Most people do not change because someone gives them more facts. They change when something reaches them on a human level and helps them see animals differently.
In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Cheryl Moss sits down with Ayelette Robinson to explore how compassion, connection, and sanctuaries play a critical role in creating a better world for animals.
Ayelette brings a diverse background in law, technology, and entertainment, and is now channeling those skills into animal advocacy. With various activities, Ayelette is deeply involved in supporting farmed animals and helping people build meaningful connections with them.
A Personal Shift Toward Compassion
Ayelette shares how her journey into veganism was sparked by learning more about the realities of the dairy industry. Although she had long believed in the importance of treating animals with care, she had not fully connected her daily choices with those values.
Once she understood the full impact, her shift was immediate. That moment reflects a common experience for many people. The desire to live with compassion is often already there. It simply needs the right awareness to bring it forward.
Why Compassion Must Come First
One of the most important insights from this conversation is that facts alone are not enough to inspire change. Ayelette emphasizes that people need to feel understood before they are willing to consider a different perspective.
When conversations are rooted in empathy rather than judgment, they become far more effective. This approach allows people to explore new ideas without feeling defensive, making it easier for lasting change to take hold.
Sanctuaries Create Real Connection
Through her work with various sanctuaries, Ayelette highlights the powerful role sanctuaries play in shifting perceptions about animals. These spaces allow people to meet farmed animals as individuals, each with their own personality, emotions, and unique traits.
That direct connection can be transformative. It moves animals out of abstraction and into real relationships, where compassion naturally grows.
She also stresses the importance of monthly donor support. Consistent contributions allow sanctuaries to plan ahead, provide lifelong care for animals, and expand their humane education efforts in the community.
Storytelling That Inspires Change
Beyond her sanctuary work, Ayelette is also focused on storytelling as a tool for advocacy. Through film and narrative projects, she aims to normalize compassionate living in ways that feel natural and engaging.
By showing vegan characters simply living their lives, rather than making their choices the central focus, storytelling can reach wider audiences and create deeper, more lasting impact.
This episode is a powerful reminder that building a more compassionate world for animals is not just about information. It is about connection, understanding, and creating experiences that help people see animals in a whole new way.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[02:15] Ayelette’s advocacy for compassion
[07:00] From law school to acting to advocacy
[09:30] Beyond dogs and cats
[12:00] Where most funds are allocated to help animals
[16:15] Facts alone rarely change people’s minds
[19:00] Invite people to do research
[23:00] Sanctuary work fills a space in one’s heart
[28:00] Blueprint Funding Summit purpose and direction
[32:00] Finding joy in being vegan
[3700] Why monthly donations are so important
About Ayelette Robinson
After spending years in the for-profit world as a corporate lawyer, entrepreneur, and product manager, Ayelette Robinson now dedicates her time to animal protection. She is the Fundraising Manager at Magical Creatures Sanctuary, a farmed animal sanctuary on Hawaiʻi Island that not only provides lifelong refuge for rescued animals, but also creates opportunities for people to build real connections with them—sparking more conscious, compassionate ways of living.
As a member of Women Funders in Animal Rights’ Leadership Council, she helps shape conversations around how resources flow in the movement. She also participated in the Ridglan Farms open rescue, contributing to the release of at least 1,500 beagles from an experimental breeding facility.
Finally, Ayelette is an actor and producer and, through her campaign efforts, got herself on the EMMY® Awards nominations ballot for Outstanding Actress In A Short Form for her lead performance in her web series. She is currently in development on a vegan-themed movie that seeks to make veganism relatable and inspirational for all.
About Cheryl Moss
Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. She is also the founder of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries summit designed to empower those involved with sanctuaries sustainable funding streams.
A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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