Kind World

Introducing Beyond All Repair, a new WBUR podcast hosted by Amory Sivertson. This series tells the story of a murder, but also the woman who was accused of that murder, Sophia. Sophia was newly married and six months pregnant when she was charged with murdering her mother-in-law in 2002. She gave birth to a son in jail that she hasn’t seen since, and for the last three years, she’s been telling me her story in hopes of getting justice for her mother-in-law, of having a chance of meeting her son, and of finally being believed. This is the first chapter of Beyond All Repair. Episode 2 is already waiting for you. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2024

Produced by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, in partnership with The Trace, The Gun Machine looks into the past to bring you a story that most Americans never learned in history class: how early partnerships between mad scientist gunsmiths and a fledgling U.S. government created the gun industry in the Northeast, and how that industry has been partners with the government ever since. Host Alain Stephens examines how this 250-year relationship underpins all Americans’ interactions with guns — including our failures in dealing with the fallout of gun violence. The Gun Machine episodes drop every Wednesday, starting Oct. 4, 2023. Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts. https://link.chtbl.com/thegunmachine

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

We want to share a first listen of a new podcast we're working on at WBUR. Violation tells the story of two families bound together by an unthinkable crime. It explores America's opaque parole system and asks: How much time in prison is enough? Who gets to decide? And, when someone commits a terrible crime, what does redemption look like? Listen to the trailer and if you like what you hear, head over to the Violation feed wherever you get your podcasts and hit subscribe so you'll get new episodes when they drop, beginning March 22.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2023

Shelagh Gordon was another name in the obituaries, an ordinary woman who had died suddenly of a massive brain aneurysm at the age of 55. But something in her obituary stood out to a journalist at the Toronto Star. For weeks, Catherine Porter had been combing the paper, looking to profile an ordinary person through the perspectives of the family and friends he or she had left behind. What emerged was an extraordinary portrait.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2023

Kind World presents Endless Thread's deep dive into Reddit's Auntie Network, an online community "dedicated to providing information and resources to those in need of abortion services." It has been inundated with new members since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in early May. Community members can offer rides, lodging, and emotional support for anyone seeking an abortion — especially when crossing state lines.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2022

Remember those OxiClean commercials with the in-your-face pitchman? That was Billy Mays. Mays died years ago, but he’s lived on in meme form. Why? We ask his son Billy Mays III, his biggest frenemy, and a host of others to explain why someone who was squarely in the age of television continues to appear online in strange and provocative ways. It’s the story of an American staple whose consumerist existence belies a personality that, in the end, was surprisingly wholesome.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2021

Today, we present the very first episode of Anything for Selena, a new podcast from WBUR and Futuro Studios. Growing up along the US-Mexico border, Maria Garcia felt torn between her two identities as Mexican and American. But then, something changed her life. She discovered Selena — the Mexican-American pop icon who proved she didn’t have to choose. In the premiere episode of “Anything for Selena,” host Maria Garcia explores how Selena helped Maria find her own place in the world.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2021

Listen to the trailer for "Anything For Selena," a new podcast from WBUR and Futuro Studios coming in January 2021. Subscribe now so you don't miss it! About The Show: On March 31, 1995, nine-year-old Maria Garcia came home to find her mother glued to the TV, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. The phone kept ringing. Relatives in Mexico and the States wanted to know if Maria’s family was watching, too. American networks and Mexican programming aired the same top story. Selena Quintanilla, the Grammy-winning ascending Mexican American popstar had been killed — swiftly, violently — by the president of her fan club. The story shook the country and changed Maria’s life. In "Anything For Selena," host Maria Garcia goes on an intimate, revelatory quest to understand how Selena has become a potent symbol for tensions around race, class and body politics in the United States. The series weaves Maria’s personal story as a queer, first-generation Mexican immigrant with cultural analysis, history and politics to explore how, 25 years after her death, Selena remains an unparalleled vessel for understanding Latino identity and American belonging.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2020

The perception that the U.S.-Mexico border’s been effectively sealed shut because of the pandemic is wrong. Lots of people are still crossing. Actually, the biggest, most dramatic change in who can’t cross right now; you’re not going to find those folks at the official ports of entry. Instead, you have to look inside migrant shelters, at the refugees who can’t seek asylum in the U.S. right now and are instead stuck in border towns. So that's what we do today. We talk to a migrant stuck at the border in Tijuana, and a doctor from Los Angeles who's trying to help. About The Show: “Port Of Entry” is about the unexplored subcultures, creativity and struggles at the U.S.-Mexico border. The KPBS podcast tells personal stories from people whose lives are shaped by the tension reverberating around the wall. This is a show for border babies, urban explorers or those who wonder what happens when two cultures are both separated and intertwined.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2020

Listen in as five Kind World producers discuss how the show has grown and evolved in its seven-year run.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2020

Science says giving can make us happier than having more money. Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Dunn suggests ways to rethink the way we give in order to make it feel like a source of joy rather than an obligation.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2020

When Jenn Carson found out her father was a serial killer, she began to think she was doomed to follow a dark path. But then she met a teacher who helped her change her life forever through simple acts of kindness

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2020

Adam Grant, organizational psychologist at UPenn, says kids who are taught kindness and caring at an earlier age may be more likely to succeed as adults.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2020

A chance meeting between a school volunteer and a Marine leads to a slew of unexpected acts of kindness. Plus, how small gifts and tokens from neighbors helped a mother and daughter as the young girl struggled with a mysterious illness.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2020

Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy shares with us the startling effects of chronic loneliness and how we can combat this public health crisis -- even in a socially distant world.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2020

A man confronts his dark past and a random act of kindness that led to a 20-year philosophy.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2020

Priya Parker is an expert on gatherings. She gives us tips on creating deeper social bonds and more collective meaning through our get-togethers.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2020

Six years after their story, "A Second Mother To Me," originally aired on Kind World, we catch up with Michael Tambone and Frances Schmitz to talk about the importance and power of a "chosen family."

