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If you’ve ever wondered how to pair fierce compassion with effective strategy to change the food system for good—this conversation is for you.

I’m speaking with activist, author and speaker Robert Grillo, Director of Free from Harm, a US based grassroots activist group working at the frontlines of power—where the biggest decisions about our food system are being made.

Decisions that affect billions of animals, millions of people, and our shared planet.

Robert doesn’t just talk about change—he strategises it, organises it, and helps lead the actions that challenge the status quo from the inside out.

Whether you’re new to activism or ready to step into spaces where decisions are made—this conversation will fuel your clarity and conviction.

Robert also shared powerful insights—including the surprisingly small percentage of active participants needed to create meaningful change, and the strategic language other social justice movements have used effectively that the animal rights movement hasn’t fully embraced… yet.

In this conversation we cover:

• When Robert worked in advertising he saw behind the scenes of how the food industry manipulates and addicts humans especially with regard to animal products.
• The common misconception that nothing changes in Congress and there’s nothing we can do from the outside to put pressure on the powers that be to change our food system.
• The importance of having a presence in spaces where important decisions are being made.
• Lessons learned from confronting powerful people – what has Robert learnt
• Sometimes in order to create change things need to get uncomfortable.
• Reasons to Take Bold Action, including: Real change has never come easily and, Exercise our rights and freedoms (use it or lose it)
• A behind-the-scenes tour of what goes into planning an action that targets power—what are the ingredients that make it effective rather than just disruptive?
• The importance of a rallying cry that unites the movement – and speaks to others:
• Freedom is more effective than Rights.
• In spaces that are hostile or dismissive, how does Robert stay grounded in his values without being shut down emotionally or energetically?
• For someone listening who wants to go beyond petitions and protests—who wants to walk into rooms of influence—what would Robert tell them to do first?

Robert left us with a powerful reminder: meaningful change doesn’t require a majority—just a committed few willing to show up, speak out, and take bold action.

The importance of a rallying cry that unites the movement – and speaks to others rather than, repels others? That hit me hard.

As did the proven success of Freedom over Rights. It feels true in my heart and I’ve seen too many people shut down or put their defence’s up at the use of rights.

If this conversation sparked something in you, I hope you’ll keep exploring how you can be part of that shift—whether it’s your presence, your actions, or the words you choose.

Free From Harm website: https://freefromharm.org/

Connect with Free From Harm across the socials: Instagram | Facebook | Youtube.

Connect with Robert across the socials: Facebook

Robert mentioned, Sarah Schulman and the ‘Act Up Movement’.

Her new book: The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity.

Also, Damon Centola’s Change: How To Make Big Things Happen.

That’s it for this week in Healthification.

Plant Positive Journal Version 2 (printed and fillable PDF)

This journal and daily planner follows a twelve month format however is not dated so it is perfect to use at ANY time of the year.

Connect with Kate across the socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

With love and gratitude plant friends.

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