Compassion in Motion, A podcast of Inspiring Stories of helping others.

Sunny Grothaus
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Monthly

Explore personal stories of individuals who have taken action to help others and how these experiences have shaped their lives. Join us on a journey of making small steps to positively impact others, create meaningful change, and fulfill your purpose. Share your story by reaching out to host Sunny Grothaus at sunnyjoywinner@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. Episode #12 Love in Focus: Nancy's Story of Family, Caregiving and Hope

    Jun 27

    Episode #12 Love in Focus: Nancy's Story of Family, Caregiving and Hope

    What does it mean to truly witness life with the people you love? In this heartfelt episode of Compassion in Motion, photographer, author, teacher, and speaker Nancy Borowick shares the deeply personal story behind The Family Imprint—a moving portrait of her parents' journey as they both faced Stage IV cancer, underwent chemotherapy together, and passed away just 364 days apart. Through intimate photographs, handwritten Post-it notes, greeting cards, treasured memories, and honest reflections, Nancy preserves not only the reality of illness and caregiving, but also the extraordinary love, humor, resilience, and compassion that carried her family through unimaginable loss. As both daughter and photographer, she offers a rare perspective on what it means to care for those we love while documenting their lives with dignity and grace. Since its publication, The Family Imprint has touched countless people around the world. Patients, caregivers, and families have found comfort in Nancy's story, discovering they are not alone in their own journeys through cancer, grief, and healing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that compassion isn't always found in grand gestures...it lives in showing up, bearing witness, and preserving the moments that remind us love endures long after goodbye. Nancy's Website: https://www.nancyborowick.com Link to her book: The Family Imprint on Amazon

    50 min
  2. Episode #11 Justice with Humanity: A Compassionate Approach

    Apr 7

    Episode #11 Justice with Humanity: A Compassionate Approach

    Ted Yoannou isn’t just a friend and tennis buddy—he’s a criminal defense attorney who approaches his clients in a way that’s rare in the legal world: with genuine compassion and respect. Inspired by what his wife Pam shared about the care he brings to his work, I knew I had to sit down with him. In this conversation, Ted shares how he sees the people behind the charges, how every stakeholder can play a role in supporting those in trouble, and how curiosity and empathy can transform the way we understand others. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of justice, humanity, and what it means to treat people—not cases—with care.

    42 min

  3. Mar 19

    Episode #10 Quiet Valor, Powerful Impact with Larry Nouvel

    In this episode of Compassion in Motion, I sit down with Larry Nouvel, author of the Quiet Valor series, whose life story is a powerful reminder that purpose is lifelong. After a remarkable career as a scientist and inventor, Larry found himself reinvigorated with a new calling, one rooted not in laboratories, but in storytelling. Through his writing, he shines a light on everyday individuals who embody courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to being a force for good in their communities, our country, and the world. This conversation explores Larry’s personal journey of rediscovery, the inspiration behind Quiet Valor, and why he believes ordinary people are capable of extraordinary impact. His work challenges us to rethink what it means to lead, to serve, and to live with intention. Tune in to hear how one man’s second act is inspiring a movement of quiet, meaningful change, and how you, too, can be part of it. Follow the author: https://quietvalorbooks.com Find the Quiet Valor series on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0j29J5lZ

    31 min
  4. The Babies Who Taught Me Grace

    Jan 19

    The Babies Who Taught Me Grace

    In Episode 9, of Compassion in Motion, Sunny shares her personal story of volunteering in the NICU and the babies who forever changed her understanding of compassion. What began as a simple act of holding and soothing newborns became a powerful lesson in grace, empathy, and releasing judgment. Through moments of quiet, cries for comfort, and unexpected connection, Sunny reflects on how love in its simplest form can transform lives—including our own. The Babies Who Taught Me Grace is an invitation to listen for the gentle nudge to do more and to take a meaningful step toward what has been placed on your heart. If you are interested in supporting the Snow Bunny Baby Project, visit us at our website: www.snowbunnybabyproject.com

