Épisodes

  • Episode 11: What Does Recovery Look Like To You?

    Episode 11: What Does Recovery Look Like To You?
    Nov 16 2025
    Title: The Support and Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 11: What Does Recovery Look Like To You? Date: November 15, 2025 Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay Episode summary: This episode explores how recovery can look different depending on the person and the context—addiction, eating disorders, mental health, or physical rehabilitation. The conversation emphasizes community, accountability, coping skills, and the importance of seeking help. Jay shares an honest account of addiction and long-term sobriety, Rich focuses on physical rehabilitation and the power of milestones and community, and Greg reflects on family, stigma, and the transformation that recovery can bring. Together, they stress that recovery is not linear, setbacks are feedback, and asking for help is brave. Key themes: Recovery is personal and non-linearCommunity and connection reduce isolation and improve outcomesCoping skills replace harmful habits over timeSetbacks are learning opportunities, not failuresMental health support is essential in all forms of recoveryAccountability and routine foster progressForgiveness—especially self-forgiveness—is a crucial step Noteworthy quotes and observations: From Greg: Quote: “Recovery is not a straight line or a checklist. It’s more of a winding river… sometimes it’s smooth and sometimes it’s rough, but it’s always changing.”Observation: Greg reframes relapse as “valuable feedback about triggers or skills that still need to be built.”Personal insight: He shares a powerful story of his stepmother’s transformation through sobriety and treatment—moving from chaos and harm to kindness and love—highlighting how recovery can change identity and relationships.Call to action: “I care. People care. I love you. You are worth it… seek help.” He provides concrete resources and urges listeners to reach out. From Jay: Quote: “They say that if you hear enough in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, that one day something clicks. And one day something did click.”Milestone: Coming up on 11 years sober on December 5; earned his 10-year coin; sober from both alcohol and heroin.Insight: Gradual commitment helped—“I was just going to wait a week… then two… then a month”—showing how short-term goals can build long-term sobriety.Observation: He connects physical injury and addiction, sharing a traumatic brain injury and the painful shift from pain meds to heroin, underscoring the intersection of medical care and substance use.Key point: “Eventually you have to forgive yourself… it’s a necessary step of recovery in any fashion.” From Rich: Quote: “There’s a mental health side of recovery to injury or to addiction that can’t be ignored.”Focus: Physical rehabilitation milestones—range of motion, weight-bearing, and measurable progress with a therapist.Observation: The rehab schedule builds a “rehabilitation community” that supports accountability and motivation.Insight: Modern medicine and therapy can restore careers after injuries that were once career-ending (e.g., ACL, Achilles), highlighting hope and the role of persistence and care. Main takeaways: Recovery looks different for everyone—addiction, eating disorders, mental health, injury—and every path is valid.Measurable milestones (days sober, therapy sessions, range-of-motion goals) build momentum and hope.Community—12-step rooms, therapists, coaches, friends, faith—is a protective factor; isolation worsens struggle.Setbacks are part of the process; treat them as data to adjust supports and skills.Mental health support should be integrated into all recovery plans.Self-compassion and forgiveness are essential—toward self and others.Practical plans may include therapy, medication, support groups, physical therapy, boundaries, joyful activities, nourishing food, and movement that feels good. Episode highlights: Jay’s candid story from first drink at age nine, many rehabs, brain surgery after a drunk driving accident, transition from pain meds to heroin, and long-term sobriety.Rich’s detailed view on physical recovery: tracking progress weekly, building rapport with therapists and fellow patients, and how accountability helps you show up.Greg’s deeply personal reflection on family change through recovery and his strong, compassionate appeal to listeners to seek help. Actionable insights: Set short, achievable goals that compound (e.g., “wait one week” can become “wait one month”).Build a support network and show up regularly—routine creates accountability.Track tangible progress (coins, session counts, reps, degrees of motion) to visualize growth.Reframe setbacks as signals to adjust coping strategies or supports.Incorporate mental health care alongside physical rehab or sobriety programs.Practice self-forgiveness to move forward. Resources mentioned: SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 (US)Global support directory: ...
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    15 min
  • Episode 10: Dealing with Last-Minute Plan Changes

    Episode 10: Dealing with Last-Minute Plan Changes
    Nov 9 2025
    The Support and Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 10: Dealing with Last-Minute Plan Changes Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay Episode summary: In this episode, Greg, Rich, and Jay explore how to handle sudden plan changes without letting stress take over. They share personal stories—from canceled visits and transportation hiccups to rethinking holiday travel—and offer practical strategies to stay calm, communicate clearly, and maintain strong relationships when priorities shift at the 11th hour. The trio highlights flexibility, honest communication, and self-care as key tools, while acknowledging that unexpected changes can sometimes open the door to better opportunities. Key themes and takeaways: Communicate early and clearly: Share logistics (rides, timing, constraints) with everyone involved to reduce stress and confusion.Flexibility lowers stress: Being easygoing about changes helps—unless last-minute cancellations become a recurring pattern.Validate feelings with “I” statements: Acknowledge your investment and emotions before reframing the situation.Breathing techniques for anxiety: Try in 4, hold 4, out 6 to release tension and ground yourself.Reframe change as opportunity: Sudden shifts can free you up for rest or something more important.Dependability matters: Keep commitments with friends when you can; consistent cancellations erode trust.Health comes first: Prioritize medical and mental well-being over social plans when necessary.Watch for avoidance patterns: Habitual cancellations can contribute to isolation or agoraphobia.Opt-in/opt-out clearly: Group decisions improve when everyone states constraints and preferences openly.Don’t force bad timing: If travel or plans are risky or chaotic, pick a better date rather than powering through. Quotes and noteworthy observations: Greg: Quote: “We like predictability and sudden change can really mess with our expectations and drain energy... it can feel like a real loss.”Observation: Greg’s bus-and-wheelchair logistics story shows how quick communication and calm reframing can defuse a spiraling stress response.Key point: Uses “I” statements to validate feelings, then reframes to find the upside (rest after a busy week). Shares a practical breathing pattern: in 4, hold 4, out 6. Rich: Quote: “Being easygoing can reduce stress... as long as it doesn’t become a pattern. When someone repeatedly cancels too often, you might stop counting on them.”Observation: Rich’s holiday travel planning insight—postponing due to airport shutdowns and a seizure medication change—illustrates how clear opt-in/opt-out communication leads to better outcomes.Key point: Encourage logistics-first thinking and open dialogue. Move important gatherings to safer, more feasible windows rather than clinging to a specific date. Jay: Quote: “Good things can happen that weren’t planned. Some of the best things that have happened in my life have come unexpectedly.”Observation: Jay’s perspective balances flexibility and loyalty; he’s dependable for friends while embracing spontaneity.Key point: Prioritize health, be there for friends, and watch for patterns of staying home that could feed into agoraphobia. Main points (bullet list): Share logistics early: rides, timing, constraints.Be flexible, but track patterns of repeated cancellations.Validate emotions using “I” statements; then reframe.Use simple breathing to manage anxiety: in 4, hold 4, out 6.Look for the opportunity hidden in plan changes.Prioritize health and medical needs over social plans.Maintain dependability with friends and communicate changes promptly.Avoid avoidance: frequent cancellations can lead to isolation.Practice opt-in/opt-out communication to align group expectations.Choose better timings for complex plans rather than forcing them. Episode highlights: Greg’s real-life pivot: Pathway Clubhouse plan falls through; successful re-route home via bus after calm communication.Rich’s travel decision: Postponed holiday trip due to airport issues and medication transition; family alignment achieved through honest discussion.Jay’s stance: Flexibility and FOMO awareness; spontaneity can lead to positive outcomes while still honoring commitments. Call to action: How do you handle changes at the 11th hour—do you roll with it or struggle? Share your experiences and topic ideas at kindnessrx.org. Join the Support and Kindness community groups: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.Movie party tomorrow—come hang out with us.
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    12 min
  • Episode 9: Asking for Help (And Accepting It)

    Episode 9: Asking for Help (And Accepting It)
    Nov 1 2025
    The Support and Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 9: Asking for Help (And Accepting It) Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Liam Episode summary: This episode explores why asking for and accepting help feels hard, even when it’s the right move. The hosts dig into research on gender, age, and workplace dynamics, and share personal stories that show how fear of judgment, burdening others, and losing control often block us from reaching out. Crucially, they emphasize that we tend to underestimate how willing others are to help—and that both helpers and recipients benefit. The conversation closes with practical strategies for making the ask easier and building a culture of mutual support. Key themes: We underestimate how willing people are to helpAsking for help is often framed as weakness, but it’s a sign of strength and humilityGender and setting influence help-seeking behavior (home vs. workplace)Younger adults seek professional help more often than older adultsAccepting help can preserve—not threaten—long-term independenceSpecific, time-bound requests and showing initial effort increase the likelihood of getting helpHelping gives meaning and a “helper’s high,” and builds community trust Research highlights mentioned: Pew Research (2025): Men and women turn equally to spouses for emotional support; women more likely to seek support from friends (54% women vs. 38% men).Younger adults (<50) more likely to seek professional mental health support than older adults (50+).Northwestern Medicine: Older adults often fear that seeking help signals loss of independence.Workplace dynamics: Women report asking for help more at home but less at work, concerned it may signal weakness or inequality.Stanford and others: People greatly underestimate how willing others are to help; helpers often experience a “helper’s high.” Noteworthy quotes and observations by each participant: Greg: Quote: “We’re usually wrong. Research from Stanford and others show that people greatly underestimate how willing other people are to help.”Observation: People often misjudge the cost to others while overlooking the benefits helpers feel; asking is an act of trust that many appreciate.Key point: Be specific about what help you need—unclear requests make people wary. Rich: Quote (paraphrasing Obama): “Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength that shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something and to learn something new.”Observation: Aging men commonly struggle to ask for help due to independence concerns; maintaining a support network matters.Key point: Make your ask small, specific, and time-based—and show you’ve put in effort first. The Chris Rock “push the car” example illustrates that visible effort invites assistance. Jay: Quote: “I had to ask for help quite a bit in going to rehab… over 20 times. As an adult, it made it much easier for me to ask for help.”Observation: His mother’s deep independence makes asking for help physically painful in the workplace; losing control triggers distress.Key point: 12-step programs emphasize giving back; facilitating others’ access to support (rides, meetings) strengthens community and normalizes help-seeking. Liam: Quote: “Even simple things as taking a wheelchair ride… I would decline it… and then hurt myself trying to walk this crazy distance.”Observation: Accepting help can prevent harm and is an act of self-advocacy; gratitude and making the experience positive for helpers encourages future support.Key point: Paying it forward and being gracious keeps the help cycle going; seeing others offer help unprompted can nudge us to ask next time. Main takeaways: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.We often misread others’ willingness to help; most people want to be useful and feel good when they can assist.Where and with whom we ask for help varies—women report asking more at home, less at work; men often struggle more with independence concerns as they age.Being turned down doesn’t mean failure—schedules and constraints are real. Ask again or ask someone else.Normalize help-seeking in communities and workplaces to reduce stigma and improve outcomes.Accepting help preserves energy, safety, and long-term independence. Practical tips to ask and accept help: Make it specific: “Could you review this one-page summary by 3 pm?”Time-bound the request: Define start and end (e.g., “15 minutes,” “this afternoon”).Show effort: Briefly share what you’ve tried and where you’re stuck.Offer reciprocity: “Happy to help you with X next week.”Start small: Micro-asks reduce pressure and make saying yes easier.Be gracious: Thank people clearly; follow up to share the impact.Build a support habit: Keep connections active—friends, peers, counselors, groups.Reframe rejection: It’s often about timing or capacity, not your worth. Episode highlights (bullet points): Why asking for ...
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    14 min
  • Episode 8: Taming the Inner Critic

    Episode 8: Taming the Inner Critic
    Oct 26 2025
    The Support and Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 8: Taming the Inner Critic Hosts: Greg, Rich, and returning guest Jay Episode Summary: In this heartfelt conversation, Greg, Rich, and Jay explore the “inner critic”—the harsh internal voice that judges, shames, and demands perfection. They discuss how it forms through past criticism, bullying, and life experiences, and offer practical tools to change your relationship with it. From reframing black-and-white judgments to putting thoughts “on trial,” journaling with a “wise adult” voice, and practicing self-compassion, the trio emphasizes love, kindness, and realistic self-acceptance. Jay shares a vulnerable personal story about body image and identity after an accident. The hosts close with reminders of support resources and encouragement to be kinder to ourselves and others. Key Themes: The inner critic: origins, impact, and perfectionismReframing harsh self-judgment into neutral, workable statementsTools: courtroom mental exercise, journaling, wise adult/inner child perspectivesSelf-compassion as a daily practiceLove, dignity, and the golden rule in everyday lifeCommunity, connection, and accessible support Main Points: The inner critic often stems from early criticism, bullying, and repeated negative experiences.Trying to “silence” the inner critic isn’t always helpful; instead, change your relationship with it.Reframe black-and-white judgments (“I’m a failure”) into neutral observations and future-focused actions.Practical tools: Put thoughts “on trial” to test evidence and challenge assumptions.Journal a dialogue: write the critic’s statement, then respond as a wise adult or compassionate inner child. Self-love is foundational; it’s hard to accept love from others if you don’t extend it to yourself.Everyone struggles—remembering this can reduce isolation and soften the inner critic.Love and self-compassion are central across belief systems; treat others as you wish to be treated. Quotes and Noteworthy Observations: Greg: Quote: “One of the things they talked about was the concept of putting your thoughts on trial.”Observation: Greg visually constructs a courtroom—judge, jury, witness box—to logically evaluate thoughts, asking where they came from and whether they hold up. This is a concrete way to shift perspective and engage critical thinking.Keypoint: He traces his inner critic back to early experiences with siblings, bullying, and teachers saying, “You’re never going to amount to anything,” noting how negative evidence can stack up, even when it’s false. Rich: Quote: “We’re very critical of ourselves… change your relationship with your inner critic rather than trying to silence it completely.”Observation: Rich highlights the problem of black-and-white self-judgments, urging reframes into neutral, learning-focused statements like “That was unpleasant,” followed by “How can we move forward?”Keypoint: Journaling as dialogue—write what the inner critic says, then respond as a wise adult with logic, compassion, and a future-focused plan. Jay: Quote: “Putting these silly thoughts that you have about yourself on trial makes a lot of sense to me.”Observation: Jay shares openly about an accident that affected his left eye and dented his self-esteem, changing how he related to others and himself. His story underscores how perfectionism and body image fuel the inner critic.Keypoint: “You’re never going to find love… if you don’t love yourself.” He reminds listeners that others are struggling too and urges self-kindness. Practical Takeaways: Try the courtroom method: When a harsh thought arises, “prosecute” and “defend” it. Ask for evidence, counterevidence, and a fair verdict.Use journaling to reframe: Write the critic’s statement.Respond as a wise adult: compassionate, logical, future-focused.Optionally, add what your inner child needed to hear. Replace extreme labels with neutral, accurate descriptions and action steps.Practice daily self-compassion: treat yourself with the kindness you offer friends.Remember common humanity: everyone faces struggles; you’re not alone. Calls to Action and Resources: If you’re in the United States and struggling, call or text 988 (Crisis & Suicide Lifeline). You don’t need to be suicidal—just say you need someone to talk to.Share your favorite episode and topics you want us to cover at kindnessrx.org.Follow the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated.You are loved. You are valuable. Be gentler with yourself this week.
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    9 min
  • Episode 7: Kindness

    Episode 7: Kindness
    Oct 19 2025
    The Support and Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 7: Kindness Release Date: October 18, 2025 Hosts: Greg and Rich Episode Summary: In this episode, Greg and Rich explore kindness—what it means, why it matters, and how it impacts mental, physical, and social well-being. They discuss the science behind “helper’s high,” the role of hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, and how kindness lowers stress and supports long-term health. They also connect kindness to leadership, workplace culture, and the ripple effect of small daily actions. The conversation touches on cultural perspectives—Golden and Silver Rules, Buddhist metta—and emphasizes practicing self-kindness as the foundation for showing kindness to others. Real-life examples include returning grocery carts for parents, praising customer service reps to their supervisors, and simply smiling at strangers—actions that can change someone’s day and, sometimes, save a life. Key Topics Covered: Defining kindness: consideration of others’ needs, feelings, and differencesThe science of kindness: oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, cortisolHelper’s high and runner’s high parallelsPhysical health benefits: reduced stress, lower blood pressure, stronger immune system, longevityWorkplace impact: innovation, retention, morale, PR, reduced absenteeism and turnoverLeadership and coaching: building self-esteem with simple positive feedbackCultural lenses on kindness: Golden Rule, Silver Rule, Buddhist metta (loving-kindness)Self-kindness: “oxygen mask first” approachEveryday examples: small acts with big ripple effectsFamily and community: modeling kindness at home, school, work, and neighborhood Noteworthy Quotes and Observations: From Greg: “Sometimes it’s hard to be nice to someone who’s not nice back—trying to rise above that.”“They did a thing once… the saddest note they found said, ‘If one person smiles at me on the way, I won’t go through with it.’”“If you want to help yourself, help someone else.”Insight: Greg underscores the ripple effect of small acts (smiles, compliments, calling back) and connects kindness to measurable health outcomes (lower cortisol, blood pressure, weight control). He highlights the importance of self-kindness via the airplane oxygen mask analogy and raises the cultural nuance of “treat people the way they would like to be treated.” From Rich: “Kindness… gives positive reinforcement to both the giver and the receiver.”“It’s doing all of the things we mentioned without the expectation of praise or reward.”“Simple smiles to strangers.”Insight: Rich brings a research lens (hormone release, immune benefits) and applies kindness to leadership and coaching, emphasizing how small affirmations (a smile, “you did a good job”) can boost self-esteem and performance. He introduces the Silver Rule—avoiding harm—as a practical ethical framework and offers a concrete, repeatable kindness habit: returning grocery carts for parents. Main Takeaways: Kindness is both a choice and a practice—small actions create outsized impact.Biological boost: acts of kindness trigger oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, while reducing cortisol—supporting mental clarity, stress reduction, cardiovascular health, and immunity.Helper’s high is real: helping others can produce a euphoric, motivating effect similar to runner’s high.Be kind to yourself first: self-care enables consistent kindness to others.Leadership amplifies kindness: positive feedback and recognition improve morale, performance, and retention.Culture matters: adapt kindness to people’s preferences; consider Golden Rule, Silver Rule, and Buddhist metta.The ripple effect: a single smile or sincere thank-you can lift multiple people down the line. Episode Highlights Definition and framing: kindness as considerate and culturally aware behaviorNeuroscience: oxytocin (bonding, vasodilation), serotonin/dopamine (reward), endorphins (natural pain relief), cortisol reduction (stress relief)Physical outcomes: lower blood pressure, stronger immune system, potential for longer lifeWorkplace: happier employees are more innovative; kindness improves PR and profitabilityLeadership: simple recognition (“hey, you did a good job”) boosts confidence and performanceEthical rules: Golden Rule (do good), Silver Rule (avoid harm), plus “treat people how they want to be treated”Self-kindness: oxygen-mask principle for caregivers and leadersPractical kindness: returning carts for parents; praising customer service to supervisors; smiling at strangers; thanking callbacksFamily and schools: model kindness and actively teach it to children Actionable Ideas: Practice the “two-for-one” praise: thank a helpful rep, then inform their supervisor.Create a daily kindness cue: one smile, one compliment, one act of service.Adapt kindness to context: ask how others prefer to be treated.Build workplace...
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    16 min
  • Episode 6: Medical Gaslighting

    Episode 6: Medical Gaslighting
    Oct 12 2025
    The Support and Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 6: Medical Gaslighting Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay In this episode, Greg, Rich, and guest host Jay explore medical gaslighting - when healthcare providers dismiss, minimize, or invalidate legitimate medical concerns. They discuss how time pressures, insurance constraints, and systemic biases contribute to the problem, and share practical strategies to advocate for yourself in medical settings. Jay recounts a personal experience with cyclical vomiting syndrome and hospital care, Rich reflects on navigating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the importance of self-advocacy, and Greg highlights his current struggle with chronic fatigue and the need for timely follow-ups. The conversation also examines the potential role of AI in diagnostics, the emotional toll of feeling unheard, and disparities affecting minority groups - particularly Black women in maternal care. Key Quotes and Noteworthy Observations: Greg: “Some of the common things that a provider might say… ‘It’s probably just stress,’ ‘You’re a bit young to have that problem,’ ‘You might just need to lose weight.’”“I’m chronically fatigued… I can’t live like this. It’s not working for me.”Observation: Greg underscores how dismissive language erodes trust and delays proper care, and he highlights a powerful statistic about maternal health disparities affecting Black women. He also emphasizes post-appointment actions like seeking second opinions, filing complaints when necessary, and connecting with patient advocacy groups. Rich: “You get so little time with the doctor… They don’t listen, they interrupt you, they diminish your symptoms before you’ve had an opportunity to really explain.”“I had to continually advocate for myself… Bringing somebody else along helps. Bringing a journal helped.”Observation: Rich connects medical gaslighting to insurance-driven time and testing constraints, noting providers often feel stuck between patients and insurers. He offers practical, concise communication strategies to make every minute count. Jay: “I have something called cyclical vomiting syndrome… It took a long time for them to diagnose it. They immediately went with assumptions because I was young.”“One of the best things I ever did… was to ask for a pain specialist… He understood I had a high tolerance and that he would take care of it.”Observation: Jay’s story shows how persistence and specific requests (like involving a pain specialist) can change the trajectory of care. He also points out the insurance cliff at age 26 and the value of bringing a trusted advocate—even a parent—to appointments. Main Points: What is medical gaslighting: A form of psychological manipulation where providers dismiss or minimize patients’ symptoms, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and delayed care. Systemic factors: Insurance constraints limit visit length and tests, pressuring physicians and rushing appointments.Profit motives can conflict with patient outcomes.Bias disproportionately affects minority groups; Black women face significantly higher risks in maternal care. Lived experiences: Jay faced misdiagnoses and delayed imaging that revealed hernias; advocating for a pain specialist made a difference.Rich navigated TBI care with initial dismissal, improving outcomes through persistence, journaling, and bringing a supporter.Greg is dealing with chronic fatigue and administrative hurdles delaying care. AI in medicine: Potential benefits: faster pattern recognition, improved consistency in imaging and diagnostic support.Risks: overreliance, possible misdiagnoses, lack of emotional context; must complement—not replace—human clinical judgment. Emotional impact: Being dismissed can feel like questioning your sanity; self-care and support networks matter. Advocacy strategies: Prepare: Write down symptoms, timelines, and questions before appointments.Communicate clearly: Use specific, concise language; ask direct questions like “What else could be causing this?”Bring support: A trusted person can observe, remember, and speak up.Document: Keep a symptom journal and track tests, results, and dates.Request appropriate specialists when needed (e.g., pain management, neurology).Seek second opinions if you feel dismissed.Use patient portals thoughtfully; follow up if results are delayed.Consider patient advocacy groups; file complaints when care is inadequate.Balance continuity and change: Stick with good providers; don’t stay too long with dismissive ones. Top Takeaways: You are your best advocate: Preparation, documentation, and persistence can counter rushed visits and dismissal. Don’t go it alone: Bring someone who can observe and help communicate. Ask for the right expertise: Request specialists when pain or complex symptoms aren’t being addressed. Bias is real: Minority groups, women—especially Black women in maternal care—face ...
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    17 min
  • Episode 5: What Do You Do When You Have Nobody to Talk To

