The Kindness Matters Podcast

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

Send us a text What if kindness could rebuild a city block by block—and it started with a free concert? We sit down with Stephan Palmer, founder and CEO of Youth on Fire, to trace the journey from community shows in Hartford to a full-scale mentoring and family support network changing how youth grow, learn, and lead. Stephan’s approach is disarmingly simple: build trust first, then layer in faith, academics, and real-world creativity. When a mentor says, “We’re the GPS; you pick the destination,” kids stop bracing for judgment and start mapping their futures. You’ll hear how a silent middle schooler lit up over Naruto and, session by session, found his voice, his footing, and a passion for service—now volunteering at coat and school supply drives and bringing friends into the fold. We dig into Hartford’s unique pressures—parents working multiple jobs, kids feeling unseen—and how Youth on Fire answers with relevant skills: music production, fashion design, podcasting, branding, and entrepreneurship. Cross-promotion becomes a classroom, and collaboration becomes a credential. As confidence rises, grades follow, and the spark of possibility grows into a plan. Partnerships make the model scalable. Schools secured grants and Apple labs that transformed a single laptop into a media hub. A cosmetology school and a retailer help single dads step into interviews with dignity. State leaders supported licensing, MOUs, and family-centered work that stabilizes homes and lifts outcomes. Stefan shares future plans to add a women’s component and thoughtfully expand beyond Connecticut, while keeping the core promise intact: listen deeply, act practically, and let youth leadership drive the ripple effect. If stories of real transformation give you hope, this one delivers—with concrete tools, candid moments, and a roadmap any community can adapt. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who cares about kids and families, and leave a review so more people can find it. Your ripple starts here. Support the show

Send us a text A single kind gesture can flip an entire day—and sometimes an entire town. That’s the spark behind this heart-forward conversation with musician and photographer Cathy Catterson, where we explore how small, visible acts of care become a neighborhood’s safety net. From a local pizza shop offering slices to anyone who’s hungry to little free libraries turning into little free pantries, we trace the real-world ways generosity scales at the community level long before it trends online. We dig into the practical side of compassion: how to support small businesses so they can keep serving as hubs for connection, why paying in cash can ease fee burdens, and what happens when a town rallies to keep doors open. Cathy shares stories from her life—a bumper crop of tomatoes, childhood memories of shared garden plots, and the simple power of a sincere compliment—to show how micro-kindness improves mental health, reduces conflict, and fuels civic pride. We don’t dodge the hard questions either. Yes, a few people may misuse help, but the cost of withholding aid from those in need is far higher. The takeaway is clear: better to feed ten and risk one extra than to starve the nine who depend on you. You’ll leave with concrete ideas you can try today: restock a pantry, offer a ride to a food shelf, compliment a stranger, or spend intentionally at a family-owned shop. Kindness is a practice, and practice builds culture. Listen to hear how creativity, empathy, and action intersect—and why your smallest gesture might start the next ripple of change. If this conversation moved you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more stories of everyday goodness, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your support keeps these ripples going. 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. Intro music: “Human First” by Mike Baker – YouTube: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying: https://open.spotify.com/show/1iE5t5Nrbs0MyLORJpfiYu?si=f5b71d45b182448b | Website: https://www.mikebakerhq.com Support the show

