By: Josie Goldberg
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 03/20/2024
The phrase “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave” is part of our US national anthem. The phrase reflects the ideals of freedom and courage that the US was founded on and the struggles of those who have fought for them.”
Let’s not forget the animals who have helped us attain our freedom and make our country the number one country in the world because we are the only country where we are a real democracy. Back in time, there were no cars or transportation, we relied on horses to help us fight for freedom and be mobile. As an animal lover and part of the Thoroughbred Racing community, I owe everything that I have to my racehorses, even their sacrifice for me. Just like Catholics & Christians believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins. As a Jew, I have never thought about the sacrifice of Jesus until my championship racehorse Only Josie Knows lost her life at Santa Anita Racetrack on Palm Sunday March 29, 2015. This was one of my biggest losses in life, I felt in my gut that God had a message for me. It shook me to the core and every year around this time, I always remember Passover, Easter and Palm Sunday and my racehorse Only Josie Knows.
As a celebrity reporter, I am not normally covering topics such as animal advocacy or world events, however, when I was invited to cover a film called Christspiracy, I was very interested. According to Kip Anderson, the director and writer of this movie, the concept; “Is there a possible way to love animals and eat them?” I wanted to see if I could report on a different level and learn to be able to have my opinion without being canceled. As an upcoming journalist that is hard to do as we see with what’s going on in our society today.
As you can imagine, I have interviewed some very prominent people in the animal advocacy movement/community and asked their opinion about loving animals and eating them. I am sure you know I still managed to stir the pot and ruffle some feathers, but I got some interesting information from the guests, and I am sure you will be interested in what they had to say about this topic.
My first guest for The Hollywood Times was Katie Cleary. Her mission in life is to make documentaries to raise awareness for endangered animals. She was also a model on Deal or No Deal which is a big accomplishment. What I liked about her was the way she conveyed her ideals in life without passing judgment to others.
My next guest was Saint Heart (Actor). Saint has a movie trending on Amazon Prime (Panic). But what blew me away was her beautiful red dress by celebrity designer Kiki Wang. I spoke to Kiki and asked her if her being Chinese has anything to do with Saint’s red colored dress. She told me that Red is the auspicious color for the Chinese people, and it is the color of celebrations and prosperity. That’s why she loves the color Red. Also, I asked Saint, if Union actors (SAG/ AFTRA) who act in scripted streaming networks make the same amount of money as scripted studio films? (listen to her answer)
I interviewed the handsome co-author of the New York Times Bestseller The Plant Based Athlete Robert Cheeke. He was very handsome and had a ripped body. Find out what he eats to look the way he does.
Gweena Hunter (Vegans of LA)
Gweena was so funny. I asked her if you can be part vegan as some choose to do. She compared it to pregnancy. She said you cannot be half pregnant. Either you are or you’re not. She said the same with being vegan. Either your 100 percent in or out. But she was very nice and charismatic about that.
Kip Anderson (Filmmaker Christspiracy)
He is Vegan, loves answering tough questions, loves horses but says horse racing is a complicated topic so he can’t comment. But says his film is about exploring “Can you love animals and still eat them?
Kameron Waters (Filmmaker Christspiracy)
He talks about Palm Sunday, and how animals were slaughtered on that day. I asked him his take on why my horse died on Palm Sunday. He talks about Christ and the Ritual sacrifice of animals. Then I asked him if he believes you can love animals and not be vegan? See interview!
Alix Angeles (Actress)
Alix is veggie centric meaning she has a mostly plant-based diet. I asked her how she keeps so slim, and she said she is lucky in the gene department and said maybe her veggie centric diet has played a part.
Naomi Alicia Hallum, CEO of non-profit organization called Gen V. She was very nonjudgmental. She said she does believe one can love animals and still not be vegan. She gave me some 411 on Gen V.
I have come to realize that we are lucky to live in a country where we have freedom to believe in our own programs (politics, religion, and currently the various movements). There is no right or wrong. I like and respect individuals who stand on their beliefs and I believe that’s what the United States of America represents. I love all walks of life and love to be exposed to various movements. That’s what’s great about being a reporter. I can experience various movements without having to fully commit and make friends along the way! I am not a vegan btw. I eat a very balanced diet and try to eat everything in moderation. That is my modus operandi. I am who I am.
I am “Only Josie Knows”
Till my next event!
