The Kindness Matters Podcast

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Discover the transformative power of literacy and community as we journey with Lesley De Paz, a veteran educator and nonprofit coach, who unveils the intricate tapestry of teaching and learning. From the heart of Minneapolis, Lesley illuminates the pressures that educators and students endure, while celebrating Story Orchard Books a beacon of community engagement and literary growth. Prepare to be moved by tales from the classroom, insights on teacher licensure, and the delightful Book Bike Mobile, which brings the joy of reading directly to the public.
Embark on a literary adventure that transcends traditional bookshelves and nourishes the soul. In this heartfelt conversation, we unravel the threads of accessible literature outside the walls of libraries, the significance of adult role models in literacy, and the foundational impact of phonics on young minds. Moreover, Lesley will share her recent foray into the genres of beach reads and personal finance, and how these stories have reshaped her perspective on reading. Join us as we celebrate the enduring impact of books, the Story Orchard Books vision, and simple ways to foster a love of reading in the next generation.
Make sure to follow Story Orchard Books on Instagram and Facebook!
Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order.

Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.

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Have you ever felt as if your inner critic is running rampant, whispering doubts and fears that cloud your day? You're not alone, and this week, I'm thrilled to share the space with Alex Walton, the brains behind "The Kind Mind Method," as we address the all-too-familiar battle with negativity. Our heart-to-heart conversation journeys through my personal struggles with mental health and the techniques I've found unbeneficial, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and gratitude practices.
Alex Walton takes the spotlight, recounting his own quest for mental serenity and how it led him to craft an innovative approach for silencing those stubborn negative thoughts. The stories we exchange about simple yet powerful positive questions and Alex's unique method will empower you to shift your mindset towards a more peaceful and benevolent outlook. We also touch upon the joy that giving and receiving random acts of kindness can bring into our lives, an often overlooked yet potent remedy for the soul.
As we wrap up, we share a treasure trove of resources available at kindnessmatterspodcast.com, aimed at supporting your mental health journey and amplifying kindness in the world. I hope I can leave you charged with the uplifting truth that the smallest acts can wield the greatest transformative power. So join us on this episode of the Kindness Matters Podcast and let's turn the tide together—one act of kindness at a time.

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A few different events got me to thinking lately.
The first was a school board meeting in Tennessee that had medical professionals attend, invited, to explain the need for masks as the schools go back to school safely for the staff and children. As the meeting broke up and the professionals headed for their cars, they were surrounded by angry parents, yelling obscenities and "we'll not comply". Some parents got into the faces of the doctors and nurses and told them, "We know who you are."
The second event was my daily copy of "Letters from an American."
It is written by Heather Cox Richardson is an American Historian and Boston College professor of history.
Letters from an American is a daily newsletter with a rundown of the last day's news, primarily political news, she will discuss it and compare it to other parts of history in the U.S.
In this particular issue she is talking about fascism and how politicians use the "street brawlers" (like the anti-Catholic thugs in the 1830's, the KKK in the 1860's and the Union busters of the 1880's).
My research was interesting (spoiler alert; did you know there was a plot to overthrow Franklin Roosevelt in 1933??). I hope you enjoy this episode and it sparks a conversation.
Please be kind and if you know someone who has been talking about having their home or office windows cleaned, have them see my friend Andy at Kahuna Window Cleaning.
Sources;
The Fascist Game
Trump's Homegrown Fascism
Letters from an American
Wikipedia Fascism in North America
Wikipedia The Wall Street (Business Plot)
Great Courses Daily

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Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and altruism, Gina Sachs captivates us with her Tiny Acts initiative, proving that small gestures can indeed move mountains. As a mother yearning to carve out her own identity, Gina's narrative is both relatable and inspiring, reminding us that it's possible to find oneself amidst the chaos of parenthood. She walks us through her adventure of intertwining this newfound purpose with the valuable lessons of kindness she bestows upon her children, who actively participate in the family venture by packing orders—a true family affair of the heart.
With the entrepreneurial spirit flowing through our conversation, Gina takes us behind the curtain of creating a business where benevolence is the core product. From the exhilaration of bringing a custom board game to life, to the sweet victory of launching children's decks and books, her story is imbued with creativity and perseverance. But it's not all smooth sailing; we get to laugh along with the hurdles and triumphs of establishing a brand identity that marries professionalism with an unapologetic, colorful authenticity.
As we wrap up, you'll find yourself charmed by the concept of the Tiny Acts company and its quest to sprinkle the world with kindness—one tiny act, and perhaps, one cuss word at a time. The joy of giving, the beauty of receiving compliments, and the sometimes awkward yet always fulfilling nature of kindness are all on full display. In addition to her kindness and humanity, Gina is offering listeners a 10% discount on all orders from her website. Just use the keyword Podcast at checkout. Plus, we're thrilled to unveil a new way for you to reach out and share your thoughts directly with us. So lean in, get ready to smile, and perhaps even be moved to perform your own act of kindness after tuning in to our heartfelt exchange with the extraordinary Gina Sachs.
Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order.

Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.

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As Spring fades into summer in Minnesota, the warmth of human kindness remains steadfast, a theme we unravel with Susan Diersen, executive director of NACE (North Anoka County Emergency Food Shelf). Our discussion peels back the veneer on food insecurity, revealing a shifting landscape where inflation pushes even the helpers into the queue for aid. Susan illuminates the uplifting efforts of NACE, not just in filling plates, but also in fulfilling birthday wishes and clothing those in the cold. It's an episode where compassion meets action, and you'll discover how your financial support can stretch further than you ever imagined, transforming lives one dollar at a time.
Amidst the narratives of crises and need, there's a thread of hope woven by the hands of Second Harvest Heartland and their community-specific endeavors. From personalized birthday bags that bring joy to children, to the emergency sustenance of crisis and weekend packs, we explore the power of community efforts in addressing hunger head-on. This episode is a testament to the collective spirit that thrives when we look beyond our own needs and extend a hand—whether it's through a simple compliment or concerted charity work. Join us as we celebrate the unsung stories of kindness and the everyday heroes making a tangible difference.
The Kindness Matters Podcast is part of the DEN-The Deluxe Edition Network. Check them out to find your next favorite podcast.

Do you dread Mondays? Does the thought of another Monday steal the joy of your weekend? Let me tell you about a product I have found and tried that can do away with the Sunday Scaries. Oddly enough, it’s from a company called Sunday Scaries. I have personally tried their products, gummies and tinctures and I can personally attest to their efficacy. If you go to their website and order any product, use the code Kindness20 to receive a 20% discount on your order.

Do you like good coffee? Are you like me and go to bed in anticipation of a great cup of coffee in the morning (and afternoon, maybe). Then let me introduce you to my newest sponsor, Coffee Bros. They have built their business on the cornerstones of sustainability, quality, consistency, and freshness. From coffee to brewing techniques to coffee and espresso machines, they should be your go-to for all things coffee. And if you order from them, use the code Kind10 to get a 10% discount on your order.

Support the show