The Kindness Matters Podcast

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

June 26, 2025 18 mins

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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May 29, 2025 32 mins

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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...

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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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Tattoo needles aren't just tools for self-expression—they can be instruments of profound healing. Kelsie Shriver, owner of Luminary Tattoo in Lincoln, Nebraska, demonstrates this transformative power through her work covering self-harm scars and mastectomy sites with beautiful artwork.

Drawing from eight years of tattoo experience and her background as a portrait artist, Kelsie offers affordable $50 flat...

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Kindness truly matters when it comes to supporting our LGBTQ+ loved ones - especially in today's climate of increasing anti-queer legislation. In this eye-opening conversation, Jennifer Boudrye, founder of Queer Allyship, shares her wisdom on how parents can navigate their child's coming out journey with compassion and understanding.

Jennifer's path to advocacy began through personal connection...

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Tom Mohr was struck by lightning and it changed everything. From that moment of literal shock came a spiritual awakening that would transform not just his own life, but the lives of countless business leaders he would go on to mentor and guide.

This conversation delves deep into Tom's remarkable journey from newspaper executive to digital media president to startup founder, revealing how each professiona...

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What happens when five retirees decide over a cup of coffee to tackle poverty in Mexico? The answer is Vamos!, a remarkable grassroots organization that has transformed thousands of lives over nearly four decades through a radical approach: actually listening to what people need.

Sean Dougherty, Executive Director of Vamos, takes us on a journey that began with his parents and friends being moved by the pover...

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"What does it mean to truly feel called to serve?" Rob Bergfalk, founder of Compassion Church and Compassion Coffee in Anoka, Minnesota, answers this question through powerful action rather than mere words.

When news reports in 2018 showed hundreds of people living in tent cities along Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis, something stirred deeply within Rob. As a youth pastor with 12 years of restaurant ...

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What happens when a homeschooling mother of six from Portland finds herself driving Amish families across America? Haley Straw takes us behind the curtain of a culture often misunderstood yet deeply rooted in kindness and community.

After relocating to rural Missouri for a fresh start, Haley stumbled into a role as an Amish driver that spanned nine years and countless miles across the country. Her journeys re...

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What if your childhood dreams held the key to your life's purpose? For Michelle Joy, founder of the Global Joy Institute, a third-grade assignment revealed her destiny—she wrote that she wanted to "grow long legs and walk to Africa to help people." Decades later, that innocent wish has manifested as a philanthropic initiative bringing clean water, business opportunities, and educational support to commu...

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March 27, 2025 32 mins

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A chance TikTok discovery led me to Adam Dahl, a fudge maker and small business owner whose story perfectly embodies the spirit of kindness I seek to highlight on this podcast. From his Minnesota Vikings fandom to his mouthwatering fudge creations, Adam brings joy to his community through Dahlhus Fudge – a tiny 300-square-foot shop with an outsized impact.

Adam shares his journey from making holiday fudge for...

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March 20, 2025 27 mins

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In a world filled with negativity and division, it's refreshing to hear an inspiring story about kindness and connection. This episode features Jennifer Hunsinger, the founder of Project Happiness LSMO, who has dedicated herself to spreading joy through uplifting signs in her neighborhood. Faced with the challenges of social discord, Jennifer and her community replaced political signs with messages of positivity....

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Step into a world where kindness and creativity triumph over negativity. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jill Morrison, the trailblazing founder of Bee Memorable, as she shares her unique journey from the insurance and title industries to establishing a standout marketing firm. Discover the story behind the name "Bee Memorable," inspired by the improbable flight of a bumblebee, and learn how Jill ...

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Have you ever paused to consider the power of a simple handwritten note? Join us as we explore this lost art with Don Prisby, the heart and soul behind the Blessing Post, a remarkable community initiative that has warmed his neighborhood since 2018. Positioned right in Don's backyard, this wooden post serves as a gathering spot for neighbors to exchange heartfelt letters, sparking genuine connections and reviving...

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February 27, 2025 32 mins

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What would it take to break the cycle of domestic violence and create a safe haven for survivors? Join us for a moving conversation with Tina Bronson, Director of Mission Advancement at Alexandra House, as we uncover the persistent impact of domestic, sexual, and relationship violence on our communities. Tina shares the powerful story of Alexandra House, from its origins in a social justice group in 1976 to the establ...

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February 20, 2025 39 mins

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How do we ensure kindness and justice in a prison system not designed with women in mind? Join us for a compelling episode where we welcome Colleen Bell, chair of the Ostara Initiative's board of directors, as she reveals the stark realities and urgent needs of incarcerated mothers. Discover the transformative work Ostara is doing to challenge inhumane practices like shackling during labor and high rates of C-sec...

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