Why Kindness?

Mira Simone joins Jaclyn in this episode for an open and important discussion about kindness within the grief space.Trigger warning. This interview discusses a specific person's experience with death and trauma. Mira is a widow, mother, published writer, grief coach, and grief educator. She is also a registered mental health occupational therapist in Ontario, Canada.In early 2019, Mira's life was entirely blown apart, when her partner Brian was diagnosed with an unbelievably aggressive cancer. He died seven weeks later, leaving her alone with their almost three-year-old daughter. Almost immediately, Mira followed an uncontrollable urge to write about her grief publicly on social media and began publishing essays, as a way to process and give voice to the loneliness of her experience. The response was profound. Her following grew, as more and more widows, grievers, and grief-curious humans joined her community, craving a more open dialogue around the grieving process.In 2022, Mira launched New Moon Mira, her grief coaching business, through which she supports widows and grievers in more intimate group settings both in-person and online and provides grief literacy training for grief-support people and healthcare professionals.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by Verizon.Important links from this week's episode:kindness.orgnewmoonmira.comHis Beautiful Death Essay https://modernloss.com/his-beautiful-death/Follow MiraIG: @newmoonmiraFacebook: @newmoonmiraCreditsHost: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Mira SimoneProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link.

Director Brian Ide joins Jaclyn in the studio to discuss his new film, "A Case for Love," human connection, and the simplicity of kindness. Brian has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, first as an actor, then producer, and ultimately a director. “A Case for Love” is his fifth film and premier feature-length documentary. Before founding Grace-Based Films, he directed “Clear Lake, WI” and the recent faith-based short film, “Reconcile”, which has been viewed and used in 47 different countries.A three-time national judge for the Polly Bond Awards, he has spoken to colleges, faith centers, and film programs nationwide about the intersection of film and faith. Brian is the son of an ELCA Lutheran pastor-father and devout Catholic mother. He is the husband to a lifelong Episcopalian who is drawn to stories that focus on what unites us rather than what divides.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by Verizon.Share Your Kindness Story at kindness.org/stories.A powerful and timely documentary, A Case for Love, asks people around the country whether unselfish love and kindness can change lives and bridge divides. The film shows us, through countless stories, the answer is a resounding yes.Now it’s your turn. When has someone’s kindness made a difference in your life? We want to hear your stories of kindness. We’ll share them with our community to inspire people everywhere to remember that every act truly makes a difference.Important links from this week's episode:acaseforlovefilm.comkindness.orgFollow Brian on social:IG: @acaseforlovemovieFacebook: @ACaseforLoveCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Brian IdeProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link.

Jaclyn speaks with New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Brad Montague about his career journey and how "stubborn optimism" has led him to believe kindness is the answer to a better world through the next generation. Brad Montague is a highly sought-after speaker and performer whose encouragement brings hope and humanity to a wide variety of communities - from corporate to creative to classrooms around the world. Montague is the creator of the web series Kid President, the global social good movement Socktober, the bestselling picture book The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, the creativity-packed Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad can be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project via The Magnolia Network on Max. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and collaborator, Kristi Montague, as well as their two children.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:montagueworkshop.comthetheaterbug.orgkindness.orgFollow Brad on social:IG: @bradmontagueTwitter: @thebradmontagueFacebook: facebook.com/montagueworkshopCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Brad MontagueProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Trigger warning. This interview discusses the specific person's experience with abuse, trauma, suicide, and violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Their phone number is 1 (800) 799-7233. Or you can visit their safe, secure website, thehotline.org. If you  or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide you can reach out to 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 988 (us) or by visiting 988lifeline.org.In this inspiring and in-depth episode, Jaclyn speaks with Ernesto Rodriguez about how he went from a prison sentence in solitary confinement to the program developer for Kindful Restoration. They discuss how unkindness led him on a path to destruction and how shifting his life toward kindness set him free. Ernesto Rodriguez was born into a life where poverty, violence, and addiction created a deep yearning to find acceptance, which eventually led to him to gangs. At age 18, Ernesto was arrested for attempted murder, carjacking, and assault with a firearm, and at age  27 found himself in solitary confinement for 8 years. It was there he began a transformation sparked by kindness. He  enrolled in college, self-help, AA, and NA and spent his years paying the kindness he received forward. While in prison he became a certified counselor and earned a bachelor’s in science in Psychology. He was released from prison in 2023 and began working as the program developer for Kindful Restoration - a subdivision of the Choose Kindness Foundation. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:kindness.orgrestorationproject.kindful.comCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Ernesto RodriguezProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link.

