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The Support & Kindness Podcast

The Support & Kindness Podcast

By: Greg Shaw
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 🌟 The Support & Kindness Podcast – With Greg and Rich Life with mental health challenges, brain injury, TBI, chronic pain, or simply the weight of everyday struggles can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created The Support & Kindness Podcast — a space where compassion, community, and real conversations come together. Each week, Greg and Rich share stories, insights, and practical tools that remind you you’re not alone. From personal experiences to uplifting interviews, we explore how kindness and support can transform lives — one story, one act, one conversation at a time. Expect heartfelt talks, simple steps you can take to spread kindness in your world, and encouragement to keep going, even on the hardest days. Whether you’re seeking hope, healing, or just a gentle reminder that what you do matters, this is your place. 👉 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join us in building a kinder, more supportive world.
Episodes
  • Episode 16: Holiday Traditions and Memories

    Episode 16: Holiday Traditions and Memories
    Dec 21 2025
    Support and Kindness Podcast Episode 16: Holiday Traditions and Memories Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek Episode Overview This episode explores holiday traditions around the world and the personal memories that give the season meaning. The conversation moves from ancient winter festivals and global rituals of light to deeply personal stories about family, food, grief, change, and chosen traditions. The core message is simple and grounding: traditions don’t have to be perfect or old to matter. Sometimes the smallest rituals carry the most light. Greg and the co-hosts reflect on how holidays can hold joy and ache at the same time, and how it’s okay to simplify, grieve, protect your peace, or create something new that fits your life now. Main Themes & Highlights Why humans have always created light-centered traditions during the darkest months of the yearHow traditions connect us to the past while still evolving over timeGlobal holiday customs that focus on renewal, remembrance, and communityThe emotional reality of changing family dynamics and holiday griefFood as memory, culture, and comfortThe power of simple, intentional ritualsChosen family and redefining what “home” can mean Global Traditions Discussed Winter solstice celebrations in Northern Europe (fires, candles, Yule log)Saturnalia (Ancient Rome): feasting, gift-giving, role reversalsChristmas: blended traditions, history of the Christmas treeLas Posadas (Mexico): reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelterLucia Day (Sweden): candle-lit processions and saffron bunsHanukkah: eight nights of light and remembranceDiwali: Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and SikhsLunar New Year: red decorations, firecrackers, and the legend of NianHogmanay (Scotland): first footing and symbolic giftsSpain’s 12 grapes: luck for each month of the new yearBonfire Night (UK): November 5th and the memory of Guy FawkesDía de los Muertos (Mexico): honoring loved ones who have diedObon (Japan): remembrance of ancestorsKrampusnacht, Mari Lwyd, Kallikantzaroi: folklore and winter mischiefNight of the Radishes (Oaxaca, Mexico)KFC on Christmas (Japan)Roller skating to church (Venezuela)Hiding brooms (Norway folklore) Food as Tradition Italian American Feast of Seven FishesFamily recipes passed down and sometimes lostHoliday foods as emotional anchors rather than perfection projects Voices & Reflections from the Hosts Greg (Host) Key Reflection: Greg centers the episode on the idea that you don’t need a whole holiday to create meaning. One small act can be enough. Quote: “Sometimes it’s one text, one meal, one song, or one shared laugh.” Takeaway: Traditions are not about performance or perfection. They are intentional acts of connection that can be created at any point in life. Noteworthy Observation: Greg openly names that holidays can hold both warmth and pain, and reassures listeners that there is no “right way” to do the season. Rich Key Reflection: Rich shares how consistent, low-stress family gatherings transformed his experience of holidays. Quote: “There is no tension. There is no stress. It’s the most loving Thanksgiving and Christmas environment I’ve ever been a part of.” Memorable Story: Rich remembers his grandmother’s famous “Ruth’s Rolls,” a simple food that holds his childhood joy. Takeaway: Stability, emotional safety, and kindness matter more than elaborate planning or traditions done “right.” Jay Key Reflection: Jay reflects on smaller family gatherings that felt peaceful, loving, and deeply personal. Quote: “That’s one of the best memories of my childhood… just the happiest times I can remember.” Memorable Foods: Shrimp dip (cream cheese, shrimp, cocktail sauce)Corn pudding passed down through the family Takeaway: Even when families change due to loss or divorce, memories can remain a source of comfort rooted in togetherness. Noteworthy Observation: Jay emphasizes gratitude for time with loved ones and recognizes chosen family as equally meaningful. Derek Key Reflection: Derek speaks openly about grief, simplicity, and learning to live without expectations. Quote: “Being alive is a freaking blessing. It really is.” Traditions Remembered: Christmas Eve gatherings with music and relaxed conversationBritish Christmas crackers with paper hats and small surprisesLeaving sherry for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer Comfort & Growth Insight: Derek finds meaning in the stillness of winter as a time for reflection, renewal, and emotional consolidation. Takeaway: Letting go of rigid traditions can open space for presence, honesty, and peace in each moment. Music That Signals the Season Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacCollDo They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid Gentle Listener Invitation Greg closes the episode by offering listeners permission to do what actually supports them: SimplifyGrieveProtect your peaceStart small and start again ...
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    29 mins
  • Episode 15: Forgiveness

