Podcast
Why Kindness?
Hosted by kindness.org · EN
Why Kindness? is a podcast uncovering the transformative power of humanity’s most underestimated force. Hosted by Kindness.org CEO & Co-Founder Jaclyn Lindsey, each episode invites you into intimate conversations with visionaries, creators, entertainers, scientists, and everyday Kindmakers who reveal how kindness shapes culture, nurtures well-being and deepens human connection. Thought-provoking and heart-opening, Why Kindness? challenges us to see kindness not only as a soft virtue, but as a radical, practical, and essential force that we can activate to build a better world.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Miniature Wife Star Sofia Rosinsky: Why Kind People Are the Best Role Models
2d ago00:35:19Tap to summarizeThe Miniature Wife star Sofia Rosinsky shares her perspective on kindness as an actor, including the importance of empathy both on set and in daily life. Joining host and kindness.org CEO, Jaclyn Lindsey, Sofia dives deep into why kind leaders are better for all. Key Takeaways: Early influences on kindness (to creatures of all kinds) from her family How working on The Miniature Wife, alongside Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen, showed her the power of a compassionate set. A kind message to her sister and collaborator, plus much more SOFIA ROSINSKY is a series regular on the Peacock series “The Miniature Wife” opposite Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen. She was previously recurring on the Hulu series “Death and Other Details” opposite Mandy Patinkin. Sofia is perhaps best known for leading the Amazon original series “Paper Girls." Past credits include a regular role on the Disney Channel series “Fast Layne” and a leading role in the Nickelodeon feature “Forever Boys.” 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Emmy-Winner Julie Schubert: Why Casting TV Runs on Acts of Kindness
2w ago00:50:09Tap to summarizeAction on kind acts! Casting Director Julie Schubert dives deep on the importance of kindness behind-scenes of movies and tv shows. From early lessons her grandma taught her on human connection to the kindness of Keri Russell on her current hit Netflix series The Diplomat, the Emmy-winning creative brings an exciting new perspective alongside host and kindness.org CEO Jaclyn Lindsey. Key Takeaways: Genuine kindness versus superficial niceness. The creative process of casting and building authentic on-screen chemistry. The role kindness plays behind the scenes of "Hollywood." The importance of diversity, equity, and collaboration in casting + much more. JULIE SCHUBERT is an Emmy-winning casting director based in New York. Select film and TV credits include: The Diplomat, Under the Bridge, House of Cards (Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting); Night Comes On (Sundance award winning feature), Deliver Us From Evil; Marvel's The Punisher; Marvel's Daredevil; Marvel's Jessica Jones; Marvel's Luke Cage; Marvel's Iron Fist; Marvel's The Defenders; Mindhunter; Confessions of a Shopaholic, among others. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Why Educators are the Ultimate Kindmakers: Pep Talks for Teachers
May 500:19:04Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt special episode of Why Kindness?, host Jaclyn Lindsey is joined by Learn Kind Program Manager and former teacher Megan Peterson to celebrate the educators who shape not only what we know, but who we become. To honor that impact, we invited this season’s guests to share short pep talks for teachers. From Olympian Marion Jones to creator Jimmy Darts to STEM pioneer Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, we hope these messages inspire you. This episode features pep talks from: Sam Demma – Best-selling author and speaker Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green – STEM pioneer and scientist Dr. Suraj Samtani – Clinical psychologist and researcher Cynthia Yip – Founder of Tiny Jars of Stars Chester Elton – Leadership expert and best-selling author Marion Jones – Olympian Steven Sawalich – Filmmaker Jimmy Darts – Creator and author Holly Hatam – Beloved illustrator and author of Dear Teacher Cole NeSmith – Artist and experience curator Julie Vincent – Founder of The Gifted Life Bret and Blake of the Wasserman-Glasser family – Featured in an upcoming special episode If you’d like to hear more from today’s guests, their full episodes are streaming now. And if you’re looking for free lesson plans and activities to cultivate kindness in classrooms, clubs, or communities, visit learnkind.org. LearnKind is a free K-8 kindness curriculum powered by scientific inquiry and social-emotional learning. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Artist Cole NeSmith: Why Kindness Filters Conflict
