In this episode of the Sweetwater Kind Community Podcast, the show embarks on an exciting new journey with a partnership between Sweetwater and Kind Community. Joining the conversation with host Jenny West are Rainbow Maldonado, Founding Director, and Laura Rizzo, Current Board of Directors President of Kind Community, who share the heartfelt origins of the organization. Inspired by a tragic series of suicides among young people in the Pocatello area, Rainbow and Laura talk about the motivation behind Kind Community’s mission to uplift and empower youth through kindness and support.

The discussion also highlights the Sweetwater Podcast’s beginnings, born out of the pandemic when host Jenny noticed how often small but meaningful acts of kindness were being overlooked. From a simple hug to a kind word, these gestures can profoundly impact people's lives.

The episode concludes with an exciting preview of Kind Week, scheduled from September 17-24 in Pocatello, featuring a range of community events aimed at celebrating kindness, including a kickoff celebration, speaker presentations, and free activities at the zoo and Outback mini-golf. The Sweetwater Podcast invites listeners to nominate themselves or others to be featured in future episodes, encouraging everyone to share their stories of kindness.

Check Out Our Links:

Website: kindcom.us

Instagram:
Sweetwater instagram/sweetwaterpodcast
Kind Community instagram/kind.comm

Email: [email protected]

Jennie is an “insta” friend – she is instantly your friend – and not just any friend – an instant “I feel like we have been friends since childhood” kind of friend.  I think this magical ability is what enables her to create communities of friends and family wherever she goes. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Jennie when she moved to the Pacific Northwest in the midst of COVID and we recorded this episode right before she moved to California.  She instantly became my friend, and I am sure just by listening to her episode and learning of the simple things she does to show kindness to all around her, she will become your “insta” friend, too. 

I feel like the powers of darkness were conspiring against this episode. I had computer issues, weird microphone / sound issues (I’m sorry!), phones that were silenced continuing to ring during recording, rescheduling due to colds, distractions...you name it, I feel like Cheryl and I faced it.  What all of that means to me is someone needs to hear this episode. Maybe that someone is me, maybe it is Cheryl, or maybe that someone is you.

In this episode Cheryl describes small and simple acts of kindness that served as the light that chased away the darkness getting her through a very difficult period of her life.  We also discuss how Cheryl has used her experiences to become a beacon of light for others by showing unconditional love and acceptance.

If there is ever a zombie apocalypse, I want to be with Bethany.  Bethany is one of the most organized and driven women I know.  She can do anything once she decides to do it.  That is why it made me so sad to hear her say that she finds herself without any real achievements at this point in her life.  In this episode we explore Bethany’s inner and physical strength to complete Orange Theory of Fitness (OTF) Hell Week and how very early morning classes built up her strength to successfully complete a grueling week of OTF challenges.

We also learn how Bethany’s innate inner strength and CEO characteristics have enabled her to accomplish extraordinary achievements such as being a source comfort for her friends and raising kids who know how much they are loved and valued.  

Emily is one of the most talented bakers (and singers) I know and is one of the kindest people I have met.  In this episode we explore the similarities of how the combination of simple ingredients create mouth-watering treats to how simple acts of kindness can literally sweeten and bring joy to someone’s life.

We also learn about Emily’s ability to bring peace and comfort to her home and how she learned to serve others by emulating her Grandma Lucy’s example.

In the initial episode of the Sweetwater podcast, I talk with my amazing friend, Ellen, where we utilize her training to successfully climb Mt. Kilimanjaro as a pattern for how small and simple actions can make the mountains we climb in our own life a little easier.

We also learn about Ellen's gift of listening, how she shows others grace, and her phenomenal talent for folding laundry and getting alone time!