    Episode 15: Forgiveness
    Dec 14 2025
    The Support and Kindness Podcast Episode 15: Forgiveness Recorded: December 13, 2025 Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Liam, Derek, Sam, Sarah Episode Summary Episode 15 takes an honest, grounded look at forgiveness—what it is, what it is not, and why it can feel so hard. The conversation moves through betrayal, boundaries, self-forgiveness, family wounds, addiction recovery, faith, and the physical and emotional costs of holding resentment. Rather than pushing “just let it go,” this episode emphasizes truth, safety, pacing, and compassion. Forgiveness is presented as a practice, not a demand—something that unfolds over time, sometimes unevenly, and often alongside grief and growth. The hosts explore forgiveness from personal experience, research, faith perspectives, recovery frameworks, and everyday life. Listeners are reminded that forgiveness does not require reconciliation, apologies, or forgetting—and that self-forgiveness may be the hardest work of all. Core Themes & Key Takeaways Forgiveness is a process, not a momentChoosing forgiveness does not erase pain or memoryForgiveness and reconciliation are not the sameBoundaries are compatible with forgivenessEmotional healing often lags behind decisionsSelf-forgiveness requires honesty without ongoing self-punishmentForgiveness can improve mental, physical, and emotional healthIn faith discussions, forgiveness is described as costly and often beyond human strength aloneHealing is layered, human, and non-linear Highlights & Insights by Host Greg Key Insight: Forgiveness is choosing to stop carrying the weight, not pretending the hurt never existed. Quote: “Forgiveness isn’t forgetting. It’s not saying it was fine. It’s not weakness. You can forgive and still say, ‘That was wrong,’ and protect yourself.” Noteworthy Contributions: Defined forgiveness using both psychological research and lived experienceIntroduced Everett Worthington’s REACH modelEmphasized decisional vs. emotional forgivenessAddressed how forgiveness affects the nervous system and physical healthFramed self-forgiveness as a daily, honest practice rather than a finished taskShared the Corrie Ten Boom story as an example of grace beyond human capacity Rich Key Insight: Forgiveness and access are not the same thing. Quote: “Forgiveness softens the heart. Wisdom protects it.” Noteworthy Contributions: Clarified the difference between forgiveness and reconciliationExplained boundaries as information, not punishmentHighlighted that trust is rebuilt through patterns, not apologiesNormalized forgiving someone while choosing distanceEmphasized that forgiveness does not require proximity Jay Key Insight: Feeling angry or triggered after forgiving does not mean you failed. Quote: “Just because you feel angry or triggered doesn’t mean you did it wrong.” Noteworthy Contributions: Shared deeply about self-forgiveness in addiction recoveryTalked openly about guilt and shame following harm done to familyReminded listeners that emotions can lag behind decisionsOffered hope through his sobriety journey and long-term healing Liam Key Insight: Waiting too long to forgive can come with its own regrets. Quote: “Don’t wait to forgive, because you don’t know if you’ll get the chance again.” Noteworthy Contributions: Shared a vulnerable story about unresolved forgiveness with his motherDiscussed posthumous forgiveness and its complexityReflected on rebuilding a strained relationship with his fatherExplored forgiveness as remembering differently, not erasing history Derek Key Insight: Holding onto anger can eclipse the good that was real. Quote: “If you negate everything that mattered, then it’s all been lost for nothing.” Noteworthy Contributions: Focused on grounding, gratitude, and perspective as tools for healingEncouraged embracing meaningful moments without denying painSpoke honestly about pride, heated conflict, and emotional spiralsEmphasized learning from pain without becoming consumed by it Sam Key Insight: Hatred costs more energy than many people have to spare. Quote: “It takes a lot of resources to hate, and I don’t have that many resources left.” Noteworthy Contributions: Shared how recovery shaped his approach to forgivenessTalked about releasing resentment for self-preservationAddressed forgiving parents while accepting who they areUsed humor and honesty to normalize slow, imperfect progress Sarah Key Insight: Forgiveness is about your peace, not someone else’s absolution. Quote: “Forgiveness is more for you than it is for anyone else.” Noteworthy Contributions: Reflected on pressure to forgive in religious environmentsSpoke about forgiving too easily before being truly readyEmphasized therapy as a place to untangle readiness and paceHighlighted self-forgiveness as her hardest work Practical Reflections for Listeners You are allowed to forgive without reconcilingYou are allowed to set boundaries without guiltYou are allowed to not be ready ...
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    38 mins
  • Episode 14: Understanding Chronic Pain - Beyond Hurt

