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Kindness can sound like a soft idea until you meet someone who survived because other people refused to look away. I’m joined by Betsy Ronel, host of Heavens To Betsy: Let’s Talk Midlife, and her story is as heartbreaking as it is human: she lost her husband suddenly in a car accident, right as they were growing their family, and her life changed overnight. What happened next wasn’t a miracle cure. It was something more believable and more repeatable: strangers showing up with meals, flowers, books, phone calls, and steady presence when she had nothing left to hold on to.

We talk about what choosing kindness looks like when you’re angry, exhausted, and shattered, and why community support matters for grief healing and mental health. Betsy shares one moment that still stops me in my tracks: a young woman who worked at the national cemetery called Betsy after a false rumor hit the newspaper, simply to defend her husband’s character and explain how he once talked her out of taking her own life. It’s a reminder that compassion can travel farther than we’ll ever know, and that small words can become someone’s lifeline.

We also get practical about resilience. Betsy explains her nightly gratitude practice of naming five things, even when the best you can do is “thanks to the person who held the door” or “thanks to the driver who let me merge.” We dig into the idea of being grateful for the problems you have, not as denial, but as perspective that keeps you moving. If you’re looking for a powerful conversation on kindness of strangers, grief, gratitude, and midlife reinvention, this one will stay with you. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and please leave a review so more people can find this kindness community.

You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world.

“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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What if generosity were as simple as pressing play? We sit down with Dave Lewis, a San Diego accountant and solo pianist who built Playing To Pitch In, a project that routes 100% of streaming royalties directly to six vetted charities. No tip jars, no detours—just music funding impact through automated splits to organizations like the Against Malaria Foundation, Helen Keller International, Best The Book Bus, a local food bank, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and disaster relief groups.

Dave walks us through the moment that sparked it all—discovering “earning to give” during 2020—and how he engineered a transparent system where artists and listeners collaborate. We dig into the why behind his charity choices, leaning on GiveWell research for high-impact outcomes: bed nets that prevent malaria, vitamin A supplements that save sight and lives, and literacy programs that build home libraries and confidence. Dave shares a moving story from Tampa, where he helped children pick books right off the bus, and then zooms out with the “drowning child” thought experiment to reframe distance and duty: saving a life far away is no less urgent than saving one next door.

Along the way, we explore music’s quiet power to bridge divides, the joy of returning to a shelved passion, and the many small ways anyone can help—time, skills, or simple daily habits like choosing a playlist. Playing To Pitch In has grown beyond Dave, welcoming tracks from other pianists so listeners can support causes while enjoying calm, reflective music on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, and more under “Playing To Pitch In.”

Join us as we turn attention into action and art into aid. If this story moves you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a quick review. Then press play on kindness—and tell us which cause you’ll stream for today.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world.

“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com”

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What if kindness isn’t a bonus trait but the backbone of how we build, lead, and create? We sit down with Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary artist Joe Charley—model, actor, musician, choreographer—to explore how empathy becomes skill, how structure unlocks flow, and why tenderness is a form of courage in high-stakes spaces.

Joe traces his journey from child performer to intentional creator, sharing the moment he stopped trying to outgrow his past and started forgiving it. That self-empathy, he says, saved him from shame and freed him to practice with focus. He explains how acting taught him that every character believes they’re right, a lesson that transformed how he argues and collaborates: listen first, find the missing piece, then move together. Along the way, we dive into community care as three working parts—structure, joy, and accountability—and how he turns that into real opportunities for young people through organized troupes, deadlines, and stages that treat them like teammates, not tokens.

We also talk about curiosity as fuel: not just travel, but everyday exploration—new foods, neighborhood conversations, the stories behind small businesses—that becomes choreography, melody, and story on stage. Joe critiques spaces that perform progress without tenderness and shares a sharper frame: compassion isn’t optional; compassion is infrastructure. Without it, systems collapse. He opens up about projects on the horizon, from singing the national anthem in St. Paul to a summer of new music, and names his north star for audiences: leave feeling seen, energized, and less alone, like you just spoke with someone not trying to win.

