The Kindness Matters Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What if generosity were as simple as pressing play? We sit down with Dave Lewis, a San Diego accountant and solo pianist who built Playing To Pitch In, a project that routes 100% of streaming royalties directly to six vetted charities. No tip jars, no detours—just music funding impact through automated splits to organizations like the Against Malaria Foundation, Helen Keller International, Best The Book Bus, a local food bank, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and disaster relief groups. Dave walks us through the moment that sparked it all—discovering “earning to give” during 2020—and how he engineered a transparent system where artists and listeners collaborate. We dig into the why behind his charity choices, leaning on GiveWell research for high-impact outcomes: bed nets that prevent malaria, vitamin A supplements that save sight and lives, and literacy programs that build home libraries and confidence. Dave shares a moving story from Tampa, where he helped children pick books right off the bus, and then zooms out with the “drowning child” thought experiment to reframe distance and duty: saving a life far away is no less urgent than saving one next door. Along the way, we explore music’s quiet power to bridge divides, the joy of returning to a shelved passion, and the many small ways anyone can help—time, skills, or simple daily habits like choosing a playlist. Playing To Pitch In has grown beyond Dave, welcoming tracks from other pianists so listeners can support causes while enjoying calm, reflective music on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, and more under “Playing To Pitch In.” Join us as we turn attention into action and art into aid. If this story moves you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a quick review. Then press play on kindness—and tell us which cause you’ll stream for today. This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world. “Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com” Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if kindness isn’t a bonus trait but the backbone of how we build, lead, and create? We sit down with Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary artist Joe Charley—model, actor, musician, choreographer—to explore how empathy becomes skill, how structure unlocks flow, and why tenderness is a form of courage in high-stakes spaces. Joe traces his journey from child performer to intentional creator, sharing the moment he stopped trying to outgrow his past and started forgiving it. That self-empathy, he says, saved him from shame and freed him to practice with focus. He explains how acting taught him that every character believes they’re right, a lesson that transformed how he argues and collaborates: listen first, find the missing piece, then move together. Along the way, we dive into community care as three working parts—structure, joy, and accountability—and how he turns that into real opportunities for young people through organized troupes, deadlines, and stages that treat them like teammates, not tokens. We also talk about curiosity as fuel: not just travel, but everyday exploration—new foods, neighborhood conversations, the stories behind small businesses—that becomes choreography, melody, and story on stage. Joe critiques spaces that perform progress without tenderness and shares a sharper frame: compassion isn’t optional; compassion is infrastructure. Without it, systems collapse. He opens up about projects on the horizon, from singing the national anthem in St. Paul to a summer of new music, and names his north star for audiences: leave feeling seen, energized, and less alone, like you just spoke with someone not trying to win. If this conversation moved you, tap follow, share it with a friend who leads with heart, and leave a review so more people can find us. What’s one limit you’ll set this week to become limitless? This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world. “Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com” Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if Alzheimer’s didn’t close a life, but opened a new way to see it? That’s the question at the heart of our conversation with author and advocate Marilyn Raichle, whose book “Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey” chronicles how a reluctant daughter discovered joy, humor, and dignity alongside her mother living with dementia. We move from fear to curiosity as Marilyn shares the moment a simple painting class changed everything—the hum of focus, the pull of community, and the art that silenced stigma with beauty. Together we explore how language shapes care. Saying “living with dementia” invites partnership; saying “suffering from” reduces people to symptoms. Marilyn breaks down the practical shifts that follow: stop asking “Do you remember?” start asking open questions; measure success by connection, not recall; design small rituals—walks, music, Scrabble—that build attention and trust. Her mother’s creativity becomes a north star, showing that purpose and pleasure can bloom even as memory fades. The result is a human, hopeful roadmap families can use right away. We also zoom out to the systems level. Marilyn’s exhibits for The Art of Alzheimer’s drew thousands and sparked the most powerful response of all: “I had no idea.” That spark fuels her work with Maud’s Awards, which fund innovative Alzheimer’s care and publish free handbooks so anyone can adopt ideas that work. From drumming circles to intergenerational programs, these solutions prove that when we see value, we invest—and when we invest, people thrive. If you’re a caregiver, a health professional, or simply someone who wants to show up better for others, this episode offers tools you can use today: smile first, ask before telling, create low-barrier choices, and protect dignity at every turn. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find stories that change the way we care. What small ritual will you try this week to spark joy for someone you love? This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here: Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now. “Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like you’re sprinting through life in the wrong shoes? We sat down with inner glow coach and author Angie Hawkins to unpack how compassion, boundaries, and vulnerable honesty can move you from chasing approval to living with grounded confidence. Angie’s memoir, Running in Slippers, becomes a vivid metaphor for growth: sometimes playful, sometimes painful, always real. She opens up about the childhood patterns that fuel people pleasing and perfectionism, then shares how an emotional rock bottom led her to rebuild from the inside out. We dig into the difference between forgiveness and self-compassion, especially when “forgive and forget” feels like erasing harm. Angie explains why starting with kindness toward yourself can reduce reactivity, reveal the grief under anger, and allow you to see others’ behavior without excusing it. From there, we get practical: what compassionate boundaries sound like, how to check your tone without watering down your line, and why your emotional safety is non-negotiable. You’ll hear a powerful workplace story where shifting to empathy uncovered hidden fear and transformed a tense relationship—proof that clarity plus care can change outcomes. This conversation also reframes leadership. Compassion isn’t a soft skill; it’s a stabilizing force in teams, relationships, and communities. We explore how to practice empathy without self-abandonment, how observation builds emotional regulation, and why calm presence can elevate a room more than outrage ever will. Whether you’re healing after a breakup, shedding perfectionism, or trying to lead with heart at work, you’ll walk away with tools to protect your light and still see the human in front of you. If the conversation moved you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review—what’s one boundary you’ll set this week? Your reflections help others find the show and keep this kindness-forward community growing. This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here: Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now. Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if a warm cup and a square of chocolate could turn fear into trust? We sit down with speaker and community builder Andrea Putting, the heart behind Chocolate and Coffee Break, to explore how small, shared rituals help people feel safe, heard, and human again. Born from the aftermath of the Sydney siege and the #IllRideWithYou wave of solidarity, Andrea’s simple practice has grown from a single day into a year-round movement that workplaces, neighborhoods, and friends can use to bridge differences. We unpack why familiar rituals matter: holding a cup signals safety, scent and taste soften defenses, and a slow tempo gives room for honesty. Andrea makes a clear distinction between listening to reply and listening to understand, showing how presence, gentle questions, and even shared silence help people tell the stories they rarely voice. From conversations across faiths to a moving account of a transgender guest finding space to heal, she shows how attention, not argument, changes outcomes. You’ll hear practical steps for creating safe space—put away the phone, start with common ground, use noninvasive “heartwarming” prompts—and how to scale the ritual from one-on-one to group gatherings and even fundraisers. We talk about belonging as prevention: noticing the person at the edge before harmful groups offer their counterfeit version of community. The result is a quiet, durable form of kindness that anyone can practice today. If you’re ready to replace division with presence and curiosity, this conversation offers a map you can use on your next break. Subscribe for more thoughtful stories, share this with someone who needs a gentle nudge toward connection, and leave a review to help others find the show. Who will you invite for your next Chocolate and Coffee Break? This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here: Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now. Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com Support the show

