The Empire of Kindness
Welcome to The Empire of Kindness, where we explore the nature, value, and practice of kindness. Insight, interviews, and practice tips to make the world a better place. Let's put kindness in charge. Let's build an Empire.
Urgency and Awareness: A New Hampshire Rescue Tale
In an emergency in New Hampshire, two neighbors became unexpected heroes when they rushed into a burning trailer to save a woman trapped inside. Without time to deliberate, their innate awareness drove them to act decisively,...
Water Woes and Neighborly Support
During the summer of 2022, Jackson, Mississippi faced a significant water crisis when heavy rainfall and aging infrastructure left the city without reliable drinking water. In response, local communities and mutual aid groups...
Kindness as Infrastructure: Lessons from Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library epitomizes how consistent generosity can reach remarkable scales. Starting in 1995 in Parton's home county in Tennessee, this initiative has grown to deliver millions of books monthly to chi...
Fields of Kindness: Neighbors Unite in Iowa
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...
Turning the Page in Barbershops Nationwide
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, espec...
Kindness: not just for the holidays
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 tra...
Fridges, Food, and Friendship in Richmond
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 en...
Heroism on the Rails: Anthony Perry's Daring Rescue
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...
Crafting Possibilities: A Collaborative Act of Empathy
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...
Feeding Hope: World Central Kitchen's Mission in Lahaina
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 part...
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