The Kindness Matters Podcast Mike

Discover the intricate dance of workplace happiness and efficiency with Sarah Ratekin, a US Navy veteran and the brains behind Happiness is Courage. Sarah shatters the simplistic view that employee contentment is the ultimate productivity hack. Instead, she delves into the delicate balance between strategic leadership and change management, offering a fresh take on driving profits and creating a workplace that buzzes with vitality. Tune in as we dissect workplace myths, pandemic-driven employment trends, and the Six Sigma Green Belt approach to problem-solving that Sarah swears by for organizations looking to thrive rather than just survive.

Feel the pulse of today's evolving work culture in a chapter-by-chapter journey that examines the essential elements of recognition, relationships, and the shifting dynamics between employers and employees. From dissecting the power of genuine appreciation regardless of job role, to navigating the challenges of remote and in-person collaboration, we traverse the complexities of contemporary work life. Sarah shares poignant stories, including her own, that paint a vivid picture of the quest for value and belonging in our professional endeavors. This episode is a deep exploration of the multifaceted nature of unions, employee empowerment, and the desire for a workplace where every person's contribution is valued and meaningful connections are the norm.

Make sure to follow all of Sarah's socials; Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order. 
 
Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.
Support the Show.
Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

When the world seems awash in cynicism, a conversation with someone like Regina Andler can be a beacon of hope. Our heartfelt discussion with the founder of Autumn Ascent Consulting isn't just about the tangibles of business success—it's a deep dive into the soul-enriching principles of kindness and the pivotal role it plays across our professional and private lives. Regina brings her experience to the table, reminding us of the immeasurable value a good consultant or coach can have in guiding us toward our goals, with tales of corporate beginnings and the transformative power of a helping hand.

Amidst the laughs and shared memories, including a charming tale involving our pal Steve Gamlin and time management, this episode also dares to tackle the heavier side of humanity. We unravel the fabric of kindness, not as an occasional gesture but as an intrinsic mindset that shapes our interactions and decisions. Personal stories illuminate our discussion, from how Boy Scouts and classic cartoons shaped our early understanding of altruism to the inspiring work done through Beach Bum Philanthropy and Isaiah 58. It's about the deeply rooted desire to lift others up, challenging the sometimes skewed portrayal of kindness in social media landscapes.

Our final thoughts resonate with the need for empathy and action toward some of society's most pressing issues, such as homelessness and the struggles faced by the elderly. By debunking myths about homelessness and examining the harsh realities through personal anecdotes and compelling statistics, we underscore the necessity of community involvement. Touching upon proposed legislation for work-life balance and the beautiful difference we can make in the lives of seniors, this episode is an impassioned call to action—a reminder that each of us has the capacity to leave a mark on the world through our kindness. Join us on this journey and discover how you, too, can contribute to a kinder, more connected community.

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order. 
 
Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.
Support the Show.
Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

Every family has their own special holiday traditions, and today, we're joined by Todd Zimmerman, the imaginative mind behind 'Oliver the Ornament', a series that's found its way into the hearts and holiday rituals of many. Our conversation with Todd is like unwrapping a gift that keeps on giving, revealing how his enchanting tales of kindness, tradition, and family not only adorn the Christmas tree but also weave themselves into the fabric of our lives. Zimmerman's narrative magic extends beyond the festive season, as he tells us about "Oliver Doodle Dandy", a Fourth of July story that sparks a deeper understanding of the holiday in children, and about "Oliver's Day of Kindness", which promotes uplifting values on World Kindness Day. His journey from a spark of an idea to the White House demonstrates the profound power of kindness, and as we chat, it's clear that Zimmerman's stories are more than just tales—they're blueprints for a kinder, more inclusive world.

Reflecting on the episode, I'm struck by the warmth and wisdom that Zimmerman shares, particularly through "Oliver Doodle Dandy and the Day of Kindness". The power to elicit change through simple acts of kindness resonates deeply, and it's a message we can all take to heart. This episode celebrates Zimmerman’s work and its significant role in shaping the character of our young ones, while also reminding us that the ripple of kindness can extend far beyond the pages of a book. As we wrap up, remember that each day presents an opportunity to spread joy and encouragement—be it through a smile, a helping hand, or a story that reminds us of our shared humanity. Zimmerman's journey and the stories of Oliver have the unique ability to inspire us all to be the bearers of kindness in our own lives. Don't forget that if you order any Oliver the Ornament product simply enter the keyword Kindness at checkout to get a 10% discount!

