The Omnivore’s Deception--What We get wrong about meat, animals and ourselves, with Professor John Sabonmatsu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The Omnivore’s Deception--What We get wrong about meat, animals and ourselves, with Professor John Sabonmatsu, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Author: KSQD 90.7 FM in Santa Cruz & KSQD.org November 9, 2025 Duration: 53:27

Millions of Americans see themselves as "conflicted omnivores," worrying about the ethical and environmental implications of their choice to eat animals. Yet their attempts to justify their choices only obscure the truth of the matter. Join host Ronnie Lipschutz for a conversation with Dr. John Sabonmatsu, Professor of Philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.  His recently published book, The Omnivore’s Deception, provides a deeply observed philosophical meditation on the nature of our relationship with animals.  Sabonmatsu argues that killing and eating animals is unethical, regardless of whether they are "free range" or factory farmed. The problem with raising and killing animals for food isn't just that it's "bad for the environment,” but the wrong way to live a human life.


Every other Sunday, Sustainability Now! on KSQD.org offers a thoughtful space to explore the complex questions facing our planet. Born from the community airwaves of KSQD 90.7 FM in Santa Cruz, this podcast connects the local environmental pulse of Northern California to global conversations. Since its launch in 2019 by host Ronnie Lipschutz, the program has built a reputation for deep, engaging dialogues that refuse to simplify the challenges at hand. You’ll hear from a compelling mix of voices-field researchers detailing ecological shifts, philosophers examining our relationship with nature, community organizers building practical solutions, and authors framing new narratives for society. The discussions naturally weave between science, culture, and policy, reflecting a belief that true sustainability is as much about philosophy and community as it is about data. This isn’t about alarmism or easy answers; it’s about informed, nuanced exploration. Tuning in means listening to people who are actively thinking, studying, and working on the front lines of change. Each episode of this KSQD podcast provides substance and perspective, whether the topic is regenerative agriculture, conservation ethics, technological innovation, or social justice. It’s for anyone ready to move beyond headlines and engage with the ideas and actions shaping a viable future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

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