Kindness Matters Podcast

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Ever wonder how just a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life? This episode with our esteemed guest, Carol CC Miller, a renowned positive life strategist, peace activator, and hug expert, is a testament to that. We embark on a journey filled with tales of spreading joy and peace through gestures as small as a smile, a kind word or a warm hug. Carol candidly reveals that she doesn't always don a hat of positivity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the science-backed benefits of sharing a simple hug.

As we continue the conversation, Carol shares insightful strategies to infuse more peace and kindness into our daily lives and the world. She enlightens us about how the power of the reticular activating system can help us focus on what truly matters. We also delve into balancing kindness with boundaries and self-reflection through the essential question, "Who do I want to be and how do I want to show up in the world?". Rounding up the talk, Carol encourages using kindness as an effective tool to inspire belief in oneself and one's dreams. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation and be sure to check out the show notes for Carol's contact information!

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Imagine a world where kindness dictates political discourse - sounds unimaginable, right? Join me, Mike Rathbun, as we traverse the tumultuous terrain of politics interlaced with kindness in this episode of Kindness Matters. We embark on a captivating exploration of the transformative tactics of Republican Newt Gingrich, and how his strategic use of language left an indelible mark on political communication. However, language can be a double-edged sword, and our journey veers towards the perilous path of dehumanization in politics, with chilling examples from Nazi Germany and the Rwandan genocide.

But it's not just about the past, it's about the present too. It's about how two-thirds of Americans perceive members of the opposing political party as less human, and the threat this poses to our democracy. We'll peel back the layers of this unsettling reality, discussing measures to combat it. Moreover, this episode is a call to arms for kindness in our daily lives as a remedy for political partisanship. After all, change begins at home - with you and me. So, tune in, be inspired, and take a stand for kindness in politics.

Links to sources. 
https://scholars.org/brief/what-history-teaches-about-partisanship-and-polarization 
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/18/925069809/the-consequences-of-politics-dehumanizing-language 
https://theconversation.com/the-slippery-slope-of-dehumanizing-language-97512 
https://spsp.org/news-center/character-context-blog/dehumanization-threatening-democracy?fbclid=IwAR1Y7TDYnkkF--JoG-On4QZTrtfbjvmvP9uBQOjs-8A0tCUrFfcwVJJzVzs
 

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Would you believe that kindness can be the ace up your sleeve in business? We're joined by Nataly Huff of Innovate Forward Marketing, a business maven with over 15 years of experience, who's going to tell us all about how being a little kinder can work wonders for your venture. Nataly has spent countless hours helping businesses craft strategic marketing plans, not just to boost revenue, but to genuinely help them when they need it most. 

Adding more compassion to your customer interactions can significantly enhance customer engagement and conversion rates. In this episode, we dive into some real-world examples of how this strategy has been utilized effectively with our guest, Nataly. We discuss the surprising positive repercussions of the recession, a time which opened up unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to cultivate their dreams. Hold onto your seats as we also reveal a Seattle-based business owner's unconventional approach to employee salary, and why it's paying off big time.

If you've ever found yourself wondering how we can maintain our human connection in this age of technology, this podcast episode is a must-listen. Nataly shares her thoughts on the importance of acknowledging the intelligence and feelings of those around us. From touching base with a stranger just once a day, to the extraordinary story of how a small act of kindness changed the life of a Minneapolis man, this conversation is sure to inspire you to sprinkle more kindness into your life and business. Don't miss out on learning how to pass on these valuable lessons to the younger generation.

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Ever struggled with chronic pain and found yourself lost in the labyrinth of the healthcare system? You're not alone. Meet Hayla Folden, a health insurance broker, who shares her personal journey of battling unexplained pain and her fight to navigate the murky waters of health insurance. Hayla’s story is not just about her struggle; it's a beacon guiding us through the intricacies of working with hundreds of carriers across eight states to ensure her clients receive the best healthcare coverage.

Join us as we plunge deeper into the nitty-gritty of health insurance for the self-employed. Hayla imparts her knowledge and strategies on how to find the right doctor, stressing the importance of asking the right questions, and understanding your own needs. But it's not all about doctors and insurance; Hayla also shares some valuable alternatives like Direct Primary Care and the role of initiatives like Mark Cuban's Cost Plus in lessening the burden of prescription costs. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those seeking to better understand health insurance and its impact on their healthcare journey.

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Have you ever contemplated the sheer power a simple act of kindness can hold? And the ripple effect it can ignite? That's exactly what we plunge into in our heartening conversation with Lisa Dimino White, a Certified Professional Coach, Ordained Minister, and Public Speaker. Together, we decipher not just the plain acts of generosity like a smile or kind word, but also its profound impact on our mental health. Lisa even brings along her unique stories of officiating weddings, a job that presents her with the joy of seeing couples commit their lives to each other.

Imagine the possibilities if we could tap into the inherent kindness in children and help steer it with their surroundings. We dive into such nuances, sharing personal anecdotes of spreading kindness and the contagious effect it can set off. From discussing how being kind can have a positive effect on our lives, to the intriguing concept of cars alerting drivers when their headlights go out, this episode holds a plethora of insights. Join us on this uplifting journey that shines a light on the tremendous joy simple acts of kindness can bring into our lives.

