The Kindness Chronicles

What if the movies we love are trying to tell us something about ourselves? Kevin Harris has spent the last decade exploring that question through his Meaning on the Screen YouTube channel, taking a deeper look at the stories, symbols, and themes hiding beneath the surface of the movies we love. In this episode of The Kindness Chronicles, Kevin joins us for a conversation about the movies that shaped him, the power of storytelling, and why films can sometimes help us understand ourselves a little better. From Field of Dreams and E.T. to Cast Away and even Dumb and Dumber, we explore the deeper meaning behind some familiar stories—and discover how movies can become mirrors for our own lives, relationships, fears, and hopes. Kevin also shares the fascinating story behind his Haunted House Exit Plan, an approach to confronting the fears and unresolved experiences that can keep us stuck. And then there's the mysterious book. 📖 Maybe the greatest stories aren't just the ones that entertain us. Maybe they're the ones that change us. 🔗 Meaning on the Screen: https://www.youtube.com/@MeaningontheScreen 🔗 Haunted House Exit Plan: https://tinyurl.com/hhexitplan

What if lowering your expectations could actually make you happier? Todd Smith has taken a pretty unconventional path. From forming the band Johnny Clueless with Steve Brown in the early ’90s, to stand-up comedy, becoming a licensed clinical therapist, and now sharing daily videos that blend humor, music and life lessons, Todd has spent a lifetime finding different ways to connect with people. In this episode of the Kindness Chronicles, Todd joins us from Austin, Texas, to talk about that journey—and what he’s learned along the way about happiness, kindness and being a little easier on ourselves. We dig into why expectations can make us chronically disappointed, the pressure we put on ourselves and our kids, the importance of letting go of perfectionism, comparison, fear and other emotional baggage, and why finding a creative outlet doesn’t require you to be Picasso—or even particularly good at it. Todd also shares the story behind his daily social media experiment, how his wife encouraged him to pursue a career in therapy, and how music has unexpectedly become an important part of his life again. And, of course, there’s plenty of nostalgia and laughs as Todd and Steve revisit their Johnny Clueless days—including some vintage footage from the band’s early years. Sometimes kindness starts with how we treat ourselves. And sometimes the best thing we can do is simply let go. 📺 🎧 Join the Kindness Nation by subscribing on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

When an A/C emergency collides with podcast night, you invite the technician to pull up a chair. In this episode of The Kindness Chronicles, the crew meets Mitchell—the HVAC tech who arrived to rescue John’s aging air conditioner and unexpectedly became the perfect guest. What starts as a house call quickly becomes a conversation about working through brutal Minnesota heat, climbing into scorching attics, making late-night service calls, and helping stressed-out families get comfortable again. Mitchell shares what it’s like to be the person everyone is counting on when the temperature climbs, including why a home holding at 74 degrees during extreme heat may actually be doing just fine, the importance of changing a furnace filter, and how he handles frustrated customers with a simple philosophy: kill ’em with kindness. The night also delivers a true small-world moment when Mitchell reveals a surprising connection to Kevin Gorg’s family. Add in hockey talk with KG, golf, movie butter, and plenty of laughs, and you have an episode that reminds us how meaningful—and unexpected—human connection can be. It’s a funny, warm conversation about patience, gratitude, great customers, and why a little kindness goes a long way—especially when the A/C is out. Subscribe to The Kindness Chronicles for more stories that make the world a little kinder.

⚽💧 What if the world's greatest team wasn't playing for a trophy...but for clean water?In this special episode of The Kindness Chronicles, we welcome the Salesforce and WASH for Life volunteers who traveled to Malawi, Africa, for what we call The World Cup of Kindness.  Representing five countries across four continents, this international team united with one mission: to bring hope, dignity, and clean water to children and communities in need.Together, they:💙 Celebrated 7 new well boreholes providing easier access to clean water for more than 2,000 students🌱 Supported regenerative agriculture at Tembwe Farm🏫 Improved schools and dormitories through volunteer service and donor generosity🎁 Delivered school supplies, clothing, bedding, soccer equipment, and countless acts of kindnessAlong the way, they were welcomed with joyful songs, traditional dances, heartfelt hospitality, and unforgettable moments that forever changed their perspective on service, gratitude, and what it truly means to be part of one team.  You'll hear inspiring stories from "Coach 'Papa' Steve," Jon and Julia Neustedter, Phillip, Sarah, and other volunteers as they reflect on a journey that proved kindness has no borders.  Because in this World Cup...Everyone wins.If this episode inspires you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread more stories that celebrate the power of kindness.#KindnessChronicles #WorldCupOfKindness #Malawi #WASHForLife #Salesforce #CleanWater #Volunteer #Kindness #Africa #Service #Hope #GivingBack