    Episode 14: Understanding Chronic Pain - Beyond Hurt
    Dec 8 2025
    The Support & Kindness Podcast – Episode 14 Title: Understanding Chronic Pain: Beyond Hurt Recording date: December 6, 2025 Hosts: Greg (host), Rich, Jay, Derek, Sam Important Disclaimer None of the hosts are medical professionals. This episode offers education, validation, and peer support. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment or medication. Episode Overview Chronic pain is much more than “something hurts.” It can change: Your bodyYour brainYour relationshipsYour work and financesThe way you see yourself and the world In this episode, Greg and co‑hosts Rich, Jay, Derek, and Sam sit down for an honest, vulnerable conversation about: What it’s really like to live with ongoing painWhat helps them keep going What Is Chronic Pain? Greg opens with a simple grounding definition: Chronic pain = pain that lasts longer than normal healing timeUsually 3–6 months or more It’s different from acute pain, which is your body’s early warning system that something is wrong. When pain persists, the nervous system can become overly sensitive, so: Ordinary sensations or minor activities can feel disproportionately painful. Chronic pain doesn’t stay in one box. It can: Impact on the Body Weaken the immune system Easier to get sickHarder to recover Affect heart and circulation Higher blood pressureFatigueChanges in heart rate Disrupt digestion NauseaAppetite changesStomach issues Change weight Weight loss or weight gainOften tied to changes in activity, appetite, and medication side effects Affect breathing Shallow, tight breathingEspecially when pain and anxiety show up together Turn everyday tasks into major challenges Walking, standing, cleaning, cooking, showeringOn the worst days, even brushing your teeth or taking a shower can feel impossible Force changes in hobbies and movement Sports, crafts, music, and exercise may need to be: ReducedAdaptedPaused or stopped How Chronic Pain Affects the Mind Chronic pain doesn’t just live in the body. It also changes how the mind works. Brain Fog & Concentration Losing words mid‑sentenceForgetting thingsStruggling to focus on simple tasks Decision Fatigue Even small choices feel huge: What to do nextWhether to go outWhether to cook or order in It can feel like climbing a mountain when you’re already exhausted. Motivation Shifts You may still want thingsBut feel too drained or overwhelmed to start This often feeds: GuiltShameSelf‑criticism Especially in a world that celebrates “pushing through” pain instead of respecting limits. Emotional & Social Impact Greg and the co‑hosts talk about how chronic pain affects: EmotionsIdentityRelationships Common emotional and social impacts: Anxiety & Stress Fear of flare‑upsWorries about the future, work, and moneyFeeling like life is shrinking Self‑Image & Self‑Esteem Feeling “broken,” “lazy,” or “not enough”Especially when people don’t understand or don’t believe you Coping with Substances Some people turn to alcohol or drugs trying to get reliefIt’s completely understandable—and can still create serious problems later Isolation Canceling plans at the last minuteMissing family eventsLeaving early to lie downWithdrawing because you don’t want to disappoint people Family Roles When a partner, parent, or caregiver lives with pain, roles at home often shift. This can be stressful for everyone involved Intimacy Physical closeness and sex can become: PainfulComplicatedHard to talk about Even in loving relationships. Work & Money Missed daysReduced hoursLosing a job entirelyOngoing medical bills and treatment costs The Invisible Side of Chronic Pain One of the hardest parts, as Greg puts it, is that chronic pain is often invisible. People around you might say: “You don’t look sick.”“You were fine yesterday.”“It’s probably stress.” Scans and blood tests may come back “normal” even when the pain is intense. Pain is complex: it involves both body and brain, and current tests don’t capture everything. Greg emphasizes: “If you live with chronic pain, even if tests show nothing, your pain is still real. Your experience is valid and it matters. Not seeing anything on a scan doesn’t mean you’re imagining it or making it up.” Co‑Host Stories & Key Insights Greg invites each co‑host to share three things: How their pain beganOne emotional or social challengeOne practical strategy that helps them get through the day Rich – Migraines, TBI, Missing Milestones How it began: Multiple car accidents as a teenLayered on top of earlier sports concussionsLed to traumatic brain injuries, headaches, and migraines that still affect him decades later Social/emotional impact: Avoided concerts, sporting events, noisy environmentsLight and sound could turn a headache into a full migraineMissed holidays, left gatherings early, skipped “fun times” to lie down with a washcloth ...
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    31 mins
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