And it’s proof that when we lead with love, we can build bridges — not walls.
Gina Bowser — a woman who turned pain into purpose, and beauty into service.
She began as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry, then answered a deeper calling into social work. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything shifted.
While fighting her own battle, she saw a need — and answered it with courage. She dedicated her life to supporting women walking the same path, combining her clinical training with her heart for care.
And as she completed her master’s in social work, she took another bold step: creating hair care products designed specifically for the diverse textures of African American women — a need long overlooked.
Today, Gina leads workshops, shares wisdom, and reminds women: your beauty is real — inside and out.
This is more than a comeback.
It’s a calling.
And her kindness is changing lives.

Paul and MaDonna Newman — an interracial couple from different worlds — have been married for 14 years, proving that love isn’t about matching backgrounds, but about sharing values.  Paul, a White man from Phoenix, grew up without ever seeing a Black student in his high school. MaDonna, a Black woman raised in the diverse heart of Los Angeles, came into the relationship with no children, while Paul brought six.  

They come from different political parties, dress differently, and were shaped by vastly different experiences.  But one thing united them: deep, shared values — kindness, integrity, family.  And that was enough.

In a world that focuses on division, Paul and MaDonna show us what real love looks like: not sameness, but respect. Not agreement on everything — but compassion, curiosity, and commitment.  This is a story about how two people chose each other — not in spite of their differences, but because they learned to see them as gifts.  And it’s proof that when we lead with love, we can build bridges — not walls.

Brandon Spevak lived the ideal Mormon life: a descendant of pioneers, a devoted husband, father, bishop, and missionary. He did "everything" right. But from his teenage years, he carried a truth he couldn’t speak: he was gay. For decades, he lived a double life, burying his identity to honor his faith. When his children were teenagers, he realized he could no longer deny who he was. Coming out cost him his standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it gave him something far greater: his soul. Though his mother and siblings struggled to support him without defying doctrine, his father’s quiet acceptance became a lifeline. Over time, Brandon let go of his resentment, embraced his truth, and found love. Today, he dedicates his life to supporting LGBTQ+ youth who’ve been cast out by their families — offering the compassion he almost didn’t receive. This is a story of loss, liberation, and legacy — and how one man turned pain into purpose.

Mike Buchheit has spent decades on the front lines of human emotion, calming panicked voices on insurance calls, guiding uncooperative visitors at the Grand Canyon, and later, navigating his own health crisis as a patient. In this powerful conversation, he shares how kindness, even in high-stakes, high-stress moments, isn't just nice, it's necessary.
From de-escalating crises with empathy to setting clear expectations with compassion, Mike reveals how treating people with dignity, whether you're serving them or relying on them, changes outcomes, saves lives, and creates connection where conflict could arise.

This is more than a customer service story. It’s a reminder: **kindness is a skill, a strength, and a lifeline especially when the stakes are high.

shares her story of personal growth, understanding, and empathy, and learn how her experiences have shaped her views on acceptance and unity.

In this episode, we're joined by David Cosby, who shares his powerful story of personal growth and transformation. Growing up in an all-Black area on the East Coast, David's negative experiences with white people shaped his initial perceptions and biases. However, his life took a turn when he joined the military and met a white airman who would become a close friend. Through this friendship, David learned the importance of judging people based on their character, not their skin color. Listen in as David shares his journey to breaking down barriers and embracing unity amidst diversity.

In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Coach Mike Schaub, a single foster parent who has dedicated his life to raising three young men with special needs. Coach Mike shares the challenges he's faced, including the unkindness he's encountered, while also highlighting the incredible rewards of his chosen path. His dedication and kindness serve as a powerful example for us all, reminding us of the importance of nurturing, love, and support in building strong families and communities. Tune in to hear Coach Mike's remarkable story and learn from his invaluable insights on the transformative power of compassion.

In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Shawn Davis, who grew up as an orthodox Mormon. Shawn shares his journey of questioning his faith, serving on an LDS mission, and ultimately embracing people of all backgrounds, regardless of color or beliefs. His experiences and personal transformation serve as a powerful example of embracing diversity and finding common ground amidst different beliefs. Tune in to hear Shawn's fascinating story and discover how his life experiences shaped his commitment to inclusivity.

In this episode, we welcome Julie Bean, a mother of three who shares her heartfelt experiences raising a daughter with autism. Julie discusses the hurtful encounters she faced due to unkindness from strangers in response to her daughter's behavior. Despite the challenges, Julie's daughter has grown into a thriving and contributing member of society. Join us as Julie sheds light on the power of kindness and support from others, providing valuable insights for families navigating similar journeys and reminding us all of the importance of compassion.

In this intro the the Leen On Kindness Podcast, you'll hear from Eileen, who grew up in Utah where she faced prejudice and discrimination due to religious doctrine that labeled black peo-le as cursed from God. Despite this, she also experienced kindness and acceptance from many in her community. Following the tragic death of George Floyd, Eileen made it her mission to promote kindness and belonging, and she created her podcast, "Leen On Kindness" to share powerful stories of compassion and unity. Tune in to discover how Eileen's journey and the stories she shares are creating a ripple of kindness, one story at a time.