Summary

🌟 The Support & Kindness Podcast – With Greg and Rich Life with mental health challenges, brain injury, TBI, chronic pain, or simply the weight of everyday struggles can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created The Support & Kindness Podcast — a space where compassion, community, and real conversations come together. Each week, Greg and Rich share stories, insights, and practical tools that remind you you’re not alone. From personal experiences to uplifting interviews, we explore how kindness and support can transform lives — one story, one act, one conversation at a time. Expect heartfelt talks, simple steps you can take to spread kindness in your world, and encouragement to keep going, even on the hardest days. Whether you’re seeking hope, healing, or just a gentle reminder that what you do matters, this is your place. 👉 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join us in building a kinder, more supportive world.
Greg Shaw
Episodes
  • Episode 20 — Anxiety With No Apparent Cause

    Episode 20 — Anxiety With No Apparent Cause
    Jan 25 2026
    Episode 20 — Anxiety With No Apparent CauseHosts: Greg · Rich · Jay · Liam · Derek · SarahEpisode OverviewHave you ever felt anxious for “no reason at all”? Your heart races, your chest tightens, your thoughts spiral, but nothing obvious is wrong?In Episode 20, the Support and Kindness Podcast takes a thoughtful, grounded look at anxiety that seems to appear out of nowhere.Greg and the co-hosts explore why this happens, how the nervous system works, and what helps both in the moment and over time. This episode blends education, lived experience, and practical support, all in a safe, shame-free conversation.This is a peer-based discussion intended to support, not diagnose. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, professional help is encouraged.Episode Themes & Key TopicsWhy anxiety can feel random even when there is a causeHow the nervous system’s alarm system can misfireThe “anxiety about anxiety” loopHidden triggers: stress, fatigue, caffeine, hormones, unprocessed emotionsTools to calm anxiety in the momentHabits that help lower baseline anxietyLetting go of shame and self-criticismThe power of support and shared experienceKey Insights from the HostsGreg (Host)Greg frames the episode with compassion and clarity, emphasizing that unexplained anxiety does not mean something is “wrong” with you.Key Takeaway:“Anxiety can be real even if there’s no obvious cause, and you deserve compassion, not criticism.”Anxiety is often a signal, not a failureThe body may react to accumulated stress before the mind catches upFighting anxiety increases it; curiosity and kindness reduce itThe goal is not perfection, but a lower baseline and more supportRichRich focuses on catching anxiety early.“My goal is to keep anxiety from becoming a panic attack.”What helps him: noticing early physical cues, grounding through surroundings, naming anxiety clearly, and understanding his personal baseline.JayJay describes living with a consistently elevated anxiety baseline.“On a scale of one to ten, my anxiety doesn’t really go below a four.”Anxiety is worse later in the day and before social events, but often eases afterward. Support groups help the most.Tools: consistent sleep, exercise, journaling, fidgeting, and peer support.LiamLiam identifies catastrophizing as his main trigger.“I’ve already developed the worst thing that can happen in my head.”He works on challenging worst-case thoughts and conserving emotional energy.DerekDerek sees anxiety as a signal to slow down.“My anxiety will jolt me back to reality — like, ‘Hey, stop and breathe.’”Simple, linear task lists and accepting “good enough” reduce overwhelm.SarahSarah offers a practical perspective shaped by single parenting.“I don’t feel shame about my anxiety. It’s just another layer of worry.”She finds relief by examining the true worst-case scenario and accepting anxiety without apology.Practical Tools SharedThe 90-Second Kindness PlanName it: “Anxiety is here.”Locate it in the body.Use one anchor:Longer exhalesGrounding through sight or touchTemperature cuesReassure yourself: “This is uncomfortable, not dangerous.”Lowering Anxiety Over TimeBrief journaling and emotional check-insGentle movement and time outdoorsMusic, warm showers, calming routinesReducing environmental stressLimiting doom scrollingStaying connectedFinal TakeawayAnxiety does not need a visible cause to be valid. It may be a misfiring alarm or a tired nervous system asking for care. Meeting anxiety with patience instead of pressure can slowly reduce its grip.You are not broken. You are not alone. Support makes a difference.Be gentle with yourself — and with each other.Resources Mentioned988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)Call or text 988 — available 24/7 https://988lifeline.orgEmergency ServicesCall your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger.(Additional resources are listed in the episode’s full show notes on the website.)
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    23 mins
  • Episode 19 — Seasonal Affective Disorder — SAD

