Have you ever felt as if your inner critic is running rampant, whispering doubts and fears that cloud your day? You're not alone, and this week, I'm thrilled to share the space with Alex Walton, the brains behind "The Kind Mind Method," as we address the all-too-familiar battle with negativity. Our heart-to-heart conversation journeys through my personal struggles with mental health and the techniques I've found unbeneficial, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and gratitude practices.Alex Walton takes the spotlight, recounting his own quest for mental serenity and how it led him to craft an innovative approach for silencing those stubborn negative thoughts. The stories we exchange about simple yet powerful positive questions and Alex's unique method will empower you to shift your mindset towards a more peaceful and benevolent outlook. We also touch upon the joy that giving and receiving random acts of kindness can bring into our lives, an often overlooked yet potent remedy for the soul.As we wrap up, we share a treasure trove of resources available at kindnessmatterspodcast.com, aimed at supporting your mental health journey and amplifying kindness in the world. I hope I can leave you charged with the uplifting truth that the smallest acts can wield the greatest transformative power. So join us on this episode of the Kindness Matters Podcast and let's turn the tide together—one act of kindness at a time.Support the showDid 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.

Have you ever held the door open for a stranger and questioned whether the gesture came from a place of deep sincerity or just plain old habit? I'm Mike Rathbun, and I tackle this intriguing question on the Kindness Matters podcast, dissecting the subtle differences between kindness and niceness. Our lively exchange, filled with anecdotes and a whimsical game of "Kind or Nice," will leave you pondering the intentions behind your daily interactions. We're peeling back the layers of what it means to be truly kind, and I assure you, it's a journey that will enlighten as much as it entertains.In our most recent episode, we don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk by sharing real-life examples of how authentic kindness can be a game-changer. From the simple joy of complimenting a passerby to the profound impact of encouraging someone to chase their dreams, we explore how small acts of genuine compassion can transform lives. It's stories like these that will equip you with the tools to become a beacon of positivity in your community. So, if you're ready to elevate your understanding of kindness and infuse more of it into the world, join us for a conversation that's as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking.Support the showDid 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.

Get ready to be inspired as we welcome the dynamic duo, Missy Merschman and Stacey Burnham. These extraordinary women have been spreading a wave of kindness through Minnesota with their initiatives - the Anoka Kindness Rock Garden and the Minnesota Kindness Alliance. Listen as they share their experiences of participating in the Anoka Halloween Parade and the Cambridge Snowflake Parade with a stunning light-up float, and their aspirations to grace the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade someday.We delve into the profound concept of kindness in this episode. Drawing inspiration from Missy and Stacy's work, we lay out a proposal to dedicate a day each quarter for acts of kindness. Imagine the positive ripple effect when each of us takes a moment to share a smile, hold a door open, or perform a simple act of kindness. The highlight of this episode is the upcoming Minnesota Kindness Alliance Make a Difference Day Festival - an event designed to spotlight and support local nonprofits. We also underscore the vital importance of mental health and suicide awareness in our community outreach initiatives.The concluding segment delves into an exciting project for Make a Difference Day. Missy and Stacey share their plans to distribute gift certificates at a local grocery store. Beyond this, they dream of establishing a community house, similar to St. Clouds' COP House, a place where various organizations can unite for a common cause - providing services and support for those in need. Be inspired by these wonderful women who are making tangible changes in their communities and find out how you can jump on the kindness wagon. This is an episode you won't want to miss!Support the showDid 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.