What happens after the spotlight fades? On this episode of the Kindness Chronicles, John, Steve, and Jeff welcome former Limited Warranty lead guitarist Erik Newman, joining them from his off-grid ranch on Hawaii’s Big Island. Erik reflects on his remarkable journey—from learning guitar as a teenager at Bloomington Lincoln High School, to helping transform Limited Warranty from a local cover band into one of the Twin Cities’ most beloved original acts. He shares stories about recruiting the late Dale Goulet, whose voice helped define the band’s signature sound, winning Star Search, touring with legendary artists, and experiencing the whirlwind of sudden success. But this conversation goes far beyond the band’s glory days. Erik opens up about life after Limited Warranty: forming Holiday Ranch, stepping away from music, navigating divorce and remarriage, becoming a father, moving to Hawaii, and rediscovering his passion for songwriting with his current project, Space Hug. It’s an honest conversation about friendship, reinvention, gratitude, and the courage to embrace life’s unexpected chapters—proving that sometimes the most meaningful part of the journey begins after the applause fades. If you enjoy stories of resilience, kindness, and new beginnings, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use a little encouragement.

Reviving a Marching Band Legacy: How Teachers Build Community in Forest Lake | The Kindness Chronicles Steve and Jeff fill in for John and discuss Steve’s volunteer experience at the Special Olympics USA Games ESPN Unified Sports Challenge at Allianz Field, where he accompanied producer Jimmy "Jam" Harris and various celebrity sideline coaches. They then welcome Forest Lake educators Jake Matheson and Katie DuBois to discuss how music and marching band create belonging as the U.S. nears its 250th birthday. Jake recounts starting on tuba, being mentored by teachers like Sandy Briggs and Rich Hahn, advocating to restore Forest Lake’s marching band, and later rebuilding it in 2016 from a program that had disappeared to 140 members, supported by fundraising and scholarships. Katie describes how her passion for the clarinet evolved, joining the University of Minnesota marching band, and helping design field formations for her alma mater, while both emphasize teacher support, community, and inclusion.

Minnesota Nice at Lionel Richie & Earth, Wind & Fire + A Day with Jimmy Jam at Special Olympics The hosts recap attending the Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie concert in St. Paul, including memories of their first concert together decades ago, Earth, Wind & Fire’s energetic set and deep catalog, and a merch moment that coincided with seeing a recent KCP guest. Lionel Richie opened the tour with “Hello” but appeared unwell, sweating and dizzy, performed “Dancing on the Ceiling” seated, called an unexpected intermission, and was later reported hospitalized; a band member announced the show couldn’t continue. The hosts highlight how the crowd responded with concern and applause rather than anger, calling it a proud example of Minnesota kindness. They also discuss why artists start tours in Minnesota, tangent into guitar solo rankings, and share a story about guiding Jimmy Jam at an ESPN Special Olympics Unified Sports Challenge, describing him as gracious and dedicated, including his weight-loss journey and family reconnection.

In this episode, we welcome strategic executive leader and event producer Kelly Olson, joined by her husband Eric Scott Olson, to discuss her career in live events and television and her current work on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in the Twin Cities. Kelly shares her origin story working on the 1991 Special Olympics opening ceremony, including an early assignment to find a piano for Prince, and traces her path through major productions, including Oprah (six years), LA events, and later PR work after leaving New York following 9/11 and anthrax concerns. The conversation highlights the scale of the USA Games, unified sports growth, venues, opening and closing ceremonies, celebrity participants, and the impact of mentorship, networking, and service-minded production.

In this episode, the hosts reflect on KG’s father’s memorial and the support from family, friends, and organizations, then share details for the July 12 Semper Fi Flo hole-in-one challenge fundraiser at Loggers Trail Golf Course in Stillwater. The conversation features special guest Jeff Meslow, a 25-year NCAA football official and 10-year Big Ten line judge, who describes his path from starting as a college freshman to working major rivalry games and the Big Ten Championship, balancing officiating with a full-time job, and the behind-the-scenes production of televised games. Meslow discusses officiating pressures, communication with coaches, controversial calls like holding, replay review via the Big Ten command center, fan behavior, and memorable human moments including Iowa’s Children’s Hospital wave, a MN Gophers moment of kindness and more.