    Episode 19 — Seasonal Affective Disorder — SAD
    Jan 11 2026
    Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder — SAD)Support and Kindness PodcastHosts: Greg Shaw, Rich, JayEpisode Focus: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), how it shows up in real life, and why compassion and connection matter during darker seasons.Episode SummaryAs daylight fades, many people notice changes in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation. In this episode, Greg, Rich, and Jay talk openly about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—what it is, why it happens, who is more at risk, and what treatments and supports can help.This conversation blends research-backed information with lived experience. The hosts also reflect on how seasonal changes affect motivation, sleep, family life, and self‑compassion. The episode closes with a heartfelt check‑in: “What’s on your heart this week?”Important note: This episode is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.What You’ll LearnWhat Seasonal Affective Disorder is and how it differs from “winter blues”Why changes in daylight affect serotonin, melatonin, circadian rhythm, and vitamin DWho is more likely to experience SAD and how geography plays a roleCommon symptoms of winter‑pattern and summer‑pattern SADEvidence‑based treatments including light therapy, CBT‑SAD, medication, and lifestyle supportsPrevention strategies for people who experience SAD year after yearKey Quotes & Takeaways from the HostsGreg Shaw“SAD is real. It has biological causes. And it needs real care.”Greg shares how staying connected through support groups and creative communities helps him manage depression and avoid isolation.Emphasizes empathy—especially turning the kindness we offer others back toward ourselves.Rich“Less light really takes away a lot of my energy in the winter months.”Rich reflects on how early darkness affects motivation, physical activity, and emotional energy.A powerful moment comes when he recognizes he gives his children more compassion than he gives himself—an insight many listeners may relate to.Jay“I actually do better in the winter months—I’ve always been more of a night person.”Jay discusses summer‑pattern struggles, especially sleep disruption due to heat and sunlight.Highlights the importance of exercise, noting its benefits for mood, anxiety, and even reducing dementia risk.Noteworthy ObservationsSAD is not a separate illness—it’s a form of major depression with a seasonal pattern.Diagnosis usually requires the same seasonal pattern for at least two years.Cultural approaches like Hygge (Denmark) and Koselig (Norway) show how warmth, lighting, and togetherness can soften winter’s impact.Emerging research is exploring new tools like dawn simulators and brain‑based stimulation methods.Resources MentionedMayo Clinic – Seasonal Affective DisorderAmerican Medical AssociationNational Institute of Mental HealthJohns Hopkins MedicineMental Health AmericaAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansWebMD – SAD SymptomsDartmouth Health – CBT-SADPiedmont HealthcareCommunity SupportKindnessRX Support Groups (Free, Online, Weekly):Brain Injury SupportChronic Pain SupportMental Health & Emotional Well‑BeingLearn Morehttps://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBwFinal ThoughtWhether winter feels heavy or summer feels overwhelming, this episode reminds us that seasonal struggles are valid—and connection makes a difference.You are not alone.
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    18 mins
  • Episode 18: New Year Resolutions

    Episode 18: New Year Resolutions
    Jan 4 2026
    Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek, SarahOverviewThis episode opens the 2026 season with an honest, grounded look at why New Year’s resolutions so often fail—and what can actually help them last. The hosts focus on self‑compassion, small steps, and allowing space for real life. Instead of rigid promises, the conversation centers on clarity, flexibility, gratitude, and choosing changes that fit who we truly are.They also share personal experiences with past resolutions, how their thinking has shifted over time, and what is currently weighing on their hearts.Key Themes & TakeawaysSelf‑compassion matters more than willpower Vague resolutions fail; clear goals with steps last longer Change does not have to start on January 1 Small, realistic actions build momentum Accountability and community support improve consistency Progress beats perfection Gratitude makes goals meaningful instead of stressfulHighlightsGregGreg reframes resolutions as acts of kindness toward oneself rather than pressure to improve.Quote / Key Point:“A resolution is often a promise made in the moment. A goal has steps, structure, and a plan.”Noteworthy Insight:Greg highlights forgiveness for past attempts and treating yourself the way you would treat a friend.Additional Takeaways:Focus on being a better human today than yesterday Consistency matters more than intensity Avoid rigid language like “always” and “never”RichRich reflects on letting go of large, long‑term resolutions in favor of smaller, flexible adjustments.Quote / Key Point:“We can choose to begin a life adjustment at any time, not just the new year.”Noteworthy Insight:Parenting, life experience, and recovery from TBIs changed how Rich plans—favoring doable steps over big visions.Additional Takeaways:Resets can happen after setbacks Seasons and life events offer natural restart points Small goals make accountability possibleJayJay shares his focus on health and how progress began with one major change.Quote / Key Point:“My main goal is improving my health. If weight loss happens, that’s a bonus.”Noteworthy Insight:Quitting smoking outside of January became a catalyst for lasting momentum.Additional Takeaways:Writing goals down increases accountability Baby steps reduce overwhelm Small wins build confidence Gratitude strengthens commitmentDerekDerek centers on attention, focus, and the ability to begin again at any moment.Quote / Key Point:“The next moment, start brand new. You can start anew whenever you put your mind to it.”Noteworthy Insight:He speaks openly about distraction and the value of reminders and visual cues.Additional Takeaways:Slowing down creates progress Losing focus is not failure Awareness of self supports kindness toward othersSarahSarah brings vulnerability and realism after a difficult year.Quote / Key Point:“Not having a plan is having a plan in and of itself.”Noteworthy Insight:Rather than resolutions or naming the year, Sarah chooses openness and humility after a challenging 2025.Additional Takeaways:“Word of the year” approaches can reduce pressure Reading and slowing down offer reset Gratitude for supportive people aids healingWhat’s On Their HeartsGreg: Reconnecting with family and gentler self‑talk Rich: Long‑term family planning and navigating change Jay: Gratitude for sobriety, health, and time with his mother Derek: Re‑centering priorities and reducing self‑created stress Sarah: Simplifying life and appreciation for supportSupport Groupshttps://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBwFinal ReflectionThis episode reminds listeners that growth is not a race, and change does not require perfection. Whether your year begins with a resolution, a word, or simply showing up again tomorrow, every day offers a chance to move forward with kindness.If this conversation resonated, consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who might need encouragement today.
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    20 mins
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