Why Kindness?

In this episode, Uri Yudewitz steps into the studio to discuss the importance of finding commonalities in communities, how kindness shows up in his career, and why being a connector of people is necessary to bridge divides.

Uri Yudewitz serves as the Vice President of Business Development for CH Group, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With a dynamic background in strategic partnerships, market expansion, and revenue growth, Uri plays a pivotal role in driving the company's success and fostering key relationships, bridging the gap between Western business and Islamic culture.

In his capacity, Uri spearheads initiatives to identify new business opportunities, forge strategic alliances, and cultivate partnerships. His keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior allows him to develop innovative strategies that align with CH Group's overarching goals and objectives, including in each of CH Group’s focus areas (distribution, partnership, financing, certification and non-profit endeavors).

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org

Credits

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: Uri Yudewitz
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link. https://why-kindness.simplecast.com/episodes/david-kirschner/transcript

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Guest host Robert Peterpaul (The Art of Kindness) takes the host seat this week to speak with kindness.org CEO & Co-Founder Jaclyn Lindsey, as well as the Kindlab team- Dr. Oliver Scott Curry & Dr. Chloe San Miguel about the org & the science of kindness. Tune in as they introduce a groundbreaking kindness measurement tool (KQ) and engage in a little friendly competition.

It's World Kindness Week. Do you know your KQ? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org
kindness.org/kq

Credits

• Host: Robert Peterpaul
• Guests: Jaclyn Lindsey, Dr. Oliver Scott Curry, Dr. Chloe San Miguel
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link. https://why-kindness.simplecast.com/episodes/team-kindness/transcript

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Just in time for spooky season, Jaclyn speaks to writer/producer David Kirschner (Hocus Pocus, Child's Play) about kindness in his life, his fascination with family & fantasy stories, and how the kindness of others propelled his career.

David Kirschner's imagination has spawned a body of work that has evoked laughter, fear, suspense, and heartfelt emotion for over 40 years. It was 1975 when the legendary Neil Diamond laid eyes on 19-year-old David's illustrations. From here, David would photograph, and design twenty-two album covers, including the Grammy-nominated for design, The Jazz Singer. Soon after, David's talents were enlisted by famed creator, Jim Henson, for work on Sesame Street and The Muppets. Next, David harkened the voice of his creative entrepreneurial spirit, creating a fantasy garden world, Rose-Petal Place. Inspired by his daughters, Rose-Petal Place quickly blossomed into a book series, toys, apparel, television specials, and a float in the Macys Day Parade.

This success brought David to the attention of Steven Spielberg. Backed by Steven's company, David created and produced the Oscar-nominated and two-time Grammy-winning, An American Tail, which spawned a theatrical sequel, and television series. It wouldn't be long before David struck again, but this time it was the fear of his sister's dolls that would soon become the horror icon, Chucky, in Child's Play. Chucky has prospered in 7 films, and the Chucky VT series is in its third year with an average score of 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. David ran Hanna Barbera Studios as President and Chairman for four years, where he led the resurgence of the venerable animation house. During his reign, David co-wrote and produced the two-time Emmy nominated live action, The Dreamer of Oz, with legendary writer, Richard Matheson, and produced the live-action feature The Flintstones. David's book, The Pagemaster was translated into fourteen languages around the world and became a film starring Macaulay Culkin. David produced for Disney, based on his story, the film Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2, Hocus Pocus 3 is in pre-production.

His other projects include; Frailty, Cats Don't Dance, animated feature Titan A.E, Secondhand Lions, Miss Potter, and Martian Child, David also collaborated with Ron Howard to produce Curious George. He continues today as Executive Producer on the multi-Emmy-winning Curious George PBS daytime series. Ron Howard has been signed to direct a live-action Curious George, that David will produce with Imagine Entertainment. David has continued to honor his commitment to children and society with dedicated positions, Ambassador to The University of Southern California School of Cinema, Trustee of the Board of Crossroads School, Board of Directors for Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and Board Member of The Center for Early Education.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org

Credits

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: David Kirschner
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link. https://why-kindness.simplecast.com/episodes/david-kirschner/transcript

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Matt Mullenweg joins Jaclyn in the virtual studio to discuss the significance of kindness in his company, how his passion for music influenced his career, and the connection between open source and kindness.