At a Minnesota Masonic Charities scholarship event, the CEO explains a scholarship program designed to recognize everyday kindness by having students nominate a peer and share the award. The program’s purpose is to uncover and celebrate stories of service that often go unnoticed, highlighting how simple actions can create ripple effects across schools and communities. Throughout the night, several nominations are read and discussed, featuring special young people who consistently put others first through inclusion, support during difficult times, volunteering, leadership, and service to people with disabilities, younger students, seniors, and community organizations. Families and guests reflect on the values behind these actions and the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and noticing those who feel alone. The event concludes by thanking attendees and encouraging future students to keep nominating quiet difference-makers.

On The Kindness Chronicles podcast, John Schwietz surprises Winona State student Addison Nash—called while she’s on a boat—after her friend Sienna nominates her for a Minnesota Masonic Charities Selfless Scholarship, awarding $5,000 shared between Addison and Sienna; they discuss Addison’s empathy, the death of her brother Tommy from sudden cardiac arrest, and the family’s Be Like Tommy nonprofit that provides acts of kindness and “joyful experiences,” including sending campers to YMCA Camp Manitou. The episode then features Mario Esteb celebrating his Syracuse graduation and plans to pursue documentary development work, followed by his mother Rose describing a faith experience at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where repeated photos and video showed a moving light-like “apparition” pointing toward crosses; staff and nuns called it a miracle and noted the “Miracle of Roses” connection to her name. The hosts close with John recounting a claustrophobic MRI experience, mentioning newfound fear of heights, and offering condolences for Kevin Gorg after his father’s death and upcoming service.

KCP Crew Reacts to Eric Church’s “Six Strings of Life” UNC 2026 Commencement The KC Crew discuss graduation season and family updates, including a daughter graduating from the University of Minnesota, then do a “reaction video” to Eric Church’s 2026 University of North Carolina commencement speech. Church frames life like a six-string guitar, urging graduates to keep key “strings” in tune: faith, family, spouse/partner, ambition and resilience, community and belonging, and staying true to yourself amid social pressure, stressing that “the world does not need another cover song.” The hosts reflect on how the message applies beyond graduates, share tangents about music and community ties like reunions, and emphasize being honest about setbacks and failures as part of real life.

The KC Crew learned that The Kindness Chronicles was ranked #2 on Feedspot’s “30 Best Kindness Podcasts for 2026,” THANK YOU, listeners! They quickly review the Masonic Children’s Hospital gala that raised about $2.5 million, as an example of kindness through philanthropy. The episode then focuses on an extended discussion of The Blues Brothers, including Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s origin story from Second City, the film’s role in reviving and spotlighting blues musicians and Chicago culture, standout scenes and cast members (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, John Candy, Frank Oz, Steven Spielberg), and themes of redemption, loyalty, friendship, and joyful comedy through music. Check it out. 

In the 200th episode of The Kindness Chronicles, the hosts welcome back storyteller and former advertising executive Neal Ford to discuss how his ad career shaped his focus on emotionally resonant communication and how a viral TikTok story launched his social media storytelling. Neal recounts a 1969 experience when strangers helped his family after a car breakdown near Bakersfield, restoring his father’s faith in people and later reframing it with the moon landing. The conversation explores skepticism about performative “kindness videos,” the value of anonymous giving, and examples of quietly impactful generosity. They discuss social media’s role in spreading either cynicism or connection, how technology and algorithms can be weaponized, and a positive AI example from IKEA retraining staff. The hosts highlight Minnesota Masonic Charities’ Selfless Scholar program and Neal’s StoryFire.net course, including an AI coaching component and his talk, “The ROI of Kindness.”

After a couple of “LONG Stories,” we explore the oxytocin-inducing storytelling of the late great Rob Reiner

Our scheduled guest was unable to join us, SO…More Wild talk (that’s all KG knows…and movies), and Steve leads us in another one of his Kindness Comebacks game. 

A playoff preview for the Minnesota Wild with KG followed by game show host, Steve Brown, and his Kindness comebacks.

The KCP Crew welcomes Anytime Fitness co-founder Chuck Runyon, who reflects on growing up on the East Side of St. Paul and his journey in building Anytime Fitness, which comprises nearly 6,000 global locations.  Chuck discusses the challenges and innovations during COVID closures, and outlines the company’s emphasis on training, nutrition, recovery, senior fitness programs, storytelling-driven culture, servant leadership practices, and the company's “Bleed Purple” tradition.

St. Paul native and Sirius XM personality, The Catholic Guy, Lino Rulli joins us. This guy is a lot of fun. Check it out.

KCP crew visit with kindness and character icon, Joe is the founder and president of Youth Frontiers, an organization that has been providing unique character development programs in schools for decades.

The KC Crew review celebrity kindness thru a silly little game. 

The KCP Crew welcomes AUTHENTIC Irishman, John Cosgrove gives us a peek into the Irish community in Minnesota. 

We visit with author, Denise Cesare. After losing her voice in a serious car accident, this professional speech and language pathologist from Brooklyn shares the origin and motivation for her book, Moments in Motion with Love. 

Let’s celebrate the woman behind the man…Patti Brooks. We review the 2026 Winter Olympics with KG, and visit with Kelly Paradise (daughter of 1980 Gold Medal US Olympic Hockey Team Coach, Herb Brooks’s). Joining us in studio is Kelly’s friend (and Kindess Chronicles listener) since kindergarten, Andrea Kangas. So may fun stories. 

The KC Crew visit with an extraordinary group of people who have taken their kindness to the Malawi, Africa. Our guests started their incredible journey into philanthropy as young Girl Scouts and created an organization, GRO (Girls Reaching Out), that provides fresh water wells for villages throughout Malawi. The program has evolved into a powerhouse organization, engaging volunteers from companies like Salesforce. Their 501c3 organization is called “WASH for Life.” Check it out. To donate to this worthy organization, please check out washforlifeinc.org  

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Kindness Chronicles crew. We visit with a lovely group of College friends that have managed to spend an unusual amount of time with each other with very little drama. Maybe a little drama. 🤣

Clown Car alert: the entire KC Crew gather, discuss the joy of a successful Minnesota Wild Team and we visit with Shawn Kor from Eagle’s Healing Nest. 

FINALLY, KG has a night off to join the KC Crew for a little conversation 

This week the KCP Crew visit with KARE11 alum and extraordinary storyteller, Mark Daly. 

The KCP Crew welcomes Timothy Mathews. Timothy a writer, Care Minister, and kindness advocate whose work centers on empathy, connection, and the quiet power of everyday compassion. Through storytelling, community leadership, and practical action, Timothy helps individuals and organizations experience kindness as a lived practice rather than an abstract ideal.He is the author of The Night Before PAWmas, a children’s book that explores kindness and empathy through gentle storytelling.

Heather Boschke is a marketer, professor and bird lover. Her mission is to spread joy one bird at a time and unlock the wonder of birds in kids of all ages! Her bird love began at age seven, when she had a pet cockatiel named Birdie. She enjoys birding in her backyard and at parks and nature centers around Minnesota to get inspiration for her drawings (which she does with pen and marker). You can contact Heather and see more of her bird drawings at buddhabirdie.com. 

We attempt a point/counterpoint on the topic of whether Kindness Takes Effort? Newsflash, Mrs. Schwietz wins the debate. 

The KCP Crew looks back on 2025. Highs and Lows and everything in between. Here’s to a happy, healthy and KIND 2026. 

John's dad, Jack, passed away earlier this year. In his memory, we decided to replay our fun chat with him about fatherhood and favorite TV and Movie Dads.

Author Sharon Eubank discusses the importance of small acts of kindness. Check out her book, Doing Small Things with Great Love.

Fun guest ALERT! Dr. Quentin Schultze, author of "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out! Life Lessons for the Movie A Christmas Story joins the KC Crew for this Christmas special 

We visit with Divisional Command Sgt. Major Marc Dempsey (One of 8 in the Country) about his 35-year military career and the role reunions play in the lives of those serving and why we enjoy witnessing them SO MUCH! OxytoSUNDAY.

Our first LIVE podcast. It was taped in the Spring, but we have been saving it to inject a little holiday cheer into the world. 

We discuss everything from the Wild, Vikings, Rice Krispie Turkeys and the role gravy plays in a successful Thanksgiving feast.

We visit with John's cousin, Major Andrew Melander, a Green Beret on Veteran's Day.

We meet with Ben Brown and discuss a growing challenge!

Once again, not our best effort. However, the end of the show offers a special glimpse into the dynamic that exists among the KC Crew when the tape isn't rolling.

Is it possible to discuss politics without being divisive? Hats off to Mike Newcome who is trying his best to run a campaign for Governor dominated with kindness. The fact is, we tried...really hard. It might not be possible. Based on some listener feedback, we have edited out some regretful dialogue and hope that someone like Mike can be an example of the kind of politician the country seems to need. 

The KC crew enjoy a fun visit with Agile Video's Todd Vaske. 

This one matters! 

Probably not our best effort, but having a little fun with this "Quickie>"

Regions Hospital Trauma Department faces incredibly difficult cases every day. We visit with an important member of that team.

John's dad passed away last week. The fellas reflect on the extraordinary kindness that can often come during the most difficult times.

The whole gang is in studio. Buckle up for a bunch of nonsense. JJ McCarthy, 21 cents, Would you rather and a special Dr. Who clip.