The AFSA podcast interviews leading experts, animal advocates, healthcare consumers and leaders in the areas of scientific research, animal sentience, animal ethics, animal law and conservation to gain a diverse range of perspectives on the critical issues of using animals in research in Australia. Browse our episodes below!
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Opinions expressed by guests in the AFSA podcast are their own and independent of AFSA.
The Science of Confinement: Exploring the Psychological Impacts on Research Animals
Join AFSA’s Dr. Dana Kolsky and renowned neuroscientist Dr. Garet Lahvis as they delve into the ethical issues of animal research, with a focus on the mental wellbeing of animals in laboratories. Dr. Lahvis shares his journey from a key researcher to an advocate against animal confinement in laboratories. Explore the limitations of animal models in studying human conditions, understand the role of ethics committees, and consider alternatives to traditional research methods. This insightful discussion challenges the current scientific practices and highlights the need for a more compassionate and innovative approach. Read the episode transcript here.
Bold and Brave: The Stories and Strategies Behind Animal Rising's Fight Against Animal Testing
Join Dr. Dana Kolsky in discussing animal rights activism with Nathan McGovern from Animal Rising. Discover insights into their controversial campaigns against animal testing, particularly targeting the MBR Acres beagle breeding facility, and the legal ramifications that followed. McGovern shares his journey into activism, the power of open rescue, and the future of animal testing in the UK. This episode highlights the complexities of ethical protest, legal consequences, and the evolving landscape of animal rights advocacy. For the full show transcript click here.
To see AFSA’s campaign for mandatory rehoming of research dogs and cats click here.
The Hidden Truth: How Australians Really Feel About Animal Testing
Dr. Dana Kolsky and Dr. Elena Schaller unravel the findings of our 2025 national opinion poll on animal testing in Australia. Commissioned by AFSA and conducted by Nexus Research, the results are both surprising and encouraging. Dana and Elena discuss how public sentiment toward animal experimentation has evolved over the years and explores the broader implications of these attitudes. Read the transcript.
*Note: Re animal rehoming in Australia, there is legislation in NSW that mandates the rehoming of dogs and cats after 3 years of use in research (the NSW Animal Research Amendment Act (Right to Release Act) 2022).
The Psychology of Animal Research: An Ethical Reckoning
In this engaging episode we are joined by Dr. Lawrence Hansen, a distinguished neuropathologist and advocate for animal-free research. We delve deep into the issues of animal experimentation in neuroscience research, addressing some of the ethical and scientific implications. Dr. Hansen outlines the challenges inherent in studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s with animal models, pointing out that these models fall short of replicating the human condition. The episode highlights how outdated methodologies persist despite advancements in human-relevant research techniques, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in scientific research practices.
*Note: The first two questions include quite scientific explanations—but don’t worry, the conversation quickly opens up into broader ethical issues, so we encourage all listeners (even those without a science background) to stay tuned! Read the transcript.
Compassion Over Cruelty: Dr Faraz Harsini on Empowering the Next Generation to be Animal Advocates
Here we speak with Dr. Faraz Harsini, a leading voice in animal rights and biomedical engineering. The conversation dives deep into Dr. Harsini’s inspiring journey from an omnivorous upbringing in Iran to founding Allied Scholars for Animal Protection and leading the college campus movement toward veganism. Key discussions revolve around the importance of educating young minds on animal use and the interconnectedness of animal rights with broader societal issues such as climate change and public health. His candid reflections on the challenges he overcame in reconciling personal and cultural beliefs with his current advocacy work offer listeners a unique perspective into the moral urgency of veganism and animal rights. Read the episode Transcript.
Dr. Susi Seibt: Non-Animal Research Methods
This podcast episode features Dr. Susi Seibt, an expert in microfluidics and science communication. Dr. Susi walks us through the revolutionary advancements in non-animal research methods (NAMs) and their applications in medical research and drug development. Her discussion provides a glimpse into a future where research may no longer require animal testing.
In the conversation, Dr. Susi elaborates on innovative techniques such as microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip technologies. The conversation covers the strengths and limitations of these technologies, their implementation in personalized medicine, and the global movement towards reducing animal experimentation. Read the episode Transcript.
Paula Wallace: Rehoming Animals from Research
In this episode, Rachel welcomes Paula Wallace, Founder and Director of the Liberty Foundation Australia to discuss the inspiring mission of her organisation. Liberty Foundation is at the forefront of creating a viable transition for domestic animals from research facilities into loving homes. Tune in as Paula unfolds the foundation’s progress, challenges, and future aspirations, including the exciting opening of a rehoming centre on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Read the episode Transcript.
Nicole Groch: Cruelty-Free Beauty
Nicole Groch, Australian Programs Manager at Cruelty Free International and a vegan hair and makeup artist, shares insights on ending animal testing globally, the rigorous Leaping Bunny certification process, and the evolution of cruelty-free and vegan products. She discusses the transformative impact of major Australian brands like Kmart and Sukin committing to cruelty-free practices. Nicole’s personal and professional journey highlights the power of consumer choices in driving industry change, and offers practical tips for identifying genuinely cruelty-free products.