Have you ever pondered the transformative power a simple act of kindness might have on a challenging profession like nursing? Join us in a rewarding conversation with Eva ZobianWolf, a nurse with over two decades of wisdom accumulated from her experiences in the field of emergency medicine. Eva graciously paints a vivid picture of the demanding world of rapid responses and code teams, and how a mere smile or a kind gesture can have a profound impact during these nerve-racking moments. She shares heartwarming stories of volunteer work and the touching expressions of gratitude she has received from patients throughout her nursing career. We shift our focus from the nursing world to explore how professions like that can shape personal identity and mindset, extending beyond the confines of the workplace. The strength and resilience required to remain kind and patient in the face of adversity is not limited to professionals in high-pressure jobs; it is a universal human attribute worth celebrating and fostering. Our discussion takes us further into self-care and stress management, spotlighting yoga's transformative power. Hear from a guest whose life was reshaped by yoga, which helped her navigate through stress and anger, ultimately altering her relationship with herself and others.In the concluding segment, we delve into the realm of adaptive yoga, a practice that emphasizes accessibility for every individual, regardless of physical capabilities. Eva ZobianWolf, also a yoga instructor, provides valuable insights into her work with first responders, nurses, and war veterans battling PTSD. This episode reminds us of the importance of incorporating kindness, compassion, and non-judgment into our daily lives, not only as stress management tools but as essential elements of overall well-being. Don't miss out on this heartfelt conversation that celebrates the remarkable effect of compassion in life and profession.Support the showDid 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.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live from a holistic perspective, connected to something bigger than ourselves? Have you ever desired to embrace joy in the present moment and love your perfectly imperfect self? If so, you're in the right place. In our recent conversation, we had the delightful opportunity to chat with Nanci Reed, a spiritual life coach, author, and creator of the micro philanthropy project, 32 favors. Nanci uncovers her unique approach to life coaching, combining traditional elements with a spiritual dimension, all without the constraint of any specific religion. Brace yourselves to wrap your mind around Nancyi’s life-altering motto, "Happily Ever Now, Not After." This idea, which finds its roots in joy in the present moment and the perfect imperfection of our selves, is an absolute game-changer. Nanci explores this concept in her book, "Happily Ever Now, Not After: Everything Else is Perfect," a practical 12-week program designed to help overcome perfectionism. We also dive into Nanci's studies and teachings of A Course in Miracles, a spiritual thought system that supports her motto and overall life view.If you're ready to be inspired, you cannot miss our conversation about Nanci’s heartwarming project, 32 favors. Nanci embarked on a mission to commit a daily act of kindness for others, which started with a dream about a race and turned into a kindness campaign. From virtual acts of kindness to helping strangers, Nanci shares her experiences and the transformative impacts it had on her life and others. This endeavor attests to the power of kindness and its potential to change lives. Join us as we explore the power of kindness, a life embraced in the present, and the beauty of our spiritual selves.Support the showDid 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.

Have you ever wondered how you can show up for those in grief, especially during the holiday season? Well, that's exactly what we'll uncover in this episode with our guest, Heidi Dunstan, an author, grief coach, and someone who has personally navigated the unexpected loss of her husband. Heidi shares her heart-wrenching journey, unveiling the importance of understanding and supporting those who are grieving. Together, we explore the misconceptions around grief and stress the importance of open communication, respect, and avoiding judgment.One thing we must remember is that grief isn't linear – it can catch people off guard. Heidi's unique insights will guide us on how to effectively hold space for those in grief, what to say, what not to say, and the sheer significance of simply being there with them. Additionally, we highlight the pressing need to change the narrative around grief, underscoring the importance of showing grace and understanding to those on this challenging journey.As we round off this episode, we reflect upon the broader theme of kindness. We address the power of rooting for others, complimenting strangers, and encouraging people to believe in themselves. These acts of kindness, no matter how small, can indeed make a significant difference in the world around us. Remember to tune in next week for another heartwarming episode of the Kindness Matters podcast. Our conversations aim to spark kindness, foster understanding, and empower each of us to be a beacon of compassion in our everyday lives.If you are interested in attending Heidi's free Masterclass, "Lean into Grief Through the Holidays" on December 6th, you can register here.Also you can follow Heidi on Social MediaFacebookInstagramLinkedInSupport the showDid 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.

