The Empire of Kindness

In Independence, Iowa, the community came together to support the family of Steve Copenhaver, a lifelong farmer who passed away before he could complete his final harvest. More than 30 volunteers, coordinated by the nonprofit Farm Rescue, pooled their resources and agricultural equipment to ensure the crops were harvested. This act of communal kindness not only preserved a family's livelihood but...

In barbershops across the country, Barbershop Books is changing the way kids interact with reading. By placing reading nooks in the comfortable and familiar setting of a barbershop, this nonprofit encourages young boys, especially those of color, to explore books featuring characters that reflect their experiences. The simplicity and consistency of this initiative remove barriers to literacy by ma...

In this podcast episode, Matthew McInnis delves into the holiday-driven rise in generosity, noting its cultural and structural roots. The discussion highlights that while many participate in seasonal giving due to holiday traditions and nonprofit campaigns, the key is to extend these impulses throughout the year. By integrating kindness into everyday habits, such as checking in on neighbors or vol...

In Richmond, Virginia, a network of community fridges, initiated by Taylor Scott and fueled by mutual aid, is transforming lives. Beginning in 2021, these outdoor refrigerators provide free food to those in need, supported entirely by volunteer efforts and community generosity. The project's simplicity—people taking food when needed and giving when they can—has grown it from a single fridge to 14...

In a true act of bravery, 20-year-old Anthony Perry transformed into an unexpected hero on June 5, 2022, at the 69th Street Station in Chicago. After witnessing a man fall onto the electrified rail during a commotion, Anthony sprang into action without hesitation. Despite enduring electric shocks himself, he managed to pull the stranger off the dangerous rail and administer CPR with help from anot...

In a heartwarming story from Hendersonville, Tennessee, high school students teamed up to create a prosthetic hand for their classmate, Sergio Peralta. Born with a right hand that never fully formed, Sergio had always managed with his left hand. However, his engineering teacher and classmates saw an opportunity to combine technology and empathy. Over four weeks, they designed and built a 3D-printe...

In the wake of the devastating August 2023 wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, World Central Kitchen, founded by chef Jose Andres, quickly mobilized to provide not just food, but hope and community. By using local ingredients and partnering with Hawaiian farmers and businesses, they delivered thousands of dignified meals to those in need. Their efforts demonstrated how diverse teams and local resources can...

In February 2021, Texas faced a severe winter storm, leaving many without power and heat. In this crisis, Mattress Mack, the owner of Gallery Furniture in Houston, showcased incredible kindness by transforming his furniture showroom into a warming center. The store offered beds, hot meals, and essential facilities to hundreds of people in need. This episode highlights the importance of using avail...

In the harsh 2022 Buffalo Blizzard, Shakira Autry heard a faint plea for help and took swift action, rescuing 64-year-old Joseph White, who was stranded and frostbitten near her home. With emergency services incapacitated, Shakira's call for help on social media mobilized a community effort that ensured Joey received critical medical care. Despite losing most of his fingers, Joey survived and main...

This podcast episode explores the innovative 'pay it forward' model implemented by Acorn Community Cafe in Eugene, Oregon. By allowing customers to buy meal vouchers for those in need, it creates an environment where generosity and community support are seamlessly integrated into the dining experience. The model, inspired by the Italian tradition of 'café sospeso,' promotes dignity and agency for...

In a quiet Missouri neighborhood, a UPS driver named Clay turned an ordinary delivery route into a life-saving mission. When he noticed smoke coming from a house, he didn't hesitate to investigate. Inside, he found an elderly woman trapped by smoke-filled rooms. Clay's quick thinking and bravery led her to safety, demonstrating how paying attention and taking action in critical moments can avert t...

In this episode of the Empire of Kindness, Matthew McInnis narrates a touching story about Dave, a man living in New York City whose dog went missing. The incident sparked a community-wide effort to find the lost pet, illustrating the powerful impact of collective compassion. Strangers united, sharing posts and organizing search parties, ultimately leading to a successful reunion. This heartwarmin...

