Compassionate+Beneficial Living™

As we step into 2025, I’m excited to share a collection of 365+ books that have resonated with me on some level. This list includes books I’ve revisited from the past, shared in 2024, and plenty of new discoveries that have caught my attention recently—whether I’ve read them cover to cover or just sampled a portion so far.

Sharing lists like this one isn't about creating definitive guides or claiming these books are for everyone—they’re simply titles that made me think, taught me something new, or sparked curiosity. The collection spans genres, from thought-provoking nonfiction to timeless classics, children’s books with meaningful messages, and even a few unexpected finds.

For me, continuous learning is a way of life, and this book list reflects that process. It’s not exhaustive, and I know I will continue to grow this list after posting it. But if you’re looking for something reflective, challenging, or just intriguing, I hope you find a title or two here to explore soon.

Feel free to share this list with anyone who might enjoy it, and let’s make 2025 a year of reading, discovery, and growth—one insight at a time.

For the full book list, please visit: 365+ Books to Inspire, Challenge, and Entertain in 2025

https://www.cplusb.com/blog/365-plus-books-to-inspire-challenge-and-entertain-in-2025

Often, we glorify travel as a series of perfect moments when the reality is more complex. While we may be grateful for meaningful travel experiences, we also need to ensure maintaining physical and mental health is a daily priority.

My work supporting animals, people, and the planet may sometimes require travel. However, for me, travel is only worth doing if traveling doesn't compromise my well-being. This can be incredibly challenging because leaving my animals impacts my well-being profoundly. So when I need to travel, I do everything possible to ensure their care is fully optimized, while at the same time, travel in a way that supports my physical and mental health.

On a recent trip, I tested several health-focused practices I've developed over time and learned two (sometimes painful) lessons that I'll consider for future journeys. Whether your focus is staying active, keeping your energy levels up, or finding plant-based foods while traveling, these insights can help you plan a smoother, healthier trip.

Pack Your Protein

• Portable, reliable protein is a game-changer. I love Bob's Red Mill Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), which blends well in nearly any dish, and No Cow Original Protein Bars, which are travel-friendly and gluten-free. With my daily vegan protein needs covered, I can focus on finding fresh veggies wherever I go.

Bring Portable Fitness Equipment

• Resistance bands, a lacrosse ball for mobility work, or a jump rope are lightweight options that fit easily in your luggage and help you work out anywhere, from your hotel room to a nearby park.

Make Waiting Time Active

• Use downtime at the airport to stay moving. Walk around the terminal or squeeze in a mini workout with exercises like squats, lunges, or wall push-ups while waiting to board.

Skip Alcohol on Flights

• Staying hydrated with water during flights is key. Alcohol can dehydrate you, disrupt sleep, and make it harder to stick to healthy meals and workout routines.

Order Groceries, Not Just Meals

• Delivery apps make it easy to stock up on fresh, ready-to-eat vegetables and other nutritious foods that don't require cooking. This simple habit keeps your nutrition on track.

Customize Your Orders

• Don't be afraid to ask for simple, healthy options not listed on the menu. A plate of raw or steamed veggies is often available and can help you meet your daily goals.

Track Your Meals

• Use a meal-tracking app like MyFitnessPal to monitor your protein, vegetable intake, and calories. Tracking can also help you calibrate your nutrition, activity, water intake, and more.

Document Your Progress

• Taking photos or videos of your healthy meals and workouts helps you stay consistent and may inspire others to prioritize health while traveling.

Choose Active Transportation

• Walk, jog, or bike whenever possible instead of relying on cars or public transit to stay active while immersing yourself in your destination.

Plan Snacks in Advance

• Pack nutritious snacks like nuts, fruits, or veggies to avoid relying on the less healthy airport or convenience store options--especially important if you have dietary restrictions.

Choose Accommodations with 24-Hour Gym Access

• On this trip, I managed to improvise workouts in my hotel room when the gym wasn’t open. Next time, I’ll prioritize hotels with 24-hour gym access or plan alternative workouts ahead of time.

Prepare for Unexpected Sprints

• Travel often involves unexpected dashes to catch a bus, train, or flight. Next time, I’ll ensure my footwear, gear, and fitness routines are better suited to handle these impromptu moments.

These tips and lessons have helped me balance health and enjoyment during my travels, keeping me on track with my goals during and after the trip.