Ever wonder how embracing your quirks can set you on a path to success? This episode is a testament to just that. We get up close and personal with Joey Natale, the charismatic founder of Grow Our Light. Joey’s fascinating journey started from accepting his 'nerdiness' and ADHD, leading him to become a celebrated public speaker and coach. We dive into an enriching conversation about the importance of health, the honor in being a 'nerd', and how to express yourself in a way that resonates with others. Joey generously shares his insights on enhancing social skills and articulating your thoughts in a way that can truly make an impact.We continue our dialogue with Joey, focusing on how integral kindness is to his coaching approach. We dialogue about the fine line between loneliness and solitude, and how to find peace in your own company. We explore the realms of self-love and shadow work, helping you understand their true essence. This episode is more than just a conversation, it's an invitation to realize the value of kindness, not just as a virtue, but as a tool to achieve your aspirations and build meaningful relationships. It's a gentle nudge towards remembering that kindness, like any other skill, needs to be nurtured and practiced. Come join us, and discover how kindness can deepen your ability to love and be compassionate towards others.Support the showDid 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.

Imagine having the power to shape your future, energize and engage your teams, and build strong relationships. This episode delivers just that, with the amazing insights of our guest, Brian Biro, known as America's Breakthrough Speaker. Brian has a unique blend of experience - he has been a swimming coach, author of 16 books, and a speaker who has made over 1,800 presentations, leaving a trail of inspiration and life-changing principles.During our intriguing conversation, Brian shares a wealth of knowledge from his journey through three career paths. He opens up about the valuable lessons he learned as a coach which he has seamlessly transitioned into the corporate world, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. He helps us redefine the concept of leadership, reminding us that everyone has the potential to be a leader, capable of shaping their destiny and making decisions that impact others positively. Notably, Brian introduces us to 'breakthrough leadership' - the ability to channel our vision into shaping the future.Moreover, we uncover the subtle power of kindness and gratitude with Brian. He shares research that reveals a fascinating correlation between kindness and success. Brian emphasizes the necessity to appreciate people's effort, energy, and attitude before acknowledging their results. He also shares how gratitude can revolutionize our lives, and how becoming a great buddy thinker is key. This episode is a masterclass in personal development, leadership, and the power of positivity. Tune in to learn from Brian Biro's transformative principles and make your breakthrough today!Support the showDid 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.

What if we told you that yoga can lead to more than just physical wellness but can also inspire acts of kindness and community service? This is precisely the journey our guest today, Laura Mickler, embarked on. A yoga enthusiast turned certified instructor, Laura is the heart and soul behind the Sacred Steps Studio and Store. Recovering from surgery, distressed, and overwhelmed, she found solace in yoga. The studio was her beacon, leading her through challenging times, and now, she lights the way for others seeking the same path.But Laura's story doesn't stop there. In a surprising twist, we discover how she repurposed a box truck into Millie. Millie, a moving service that's more than just transportation. Listen as Laura passionately shares how she transformed this service into a lifeline for local non-profits. From distributing prom dresses to replacing furniture for families devastated by house fires, Laura identifies needs and fills them, creating ripples of kindness in the community. She also shares her involvement with Secret Families, a program offering holiday gifts to families in need. So brace yourselves, because this episode isn't just about yoga and a moving service, but a tale of resilience, determination, kindness, and the extraordinary power of community.If this episode spoke to you, inspired you, motivated you to do more kindness in the world, please consider sharing!Support the showDid 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.

Ever walked out of a store and been asked to show your receipt? Well, imagine being the employee who has to enforce that policy and faces the wrath of irate customers every day. That's the reality for Nancy, a diligent store greeter who's at the heart of our discussion today. We shine a light on the unsung heroes of our shopping season - the frontline workers who often bear the brunt of misplaced anger and frustration. Let's change the narrative this holiday season. Meet a woman who gifted a mere candy bar to a cashier and left a profound impact in return. A story like this serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. It's time to foster a culture of gratitude and appreciation, especially towards those who serve us day in and day out. After all, amid the holiday hustle, your encouraging words or a simple thank you could be the bright spot in someone's hectic day.Support the showDid 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.