The Goodness Chick

My guest, Matt Kynaston, is a philanthropist, mental health activist and all around amazing guy who I am honored to call a friend. In the UK, suicide is the number one killer of men and it ranks in the top tier of causes of deaths for men in the United States. Matt has dedicated his life to raising awareness speaking in schools, conferences and running support groups on the relevance of mental hea...

One day a year we pay homage to our Moms. Taking time to unpack the teachable lessons of Mother's Day for us, our kids and spouses. I also take a look at how Mother's Day is tough for those facing infertility, who have a mom who is no longer here and ways to take the hurts of others into consideration. Let's take some time to chat, reflect and embrace the ridiculous benefits of appreciating our mo...

The #METOO movement is one that gives a voice to those who have been subjected to sexual assault. This includes females and males. We chat on strategies to take with our kids, discussions we need to be having with them and repeating again and again. The response we have as parents, family members or friends is WAY important. Be supportive, listen (let them talk), encourage, love and be present. Le...

Ashley Bendiksen is a national speaker, activist and abuse prevention expert. Ashley was a victim of sexual assault and was subject to an abusive relationship. She chose to use her trauma as a platform to dialogue with thousands about domestic violence, sexual assault and abusive relationships. When close to 1 in 3 young people have been impacted by one of the above we have to continue defining wh...

Grudge is a small word, but it holds tremendous negatives that we often may not even realize. We take on a weight of anger and bitterness that can change us in some ugly ways. CBD Pure...I love it and I know you will too! GoodnessChick.com In today's episode we jump into what it means to hold a grudge and how letting go can be one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. Just remember, gr...

Speaking up. Saying something. In one second lives can be altered or even lost due to one person's poor decision. The truth is we can be witness to these decisions and we have a choice to say something or stay silent. Self harming behaviors come in many forms (driving under the influence, abusing drugs, cutting, toxic relationships, etc.). I believe when we know someone is placing either themselve...

Jit Pang Lim is the founder of R.O.C.K House (Redeeming our Community Kids) located in Kluang Johor, Malaysia. ROCK House is committed to providing educational support as well as meeting the basic needs of young people within the Kluang community. Jit and his wife have sacrificed greatly to serve those less fortunate in hopes of helping pave the road for the next generation. We discuss the realiti...

Linwood Butler is currently living in Lembongan Island, Indonesia training to become a dive master. Vaughn shares what lead him to a remote island in Indonesia from small town USA and the lessons learned along the way. We chat about his decision to assume a minimalistic state of mind and the lessons gained from stepping outside of our comfort zone. goodnesschick.com

Eight months of living out of a suitcase, hopping planes, trains and buses can offer a whole lot of learning experiences. I share my three life lessons that have stretched and challenged me in ways that I wasn’t necessarily expecting before leaving the States.

Beth Anne Fletcher is an Award Nominated Blogger from the UK on food, fashion, and photography. As a mental health advocate her words and photos are her tools to inspire and educate her readers. Beth Anne's honesty and transparency on her own personal struggles from being in eating disorder recovery, an autism Mama of a beautiful 8 year old boy and the basic challenges of life set her apart from y...

Nepal is home to resilient people. From the Nepali Civil War (1996-2006) and the catastrophic earthquake in 2015 they have faced tremendous challenges. I sit with Suresh Gandhari, a volunteer for Happy Children Home (an orphanage that currently houses 17 children an hour outside of Kathmandu) chatting about the orphanage, being a member of the Gandharba Culture (a musician community that can be ca...

Molly Garthwaite is currently living in Chennai, India teaching English on a Fulbright Scholarship. Molly and I chat about the immense value in travel and going outside of our comfort zones. We discuss how providing different cultural experiences for young people should be part of each young person’s educational curriculum rather than an add on later in life. As a high school student Molly was a t...

Six+ months into our travels around the world and my greatest instructor through this trip? My three and a half year old. I've learned more about myself, family and the world experiencing it with my three year old in tote. I believe that our kids can teach us things including humility, patience and compassion. Taking a step back and looking at things through their eyes can do marvelous things for...