    11 min
  5. Keep Thriving: Pursuing What Lights You Up to Bring Light to Others

    11/20/2025

    Keep Thriving: Pursuing What Lights You Up to Bring Light to Others

    In this inspiring episode of Compassion in Motion, I sit down with author and midlife mentor Dana Waters to explore her empowering philosophy from Life on the Fifth Floor and her Thrive movement. Dana reminds us that thriving isn’t about slowing down—it’s about caring for ourselves, pursuing our passions, and living with purpose. We discuss how nurturing our own well-being creates the energy and compassion we need to support others. When we follow what lights us up, our wisdom, experiences, and service naturally overflow into our families, communities, and the people we’re meant to help. Dana shows how sharing our stories, mentoring, and giving back become powerful expressions of a thriving life. If you’re ready to rediscover purpose and let your own thriving inspire others, this conversation is a must-listen. Follow Dana: https://www.lifeonthefifthfloor.com Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & LinkedIn: @danawatersthrivecollective Purchase Life on the Fifth Floor @ Amazon, B&N & Walmart

    34 min
  6. Carrying Light: Two Sisters’ Journey of Service in Lower Manhattan

    09/11/2025

    Carrying Light: Two Sisters’ Journey of Service in Lower Manhattan

    In this special episode of Compassion in Motion, my sister, Leslie Bolton and I share our journey of service in the aftermath of September 11th. Just 40 days after the tragedy, we volunteered with the Salvation Army and a food bank near Ground Zero, offering support and compassion to the residents of lower Manhattan. Together, we reflect on the incredible resilience of the community, the healing power of service, and the hope that emerged even in the darkest of times.

    23 min
  7. Wisdom of the Heart: Becoming Better for Each Other

    08/17/2025

    Wisdom of the Heart: Becoming Better for Each Other

    Pamela Garmon Johnson, Vice President at the American Heart Association, has built her life around the values of family, service, and community—principles instilled in her by her parents. She’s passionate about expanding our circles, embracing lifelong learning, and truly understanding one another’s backgrounds. In this conversation, Pamela shares how aligning your values with where you choose to serve can create deeper purpose in life. She also offers practical wisdom, like using a vision board as a powerful tool to clarify goals and stay connected to your “why.” And believe it or not, our connection began in the most unexpected place—a National Car Rental counter! A chance encounter turned into a lasting connection, and now this conversation full of heart, wisdom, and inspiration.

    41 min
  8. Her Moment, My Lesson

    07/06/2025

    Her Moment, My Lesson

    In this special episode, I sit down with my husband, Ed, as he reflects on a powerful moment he witnessed on the street. Ed shares the story of seeing a woman fall face forward on the street and the surprising steps his daughter, Julia, took to make sure she was okay. Though Ed feels a deep sense of regret for not being the one to initiate the help, he’s moved by the compassion and quick thinking his daughter showed in the situation. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about family, regret, and the importance of stepping up when it matters most.

    20 min
  9. Saul Lights Up Louisiana for NICU Babies

    05/24/2025

    Saul Lights Up Louisiana for NICU Babies

    Kimberly Novod turned the loss of her son, Saul into a shining beacon of light for Louisiana families who have babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Kimberly left her teaching career behind because she was called to be a voice and take action for her community. She started Saul's Light, a New Orleans based non-profit. She hadn't done this before, but her determination and commitment for change drove her to figure it out. Now, Saul's Light is a thriving non-profit organization serving families all over Louisiana. Let this inspirational story lead you to what you will do next in your own backyard to positively impact others. Support Saul's Light at www.saulslight.org

    30 min

  10. 04/26/2025

    The Spare Kellie Shared

    Just eight weeks ago, my friend and colleague Kellie gave a piece of herself — a kidney — to someone she had never met. She was called to donate her spare kidney and give new life through the kidney match program. Listen to our conversation about her journey, her unknown recipient and a deepening in her soul. Kellie's spirit is delightfully refreshing and will ignite you to think about your gift to others. If you are interested in learning more, visit this site: https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/programs-donor-recipient-pairs-incompatible-blood-types

    21 min
  11. A Whirlwind of Helpers

    03/12/2025

    A Whirlwind of Helpers

    Join me in recounting my personal stories about helping people recover from hurricane damage in Louisiana. The power of community is real and each one of us plays a part in taking care of our neighbor.

    17 min

  12. 01/22/2025

    Homer Hill

    In a world of negativity, especially in the crime riddled metropolis of South Florida, forty-two year police veteran, Mike Walley shares a heart warming story of an entire police department caring for a homeless man back in the 1970's. How is Homer Hill still in people's hearts decades after his passing? Could this same act of kindness happen in today's society? I would like to think that it would.

    14 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Explore personal stories of individuals who have taken action to help others and how these experiences have shaped their lives. Join us on a journey of making small steps to positively impact others, create meaningful change, and fulfill your purpose. Share your story by reaching out to host Sunny Grothaus at sunnyjoywinner@gmail.com

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