About

This journey has taught me how story, struggle, and strategy can help us rise—together—for the animals.

Ken with Lincoln the Turkey
Me with Lincoln, my BTF (Best Turkey Friend), at Shy 38 Farm Sanctuary.
Our rescue dogs, Lizzie (L) and Molly (R)

Our rescues and family: Lizzie (L) and Molly (R)

Dr. Ken Walker

I’m a lifelong learner — and a proud father and grandfather — who earned a PhD in Psychology with an Emphasis in Media Psychology (2023) at the age of 69. My academic pursuit unfolded alongside a serious health challenge. During that time, in October of 2022, I also chose to become an ethical vegan, meaning that I understand all animals deserve the same moral consideration as human beings. To the extent that is practical and possible, I avoid all animal-derived products, including for food, clothing, personal care, and entertainment. The determination to finish my degree while fighting a debilitating illness, along with my decision to stop exploiting animals, reshaped my priorities and deepened my purpose.

I live in Ohio, USA, with my wife Patsy and our two beloved dogs, Lizzie and Molly — genuine “rez dogs” rescued from beneath a mobile home on the Navajo Nation in the Arizona desert. Their resilience, loyalty, and spirit are a daily reminder of the value of every sentient life.

Over the last eight years, I’ve focused on the intersection of digital storytelling, psychology, and social justice advocacy. My five years of doctoral work explored how immersive narratives can reduce psychological defensiveness and foster meaningful ethical shifts on a large scale.

That research, combined with decades of experience in one-on-one communication and a deep personal shift, led to the creation of Vegan Rise One. VR1 is a platform designed to accelerate the rise of veganism. Its purpose—my purpose—is to move more vegans into advocacy, and more advocates into impact, fueling a grassroots surge to reach the 3.5% Threshold of Transformation.

For more information on my educational and professional background, please see my Curriculum Vitae.

Whether you’re just beginning to process the truth, or you’re already speaking out and want to increase your reach, my work is here to support you. Learn more about that vision on the VR1 Overview page or see how it’s being put into action on the Projects page.

To learn more about the personal journey that led to Vegan Rise One, read my blog post: From College to Cancer to Compassion: My Vegan Journey.