Send us Fan Mail New to The Kindness Matters Podcast? Start here. If you’re looking for uplifting podcast episodes, real stories about kindness, or inspiring conversations that restore hope, this episode is the perfect place to begin. With over 150 episodes, we’ve pulled together 5 of the most impactful, meaningful, and inspiring stories that truly represent what The Kindness Matters Podcast is all about—kindness in action, real people making a difference, and hope in a world that needs it. From “Me” to “We” Discover how shifting your mindset from individual success to community impact can transform lives. A powerful conversation about empathy, connection, and purpose. Brewing Hope How coffee, community, and compassion come together to create real change. This episode highlights how small ideas can lead to big impact. The Ripple Effect of One Good Deed One act of kindness can create a chain reaction. Learn how simple actions can spread positivity further than you ever imagined. Stamps4Hope A unique story of turning passion into purpose. See how creativity and generosity can make a lasting difference in people’s lives. Heartfelt Stories of Loss, Love, and Libraries An emotional and inspiring conversation about grief, healing, and finding connection in unexpected places. Why Listen to The Kindness Matters Podcast? This podcast is for anyone who: positive, uplifting contentreal stories of kindness and compassionEach episode features individuals, nonprofits, and organizations working to create meaningful change through kindness. Support & Share Kindness If these stories inspire you: Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Compassion gets called a “soft skill,” but what if it’s the hardest form of strength? We sit down with Tammy Ward, a former RCMP leader who spent 24 years across federal, provincial, and municipal policing—from major crimes to remote northern posts—to unpack how empathy saves relationships, reduces conflict, and sustains teams in the toughest moments. Tammy shares clear, lived examples of de‑escalation through listening and presence, including why speaking with rather than at people can prevent force and build trust that lasts beyond a single call. The conversation goes deep on leadership after trauma. Tammy recounts the aftermath of a line‑of‑duty tragedy that killed three officers and injured two, and how she was asked to steady the team through grief. Her approach defied the old “suck it up” script: small human gestures, honest language about pain and suicide, and a culture where asking for help signals courage, not weakness. We also dive into domestic violence response—the danger, the complexity, and the power of survivor‑centered communication. Gender dynamics, team agreements, and matching the right responder to the moment come into focus as practical, repeatable tools. We challenge the burnout myth that compassion drains you. Tammy argues that silence—not softness—breaks people, and that self‑compassion plus peer support protects performance over time. You’ll hear how to spot early disengagement, why naming suicide matters for real change, and what it takes to build workplaces where rank isn’t confused with leadership. If you care about human‑centered leadership, psychological safety, and trauma‑aware teams, this conversation offers direct, usable steps you can apply today. If the message resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show. This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here: Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now. Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com Support the show

