29 APR 2024 · Join Kaitlin as she dives into the world of education with Dr. James Whitfield, an esteemed award-winning educator dedicated to fostering safe, nurturing, and equitable learning environments. With nearly two decades of experience spanning roles from classroom teacher to assistant principal and principal at both middle and high school levels, Dr. Whitfield brings a wealth of insights and experiences to the table. Discover how Dr. Whitfield has been at the forefront of breaking down systemic barriers, nurturing positive cultures, and driving innovation to create exceptional learning spaces for all students. He shares his personal journey, highlighting the transformative power of education in his own life and his unwavering commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, seen, and heard. Connect with James: https://drjameswhitfield.com/ Quotes "It's not just about what you can do. You can't do this alone. It's gonna take people to come alongside. So you don't have to break your back trying to fight this forever." "We are all part of one community. As long as we keep breaking us down into 'this community' and 'that community,' we all become 'other' to each other." "What affects them also affects us. It's a reciprocal thing, and we have to act accordingly." "Proximity is often the answer. Who are you inviting into your home? Who are you going to school with?" "We're becoming much more multi-religious, diverse, and that sense of compassion and empathy grows when you're living life with others who may experience life in a different way." "Are you doing what's best for kids each day? If you can answer that affirmatively, you can rest easy knowing you're making a difference." "Kindness is willingness to serve others, be compassionate, and have empathy without expecting anything in return." "Strength looks different in different ways. Taking on a mission with purpose and determination is a form of strength." "Show up in support of inclusive education, even when there is no hate on the other side. It's about building a community that values every voice." "Every student should feel seen, heard, valued, and have access to a great school experience. That's the essence of creating equitable learning environments." Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton Full Transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_is_podcast_with_James_2024-04-17_10_05_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1714235640

21 APR 2024 · In this episode of the Kind Cotton podcast, Kaitlin reflects on the profound responsibility of parenting and the desire to raise children who thrive in community with empathy, love, and kindness. She sits down with Caley Kukla, an experienced educator and founder of Play with Purpose, to explore the intricacies of nurturing connection and compassion in parenting. Caley Kukla brings her expertise in special education and early childhood education to the conversation, drawing from her 13 years of experience working with families in various capacities. As an international parent educator, Caley shares valuable insights and practical tools for fostering meaningful connections with children while leading with empathy and kindness. Connect with Caley at https://www.caleykukla.com/ Quotes "The amount at which I think about being a 'good parent' is wild. We are raising this tiny human who is going to go out into the world one day on their own, and all we want is for them to remain in community with us." "How do we continue to develop connection to also lead with empathy, love, and kindness?" "I hope that it gives any parent, caregiver, educator out there some tools that can equip them with leading." "Kindness is a verb. Kindness is the actions we take to acknowledge our own humanity, our own needs, and meet those, and then extend that humanity out to others." "Parenting isn't a list of strategies. It's a relationship. We're building a relationship with our child and we're getting to know a person as they're getting to know themselves." "We share more in our humaneness than our differences. And it doesn't mean not to weigh or watch differences by any stretch, but the shared humanity just surpasses." "Ultimately, I can't control my child. I can only control myself." "Awareness is step one. What if that awareness isn't enough? What if he becomes aware of it and he's like, 'This is more fun, I like it'?" Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton Full Transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_is_Podcast_with_Kaley_2024-04-12_13_18_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1713624301

14 APR 2024 · In this episode of the Kindness Is Pod, host Kaitlin Johnstone sits down with the multi-talented Maysoon Zayid, a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. As a graduate of Arizona State University and a Princeton fellow, Maysoon's journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. From her role as co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival to her recent venture into authorship with her first graphic novel, "Shiny Misfits," Maysoon discusses the intersections of humor, advocacy, and storytelling. Join Kaitlin and Maysoon as they delve into the importance of representation, the power of community, and the ongoing fight for equality. Grab Maysoon's graphic novel Shiny Misfits at www.shinymisfits.com Quotes "I always joke that if there was an Olympics for oppression, I would win a gold medal because I'm Palestinian. I'm Muslim, I'm a woman of color, and divorced; I'm disabled; I'm from New Jersey." "Do what you can do. Some people cannot donate to support feeding children, and Kind Cotton is feeding the minds of local children." "True kindness, are you ready? is cats." "The whole point being, that's not why I'm doing it. And I think that it was really fun writing a disabled character who had friends, not because they were told to be her friend or they were gonna get a Game Boy, but because you either wanted to be her best friend or you're terrified of her." "To do nothing and say, 'It's not my business,' that is where you've lost your humanity." "The majority of people just love the book. They think it's funny. They're like, 'I see myself in this character, that character.'" "I absolutely hate the way disabled characters, whether it's more invisible or neurological or mobility, the way that we are shown in media, not just children's media, all media." "If you love comic books and you've never given two hoots about politics or Muslims or anything, you're gonna love this book." Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton Full Transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Maysoon_2024-04-03_09_15_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1713106953

