1 Jun 2026
Ep 35: A world where forests are sovereign
In this powerful season finale, I bring our exploration of nature, politics, and animal liberation to a profound conclusion by looking to the forest as a model for a just society.
Gregory Tague, a scholar with over two decades of work in environmental and animal ethics, introduces a radical idea: the forest is a sovereign state. It operates not with a single dominant power, but through a complex web of mutual obligations, where inhabitants respect boundaries and avoid confrontation for the collective advantage of all.
We dive into a key excerpt from Tague’s book, Forest Sovereignty, which argues that forest organisms understand something we humans have forgotten: true association isn't about transactional exchanges, but about the net result of sustainability for the entire ecosystem. In this "liberal society" of the forest, stability comes from the diversity of its organisms, all with a free right to resources.
This episode is a call to action. Reflecting on the entire season, we're reminded our struggle for a fairer world has deep roots, and that change, while slow, is possible. The season is retroactively dedicated to all those — vegans, activists, and thinkers — who are pushing boundaries and striving for the liberation of both humans and non-humans.
This is a fitting end to a season challenging us to learn from the ancient, self-sustaining wisdom of the forest and to continue the long, necessary work of building a new, more just existence for all.
Key Takeaways:
Forests as a model for a sustainable, self-governing society.
The concept of "associative duties" we hold towards all wild life.
A powerful message of solidarity for those fighting for liberation.
A compelling conclusion to a season-long discussion on nature and politics.
Listen to the full episode to hear this inspiring conversation and conclude the season with a renewed sense of purpose.
Website/Socials & Books
Gregory F. Tague
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/gftague/
Book: Forest Sovereignty: Wildlife sustainability and ethics (Peter Lang 2025)
Other links
"Sovereign Forests" https://theecologist.org/2025/oct/10/sovereign-forests
Literary Veganism: An online journal https://www.litvegan.net
Emi Leese
https://emilialeese.substack.com
http://thinklikeavegan.com
http://emilialeese.com
Instagram @emi.leese
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thinklikeavegan/videos
Credits
Host: Emilia A. Leese
Guest: Gregory F. Tague
Production & Engineering: Jim Moore of Bloody Vegans Productions; https://www.bloodyvegansproductions.com
Graphics: Catherine Dorrell https://www.messyvegancook.com
Music
Opening theme: “Flashbacks” by Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business
Interlude: "Ōuda Afternoon I" music by Matthew Gerstenberger, voice by Chiyako
Closing theme: “Tear Things Up” by Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business
This podcast is part of iROAR, the Animals Podcasting Network https://iroarpod.com