Send a text What if the strongest form of advocacy didn’t sound loud, but felt deeply human? We sit down with Whitney Price, founder and executive director of Unpuzzled Parents Connect, to unpack how empathy, clarity, and community can move mountains for families raising neurodiverse kids. From West Virginia’s resource deserts to two-hour doctor trips and long insurance battles, Whitney shows how facts over fury and kindness over shame can open doors that frustration often slams shut. We trace the family journey from the shock of an early autism diagnosis to the quiet heroics of daily advocacy: documenting medical necessity, lining up provider letters, and appealing denials with patience and precision. Whitney shares practical tactics for IEP meetings, healthcare pushback, and those tough moments when a child’s sensory needs collide with rigid systems. Along the way, she refuses the false choice between being “nice” and being “effective,” proving that compassion is a strategy, not a soft spot. Connection anchors everything. Whitney explains how a simple support group grew into a nonprofit that trains parents, hosts expert voices, and builds bridges through story and practical tools. We spotlight a powerful school initiative—classroom kits that reached 4,000 students—designed to turn Autism Awareness into Acceptance with honest Q&A, people-first language, and invitations to play. And we tackle two stubborn myths head-on: that autistic kids lack empathy, and that gentle parenting is permissive. Whitney offers nuanced, lived insight on both, plus a vital reminder that self-compassion keeps caregivers steady for the long road. If you care about advocacy, inclusion, and family resilience, you’ll find hope and actionable steps here—ways to stay firm without hardening, and to build systems that actually work for kids. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find this support. This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day." Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now. “Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com” Support the show

Send a text What if the strongest performance tool you have isn’t a dashboard, but dignity? We sit down with Paul Meunier, executive director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association, and author of the book Relationships Are Everything: What Youth Workers Teach Us About Leadership, to unpack why kindness and empathy are not soft—they’re the hard, practical skills that power trust, retention, and meaningful results. Drawing on decades as a psychotherapist, community leader, and advocate, Paul shares what youth workers already know: relationships are the foundation of growth, whether you’re guiding a teenager through turmoil or leading a cross-functional team through change. We dig into the real mechanics of human-centered leadership. You’ll hear why transactional management falls flat in a world that needs independent thinkers and collaborators, how Gen Z stays loyal when coached and respected, and the crucial distinction between cognitive empathy (perspective-taking that strengthens outcomes) and affective empathy (absorbing others’ pain that can cause burnout). Paul offers concrete ways to create belonging and recognition so people bring their whole selves to work—and willingly go the extra mile because it matters, not because they’re pressured. The conversation also steps outside the office into our neighborhoods. Stories of strangers helping each other, even across political lines, remind us that most people are decent and eager to contribute when given the chance. That spirit scales at work through small, sincere actions: ask a real question, listen without fixing, and follow through on support. If you’re ready to replace outdated grind culture with a culture of care, this episode gives you language, frameworks, and examples to start today. "This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com to learn more. Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day." Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the Support the show