7 APR 2024 · Kaitlin sits down with Emily Montgomery, the founder of HiLU, the first pro-social app for sharing and collecting words of affirmation. Emily shares her inspiring journey from being a lawyer to embarking on a transformative 600-mile walk across Spain, which ultimately led her to create HiLU. Connect with Emily & HiLU: http://teamhilu.com/ http://app.teamhilu.com/ @teamhilu  Quotes "I think a lot of my career changes have been me becoming more myself over the years." "I really felt this pull to share what I had learned along the way in... my healing journey, right? And the things that I had learned from mentors." "The journey was about how I was alone, but I was not alone... I had so much support." "I think those are related. It's an interesting topic of love and light and kindness and where does the rubber actually hit the road, right?" "Kindness is verbal appreciation expressed repeatedly over time and in a sustained way." "Kindness is an action... it's so important to get out of our heads and actually get that expression out there." "I believe we can all be these kind of angels on Earth where we almost metabolize that negativity and we can just speak to the positive in a person." "All you're really needing is warmth and sincerity." "The world will be a better place when we learn how to [speak to the positive in others] more often." Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton Full transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Emily_2024-04-02_09_42_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1712426831

31 MAR 2024 · Join Kaitlin as she chats with non-binary educators Skye Tooley and Ace Schwarz on the interconnectedness of social justice advocacy, community building, and the power of kindness.  From discussing the impact of anti-blackness in legislation to the importance of advocating beyond social media platforms, they explore practical ways to foster change in our communities. The conversation highlights the role of education in activism, the significance of showing up for marginalized groups, and the enduring hope for a more equitable future. Tune in and discover how kindness, justice, and collective action can shape a better world for all. Follow Skye & Ace on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/growingwithmxt/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/teachingoutsidethebinary/?hl=en Quotes "At the basis of everything in this country, there is massive amounts of anti-blackness." "Anytime I talk about the stop-woke act I either get a TikTok violation or my videos are taken down." "Witnessing it in community is how we can build up solidarity and capacity." "We all have to understand that everything that we're doing right now is connected." "Kindness is justice and breaking down barriers." "Justice is everyone has a home and everyone is fed, and everyone has healthcare." "What can we imagine, and then what steps can we work towards to that endpoint of what we've imagined?" Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton Full transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Ace_Skye_2024-03-10_13_43_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1711671464

24 MAR 2024 · Raeeka Yassaie joins Kaitlin to discuss the power of intersectionality, collective care, and activism in the face of global challenges. From advocating for climate action to navigating the complexities of geopolitics, they explore the importance of holding space for diverse perspectives and fostering genuine human connection amidst adversity. Join them as they delve into the nuances of kindness in a rapidly changing world. Follow Raeeka on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeekayassaie/?hl=en  Quotes "I think a lot of us in 2020 had our individual moments of reckoning...we actually have to care for each other like we actually have to do this."  "As a brown person living in the UK...I was wandering around acting like a white person...the peace around the racial reckoning really made me sit down and think, 'Who am I?'" "We need to flex that muscle of intersectional solidarity...really care about other people...the climate crisis is something that isn't really going to impact them...but it is coming for us." "Climate change means that the planet is warming...we're making an unlivable planet."  "Every fraction of a degree that we prevent the temperature going up is a life saved...we've got everything to fight for."  "The systems around us and the people that are benefiting from it are relying on us to not have our humanity."  "True kindness is naming the reality of where we are...we need to feel the grief of our participation in that. And then we need to do the repair and we need to show up."  Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton Full transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Raeeka_2024-03-12_09_04_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1711227188

18 MAR 2024 · In this episode of the Kindness Is podcast, join host Kaitlin Johnstone and special guest Margot Harris, a children’s yoga and mindfulness educator and author, as they delve into the powerful intersections of kindness, yoga, and mental health. From personal journeys to professional endeavors, Margot and Kaitlin share insights, stories, and practical tips for navigating anxiety, embracing mindfulness, and fostering compassion in everyday life. Margot's podcast: Anxiety Warriors - https://calmcookie.org/podcast Margot's book: Cookie Doughga - https://bookshop.org/a/91573/9781098342296 Full Transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Margot_2024-03-01_15_08_GMT-5_-_Transcript.docx?v=1710688135 Quotes "Nobody was talking about mental health... No one was talking about social emotional learning." "Talking outwardly and sharing my stories... has been really empowering." "We can be anxious but strong... We can have the capability of moving through it with grace." "It really centers me when I can hold space for another human being." "I didn't talk about Mental Health... until I was a grown adult." "There is so much value for showing up and sharing your story." "You could be a parent... and pick up a book like mine... to try it out in a fun and playful way." Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton

11 MAR 2024 · Kaitlin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Frederick Joseph, a renowned author and activist. They discuss various topics, including the importance of resilience in facing adversity, the interconnectedness of societal issues, the impact of white supremacy, and the necessity of showing up for others. Frederick shares personal experiences, insights, and reflections, emphasizing the need for collective action and empathy. Throughout the conversation, they explore themes of kindness, hope, and the power of community in navigating challenging times. Frederick is a two-time New York Times bestselling author of The Black Friend (2020) and Patriarchy Blues (2022), Better Than We Found It (2022) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - The Courage to Dream (2022). He was recognized for the International Literacy Association’s 2021 Children’s & Young Adults’ Book Award, is a 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list-maker for marketing and advertising, an activist, philanthropist, and poet. Frederick was also honored with the 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award, the 2018 Comic-Con Humanitarian of the Year award and is a member of the 2018 “The Root 100" list of Most Influential African Americans. His forthcoming literary works are his debut poetry collection, We Alive, Beloved, his debut novel, This Thing of Ours, and a non-fiction essay collection. Learn more at: http://www.frederickjoseph.com/ Full transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Fred_2024-02-26_11_05_GMT-5_-_Transcript.docx?v=1709639704 Quotes "I think that idea sits at the core of much of my work. It is a guiding principle, a theory of change, a pedagogy if you would. Because if I don't believe that, not just about myself, but about the people around me, then what's the point of the work?" - Frederick Joseph "We have to first understand who we are in all of our various identities. So we're all also moving pieces, right? We're evolving as human beings." - Frederick Joseph "The intersection of my own mortality made me want to leave a legacy that I could be proud of." - Frederick Joseph "The combination of both having MS and also my younger brother being born... I need to do more for you. I need to give you something better to look up to because this isn't it." - Frederick Joseph "The work wasn't like an integral part of my daily life at the time. And I do think that even after getting diagnosed, I kind of went through this phase of... let me just do all this wild stuff now." - Frederick Joseph "It benefits them to be [blissfully ignorant]. People are in bubbles of toxic positivity... that's why people don't care." - Frederick Joseph "A fascist nation will decimate anybody on the margins. And so it's important that we understand that." - Frederick Joseph "We are seeing the manifestation of a war that started primarily with Ronald Reagan." - Frederick Joseph "If you are talking about being realistically 15 to 20 years away... What is that privilege when the climate crisis takes all of it overnight?" - Frederick Joseph Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton

4 MAR 2024 · In the latest episode of the Kindness Is Podcast host Kaitlin is joined by Meg Duke, a licensed clinical social worker. They dive into the complexities of mental health, caregiving, and the importance of setting boundaries. From discussing ADHD and its impact on behavior to navigating the challenges of parenthood, Meg offers valuable perspectives on advocating for oneself and others. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, intentional communication, and the difference between being nice and being kind. Join us as we explore the transformative power of clarity in fostering compassion and resilience in our relationships and daily lives. The Perinatal Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perinatal-podcast/id1590957531 More on Meg: https://megdukelcsw.com/ Quotes "But also Is it not okay to advocate for people? That was actually a conversation my parents had with me." "Maternity leave is not a party. It is navigation." "It's easier to give other people Grace sometimes but it's also difficult to give your partner Grace." "The more that we can set people up for success with expressing our needs and desires and communication, the kinder we are." "Nice is what gives you resentment, and kind is what helps uphold the strong boundaries so that you have more space." "I think just the self-awareness piece of what are the things that you are doing that are adaptive? What are the things that you are doing that are reactions versus responses?" Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/oar82190/support

26 FEB 2024 · Educators - you will love this one! In this episode of the Kindness Is Podcast Kaitlin is joined by educators & authors Mike & Nita Creekmore of Creekmore Conversations to dive deep into the essence of kindness as it pertains to education, leadership, and human connection. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, they explore the pivotal role of kindness in fostering positive school culture, supporting staff well-being, and ultimately enhancing student success. From the importance of understanding individual differences to the transformative power of authentic apologies, this episode offers invaluable insights into cultivating kindness in both professional and personal realms. Join them as they share practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and a vision for a more compassionate educational landscape. Check out Mike & Nita's book Every Connection Matters: https://www.ascd.org/books/every-connection-matters?variant=123010 Follow Creekmore Conversations on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creekmoreconvos/ Quotes "It is important as the leader of the school to know that my staff is different." "We have to slow down. We are moving way, too fast." "It's getting to know the staff, building our school culture, making sure it's a great place to work." "If everyone's happy to work, then they'll be happy with the students." "Teachers need to be paid more." "I feel like even in that moment that we were all freaking broke, we were happy and broke and teaching kids." "We think it starts with everybody just really having the will to want this culture and wanting to do the work." "Relationships matter, and the sense of the same thing goes for teachers on the team." "It's important to apologize because for some, that might be the first time an adult has ever apologized to them." Connect with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/kindcotton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kindcotton --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/oar82190/support