Episode Details

Powerhouse environmentalist, wildlife conservationist, and animal advocate Jack Lekishon joins the podcast this week from Maasai Mara, Kenya. A native Maasai, Jack shares traditions from the people of The Mara and tells us about the land on which they live and the plethora of wild animals that also know the Maasai Mara as home. Jack also shares why the traditional Maasai diet is so reliant on animals as a food source and outlines how he is encouraging his community to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Plus, Jack highlights the importance of educating the region’s young people on looming climate change issues and how they can play their part in slowing the progression of the climate crisis.

*We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Jack Lekishon.*

Jack Lekishon is a native Maasai currently residing in Maasai Mara, Kenya. He is committed to preserving the natural environment and teaching young leaders how to be future stewards of the land. Jack aims to inspire youth in Kenya, and more broadly East Africa, to become involved in both wildlife and environmental conservation efforts while raising awareness of the natural world’s great economic, cultural, and aesthetic value. Jack holds a diploma in Wildlife and Tourism and Management and Conservation from Wildlife Clubs of Kenya – Center for Tourism Training and Research. He currently works with Million Dollar Vegan to promote veganism and raise awareness about animal rights and the challenges facing our planet.

“There is a very positive impact when it comes to educating young people.” – Jack Lekishon

Highlights for Episode 654: 

• Jack shares why he made such a huge shift in the way he eats and why he became a vegan  
• Jack’s experience with a vegan food relief program during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the community received the initiative 
• He talks about why the Maasai people traditionally resisted farming and how Jack is working to change the view that a healthy diet has to contain meat 
• He discusses the impact of drought and climate change on the Maasai people’s diet
• He shares the benefits of ecotourism to the Maasai economy
• He offers a brief overview of the conflict between the Maasai people and the Tanzanian government 
• The interview covers Jack’s work with local children on understanding the environmental significance of where they live and how they can protect it 
• We discuss why the Maasai are open to making the necessary changes in their way of life to ensure the safe future of their people
• Finally, we go over how to learn more about and support Jack’s work