founder and president of PETA, and she's one of the most influential people in the history of the animal rights movement.

She's one of the main reasons why fur went out of style, why we don't use animals in car crash tests,

why cosmetic companies clamor to be cruelty-free, and why Seaworld and other animal circuses are

heading to the history books,

to name only a few of her accomplishments.

She's one of the main reasons why any of us know what the word vegan means.

And she's just come out with a wonderful new book.

Animal kind, remarkable discoveries about animals, and revolutionary new ways to show them compassion.

I hope you enjoy. Okay, Ingrid Newkirk, we are live.

It's such an honor to have you on the show.

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