In Behalf of Animals

In Behalf of Animals

In Behalf of Animals is for animal lovers! Get ready to dive into crucial animal issues and discover impactful ways to be a voice for the voiceless. Hosted by Patrick Battuello and Nicole Arciello, this podcast features insightful interviews, inspiring stories and conversations that will ignite your...

Grassroots Victories: Banning Rodeo One City at a Time with Matthew King
In Behalf of Animals
Grassroots Victories: Banning Rodeo One City at a Time with Matthew King

Recent Episodes

Grassroots Victories: Banning Rodeo One City at a Time with Matthew King
10
Jan. 16, 2026

Grassroots Victories: Banning Rodeo One City at a Time with Matthew King

What happens when ordinary people decide to speak up for animals? In this episode, Matthew King joins Nicole to talk about how cities big and small across the U.S. are banning rodeo and bull riding through grassroots action, community pressure, and people who simply refuse to stay silent. Matthew A. King is the president of the Christian Animal Rights Association, which he co-founded with his wife, Nina. He is the author of I Will Abolish the Bow: Christianity, Personhood, and the End of Animal
Friendship, Activism, and a New Year for Animals with Rev Philly's Stephanie & Tiffany
9
Jan. 2, 2026

Friendship, Activism, and a New Year for Animals with Rev Philly's Stephanie & Tiffany

In this New Year’s episode, Nicole sits down with Stephanie and Tiffany, two of the founders of Revolution Philadelphia, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about grassroots activism. They share how they got started, the campaigns they’ve taken on, and why community and friendship are so important in the fight for animals. This episode is a reminder that anyone can get involved — and that real change starts with people who care. Tiffany Stair has been a lifelong animal lover and nurse for
Animal Artivism with Lisa Goldberg
8
Dec. 19, 2025

Animal Artivism with Lisa Goldberg

Can art change the way we see animals? Nicole chats with artist Lisa Goldberg about how creativity becomes a powerful form of activism. A contributor to the #FreeHappy billboard campaign and the NYC Animal Rights March, Lisa’s “animal artivism” blends compassion and visual storytelling to give animals a voice and challenge us to rethink our relationship with them. Lisa Goldberg is a mixed-media artist and illustrator, working in both traditional and digital mediums. She is captivated by the inte
Activist Spotlight: Ellen Ericksen — A Lifetime of Speaking Up for Animals
7
Dec. 5, 2025

Activist Spotlight: Ellen Ericksen — A Lifetime of Speaking Up for Animals

What does a lifetime of speaking up for animals look like? In this Activist Spotlight episode, longtime San Diego advocate Ellen Ericksen brings not only decades of powerful activism—but also sharp wit, honesty, and laugh-out-loud moments. Ellen shares how she’s organized major protests, confronted cruelty at SeaWorld, racetracks, and rodeos, and inspired countless new activists along the way. This conversation is energetic, candid, and funny, offering a refreshing look at what grassroots advoca
Sharing Our Vegan Thanksgiving — With You
6
Nov. 27, 2025

Sharing Our Vegan Thanksgiving — With You

You’re invited! Spend some time with us on Vegan Thanksgiving! This bonus episode is all about connection, gratitude, and celebrating compassion! Patrick and Nicole reflect on Thanksgivings past and present, and explore what activism means during the holidays. We welcome you into our lives as we share stories, and hear from fellow activists about their vegan Thanksgiving traditions, how they honor animals, and ways they bring connection and meaning into this time of year. Pull up a chair, share
Kathy Stevens: The True Lives of Turkeys and Leading with Love
5
Nov. 21, 2025

Kathy Stevens: The True Lives of Turkeys and Leading with Love

What can turkeys teach us about compassion and leading with love? In this episode, Kathy Stevens of Catskill Animal Sanctuary shares the true lives, intelligence, and emotions of turkeys, and explores how connecting with rescued animals can open hearts. She also reflects on how we can approach family gatherings during the holidays with compassion—for both people and animals. Kathy Stevens is a lifelong educator, author, and sanctuary pioneer whose work has shaped the modern farmed-animal sanctua

About the Hosts

Nicole Arciello

Co-Host

Nicole Arciello's journey in activism began over a decade ago when she became a regular contributor to the Times Union (Albany, NY) "Animal Rights Blog." Fueled by her commitment to justice, she co-founded Albany Animal Rights, a local advocacy group that vehemently protested against various animal-use industries, including circuses, rodeos, puppy mills, and fur. Nicole also wrote an op-ed for the Times Union that shed light on the mistreatment of elephants in circuses and called for their liberation.

Nicole gained notable recognition for her involvement in an A1 story with the Times Union, which covered a high school senior's controversial yearbook photo featuring the trophy hunting of a giraffe. The story sparked widespread conversation and was further picked up by the Daily Mail, bringing national attention to the ethical issues surrounding trophy hunting. This exposure helped amplify Nicole's voice in the animal rights movement, reinforcing her role as a dedicated advocate for animals.

An accomplished vegan chef and baker, Nicole has over 12 years of experience in the field. Her innovative and delicious plant-based dishes have been showcased in local restaurants, pop-up events, and farmers' markets, with her recipes featured in blogs and local newspapers.

Through her infectious passion and unwavering dedication, Nicole has inspired many to embrace a cruelty-free lifestyle. She currently serves as the executive director of Horseracing Wrongs, a nonprofit organization working to end the cruel horseracing industry in the U.S.

Patrick Battuello

Co-Host

Patrick Battuello began his work in animal-rights advocacy in 2009 when he launched one of the first Animal Rights blogs in the U.S. for the Albany Times Union.

In 2013, Patrick founded Horseracing Wrongs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the horseracing industry in the U.S. Through his groundbreaking FOIA investigations, Patrick has become the nation's leading expert on racehorse deaths. His work has been featured in major outlets such as The Washington Post, USA Today, Deadspin, and on HBO’s Real Sports, CNN, ESPN, and more. Patrick has also testified before the New York State Senate on issues related to horseracing.

In addition to his advocacy work, Patrick has written op-eds for prominent publications, including The Washington Post, Katie Couric Media, MSNBC, and The Baltimore Sun, as well as numerous local and statewide newspapers.

Reviews

Great podcast

"This first podcast was very thought provoking, and inspiring too. I especially like your point about how every small voice has an effect.It has a folksy flavor , which is nice. Kudos to Nicole an…"

Wendy Hollis | Oct. 12, 2024

Fascinating podcast!

"I’m loving this new podcast! I just listened to the 3rd episode in which Patrick looks back at philosophers from antiquity, like Pythagoras and Plutarch, to find that their thoughts about the human u…"

Mittenshadow | Nov. 4, 2024

Wonderful!

"Patrick and Nicole are wonderful to listen to! I have known them for many years, I’ve deeply appreciated all their tireless work against horse racing, and this is just an added bonus to all their har…"

SunnyHalos | Nov. 23, 2024

Fantastic!

"I love this new podcast. As a vegan, I appreciate the thoughtful exploration of animal rights and activism. Patrick’s philosophical history of the movement was completely fascinating to me. It’s an i…"

AADwayne | Nov. 6, 2024