Send a text Welcome to The Kindness Matters Podcast — a space for people who believe small acts still change the world. In a culture that feels loud, divided, and quick to judge, this podcast explores something quieter but stronger: kindness. Not as a cliché. Not as a slogan. But as a daily decision that shapes families, communities, and the tone of our hearts. If you’re tired of outrage fatigue and ready for conversations that challenge you to live differently — this is your place. New episodes drop every Thursday. Hit follow and join a community choosing compassion over cynicism. Support the show

Send a text New here? Start with this 82-second overview of what this show is about. Support the show

Send a text A bold claim said empathy is “toxic.” We took that personally—and turned it into a rich, practical conversation about what empathy really is, how it works, and why it makes families, classrooms, and communities stronger. With consultant, author, and caregiver Linda Lemos, we move past slogans and look at empathy as a skill you can learn, teach, and use every day without lowering standards or excusing harm. We start with caregiving, where pain and patience collide and where boundaries and compassion must live together. Linda shares how empathy shifts reactions from reflexive judgment to informed response, especially when behavior is driven by pain, fear, or medication changes. From there, we zoom into schools. What happens when empathy is built into the culture? Kids take intellectual risks, ask real questions, and navigate conflict instead of fearing it. We compare U.S. realities with Norway’s long-standing commitment to empathy training and emotional regulation across grades, as well as cooperative learning and dialogue-first conflict resolution. We also push back on the idea that “feelings” distract from learning. Emotional regulation strengthens focus, problem solving, and resilience—the bedrock of academic success. Cutting counselors and relying on policing as a first response creates brittle systems that punish rather than teach. We talk about what breaks down when empathy is dismissed—trust, communication, accountability—and how that shows up at home, at school, and online. Then we get practical: simple scripts you can use today, like “Help me understand what you’re feeling” or “Tell me more about how you see this,” and small acts of curiosity that rebuild connection in everyday places. If you’re ready to replace hot takes with human skills, this conversation offers hope and a toolkit. Listen, share with someone who cares about kids and community, and leave a review to help others find the show. Subscribe for more stories and practice you can use this week. "This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com to learn more. Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day." Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the Support the show

Send a text Grief can stop you in your tracks—or it can become the ground where purpose takes root. We welcome Debbie Simmons, a “legacy architect” whose life moved from devastating loss to intentional impact, as she shares how she traded the unanswerable why for the empowering how and designed a life that serves families for generations. Debbie tells the story of losing her quadruplets at 26 weeks and the two questions that reshaped everything: how do I survive, and later, how do I thrive. That shift led to adopting nine children from sibling groups and learning trauma-informed parenting the hard, human way. She explains why a child in crisis isn’t the problem but is having a problem, and how our calm presence becomes the medicine that nervous systems seek. Along the way, we talk about the unsung kindness that holds families together—meals on the porch, an hour of respite, and a foster family who prepared kids to trust new parents on day one. We also dig into leadership. As founder and CEO of Anchor Point, Debbie builds a culture where extreme grace meets clear accountability. Assumptions are challenged, curiosity leads hard conversations, and the default posture is we are for each other. She walks us through Anchor Point’s ecosystem—medical clinic support for unexpected pregnancy, case management, parenting education, a maternity home for homeless moms, and therapeutic camps for adoptive families—showing how practical tools and stable relationships lift the tide of parenting across a community. If you’re navigating loss, adoption, team dynamics, or the desire to build something that lasts, this conversation offers a blueprint: lead yourself first, ask better questions, accept help, and keep taking the next best step. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs hope today, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories of grace at work. "This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com to learn more. Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day." Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now. “I Support the show