    Episode 5: What Do You Do When You Have Nobody to Talk To
    Oct 5 2025
    The Support & Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich Episode 5: What Do You Do When You Have Nobody to Talk To Summary: As the season shifts and people spend more time indoors, feelings of isolation can grow. Greg and Rich share practical ways to find connection when you don’t have anyone to talk to—from using AI tools and online communities, to city exploration, curated social media, gratitude practices, journaling with care, meetups, and crisis resources like 988 and warm lines. They emphasize safety, accessibility, and real-life strategies that help in the moment and build supportive routines over time. Key Topics Covered: Seasonal isolation and why connection gets harder in fall and winterUsing AI companions and custom chats for conversation and idea bouncingOnline communities: Discord, Reddit, GoBrunch groups, and city subredditsExploring your city like a tourist to rediscover local gemsSocial media curation for a positive feed experienceSafety and support: 988, international help directories, and warm linesHobbies and meetups (virtual and in-person) to find your peopleJournaling tips, gratitude jars, and “future self” emails for encouragement Notable Quotes: Greg: “You don’t have to be alone.”Rich: “It took a while to get rid of the toxic things on social media… but I’ve got a pretty positive feed now.”Greg: “If you respond to negative stuff, negative stuff will come at you.”Rich: “View your city from the eyes of somebody who’s never been there… and make you appreciate it.”Greg: “If you’re not suicidal and you call and say… ‘I really need to talk to somebody,’ you’ll be fine.” Highlights from Greg: AI companions and custom bots can remember context and be tailored for supportive conversation.988 is available even if you’re not in crisis; clearly state you’re not at risk if that’s the case.Warm lines and international directories can connect you to local, free resources.Gratitude practices: build a jar of notes you can revisit on tough days.Journaling can be helpful but use caution if you’re struggling—keep it focused on gratitude or prompts that support safety. Highlights from Rich: Online communities like Discord and Reddit can match specific interests.NotebookLM helped his wife simulate a “study group” discussion around her novel—solo, but social.City subreddits and tourist perspectives can refresh your appreciation for where you live.Curating social media feeds reduces negativity and increases uplifting content.Fun, niche content (e.g., music/video mashups) can offer light connection and entertainment. Main Takeaways: Connection can be built through tools, routines, and communities—even solo.Be intentional with technology: AI chats, curated feeds, and structured tools can help.Safety first: Crisis lines, warm lines, and clear communication about risk matter.Rediscover local life: Explore your city through tourist guides and community forums.Add supportive practices: gratitude jars, future-self emails, and meetups. Actionable Tips: Try an AI chat that remembers context; set boundaries and goals for conversations.Join interest-based communities: Reddit: hobby, city, and support subredditsDiscord: topic serversGoBrunch: Greg and Rich’s community groups (Brain Injury Mondays, Chronic Pain Tuesdays, Mental Health Wednesdays) Curate social media: Unfollow or mute accounts that raise anxietyInteract only with content that supports your mood and values Use support lines: 988 (USA): Call or text if you need someone to talk to; state if you’re not at riskWarm lines: non-crisis emotional support; search your state or regionInternational directories: find local free resources by country Build a gratitude jar: Add small notes daily; read them on hard days.Email your future self: Schedule encouraging messages to arrive later.Explore locally: Use city subreddits and travel sites to plan mini-adventures.Find meetups: Meetup.com for virtual or in-person hobby groups. Resources Mentioned: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA): Call or text 988Find a Helpline - Global Support at Your Fingertips 24/7 https://findahelpline.com/Warm lines: Search “[your state] warm line” for non-crisis supportInternational help directories: Use country-based mental health resource listsGoBrunch community groups by Greg and Rich: Monday: Brain Injury SupportTuesday: Chronic Pain SupportWednesday: Mental Health Support Meetup.com for interest groupsNotebookLM for document-based conversations and idea bouncingCity subreddits, TripAdvisor, and similar travel sites for local exploration Call to Action: Share your topic ideas or questions at kindnessrx.org using the contact form.Subscribe, rate, and comment to help others find the show.If you need someone to talk to right now, call or text 988 in the U.S. If you’re not in crisis, say so clearly and ask for someone to talk to.
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    17 min
  • Episode 4: Pain Flare Days - How to Cope When Nothing Helps