Send us a text What if kindness isn’t about being agreeable, but about choosing love that expands you? We sit down with energy healer and 13-sidereal astrologer Tiffany O’Hearn to unpack the real difference between performative niceness and the kind of kindness that heals trauma, strengthens boundaries, and rebuilds community. From the first moments, Tiffany grounds the conversation in integrity—why intent matters, how language shapes energy, and how a simple thank you can open a closed nervous system. We explore the three P’s of people-pleasing—prevent, persuade, please—and how they quietly drain respect for self and others. Tiffany shares practical tools to spot the twist of a fearful yes, listen for the first voice of intuition, and make choices that feel expansive rather than constricted. You’ll hear how receiving praise, help, or a paid coffee without instantly “paying it back” restores the giving-and-receiving loop that keeps generosity alive. We dive into the mirror effect of trauma on our narratives, the way we seek evidence to confirm our beliefs, and how curiosity disrupts judgment across political, cultural, and personal lines. The conversation moves from inner work to communal practice: creating low-wall spaces where people can gather without performance, from trail communities to neighborhood rituals. Tiffany’s nature metaphors—a flower that doesn’t negotiate with the bee, grass that rebounds after a step—offer a blueprint for resilience and grace. Expect candid stories, clear frameworks, and grounded takeaways you can use today: accept the compliment, check your body’s signal, set the kind boundary, and ask what you don’t yet know. If this resonated, share it with a friend who needs some encouragement, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your kind word might be the spark someone else is waiting for. 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." “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 a text What if bliss isn’t something you hunt, but something you remember? We sit down with meditation teacher and healer Anni Eza, co-founder of Seeds of Bliss, to explore a grounded path to emotional freedom that blends ancient wisdom with modern psychotherapy. Annie shares how she created a structured yet flexible method that honors each person’s story, nervous system, and pace—so healing stops feeling like a maze and starts feeling like a homecoming. Across the hour, we unpack the difference between joy, happiness, and bliss; why linear productivity burns us out; and how honoring the seasons of the soul restores energy and clarity. Annie walks us through real, moving case studies: women navigating recurrent miscarriage who carried to term after clearing deep fears and inherited beliefs; elite athletes told they were done who returned to the field with a layered approach that paired medical care with somatic and energetic work. The throughline is integration—body and mind, science and soul, self and community. We also talk about the loneliness that comes from feeling “other,” and why community is a healing technology in its own right. Group sessions at Seeds of Bliss address collective patterns like shame, grief, and belonging, while one-on-one work tends personal trauma with precision. Annie’s stance on self-leadership is refreshing: reclaim your power and choose what’s right for you, while holding the long-term good of the collective. If it harms the whole, it won’t serve you either. Looking for a community that speaks your language? Annie’s team runs a free Facebook group and launches a new membership to support ongoing practice, seasonal resets, and kindred connection. Listen, reflect, and share with someone who needs proof that wholeness is possible. If the conversation resonates, follow the show, leave a rating or review, and pass it on—who in your life needs this bridge between science and soul? 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." “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 a text What if kindness wasn’t a mood but a method? We sit down with leadership coach and former educator Matthew Reynolds to explore how a daily equity lens can turn compassion into measurable change at work, in classrooms, and across communities. Matthew shares the origin story behind Crafting Your Equity Lens—born from years of watching metrics eclipse humanity—and why co-creating norms, inviting play, and centering dignity can transform culture faster than any slogan. We dig into the core question, “How much of my thinking is my thinking?” and unpack how culture, trauma, and hierarchy script our choices until we rewrite them with intention. Matthew, through his consulting group MRRConsulting maps a clear path from introspection to action: a scaffolded workshop, accountability pods, 90‑day challenges, and a living equity lens you read daily and revise as you grow. He offers a powerful advocacy example—creative, nonviolent, and consent-aware—that shows how to disrupt harm while honoring everyone’s dignity. Along the way, we challenge performative protest, contrast rugged individualism with belonging, and outline concrete steps to start today: define your terms, map your influences, pick one behavior to disrupt, and one practice to divest from. You’ll leave with tools to build psychological safety, strengthen teams, and design community action that is authentic, effective, and humanizing. If you’re ready to move past good intentions and build a kinder culture on purpose, this conversation will meet you where you are and invite you forward. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow and share the show, leave a quick review, and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly reminders and resources that help you craft your own equity lens. Your ripple starts now. Support the show

Send us a text Ever notice how fast a comment thread jumps from one story to “they’re all like that”? We take a close, compassionate look at overgeneralization—why our brains reach for it, how it spreads through media and memes, and what it does to real people on the other end of the label. With clear examples and an accessible dive into social psychology, we unpack the mental shortcuts that once kept us safe and now flatten complex identities into easy categories. Mike shares the subtle ways language shapes reality, exploring how repeated phrases harden into beliefs that chip away at empathy. We talk through the ripple effects when immigrants are branded criminals, when people with disabilities are reduced to a label, or when entire generations are dismissed as lazy. The conversation stays grounded in practical change: person-first language that centers dignity, curiosity that opens doors instead of closing minds, and calm, respectful ways to challenge “those people” statements at the dinner table or in your feed. You’ll also get a simple one-day experiment to spot and disrupt blanket statements in your own world, plus gentle prompts that help rebuild nuance without losing conviction. By the end, you’ll have tools to notice labels, ask better questions, and choose words that make room for human detail. If you value empathy, accuracy, and kindness rooted in truth, this one offers a clear path forward. If this resonates, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find conversations that put people first. What generalization will you challenge this week? Support the show

