Communicate Kindly The Podcast

Karen and Mary return from a spring break with a brand new episode to chat about something they've both dealt with their entire lives -- anxiety. Life is a roller coaster. When you get the joy, relish it. Expect the best. Come back to the present moment when you’re feeling anxious. Everyone deserves the best they can give themselves. Anxiety can be your hero if you use it to move forward. We a...

Mary and Karen talk about righteous anger and specifically about Karen’s anger around a situation regarding the care of her elderly mom. Here are the takeaways from this episode: When confronted with a difficult situation, really try to focus on the facts, staying calm, centered, and firm. With knowledge comes responsibility. Anger can fuel us to improve our society. Think about partnering with th...

This episode is in honor and memory of Mary's Mom, Peg, on what would have been her 98th birthday. Karen and I talk about her, her legacy and what the grieving process has looked like for both of us. Let us know your thoughts and share your experiences with grief. We really believe these conversations can help all of us to feel less alone. Share your comments on Instagram, Facebook, or send a...

Mary and Karen spent last weekend with their other besties, Gail and Lisa. They had a great time reconnecting and after having a few meals together, Mary had to ask Karen to explain her method of ordering in restaurants. Here are the takeaways from this week's episode: If you feel uncomfortable when you arrive at a hotel or motel, it’s ok to decide not to stay there. Be kind to wait staff. And...

Mary & Karen are joined by Mary's husband, Todd, for a discussion about finding joy in the small, every day moments that we often overlook. Be sure to listen until the end for an entertaining follow up to the conversation. Here are the takeaways from this episode: 1. Be really specific about what brings you joy. Down to the moment. 2. Try a practice of acknowledging what you’re grateful for an...

Mary and Karen have a conversation about passive aggressive behavior inspired by the article in Inc. Magazine by Justin Bariso entitled, " Emotionally Intelligent People Use a Brilliant 6-Word Phrase to Stop Passive-Aggressive Behavior and Strengthen Their Relationships ." Here are the takeaways: The thing that annoys you about someone else is often something that’s inside of you. The other person...

After Mary attended a silent retreat, she sat down with Karen to talk about being silent, the noisy world and how we can communicate kindly even when we're not saying a thing.

Mary & Karen welcome Mary's son, Dan, to the show and her sister, Peggy, is back to talk about last week’s big football game. We’re all Philadelphia Eagles fans so it was a tough loss, but there were lessons learned. Here are the takeaways: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Don’t expect a certain outcome and you won’t be disappointed. We all win some and we all lose some. It’s how w...

Mary & Karen welcome Mary's big sister, Peggy, to the show to have a conversation about road rage. She has a story to share. Take a listen. Here are the takeaways: Remember the title of Joey’s story: “Road rage, nobody wins.” Pause. And if you have to - sit on your hands. If in doubt, let the other car go in front of you. Don’t be attached to a thank you wave on the road (or really anywhere. G...

Mary & Karen sit down with Josey, a college student who attempts to bridge the generation gap between us to help us understand what it's like for women & men to "date" in college in 2023. Spoiler alert: we don't get it.😂  Here are the takeaways: In the college dating scene, talking isn’t talking. It’s snap chatting. And texting is serious talking (we think😉). Raised on iPads and com...

Mary and Karen welcome Mary's dear friend and former roommate Kathleen Broderick to the podcast. Kathleen was made aware of the book "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. She shares how the four agreements resonate with her and how we can use them to live happier and more peaceful lives. Our takeaways this week are the four agreements: 1. Be impeccable with your word - to others AND to yoursel...

Mary & Karen discuss the term "gaslighting" and how it's surfaced in their lives. They've been gaslit, they've been the gaslighter and during this conversation they come to question whether or not we can gaslight ourselves.  Here are the takeaways: Beware of gaslighters. Call them out on their lies. Write things down as they happen so you have a log to refer to if needed. When you hear an...

Mary & Karen meet for a virtual happy hour to chat about gossip, how it’s affected them and how, with practice, they are learning to not let it leave their lips. Here are the takeaways: 1. If you’re feeling offended or defensive, PAUSE to help you feel clearer so that you don’t go down the rabbit hole of gossip. 2. It’s ok to speak up. Don’t let things fester. Speaking the truth doesn’t have t...

Mary & Karen welcome Karen's 22-year-old daughter to the podcast to introduce them to a new term to them - "Pick Me". Here are the takeaways: We can all be "pick mes" at times by wanting attention without using it to serve others. You don’t need to look for validation outside of yourself. Your validation comes from within. If someone offers you a compliment, say thank you. Attention can be goo...

Mary & Karen discuss how dogs can be among the best conversation starters and how the unconditional love we get from our dogs and other pets can truly bring us humans closer to each other. Here are some of the takeaways from this episode. Dogs can help initiate conversations and bring out the best in people. If you have a problem with a neighbor, you can speak up. Maybe they are unaware of the...

Join the conversation about our conversations. Lifelong friends Mary Feldman and Karen McCormick host this podcast and discuss how we can improve our relationships with ourselves and others by learning to communicate with kindness and compassion. Their mission is to transform the world one conversation at at time.