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order. 
 
Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.
Support the Show.
Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

When the echoes of generosity ripple through a community, they can create waves of change that uplift the lives of countless individuals. That's the essence of the conversation I had with Tukayote Helianthus, a philanthropist whose journey of giving began with a personal commitment to quit smoking and blossomed into the life-changing Operation Water Drop initiative. His narrative, rooted in the values cultivated during his Boy Scout days, reveals how small habit changes can lead to monumental acts of kindness.

The crux of our dialogue pivots on confronting the stark realities of poverty, the escalating need for food banks, and how the pandemic has heightened these issues to critical levels. But amidst the challenges, there's a silver lining – the remarkable impact of micro-charities and individual acts of kindness. Tukayote's work, included under the umbrella of the Helianthus Foundation, includes the I Carrying Narcan project and Operation Water Drop, exemplifies how each of us can contribute to the robust safety net our communities so desperately need, proving that no action is too small when it comes to helping others.

As we wrap up this heartening episode, a powerful message resonates: be the bolt in the bridge of your community. Each of us has the potential to spark hope and foster connections through simple gestures of kindness. By sharing these stories and encouraging others to act, we amplify the joy of giving and the profound effects it has on both the giver and the receiver. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and perhaps find yourself moved to become an agent of change in your own neighborhood.

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order. 
 
Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.
Support the Show.
Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

As the crisp April air heralds a season of renewal and Second Chance Month, imagine the power of extending that spirit of rejuvenation to those in our midst seeking redemption. On the Kindness Matters podcast, we're joined by the compassionate Kimberley Mansfield, co-founder and director of the De Muniz Legal Clinic, who lights the way for individuals striving to reclaim their place in society post-incarceration. Her narrative is not just one of legal battles, but of humanity's capacity for empathy and the transformative potential of second chances. Together, we peel back the layers of bias to reveal a truth often obscured in the shadows of our criminal justice system.

The roads to reintegration are fraught with obstacles that many of us might never have to face, but Kimberly and I tread these paths to uncover the realities for those emerging from behind bars. We challenge the misconceptions that can cripple a fresh start, discussing the surprising statistics surrounding recidivism and the quagmire of digital footprints left by expunged records. Housing, employment, and the restoration of familial bonds are but a few of the hurdles that former inmates overcome, and our conversation shines a spotlight on the tireless advocacy required to support these journeys of reentry.

Lastly, we take a moment to focus on the youth who find themselves caught in the web of the legal system. The narrative turns to the profound impact of childhood trauma on developmental trajectories and the stark transition between juvenile and adult correctional institutions. The episode offers a lens into the complexities of maturation within the confines of the legal age of adulthood, and the invaluable role of legal aid in supporting young offenders. Listen as we weave through the heartening tales of resilience and the community's role in binding the wounds inflicted by a punitive system.

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order. 
 
Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.
Support the Show.
Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.

Discover the transformative power of literacy and community as we journey with Lesley De Paz, a veteran educator and nonprofit coach, who unveils the intricate tapestry of teaching and learning. From the heart of Minneapolis, Lesley illuminates the pressures that educators and students endure, while celebrating Story Orchard Books a beacon of community engagement and literary growth. Prepare to be moved by tales from the classroom, insights on teacher licensure, and the delightful Book Bike Mobile, which brings the joy of reading directly to the public.

Embark on a literary adventure that transcends traditional bookshelves and nourishes the soul. In this heartfelt conversation, we unravel the threads of accessible literature outside the walls of libraries, the significance of adult role models in literacy, and the foundational impact of phonics on young minds. Moreover, Lesley will share her recent foray into the genres of beach reads and personal finance, and how these stories have reshaped her perspective on reading. Join us as we celebrate the enduring impact of books, the Story Orchard Books vision, and simple ways to foster a love of reading in the next generation.

Make sure to follow Story Orchard Books on Instagram and Facebook!

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order. 
 
Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.
Support the Show.
Did you find this episode uplifting, inspiring or motivating? Would you like to support more content like this? Check out our Support The Show Page here.