In this episode, Claire remembers a family holiday in Cornwall when her dad heard a distant cry for help.

How did shoes play a role in the rescue? Listen to find out!

The episode reflects on that small, selfless act and how it shaped Claire's view of kindness.

Hosts Nicola and Claire use the story as a tribute to kind fathers and to illustrate how simple gestures can have a long-lasting impact on others and on the people who witness them.

Did this remind you of a story of kindness? We’d love to hear from you!

Contact us at [email protected] 

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire 💙💙

Claire shares her late mother’s wartime memory—"Doodlebug Day"—about a terrifying near-miss with a German buzz bomb while the family picnicked on the Thames in 1944.

Despite the danger, the story highlights the calm, care and community kindness that sustained them, and serves as a loving tribute to a mother whose long-ago memories shone through even as dementia took hold.

Clarification: Rutger Bregman’s book is called Human Kind: A Hopeful History  

Has this reminded you of a story of kindness? We’d love to hear from you! You can easily get in touch with us at [email protected]

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire 💙💙

Andrea tells how her elderly father likely had a seizure, became disorientated and ended up stuck in a field surrounded by cows.

A group of local teenage boys found him, helped him to safety, called an ambulance and may have saved his life. Host Nicola reflects on the quiet, unthanked acts of kindness and invites listeners to share their own stories.

Do you have a story to share of kindness? We’d love to hear from you!

[email protected]

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire 💙

In this episode Nicola and guest Sarah share a heartwarming encounter at a recycling centre, where a cheerful attendant named Peter brightened Sarah’s day by chatting about music and recommending songs. His unexpected kindness reminded her how small, motive-free gestures can have a big emotional impact.

The conversation explores how everyday acts of warmth create ripple effects, build community, and boost resilience—showing that no job is "just a job" when people choose to care. 

Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you!

[email protected] 

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire

💙💙

Bettina joins us again and tells us of how a neighbour instantly recognised she needed a nap after a sleepless night with young children. I’m sure many of you can relate to this!

Do you have a story to share of a small act of kindness that meant a lot, even years later? We’d love to hear from you! 

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire xx

Welcome to any new listeners to the Big Little Kindness podcast!

Thank you for stopping by. Our project is collecting and sharing stories of small acts of everyday kindness that have made a lasting difference.

If you have a kindness story to share we would love to hear from you! You can send us your story by DM on Instagram, email at [email protected]

We are also planning a book of stories.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Nicola and Claire. Xx

n this episode we welcome Bettina to the Big Little Kindness podcast. Bettina recalls a kindness from a stranger when she felt at her lowest ebb in early motherhood.

The stranger, who is now a friend, noticed that Bettina was struggling and focused her attention on helping. We discuss the nature of ‘noticing’ and also the importance of kindness to oneself, especially in early parenthood.

Bettina talks about a wonderful collaborative Art project about Kindness: People United https://peopleunited.org.uk/our-impact/

Have you been inspired by Bettina's story? Do you have a story to share about a small act of kindness that made a big difference? We'd love to hear from you!

[email protected]

Thank you! Claire and Nicola 

xx 

Nicola speaks with neighbour Graham about a striking 1978 memory: stranded in Fort Lauderdale after his passport and cash were stolen... The subsequent events had a big impact on the direction his life would take. 

The episode reflects on surprising generosity from unlikely people and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness.

If you've been inspired by Graham's story and have a story of kindness to share we would love to hear from you!

Contact Nicola and Claire on 

[email protected]

Also please see our new Instagram and Facebook page! We are delighted to have them up and running and look forward to sharing more stories and thoughts on Big Little Kindnesses.

Nicola and Claire xx

This time we welcome Colette, professional dancer and Claire’s daughter to the Big Little Kindnesses podcast. Hear how kindness has played an integral part in her dance career and how she dealt with the brusque criticism she was dealt too. 

#colette_kite

Also do look up the fabulous 

#ceydatancdance - pronounced 'jada tank'

and 

#afriquoi 

also mentioned in this podcast. 

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire 

xx

On this episode of the Big Little Kindness podcast, Nicola welcomes guest Cilla to share two short, uplifting stories from Bristol.

One is about the kindness from a local barber shop, the other about how friends and neighbours rallied round after she hurt her arm after a painful fall. 

I popped in to say hello to the barbers and they were pleased to hear they had been noticed! So I'll give them a mention #redlandbarbers on Zetland Road, Bristol. 

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you!

[email protected]

Thank you!

Nicola and Claire xx

P.S. Coming VERY soon: An instagram page where you can find out and hear more about our Big Little Kindness project!