When Naz was at primary school her family couldn't afford to go on holiday. Somehow, a dinner lady knew just what she needed…

Naz Shah MP has had a rollercoaster life. She lived in poverty after her dad ran off with their sixteen-year-old neighbour; Naz then left school at the age of twelve to be sent to Pakistan where she was pushed into an arranged marriage; and her mum was sent to prison after killing an abusive man.

Naz has used her experiences to campaign for others in need, but it was a very small "thank you" from a woman Naz had never met before that has stayed with her. Also in this episode: how her local Bishop Toby provided comfort at her hospital bed and how Mrs Brassley gave her the holiday she could never have imagined.

Share this episode far and wide and let's find Mrs Brassley!

Naz Shah's memoir Honoured is out now to read and listen to.

Thanks so much for being here!

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Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Jess Robinson started announcing loudly that she was Jewish, she was scared… But a group of sequin-clad men showed her that she deserves to be included exactly as she is.

Comedian, singer, actor and author, Jess Robinson, shares how small acts of consistent kindness can add up to something massive, and we hear how someone had so much faith in her – and so much kindness – that they gave everything to make her Edinburgh Fringe show happen. Plus a sneak peak into the kindness of Jess's grandma, and into Jess's new book.

Jess Robinson's book My Life is Rosi is available now.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

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Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Jamie Windust raced to Liverpool Street for a snog under the station clock, little did they know that a woman in Boots would become a crucial part of the story…

Writer and content creator Jamie Windust is the breath of fresh air your day needs, and in this episode you'll hear how you can be that in a little way to them too. Plus, how one person reached out when Jamie really needed it and became the phone contact just below 'Mum'.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Holly (me) set out to make Kind earlier this year, she never expected the stories from guests and listeners to be quite so beautiful, so profound, and so fascinating. You listened, you're there with her, and she (I) couldn't be more grateful.

I'm so proud of what we've made here and you're such a big part of that.

Kind will be back in 2026! Make sure you follow or subscribe so you're the first to know when Kind returns. Thank you for listening and speak soon!

Send in your voice notes to [email protected] or at kindpodcast.com.

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It is audio mixed by Nigel Powell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENT NOTE: This episode contains adult themes.

When Eva Oh arrived on her first ever shift as a dominatrix, most people ignored her, but not everyone…

Internationally renowned dominatrix and podcast host, Eva Oh, took years to tell her Mum about her job. Her Mum's eventual reaction was surprising. Was it as surprising as meeting a Tibetan Lama on a plane who gives you some very specific feedback on your saucy memoir…? You'll have to listen and decide for yourself.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Sophie Williams was standing on a platform in feather pyjamas as the sleeper train pulled away, this man was ready to help her make it to her next-day speaking event on time.

Author and TED speaker, Sophie Williams, shares how, in her late teens, one woman's hair styling advice changed how much fun she was able to have; how her "Style Council" made her latest book, The Glass Cliff, better; and how one man took his transport job so seriously that even her phone got its own train ride back to London.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Giles Paley-Phillips was in his late teens, a couple and their kids showed him what family could look like.

It is incredible how much community two people can create – in this episode you'll hear just what is possible. You'll also hear the importance of youth clubs(!!!), of improvisation, and of taking the time to understand rather than jumping to conclusions.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a bad break up, a car crash and food poisoning were making Ruby's summer resemble a series of unfortunate events, friends old and new stepped up to help.

Ruby Rare is a brilliant sex and relationships educator, author and broadcaster – in fact one of her stories of kindness in this episode relates to the feeling she has about her books once they're out in the world… And another is about the beautiful kindness from her Dad.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wonderful energy of Kenny Ethan Jones filled up the room during this chat – always good for the soul.

He told me about a doctor who saw him as a full person, a mystery man who walked him home, and someone who had choice words to share about his past behaviour.

If you don't know Kenny, he's an activist, an author and an entrepreneur, and he's got a definition of kindness that might resonate with you. See what you think!

CONTENT NOTE: The second half of this episode contains discussion of suicidal thought.

Thanks so much for being here!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson.

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Olia's brother was getting ready to fight in Ukraine, strangers from all over the world stepped in.

Ukrainian chef, activist and author, Olia Hercules, shares what the generosity of strangers has done for her family, and what those closer to home have done for her sense of community. These are magical stories of collective good, and this episode is all about seeing that in others, and finding connection through kindness.

Thanks so much for being here!

Olia's latest book is called Strong Roots. I would strongly recommend you give it a read!

Go to kindpodcast.com to find out more about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @kind_podcast

Follow us on TikTok @kindpodcast

Kind is created and hosted by Holly Newson

It was audio mixed by Nigel Powell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.