Episodes

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation in Asheville, North Carolina, Taylor Schenker took it upon herself to salvage fragments of lost lives. Finding photographs amidst debris, she created an Instagram page called Phot...

Matthew McInnis shares a heartfelt story of kindness involving Patricia Fordney, a mother struggling to cope with her husband away on military duty. Her observant neighbor, a retired Navy chief, recognizes her need for suppor...

The latest episode of the podcast features a narrative that sets a powerful example of selflessness. Dr. Muhammad Basha recounts an encounter with his patient, Jimmy, who, only minutes after being told he has pancreatic cance...

We're getting ready for Season 2, so bear with us while we work out details. Remember to share, and remember to send me your experiences of kindness, large or small. matthew@theempireofkindness.com

In episode 50 of 'Empire of Kindness', host Matthew McInnis reflects on stories that reveal the power of small, selfless acts and their transformative impact on communities. By highlighting extraordinary acts of kindness, fro...

The Los Angeles Public Library launched an innovative program to deliver books to homebound seniors in partnership with ONEgeneration, a senior center organizing meal deliveries. By combining library card applications with me...

KCS Angels, a nonprofit organization in Lansing, Michigan, was co-founded by Tracy Smith and her brother-in-law, Scotty, in 2016 with a mission to provide adults with disabilities a place for pure, unapologetic fun. The Angel...

Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a volunteer group initiated by four women in March 2020, emerged as a crucial community support system during the pandemic. Formed as a Facebook group in Newton, Massachusetts, it quickly g...

In this podcast episode, Matthew McInnis highlights a simple yet profound act of kindness in San Antonio, Texas. Brittany Kievit's husband noticed an elderly man stuck in a motorized grocery cart with a dead battery. Rather t...

The Texas Ramp Project, an inspiring volunteer-driven initiative, provides wheelchair ramps for those unable to leave their homes due to financial or physical barriers. This organization began in Dallas in 1985 and has since ...

School lunch debt remains a pernicious issue affecting students nationwide, despite the presence of free and reduced lunch programs. Income thresholds often exclude families who still struggle to afford meals, leading to grow...

In this episode of the Empire of Kindness, Matthew McInnis narrates the inspiring story of nine-year-old Evan Bonanni from Clifton Park, New York. Evan took up the 50 yard challenge, a nationwide pledge where kids mow lawns f...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...