What about you? What are your favorite strategies for staying active and eating well while traveling? Share your insights in the comments and stay tuned for more on optimizing your pets’ care before travel.

Join us for an engaging and inspiring conversation with Tricia Croasdell, Global CEO of World Animal Protection.

Growing up in South Africa, Tricia’s deep connection to wildlife sparked a lifelong mission to protect animals and foster a more compassionate world. In this episode, she delves into World Animal Protection’s mission to revolutionize the global food system—making it more humane and sustainable—while confronting the cruel exploitation of wild animals in tourism, fashion, the pet trade, and traditional medicine.

Explore the hidden dangers of wildlife farming, from biodiversity loss to serious public health threats, and discover how World Animal Protection is driving meaningful change on a global scale. Learn how Tricia and her team are working with governments to establish lasting wildlife protection policies and find out how your everyday choices can help create a better future for animals, the environment, and humanity.

Whether you're passionate about animal welfare or looking for ways to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable insights, empowering stories, and a powerful call to action. Don’t miss Tricia’s expert advice on how we can all contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable world. Tune in and get inspired to join the movement for positive change—for animals, people, and the planet.

Join us for an engaging and inspiring conversation with Tricia Croasdell, Global CEO of World Animal Protection.

Growing up in South Africa, Tricia’s deep connection to wildlife sparked a lifelong mission to protect animals and foster a more compassionate world. In this episode, she delves into World Animal Protection’s mission to revolutionize the global food system—making it more humane and sustainable—while confronting the cruel exploitation of wild animals in tourism, fashion, the pet trade, and traditional medicine.

Explore the hidden dangers of wildlife farming, from biodiversity loss to serious public health threats, and discover how World Animal Protection is driving meaningful change on a global scale. Learn how Tricia and her team are working with governments to establish lasting wildlife protection policies and find out how your everyday choices can help create a better future for animals, the environment, and humanity.

Whether you're passionate about animal welfare or looking for ways to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable insights, empowering stories, and a powerful call to action. Don’t miss Tricia’s expert advice on how we can all contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Tune in and get inspired to join the movement for positive change—for animals, people, and the planet.

Links from this episode:

Wildlife. Not Fashion:

https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/our-work/wildlife/fashion/

Traditional Medicine: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/wildlife/commercial-exploitation/traditional-medicine/

Travel Companies Failing Wildlife: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/press-releases/revealed-travel-company-laggards-failing-wildlife/

Expedia News: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/latest/news/expedia-group-dolphins-news/

Virgin Holidays: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/news/win-dolphins-virgin-holidays-ends-sales-captive-dolphin-entertainment/

easyJet holidays: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/latest/news/easyjet-holidays-animal-welfare-policy/

Jet2holidays: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/latest/news/jet2holidays-stop-selling-tickets/

Just Food Transition White Paper: https://justfoodtransitionroadmap.com/

How factory farming puts public health at risk: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/food-systems/factory-farming/hidden-health-impacts/

The Truth about Global Wildlife Farming, Bred for Profit report: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/wildlife/commercial-exploitation/wildlife-farming/bred-for-profit/

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: https://cites.org/eng

We petitioned the Thai Government to Ban Elephant Breeding: https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/latest/blogs/world-animal-protection-presents-thai-government-172k-signatures-to-ban-elephant-breeding/

Protecting South African Lions: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/blogs/protecting-lions-in-south-africa/

Whale Heritage Sites: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/wildlife/innovative-solutions/whale-heritage-sites/#:~:text=Whale%20Heritage%20Site%20locations%3A&text=Bluff%2C%20Durban%2C%20South%20Africa,Algoa%20Bay%2C%20South%20Africa

Protecting Bears in Vietnam: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/blogs/face-to-face-with-vietnams-bile-bears/#:~:text=At%20the%20time%2C%20around%204%2C300,wild%20from%20entering%20the%20farms

Wildlife Selfie Code (past campaign): https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/past-campaigns/wildlife-selfie-code/

Superbugs Found in Waterways Next To Factory Farms: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/latest/press-releases/deadly-superbugs-found-waterways-next-cruel-factory-farms/

Anti-Microbial Resistance: https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/latest/blogs/amr-exposed/

Exotic Pets (past campaign): https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/past-campaigns/exotic-pets/

Follow World Animal Protection on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-animal-protection/mycompany/verification/

