Finding Your Inner Mister Rogers

“If you don’t have time to play, you don’t have time to BE. Play isn’t what you do, but rather it’s the spirit and intention with which you do everything.” Steve Gross

In my latest episode of Finding Your Inner Mr. Rogers I sat down with a man I like to call "Mr. Rogers in a hoodie", Steve Gross, Founder & Chief Playmaker at the Life is Good Playmaker Project.

Steve is a clinical social worker who has spent over 30 years using the discipline of play to restore safety and joy for children surviving unimaginable adversity, from post-earthquake Haiti to Newtown, CT.

In this episode we dive deep into:

-Why play is a prerequisite for resilience, creativity, and leadership

-How to sit with people in their pain without letting it crush your optimism

-The difference between authentic support and "toxic positivity"

-How to practice my "95% Rule" in high-stress environments

🎥 Watch the 30-second snippet below for a preview of our conversation!

🎧 Listen/Watch the full episode now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube (Link in comments/bio)!

#FindingYourInnerMrRogers #Leadingwithkindness #LifeIsGood #Playmaker #95percentrule

In this deeply reflective conversation, Todd Faber sits down with Lawrence S. DiCara, longtime Boston civic leader, attorney, and author, to explore what it means to lead with empathy during moments of conflict and change. Larry shares firsthand memories from the busing crisis, Boston’s financial struggles in the 1970s, and the challenges of navigating public life while staying grounded in service to the community. At the heart of the discussion is a powerful theme: shared humanity. Larry explains how listening, face-to-face conversation, and finding common ground have shaped both his legal career and his decades of public service. He reflects on the mentors, teachers, and family members who influenced him, and why history matters so much when confronting today’s divisions.From Boston politics to workplace culture, from civic memory to the importance of treating everyone with dignity, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that real leadership is not about titles, but rather it’s about connection, humility, and showing up for others.

10 episodes in, and I’m just getting started. 🎙️

Celebrating a milestone this week and reflecting on the powerful lessons these first ten episodes have revealed about leading with heart.

When I set out on this journey, I wanted to find the real leaders walking among us. The ones in our own neighborhoods who lift others up, acknowledge their victories, and sit with them in their defeats.

Turns out, true leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about empathy that takes courage.

This milestone isn’t just about publishing episodes. It’s about the stories, the hard-earned lessons, and a daily reminder that kindness can shape whole communities.

Thank you to everyone who has tuned in, shared an episode, or joined the conversation. Here’s to the next thirty that are coming soon!

#10Episodes #PodcastMilestone #LeadWithHeart #95percentrule #KindnessMatters #FindingYourInnerMisterRogers

How do tiny daily habits shape a happier life? In this episode of Finding Your Inner Mr. Rogers, I’m joined by Pam Garramone, M.Ed., the award-winning positive psychology speaker, life coach, founder of Thrive Now Boston, and author of Be Happier — to explore the science of happiness, micro-habits, self-compassion, and why kindness is still one of the most powerful forces we have.

Pam shares practical, science-backed ways to reduce stress, build resilience, and create real emotional well-being without toxic positivity or massive life overhauls. We talk about everything from tiny rituals and self-care resets to identifying your signature strengths and using them to show up better in work, relationships, and daily life.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by change, burnout, or the pressure to “have it all together,” this conversation is a reminder that small, intentional steps can create meaningful change.

#FindingYourInnermisterRogers #95percentrule #leadingwithempathy #PositivePsychology #MicroHabits #leadingwithkindness

The most radical thing we can be right now? Kind. Here's why leads a community helper to truly connect.

Drop a 💙 if you agree kindness is the secret to real leadership.

Fred Rogers taught us that leadership isn't about control-it's about service to others' dignity. Tim Garvin exemplifies this daily. As the CEO of United Way, he's not just managing statistics; he's mobilizing neighbors, building trust, and transforming complex problems into human-sized solutions.

Whether responding to a crisis or inspiring volunteers, he shows that when we unite resources and hearts, there's no stranger, only a neighbor we haven't helped yet. It's simple but powerful: kindness is a leadership superpower.

Think about it: are we leading with compassion enough? What small act could you do today to be the helper?

👉 Click the links in the comments below to listen to how Tim talks about the power of community

#FindingYourInnerMrRogers #95%rule #CommunityLeadership #LeadWithKindness #SocialImpact #UniteForGood

Ever wonder what honest, empathetic leadership really looks like? It’s simple: tell the truth, treat people like humans, and build trust. Drop a 🙌 if you believe kindness and honesty can change the workplace. In a world obsessed with policies, true leadership is about seeing people deeply, to recognize their struggles, celebrate their wins, and be transparent even through tough times. Dave Harmon shared stories from leading Fortune 500 teams where honesty forged loyalty and resilience.He reminds us: People aren’t numbers, they’re individuals with stories, struggles, and strengths. When leaders walk the floor, ask about hobbies, or send a note of thanks, they build a family, not just a workforce.Worth thinking about: How can you bring more honesty and kindness into your own leadership today?

#LeadershipWithHeart #RealPeopleRealStories #HumansFirst #AuthenticLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #findingyourinnermisterrogers

Here’s the truth Fred Rogers would agree with — kindness is revolutionary in today’s world.

Drop a 💙 if you believe a simple kind word can change a neighborhood.
We often think leadership is about control, but real influence is about service and inclusion. Colette Phillips from Get Konnected reminds us that everyone deserves a seat at the table. Her insight? Breaking bread and showing genuine interest dissolve barriers faster than any policy. When we acknowledge others’ humanity, we create trust and positive change.
What’s one small act of kindness you’ll do today?

In this episode of Finding Your Inner Mister Rogers, I chat with Shaheer Mustafa, the President and CEO of HopeWell, one of the most innovative social service agencies in New England.

Shaheer’s work is the modern-day embodiment of Fred Rogers’ fierce advocacy for the forgotten child. He isn't just managing a non-profit; he is completely redesigning a system to ensure that children in transition still have a "neighborhood" to call home. With a background in clinical social work and a deep commitment to social justice, Shaheer leads with a powerful belief: every child deserves a stable, loving environment in which to grow. He and his team are dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young adults in the foster care system by creating innovative, person-centered models of care.

Shaheer is a champion for the vulnerable and a leader who proves that systemic change always begins with a single, compassionate connection.

#findingyourinnermisterrogers #leadingwithkindness #leadingwithempathy #leadingwithcompassion

In a world racing with noise, Carolyn Jones, the market president & publisher of the Boston Business Journal reminds us that true influence comes from integrity and community. As Boston’s town square publisher, she emphasizes that stories should build us up, not divide us, whether through local news, business awards, or community initiatives.

Her focus? Highlighting leaders who lead with kindness and helping others succeed...just like Fred Rogers did in his neighborhood.

In this insightful interview, Jurgen Wien shares how leaders can harness the power of self-regulation, groundedness, and emotional awareness to improve decision-making, foster safety, and lead with kindness. Drawing from his experience in life sciences and insights from Fred Rogers, this conversation explores practical techniques for managing stress and creating resilient leadership environments.

leadership, self-regulation, stress management, emotional intelligence, Fred Rogers, organizational culture, resilience, mindfulness, nervous system, high-stakes decision making.

Fred Rogers' Philosophy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Rogers

The Capacity Movement - https://www.capacitymovement.com/

Emotional and Physiological Integration Techniques - https://www.mindful.org/what-is-emotional-regulation/

Breathing Exercises for Stress Relief - https://www.headspace.com/meditation/breathing-exercises

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurgenwien/