Our Future is Kind Podcast

What if kindness isn't a "nice-to-have," but infrastructure—designed into workplaces, cities, and schools the way we design safety, inclusion, and flow? Meral Alizada, founder of Results of Kindness, shares how "kind systems" can reduce loneliness, protect neurodiversity, prevent burnout, and make better decisions stick. We explore why speed-first cultures create "human car wrecks," how leadership...

TV host, bestselling author, and joy expert Shari Alyse joins Michael G. Neece to explore the deep connection between kindness, joy, and presence. Shari shares how caregiving for her late father transformed her understanding of purpose, why truly seeing people is one of the greatest acts of kindness, and how daily self-care rituals keep her anchored through grief and uncertainty. She also shares u...

What if the stress you manage isn't really about your calendar—it's about old survival patterns that taught you to abandon yourself? In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael sits down with Lolita Guarin, a stress management expert, coach, speaker, podcaster, and bestselling author. They discuss how childhood wounds—especially growing up around addiction, emotional abandonment, or chronic ins...

Energy healer and trauma-informed coach Julie Goldberg returns to share how healing your inner child is the foundation for both personal freedom and a better world. Julie discusses her chapter in Joy Unleashed and her new lead-authored book, Unleash Yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming You, launching September 2026. She and host Michael Neece explore how shame is created — and undone — why kin...

Andrea Locsin—licensed architect turned global entrepreneur—built a virtual-services business during the pandemic by saying "yes," learning fast, and leading with integrity. She now creates paid opportunities for seniors and adults with special needs through a restaurant that doubles as a place of purpose and belonging. In this episode, Andrea shares why "starting small" changes lives, how faith a...

Amanda Fornal has traveled to 100+ countries—and she's also spent 25+ years advising teams, founders, and leaders. In this episode, we talk about what makes someone truly trustworthy in business and life, and why "being kind" isn't the same as "being nice." Amanda shares the story that still chokes her up—a man describing what it felt like to be unseen while homeless—and how that lesson shapes her...

Jeanie Davidson is a transformational coach and co-author of "Joy Unleashed." In this conversation, she and Michael unpack unconditional love, ego (healthy vs. unhealthy), and why kindness can feel like a switch—flipped on in an instant, and taken away just as fast. Jeanie shares practical tools for staying centered: pattern interrupts, releasing "mental clutter," and creating uninterrupted quiet...

Marc Haine (service expert, "master of experiences," and author of Lights! Camera! Action!) joins Michael Neece to unpack what it really takes to build great customer experiences—and why the fastest path there is culture first. Marc shares how he went from shy and withdrawn to a professional speaker, why "kindness" shows up for him as service, and what he learned running restaurants, hotels, and c...

Michael speaks with the extraordinary Jenn Johnson — also known as Jenn With 2 Ns — a podcaster, recruiter, scuba enthusiast, and global citizen on a mission to live a life of purpose and service. Jenn shares how she went from working in higher education to recruiting for major tech companies, always staying rooted in a desire to help others succeed. She opens up about the loss of both parents in...

Shenandoah Chefalo joins Michael G. Neece to explore trauma-informed leadership, connection, and how to stay grounded when the world feels heavy. Shen shares why "fake it till you make it" can leak onto others, and offers a powerful reframe: shift from "What's wrong with me?" to "What's strong in me?" You'll learn Shen's SAFE framework—Safety, Agency, Fairness, Empathy—plus practical tools for red...

Natalie Siston is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author of "Let Her Out: Reclaim Who You've Always Been," a heartfelt guide that blends life coaching and personal narrative to help people reconnect with their truest selves. In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Natalie joins Michael G. Neece not just as a guest—but as a returning friend—offering practical wisdom on silence, r...

Ann Carden is a strategic business growth consultant, CEO of A. Carden Inc., and founder of the Expert In You brand and media agency. With more than four decades of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals scale their businesses and amplify their impact, Ann has authored multiple international bestsellers — including her latest, Be the One They Choose: The New Rules for Standing Out and...

In this episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast, Kim and host Michael G. Neece dive into the importance of teaching children how to think—not just what to think—questioning information in a digital world, preserving creativity, and fostering deep human connection. Kim Kleidon is an Australian broadcaster ‑ turned ‑ storyteller whose deep commitment to family, human connection, and values ‑ based edu...

Dr. Brad Reedy, psychotherapist, author, and longtime host of the Finding You podcast, joins Michael G. Neece to explore how deep self ‑ knowledge, compassion, and authenticity transform how we live and relate to others. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Reedy unpacks how kindness begins with self ‑ care and self ‑ compassion, why forgiveness must be grounded in boundaries, and how un...

What happens when you take the box you were found in as an orphaned baby in South Korea, and flip it upside down to make it a table where we all meet for connection? In this episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast, Shari Leid, a former litigator turned reinvention coach and national speaker, shares her remarkable story of resilience, friendship, and purpose. From being adopted to sharing meals with...

What if the future isn't about tolerating people — but celebrating them?   In this deeply moving conversation, Michael Neece sits down with trans inclusion leader, speaker, and beloved LinkedIn voice Liam Paschall to talk about kindness, belonging, identity, courage, and what it really means to be human.   From Liam's upbringing in rural North Carolina to his humanitarian work in Haiti, from jumpi...

Vanessa Emerson is a business strategist, wellness educator, and conscious leadership mentor who has guided hundreds of speakers and entrepreneurs to grow thriving, mission-aligned businesses. In this deeply inspiring episode, she joins host Michael G. Neece to explore what it means to build a life of kindness, inner purpose, and service to others—both in and beyond business. Together they discuss...

What does it mean to live a life of joy, kindness, and power? In this episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast, Lisa Powell Graham, MPA, joins Michael G. Neece to explore that very question. As a two-time TEDx speaker, international retreat leader, speaker coach, and social justice warrior, Lisa shares her extraordinary story of turning trauma into transformation. From surviving stalking and PTSD to...

What does it really look like to live a life of adventure, curiosity, and kindness at sea, on the ocean floor, and Antarctica? In this episode of Our Future is Kind, host Michael G. Neece talks with ocean science photographer, videographer, and storyteller Marley Parker about what it's like to work on research vessels in some of the most remote parts of the planet. Marley shares how curiosity led...

In this energizing episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast, Michael talks with 15+ Year Salesforce MVP Amber Boaz about navigating change, leading with kindness, and embracing curiosity—even in fast-paced, high-tech spaces. 🎧 Listen now and get ready for ideas that apply in the boardroom, the family room, and everywhere in between. _______ Kindness challenge: Before your next conversation, ask your...

Tracy Hooper, founder of The Confidence Project and former TV anchor, joins Our Future is Kind Podcast to reveal how confidence, courtesy, and kindness can elevate your leadership and personal connections. From corporate clients like Nike and eBay to one-on-one coaching, Tracy helps professionals overcome self-doubt, build presence, and speak with impact. In this episode, she shares her 10-5 rule...

The Future of Work Is Kind--Nicole Yelsey and KindWorks AI   Can kindness be your company's secret weapon? Nicole Yelsey, COO and Co-Founder of KindWorks AI, joins Our Future is Kind to share how AI can make teams more collaborative, connected, and kind.   Nicole breaks down how their AI agent Beni helps teams practice micro-kindnesses throughout the workday, explains why kindness is a power skill...

What if a 40-day video challenge among friends became a transformational book on kindness, faith, and healing? Host Michael G. Neece welcomes Shantell Thomas and Teki Best, co-authors of "The 40 Day Reset," to this joyful and heartfelt episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast.   Shantell and Teki open up about the deep friendships behind the book, the power of vulnerability, and how women can build l...

Everyone Has Worth: Ethics, Empathy, and Kindness in Finance with Damion McCloud Michael welcomes Damion McCloud, a Senior Analysis Data Manager in the banking industry and a proud Wharton graduate, to discuss ethics, empathy, and building a more just and kind future. From navigating the high-stakes world of finance to caring for his mother with dignity, Damion shares insights on valuing others, r...

What happens when we treat people with true kindness—not as a buzzword, but as a measurable, actionable framework? In this powerful episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael sits down with Kristi Trader, author, speaker, and founder of Embody Kind, who shares her deeply rooted wisdom from 20+ years working with teams, schools, and community leaders across North America. Plus, Kristi unveils her newes...