Follow World Animal Protection on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldanimalprotection

Follow World Animal Protection on X: https://x.com/movetheworld

Follow World Animal Protection on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldAnimalProtectionInt

Follow Tricia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAAAV_R3YBQM_RPpaptjhSH-H8FfHAQBkYG-M&keywords=tricia%20croasdell&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=530b61dc-69fd-4dda-857e-ea0bfc9e9cf1&sid=R!(&spellCorrectionEnabled=false

In this compelling episode, I sit down with Ashley Hartman, Managing Partner at Bluestein Ventures, to explore how they're transforming the $4 trillion food industry through strategic investments that prioritize nutrition, sustainability, and digital innovation. We dive into Bluestein's forward-thinking strategy, from partnering with startups to navigating the complexities of the food supply chain and driving meaningful growth. You'll also gain insights into the latest trends in plant-based foods, alternative proteins, and the crucial role of technology in addressing America's health crisis. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply passionate about the future of food, this episode is brimming with transformative ideas and actionable insights. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the forces shaping a healthier, more sustainable food system.

Links from the episode:

Ashley Hartman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyhartman2/

Bluestein Ventures:

• https://www.bluesteinventures.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluesteinventures/?viewAsMember=true
• https://bluesteinventures.substack.com
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbohKD78rPF3hU2JddaR4Ew
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyhartman2/

Bluestein Ventures Portfolio Companies:

• https://www.bluesteinventures.com/portfolio
• https://meati.com
• https://attane-health.com
• https://www.factor75.com
• https://www.mori.com

New podcast episode: Join us as we dive deep into the underwater world of aquatic animals and the different sustainability problems facing fisheries and aquaculture sectors with Wasseem Emam, the passionate leader of Ethical Seafood Research.

We explore why our seafood choices matter for ocean health and biodiversity, and the urgent ethical challenges facing both farmed and wild capture seafood operations. Wasseem shares invaluable insights from his years working across the sector as an ecologist and animal welfare researcher, shedding light on innovative solutions and global initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of aquatic life while ensuring sustainable practices for both producers and animals.

He outlines tangible steps taken by his team across Africa to drive positive change within both the public and private sectors and to promote the uptake of responsible production practices.

With a keen eye on the future, we delve into the evolving landscape of the seafood sector and discuss the current standards of fish welfare, pinpointing crucial gaps that demand attention.

But it's not just about identifying problems. We empower listeners with actionable steps to support ethical seafood choices and contribute to a healthier planet.

Join us as we navigate through thought-provoking discussions on how our food choices impact our own health, the health of the animals involved in the food system, and the overall health of our planet.

Wasseem leaves us with a powerful question to ponder daily, igniting a collective journey toward a more compassionate world for all living beings.

Plus, stick around for an enlightening addendum where Wasseem shares personal anecdotes and insights into his journey founding Ethical Seafood Research. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

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Resources from this episode:

ESR website: https://ethicalseafoodresearch.com/

Donation page | PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=W6492VR3J75BJ

Our Underwater Cousins: https://www.valeriemonckton.com/books/

Tilapia Welfare | FAI: https://www.mytilapia.farm/

Welfare in Tilapia Production | FAI Academy: https://fai.academy/aquaculture/welfare-in-tilapia-production-guideline-series/

Seafood guides | Recommendations: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/recommendations/download-consumer-guides

Good Fish Guide: https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/

RSPCA Assured higher welfare standards for salmon & trout: https://www.rspcaassured.org.uk/farmed-animal-welfare/salmon-trout/

Fish Welfare Project - ASC International: https://asc-aqua.org/new-standards-programme-improvements/fish-welfare-project/

What does the blue MSC label mean?: https://www.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/what-does-the-blue-msc-label-mean

BlueNalu: https://www.bluenalu.com/

Fish way: https://www.fishway.fish/

Seaweed caviar | Cavi-art: https://caviart.com/seaweed-caviar-a-plant-based-food/

Marinas Bio: https://marinasbio.com/

BettaFish: https://bettafish.co/

Insect farming and sustainable food systems | Eurogroup: https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/library/insect-farming-and-sustainable-food-systems-precautionary-principle

