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Send us a text What happens when a veteran ICU nurse combines her medical expertise with 30 years of dog training experience? Pauline Hoegler reveals the remarkable answer on this episode of Kindness Matters. Pauline's organization, GOFIDog (Golden Opportunities for Independence), has developed innovative programs that harness the extraordinary capabilities of Golden Retrievers to serve communitie...

Send us a text What if the most powerful act of kindness isn't fixing someone's problems, but simply being present with them? Pediatric cardiothoracic intensive care nurse Natalie Miller Binkley brings this revolutionary perspective to life in our conversation about healing, presence, and the unique challenges facing healthcare workers today. Natalie takes us inside the specialized world of pediat...

Send us a text Discover the transformative power of compassion in productivity with Lisa Zawrotny , founder of Positively Productive Systems . In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa shares her profound journey from overwhelmed caregiver—simultaneously raising two young children while caring for her mother with Alzheimer's—to becoming a coach who champions a radically different approach to getting th...

Send us a text What happens when compassion meets healthcare innovation? In this illuminating conversation, Mike Baker —CEO of Heritage Health , author, musician, and self-described "renaissance man"—reveals how community health centers are transforming access to medical care across America. Baker shares the remarkable origin story of Heritage Health, founded by Lydwin Dirne who escaped World War...

Send us a text "The only people that will ever have an issue with you putting a boundary in place is those that benefit from you having none." This powerful statement from Kate Browning captures the essence of our illuminating conversation about boundaries, purpose, and the courage to prioritize joy in business. Kate Browning, the self-described "unicorn" behind Cherry Blossom Management , joins u...

Send us a text Ever wondered how much your boss affects your mental health? According to research shared by Rebecca Reed , founder and CEO of Siendo , your manager has roughly the same impact on your well-being as your romantic partner—and potentially more influence than your therapist! Rebecca's extraordinary journey from corporate banking to mental health advocacy began when she witnessed rampan...

Send us a text What happens when a computer programmer receives a divine calling to ministry? For Reverend Dr. Shannon Karafanda , it launched a transformative journey culminating in a global kindness movement that's changing lives one small act at a time. Shannon's path took an unexpected turn when she joined forces with her friend Alan Todd to plant a church centered on what they called "A-OK Pr...

Send us a text When parents see headlines about rising juvenile crime rates, it's easy to feel helpless. While juvenile arrests have declined since the 1990s, troubling increases in firearm violence and homicide rates among youth ages 10-14 have parents searching for answers. Teresa Ramirez , motivational speaker and kindness ambassador, offers a compelling alternative to fear—intentional kindness...

Send us a text A chance connection on social media led to one of the most heartwarming conversations in Kindness Matters history. Philip Parker, creator of multiple podcasts including " Unscripted Perspective " and "Untouched Melodies," joins Mike Rathbun to explore how kindness functions as both a personal healing force and a powerful tool for positive change. The conversation takes a particularl...

Send us a text Tragedy struck Minnesota when politically motivated violence left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife severely wounded, and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert dead. Yet amid this darkness, remarkable stories of compassion and resilience emerged. The Hoffmans and Hortmans exemplified lives dedicated to service. John advocated tirelessly...

Send us a text Transportation insecurity sounds like a cold, technical term—until you realize it's the difference between keeping a job and unemployment, accessing healthcare or suffering without it. While we readily understand food banks and homeless shelters, the critical nature of reliable transportation often goes unrecognized. Steve Landau, president of Cars for Neighbors , joins the Kindness...

Send us a text How do we respond when darkness seems to be winning? Following a horrific act of political terrorism in Minnesota, this special episode takes a raw, honest look at the struggle to maintain faith in kindness during our darkest moments. The podcast recounts the chilling details of recent attacks on multiple Minnesota lawmakers, including the tragedy that claimed the lives of former Ho...

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how small acts of kindness can transform lives? Lisa Demmi returns to the Kindness Matters podcast to share the incredible journey of her nonprofit, The Small Magic Foundation , which is creating pathways to success for underserved youth in the Tampa Bay area. The foundation stems from Lisa's personal philosophy that meaningful change doesn't require grand ges...