    Episode 4: Pain Flare Days - How to Cope When Nothing Helps
    Sep 28 2025
    Episode 4: Pain Flare Days - How to Cope When Nothing Helps

    September 27

    In this episode, Greg and Rich tackle the difficult topic of "Pain Flare Days"—those challenging times when it feels like nothing works to alleviate chronic pain. They discuss personal strategies, the importance of mindset, and how to find relief when you feel like you're at the end of your rope.

    Key Themes & Strategies Discussed:

    • The Power of Language: Rich points out that the episode's title, "How to cope when nothing helps," can feel defeating from the start. The hosts agree that reframing our thoughts and words can make a significant difference in how we approach a difficult pain day.
    • Giving Yourself Grace: A central theme is the importance of being kind and patient with yourself. Rich shares insights from a conversation with his wife, emphasizing the need to "give yourself grace to hurt" and not get angry or self-critical for canceling plans due to pain. Greg adds that it's about being non-judgmental and not viewing yourself as a failure.
    • Distraction Therapy: Both hosts find value in distraction to take their minds off the pain.
      • Hobbies: Greg mentions enjoying adult coloring books and beading. Rich has found a great distraction in playing fantasy football with friends and family, which keeps him engaged and focused on something other than his pain.
      • Games: The hosts discuss video games, like Grand Theft Auto, and online jigsaw puzzles as potential coping tools.
      • Other Distractions: They also suggest audiobooks and taking naps as helpful strategies.
    • The Importance of Connection & Asking for Help:
      • Venting and Sharing: Expressing the pain, whether through venting or sharing with a loved one, is a key coping mechanism.
      • Don't Suffer in Silence: Greg and Rich stress that you don't have to go through it alone. Asking for help from a spouse, friend, doctor, or support group is crucial. They highlight that it's okay to ask for help and to be specific about your needs.

    Noteworthy Points & Quotes:

    • "When nothing seems to help, you know, what do you do? You vent." - Rich
    • "It's about giving yourself grace to take the time you need due to the pain that you're feeling, practicing patience with yourself." - Rich
    • "If you've never experienced pain, you don't get that experience of when you're not in pain... I think when we suffer from chronic pain, sometimes allowing ourselves to feel it, then when we're not in pain, we we really can appreciate the the gold in that." - Greg
    • "There's a lot of science [that] demonstrates that kindness and being kind to to other people helps us so much, if not more so than the other person." - Greg
    • "Ask for help and don't give up because it's really easy to to suffer in silence." - Rich

    Resources:

    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you are struggling with emotional distress or in a crisis, you can call or text 988 anytime in the United States to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Greg notes, "Even if you're not suicidal, you can call and say, look, I'm not suicidal but I need someone to talk to, they'll have a conversation to you." https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://988lifeline.org/
    • U.S. Pain Foundation: A non-profit organization that provides resources, support, and advocacy for people living with chronic pain. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://uspainfoundation.org/
    • The Podcast Website: For more episodes and to suggest a topic for discussion, visit kindnessrx.org.
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    10 min