Article: Farming tuna on land: https://theconversation.com/farming-tuna-on-land-heralded-as-a-win-for-sustainability-but-there-are-serious-concerns-around-animal welfare-216489#:~:text=In%20a%20significant%20breakthrough%20in,as%20a%20win%20for%20sustainability

Caviar Cruelty | Animal Justice: https://animaljustice.ca/exposes/caviar-cruelty

Role and impact of China on world fisheries and aquaculture | European Parliament: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/IPOL_STU(2022)733101

‘We won’t serve it’: leading UK chefs join campaign to cast farmed salmon off menu: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/14/its-a-poor-product-leading-uk-chefs-join-campaign-to-cast-farmed-salmon-off-menu#:~:text=Yet%20an%20increasing%20number%20of,that%20could%20otherwise%20be%20eaten

Askvik Aqua AS: https://www.askvikaqua.no/

Aquaculture Technology | Humane Stunning Solutions: https://aceaquatec.com/aquaculture-products/harvest

Electric stunner for farmed and wild fish: https://optimar.no/docs/default-source/product-sheets/electro-stunner.pdf?sfvrsn=e3f4396b_9

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment | Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81133260

Article: 10 Best Vegan Omega-3 Supplements: https://cleangreensimple.com/article/vegan-omega-3-supplements/

Ethical Seafood Research socials:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethical-seafood-research/
• Instagram (@ethical_seafood_research): https://www.instagram.com/ethical_seafood_research/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalseafoodresearch/
• X (@SeafoodResearch): https://x.com/SeafoodResearch

In honor of World Pet Memorial Day, I wanted to share some ways to support yourself while grieving the loss of your pet. Research shows losing a pets can be just as if not more difficult than losing a person. While there are several complexities to why grieving the loss of a pet is so challenging. One significant factor is that it can feel less socially acceptable to grieve pets openly, because many people don't fully understand or appreciate this grief experience. As a result, taking care of yourself is essential. For me, grieving the loss of animals has been among the most painful experiences of my life. Here's some ways to support yourself during your grieving process based on my experiences.

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Resources from this episode:

[1] https://theconversation.com/why-mourning-a-pet-can-be-harder-than-grieving-for-a-person-195514

[2] https://www.amazon.com/Supporting-Owners-Through-Grief-Veterinarians/dp/1789182395

Join us on a journey of discovery with Dr. Elliot Swartz, Principal Scientist specializing in Cultivated Meat at The Good Food Institute. With experience spearheading projects across food safety, environmental impact, and the cultivated meat value chain, Elliot offers diverse perspectives that enrich our discussion on cultivated meat and seafood.

Explore the current state of animal agriculture, what we mean by cultivated meat, how it differs from conventional meat, and the profound benefits of replacing conventional meat with cultivated alternatives for consumers, manufacturers, animals, and the planet.

Discover how alternative seafood reduces health risks, improves efficiency, production, and the supply chain, and why these breakthroughs hold tremendous promise for marine ecosystems, human health, and sustainability.

Gain insights into opportunities and challenges facing the cultivated meat industry, the role of open-access research, and how various stakeholders can support this transformative field.

Learn how the safety of cultivated meat and seafood products is determined, current regulatory pathways and safety considerations, opportunities for improvement and progress, significant regulatory breakthroughs from 2023, and anticipated progress for this year.

Listen now to discover the current global landscape of cultivated meat and seafood, opportunities to learn more and get involved, and critical steps we can take to support sustainability, benefiting our planet, our health, and the health and welfare of animals worldwide, all from a renowned expert on cultivated meat and seafood and an innovative organization.

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Good Food Institute (GFI) links from this episode:

1. Resources on climate: https://gfi.org/initiatives/climate/
2. State of the Industry Report: Cultivated meat and seafood: https://gfi.org/resource/cultivated-meat-eggs-and-dairy-state-of-the-industry-report/
3. State of Global Policy on Alternative Proteins: https://gfi.org/resource/alternative-proteins-state-of-global-policy/
4. Science of Cultivated Meat: https://gfi.org/science/the-science-of-cultivated-meat/
5. Alternative Protein Research Grants: https://gfi.org/researchgrants/
6. Research Funding Database: https://gfi.org/resource/research-funding-database/
7. Resources for students and universities: How to build alternative protein ecosystems at your university: https://gfi.org/the-alt-protein-project/resource-hub/
8. Webinar on cost drivers of cultivated meat production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBntwqsLb2U
9. Webinar on environmental impacts of cultivated meat production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDgOXqM4MuY
10. Webinar on safety of cultivated meat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgkkx2dld5k&t=8s

