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A rainbow that loses its colors is a striking image—and the perfect doorway into a conversation about how small acts of kindness can change a day, a classroom, and a community. We sit down with preschool teacher and author Kelly Turner to unpack the heart and craft behind The Little Rainbow Who Lost Its Colors, a children’s book where friends restore brightness through caring deeds and gentle encouragement.

Kelly brings 14 years in the classroom to her writing, starting every story with a clear moral and building characters and scenes around that message. She shares how focusing on empathy, responsibility, and simple, repeatable actions makes the story not only memorable but useful for social-emotional learning at home and at school. You’ll hear how teachers are adapting the book with a playful “kindness wand,” turning compliments and helping hands into a daily ritual that boosts confidence and fosters belonging.

We also get practical about the creative process. Kelly walks through drafting, editing, and self-publishing, including finding an illustrator on Fiverr, handling revisions, and learning from early misprints. She explains why a bilingual Spanish edition matters for accessibility, how a bundled coloring book deepens engagement, and what’s next for the rainbow as a series—tackling self-esteem, bullying prevention, and positive identity in kid-friendly ways. Along the way, Kelly’s message stays simple and strong: kindness is cool, kindness is free, and it’s powerful enough to color the sky.

If you care about raising kinder kids, teaching empathy with tangible tools, or creating meaningful children’s stories, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a friend who loves children’s books, and leave a quick review to help more families and educators find the show.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

to learn more.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day.

Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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The holidays can feel like a spotlight—bright, demanding, and sometimes blinding—especially when there’s an empty chair at the table. We sit down with certified grief educator Maria Belanic, whose loss of her son reshaped how she understands healing, to talk candidly about what helps, what hurts, and how kindness can make the season more human. Instead of pushing forced cheer or tidy endings, we build a framework for real support that honors memories and respects limits.

Maria unpacks why grief doesn’t follow stages or timelines and offers her CARE pillars—Compassion, Acknowledge, Release, Embrace—as a steady guide through unpredictable days. Together, we challenge holiday myths, share simple scripts you can use right away, and normalize changing plans: keep a tradition, reinvent it, or skip it entirely. We talk about naming the person who’s missing, bringing a favorite dish in their honor, and asking better questions like “How are you feeling today?” that invite truth without pressure. You’ll learn how to set boundaries with hosts, plan graceful exits, and support someone who chooses to stay home without making them feel forgotten.

This conversation is about presence over performance and attention over avoidance. If you’ve worried about “saying the wrong thing,” you’ll hear clear, compassionate alternatives. If you’re grieving, you’ll get language to protect your energy and permission to be exactly where you are. And if you love someone who is grieving, you’ll discover small kindnesses that turn isolation into connection.

If this resonates, share it with someone who might need gentler holidays this year, then follow and leave a review so more people can find conversations that heal.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com to learn more.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day."

“Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com

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Ever felt that dizzy aftertaste of a conversation where everything somehow becomes your fault? We sit down with coach and mentor Kyle Miller to untangle the confusion around narcissistic abuse, the misuse of the word “narcissist,” and the practical steps that help survivors reclaim clarity, confidence, and peace.

Kyle shares a grounded way to tell patterns apart, focusing on three crucial signals: accountability, empathy, and compassion. From there, we explore how emotional abuse hides in plain sight—not as one dramatic event, but as a string of small, explainable moments that add up to harm. Kyle explains why rumination is the mind’s attempt to make sense of chaos and how validation turns looping thoughts into a coherent story you can finally put down. We also dig into the difference between niceness and kindness, why your downtime counts as a real appointment, and how to build boundaries that protect your energy without isolating you from healthy connection.

For friends watching from the outside, Kyle offers a better approach than “just leave.” You’ll hear why questions beat ultimatums, how intermittent reinforcement keeps people stuck, and what earned trust looks like after you’ve been burned. Along the way, Kyle shares parts of his own journey—how one blunt, caring challenge saved him from a false story about himself—and the coaching practices he uses to help clients move from survival to a life that feels like theirs again.

If you’re sorting through gaslighting, rebuilding self-trust, or trying to support someone you love, this conversation pairs clear definitions with compassionate tools you can use today. Want more of these insights and resources? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help others find the show.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

to learn more.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day.

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What if the strongest antidote to perfectionism isn’t tougher goals, but kinder ones? We sit down with life coach and former Dartmouth swim coach Jenn Verser to explore how compassion—especially the kind we offer ourselves—can loosen the grip of people pleasing, fear of failure, and the constant need to outperform. Jen brings candid stories from elite athletics and real-world coaching, showing how high achievers can reframe identity, find alignment, and rebuild confidence without burning out.

We dig into why perfectionism is rising among students and professionals, how cultural pressure moves the finish line, and what happens when your “best” meets a room full of “bests.” Jenn shares practical tools that work: say your inner monologue out loud so you can hear its tone, practice receiving help as a gift rather than a debt, and use conversation—not just policy—to lead with integrity. Her story about keeping a struggling athlete on the team reveals how context, transparency, and accountability can transform outcomes. This is leadership that starts at the human level and scales through trust.

We also talk about life beyond the resume. Jenn explains her shift from corporate to coaching to be present for her child and aging parents, and how anyone can start realignment without quitting their job. Expect concrete takeaways on boundaries, self-trust, emotional recovery, and how to replace “always-on” with honest priorities. If you’ve been measuring your worth by output, this conversation offers a warmer, smarter metric: progress you can feel.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a gentler path to growth, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your voice helps this community of kindness grow.

"This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

to learn more.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day."

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What if a classroom could feel like a rehearsal room—brave, focused, and full of possibility? We sit down with 25-year-old performing arts teacher Avelyn Simons to explore how kindness, boundaries, and creative practice can transform shy teens into confident speakers and generous teammates. From building a drama program from scratch to steering a mixed-ability public speaking class, Avelyn shares real stories, simple systems, and a service-first approach that makes empathy actionable.

We dig into the realities of earning respect as a young educator and why “phone jail” isn’t about control but about making space for presence. Avelyn breaks down how theater games lower social risk, how structure turns nerves into clarity, and how students learn more than lines—they learn to read a room, project calm, and show up for each other. The conversation moves from backstage heroics and 10-second costume changes to community trips where students bring the magic of performance to immigrant and lower-income families, reframing talent as a gift meant to be shared.

Along the way, you’ll hear about moments that sparkle—singing at the Empire State Building, unexpected breakthroughs from a sports kid who found his voice, and the handwritten notes that remind teachers why the work matters. If you care about arts education, classroom culture, student confidence, or practical ways to weave empathy into everyday learning, this conversation will land. Subscribe, share with a teacher or parent who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us your favorite takeaway—your voice helps more listeners find stories of kindness that last.

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What if a mop and a kind word could change the way someone sees herself? We sat down with Brittinie Tran, founder of Hot Mess Express, to explore how a single Facebook plea turned into a national, women-led nonprofit that cleans homes, organizes chaos, and restores confidence—without judgment. From the first eight volunteers with dollar-store supplies to 150+ affiliates across all 50 states, this is a story about practical help meeting profound human need.

We walk through what a “mission” really looks like: music on, sleeves up, and an atmosphere where conversation matters as much as the scrubbing. Brittinie explains why self-nomination is central to their model, how training teaches volunteers to embody nonjudgment (not just say it), and the surprising ways nominees often return as volunteers and even leaders. Along the way, we dig into the mental health impact of a refreshed space, the hidden epidemic of loneliness, and the power of multi-generational wisdom to turn quick fixes into lasting change.

Behind the scenes, Brittinie shares the unglamorous side of scaling a nonprofit—insurance, state-by-state fundraising rules, and the systems that protect both people and purpose. We compare lightweight affiliates with growth-oriented chapters, talk through sustainable volunteer onboarding, and unpack why clarity and community are the real growth engines. Most of all, we reflect on the deeper shift Hot Mess Express sparks: letting go of shame, naming limits, and learning that asking for help is a strength, not a failure.

If you’re hungry for hope you can touch—stories of neighbors showing up, rooms transformed, and posture-lightening relief—you’ll feel at home here. Listen, share with someone who needs a village, and leave a review to help more people find the show. And if this conversation moved you, check the show notes to volunteer, nominate, or start an affiliate in your community.

This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit maydaymedianetwork.com

to learn more.

Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day."

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A lot of people talk about homelessness. Fewer people step inside a shelter and see what actually works. We sat down with Helen Kuchera to pull back the curtain on a low‑barrier, trauma‑informed approach that treats people as people—and the results are both practical and hopeful.

We start by dismantling the myths: laziness, “choice,” and the assumption that everyone on the street is addicted. Helen shares the real barriers—no ID, no address, no clean clothes—and how those small missing pieces shut people out of jobs, health care, and housing. From there, we tour the inner workings of a 75‑bed congregate shelter with pods for families, women, men, and couples, an on‑site clinic, housing navigation, and a chef-led kitchen serving thousands of meals each month. The low‑barrier philosophy is clear: you can come as you are, be a good neighbor, and start building stability today.

One of the most eye‑opening parts? Co‑sheltering with pets. By assessing and welcoming animals, the team removes a major reason people avoid shelter, and in the process preserves bonds that carry guests through their toughest days. Helen also talks candidly about staff compassion and the cost of caring—secondary trauma, the need for boundaries, and why self‑care and education are non‑negotiable if you want sustainable kindness. Along the way, we offer concrete ways for listeners to help in their own neighborhoods: targeted donations (think adult pull‑ups and hygiene kits), volunteering, and small, human gestures like water, fruit, or a steady “good morning.”

If you’re ready to replace judgment with understanding and questions with action, this conversation will give you the language, the tools, and the motivation to start. Subscribe for more stories that center dignity, share this with someone who cares, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your kindness travels farther than you think.

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A teenager can ace a math test at 10 a.m. and still have nowhere safe to sleep by 10 p.m. Our conversation with Hope 4 Youth’s associate director, Mark McNamer, pulls back the curtain on the hidden crisis of youth homelessness—and the clear, practical steps a community can take to solve it. We explore why 16–24 year-olds often fly under the radar, how couch surfing masks instability, and what it takes to turn basic needs into long-term stability without shame or red tape.

We walk through Hope 4 Youth’s two-part model: a low-barrier resource center offering food, clothing, hygiene, laundry, showers, and hot meals, and a 12-unit transitional housing program that gives up to two years of breathing room for education, employment, and mental health goals. Mark shares hard numbers from Minnesota—13,000 youth experiencing homelessness annually, up to 6,000 unstably housed on a given night—and what his team is seeing locally as demand rises year-round. Then we dive into outcomes that matter: gains in employment and education, stronger relationships, improved mental health, and significant reductions in justice system involvement and substance use. Along the way, you’ll hear how schools, coaches, shelters, and small businesses quietly collaborate to rebuild safety nets, and why parenting youth—30% of participants—are a critical focus for breaking intergenerational cycles.

What stands out is the culture: no shaming, clear respect, and youth-led goals. From partnering with landlords and covering deposits to work readiness jobs inside the center, the approach is practical, humane, and proven. If you’ve ever wondered how to help beyond headlines, this is an inside look at solutions that work, including their event in November, "Out of the Cold"—and the kindness that keeps them going.

If this moved you, share it with a friend, leave a quick review, and subscribe to our newsletter for future episodes and ways to get involved. Your voice helps bring more youth out of the cold and onto a path home.

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