Send us a text A rainbow that loses its colors is a striking image—and the perfect doorway into a conversation about how small acts of kindness can change a day, a classroom, and a community. We sit down with preschool teacher and author Kelly Turner to unpack the heart and craft behind The Little Rainbow Who Lost Its Colors, a children’s book where friends restore brightness through caring deeds and gentle encouragement. Kelly brings 14 years in the classroom to her writing, starting every story with a clear moral and building characters and scenes around that message. She shares how focusing on empathy, responsibility, and simple, repeatable actions makes the story not only memorable but useful for social-emotional learning at home and at school. You’ll hear how teachers are adapting the book with a playful “kindness wand,” turning compliments and helping hands into a daily ritual that boosts confidence and fosters belonging. We also get practical about the creative process. Kelly walks through drafting, editing, and self-publishing, including finding an illustrator on Fiverr, handling revisions, and learning from early misprints. She explains why a bilingual Spanish edition matters for accessibility, how a bundled coloring book deepens engagement, and what’s next for the rainbow as a series—tackling self-esteem, bullying prevention, and positive identity in kid-friendly ways. Along the way, Kelly’s message stays simple and strong: kindness is cool, kindness is free, and it’s powerful enough to color the sky. If you care about raising kinder kids, teaching empathy with tangible tools, or creating meaningful children’s stories, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a friend who loves children’s books, and leave a quick review to help more families and educators 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 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. 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 a text The holidays can feel like a spotlight—bright, demanding, and sometimes blinding—especially when there’s an empty chair at the table. We sit down with certified grief educator Maria Belanic, whose loss of her son reshaped how she understands healing, to talk candidly about what helps, what hurts, and how kindness can make the season more human. Instead of pushing forced cheer or tidy endings, we build a framework for real support that honors memories and respects limits. Maria unpacks why grief doesn’t follow stages or timelines and offers her CARE pillars—Compassion, Acknowledge, Release, Embrace—as a steady guide through unpredictable days. Together, we challenge holiday myths, share simple scripts you can use right away, and normalize changing plans: keep a tradition, reinvent it, or skip it entirely. We talk about naming the person who’s missing, bringing a favorite dish in their honor, and asking better questions like “How are you feeling today?” that invite truth without pressure. You’ll learn how to set boundaries with hosts, plan graceful exits, and support someone who chooses to stay home without making them feel forgotten. This conversation is about presence over performance and attention over avoidance. If you’ve worried about “saying the wrong thing,” you’ll hear clear, compassionate alternatives. If you’re grieving, you’ll get language to protect your energy and permission to be exactly where you are. And if you love someone who is grieving, you’ll discover small kindnesses that turn isolation into connection. If this resonates, share it with someone who might need gentler holidays this year, then follow and leave a review so more people can find conversations that heal. 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." “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 a text Ever felt that dizzy aftertaste of a conversation where everything somehow becomes your fault? We sit down with coach and mentor Kyle Miller to untangle the confusion around narcissistic abuse, the misuse of the word “narcissist,” and the practical steps that help survivors reclaim clarity, confidence, and peace. Kyle shares a grounded way to tell patterns apart, focusing on three crucial signals: accountability, empathy, and compassion. From there, we explore how emotional abuse hides in plain sight—not as one dramatic event, but as a string of small, explainable moments that add up to harm. Kyle explains why rumination is the mind’s attempt to make sense of chaos and how validation turns looping thoughts into a coherent story you can finally put down. We also dig into the difference between niceness and kindness, why your downtime counts as a real appointment, and how to build boundaries that protect your energy without isolating you from healthy connection. For friends watching from the outside, Kyle offers a better approach than “just leave.” You’ll hear why questions beat ultimatums, how intermittent reinforcement keeps people stuck, and what earned trust looks like after you’ve been burned. Along the way, Kyle shares parts of his own journey—how one blunt, caring challenge saved him from a false story about himself—and the coaching practices he uses to help clients move from survival to a life that feels like theirs again. If you’re sorting through gaslighting, rebuilding self-trust, or trying to support someone you love, this conversation pairs clear definitions with compassionate tools you can use today. Want more of these insights and resources? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, 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 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. Support the show