Apr 1400:54:11Tap to summarizeArtist Cole NeSmith explores the power of kindness alongside host and kindness.org CEO Jaclyn Lindsey. From creating unique immersive events that foster connection to utilizing kindness as a way to challenge the status quo, the experience curator sheds light on the often undiscussed ways kindness shows up in leadership. Key takeaways include: The true meaning of kindness versus niceness and its role in conflict resolution. How kindness influences faith, spirituality, and personal authenticity. Practical manifestations of kindness in workplace actions and leadership. Creating inclusive environments that engage attendees with purpose and more. Cole NeSmith is an experienced curator, writer, musician, actor, and speaker, as well as the Founder and Artistic Director of the Creative City Project and co-founder/Chief Creative Officer of The Memoir Agency. Through his work, he creates large-scale immersive events and “Immersive Master Plans” that help cities and organizations design meaningful, engaging experiences for communities. Since launching the Creative City Project in 2012, he has played a key role in shaping Orlando’s cultural identity through major initiatives, festivals, and civic projects, earning recognition as one of Orlando’s “50 Most Powerful People” and a “40 Under 40” honoree, while also maintaining an active career as a performing artist across theater, music, film, and television. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sweet Magnolias): Why Kindness is Essential [Re-Release]
Mar 3100:44:14Tap to summarizeSweet Magnolias star JoAnna Garcia Swisher shares how kindness is deeply woven into both our personal and professional lives in this RE-RELEASE conversation. Originally recorded in 2023, JoAnna joins host and kindness.org CEO Jaclyn Lindsey to reflect on: How acts of kindness (on set and off) are an active choice. Why she's creating intentional, joyful spaces through her lifestyle platform The Happy Place. The starring role gratitude plays in her journey and more. JoAnna Garcia Swisher stars in Netflix’s hit show Sweet Magnolias as Maddie Townsend. Prior to this, Swisher is best known for playing Reba’s daughter Cheyenne Montgomery in Reba. Outside of acting, Swisher has founded The Happy Place, a destination that explores, motivates, and empowers the experience of living a life with intention and how that reflects in your interiors. She has also been inspired by her partnership with the Step Up Women’s Network and Hills Pet Nutrition. In addition, JoAnna and her husband Nick Swisher founded the Swisher Family Foundation with a mission of providing children in need with medical care, education, and recreational activities. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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NYT-Bestselling Illustrator & Author Holly Hatam: Why Creativity is Kindness
Mar 1700:42:28Tap to summarizeIllustrator and Mindful Artist Holly Hatam (Dear Girl) breaks down the magic and kindness of creativity. Alongside host Jaclyn Lindsey, Holly shares her heartfelt journey from childhood dreams of working with Disney to becoming a three-time New York Times bestselling author. Key takeaways from this conversation include: The impact of small acts of kindness on personal and community well-being. How magical themes in art can provide comfort and escapism. The role of mindfulness and acceptance in managing one's emotions. Holly Hatam has been making art since the day she could hold a pencil- charging her family 25 cents to see her "masterpieces" in a makeshift gallery that also doubled as her bedroom. Fast forward to today, and she’s still drawing- only now, her art reaches a much wider audience (and she no longer charges admission). As a 3X New York Times bestselling illustrator, Holly is best known for books like Dear Girl and Dear Boy, and she’s also the author of the popular Magical Creatures series. She’s worked on over 30 books, bringing stories to life with illustrations that are equal parts heart and magic. Her books have sold over 1 million copies worldwide, meaning many bedtime stories have become more magical. When she’s not creating, you can find Holly hugging trees, sipping tea, sniffing books, or daydreaming about unicorns (it’s research, she swears). Her mission? To sprinkle a little magic into the world, inspire others to find their own, and make sure everyone knows that unicorns are absolutely, 100% real. Follow her on Instagram: @hollyhatamillustration & @the.yellow.jacket.girl 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Non-Profit Founder Asmeret Berhe-Lumax: Why Food is the Ultimate Act of Kindness and Love