Send a text The world feels sharper than it used to. Conversations cut faster. Systems feel colder. And many good people feel tempted to harden—not because they don’t care, but because they’re tired. In this final bonus episode of The Kindness Matters Podcast, Mike shares why staying soft in a harsh world is not weakness—it’s courage. Drawing from his new book, Still Changing A World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference, he explores how we can protect our humanity without burning out, disappearing, or becoming bitter. This episode is about boundaries instead of walls, rest instead of retreat, and why small, everyday acts of kindness matter more—not less—when big systems feel broken. In this episode, you’ll hear: Featured readings from the book: “When You’re Tempted to Harden Your Heart”“Small Acts Matter More When Big Systems Feel Broken”Key takeaway: You are not responsible for fixing the whole world. You are responsible for how you show up in the part of it you touch. Kindness doesn’t require perfection, consensus, or constant output. It requires presence, boundaries, and the courage to stay human—especially when the world makes that hard. Resources & Links: Still Changing A World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference (Available wherever books are sold — link in show notes)If this episode resonated: Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. And thank you for staying soft in a sharp world. If you would like to purchase this book in either Kindle format or Paperback you can do that here. Support the show

Send a text In this bonus episode of the Kindness Matters podcast, host Mike Rathbun dives into one of the core ideas from his book Still Changing a World: Small Acts Of Kindness That Make A Big Difference; kindness is not neutral—it is courageous. He explores why neutrality is passive while kindness is an active, often costly choice that can require comfort, convenience, and even approval. Mike reads a powerful section from the book that unpacks how kindness asks us to stay human in dehumanizing moments, choose compassion over convenience, hold boundaries without cruelty, and interrupt harm even when it’s uncomfortable. Speaking directly to those who feel tired, overwhelmed, or tempted to go quiet, he offers validation and hope, reminding listeners that they don’t have to be loud to be brave or fix everything to matter. This episode is an invitation to keep showing up as yourself, consistently, even when the emotional cost feels high. Who This Episode Is For AmazonTake the Next Step If this episode spoke to you, consider sharing it—or the book—with someone who is tired but hasn’t given up yet. Let it be a reminder that choosing kindness, again and again, is one of the bravest things we can do. Support the show

Send a text In this bonus episode of the Kindness Matters podcast, host Mike Rathman shares the heart and hope behind his new book, Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness that Make a Big Difference. Instead of a sales pitch, Mike offers an invitation into the “why” behind the project and reflects on what it means to keep choosing kindness in a world that feels sharper, faster, and more divided than ever. He reads a short passage from the book’s introduction, exploring how true change has always depended on quiet, everyday choices—how we treat one another when no one is watching and how we respond when it would be easier to harden than to care. Mike also unpacks why kindness today can feel almost defiant, and why continuing to lead with humanity is both simple and incredibly hard. If you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or unsure how to stay kind without disappearing, this conversation will feel like a gentle, needed reminder that you’re not alone. Who This Episode Is For Link to the book: Available in Paperback or Kindle. Support the show

Send a text What if the smallest act of kindness could shift someone from isolation to hope? We sit down with mental health advocate, peer support specialist, and nonprofit founder Maddie Andrews to unpack what recovery really looks like for people living with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder—and why stigma keeps too many from asking for help. Maddie’s candid story moves from a year of medical crisis to a mission: make mental health care equitable, accessible, and free of shame through peer-led support and community education. Across this conversation, we explore how lived experience builds instant trust in support groups, why “I’ve been there” can open a door that clinical language can’t, and how kindness lowers the barrier to resources like therapy, medication, and crisis planning. Maddie explains the structure of JE Support Group’s free offerings: a national virtual group for schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar communities and two local, in-person groups for broader mental health needs. We dig into concrete tools members share—daily routines, sleep strategies, medication management, and communication skills—and the deep relief of being seen without judgment. We also get practical about inclusion at work and school. From flexible policies and accommodations to trauma-informed training, small shifts create safer spaces where people can speak up early and avoid crises. Affordability remains a pressing barrier, even with insurance, so we talk navigation tips, sliding-scale options, and why grassroots organizations matter. The takeaway is clear: recovery isn’t the absence of a diagnosis; it’s the presence of support, agency, and community. If you or someone you love needs connection, JE Support’s virtual group is open nationwide. If this conversation lifts you up, share it with a friend, leave a rating, and subscribe so you never miss a new story of kindness in action. Your one share might be the spark someone needs today. "This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com to learn more. Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day." Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the Support the show