Matt Mullenweg is co-founder of the open-source publishing platform WordPress, which now powers 43% of all sites on the web. He is the founder and CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Tumblr, WordPress VIP, Day One, and Pocket Casts. Additionally, Matt runs Audrey Capital, an investment and research company. He has been recognized for his leadership by Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Inc. Magazine, TechCrunch, Fortune, Fast Company, Wired, University Philosophical Society, and Vanity Fair. Matt is originally from Houston, Texas, where he attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and studied jazz saxophone. In his spare time, Matt is an avid photographer. He currently splits his time between Houston and San Francisco.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org
automattic.com

Follow Matt & Automattic

• IG: @photomatt
• Facebook: @automatticInc
• X: automattic

Credits

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: Matt Mullenweg
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Recording artist Stephanie Quayle joins Jaclyn this week to discuss the importance of self-reflection, owning your narrative, and how kindness has shown up in the most unexpected places.

Trigger warning. This interview discusses a specific person's experience with suicidal thoughts, death, and trauma. 

Stephanie Quayle is a Nashville recording artist who tours the world with her music and an entrepreneur with her own record label, Big Sky Music Group. Rolling Stone Country called her “an artist you need to know,” CMT named her as part of its “Next Women of Country” franchise, and she’s appeared on popular programs like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As an independent artist with two Billboard charted singles, “Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout,” she has repeatedly performed at CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. The Montana native has teamed up with recognizable brands like Wrangler, Harley-Davidson, Bass Pro Shops, Montana Silversmiths, as well as Lucchese Bootmaker in the creation of her exclusive boot line. Quayle’s latest album On the Edge chronicles her personal experience in a toxic relationship and the healing she’s gone through since—inspiring others and redefining her future. Stephanie is the author of the new book, Why Do We Stay? How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Healing, releasing April 30, 2024.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org
stephaniequayle.com
Buy the book: barnesandnoble.com/w/why-do-we-stay-stephanie-quayle/1143726766

Follow Stephanie

• IG: @StephanieQuayle
• Facebook: @stephaniequayle
• X: @StephanieQuayle
• TikTok: @stephaniequayle

Credits

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: Stephanie Quayle
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

James Rhee joins Jaclyn this week for an informative and intriguing discussion about his life, his novel 'red helicopter', and how kindness can shape the professional world.

James Rhee is a high school teacher and Harvard Law graduate who became a private equity investor and unexpected CEO. He bridges math with emotions by marrying capital with purpose. His transformational leadership has been recognized by the leading business and civic organizations. His national bestselling book, entitled red helicopter―a parable for our times: lead change with kindness (plus a little math), was published in April 2024 in partnership with Harper One, an imprint of HarperCollins that seeks multi-platform ideas that “transform, inspire, change lives, and influence cultural discussions.” He is working on related film, music, and television projects. His TED Talk and Dare to Lead interview with Brené Brown have captured the imagination of millions.

red helicopter, his media-education platform of the same name, is an operating system—a way—, that creates, measures, and amplifies a sustainable balance of life, money, and joy in the life of business and the business of life. Its systematic impact has been informed by, successfully applied to, and further refined by decades of investing, leading, and teaching at the highest levels in a myriad of environments. red helicopter’s methodologies are grounded in the realities of history and policy, as well as the truths of finance, behavioral psychology, and cognitive science.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org
redhelicopter.com

Follow James
IG: @iamjamesrhee
X: @iamjamesrhee
Linkedin: jamescharlesrhee

Follow Red Helicopter
IG: @theredhelicopter
FB: @theredhelicopter
Linkedin: the-red-helicopter
TikTok: @theredhelicopter

Credits
Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
Guest: James Rhee
Producer: Melissa Malone
Music Composition: Chris Christiana
Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do

Transcript of this episode can be found here: whykindness.simplecast.com/episodes/james-rhee/transcript

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Jacki James, founder of Kindness Matters, joins Jaclyn in this episode for an authentic and important discussion about bullying in schools, and how kindness can alter lives.

Trigger warning. This interview discusses a specific person's experience with bullying, suicide, and trauma.

Jacki James spent 28 years as a high school teacher and 4 years as the UIL Academics Coordinator for her campus. In 2014, she lost her 13 year old son, Peyton, to suicide after he’d been bullied for years. His death changed her focus and her path.

Through her grief, she created a program called Kindness Matters, which is a pro-kindness campaign whose mission is to change the world one act of kindness at a time. As the Founder of Kindness Matters, Jacki has worked to create a global change in how people treat each other. She has spread the Kindness Matters message and Peyton’s story to over 200 schools and student organizations across the country. She spearheaded the endowment of a scholarship in Peyton’s name at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and has created a social media presence of over 50,000 followers where she reminds people of the “how” and “why” of kindness.

