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What if a simple gathering with friends could spark a movement that transforms your community and brings warmth to those in need? In this episode, we unravel the heartwarming journey of Michelle Christensen from Golden Valley, Minnesota, who turned a craft night with friends into an inspiring initiative called One Good Deed. From creating little free libraries to organizing large-scale donation events, Michelle shows us the power of collective goodwill and how small acts of kindness can cascade into significant change. Her story is a testament to how personal connections and a dash of creativity can inspire a community to come together in support of others.

Join us as we embark on a remarkable journey featuring stories of unexpected kindness and community connections. You'll hear about the evolution of One Good Deed, starting from a single coach bus filled with donations and propelled by an anonymous donor to a multi-bus operation. Experience the joy of scarf bombing events and distributing essentials to the unsheltered, where everyday people, including a charismatic bus driver, join hands to spread warmth and compassion. This episode captures the spontaneous acts of generosity that arise when a community rallies together, creating a ripple effect that touches countless lives.

Each chapter of Michelle's journey is filled with moments that highlight the importance of collaboration and the impact of monthly acts of kindness. Discover the diverse range of activities planned by One Good Deed, from creating cards for seniors to Earth Day cleanups, all aimed at supporting various causes and fostering a sense of shared humanity. Michelle's initiative, supported by partnerships with organizations like the Animal Humane Society, showcases how dedication and empathy can bring people together to make a meaningful difference throughout the year. Tune in to be inspired by stories that remind us of the incredible capacity for kindness in our communities.

#community #homeless #empathy

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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.

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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

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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.

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Ever wondered how small hands can spark big changes? Join us on the Kindness Matters podcast as we share the heartwarming journey of Lisa Korbel, the visionary behind "There's No Place Like Home Daycare" in Owatonna, Minnesota. Lisa, along with her adorable "Kindness Crew" of two to five-year-olds, has been nurturing the power of giving for almost a decade. Discover how a simple project of making fleece tie blankets for a local shelter bloomed into a beautiful tradition of community service, and learn how these young children are instilled with the values of kindness and empathy, leaving a lasting impact on their community.

We shine a light on how Lisa and her little helpers choose who to support, ensuring their acts of kindness reach far and wide. Through the stories of the "Kindness Crew," hear about the legacy of giving that continues even after their time with Lisa. We explore the essential services offered by Community Pathways and the commendable work of the Oak Hills Community Connections, which aims to provide shelter for entire families during tough times. The tales shared underscore the immense difference small communities can make when they come together in support of one another.

Uncover the often overlooked issue of hidden homelessness and the inspiring ways the Owatonna community has rallied together. Despite the hurdles of not having a 501(c)(3) status, hear about the creativity and determination that have led to substantial fundraising efforts, including a concert that raised, after expenses, $16,000. We draw attention to the impactful work of local organizations like Oak Hill's Community Connections, Furnishing Hope, and the Crisis Resource Center. Each story is a testament to the power of compassion and the ripple effects created when neighbors unite in 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.

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Curious about how a shift from a "me" to a "we" perspective can change everything? Join us as we welcome Bill Groner, a distinguished former trial lawyer who represented Ground Zero responders (make sure to check out his book, 9/12: The Epic Battle of the Ground Zero Responders, available on Amazon) who brings his wisdom from the courtroom to the classroom. With insights from applied positive psychology, Bill reveals how empathy and selflessness can foster societal harmony, and how these principles are being taught to first-year college students. His unique perspective is bound to inspire anyone looking for ways to create more understanding and less conflict in their interactions.

Ever wonder how to make conversations productive, even when discussing heated topics like politics? We explore how genuine curiosity, conveyed through open-ended questions, can bridge divides and foster mutual respect. It's about listening to understand, not just to respond. This episode uncovers the art of connecting with those who hold different views by truly hearing them out and setting aside judgments, paving the way for unexpected friendships and newfound common ground.

Ready to refine your dialogue skills? Discover practical techniques like the LAP-P method—Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, and Perspective—that enhance communication across ideological lines. We highlight workshops and exercises designed to transform young adults into skilled communicators who make others feel valued. Plus, learn how Braver Angels is working to mend societal divides with structured dialogue. Tune in to learn how kindness and understanding can be powerful tools in our complex world.

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.

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Have you ever wondered about the impact of kindness on our furry friends? Join us for an inspiring chat with Catherine Stillwell, an author and passionate animal advocate, who shares her journey from adopting her first kitten at age ten to becoming a champion for senior and special needs animals. Catherine’s heartfelt stories about her senior dog, Paulie, and other often-overlooked shelter animals, shed light on the transformative power of compassion and challenge the stigmas surrounding older and black-furred pets. You'll hear about the vital role kindness plays in the adoption process and how awareness can make all the difference for these deserving creatures.

We also explore the critical responsibilities of pet ownership, from the essential practice of spaying and neutering to the lifesaving importance of microchipping. With anecdotes about pets braving the outdoors and the dangers they face, we highlight the necessity of keeping our companions safe. Thoughtful discussions about pet gifting, especially during holidays, underline the importance of informed decisions and responsible care. As we wrap up, get insights into the joys and challenges of adoption from Catherine’s book, "Paulie Finds His Forever Home," a story that blossomed from a community's love for animals. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for pet lovers everywhere to embrace responsibility and spread kindness.
#pets #rescuepets #shelterpets

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.

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What if you could turn unimaginable grief into a beacon of hope? That's exactly what Karen Houck has done after the tragic loss of her daughter Alyssa Noelle Audette to a drug overdose in 2011. Join us as Karen shares her deeply personal journey through loss and how the discovery of the Kindness Rocks Project became a healing force. Through "Alyssa's Wishes," inspired by a simple ladybug-painted rock, Karen honors her daughter's legacy and the family's mission to spread kindness, all while navigating the challenges of enduring grief.

We also take you to a vibrant community hub in Missouri where a love for books birthed a little free library that's become much more than its humble beginnings. This charming library, adorned with a delightful metal ladybug design, has captured the hearts of families and children alike. Through the trials of a global pandemic, it expanded with a toddler-friendly annex to cater to its growing visitors. Alongside heartwarming tales of community interaction, we explore the inspiring connections these projects have fostered and ponder the possibilities of extending the kindness initiative across borders, drawing inspirations from other charitable endeavors like Pancakes for Roger. Tune in to hear stories of resilience, community spirit, and the transformative power of small acts of kindness.
#loss #grief #heartbreak #littlefreelibrary

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.

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