The Kindness Chronicles

The KC Crew learned that The Kindness Chronicles was ranked #2 on Feedspot’s “30 Best Kindness Podcasts for 2026,” THANK YOU, listeners! They quickly review the Masonic Children’s Hospital gala that raised about $2.5 million, as an example of kindness through philanthropy. The episode then focuses on an extended discussion of The Blues Brothers, including Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s origin story from Second City, the film’s role in reviving and spotlighting blues musicians and Chicago culture, standout scenes and cast members (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, John Candy, Frank Oz, Steven Spielberg), and themes of redemption, loyalty, friendship, and joyful comedy through music. Check it out. 

In the 200th episode of The Kindness Chronicles, the hosts welcome back storyteller and former advertising executive Neal Ford to discuss how his ad career shaped his focus on emotionally resonant communication and how a viral TikTok story launched his social media storytelling. Neal recounts a 1969 experience when strangers helped his family after a car breakdown near Bakersfield, restoring his father’s faith in people and later reframing it with the moon landing. The conversation explores skepticism about performative “kindness videos,” the value of anonymous giving, and examples of quietly impactful generosity. They discuss social media’s role in spreading either cynicism or connection, how technology and algorithms can be weaponized, and a positive AI example from IKEA retraining staff. The hosts highlight Minnesota Masonic Charities’ Selfless Scholar program and Neal’s StoryFire.net course, including an AI coaching component and his talk, “The ROI of Kindness.”

After a couple of “LONG Stories,” we explore the oxytocin-inducing storytelling of the late great Rob Reiner

Our scheduled guest was unable to join us, SO…More Wild talk (that’s all KG knows…and movies), and Steve leads us in another one of his Kindness Comebacks game. 

A playoff preview for the Minnesota Wild with KG followed by game show host, Steve Brown, and his Kindness comebacks.

The KCP Crew welcomes Anytime Fitness co-founder Chuck Runyon, who reflects on growing up on the East Side of St. Paul and his journey in building Anytime Fitness, which comprises nearly 6,000 global locations.  Chuck discusses the challenges and innovations during COVID closures, and outlines the company’s emphasis on training, nutrition, recovery, senior fitness programs, storytelling-driven culture, servant leadership practices, and the company's “Bleed Purple” tradition.

St. Paul native and Sirius XM personality, The Catholic Guy, Lino Rulli joins us. This guy is a lot of fun. Check it out.

KCP crew visit with kindness and character icon, Joe is the founder and president of Youth Frontiers, an organization that has been providing unique character development programs in schools for decades.

The KC Crew review celebrity kindness thru a silly little game. 

The KCP Crew welcomes AUTHENTIC Irishman, John Cosgrove gives us a peek into the Irish community in Minnesota.