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A chance connection on social media led to one of the most heartwarming conversations in Kindness Matters history. Philip Parker, creator of multiple podcasts including "Unscripted Perspective" and "Untouched Melodies," joins Mike Rathbun to explore how kindness functions as both a personal healing force and a powerful tool for positive change.

The conversation takes a particularly moving turn when Philip shares the origin story of "Rory Stories" – a podcast born from his four-year-old son's concern that his friends weren't getting bedtime stories. What began as a simple father-son project has evolved into a partnership with United Way, supporting both independent authors and children in need. It's a beautiful example of how even the smallest acts of kindness can create unexpected ripple effects.

Despite navigating personal challenges including a recent separation, Philip maintains a commitment to kindness that shines through in his parenting philosophy. "I don't want to raise people that are not kind," he explains, sharing touching examples of how his children naturally absorb and reflect the kindness they witness. His guiding principle, borrowed from both Ted Lasso and Walt Whitman – "Be curious, not judgmental" – offers listeners a practical approach to navigating difficult interactions with grace.

The episode weaves through discussions of modern media, the evolution of music platforms, and the importance of basic human connection in an increasingly digital world. Philip's infectious enthusiasm for creating content that uplifts others serves as a powerful reminder that while we cannot control global events, we can control our own actions – we can "lead with kindness."

Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own creative endeavors, looking for practical kindness strategies, or simply need a reminder that goodness still exists in the world, this conversation delivers with authenticity and heart. Subscribe to Kindness Matters for weekly doses of positivity and join our community on social media to share your own kindness stories.

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Tragedy struck Minnesota when politically motivated violence left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife severely wounded, and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert dead. Yet amid this darkness, remarkable stories of compassion and resilience emerged.

The Hoffmans and Hortmans exemplified lives dedicated to service. John advocated tirelessly for families with disabled children and early childhood education, while Yvette brightened countless lives as a kindergarten paraprofessional. Melissa carried the Prayer of St. Francis in her wallet—"Where there is hatred, let me sow love"—words that guided her public service. The Hortmans volunteered training service dogs for people with disabilities and veterans with PTSD, showing their commitment to helping others extended far beyond political office.

Most profound was the response from the Hortman children, Sophie and Colin. Instead of anger, they honored their parents with suggestions that anyone could follow: plant trees, visit parks, pet dogs, share dad jokes, bake for others, or stand up for justice. Their words, "Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear," remind us that kindness persists even in our darkest moments. When tragedy makes us question humanity's goodness, these examples prove that compassion continues to work quietly every day, sometimes obscured but never extinguished by ugliness.

Want to support these families? Links to GoFundMe campaigns for both families and Helping Paws are here:

Support the Hoffmans Recovery

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Transportation insecurity sounds like a cold, technical term—until you realize it's the difference between keeping a job and unemployment, accessing healthcare or suffering without it. While we readily understand food banks and homeless shelters, the critical nature of reliable transportation often goes unrecognized.

Steve Landau, president of Cars for Neighbors, joins the Kindness Matters podcast to shine light on this overlooked crisis. For 25 years, this nonprofit has been quietly repairing cars for low-income residents in Anoka County, Minnesota—a suburban area where public transportation is sparse and unreliable vehicles mean lost opportunities.

The conversation reveals shocking statistics: over 40% of Americans have gone into debt due to car repairs at some point in their lives. Even more concerning, a third of people cannot afford a repair exceeding $500 without sacrificing other essential needs or spiraling into debt. With most basic repairs starting at $1,000, it's easy to see how a simple mechanical failure can trigger a devastating cascade of consequences.

What makes Cars for Neighbors remarkable isn't just the practical assistance they provide, but the profound impact of their work. As one grateful recipient expressed: "Love, grace, mercy, compassion, charity and caring—I have experienced those things from Cars for Neighbors." This testimony beautifully captures how what appears to be a simple mechanical service transforms into something deeply human and life-changing.

Through partnerships with local repair shops and careful vetting of applicants, Cars for Neighbors stretches every donated dollar to help neighbors maintain independence and stability. They become that crucial support system for people lacking the social network or financial resources to handle unexpected automotive expenses.