Send us a text What if the strongest antidote to perfectionism isn’t tougher goals, but kinder ones? We sit down with life coach and former Dartmouth swim coach Jenn Verser to explore how compassion—especially the kind we offer ourselves—can loosen the grip of people pleasing, fear of failure, and the constant need to outperform. Jen brings candid stories from elite athletics and real-world coaching, showing how high achievers can reframe identity, find alignment, and rebuild confidence without burning out. We dig into why perfectionism is rising among students and professionals, how cultural pressure moves the finish line, and what happens when your “best” meets a room full of “bests.” Jenn shares practical tools that work: say your inner monologue out loud so you can hear its tone, practice receiving help as a gift rather than a debt, and use conversation—not just policy—to lead with integrity. Her story about keeping a struggling athlete on the team reveals how context, transparency, and accountability can transform outcomes. This is leadership that starts at the human level and scales through trust. We also talk about life beyond the resume. Jenn explains her shift from corporate to coaching to be present for her child and aging parents, and how anyone can start realignment without quitting their job. Expect concrete takeaways on boundaries, self-trust, emotional recovery, and how to replace “always-on” with honest priorities. If you’ve been measuring your worth by output, this conversation offers a warmer, smarter metric: progress you can feel. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a gentler path to growth, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your voice helps this community of kindness grow. "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." Support the show

Send us a text What if a classroom could feel like a rehearsal room—brave, focused, and full of possibility? We sit down with 25-year-old performing arts teacher Avelyn Simons to explore how kindness, boundaries, and creative practice can transform shy teens into confident speakers and generous teammates. From building a drama program from scratch to steering a mixed-ability public speaking class, Avelyn shares real stories, simple systems, and a service-first approach that makes empathy actionable. We dig into the realities of earning respect as a young educator and why “phone jail” isn’t about control but about making space for presence. Avelyn breaks down how theater games lower social risk, how structure turns nerves into clarity, and how students learn more than lines—they learn to read a room, project calm, and show up for each other. The conversation moves from backstage heroics and 10-second costume changes to community trips where students bring the magic of performance to immigrant and lower-income families, reframing talent as a gift meant to be shared. Along the way, you’ll hear about moments that sparkle—singing at the Empire State Building, unexpected breakthroughs from a sports kid who found his voice, and the handwritten notes that remind teachers why the work matters. If you care about arts education, classroom culture, student confidence, or practical ways to weave empathy into everyday learning, this conversation will land. Subscribe, share with a teacher or parent who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us your favorite takeaway—your voice helps more listeners find stories of kindness that last. Support the show

Send us a text What if a mop and a kind word could change the way someone sees herself? We sat down with Brittinie Tran, founder of Hot Mess Express, to explore how a single Facebook plea turned into a national, women-led nonprofit that cleans homes, organizes chaos, and restores confidence—without judgment. From the first eight volunteers with dollar-store supplies to 150+ affiliates across all 50 states, this is a story about practical help meeting profound human need. We walk through what a “mission” really looks like: music on, sleeves up, and an atmosphere where conversation matters as much as the scrubbing. Brittinie explains why self-nomination is central to their model, how training teaches volunteers to embody nonjudgment (not just say it), and the surprising ways nominees often return as volunteers and even leaders. Along the way, we dig into the mental health impact of a refreshed space, the hidden epidemic of loneliness, and the power of multi-generational wisdom to turn quick fixes into lasting change. Behind the scenes, Brittinie shares the unglamorous side of scaling a nonprofit—insurance, state-by-state fundraising rules, and the systems that protect both people and purpose. We compare lightweight affiliates with growth-oriented chapters, talk through sustainable volunteer onboarding, and unpack why clarity and community are the real growth engines. Most of all, we reflect on the deeper shift Hot Mess Express sparks: letting go of shame, naming limits, and learning that asking for help is a strength, not a failure. If you’re hungry for hope you can touch—stories of neighbors showing up, rooms transformed, and posture-lightening relief—you’ll feel at home here. Listen, share with someone who needs a village, and leave a review to help more people find the show. And if this conversation moved you, check the show notes to volunteer, nominate, or start an affiliate in your community. 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." Support the show