Does Street Activism Actually Work?

In this episode of Just So You Know, Jamie and Justina sit down with longtime activist and organizer Rachel Ejsmont to talk about the real impact of street activism, pressure campaigns, open rescues, and what it actually takes to fight for animals in public. This conversation goes deeper than surface level takes. We explore what it means to show up for animals when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, and sometimes even risky and why being visible can create real, lasting change. We get into: • How Rachel first became active in the movement • Why she was protesting before she even went fully vegan • The connection between anti-fur activism and veganism • How pressure campaigns actually work • What goes into organizing a major march or protest • Crashing fashion events and disrupting cruelty in powerful ways • Why rescue and liberation work matter so much • The emotional toll of witnessing suffering up close • How to avoid burnout and stay grounded in activism • Why infighting hurts the movement • What makes street activism effective • How new activists can get involved and find their place This isn’t just about protesting. It’s about using your voice, your body, and your presence to challenge cruelty in real time. If you’ve ever wondered whether activism in the streets actually makes a difference, this episode is for you. ⸻ IF THIS EPISODE RESONATED 👍 Like 💬 Comment your thoughts (we read everything) 🔔 Subscribe to stay tapped in for Season 2 ⭐ Rate us on Spotify + Apple Podcasts ⸻ FOLLOW RACHEL EJSMONT: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.ejsmont https://www.instagram.com/rachel_levy_ejsmont https://www.instagram.com/@armnyc2022_2023 ⸻ FOLLOW JUST SO YOU KNOW: https://www.instagram.com/jsykpodcast/ https://open.spotify.com/show/7D38Vg8MJKTYD8TKQe3KfZ?si=71510dba30a04af5 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-so-you-know/id1726036677 https://www.youtube.com/@jsykpodcast ⸻ FOLLOW US: Jamie: itsjamiescorner.com https://www.youtube.com/@JamiesCornershow https://www.instagram.com/itsjamiescorner/ https://www.tiktok.com/@itsjamiescorner https://x.com/itsjamiescorner https://www.facebook.com/itsjamiescorner 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/@Justina.Justina ⸻ 🕒 CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Intro + Meeting Rachel Ejsmont 01:14 Rachel as the “Fairy Godmother” of Activism 03:21 How Rachel Helped Build Community 04:31 What It Takes to Organize a Major March 08:12 What First Made Rachel Go Vegan 15:11 Why Street Activism Matters So Much 18:12 Reaching People Through Different Approaches 20:03 How Pressure Campaigns Actually Work 24:16 Crashing Coach at New York Fashion Week 28:05 Why Fashion Disruptions Matter 30:08 Rescue Stories That Changed Rachel Forever 34:18 Why Rachel Focuses on Campaigns That Can Win 37:57 The Emotional Toll of Activism 41:17 How Rachel Avoids Burnout 54:28 What Hurts the Animal Rights Movement Most 58:50 Where to Follow Rachel + Get Involved