Whether you're mechanically inclined or simply want to support a worthy cause, this conversation will change how you think about transportation's role in community stability. Tune in to discover how fixing cars becomes a powerful act of kindness that keeps communities moving forward, one repair at a time.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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How do we respond when darkness seems to be winning? Following a horrific act of political terrorism in Minnesota, this special episode takes a raw, honest look at the struggle to maintain faith in kindness during our darkest moments.

The podcast recounts the chilling details of recent attacks on multiple Minnesota lawmakers, including the tragedy that claimed the lives of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband, and their family dog. With remarkable candor, host Mike Rathbun acknowledges the challenge of advocating for kindness when confronted with such senseless violence: "Sometimes advocating for kindness feels a little bit like beating your head against a wall."

Yet rather than surrendering to despair, this episode makes a powerful case for why compassion becomes most essential during times of grief and trauma. Political violence has haunted humanity since ancient Rome, but history remembers both the perpetrators and those who respond with healing. We face a choice: Will we allow hate to harden our hearts, or will we be "the ones who stay, who hold hands, who refuse to let hate win"?

As our communities grapple with increasing polarization and dehumanization of political opponents, this timely reflection reminds us that kindness isn't merely a pleasant sentiment—it's a necessary response to a fractured world. Join us as we explore how small acts of compassion can begin to rebuild what violence has shattered.

Listen, reflect, and consider how you might bring healing to your corner of the world today. Subscribe to the Kindness Matters podcast for more episodes exploring how everyday acts of compassion create ripples of positive change.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can transform lives? Lisa Demmi returns to the Kindness Matters podcast to share the incredible journey of her nonprofit, The Small Magic Foundation, which is creating pathways to success for underserved youth in the Tampa Bay area.

The foundation stems from Lisa's personal philosophy that meaningful change doesn't require grand gestures or substantial resources—just intentional acts of kindness she calls "small magic." What began as a concept for goal-setting has evolved into a structured nonprofit offering disadvantaged youth access to mentorship, creative expression, and practical life skills they might otherwise never experience.

Lisa shares heartwarming stories about the foundation's early initiatives: gifting musical instruments to committed students, hosting rock painting events where children discover their artistic talents, and planning workshops on everything from financial literacy to leadership skills. The joy in her voice is palpable as she describes the moment when a child realizes "I am an artist" after creating something beautiful with their own hands.

Beyond just teaching skills, the Small Magic Foundation aims to bridge generational gaps and show children that adults can be trusted allies in their development. By assembling a diverse board that reflects the communities they serve, Lisa ensures the foundation addresses genuine needs rather than making assumptions about what children require. Her approach emphasizes sustainability—older participants will eventually return as mentors, creating a continuous cycle of giving back.

Ready to witness how small actions can create profound change? Listen to this inspiring conversation about kindness, opportunity, and the magic that happens when someone simply believes in a child's potential. Then visit smallmagicfoundation.org to discover how you can contribute to this meaningful mission through volunteering, mentorship, or donation.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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What if a simple collection of sayings could transform your relationship with anxiety and confidence? Bret Davis, bestselling author of Bretisms: Adopted, Borrowed, and Modified Philosophies For a Life With Less Anxiety and More Confidence joins us to share how everyday philosophies can create profound shifts in how we experience life.

Bret's journey from door-to-door salesman to medical executive demonstrates the power of these principles in action. What began as casual life lessons for his sons evolved into a board at home where his family documented his most impactful sayings. These weren't just clever phrases but practical philosophies that reduced stress and built confidence. As Bret's career advanced into leadership roles, he realized these sayings weren't just valuable for his children – they were helping adults navigate professional challenges and personal struggles.

We explore several standout Bretisms during our conversation, including "You can't trip over what's behind you" – a powerful reminder to stop dwelling on past mistakes or hurts. Bret emphasizes that while we might need to apologize for past actions, we must also learn to forgive ourselves and others to move forward effectively. This philosophy has proven especially meaningful for those in addiction recovery.

Another profound concept Bret shares is "Hold yourself to at least the same level of accountability to which you hold others." He points out our tendency to judge ourselves by our intentions while judging others by their actions – a disparity that creates unnecessary conflict. By reversing this pattern, we develop greater empathy and forgiveness toward others.

