Send us a text

Have you ever encountered a dog that defies all stereotypes and melts your heart? Meet Myrtle, a gentle pit bull mix, who along with Juliana Coughlin, our guest on the Kindness Matters Podcast, is on a mission to change perceptions about rescue animals. Juliana, a passionate runner, dedicated dog mom, and Harry Potter fan, shares her vibrant life filled with marathons, community spirit, and the joys of adopting rescue dogs. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and community support, particularly as she navigates life with ankylosing spondylitis.

Join us as Juliana highlights the incredible impact of small acts of kindness and how they can transform personal and professional relationships. From simple gestures like complimenting a stranger to fostering positive social media interactions, these acts open doors and create meaningful connections. Juliana, who embodies both Hufflepuff's kindness and Slytherin's determination, also shares her journey of collaborating with local organizations in Cape Cod, illustrating the ripple effect of kindness within communities.

As we wrap up this uplifting conversation, we delve into the world of chronic illness, exploring Juliana's personal journey with ankylosing spondylitis. Her story combines humor and heart, offering a glimpse into how she manages her condition with the help of medication and a positive outlook. Alongside these personal anecdotes, we celebrate the compassionate initiatives within the Mayday Media Network, encouraging listeners to embrace and spread kindness in every facet of life. Tune in for an episode that promises inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the power of kindness.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

Like what you hear on the podcast? Follow our social media for more uplifting, inspirational and feel-good content.

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

Support the show

Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

Send us a text

What happens when personal tragedy ignites a passionate mission to help others? Join us on the Kindness Matters Podcast as Dr. Darlene Spark Washington shares her poignant journey of loss, resilience, and leadership in the nonprofit sector. After experiencing the devastating loss of her mother and husband on the same day, Dr. Washington found her calling as the Executive Director of Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless Inc. Her incredible story reveals how her personal experiences have fueled her dedication to instilling hope and providing essential support to those experiencing homelessness. We explore the significant challenges she faces in nonprofit management, including financial uncertainties and the critical role of community partnerships.

Dr. Washington and I delve into the transformation of community support systems for the homeless, especially in the post-COVID landscape. Discover how the pandemic necessitated a shift from traditional night shelters to more sustainable year-round solutions in collaboration with local authorities like the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office. Drawing on her experience with the American Red Cross, Dr. Washington emphasizes a compassionate approach to advocacy, one that prioritizes viewing individuals as people first, enabling trust and sustainable community solutions. This paradigm shift from necessity to choice has been instrumental in reimagining how we support the homeless population.

Lastly, we shine a light on the annual "Coldest Night of the Year" fundraiser in Portsmouth, Virginia. This impactful 5K walk, organized by the Blue Sea Foundation, raises significant funds to support local homeless initiatives and fosters a sense of community involvement. Dr. Washington highlights how events like these not only raise money but also play a crucial role in humanizing those experiencing homelessness, helping restore their dignity and respect. We close by celebrating the unwavering dedication of leaders like Dr. Washington, whose work inspires us all to contribute towards making a tangible difference in our communities.

#homeless #empathy #help

Support the show

Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how a life-changing moment can redefine your career and purpose? Christine Kutnick, a certified joy coach and veteran of the nonprofit world, joins us to share her remarkable shift from the corporate sphere to a life centered around joy, harmony, and peace. Her transformative journey began with an unexpected fall in Switzerland, igniting a passion for fostering inclusion and community support. Through her work with organizations like the American Diabetes Association, Christine has been a beacon of change, helping communities thrive and individuals embrace happiness.

Travel and kindness? They go hand in hand! Together, we explore how these experiences can deepen our understanding of cultures and build meaningful connections. Drawing inspiration from Lisa Metwally's adventures as a former café owner and Delta flight attendant, we discuss the "secret bullet" that kindness represents in tackling societal challenges, from boosting public health to strengthening community bonds. Christine brings her expertise to the table, highlighting how kindness is a key ingredient in a fulfilling life, especially essential in these post-pandemic times where human connection and gratitude are needed like never before.

And who doesn't love a good neighborhood story? Christine shares how small acts of kindness transformed her move into a new community, creating bonds through shared groceries and mutual support. Her joy coaching business, Mudita, embodies the essence of finding joy in others' happiness by aligning personal values and fostering spirituality. If you're interested in Christine's Kindness Bingo, or her Kindness Challenge Newsletter, you can find it here.

#joy #community #kindness

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

Like what you hear on the podcast? Follow our social media for more uplifting, inspirational and feel-good content.

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

Support the show

Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.