If this conversation moved you, tap follow, share it with a friend who leads with heart, and leave a review so more people can find us. What’s one limit you’ll set this week to become limitless?

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

You can support the show in a few different ways—by grabbing something from our merch store, picking up a copy of my book, or joining us on Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast going and also helps us give back to nonprofits doing good in the world.

“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com”

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What if Alzheimer’s didn’t close a life, but opened a new way to see it? That’s the question at the heart of our conversation with author and advocate Marilyn Raichle, whose book “Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey” chronicles how a reluctant daughter discovered joy, humor, and dignity alongside her mother living with dementia. We move from fear to curiosity as Marilyn shares the moment a simple painting class changed everything—the hum of focus, the pull of community, and the art that silenced stigma with beauty.

Together we explore how language shapes care. Saying “living with dementia” invites partnership; saying “suffering from” reduces people to symptoms. Marilyn breaks down the practical shifts that follow: stop asking “Do you remember?” start asking open questions; measure success by connection, not recall; design small rituals—walks, music, Scrabble—that build attention and trust. Her mother’s creativity becomes a north star, showing that purpose and pleasure can bloom even as memory fades. The result is a human, hopeful roadmap families can use right away.

We also zoom out to the systems level. Marilyn’s exhibits for The Art of Alzheimer’s drew thousands and sparked the most powerful response of all: “I had no idea.” That spark fuels her work with Maud’s Awards, which fund innovative Alzheimer’s care and publish free handbooks so anyone can adopt ideas that work. From drumming circles to intergenerational programs, these solutions prove that when we see value, we invest—and when we invest, people thrive.

If you’re a caregiver, a health professional, or simply someone who wants to show up better for others, this episode offers tools you can use today: smile first, ask before telling, create low-barrier choices, and protect dignity at every turn. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find stories that change the way we care. What small ritual will you try this week to spark joy for someone you love?

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here:

Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now.

“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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Ever feel like you’re sprinting through life in the wrong shoes? We sat down with inner glow coach and author Angie Hawkins to unpack how compassion, boundaries, and vulnerable honesty can move you from chasing approval to living with grounded confidence. Angie’s memoir, Running in Slippers, becomes a vivid metaphor for growth: sometimes playful, sometimes painful, always real. She opens up about the childhood patterns that fuel people pleasing and perfectionism, then shares how an emotional rock bottom led her to rebuild from the inside out.

We dig into the difference between forgiveness and self-compassion, especially when “forgive and forget” feels like erasing harm. Angie explains why starting with kindness toward yourself can reduce reactivity, reveal the grief under anger, and allow you to see others’ behavior without excusing it. From there, we get practical: what compassionate boundaries sound like, how to check your tone without watering down your line, and why your emotional safety is non-negotiable. You’ll hear a powerful workplace story where shifting to empathy uncovered hidden fear and transformed a tense relationship—proof that clarity plus care can change outcomes.

This conversation also reframes leadership. Compassion isn’t a soft skill; it’s a stabilizing force in teams, relationships, and communities. We explore how to practice empathy without self-abandonment, how observation builds emotional regulation, and why calm presence can elevate a room more than outrage ever will. Whether you’re healing after a breakup, shedding perfectionism, or trying to lead with heart at work, you’ll walk away with tools to protect your light and still see the human in front of you.

If the conversation moved you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review—what’s one boundary you’ll set this week? Your reflections help others find the show and keep this kindness-forward community growing.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here:

Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now.

Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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What if a warm cup and a square of chocolate could turn fear into trust? We sit down with speaker and community builder Andrea Putting, the heart behind Chocolate and Coffee Break, to explore how small, shared rituals help people feel safe, heard, and human again. Born from the aftermath of the Sydney siege and the #IllRideWithYou wave of solidarity, Andrea’s simple practice has grown from a single day into a year-round movement that workplaces, neighborhoods, and friends can use to bridge differences.

We unpack why familiar rituals matter: holding a cup signals safety, scent and taste soften defenses, and a slow tempo gives room for honesty. Andrea makes a clear distinction between listening to reply and listening to understand, showing how presence, gentle questions, and even shared silence help people tell the stories they rarely voice. From conversations across faiths to a moving account of a transgender guest finding space to heal, she shows how attention, not argument, changes outcomes.