Mar 300:52:12Tap to summarizeHow does food relate to kindness? Non-profit founder Asmeret Berhe-Lumax explores this question, sharing her inspiring journey from fleeing to America with family to creating the impactful initiative: One Love Community Fridge. Alongside host Jaclyn Lindsey, the Champion of Change illustrates how small acts of love and respect can transform lives and neighborhoods. Key takeaways from this conversation include: Practical ways individuals and communities worldwide can contribute to ending the hunger crisis. The importance of accessibility, consistency, and local farmer involvement in sustainable food programs. How kindness drives policy changes and organizational culture in combating food insecurity. The ripple effect of small acts of kindness and much more. Asmeret Berhe-Lumax is the founder and CEO of One Love Community Fridge, a community-driven initiative grounded in the core values of respect, dignity, and health. A passionate leader and advocate, she believes that food is the foundation of our health and works to ensure equitable access to nourishing food while fostering care, connection, and belonging within the community. She has been selected as a Champions of Change 2019 honoree by the National Committee for UN Women and her impact has been recognized with the inaugural 2025 North America’s 50 Best Champions of Change Award. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Author Sam Demma: Why Storytelling is an Act of Kindness
Feb 1700:44:53Tap to summarizeAuthor and Keynote Speaker Sam Demma joins host Jaclyn Lindsey to share his transformative journey from aspiring soccer star to a leading advocate for kindness and community service. In this episode, Sam reveals how personal setbacks led him to discover the power of small, consistent actions and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive "kind mates."Key takeaways from this conversation include:How Sam transformed the loss of one dream into another, making it his mission to build a kinder world through tangible initiatives.The profound impact of small, consistent actions was inspired by his high school teacher.How he made kindness go viral and much more.Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has shared the stage with icons like Kardinal Official and Sarah Blackwood, collaborated with brands like Taco Bell, delivered two TEDx talks, and has toured his messages across Canada, the United States, and Kenya. His work is often featured on national news shows and, most notably, his mom’s Facebook. Sam delivers hundreds of performances annually, and his comical and entertaining performances address the topics of Empathy, Mental Health and Leadership. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Tiny Jars of Stars Founder Cynthia Yip: Why 'Tiny' Acts of Kindness Heal
Feb 300:43:48Tap to summarizeSmall acts of kindness matter. Tiny Jars of Stars founder Cynthia Yip joins host Jaclyn Lindsey this Random Acts of Kindness month to share her inspiring journey of turning personal grief into a global kindness initiative. From heartfelt stories of her mother's influence to the project's major impact, Cynthia reveals how small acts of kindness can connect and heal people.Key takeaways from this conversation include:Why kindness bridges people together, even strangers.How Cynthia turned grief into action after her mother's passing.How famous figures like Katy Perry have been impacted by her work.A beautiful birthday surprise and more.Cynthia Yip is a product designer and founder of Tiny Jars of Stars, a kindness-through-art initiative that spreads hope through handmade paper star jars and heartfelt kindness notes. Born and raised in New York City, she brings creativity, empathy, and intention to everything she does. She balances her career designing thoughtful, user-focused digital experiences with her passion for building a movement rooted in small acts of kindness. Through her work, she hopes to remind people that even the smallest gesture can spark meaningful changes in the world.Explore more about Cynthia's journey and how to mobilize kindness alongside her at tinyjarsofstars.com. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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Filmmaker Steven Sawalich (A Case for Kindness): Why Kindness is Key to Finding Common Ground
Jan 2000:47:03Tap to summarizeFilm Producer and Director Steven Sawalich (A Case for Kindness) joins host and kindness.org CEO Jaclyn Lindsey to explore his journey from small-town roots to global storytelling. Featuring encounters with powerhouse figures like the Dalai Lama and Lady Gaga, Steven uncovers how kindness is the thread to connecting us all. Key takeaways from this conversation include: Why kindness is the foundation of community and connection. How acts of kindness can bridge cultural and social divides. What he learned about the transformative power of choosing kindness from world leaders like Lady Gaga, and more. A CASE FOR KINDNESS is now streaming on Amazon Prime. 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 podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.
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