Episodes

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...

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 s...

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, Sh...

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 generosi...

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...

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, illustr...

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 up...

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 h...

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 ge...

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 o...

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...

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 ...

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 st...

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 swift...

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 50...

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 ...

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 w...

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 ...

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 orchestra...

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 c...

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 wi...

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 ac...

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 st...