The Kindness Matters Podcast
So. Much. Division. Let's talk about how to change that. Re-engage as neighbors, friends, co-workers and family. Let's set out to change the world. Strike that. Change A World. One person at a time, make someone's life a little better and then do it again tomorrow and the day after that, through kindness. Kindness is a Super-Power that each of us has within us. It is so powerful it has the potential to change not only your life but those around you, too. Let's talk about kindness.
Episodes
What happens when strangers appear at our lowest moments, offering help with no expectation of anything in return? Kate Torode, author of "Chicken Nugget Girl and Other Midlife Traumas," joins us to share her extraordinary encounters with what she calls "Earth Angels" – mysterious helpers who materialized precisely when she needed them most.
Kate's journey begins with the story behind...
What happens when kindness goes wrong? When James Francisco Bonilla was legally blind, well-meaning strangers pulled him into busy intersections, walked him into call boxes, and nearly guided him off cliffs – all while trying to "help." These harrowing yet illuminating experiences form just part of his remarkable journey from a visually impaired Puerto Rican child facing racial discrimination to becoming a n...
What if your biggest business mistakes could become your greatest marketing opportunities? What if teenagers could successfully run million-dollar operations? Dr. Mark Leonard, human performance expert and certified high-performance coach, challenges conventional wisdom about leadership, success, and the younger generation.
Having studied human psychology for over two decades, Dr. Leonard shares the fascinati...
What happens when childhood trauma becomes the catalyst for profound healing? Heather Ann Ferri's journey from victim to healer offers a roadmap for anyone struggling with their past.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Heather endured severe abuse that left her with physical and emotional scars, including brain damage and deep-seated feelings of unworthiness. After years in show business where she "played ot...
What happens when a veteran ICU nurse combines her medical expertise with 30 years of dog training experience? Pauline Hoegler reveals the remarkable answer on this episode of Kindness Matters.
Pauline's organization, GOFIDog (Golden Opportunities for Independence), has developed innovative programs that harness the extraordinary capabilities of Golden Retrievers to serve communities in ways that transfo...
What if the most powerful act of kindness isn't fixing someone's problems, but simply being present with them? Pediatric cardiothoracic intensive care nurse Natalie Miller Binkley brings this revolutionary perspective to life in our conversation about healing, presence, and the unique challenges facing healthcare workers today.
Natalie takes us inside the specialized world of pediatric cardiac care,...
Discover the transformative power of compassion in productivity with Lisa Zawrotny, founder of Positively Productive Systems. In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa shares her profound journey from overwhelmed caregiver—simultaneously raising two young children while caring for her mother with Alzheimer's—to becoming a coach who champions a radically different approach to getting things done.
Lisa introduc...
What happens when compassion meets healthcare innovation? In this illuminating conversation, Mike Baker—CEO of Heritage Health, author, musician, and self-described "renaissance man"—reveals how community health centers are transforming access to medical care across America.
Baker shares the remarkable origin story of Heritage Health, founded by Lydwin Dirne who escaped World War II in Holland befor...
"The only people that will ever have an issue with you putting a boundary in place is those that benefit from you having none." This powerful statement from Kate Browning captures the essence of our illuminating conversation about boundaries, purpose, and the courage to prioritize joy in business.
Kate Browning, the self-described "unicorn" behind Cherry Blossom Management, joins us to sha...
Ever wondered how much your boss affects your mental health? According to research shared by Rebecca Reed, founder and CEO of Siendo, your manager has roughly the same impact on your well-being as your romantic partner—and potentially more influence than your therapist!
Rebecca's extraordinary journey from corporate banking to mental health advocacy began when she witnessed rampant burnout in the financi...
What happens when a computer programmer receives a divine calling to ministry? For Reverend Dr. Shannon Karafanda, it launched a transformative journey culminating in a global kindness movement that's changing lives one small act at a time.
Shannon's path took an unexpected turn when she joined forces with her friend Alan Todd to plant a church centered on what they called "A-OK Projects"—...
When parents see headlines about rising juvenile crime rates, it's easy to feel helpless. While juvenile arrests have declined since the 1990s, troubling increases in firearm violence and homicide rates among youth ages 10-14 have parents searching for answers. Teresa Ramirez, motivational speaker and kindness ambassador, offers a compelling alternative to fear—intentional kindness that transforms families from t...
A chance connection on social media led to one of the most heartwarming conversations in Kindness Matters history. Philip Parker, creator of multiple podcasts including "Unscripted Perspective" and "Untouched Melodies," joins Mike Rathbun to explore how kindness functions as both a personal healing force and a powerful tool for positive change.
The conversation takes a particularly moving ...
Tragedy struck Minnesota when politically motivated violence left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife severely wounded, and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert dead. Yet amid this darkness, remarkable stories of compassion and resilience emerged.
The Hoffmans and Hortmans exemplified lives dedicated to service. John advocated tirelessly for families with disabled ...
Transportation insecurity sounds like a cold, technical term—until you realize it's the difference between keeping a job and unemployment, accessing healthcare or suffering without it. While we readily understand food banks and homeless shelters, the critical nature of reliable transportation often goes unrecognized.
Steve Landau, president of Cars for Neighbors, joins the Kindness Matters podcast to sh...
How do we respond when darkness seems to be winning? Following a horrific act of political terrorism in Minnesota, this special episode takes a raw, honest look at the struggle to maintain faith in kindness during our darkest moments.
The podcast recounts the chilling details of recent attacks on multiple Minnesota lawmakers, including the tragedy that claimed the lives of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman...
Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can transform lives? Lisa Demmi returns to the Kindness Matters podcast to share the incredible journey of her nonprofit, The Small Magic Foundation, which is creating pathways to success for underserved youth in the Tampa Bay area.
The foundation stems from Lisa's personal philosophy that meaningful change doesn't require grand gestures or substanti...
What if a simple collection of sayings could transform your relationship with anxiety and confidence? Bret Davis, bestselling author of Bretisms: Adopted, Borrowed, and Modified Philosophies For a Life With Less Anxiety and More Confidence joins us to share how everyday philosophies can create profound shifts in how we experience life.
Bret's journey from door-to-door salesman to medical executive demons...
The national conversation around immigration is often filled with misconceptions, oversimplifications, and dehumanizing rhetoric. But behind the headlines and political talking points are real human beings with profound stories of sacrifice, resilience, and hope.
In this deeply moving conversation, host Mike Rathbun sits down with Rosa Casquino, a Latinx licensed clinical social worker and trauma therapist wh...
Imagine walking into a grocery store and seeing your name prominently displayed on a product lining the shelves. For most of us, that would be a remarkable moment. For the clients at St. John of God Community Services, it's a powerful affirmation of their value and contribution to society.
Luke Barnes, Director of Marketing Communications and Entrepreneurial Programs for St, John of God Community Service...
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