In this episode, Bella Buck—Christy’s daughter—shares what it was like growing up with be nice. From witnessing the organization’s early days to now being an integral part of the be nice. team and programs, Bella reflects on how her role has evolved over time. She also opens up about her own mental health journey, offering honest insight into growth, resilience, and the lasting impact of having the tools and confidence to take action.

In this episode, we sit down with talented artist Ivan Jenson, who has discovered a powerful creative release through his art. Ivan shares how painting has become more than just a hobby—it’s a way to process emotions, find balance, and connect with his inner self. Join us as we explore the therapeutic power of creativity and the journey of turning passion into personal expression.

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we talk with a Grand Rapids musician who turned heartbreak into hope after losing his brother to suicide. He shares how creating his song “Finding Peace” helped him process his grief — and how his brother’s death, while painful, is an important part of the story of his life, shaping who he is and the compassion he carries forward.

We explore how music can be a coping tool, how telling our stories reduces stigma, and how hope can grow in the most difficult places.

In this episode of the be nice. podcast, we sit down with Susan Meekhof to explore her powerful mental health journey and the role art has played as a protective factor in her life. Susan shares how creativity became both a refuge and a tool for resilience — and how she now uses her lived experience to educate others, spark conversations, and promote mental health awareness. Her story is a reminder that healing can take many forms, and that sharing our journeys helps empower others to take action.

In this episode, Brittany Midolo shares her extraordinary and painful journey, one that led to a life-changing moment in a courtroom where she was charged with the death of her husband. Unlike many stories of addiction, Brittany didn’t grow up in crisis or extreme hardship — she came from a middle-class family in a good community. Yet a series of events and decisions spiraled into a nightmare that almost destroyed her.

Through courage, love, and sacrifice, Brittany overcame addiction and emerged as a rare example of hope. Her story is not just about survival; it’s about resilience, recovery, and the possibility of redemption. Whether you’ve experienced addiction, know someone who has, or want to understand one of today’s most destructive social problems, Brittany’s journey offers insight, inspiration, and hope.

Join us for a powerful conversation on the be nice. podcast with former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple, who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to break the stigma around mental illness. After losing his 15-year-old son to suicide, Eric began using his platform to promote mental fitness, resilience, and hope. His journey from professional athlete to mental health advocate reminds us that real strength comes from vulnerability, reflection, and the courage to speak up—for ourselves and for others.

Join us for a moving conversation on the be nice. podcast with Madi Klariter, who opens up about a turning point in her life: during a five-year battle with alcohol, she survived not one—but two—near-fatal comas. Rather than letting those emergencies define her, Madi used them as wake-up calls. Now in recovery and living sober, she embodies resilience, self-awareness, and the hope that real change is always possible.

What does the be nice. program look like in the workplace—and why does it matter for business? We sat down with Kristen Mazur, HR Director at Atonne Group, to explore how embracing the principles of be nice. can transform company culture, boost employee engagement, and strengthen teams. Kristen shares real-world insights on fostering respect, communication, and mental health awareness in a professional setting—and be nice. isn’t just good for people, it’s good for business.