Join us as we sit down with Brandy Baker, a seasoned Real Estate Agent from Southeastern Michigan. Brandy is also a passionate shark enthusiast and recently embraced the joys of being a dog mom. In this episode, Brandy shares her inspiring journey, from her remarkable strides in real estate to her triumphs in sobriety and her newfound role as an adoptive dog parent, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Discover the unexpected joys Brandy has found through her fulfilling volunteer work at an animal shelter, advocating for dog fostering, and ultimately welcoming Levi, her beloved pup, into her life. Through candid reflections, Brandy sheds light on how her sobriety journey intertwines with her real estate career, the invaluable support systems that support her, and the profound comfort her furry companion Levi provides during life's most challenging moments.

As our conversation unfolds, we explore the profound link between real estate and pet well-being, delving into the pressing issue of limited pet-friendly housing options and the potential impact of legislation, such as California's proposed bill, aimed at expanding these opportunities by curbing blanket pet bans in rentals.

Drawing from her wealth of experiences, Brandy offers invaluable advice for those navigating similar paths—whether in real estate, volunteering with animal shelters, embracing pet fostering and adoption, or embarking on a sobriety journey. Her insights offer helpful guidance for navigating complex life journeys.

Additionally, we delve into practical considerations for promoting a pet-friendly environment, ensuring your pet's safety, and much more.

Tune in for an insightful discussion celebrating the intersection of passion, purpose, and perseverance in personal and professional realms.

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Links from this episode:

Linktree: http://linktr.ee/bbknowsbest

Website: https://thriverealtyco.com/team/brandy-baker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbknows_realtor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beebop11/

Join us as we delve into pressing sustainability and animal welfare issues with Dr. Fritha Langford, a Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University in the UK. With 25 years of expertise in Farm Animal Welfare, Dr. Langford offers unique perspectives to our discussion.

We explore topics including the challenges and opportunities of groundbreaking innovations like cellular agriculture, gene editing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These advancements hold immense promise in improving the care, health, and welfare of farmed animals, fish, and pets and addressing sustainability concerns, giving us hope for a better future.

Drawing from Dr. Langford's research, we discuss practical and actionable steps that veterinary clinics can take to overcome barriers in providing postoperative care for cats based on real-world scenarios.

We delve into the current state of fish welfare and explore strategies to enhance their well-being. Dr. Langford provides insights on how consumers can support ethical and sustainable practices in their food choices and pet care routines.

We examine critical considerations for decision-making involving various species, from chickens and pigs to cats, cows, dogs, fish, shrimp, and more, all through the lens of sustainability and animal welfare. Dr. Langford also offers valuable advice for those interested in pursuing careers or studies related to animal welfare.

Tune in as we uncover one of the most significant climate-related changes we can make to support sustainability, benefiting our planet, our health, and the health and welfare of animals worldwide.

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Links from this episode:

Dr. Fritha Langford

Newcastle University Animal Science

Climate change, cellular agriculture, gene editing, and animal health/welfare:

VetSustain

Cellular Agriculture Europe

Food Standards Agency

Does Gene Editing Compromise Animal Welfare? Animal Welfare Foundation Conference 2022

Chicken, cat, cow, and fish welfare:

A literature review of broiler chicken welfare, husbandry, and assessment

Artificial intelligence detection of lameness (including comments from the

RSPCA)

Dr. Syamira Zaini's work on cats (published paper)

The Ethical Dairy in Scotland

Improving welfare assessment in aquaculture

How can we improve the welfare assessment of aquaculture fish?

The EU Ban on Battery Cages: History and Prospects

Meat-free Mondays

Are you living in a food desert? These maps suggest it can make a big difference to your health

Less and Better--a call to value our food from the British veterinary Association

Are vegan pet diets as unhealthy as they're claimed to be? Here's what the evidence says

Wet pet food has seven times the carbon emissions of dry food

Animal welfare courses:

Newcastle University Animal Welfare Courses

International Animal Welfare, Ethics, & Law Courses

Coursera Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Coursera The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Professional bodies that have info on animal welfare :

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)

Applied Ethology

End of life considerations for farmed animals:

Humane Slaughter Association

Compassion in World Farming