Send us a text What if a simple collection of sayings could transform your relationship with anxiety and confidence? Bret Davis , bestselling author of Bretisms: Adopted, Borrowed, and Modified Philosophies For a Life With Less Anxiety and More Confidence joins us to share how everyday philosophies can create profound shifts in how we experience life. Bret's journey from door-to-door salesman to m...

Send us a text The national conversation around immigration is often filled with misconceptions, oversimplifications, and dehumanizing rhetoric. But behind the headlines and political talking points are real human beings with profound stories of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. In this deeply moving conversation, host Mike Rathbun sits down with Rosa Casquino , a Latinx licensed clinical social wo...

Send us a text Imagine walking into a grocery store and seeing your name prominently displayed on a product lining the shelves. For most of us, that would be a remarkable moment. For the clients at St. John of God Community Services, it's a powerful affirmation of their value and contribution to society. Luke Barnes, Director of Marketing Communications and Entrepreneurial Programs for St, John of...

Send us a text Tattoo needles aren't just tools for self-expression—they can be instruments of profound healing. Kelsie Shriver , owner of Luminary Tattoo in Lincoln, Nebraska, demonstrates this transformative power through her work covering self-harm scars and mastectomy sites with beautiful artwork. Drawing from eight years of tattoo experience and her background as a portrait artist, Kelsie off...

Send us a text Kindness truly matters when it comes to supporting our LGBTQ+ loved ones - especially in today's climate of increasing anti-queer legislation. In this eye-opening conversation, Jennifer Boudrye , founder of Queer Allyship , shares her wisdom on how parents can navigate their child's coming out journey with compassion and understanding. Jennifer's path to advocacy began through perso...

Send us a text Tom Mohr was struck by lightning and it changed everything. From that moment of literal shock came a spiritual awakening that would transform not just his own life, but the lives of countless business leaders he would go on to mentor and guide. This conversation delves deep into Tom's remarkable journey from newspaper executive to digital media president to startup founder, revealin...

Send us a text What happens when five retirees decide over a cup of coffee to tackle poverty in Mexico? The answer is Vamos! , a remarkable grassroots organization that has transformed thousands of lives over nearly four decades through a radical approach: actually listening to what people need. Sean Dougherty , Executive Director of Vamos, takes us on a journey that began with his parents and fri...

Send us a text "What does it mean to truly feel called to serve?" Rob Bergfalk , founder of Compassion Church and Compassion Coffee in Anoka, Minnesota, answers this question through powerful action rather than mere words. When news reports in 2018 showed hundreds of people living in tent cities along Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis, something stirred deeply within Rob. As a youth pastor with 12 ye...

Send us a text What happens when a homeschooling mother of six from Portland finds herself driving Amish families across America? Haley Straw takes us behind the curtain of a culture often misunderstood yet deeply rooted in kindness and community. After relocating to rural Missouri for a fresh start, Haley stumbled into a role as an Amish driver that spanned nine years and countless miles across t...

Send us a text What if your childhood dreams held the key to your life's purpose? For Michelle Joy, founder of the Global Joy Institute, a third-grade assignment revealed her destiny—she wrote that she wanted to "grow long legs and walk to Africa to help people." Decades later, that innocent wish has manifested as a philanthropic initiative bringing clean water, business opportunities, and educati...

Send us a text A chance TikTok discovery led me to Adam Dahl , a fudge maker and small business owner whose story perfectly embodies the spirit of kindness I seek to highlight on this podcast. From his Minnesota Vikings fandom to his mouthwatering fudge creations, Adam brings joy to his community through Dahlhus Fudge – a tiny 300-square-foot shop with an outsized impact. Adam shares his journey f...

Send us a text In a world filled with negativity and division, it's refreshing to hear an inspiring story about kindness and connection. This episode features Jennifer Hunsinger , the founder of Project Happiness LSMO , who has dedicated herself to spreading joy through uplifting signs in her neighborhood. Faced with the challenges of social discord, Jennifer and her community replaced political s...