Send us a text What if the safest schools aren’t the ones with the toughest rules, but the ones where every kid feels seen? We sit down with Dr. Beth Sanborn—26-year police veteran turned school safety coordinator—to unpack how compassion, trust, and everyday presence can prevent harm long before discipline or court becomes part of the picture. Beth takes us inside the real work of a school resource officer: mentor, educator, and, when necessary, law enforcement. She explains why a “stolen Oreo” is a moment for curiosity, not cuffs, and how asking why behavior happens leads to smarter, fairer outcomes. We go deep on early intervention, the myths that feed the school-to-prison pipeline, and the practical steps that keep small missteps from becoming life-altering records. Her candor about vicarious trauma and finding purpose in schools brings rare clarity to how adults can help without harming. You’ll also learn the story behind Hidden, High, and Hammered, Beth’s program that helps adults spot subtle signs of substance use. From fruity-smelling bathrooms to clever stash spots, she shares what teens actually tell trusted adults and how that insight can guide prevention. Beth’s two daily habits—smile often and use students’ names—sound simple, but they transform hallways into safer spaces. We talk empowering students by including them in solutions, and we share a “golden question” for parents that maps who a child turns to when life goes right—and when it goes wrong. If you care about school safety, youth mental health, early intervention, and building trust between students and adults, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague or caregiver, and leave a review to help more listeners find these tools—and tell us: what small habit will you start using tomorrow? Support the show

Send us a text What happens when grit, humor, and sharp self-advocacy meet a system that still talks over disabled people? We sit down with author, podcaster, and athlete Win Charles for a wide-open conversation about cerebral palsy, pain that won’t be ignored, and the stubborn hope that keeps her training for Kona even as she prepares for a hip replacement at 37. Win breaks down what CP actually feels like—spasticity that clamps like a rubber band, a startle reflex that can derail recovery—and the cascading impact of a fall that left her hip 50 degrees out of the socket. She shares the moments that cut deepest: being dismissed at the ER, a pre-op staffer asking others to sign for her, and an anesthesiologist who brushed off her documented allergy. Through it all, she models what real advocacy sounds like: clear language, repeated boundaries, and a refusal to surrender decision-making power over her own body. We widen the lens to education, where accommodations exist on paper but often vanish in practice. Win calls out professors who skip IEPs, highlights the invisible labor students carry, and offers concrete steps for allies: learn the basics of CP and disability, shadow a special education teacher, and design access before it’s requested. Then we come back to the everyday—the narrow clinic doorway, the broken door button, the shower that turns into a puzzle—because access lives or dies in these small, solvable details. There’s joy here too. Win's Ironman story challenges every lazy myth about disability and ambition, and her rebuild plan after surgery is both disciplined and hopeful. The throughline is simple and strong: speak to the person, not the aide; hold the door when the button fails; believe people when they describe their bodies; and when it’s your turn to move, just do it. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find conversations that center dignity, access, and action. Your support keeps these stories in the light. Support the show

Send us a text A terrified hello on a budget flight became a life raft—and then a blueprint for community. We sit down with photographer and connection-builder Adam Schluter to explore how he turned awkward street moments into lasting friendships, a global chorus of stories, and a backyard tradition that has welcomed more than 10,000 neighbors to the same picnic tables. Adam traces the origins of Hello From A Stranger from early rejection to a pivotal encounter with a young refugee in Milan who had never been asked for his photo. That moment reframed the mission: people don’t just want to be photographed—they want to be seen. We unpack why scripts sound like sales, how vulnerability signals safety faster than polish, and why face-to-face time creates empathy no feed can replicate. Along the way, Adam explains how Monday Night Dinners began with burnt mac and cheese and evolved into a zero-agenda gathering with local music, potluck plates, and simple norms that keep business and politics at bay while making space for real talk. This conversation goes beyond feel-good quotes. We get practical about hosting community without a budget, using music as a social buffer for introverts, and teaching teens the lost skills of eye contact and conversation. Adam shares plans to seed dinners in Mexico City and Japan, plus a clear definition of kindness as service—especially to people who have nothing to offer you. If you’ve been feeling isolated, or you’re craving a way to turn neighbors into friends, you’ll leave with a roadmap you can use this week: say hello, invite two people to eat, skip the pitch, and keep showing up. If this story resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a seat at the table, and leave a review to help more people find their way to connection. Support the show