The New Movie “Milked” with its Star, Chris Huriwai
Mar 30, 2022
Watch Episode 171 with Chris Huriwai:
New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa, produces approximately 21 billion liters of milk every year, or about 3% of the world’s milk production (95% of which are exported to more than 130 countries worldwide). Isn’t that great? But wait until you see the impact of dairy farming on the environment.
Today we will talk about a fantastic film, produced and directed by Amy Taylor, and co-produced by a passionate Māori activist Chris Huriwai, co-founder of the animal rights project Aotearoa Liberation League. Chris is a vegan advocate and 3-time world champion for street unicycling. So, why should we care about Chris and this film?
MILKED is a documentary filmed by Producer & Director Amy Taylor, which features interviews with high-profile contributors like primatologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall, environmentalist Suzy Amis Cameron, and Cowspiracy co-director Keegan Kuhn. The film reveals the harsh reality behind the seemingly idyllic and green dairy farming tale in New Zealand, uncovering alarming information about the impacts of the industry on the environment and health of the dairy farming community. MILKED presents evidence that we are on the edge of probably the biggest disruption of food and agriculture in history. It points to what New Zealand and other countries can do to prevent the destruction of their environment and change their fate.
Listen to Episode 171 with Chris Huriwai:
[Tweet “You really have to come here and see the landscape to see what it used to be and what it’s now been changed into. This used to be a land covered in huge, tall, amazing mighty forest. It has all been removed and stripped for livestock animals.” – Chris Huriwai]
What we discuss in this episode:
First, let’s hear about Dotsie’s amazing work in partnership with Animal Wellness Action to change laws and policies for the animals. She also campaigned for improving the school lunch program to include soy milk in schools.
Chris talks about his life as a Maori child and how homeschooling shaped his view of the world.
How did his family react when he moved away from consuming animal products?
Chris shares what it’s like inside Fonterra, the largest NZ dairy farm, and how its dairy farming operation is impacting the water supply in the area.
What impetus led Chris to make a film, and why focus on Fonterra?
Did Chris think Fonterra would answer the questions and be open to discussing the issues at hand?
Is Chris expecting a backlash from Fonterra, and are there claims that the film is attacking the dairy farmers?
How do cows live in Aotearoa? It looks idyllic and green, but what is the real picture?
Fonterra exports 95% of its products, and the company is expanding its operations in Indonesia. But what is the true impact of this move?
Do small dairy farmers benefit from large capitalistic companies? How can they adjust to a different life with the agricultural destruction? What subsidies are available to them?
What would people walk away with after watching the film?
Today’s guest was on episode 43, and we’re so happy he’s on again to talk about his upcoming book and new documentary! From the rough-and-tumble streets of Ferguson to the tropical shores of Miami, Vegan Badass John Lewis has an inspiring story. Growing up on a diet practically devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables, and weighing in at over 3oo pounds when he was just thirteen, John decided to make a change. He immersed himself in basketball and football excellence and changed his diet and his life.
Our guest today knew her calling at a much younger age than most of us. A fitness enthusiast, environmentalist and outspoken animal rights activist before she was even 15, Ella Magers is now a fitness coach, an author, and the founder of Sexy Fit Vegan. She’s been on a personal quest to help people change their attitudes toward food and wellness, and she has the international following to prove it. Ella was named one of the top 50 trainers in America by Shape magazine and Trainer Of The Month by bodybuilding.com. Armed with a master’s degree in social work, certifications with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, extensive training in Muay Thai, and an inherent ebullience, Ella epitomizes what’s possible on a plant-forward diet.
With childhood obesity reaching epidemic proportions, our guest today, Dr. Leigh Ettinger, aka Dr. Herbivore, is a pediatric nephrologist who has seen firsthand the benefits of a plant-based diet for children. Dr. Ettinger is board certified in General Pediatrics and received his medical degree from Tufts University. He also received his certificate in plant-based nutrition from eCornell in 2016, and in 2019 he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He has a telemedicine practice in New York and New Jersey, where he encourages a plant-centric diet and empowers families to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
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