If you're wondering where you can find Lisa out in the digital world, wonder no further!
Lisa's book
Lisa on Instagram
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Ever wished you could infuse more joy into your daily life? Get ready for a dose of infectious positivity as we engage with our vibrant guest, Jessica Eastman-Stewart, owner of Joyfully Managed Life. Here's a woman who's truly turned life's lemons into lemonade, transforming personal loss into a heartwarming celebration of kindness. Jessica's journey from nonprofit executive to inspiring entrepreneur offers intriguing insights into how simple acts of kindness can change lives.

In this captivating conversation, Jessica shares her innovative approach to being a 'mompreneur', her novel ideas to create welcoming atmospheres, and her unique perspective on the profound connections between management and parenting. You'll learn about her annual tradition of celebrating kindness on July 3rd, a touching tribute to her late brother. Listen in as we delve into the ripple effect of small gestures - like leaving books with uplifting messages or covering someone's laundry expenses. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the power of kindness, not just towards others, but also towards ourselves. So, prepare to be inspired to create your own ripples of positivity in the world.

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Ever found yourself feeling frustrated with traditional paint trays that are neither reusable nor recyclable? We sure have, and so has Billie Asmus, a mompreneur who channeled this frustration into a promising new business venture. Join us for a captivating chat with Billie as she recounts her journey of creating the repaint tray - a game-changer in the world of paint trays. It's a silicone-based, reusable, recyclable lifesaver designed to reduce plastic waste. We also venture into her passion for furniture refurbishing, an odyssey that began in the year 2020.

But wait, there's more! We don't just talk business with Billie. We dive into her life as a mom of two young children and how she juggles running her businesses with parenting. Billy shares her heartfelt belief in the importance of instilling kindness in kids, a value she and her husband work tirelessly to pass on to their children. We share some touching instances of how their little ones are already demonstrating these lessons. Wrapping it all up, our host, Mike Rathbun, leaves us with a profound message about the power of kindness in our daily lives. An episode not to be missed if you're looking for inspiration in balancing work, life, and the pursuit of kindness.

Find Billie all over social media.
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X (formerly Twitter)
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Get ready for a soul-stirring conversation with our special guest, Alex Regan. A trans man, an interfaith minister, a transformative spiritual coach, and a published author, Alex opens up about his journey from growing up in a conservative family to embracing his spirituality and identity. In an intriguing chat, Alex shares his insight on lowercase 'g' god and what it means to discover the "God Within". We dive into the importance of being true to oneself and how we can all find our unique connection to the divine.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as we address the impact of technology on our communities and personal relationships. We question if technology, in its rapid growth, has hardened our attitudes and led to a decrease in communal spaces. From churches transforming into political stages to the urgent need to differentiate politics from spirituality, we cover it all. Alex also enlightens us about his book - a guide to processing trauma and speaking one's truth, and how to navigate the complexities of life by tapping into our inner divine. This episode is not just a conversation, but a journey towards finding oneness and becoming better versions of ourselves. Tune in, and let's explore this journey together.

You can find everything about Alex and his beliefs and insightful message on his website.

Feel free to reach out to me, as well. Find all of my links here.

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Join us for a heartfelt conversation with national speaker and former news anchor, Joan Steffend Brandmeier. We discuss her journey in the media world, particularly in the Twin Cities, and her insight on the overshadowed nature of kindness in our daily news and social media feeds. We take a nostalgic trip back to Joan's days at the Brown Institute, and the joy of queuing up a vinyl record. Joan speaks about how we each say we would like more kind television and news producing, but given the choice, we choose violence and un-kindness.

As we dive further into the notion of kindness, Joan unfolds the inspiring story of baseball legend Mike Veeck, the subject of the new documentary, The Saint of Second Chances. We wrap up our chat with an exploration on the power of small gestures of kindness, love, and respect. Joan, drawing from her experiences, instills in us the power of individual contributions to making the world a better place. Tune in for an uplifting and thought-provoking journey into the heart of kindness.

A good way to keep up with Joan is through her website, here.

Joan book, ...and she sparkled
Joan's book, Peace In Peace Out

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Have you ever stopped to ponder the transformative power of kindness? This week, we invite you to journey with us to Anoka, the burgeoning Kindness Capital of the World. We're joined by Missy Merschman and Stacey Burnham, the inspiring duo behind Anoka's Kindness Rock Garden. This touching tribute to Stacy's late daughter Nicole is more than just a memorial, it's a radiant beacon of kindness, love, and community warmth.

Join us as we explore the heart of Anoka's community, which pulses vibrantly with the rhythm of kindness. We're delighted to introduce Bonnie, the artistic mastermind behind Anoka's murals and rock painting initiatives. She unfolds a world where paint brushes translate kindness into vivid colors and symbols, weaving a network of community connection. Hold your breath as we reveal details about the upcoming 'Cookout with the Cops' event, a heartwarming embodiment of community collaboration.

Our guests share their profound journey from personal tragedy to an arena of communal kindness. Missy and Stacy's narrative is an affirmation of the resilience of the human spirit and the positive impact a community can make. The Anoka Kindness Rock Garden stands as a testament to their vision, a legacy of love and a reminder of the power of kindness in the face of adversity. As we wrap up, we express our deep appreciation for your continued support and hope this episode inspires you to become ambassadors of kindness in your own communities. Tune in and let's share in the strength of kindness, together.

Anoka Kindness Rock Garden on Facebook

Anoka Kindness Rock Garden Website

As always if you have a comment or a question or a suggestion, make sure to connect with me.

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