The Empire of Kindness

In this episode of Empire of Kindness, host Matthew McInnis shares a moving story from a high school football game in Virginia. The spotlight is on Ruben Martinez, a senior with autism, who had a heartwarming moment orchestrated by his team and their opponents. In a game that was already decided, Ruben was given the ball and ran 40 yards to score a touchdown, with opposing players helping clear hi...

The Regulator Bookshop in Durham, North Carolina, has been a cherished community landmark since 1976. In 2021, its future was threatened when developers eyed the property. In response, original owner Tom Campbell called for community support to save the store. Locals launched a successful crowdfunding campaign, raising over $800,000 to purchase the building. This triumph demonstrates the power of...

In the 2017 Boston Marathon, Ethiopian runner Mamitu Daska showcased an extraordinary act of kindness. Near mile 22, instead of focusing solely on her race, she stopped to aid American runner Sarah Hall, who was struggling with cramps and dehydration. This selfless act, reported by BBC News, highlighted the deep-seated humanity that can exist even in the fiercest competitions. Neither athlete reac...

Common Ground, a coffee shop in Southern California, created a ripple of goodwill in the wake of a wildfire in 2021. Offering free coffee to first responders, the shop became a sanctuary for those battling the flames. This act of appreciation led others to contribute donations, ensuring every responder received their caffeine fix. While the media focused on the fire's progression, the community wa...

In 2019, Ashley Jiron, owner of a small sandwich shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, noticed that children were accumulating lunch debt at schools, sometimes resulting in public shaming. In response, she offered free meals to students who couldn't afford lunch. This simple act of kindness sparked widespread recognition and thrust her into a larger conversation about food insecurity and systemic issue...

In a busy Kroger store in Houston, Texas, young employee Traveon Smith became a beacon of kindness. He noticed an elderly woman struggling with her shopping and devoted 45 minutes to assist her with grace and care. A fellow shopper captured the moment, and it quickly went viral, resonating with thousands. Traveon's actions highlighted the impact of generosity and patience, showing how small acts c...

A house fire destroyed everything for this family. The kindness of the community they didn't know they had made a difference.

In this episode of 'Empire of Kindness,' we explore an inspiring story of empathy on a Southwest Airlines flight in 2016. When a baby's cries filled the cabin, it wasn't irritation but kindness that resonated. A man in seat 13C offered to hold the crying infant, allowing the overwhelmed mother some much-needed respite. This simple gesture not only calmed the baby but also provided peace and reassu...

Matthew McInnis tells the heartwarming tale of Larry Stewart, whose journey into becoming Kansas City's Secret Santa stemmed from his own struggles. Fired and broke, a gesture at a diner in 1979 sparked Stewart's vow to help others. His philanthropy grew alongside his fortunes, leading to a legacy of anonymous gift-giving totaling $1.3 million. Even after revealing himself due to illness, Stewart'...

In this episode we examine a stunning act of honesty by a homeless man. We look at the integrity it took and the inspiring effects it had on others. Join us for a look at kindness and a backpack.

In this podcast episode from 'Empire of Kindness,' host Matthew McInnis shares a heartfelt story about enacting kindness towards a man and his dog. Stopping at a traffic light, Matthew encountered a man with a straightforward sign requesting food, accompanied by a small, quiet dog. Touched by the man's honesty and warmth, Matthew gave them $5, hoping it would help. Reflecting on the experience, he...

In a special episode of The Empire of Kindness, we take a look at a modern icon of the pursuit of kindness. Pope Francis' passing will have a profound effect on millions of people. Maybe there are some things we can learn from this.

Never forget that kindness can be found anywhere. This time we look at a surprising place to find and practice kindness: a casino.

In the Empire of Kindness podcast, host Matthew McInnis explores the importance of kindness in everyday interactions, focusing on customer service. Drawing on his years of experience, he illustrates how leading with empathy can turn challenging situations into positive experiences. By sharing a personal story of helping a distressed elderly caller recover her precious photos, McInnis highlights th...

Welcome to The Empire of Kindness, where we explore the nature, value, and practice of kindness. Today we look at the basic value of kindness and why it matters. This is the start of our journey to see, hear, and record our experience of kindness, and use it to inspire others. Let's put Kindness in charge. Let's build an empire.