In this episode of Just So You Know, Jamie and Justina sit down with psychologist, author, and leading voice on animal ethics, Melanie Joy, to unpack one of the most uncomfortable and important questions:

Why do we love some animals… and ignore the suffering of others?

This conversation goes deeper than surface level takes. We explore the psychology behind our choices, the invisible belief systems shaping our behaviors, and what it actually takes to align our values with our actions.

We get into:

• The concept of carnism and how it conditions us

• Why good people participate in harmful systems without realizing it

• The emotional and social resistance to change

• Navigating conversations about veganism without pushing people away

• What awareness really looks like beyond guilt or shame

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about awareness, honesty, and asking ourselves the questions most people avoid.

If you’ve ever felt conflicted… defensive… curious… or even resistant,

this episode is for you.

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FOLLOW MELANIE JOY:

https://www.melaniejoy.org

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https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniejoy

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FOLLOW JUST SO YOU KNOW:

https://www.instagram.com/jsykpodcast/

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-so-you-know/id1726036677

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Jamie:

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Justina:

https://www.instagram.com/justina.justina?igsh=NmhtbmhzZHRiMHZh&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/justinaveganjourney?igsh=MTM0bDByMnZnZWdiaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.youtube.com/@Justinadayinmylife

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🕒 CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 Season 2 Intro + Today’s Topic

01:45 Why Do We Love Dogs, Wear Cows, and Eat Pigs?

02:48 Loving One Animal, Eating Another

05:43 What Sparked the Vegan Shift

08:53 Meet Dr. Melanie Joy

09:38 Melanie Joy’s Story

13:28 What Is Carnism?

14:52 The Golden Retriever Burger Example

16:39 How We’re Conditioned

19:26 Why People Get Defensive

24:18 Shame, Guilt, and Advocacy

29:55 How to Talk to People Effectively

34:18 “Be As Vegan As Possible”

38:05 Does Graphic Footage Help?

49:21 Final Reflections + Takeaways