Show Description:

Thanksgiving, a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together to celebrate and express gratitude for life’s blessings. Yet, beneath the surface of this joyous occasion lies a stark contradiction that challenges our very understanding of compassion and empathy.

In today’s society, we proudly uphold the values of empathy and compassion, striving to extend these virtues to all members of humanity. We envision a world where equality and justice prevail, and everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

At the same time, we wholeheartedly embrace our companion animals, welcoming them into our homes as beloved members of our families. We shower them with love, affection, and care, recognizing their unique personalities and the companionship they bring into our lives. We value their intrinsic worth, not as possessions but as sentient beings with their own desires, personalities, and interests.

This deep-seated compassion for our companion animals stands in stark contrast to our treatment of other animals, particularly those we categorize as food. How can we reconcile our cherished values of empathy and compassion with the routine slaughter of millions of turkeys each Thanksgiving and billions of other animals throughout the year?

Are we so bound by tradition that we willingly overlook the very values that would otherwise compel us to condemn the practice of confining and slaughtering sentient beings for the mere pleasure of a holiday feast? Has our attachment to tradition so blinded us that we not only accept the inherent cruelty of animal agriculture but actively support it with our dollars, perpetuating a cycle of suffering for countless animals?

This disconnect between our professed values and our actions raises critical questions about our society’s definition of compassion. How can we claim to be a compassionate society while simultaneously inflicting pain and suffering on innocent creatures?

In this episode of The Healthy Planet Radio Show, join host Bob DiBenedetto for an insightful conversation with Hope Bohanec, author, Executive Director of Compassionate Living, and host of the Hope For The Animals podcast. They delve into the reasons for the growing consensus that the time has come to bridge the gap between our ideals and our actions. Hope also exposes the reality behind the myth of “humane” farms and they explore the many compelling reasons to reconsider our food choices.

By extending the circle of compassion to encompass all living beings and recognizing that empathy and compassion are not reserved for a select few but are universal values, we not only reduce the suffering of billions of animals and feel better about ourselves, but also contribute to a healthier planet. We can preserve the world’s food supply, greatly reduce our impact on biodiversity, assure clean air, water, and a stable climate for our and future generations, and so much more.

Join us to expand your mind and perhaps be motivated to approach holidays in a whole new light.