Pork Pond Gazette

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 b...

Imagine growing up in a quaint Missouri town and then taking a giant leap to start your own business on the bustling streets of New York at just 26 years old. That's the remarkable journey of Susan Combs , our guest on the Kindness Matters Podcast, who not only built her insurance brokerage from the ground up but also penned her experiences to inspire others. Her life, infused with the discipline...

Have you ever felt the yearning for deeper spiritual understanding, one that transcends the traditional boundaries of organized religion? That's precisely what Shannon Savage-Howie , a contemplative coach with a rich spiritual tapestry, shares with us in a heartwarming narrative of transformation and enlightenment. From her Protestant roots to a robust spiritual practice, Shannon's journey is a be...

Have you ever wondered how the threads of science, nature, and art are woven together? Join us as Sarah Dixon , a UK-based artist with a colorful history stretching from Cyprus to the UAE, shares her enthralling personal journey. Her artistic canvas is rich with the nuances of her scientific exploration and the cultural depth of her mother's Irish Catholic heritage. As we converse, Sarah paints a...

Navigating the journey of parenting an LGBTQ+ child can often feel like uncharted waters, but my guest Jennifer Boudrye , founder and CEO of Parent with Care , is lighting the way with her steadfast beacon of empathy and education. Together, we're peeling back the layers of complexity that accompany the role of an ally, revealing that the paths to understanding and support are as diverse as the co...

Unlock the secret to a thriving business with Lisa Condon 's expertise on integrating gratitude into corporate culture. As an executive coach, she reveals how a simple 'thank you' can transform team dynamics, attract ideal clients, and even boost your bottom line. But it's not just about profit; it's about cultivating a workspace where appreciation is part of the daily routine, and the positive ef...

When Irene Brooks , a social worker turned CEO of No Place Like Home Senior Services , sat down to recount her transition from marketing to the heartfelt realm of elder care, it wasn't just her career trajectory that captivated us—it was her unwavering kindness. Throughout our conversation, Irene's moving stories of caregiving, from nurturing the independence of seniors in their homes to the tende...

Have you ever grasped a book that felt like a key to unlocking the secrets of your heart? That's the treasure Dr. Heather Browne brings to us, blending her expertise as a psychotherapist with the soulful touch of a poet to navigate the complexities of love, communication, and intimacy. Our conversation is a journey through the emotional landscape of relationships, facing the trials of hurt and dec...

When Dawn Wecker's hands shifted from the art of hair styling to the microphone of podcasting, " Dawnversations " was born. Join us as Dawn, with her infectious passion for spreading kindness, recounts her journey of transformation and resilience in the face of COVID-19, navigating from salon tales to a wider world of heartwarming stories. With me, Mike Rathbun, we share candid reflections on the...

Have you ever laughed at yourself to beat others to the punchline? Steve Gamlin , our jack-of-all-trades guest, takes us on an adventure from self-deprecation to self-empowerment in our latest Kindness Matters podcast episode. As a skydiver, base jumper, and motivational speaker, Steve has a unique perspective on life's ups and downs—literally. We chat about his transition from a comedy writer to...

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 tec...

Have you ever held the door open for a stranger and questioned whether the gesture came from a place of deep sincerity or just plain old habit? I'm Mike Rathbun, and I tackle this intriguing question on the Kindness Matters podcast, dissecting the subtle differences between kindness and niceness. Our lively exchange, filled with anecdotes and a whimsical game of "Kind or Nice," will leave you pond...

Get ready to be inspired as we welcome the dynamic duo, Missy Merschman and Stacey Burnham. These extraordinary women have been spreading a wave of kindness through Minnesota with their initiatives - the Anoka Kindness Rock Garden and the Minnesota Kindness Alliance . Listen as they share their experiences of participating in the Anoka Halloween Parade and the Cambridge Snowflake Parade with a stu...

Have you ever pondered the transformative power a simple act of kindness might have on a challenging profession like nursing? Join us in a rewarding conversation with Eva ZobianWolf, a nurse with over two decades of wisdom accumulated from her experiences in the field of emergency medicine. Eva graciously paints a vivid picture of the demanding world of rapid responses and code teams, and how a me...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live from a holistic perspective, connected to something bigger than ourselves? Have you ever desired to embrace joy in the present moment and love your perfectly imperfect self? If so, you're in the right place. In our recent conversation, we had the delightful opportunity to chat with Nanci Reed , a spiritual life coach, author, and creator of the...

Have you ever wondered how you can show up for those in grief, especially during the holiday season? Well, that's exactly what we'll uncover in this episode with our guest, Heidi Dunstan , an author, grief coach, and someone who has personally navigated the unexpected loss of her husband. Heidi shares her heart-wrenching journey, unveiling the importance of understanding and supporting those who a...

Ever wonder how embracing your quirks can set you on a path to success? This episode is a testament to just that. We get up close and personal with Joey Natale, the charismatic founder of Grow Our Light. Joey’s fascinating journey started from accepting his 'nerdiness' and ADHD, leading him to become a celebrated public speaker and coach. We dive into an enriching conversation about the importance...

Imagine having the power to shape your future, energize and engage your teams, and build strong relationships. This episode delivers just that, with the amazing insights of our guest, Brian Biro , known as America's Breakthrough Speaker. Brian has a unique blend of experience - he has been a swimming coach, author of 16 books , and a speaker who has made over 1,800 presentations, leaving a trail o...

What if we told you that yoga can lead to more than just physical wellness but can also inspire acts of kindness and community service? This is precisely the journey our guest today, Laura Mickler, embarked on. A yoga enthusiast turned certified instructor, Laura is the heart and soul behind the Sacred Steps Studio and Store. Recovering from surgery, distressed, and overwhelmed, she found solace i...

Ever walked out of a store and been asked to show your receipt? Well, imagine being the employee who has to enforce that policy and faces the wrath of irate customers every day. That's the reality for Nancy, a diligent store greeter who's at the heart of our discussion today. We shine a light on the unsung heroes of our shopping season - the frontline workers who often bear the brunt of misplaced...

Ever wonder what it's like to grow up in one of the premier Italian restaurants in the nation, only to watch it all crumble in a federal grand jury investigation? Maria Palmer, co-author of the book, On the Rocks, offers us a front row seat to her father's life, from his meteoric rise to the top of the restaurant industry to his abrupt fall. While captivating us with her father's story, Maria also...

Ever found yourself lost in the noise of social media, struggling to find the silver linings of kindness in a world filled with division and negativity? Listen up, because you're not alone. Brieonna Aljets, real estate instructor, advocate of kindness, and host of the podcast, What's the Cheese? joins us on this riveting episode of Kindness Matters. She shares insights from her personal journey, d...

Ever wonder how just a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life? This episode with our esteemed guest, Carol CC Miller , a renowned positive life strategist, peace activator, and hug expert, is a testament to that. We embark on a journey filled with tales of spreading joy and peace through gestures as small as a smile, a kind word or a warm hug. Carol candidly rev...

Imagine a world where kindness dictates political discourse - sounds unimaginable, right? Join me, Mike Rathbun, as we traverse the tumultuous terrain of politics interlaced with kindness in this episode of Kindness Matters. We embark on a captivating exploration of the transformative tactics of Republican Newt Gingrich, and how his strategic use of language left an indelible mark on political com...

Would you believe that kindness can be the ace up your sleeve in business? We're joined by Nataly Huff of Innovate Forward Marketing, a business maven with over 15 years of experience, who's going to tell us all about how being a little kinder can work wonders for your venture. Nataly has spent countless hours helping businesses craft strategic marketing plans, not just to boost revenue, but to ge...