Bret's morning routine exemplifies these philosophies in action, culminating in a simple yet powerful request: "Put me in a position to make somebody else's day special." This intentionality transforms ordinary interactions into opportunities for meaningful connection and service to others. As Bret reminds us, "This isn't a dress rehearsal" – we have one life to make special, both for ourselves and everyone we meet.

Want to bring these transformative philosophies to your community? Bret generously offers free copies of his book to those working with youth organizations, group homes, or educational settings who might benefit but lack budget. Connect with him through the website linked in our show notes.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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The national conversation around immigration is often filled with misconceptions, oversimplifications, and dehumanizing rhetoric. But behind the headlines and political talking points are real human beings with profound stories of sacrifice, resilience, and hope.

In this deeply moving conversation, host Mike Rathbun sits down with Rosa Casquino, a Latinx licensed clinical social worker and trauma therapist who specializes in supporting survivors within immigrant communities. As an immigrant herself who came to the US from Peru at age two and lived undocumented until age 18, Rosa brings both professional expertise and personal experience to this crucial discussion.

Rosa powerfully challenges common myths about immigration, explaining that undocumented individuals don't receive free healthcare, housing, or food stamps as many believe. Instead, many pay taxes using Taxpayer Identification Numbers while never receiving the benefits they contribute to. She shares heart-wrenching stories of people who have survived near-death experiences crossing deserts and waters, human trafficking, and extreme violence – all to provide for families they've left behind.

The conversation reveals uncomfortable truths: there is rarely a straightforward path to citizenship for most immigrants despite decades of contribution; immigrants often take essential jobs most Americans won't do; and families make unimaginable sacrifices that continue to affect them emotionally decades later. Rosa's mother still cries about not getting to say goodbye to her own mother 40 years ago.

Perhaps most powerfully, Rosa suggests we change our fundamental question from "why are they coming?" to "what have they survived to get here?" This simple shift acknowledges the humanity at the center of immigration – something too often missing from our national discourse.

Join us for this eye-opening discussion that looks beyond politics to find the human stories that deserve our attention, compassion, and understanding. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear these perspectives, and follow us on social media to continue this important conversation.

Facts about undocumented individuals you may have not heard:

Undocumented workers can pay tax on their wages.

In fact, some estimates place the amount of revenue paid in federal, state and local taxes at $100 Billion.

You may have heard, and believed, that the influx of undocumented immigrants bring crime to a community. That’s verifiably not true.

Empathy and compassion can go a long way towards having a genuine conversation on how to fix our broken immigration systems.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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Imagine walking into a grocery store and seeing your name prominently displayed on a product lining the shelves. For most of us, that would be a remarkable moment. For the clients at St. John of God Community Services, it's a powerful affirmation of their value and contribution to society.

Luke Barnes, Director of Marketing Communications and Entrepreneurial Programs for St, John of God Community Services, takes us behind the scenes of Holy Grounds Coffee, a social enterprise creating meaningful employment for adults with special needs. What began as a solution to inconsistent contract work has blossomed into a purpose-driven business where clients participate in every step of coffee production – from roasting beans to packaging the final product.

The genius of Holy Grounds lies in its multilayered impact. Each coffee order creates multiple job opportunities, while every bag proudly displays the signatures of the clients who helped create it. "When they can walk into a store and see their name on a bag of coffee on the shelf – that's the special stuff," Barnes explains with palpable enthusiasm.

This initiative embodies the 600-year-old philosophy of their namesake saint: "Do good for yourself by doing good for others." The organization doesn't just create jobs; they've thoughtfully constructed a supply chain of kindness. They source beans exclusively from ethical, often women-owned farms, ensuring their positive impact extends globally while creating dignified opportunities locally.

Beyond coffee, St. John of God Community Services addresses community needs through innovative solutions like their mobile food pantry – a converted school bus bringing fresh produce and essential supplies directly to vulnerable populations. Rather than a typical handout model, they've designed a dignified shopping experience that preserves clients' agency and self-respect.

What resonates most throughout our conversation is the organization's deep commitment to seeing people with special needs as whole individuals with capabilities to contribute, not just needs to be met. As Barnes poignantly reminds us, "Everybody can do a little bit of good every single day... those small things really add up."

Ready to make a difference with your morning brew? Follow The Kindness Matters Podcast on social media and discover how organizations like St. John of God Community Services are creating ripples of positive change in their communities and beyond.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com.

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