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

  1. 4d ago

    Episode #13 Where Hearts become Neighborhood Forests

    What happens when you listen to your heart and discover that your next chapter isn’t about climbing higher, but about planting something that can grow beyond you? In this inspiring episode of Compassion in Motion, I sit down with Vikas and Priya Narula, founders of Neighborhood Forest, to hear the heartwarming story behind their decision to change careers in midlife and dedicate their work to serving children and caring for our planet. Their journey is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the seeds of our greatest purpose are planted when we’re willing to listen, take a courageous leap, and trust what comes next. And throughout it all, Vikas and Priya supported one another, showing us that when two people nurture each other’s dreams, something beautiful can take root. Through Neighborhood Forest, their vision has grown into a movement that gives children the opportunity to receive and plant their own trees, connecting young people with nature while helping create a greener future. This is a story about planting seeds, nurturing purpose, serving others, and trusting the harvest, even when you can't yet see the forest. 🌱 Learn more and support Neighborhood Forest:www.neighborhoodforest.org You can support their mission by making a donation to help provide free trees to children, participating in their programs, or helping spread the word about their work. Neighborhood Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible within applicable U.S. guidelines. Because every forest begins with a seed and sometimes, every meaningful life change begins with listening to your heart.

  2. 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

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

  3. 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.

    Episode #11 Justice with Humanity: A Compassionate Approach

  4. 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

  5. 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

    The Babies Who Taught Me Grace

  6. 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

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

  7. 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.

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

  8. 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.

    Wisdom of the Heart: Becoming Better for Each Other
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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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