Andrew Costello: International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA)
Andrew Costello, Strategic Consultant to the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) discusses the benefits of non-animal surgical training methods and outlines IMRA’s world-leading training programs and high-fidelity synthetic models.Read AFSA’s web resource on surgical training.
Maddie Krasno: Justify
Maddie holds a master’s degree in Humane Education and has worked in animal protection for over a decade. During her undergraduate education, Maddie worked for two years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Harlow Primate Research Laboratory and was later diagnosed with PTSD as a result. Maddie discusses her experiences and the organisation she has co-founded, Justify – the community she wishes she had when she left the primate lab in 2013.
Dr Pandora Pound: Research Director Safer Medicines Trust
Dr. Pandora Pound is Research Director at the Safer Medicines Trust. Dr. Pound has written numerous influential papers on the scientific drawbacks of using animals as models for humans. Her newly published book ‘Rat Trap’ is a must-read.
Savita Nutan: Former Researcher, Educator and Founder of Medicine Without Cruelty
Savita Nutan is a science communicator, educator and former scientist who founded Medicine Without Cruelty in the UK. We interviewed her for the AFSA podcast on why medical research needs to urgently transition away from using obsolete and cruel animal methods towards far superior animal-free methods of research.
Sarah Margo interview: "This space feels hopeful"
AFSA CEO Rachel Smith interviews Sarah Margo, an expert in animal law, on her perspective of the failings of the Australian regulatory system surrounding animals in science. Sarah is Policy Advisor to the Hon. Emma Hurst MLC of the Animal Justice Party, Animal Law Teaching Fellow at UNSW and Director of Voiceless, the Animal Protection Institute and an Animal Law and Policy Consultant.
Clinical Researcher Nisha Narang: On ending animal-derived medical products
We interviewed Nisha Narang, the CEO and founder of Leorah Clinical, a clinical research company with the mission is to bring sustainable, animal derivative-free medical products to people everywhere.
Dr Hugo Morandini: A vision for clinical neuroscience without animals
Here we speak with clinical neuroscience researcher Dr. Hugo Morandini about his research and reflections on the use of animals in research.
Dr Denise Russell: Are Animal Ethics Committees effective?
We interview Dr Denise Russell, an academic and independent researcher who specialises in animal ethics, with her research focused on the effectiveness of animal ethics committees. Denise was the founding editor and managing editor of Animal Issues, a journal covering a wide range of topics related to human/animal interactions, now incorporated into Society & Animals, published by Brill.
Two of her publishings we recommend reading:
Rosemary Lavin: "What I've learned over 50 years as an animal advocate"
Rosemary has spent the vast majority of her life fighting for animals in a personal and professional capacity. In this podcast, she speaks with AFSA about what she has learned throughout her long and diverse history in animal advocacy.
Animal-free alternatives to dissection in Australian schools
Learn about the practice of dissection in Australian high schools, the alternatives available, and what educators can do to transition to cruelty-free teaching methods. You can also explore our wide range of resources for students and educators here.
Belinda: Living with a life-threatening illness and remaining opposed to animal experimentation
In this episode, we chat with AFSA supporter Belinda, who is a passionate animal advocate. She shares her perspective on animal experimentation and her experiences living through cancer.
AFSA's CEO Rachel Smith: The questionable ethics behind the forced smoke inhalation tests
For several years, AFSA has been closely monitoring the use of forced inhalation studies in Australian Institutions. This led to the development of our report: “Optimising Inhalation Research: Transitioning to Human-relevant Science.” In this episode, we learn from our CEO, Rachel Smith, about the questionable ethics that surround the use of animals in smoke inhalation studies. Learn more about our Forced to Smoke campaign.
Dr. Natalie Anderson: Why we need to transition away from forced inhalation tests
In this episode we interview Dr. Natalie Anderson, a respiratory research scientist, who also works as AFSA’s Regulatory Science Officer. Natalie has a PhD investigating the health effects of e-cigarette aerosols and medical aerosol delivery through artificial airways with computational fluid dynamics.
Learn more about our Forced to Smoke campaign. and read our report: Optimising Inhalation Research: Transitioning to Human-relevant Science.
A short history of the courageous Anti-Vivisection Movement
In this podcast we take a look at the obscure and courageous history of the anti-vivisection movement throughout the world. Learn about the trailblazing Australian organisations that paved the way for AFSA’s work in Australia today.
The scientifically-obsolete Forced Swim Test: What is it and why should it be banned?
Learn what you can do to purchase cosmetics NOT tested on animals
Can Freedom of Information (FOI) requests help us advocate for animals in labs?
In this podcast episode we look at the effectiveness of Australia’s current laws regarding freedom of information requests (FOI’s). Is this an effective advocacy tool for organisations in the USA, Australia and the United Kingdom to uncover animal experimentation in secretive laboratory settings?