Why Kindness?

kindness.org

Why Kindness? is a podcast uncovering the transformative power of humanity’s most underestimated force. Hosted by Kindness.org CEO & Co-Founder Jaclyn Lindsey, each episode invites you into intimate conversations with visionaries, creators, entertainers, scientists, and everyday Kindmakers who reveal how kindness shapes culture, nurtures well-being and deepens human connection. Thought-provoking and heart-opening, Why Kindness? challenges us to see kindness not only as a soft virtue, but as a radical, practical, and essential force that we can activate to build a better world.

  1. JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sweet Magnolias): Why Kindness is Essential [Re-Release]

    4D AGO

    JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sweet Magnolias): Why Kindness is Essential [Re-Release]

    Sweet Magnolias star JoAnna Garcia Swisher shares how kindness is deeply woven into both our personal and professional lives in this RE-RELEASE conversation. Originally recorded in 2023, JoAnna joins host and kindness.org CEO Jaclyn Lindsey to reflect on: How acts of kindness (on set and off) are an active choice. Why she's creating intentional, joyful spaces through her lifestyle platform The Happy Place. The starring role gratitude plays in her journey and more. JoAnna Garcia Swisher stars in Netflix’s hit show Sweet Magnolias as Maddie Townsend. Prior to this, Swisher is best known for playing Reba’s daughter Cheyenne Montgomery in Reba. Outside of acting, Swisher has founded The Happy Place, a destination that explores, motivates, and empowers the experience of living a life with intention and how that reflects in your interiors. She has also been inspired by her partnership with the Step Up Women’s Network and Hills Pet Nutrition. In addition, JoAnna and her husband Nick Swisher founded the Swisher Family Foundation with a mission of providing children in need with medical care, education, and recreational activities. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today! Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.

    44 min
  2. NYT-Bestselling Illustrator & Author Holly Hatam: Why Creativity is Kindness

    MAR 17

    NYT-Bestselling Illustrator & Author Holly Hatam: Why Creativity is Kindness

    Illustrator and Mindful Artist Holly Hatam (Dear Girl) breaks down the magic and kindness of creativity. Alongside host Jaclyn Lindsey, Holly shares her heartfelt journey from childhood dreams of working with Disney to becoming a three-time New York Times bestselling author. Key takeaways from this conversation include: The impact of small acts of kindness on personal and community well-being. How magical themes in art can provide comfort and escapism. The role of mindfulness and acceptance in managing one's emotions. Holly Hatam has been making art since the day she could hold a pencil- charging her family 25 cents to see her "masterpieces" in a makeshift gallery that also doubled as her bedroom. Fast forward to today, and she’s still drawing- only now, her art reaches a much wider audience (and she no longer charges admission). As a 3X New York Times bestselling illustrator, Holly is best known for books like Dear Girl and Dear Boy, and she’s also the author of the popular Magical Creatures series. She’s worked on over 30 books, bringing stories to life with illustrations that are equal parts heart and magic. Her books have sold over 1 million copies worldwide, meaning many bedtime stories have become more magical. When she’s not creating, you can find Holly hugging trees, sipping tea, sniffing books, or daydreaming about unicorns (it’s research, she swears). Her mission? To sprinkle a little magic into the world, inspire others to find their own, and make sure everyone knows that unicorns are absolutely, 100% real. Follow her on Instagram: @hollyhatamillustration & @the.yellow.jacket.girl This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today! Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.