Because of her work through Kindness Matters, Jacki has been highly recognized. In 2019 she received the Legend Award from Recognize Good. the Ursa Major Award for Community Service from Alpha Phi International Fraternity in 2020 and has been honored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, Lone Star Circle of Life, and Nascar Xfinity for her efforts in suicide prevention and organ donation education.
She is now retired from teaching and dedicates her time to honoring Peyton and spreading the message that kindness truly does matter.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org
kindnessmatterspj.wixsite.com/kindnessmatters

Follow Jacki
IG: @kindness.matters
Facebook: @kindnessmatters13

Credits
Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
Guest: Jacki James
Producer: Melissa Malone
Music Composition: Chris Christiana
Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do

Transcript of this episode can be found here: whykindness.simplecast.com/episodes/jacki-james/transcript

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Mira Simone joins Jaclyn in this episode for an open and important discussion about kindness within the grief space.

Trigger warning. This interview discusses a specific person's experience with death and trauma. 

Mira is a widow, mother, published writer, grief coach, and grief educator. She is also a registered mental health occupational therapist in Ontario, Canada.

In early 2019, Mira's life was entirely blown apart, when her partner Brian was diagnosed with an unbelievably aggressive cancer. He died seven weeks later, leaving her alone with their almost three-year-old daughter. Almost immediately, Mira followed an uncontrollable urge to write about her grief publicly on social media and began publishing essays, as a way to process and give voice to the loneliness of her experience. The response was profound. Her following grew, as more and more widows, grievers, and grief-curious humans joined her community, craving a more open dialogue around the grieving process.

In 2022, Mira launched New Moon Mira, her grief coaching business, through which she supports widows and grievers in more intimate group settings both in-person and online and provides grief literacy training for grief-support people and healthcare professionals.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Sponsored by Verizon.

Important links from this week's episode:
kindness.org
newmoonmira.com
His Beautiful Death Essay https://modernloss.com/his-beautiful-death/

Follow Mira

• IG: @newmoonmira
• Facebook: @newmoonmira

Credits

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: Mira Simone
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Associate Producer: Becca Reed
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Director Brian Ide joins Jaclyn in the studio to discuss his new film, "A Case for Love," human connection, and the simplicity of kindness. 

Brian has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, first as an actor, then producer, and ultimately a director. “A Case for Love” is his fifth film and premier feature-length documentary. Before founding Grace-Based Films, he directed “Clear Lake, WI” and the recent faith-based short film, “Reconcile”, which has been viewed and used in 47 different countries.

A three-time national judge for the Polly Bond Awards, he has spoken to colleges, faith centers, and film programs nationwide about the intersection of film and faith. Brian is the son of an ELCA Lutheran pastor-father and devout Catholic mother. He is the husband to a lifelong Episcopalian who is drawn to stories that focus on what unites us rather than what divides.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Sponsored by Verizon.

Share Your Kindness Story at kindness.org/stories.

A powerful and timely documentary, A Case for Love, asks people around the country whether unselfish love and kindness can change lives and bridge divides. The film shows us, through countless stories, the answer is a resounding yes.

Now it’s your turn. When has someone’s kindness made a difference in your life? We want to hear your stories of kindness. We’ll share them with our community to inspire people everywhere to remember that every act truly makes a difference.

Important links from this week's episode:

• acaseforlovefilm.com
• kindness.org

Follow Brian on social:

• IG: @acaseforlovemovie
• Facebook: @ACaseforLove

Credits 

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: Brian Ide
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Associate Producer: Becca Reed
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.

Jaclyn speaks with New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Brad Montague about his career journey and how "stubborn optimism" has led him to believe kindness is the answer to a better world through the next generation. 

Brad Montague is a highly sought-after speaker and performer whose encouragement brings hope and humanity to a wide variety of communities - from corporate to creative to classrooms around the world. Montague is the creator of the web series Kid President, the global social good movement Socktober, the bestselling picture book The Circles All Around Us, and, most recently, the creativity-packed Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Brad can be seen as the host of the television special The Kindness Project via The Magnolia Network on Max. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and collaborator, Kristi Montague, as well as their two children.

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg. 

Sponsored by Verizon

Important links from this week's episode:

• montagueworkshop.com
• thetheaterbug.org
• kindness.org

Follow Brad on social:

• IG: @bradmontague
• Twitter: @thebradmontague
• Facebook: facebook.com/montagueworkshop

Credits 

• Host: Jaclyn Lindsey
• Guest: Brad Montague
• Producer: Melissa Malone
• Associate Producer: Becca Reed
• Music Composition: Chris Christiana
• Design: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield Studio

Transcript available at this link. 

This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together.

How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today!

Contact us at [email protected] or on social at @kindnessorg.