JRE #1590 - Phil Demers

7-Jan-21

This podcast features Phil Demers, a former professional marine mammal trainer and subject of the new documentary “The Walrus and the Whistleblower.” It dives deep into Phil’s experiences in the controversial world of marine mammal captivity, exposing the dark side of the industry and highlighting the intelligence and sentience of these creatures. Provocative topics include Phil’s lawsuit against Marineland, his efforts to end orca and dolphin captivity, the imprinting of a walrus named Smooshy, and Phil’s ongoing fight for animal rights. The underlying themes explore the power of individual action to create change, the importance of speaking truth to power, and the complexities of human-animal relationships.

Major Topics Explored

Phil Demers’ Lawsuit Against Marineland:
1. Phil was sued by Marineland for “plotting to steal a walrus” in 2013.
2. The lawsuit is a “trespassing lawsuit,” despite Phil never stepping foot on Marineland property.
3. Phil believes the lawsuit is an attempt to silence him and prevent him from speaking out against Marineland’s practices.
4. The lawsuit is ongoing, even after the original owner of Marineland has passed away.
Phil’s Efforts to End Orca and Dolphin Captivity:
1. Phil’s podcast interview with Joe Rogan sparked a conversation about orca and dolphin captivity, leading to a private member’s bill being introduced in Canada.
2. The bill was passed, making orca and dolphin captivity illegal in Canada.
3. Phil’s testimony and advocacy have influenced similar efforts in other countries.
4. Phil is committed to continuing the fight to end marine mammal captivity globally.
The Imprinting of Smooshy, the Walrus:
1. Smooshy was a baby walrus who imprinted on Phil when he was working at Marineland.
2. Imprinting is a strong bond that forms between a young animal and its primary caregiver, creating an intense connection.
3. Phil believes Marineland is trying to ship Smooshy out of North America, to China or Europe.
4. He is determined to find a suitable sanctuary for Smooshy where she can live outdoors and where he can visit her.
The Conditions at Marineland:
1. Phil describes the conditions at Marineland as “atrocious and awful,” with animals living in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
2. He points to the high death rate of orcas and dolphins at Marineland as evidence of the negative impact of captivity.
3. He highlights the fact that Marineland is no longer allowed to breed orcas or dolphins, due to the new Canadian laws.
4. Phil believes Marineland is trying to sell the park, as it is struggling to stay afloat.
The Impact of the Documentary “The Walrus and the Whistleblower”:
1. The documentary has sparked widespread conversation about marine mammal captivity.
2. It has helped to raise awareness of the cruelty of Marineland’s practices and the suffering of the animals.
3. Phil believes the documentary has put pressure on Marineland to improve conditions and possibly consider releasing some of its animals.
4. He hopes the film will inspire others to speak out against animal cruelty and fight for animal rights.
The Power of Individual Action:
1. Phil’s story is a testament to the power of one person to create change.
2. He has taken on a powerful institution and forced it to change its practices.
3. His story inspires others to take action and make a difference in the world.
4. He encourages others to use their voices and platforms to speak out against injustice, whether it is animal cruelty or other issues.
The Importance of Speaking Truth to Power:
1. Phil has faced numerous challenges and threats for speaking out against Marineland.
2. He has been sued, harassed, and targeted by the company’s lawyers.
3. He believes it is essential to speak truth to power, even if it comes at a personal cost.
4. His courage and perseverance inspire others to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.
Human-Animal Relationships:
1. Phil’s relationship with Smooshy highlights the deep bond that can form between humans and animals.
2. He emphasizes the intelligence and sentience of marine mammals and argues that they deserve respect and protection.
3. His story challenges the idea that animals are merely commodities or objects for human amusement.
4. He believes that humans have a responsibility to care for animals and protect their well-being.
The Role of the Media:
1. Phil has faced challenges in getting his story out to the media.
2. He believes that the media has often been complicit in covering up the cruelty of marine mammal captivity.
3. He has used social media and alternative platforms to bypass traditional media outlets and reach a wider audience.
4. He believes the media has a responsibility to report on important issues like animal rights and to hold powerful institutions accountable.
The Importance of Authenticity:
1. Phil emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself, even if it means going against the grain.
2. He believes that authenticity is essential for building genuine relationships and making a difference in the world.
3. He challenges the idea that people should conform to societal expectations or hide their true selves.
4. He encourages others to embrace their individuality and to be proud of who they are, regardless of what others may think.
The Role of Technology:
1. Phil has used technology to amplify his message and reach a wider audience.
2. Social media has been essential in his fight against Marineland and in raising awareness of animal rights issues.
3. He believes technology can be a powerful tool for positive change, but that it also carries risks and can be used for manipulation.
4. He is hopeful that technology can eventually help to create a world where information is more readily accessible and where deception is more difficult.
The Future of Animal Rights:
1. Phil is optimistic about the future of animal rights.
2. He believes that increasing awareness and understanding of animal intelligence and sentience will lead to greater protection for animals.
3. He sees a world where marine mammal captivity is abolished and where animals are treated with respect and dignity.
4. He encourages others to join the fight for animal rights and to make a difference in the lives of animals.
The Nature of Belief:
1. Phil’s story raises questions about the nature of belief and the power of conviction.
2. He is passionate about animal rights and believes strongly in the cause.
3. He is also aware of the dangers of rigid belief systems and the potential for them to be used for manipulation.
4. He encourages others to be critical thinkers and to question authority, even when it comes to beliefs they hold dear.
The Human Condition:
1. Phil’s story explores the complexities of the human condition, highlighting both our capacity for compassion and our capacity for cruelty.
2. He shows how our biases and our desire for control can lead us to act in ways that are harmful to ourselves and to others, including animals.
3. He also demonstrates that humans are capable of great change and transformation, and that we have the power to create a better world for ourselves and for animals.
4. He encourages others to embrace their humanity and to strive for a more just and compassionate world.

Memorable Quotes

“I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for dolphins and orcas and I just, I think we’re gonna look at it in the future the same way we look at slavery.”
“I think they’re as intelligent as we are. I think they’re just different and because we don’t understand their language, we think it’s okay, and I think it’s beyond fucked up.”
“You have the most influential podcast in the world. The fact that I’ve had to come here five times will tell you just how much abuse that it is that I’ve endured, systematic abuse through both the courts.”
“They want my ass and they’re willing to harm me in the worst possible way to do it.”
“I’m like Aquaman diving down to the bottom is fucking ocean to go get the weapon right now. I’m here today to get my fucking weapon.”