You’ll hear practical steps for creating safe space—put away the phone, start with common ground, use noninvasive “heartwarming” prompts—and how to scale the ritual from one-on-one to group gatherings and even fundraisers. We talk about belonging as prevention: noticing the person at the edge before harmful groups offer their counterfeit version of community. The result is a quiet, durable form of kindness that anyone can practice today.

If you’re ready to replace division with presence and curiosity, this conversation offers a map you can use on your next break. Subscribe for more thoughtful stories, share this with someone who needs a gentle nudge toward connection, and leave a review to help others find the show. Who will you invite for your next Chocolate and Coffee Break?

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here:

Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now.

Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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New to The Kindness Matters Podcast? Start here.

If you’re looking for uplifting podcast episodes, real stories about kindness, or inspiring conversations that restore hope, this episode is the perfect place to begin.

With over 150 episodes, we’ve pulled together 5 of the most impactful, meaningful, and inspiring stories that truly represent what The Kindness Matters Podcast is all about—kindness in action, real people making a difference, and hope in a world that needs it.

From “Me” to “We”
Discover how shifting your mindset from individual success to community impact can transform lives. A powerful conversation about empathy, connection, and purpose.

Brewing Hope
How coffee, community, and compassion come together to create real change. This episode highlights how small ideas can lead to big impact.

The Ripple Effect of One Good Deed
One act of kindness can create a chain reaction. Learn how simple actions can spread positivity further than you ever imagined.

Stamps4Hope
A unique story of turning passion into purpose. See how creativity and generosity can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

Heartfelt Stories of Loss, Love, and Libraries
An emotional and inspiring conversation about grief, healing, and finding connection in unexpected places.

Why Listen to The Kindness Matters Podcast?

This podcast is for anyone who:

• Feels overwhelmed by negativity in the world
• Is searching for positive, uplifting content
• Wants to hear real stories of kindness and compassion
• Believes small actions can make a big difference

Each episode features individuals, nonprofits, and organizations working to create meaningful change through kindness.

Support & Share Kindness

If these stories inspire you:

• Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode
• Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement
• Leave a review to help more people discover these stories

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Compassion gets called a “soft skill,” but what if it’s the hardest form of strength? We sit down with Tammy Ward, a former RCMP leader who spent 24 years across federal, provincial, and municipal policing—from major crimes to remote northern posts—to unpack how empathy saves relationships, reduces conflict, and sustains teams in the toughest moments. Tammy shares clear, lived examples of de‑escalation through listening and presence, including why speaking with rather than at people can prevent force and build trust that lasts beyond a single call.

The conversation goes deep on leadership after trauma. Tammy recounts the aftermath of a line‑of‑duty tragedy that killed three officers and injured two, and how she was asked to steady the team through grief. Her approach defied the old “suck it up” script: small human gestures, honest language about pain and suicide, and a culture where asking for help signals courage, not weakness. We also dive into domestic violence response—the danger, the complexity, and the power of survivor‑centered communication. Gender dynamics, team agreements, and matching the right responder to the moment come into focus as practical, repeatable tools.

We challenge the burnout myth that compassion drains you. Tammy argues that silence—not softness—breaks people, and that self‑compassion plus peer support protects performance over time. You’ll hear how to spot early disengagement, why naming suicide matters for real change, and what it takes to build workplaces where rank isn’t confused with leadership. If you care about human‑centered leadership, psychological safety, and trauma‑aware teams, this conversation offers direct, usable steps you can apply today. If the message resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review to help others find the show.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

Still Changing a World: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference invites you to notice the quiet, everyday moments where you can change someone’s day—and maybe their life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by outrage and noise but still believe in human connection, this book will encourage you to keep showing up with courage, compassion, and practical kindness. Grab your copy here:

Join the movement of kindness! When you shop The So Do You Collection, you’re not just getting inspiring merch—you’re helping make a difference. A portion of every purchase supports local and national nonprofits that spread kindness where it’s needed most. Explore the collection now.

Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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