Dr. Oliver Scott Curry joins Jaclyn to discuss the groundbreaking research he is leading at kindness.org, how kindness has shaped his career, and understanding the science of kindness.Dr. Curry is Chief Science Officer at kindness.org, leading the innovative research hub, Kindlab. He is also a Research Affiliate at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford. He received his PhD from the London School of Economics in 2005.As CSO at Kindness.org, Oliver and his team are working to answer questions like: Why are people kind? How kind are people, really? Why aren’t people kinder? What are the most effective kind acts you can do? And, how can we make the world a kinder place? The work involves both pure and applied research on the causes and consequences of kindness.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:kindness.orgFollow Oliver on social:Twitter: @Oliver_S _CurryCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Dr. Oliver Scott CurryProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Jaclyn chats with the incomparable best-selling author and  entrepreneur Amy Jo Martin about her boisterous career, how she came to realize self-kindness was the key to a better life, and what it takes to reinvent yourself. Amy Jo Martin is the author of New York Times best-seller "Renegades Write the Rules", Founder & CEO, Speaker, host of the acclaimed Why Not Now? Podcast, an educator, and an investor.She’s the Founder and CEO of Renegade Global, as well as Founder of Renegade Global Ventures.She has worked closely with world-renowned brands such as Hilton Worldwide, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Nike, Shaquille O’Neal, Dell and many others.Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Amy Jo worked for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns during the wild wild west days of digital and social media – there were no rules or regulations in place so she helped write the rules. She went on to found one of the first-ever digital agencies, Digital Royalty, and pioneered personal branding online as we know it today.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:amyjomartin.comkindness.orgFollow Amy Jo on social:IG: @amyjomartinTwitter: @amyjomartinFacebook: @amyjomartinCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Amy Jo MartinProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

This week, Jaclyn meets with teenage activist and actress, Abriella Ruby. They discuss Abriella's path to founding her charity, Love Conquers Dayton, ways to support young people as they navigate unkindness in their world, and what kindness means to the next generation.​​Abriella is a 16-year-old change-maker passionate about helping others. She started Love Conquers Dayton when she was 12 years old, in hopes of giving a few care packs to the unhoused people in her community.  That small gift of sharing quickly gathered steam, allowing her to give well over $50,000 in care packs over the last four years. Her work has garnered attention from Good Morning America and celebrities such as Jessica Vosk and Allison Janney. The board of Love Conquers Dayton consists of only teenagers, hoping to bring kindness to their community.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:loveconquersdayton.comkindness.orgFollow Abriella on social:IG: @abriellaruby_officialFacebook: @loveconquersdaytonCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Abriella RubyProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link.  

Jaclyn is joined by chef, author, and social activist, Pierre Thiam. Together, they discuss Pierre's journey as a chef, the importance of kindness to the environment, and how kindness transcends cultures. Pierre is Executive Chef of multiple award-winning restaurants around the world, and his company Yolele Foods advocates for smallholder farmers in the Sahel by opening new markets for crops grown in Africa. He has cooked for the King of Morocco, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. Through his advocacy and many media appearances, he has become known as a culinary ambassador, dedicated to promoting West African cooking throughout the world. His TEDTalk, given at TEDGlobal 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania, has been viewed over one million times. Thiam sits on the board of directors of IDEO.org and SOS Sahel, and on the advisory board for the Culinary Institute of America.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:pierrethiam.comkindness.orgFollow Pierre on social:IG: @chefpierrethiamTwitter: @chefpierrethiamFacebook: @pierrethiamCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Pierre ThiamProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