In 2018, a group of high school students in Brazil discovered that their beloved 80-year-old janitor, Jose, couldn't read or write despite having worked at the school for decades. Motivated by empathy, the students took it upon themselves to teach Jose literacy skills during their breaks and after school hours. With patience and encouragement, they helped Jose transform his life, boosting his conf...

In this podcast episode, we hear the story of a Virginia Starbucks where a barista named Taylor noticed a grieving customer and chose to act with compassion. The woman, who had just lost her mother, received a coffee with a heartfelt note, 'Your mom is so proud of you. Stay strong.' This simple gesture provided comfort, reminding her that she was not alone. Shared on social media, the story went v...

In 2018, Florida history teacher Robert Goodman faced a daunting diagnosis of stage three colon cancer. With limited sick days to cover his treatments, he turned to social media for help. His call was met with overwhelming generosity as fellow teachers and staff donated their unused sick days. This act of solidarity allowed Robert to focus on his recovery without financial stress. The simple, coll...

I'll be taking this week off, but The Empire of Kindness will return next week.

In a powerful demonstration of empathy and presence, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant named Jessica comforted an elderly woman with dementia during a 2019 flight. As the woman's anxiety and confusion escalated, Jessica offered calming reassurances, holding her hand and listening attentively. Her actions, rooted in empathy and patience, allowed the passenger to feel safe and understood, even a...

Christian Bucks, a first grader, transformed school recess with his 'Buddy Bench' idea—a designated spot where lonely kids can sit, signaling their need for companionship. Initiated at his school in Pennsylvania, this concept caught on nationwide and internationally. The bench not only reduces social isolation but also cultivates empathy and awareness among students, who learn to act inclusively....

Joshua Coombs, a hairstylist from London, pioneered a movement of generosity in 2015 by offering free haircuts to homeless people. Combining his skills with a compassionate mindset, he aimed to restore dignity and confidence to those often ignored. By sharing these transformations on social media with the hashtag #dosomethingfornothing, Joshua's efforts highlighted the deeper impact of his work. T...

This podcast episode of 'The Empire of Kindness' explores the profound impact of empathetic listening in Ron Clark's Atlanta classroom. Instead of punishing a defiant student, Clark chose to listen deeply, transforming the student's behavior and igniting a ripple of kindness. By valuing the student's voice, Clark fostered confidence and leadership that extended beyond the classroom. The episode un...

Kevin Lewis, a dedicated MBTA bus driver, became an overnight hero when his prompt decision-making saved a lost toddler on a cold night in Dorchester. Seeing the child wandering alone and vulnerable in the street, Kevin swiftly pulled over, brought the toddler to safety, and provided warmth and comfort until the police arrived. This extraordinary act of kindness highlights the courage needed to ac...

In 2017, the New Richmond community in Wisconsin rallied around Hazel, a young girl with a severe seizure disorder, to build her an accessible home. Her family's request for help was met with overwhelming support from over 500 volunteers, including local businesses and skilled workers who donated their time and materials. This collaborative effort transformed into a customized, safe living space f...

In 2015, Starbucks barista Katie Weibel made a profound impact in Seattle by deciding to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to connect with a deaf customer, Ibby Bashir. Her sincere effort, driven by a genuine desire to make Ibby feel included and understood, sparked a viral wave of positivity. By bridging the communication gap, Katie not only transformed Ibby's experience but also inspired countl...

In July 2025, Central Texas faced devastating flash floods, prompting a remarkable response from the Austin community. P Terry's Burger Stand took charge, announcing that all profits across its 36 Texas locations on July 10 would be donated to the Austin Disaster Relief Network. The campaign saw overwhelming support, with lines stretching for miles. By day's end, an estimated $150,000 was raised....

The podcast episode spotlights Cody Miller, whose selflessness transformed his friend Chris Gardner's life. Facing blindness, Chris could see again, thanks to Cody's incredible offer of a liver stem cell donation—an emerging medical miracle. Host Matthew McInnis highlights the story as a testament to human compassion and the astounding possibilities of modern medicine. Cody’s unmatched generosity...