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2020

Our listeners share profound acts of kindness they've experienced throughout their lives, including how kind acts propelled a woman out of homelessness.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2020

A man became stuck at an airport for 7 months and his only source of hope was a determined stranger. PLUS how a small town helped a family of refugees rebuild their chocolate empire.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2020

Irene Li, the celebrated chef of Boston's Mei Mei, discusses her commitment to helping mom-and-pop restaurants and immigrant families survive during the pandemic. Plus, how a longtime customer helped a Los Angeles restaurant owner keep his business afloat as his sales plummet due to coronavirus.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2020

A drumming teacher steps in and helps a troubled young immigrant find his identity in his new reality. Plus, how kindness and generosity in his early adulthood helped High Point University President Nido Qubein find strength and success.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2020

A Connecticut man starts a donation challenge to feed local families in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, a conversation with activist and authors Mia Birdsong on how we can build stronger, healthier and more equitable communities.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2020

Shawn Dromgoole, a 29-year-old black man, said he was afraid to walk in his gentrifying Nashville neighborhood. Then came a response he never expected.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2020

Healthcare workers are in the spotlight these days and getting recognized for their sacrifices during the pandemic. But for so many of them, that recognition is long overdue. Here are three of our favorite Kind World stories about how healthcare workers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their patients in deeply compassionate ways.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2020

Will Bloemendaal, of Grand Rapids, Mich., tells us about witnessing a small but powerful act of integrity and kindness while on the bus.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2020

Why a heartfelt thank-you letter from an 11-year-old to her mail carrier resonated with people across the country.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2020

Jessie Spellman, of New York, N.Y., tells us about an emotional and unforgettable birthday surprise.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2020

Stories of kindness that span across different generations.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2020

Anna Baumgaertner, of Davie, Fla., tells us about a student performance that she calls the highlight of her year.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2020

Dr. Laurie Santos, professor of psychologist at Yale University and host of the podcast, The Happiness Lab, gives us advice on practices we can all adopt as we cope with the anxiety of the coronavirus crisis.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2020

Carly Shields, of Salt Lake City, Utah, tells us about the sweet ways her 3rd grade students are thinking about #COVIDKindness.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2020

Finding creative ways to celebrate the class of 2020. Also, how a dedicated mentor changed one man's path.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2020

Kelly Brooks, in Boston, Mass., called us to tell us about a project she's been working on to bring people together during the pandemic. The origins of her project date back to 2014 and a diagnosis that changed her life.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2020

Voicemails about kindness during coronavirus from our listeners! Plus, a woman's quick trip to the grocery store turns into a nightmare as she becomes involved in a hostage crisis at a California Trader Joe's. Donate to support Kind World: www.wbur.org/supportkindworld

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2020

Becca Andrews had recently moved to New York City to pursue her acting dreams. One day, as she was riding the subway, she experienced a small act of kindness that would make a big difference.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2020

CBS's Steve Hartman joins us to talk kindness during Coronavirus PLUS a story about finding solace in nature and new friends. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. www.wbur.org/supportkindworld

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2020

Suzie Hicks, of Los Angeles, tells us how her "chosen family" helped her one summer when a string of bad headaches turned into a serious medical condition.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2020

How can worshippers come together during religious holidays during the coronavirus pandemic? Our latest #COVIDKindness update. Then, a story about how a friend's kind act assured a woman in a painful struggle that she would make it through the darkness.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2020

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2020

We talk about creative ways people are dealing with social isolation during the pandemic. Also, a story about why one woman turned her house into a sanctuary for women in recovery.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2020

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2020

In this week's #COVIDKindness update, we discuss help by and for medical professionals. Plus, how one man's search for a kidney donor brought him closer to a colleague and friend looking to restore her faith in patient care.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2020

Laura Niverson, a high school English teacher in Tucson, Ariz., shared with us a story of how her students helped her as she was grieving a difficult loss.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2020

Neighbors helping neighbors during the coronavirus crisis. Plus, the humble beginnings of a remarkable movement to educate generations of refugee children.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2020

Marianne McCarthy, of New Haven, Conn., shares the story of a stranger who led her to safety during a crowded concert.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2020

When Nancy Kinnally helped a young man living on the streets, she never imagined how meaningful a hot meal and a little hospitality could be.

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2020

Listener Mallory Van Fossen tells us about the time a complete stranger came to her rescue after an accident.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2020

Nguyen Thi Dep was forced to give up her daughter during the Vietnam War. She spent decades searching for her, until a stranger decided to help.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2020

We know there's a lot going on in the news, and sometimes, it's hard to see the good when so much seems bad. But here at Kind World, we know there are still compassionate people doing amazing things for others every day -- small good deeds and life-changing acts of kindness. Our new season starts March 10.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2020