Everyday Kindness

Adrienne Griffin

Everyday Kindness is a podcast for parents, educators, and everyday change-makers who believe in building a kinder world—one small act at a time. Everyday Kindness features uplifting stories and conversations with people who are making a difference through acts of kindness, both big and small. If you're seeking a more meaningful life, deeper connections, and everyday inspiration, this podcast is for you. Ready to be uplifted? Download and subscribe today.

Episodes

  1. Protect Your Sensitivity

    MAR 21

    Protect Your Sensitivity

    In this episode, Adrienne speaks directly to kind-hearted, sensitive souls navigating a world that can often feel loud, critical, and unkind. From workplace tension to online negativity, she acknowledges the very real emotional toll of constant exposure to harsh voices—and offers a hopeful, empowering alternative. Rather than withdrawing or shutting down, listeners are invited to learn how to protect their energy, nurture their inner calm, and continue showing up as a force for good. At the heart of the episode is a powerful reminder: while unkindness may be loud, kindness can be louder. This episode encourages listeners to reclaim their voice, not with aggression, but with grounded, self-assured kindness. Key Takeaways 1. You Can Be Kind and Assertive Kindness doesn't mean staying silent. Simple, direct responses like "What did you mean by that?" can interrupt unkind behavior while still maintaining your integrity. 2. Talk Back to Your Inner Critic Notice negative self-talk and gently challenge it. Replace criticism with compassion by speaking to yourself the way you would a close friend. 3. Regulate Your Nervous System Protecting your peace starts in your body. Prioritize calming, restorative activities like walking, deep breathing, rest, or time in nature—ideally scheduled into your day. 4. Set Clear Boundaries Identify what drains your energy and give yourself permission to step back. Use simple frameworks like: "If you ___, I will ___" to define and uphold your limits. 5. Protect Your Energy to Serve Others Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential. When your energy is full, you're better able to show up with kindness, intention, and impact. Want a week of kindness delivered to your inbox? Join The Everyday Kindness Challenge. Go to everdaykindnesschallenge.com to sign up.

    11 min
  2. 12/04/2025

    001: Welcome to Everyday Kindness

    In this heartfelt premiere episode, Adrienne Griffin shares the powerful true story that inspired the Everyday Kindness podcast—the legacy of her father, Joe Wardy, a retired teacher who returned to the classroom at nearly 70 and unintentionally sparked a grassroots kindness movement. Guided by his lifelong study of Zen Buddhism and a personal vow to live with intention and compassion, Joe began handing out small slips of inspirational quotes to students. What he thought was a simple gesture grew into something extraordinary: students collected the quotes, carried them in their wallets and phone cases, and even created a giant jar of gratitude for him during his final hospital stay. Adrienne reflects on how everyday kindness—not niceness, not people-pleasing, but true courage—has the power to heal, to connect, and to transform entire communities. This episode is an invitation to believe that small acts of kindness can ripple outward and change the world. What's in this episode: How a retired teacher unintentionally sparked a kindness movement The vow of kindness that shaped his daily life and teaching The Buddhist wisdom he passed down in subtle, everyday moments Why he returned to substitute teaching with renewed meaning How teenagers embraced and cherished his inspirational quotes Student stories of how the quotes helped them through hardship The touching gesture of a quote-filled gratitude jar during his illness Why kindness is courageous—not weak or "nice" Maya Angelou's reminder that courage fuels every virtue How small acts of compassion can create lasting change Share Your Story Have your own story of kindness? Submit it using the link below—your story may be featured in an upcoming episode. Submit your story here:  https://forms.gle/hewz4G3FV1cundF19   Do you want to build a kinder life and community?  Join The Everyday Kindness Challenge.  Sign up here: https://everydaykindnesschallenge.com/

    9 min

About

Everyday Kindness is a podcast for parents, educators, and everyday change-makers who believe in building a kinder world—one small act at a time. Everyday Kindness features uplifting stories and conversations with people who are making a difference through acts of kindness, both big and small. If you're seeking a more meaningful life, deeper connections, and everyday inspiration, this podcast is for you. Ready to be uplifted? Download and subscribe today.