Episodes

  • Love in Action: Challenging Societal Norms & Embracing Change

    Love in Action: Challenging Societal Norms & Embracing Change
    Jun 3 2024
    In this episode of the "Kind Cotton Podcast," we sit down with Professor Chesko, also known as "The Speech Prof" to his 1.8 million followers on social media. Chesko is a tenured professor, national champion speech coach, former touring slam poet, and co-host of the “Mr. Pick Me & The Manhater” podcast.

    Join us as Chesko shares his journey through academia, his research in compassionate education, intersectional feminism, and gender and communication, and how he leverages his platforms to combat online toxicity with a unique blend of kindness and comedy. Chesko delves into the challenges and rewards of being a stay-at-home parent, the pervasive influence of patriarchy, and the importance of kindness as "love in action."

    Listen to the Mr. Pick Me & The Manhater Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0erRqIbYAhtZAxbaG8enRQ

    Quotes
    "Kindness is love in action. It's doing something even when no one's seeing it, even when no one's rewarding you for it, even when you're getting backlash for it, but you're still doing it because it's right."

    "It is disrupting those systems. It is finding you.

    "For a lot of men, they don't see a woman's agency and her body as being the same thing as her right. There is her and then there's the thing they want."

    "Men have people to look up to who are telling them this nonsense."

    "The scary thing is these young guys, they're idolizing it because it makes the other guys laugh and makes them and I remember hearing those same things back then too."

    "Our daughter is seeing a man who actually respects and appreciates women the same ways in which he treats men, but it's also important to have bigger voices out there really talking about this all of the time."


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    Full transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_is_Podcast_with_Professor_Chesko_2024-05-10_13_14_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1717290542
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    35 mins
  • Embracing Empathy Through Children's Literature with Children's Author Betty Larrea

    Embracing Empathy Through Children's Literature with Children's Author Betty Larrea
    May 19 2024
    Dive into the transformative power of children's literature and the importance of embracing empathy in storytelling. Kaitlin is joined by Betty Larrea, author of "Lucinda's Magical Yoga Adventure," to explore how books can shape young minds, foster imagination, and promote social-emotional learning.

    Betty shares her journey as a certified yoga teacher for children and discusses the challenges and rewards of writing and publishing books that resonate with diverse audiences. We delve into the significance of representation in literature, the role of mindfulness in education, and the necessity of building supportive communities to amplify positive values in storytelling.

    Check out Betty's work at beyogabelove.com

    Quotes
    "I just fell in love with reading... it was a way for me to go and explore places and escape and just have this imaginary world that I could really just dive into whenever I wanted to."

    "Books are magical, impactful... all children deserve to see themselves in the books that they read."

    "I wanted kids to have this tangible tool that they could take along with them wherever they want."

    "It's the message inside that each author... each one of us has a voice and each author is using their voice to really amplify their message to the world."

    "When we're seeing through the lens of kindness, then we're really seeing through the lens of love."

    "Children see themselves... It's important to have representation in books."

    "We just want to give adults picture books and say please take a look at this book and read it and take it in and understand someone else's humanity."

    "It's not often I say something that I'm like, 'yes, that was powerful,' but truly it's all about community."

    "Teaching empathy and mindfulness is critical... it's powerful."

    "Kindness to me is being able to see the world through someone else's eyes, have empathy, and to treat other people the way that you would want to be treated."

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    Full transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Betty_2024-05-08_08_56_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1715542656
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    34 mins
  • Kindness Is Empowering Education | Nurturing Minds and Hearts with Educator Derrick Carlson

    Kindness Is Empowering Education | Nurturing Minds and Hearts with Educator Derrick Carlson
    May 6 2024
    In this special episode to kickstart Teacher Appreciation Week Kaitlin chats with Derrick Carlson, a dedicated fourth-grade monolingual English teacher from Evanston, Illinois. In this insightful conversation, Derrick shares his journey from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas to prestigious programs at The University of Oklahoma and DePaul University, culminating in his current role as an educator and advocate for culturally responsive practices.

    Derrick's passion for creating welcoming and beautiful classrooms and fostering authentic student-centered practices shines through as he discusses his experiences teaching. He brings over a decade of teaching expertise and a commitment to developing students' cognitive capacity to the forefront, showcasing his dedication to empowering education.

    Whether you're an educator, student, or education enthusiast, this episode offers inspiration and practical strategies for creating meaningful learning experiences and fostering inclusive classrooms.

    Follow Derrick on IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackandbrightin2nd/?hl=en

    Quotes

    "We need to make sure that teachers are not having to buy their own books, they're outdated books."

    "True kindness to me is humanizing the situation and seeking to learn and innovate with others, not win battles that avoid addressing the deeper issues."

    "I think we put the horse before the cart and really jumped back into the school system."

    "Empathy is radical kindness."

    "Being able to not go into a situation with an accusatory or defensive manner, but really seeking to understand and learn from others, I think is radical kindness."

    "Our job is to support them as they understand a little bit more about how to navigate socialization, developing their own awareness of others."

    "I want them to be able to think so deeply as well as make the choices in their own lives."

    "A lot of it is being mixed in and then you hear some folks say, 'In my day, we just learned,' and it's like actually, that's multicultural education."

    "I wish teachers did have that power, with a lot of things would change."

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    Full Transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Pod_with_Derrick_2024-04-30_20_03_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1714959397
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    35 mins
  • Kindness Is Building Bridges: Community, Education, & Empathy with Dr. James Whitfield

    Kindness Is Building Bridges: Community, Education, & Empathy with Dr. James Whitfield
    Apr 29 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:
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    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
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    41 mins
  • Kindness Is Compassionate Parenting Through Awareness & Empowerment with Caley Kukla

    Kindness Is Compassionate Parenting Through Awareness & Empowerment with Caley Kukla
    Apr 21 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:
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    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
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    40 mins
  • Kindness is Inclusion: Embracing Disability with Actress & Comedian Maysoon Zayid

    Kindness is Inclusion: Embracing Disability with Actress & Comedian Maysoon Zayid
    Apr 14 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."


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    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
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    35 mins
  • Kindness is Healing: A Journey of Connection with Emily Montgomery founder of HiLU

    Kindness is Healing: A Journey of Connection with Emily Montgomery founder of HiLU
    Apr 7 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:
    teamhilu.com
    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."


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    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
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    26 mins
  • Kindness Is Justice: Navigating Advocacy & Intersectional Activism in Education and Beyond with Ace & Skye

    Kindness Is Justice: Navigating Advocacy & Intersectional Activism in Education and Beyond with Ace & Skye
    Mar 31 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?"


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    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
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    41 mins