In this powerful episode, Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan sit down with Lindsey Soffes, Head of Programs at Rise for Animals, to explore the growing movement to end animal experimentation. From the explosive Ridglan Farms story to landmark federal legislation, Lindsey breaks down why this moment may be a turning point for animals in laboratories — and what advocates can do right now to accelerate change. Ridglan Farms and the national spotlight: How years of grassroots activism, open rescues, and public outcry led to the rescue of 1,500 beagles from a Wisconsin dog breeding and research facility — and what it means for the broader animal research industry Shifting public opinion and bipartisan support: A 2025 Gallup poll found fewer than half of Americans find animal research morally acceptable, with opposition cutting across political lines — and what that means for federal policy The science of alternatives (NAMs): Why new approach methodologies like organoids and human-relevant in vitro systems are outperforming animal models, and why Rise for Animals is pushing back against industry efforts to frame NAMs as a “complement” rather than a replacement Federal legislative action: Updates on the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 and the SPARE Act — two bills that could fundamentally reshape how animal research is funded and regulated in the U.S. ARLO, the transparency database: How Rise for Animals’ public database of 40,000+ records exposes the systemic violence of the animal research industry — and how you can use it to investigate labs in your own community ABOUT OUR GUEST Lindsey Soffes is Head of Programs at Rise for Animals, a national animal rights organization working to end animal experimentation through exposure, advocacy, and public mobilization. With a background in law and mission-driven non-profit work, she leads investigative, educational, and community engagement initiatives that expose the hidden realities of the animal research industry, raise public awareness, support grassroots advocates, and advance animal liberation as a matter of justice. We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview. _____________________________________________ Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Contributions of any amount are hugely appreciated. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content! Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review! Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series. Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky. The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.