011: Rescue, Resilience, and Reverence: John Vallimarescu’s Story Behind Sunset Farm Sanctuary

Why 82% of Starving Children Live in Countries Growing Feed for Western Livestock

Eighty-two percent of starving children live in countries where crops are grown to feed animals eaten in the West. That staggering fact is just one of the many insights shared by John Vallimarescu in this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, hosted by Cheryl Moss.

John transitioned from a career in economic consulting to becoming Chair of the Board for Sunset Farm Sanctuary in Cove, Arkansas, home to 129 rescued animals. When the sanctuary suffered a $260,000 loss due to a fraudulent moving company, John responded with action by launching a powerful project: a $9.99 eBook called Voices of Kindness and Compassion: Interviews with Vegans.

This episode dives into John's unexpected path from TikTok user to sanctuary leader, his childhood bond with animals, and the reality of running a rescue. He also shares a thought experiment that challenges listeners to consider what truly matters in the face of a global crisis.

The book features 38 vegan voices from 10 countries, offering raw, real answers about why they went vegan, how it’s changed their health, and what inspires them to stay committed. Proceeds directly support the care and feeding of the animals at Sunset Farm.

Cheryl and John explore:

• The link between factory farming and global food insecurity

• The emotional and physical demands of animal sanctuary work

• How a simple eBook can make a real difference

• What it means to live with compassion at the center of your life

• Why veganism is about far more than food

Buy the book, support the sanctuary, and discover how small actions ripple into meaningful change.

Listen now and be inspired to become a voice for the voiceless. 

www.BetterLifeforAnimals.com/011-John-Villimarescu