The Importance of Kindness: Brothers In Arms TV EP 15
In this episode, the brothers enjoy a discussion of one of their favorite shows, Ted Lasso, highlighting the value that is placed on kindness within it. We explore the importance of kindness in the world, how hungry people actually are for it, and why some push it away. Dr. Dan sheds light on this last point, noting that all of the traumatic experiences people carry can make connecting a scary thing, but that consistent kindness can break through and help people grow. As has come to be the case on Brothers in Arms, Edgar, Eric, and Dr. Dan have become very comfortable talking with each other in fun, insightful, and free flowing ways. But they clearly enjoyed getting to voice why Ted’s character is actually an important figure in pop culture and how the show can contribute to a much needed shift in our culture. Dr. Dan talks about being ferociously kind, meaning committing fully to this value in yourself, but also protecting others when acts of kindness aren’t fully appreciated, so that kindness can be nurtured and never stuffed out. We also explore how being kind can sometimes lead to expectations of reciprocity — which is not only nice, but warranted! — but that being kind can also give you a great sense of peace and well being within yourself. Eric brings the research, as always, noting that kindness not only feels good to people, but increases your actual lifespan! Dr. Dan, not surprisingly, agrees with this viewpoint from a mind body perspective. In a new segment called Brotherly Love, Eric gives a shout out to a man in Colorado whose act of kindness, getting a mobile home to a person who had lost their house in California, spurred an entire non-profit organization to take on such projects, helping hundreds of people. Edgar reflects on an act of kindness that didn’t work out, but expresses the importance of continuing to try these things, because, as he says, ‘if you don’t get them the first time, you might get them the next time’. The brothers agree that kindness is so important in today’s society and see championing it as one of the show’s top goals.