Founder of Psychreg, Dennis Relojo, joins me to chat is breaking down barriers and removing stigmas through the internet. Dennis is using his site, Psychreg, to create a less clinical and more approachable feel to learning about mental health issues and accessing support. Dennis's approach is bringing sorely needed information to those who need it rather than having those who are hurting and uncer...

Rebecca Coxon, freelance director/producer in the UK, joins me in discussing the realities of mental health, alternative medicine and the need for more accessible treatment for those who are hurting. Becca is an ambassador for those who are too often withheld from having their voice heard. From mental health, domestic violence and alternative medicine she reels in issues personalizing them and pro...

This episode isn't about resolutions, rather gifts we owe ourselves to start a new year on the right page. I've compiled a list of 5 Ingredients for a year that's more about a healthier YOU. You are fantastic, valuable and beautiful. Too often, we lose grasp of those realities. Today is a new day...so let's start finding ways to be healthier, bring color and zest to our lives and stop spinning our...

Mitzvah is a Jewish term that refers to a commandment to do good deeds unto others. Liora Tedgi, the founder of Ohr Meir & Bracha The Terror Victims Support Center ( http://www.terror-victims.org.il/ , based in Jerusalem) Is the epitome of mitzvah. I had the privilege of volunteering a few times during my stay in Israel. This program is one fueled by compassion, kindness and seeking to alleviate h...

Kalix Jacobson is studying to be a Cantor at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. As a helper in training, Kalix and I discuss the relevance of self care, boundaries and radical positive honesty for those in the helping field. As a new year approaches it's reflecting and reassessing where we are at as helpers and what adjustments are needed to ensure a healthier 2019. A special thanks to our spo...

My guest, Kristen Caputo, a high school SAC (Student Assistance Counselor) and I chat about the holiday's impact many of our kids in ways we may not take into consideration. Taking their emotions and baggage into consideration as parents, educators, family members, etc. can make a difference at a tough time of year for too many. Special thanks to our sponsor, Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Ce...

The Holiday Season isn’t something everyone looks forward to. Whether grief, finances, addiction or the hardships of life it can be tough. We chat about ideas to spread kindness and be empathetic for those hurting as well as ideas for our own wellness if we’re experiencing a challenging season in life. Special thanks to our sponsor, Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Center ( http://www.firemount...

When negatives can seem to easily outweigh the positives in today's world happenings it's easy for adults and kids to become desensitized. Placing a face on a refugee, a name to someone who lost everything in a fire or a zip code to a child with a brother battling the demons of addiction... it makes it real. I had the privilege to spend the day with Stanna Wieckyr, volunteer coordinator for Kofino...

There is a definite pull and tug towards stuff, materials and the crazy stress often tossed upon us when it comes to meeting other's expectations with gifts and goodies. It's the opposite of what the Holidays are supposed to be. Whether Christmas or Hanukkah, seeking ways to serve others and go beyond ourselves has the ability to transform family dynamics and strengthen character. Check out this w...

We all need someone to hear us and allow us to feel heard. Cyprus Samaritan Charity offers that and provides and amazing example of compassion, empathy and kindness. I chat with John Bingham, Secretary to Cyprus Samaritan, on how we all need someone to listen to us as well as learning how to listen...really listen without casting judgement. Listeners of Samaritan Charity lend an ear to those who s...

Addiction's touch is often much closer than we think. When we are able to remove the stigma that too often accompanies what an addict looks like, we remove barriers and empower rather than deter. I talk today with Gail Smith, the founder of the Kenny Smith Foundation. Please visit The Kenny Smith Freedom Foundation to learn more, stay posted, and donate to a dynamic program. Their Facebook Page: I...

Teachers, counselors, nurses, firefighters and the many other fields who wear the hat of 'helper' can often find themselves burning the candle at both ends. My guest, Lauri Kuosmanen, is one of the founders of the European Conference on Mental Health. We address the need for helpers to recharge and the importance of finding balance when you're accustomed to serving others needs before your own. Th...