This week, Jaclyn is joined by Katie Plunkett, founder of The Calm Classroom, and kindness.org Chief Programs Officer Becca Reed, creator of the Learn Kind curriculum. They discuss why kindness in education matters, the role social-emotional learning plays in the lives of students, and why prioritizing kindness in classrooms is essential.It's World Kindness Week and we're celebrating in a way we never have before. Go to kindness.org/donate to learn how you can join and help us support the well-being of kids everywhere. Let's build a kinder world, together.Have a question? Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.  Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:thecalmclassroom.orgkindness.org/donatelearnkind.kindness.orgFollow Katie and The Calm Classroom on social:IG: @thecalmclassroomTwitter: @thcalmclassroomFacebook: @thecalmclassroom1Follow Becca on social:IG: @heybeccareedCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Katie Plunkett, Becca ReedProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Emmy-nominated actress, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and motivational singer, Rhonda Ross joins us to discuss how her journey through emotional hardship shaped who she is today. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:www.RhondaRoss.netkindness.orgFollow Silvia on social:IG: @TheRhondaRossTwitter: @TheRhondaRossFacebook: @TheRhondaRossTikTok: @TheRhondaRossCredits  Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Rhonda RossProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Applied social psychologist Dr. Kathryn Buchanan steps into the studio to discuss the scientific world of kindness.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:Kathryn's research: Buffering the effects of bad news.Kathryn's research: Brief exposure to social media during the COVID-19 pandemickindness.orgFollow Kathryn on social:LinkedIn: @kathryn-buchanan-phdFacebook: @kathryn.buchanan.5Credits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Dr. Kathryn BuchananProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producers: Leah Fullerton, Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Best-selling children's author R.L. Stine steps into the studio to discuss how kindness and unkindness have shaped both his life and his work.  This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:rlstine.comkindness.orgFollow R.L. Stine on social:IG: @RL_Stine1Twitter: @RL_StineFacebook: @RL_StineCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: R.L. StineProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producers: Leah Fullerton, Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Host Jaclyn Lindsey dives into a discussion with the remarkable JoAnna Garcia Swisher to discuss the role of kindness in her work, her family, and her online initiative The Happy Place. Currently, Swisher stars in Netflix’s hit show “Sweet Magnolias” as ‘Maddie Townsend.’ The third season premiered on Netflix on July 20, 2023.  Swisher is best known for playing Reba’s daughter ‘Cheyenne Montgomery in “Reba.” Outside of acting, Swisher has founded The Happy Place, a destination that explores, motivates, and empowers the experience of living a life with intention and how that reflects in your interiors. At its core, The Happy Place will ignite and inspire the inner designer in every person. She has also been inspired by her partnership with the Step Up Women’s Network and Hills Pet Nutrition. Swisher, along with her husband Nick Swisher, also founded the Swisher Family Foundation with a mission of providing children in need with medical care, education, and recreational activities.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:thehappyplacepresents.comkindness.orgFollow JoAnna on social:Instagram: @jogarciaswisher @thehappyplaceTwitter: @JoAnnaLGarciaTikTok: @joannagarciaswisherCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: JoAnna Garcia SwisherProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Leah FullertonMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link.

Jaclyn sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founders Beekman 1802 in a conversation about the beauty of kindness, including how one kind act was the catalyst for the lifestyle brand, Beekman 1802. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:beekman1802.comkindness.orgFollow Josh & Brent on social:Instagram: @joshandbrentFacebook: @fabulousbeekmanboysTwitter: @beekman1802boysFollow Beekman 1802 on social:Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @beekman1802Credits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest:  Dr. Brent Ridge, Josh Kilmer-PurcellProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Leah FullertonMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses a specific person's experiences with domestic abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence please reach out to National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or at thehotline.org. Producer, screenwriter, actress, and vocalist Silvia "Punkin" Mathis sits down with Jaclyn to discuss kindness as a strategic strength with uplifting and inspirational stories from her life. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:punkinstudios.comkindness.orgFollow Silvia on social:IG: @silviamathisofficial/Twitter:  @ImSilviaMathisFacebook: @TheRealSilviaMathis/TikTok: @silviamathisCredits  Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Sylvia 'Punkin' MathisProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Leah FullertonMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

The Why Kindness? podcast is a mind-expanding series offering listeners a look behind the curtain of entertainers, thought leaders, scientists, and everyday change-makers on why kindness matters and the unexpected ways it’s made an impact in their lives. Perhaps most importantly, we hope it will inspire you to engage with kindness in a new way and remember that every kind act makes a difference.Join kindness.org CEO & Co-Founder, Jaclyn Lindsey, as she sits down with thought leaders, celebrities, and change-makers to go deep about the unexpected impact kindness can make.Whether you are looking for inspiration, connection, or transformation, Why Kindness? will reveal unexpected ways to answer the call for kindness.Subscribe now and tune in as we answer the question... why kindness? Brought to you by Verizon and kindness.org.