    42 min
  3. Non-Profit Founder Asmeret Berhe-Lumax: Why Food is the Ultimate Act of Kindness and Love

    MAR 3

    Non-Profit Founder Asmeret Berhe-Lumax: Why Food is the Ultimate Act of Kindness and Love

    How does food relate to kindness? Non-profit founder Asmeret Berhe-Lumax explores this question, sharing her inspiring journey from fleeing to America with family to creating the impactful initiative: One Love Community Fridge. Alongside host Jaclyn Lindsey, the Champion of Change illustrates how small acts of love and respect can transform lives and neighborhoods. Key takeaways from this conversation include: Practical ways individuals and communities worldwide can contribute to ending the hunger crisis. The importance of accessibility, consistency, and local farmer involvement in sustainable food programs. How kindness drives policy changes and organizational culture in combating food insecurity. The ripple effect of small acts of kindness and much more. Asmeret Berhe-Lumax is the founder and CEO of One Love Community Fridge, a community-driven initiative grounded in the core values of respect, dignity, and health. A passionate leader and advocate, she believes that food is the foundation of our health and works to ensure equitable access to nourishing food while fostering care, connection, and belonging within the community. She has been selected as a Champions of Change 2019 honoree by the National Committee for UN Women and her impact has been recognized with the inaugural 2025 North America’s 50 Best Champions of Change Award. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today! Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.

    52 min
  4. Author Sam Demma: Why Storytelling is an Act of Kindness

    FEB 17

    Author Sam Demma: Why Storytelling is an Act of Kindness

    Author and Keynote Speaker Sam Demma joins host Jaclyn Lindsey to share his transformative journey from aspiring soccer star to a leading advocate for kindness and community service. In this episode, Sam reveals how personal setbacks led him to discover the power of small, consistent actions and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive "kind mates." Key takeaways from this conversation include: How Sam transformed the loss of one dream into another, making it his mission to build a kinder world through tangible initiatives.The profound impact of small, consistent actions was inspired by his high school teacher.How he made kindness go viral and much more.Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has shared the stage with icons like Kardinal Official and Sarah Blackwood, collaborated with brands like Taco Bell, delivered two TEDx talks, and has toured his messages across Canada, the United States, and Kenya. His work is often featured on national news shows and, most notably, his mom’s Facebook. Sam delivers hundreds of performances annually, and his comical and entertaining performances address the topics of Empathy, Mental Health and Leadership. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today! Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.

    45 min
  5. Tiny Jars of Stars Founder Cynthia Yip: Why 'Tiny' Acts of Kindness Heal

    FEB 3

    Tiny Jars of Stars Founder Cynthia Yip: Why 'Tiny' Acts of Kindness Heal

    Small acts of kindness matter. Tiny Jars of Stars founder Cynthia Yip joins host Jaclyn Lindsey this Random Acts of Kindness month to share her inspiring journey of turning personal grief into a global kindness initiative. From heartfelt stories of her mother's influence to the project's major impact, Cynthia reveals how small acts of kindness can connect and heal people. Key takeaways from this conversation include: Why kindness bridges people together, even strangers.How Cynthia turned grief into action after her mother's passing.How famous figures like Katy Perry have been impacted by her work.A beautiful birthday surprise and more.Cynthia Yip is a product designer and founder of Tiny Jars of Stars, a kindness-through-art initiative that spreads hope through handmade paper star jars and heartfelt kindness notes. Born and raised in New York City, she brings creativity, empathy, and intention to everything she does. She balances her career designing thoughtful, user-focused digital experiences with her passion for building a movement rooted in small acts of kindness. Through her work, she hopes to remind people that even the smallest gesture can spark meaningful changes in the world. Explore more about Cynthia's journey and how to mobilize kindness alongside her at tinyjarsofstars.com. This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global Kindmaker community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. How kind are you? Visit kindness.org/KQ to get your KQ today! Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg.

    44 min

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About

Why Kindness? is a podcast uncovering the transformative power of humanity’s most underestimated force. Hosted by Kindness.org CEO & Co-Founder Jaclyn Lindsey, each episode invites you into intimate conversations with visionaries, creators, entertainers, scientists, and everyday Kindmakers who reveal how kindness shapes culture, nurtures well-being and deepens human connection. Thought-provoking and heart-opening, Why Kindness? challenges us to see kindness not only as a soft virtue, but as a radical, practical, and essential force that we can activate to build a better world.