The Platinum Rule

In this episode of Conversations with Thomas, we explore a powerful shift in how we relate to one another: from the Golden Rule to the Platinum Rule—"Treat others the way they want to be treated."

Thomas Kevin Dolan invites you into a soulful conversation blending science, story, and spirit. You'll hear insights from psychology, queer wisdom, and personal healing journeys—including a tender story from his book Little Fag: A Story of Self-Acceptance and Healing—that reveal how the Platinum Rule creates deeper, more compassionate connections.

With a practical practice called The Platinum Swap, Thomas offers a tangible way to embody this heart-led principle in your everyday relationships. Whether with loved ones, chosen family, or even yourself, this episode is a reminder that true love begins with listening.

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule—and why it matters

• How empathy and interpersonal neurobiology deepen connection

• Ways queer communities model expansive, attuned love

• A story of relational healing through the Platinum Rule

• A simple 10-minute practice to strengthen any relationship

• How to love others (and yourself) with more nuance, care, and curiosity

Who It’s Perfect For:

• Heart-centered humans looking to deepen their relationships

• Coaches, therapists, and helpers who value attuned connection

• Those ready to practice empathy as a verb—not just a feeling

In this warm, witty, and wisdom-packed episode of Conversations with Thomas, host Thomas Kevin Dolan explores the tender art of kindFULLness—a powerful blend of mindfulness and self-compassion. Through vulnerable storytelling, science-backed insight, and just the right dash of humor, Thomas shows how practicing kindFULLness isn’t about escaping life’s mess, but meeting it with a soft heart and curious mind.

He shares personal stories from his memoir Little Fag: A Story of Self-Acceptance and Healing, including a middle school mirror moment and an emotional breakdown at his first Pride parade—moments where kindFULLness helped him stay grounded and whole. Thomas also breaks down what the research says, from cortisol reduction to increased emotional resilience, and offers a simple, guided practice to help listeners embody kindFULLness in their daily lives.

If your inner critic needs a nap and your soul is craving a little grace, this one’s for you.

What You'll Learn:

• What kindFULLness is—and why it matters

• How to spot your inner critic (and kindly tell it to pipe down)

• The science behind self-compassion and stress reduction

• A 4-step “Gentle Pause” practice you can use anytime

• Why you can be a masterpiece and a work in progress

Perfect For:

Anyone who’s tired of beating themselves up and ready to show up with more softness, humor, and self-acceptance.

Bridge Burning

How often have you heard quotes like these:

“Keep burning those bridges. It’s going to be lonely on that island of yours.”

“Don’t burn bridges you may have to cross later.”

Or my favorite:

“Don’t burn a bridge and expect them to send a boat.”

Usually, this is pretty sound advice. The one thing they are all missing is that little asterisk (*) that points to the disclaimer:

• Unless that bridge is so screwed up that it might collapse and kill you at any moment.

Sometimes you need to burn bridges in order to stop yourself from crossing them again.