Snippets of Good Podcast

Service challenge: This month’s challenge is simple, joyful, and a little bit magical… Host a garden party.

Today, we walk beside a quiet soul whose footsteps shook empires. A man who wore no crown, led no army, and claimed no title—yet led millions to freedom. Mahatma Gandhi. I know there is controversy about his life, but I still decided to make this episode based on the good he did.

Today I'm going to tell you about my best friend and how we're working to make things even better. Email me here: [email protected] to see what else I'm doing, check out my website, or sign up for my newsletter triciasimpson.com

Have you ever said yes when your whole body was begging you to say no? This episode is for you. Tell me what you said no to this week. [email protected]   You can find the 8 ways to help you say no post here https://www.triciasimpson.com/eight-ways-to-say-no

What if the thing you’re good at…is exactly what someone else needs? This month’s service challenge is simple: Teach someone something you know. See what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com or email me at [email protected]

One year ago, I started this little podcast called Snippets of Good. The idea was simple: look for the good in the world and share it. I didn’t know if anyone would listen, but I hoped that if I looked for good in the world, I'd find it. You know, find moments worth celebrating. After a year of stories, kindness, and everyday heroes, here are ten things I’ve learned while trying to find the good everywhere. Find out what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com

You probably won’t remember what you ordered last week…but you will remember how someone made you feel. Today’s episode is about the people who carry plates, juggle chaos, and somehow still notice when someone needs kindness. We’re talking about waiters and waitresses…and the moments when they go beyond the menu.

Today I want to talk about something that sounds small… but feels huge when you’re already tired. I want to talk about rest without guilt. Not rest you have to earn. Not rest you schedule three weeks from now. But the kind of rest that says: “I’m allowed to pause even when things aren’t finished.” If you’re listening while folding laundry, driving carpool, hiding in the bathroom, or lying awake after everyone else is asleep—this one’s for you.

One of my favorite ways to serve people is through food. Food nourishes the body, but more importantly, it nourishes connection. It communicates care without needing a lot of words. This month’s Snippets of Good service challenge is simple: make—or share—a food item for someone. See what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com or send me your story [email protected]

What if kindness really was a superpower? Today’s story is about a young man who struggles with movement, learning, and communication—but still wakes up every day determined to help someone else. He’s fed thousands, funded technology for kids, and believes one small act can change the world. This episode isn’t about doing big things. It’s about starting with one. Because your ripple of kindness might travel farther than you can imagine.

He spent 27 years in a cell—and came out ready not for revenge, but for peace.” A man who taught us that forgiveness can be more powerful than revenge… and that serving others sometimes means suffering with grace. You can find out what else I'm doing at triciasimpson.com or contact me at [email protected]

If you’ve been running on empty, this episode is for you. If your to-do list feels heavier than your body, this episode is for you. And if the idea of “doing less” makes you feel nervous or guilty…this episode is especially for you. Today we’re talking about why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up—and how choosing a lighter version of your life might be the most loving thing you can do. To learn more about me go to triciasimpson.com to email me: [email protected]

Do you want to serve but don't know where to start? Check out the Just Serve app or the website justserve.com Sometimes finding a way to help is the hardest part. Find out what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com Do you have a story to share about yourself or someone else? Reach out to me at [email protected]

In today’s Snippet of Good, we’re talking about the quiet power of a handwritten note… and how something so small can mean more than you ever realize. It doesn’t cost anything. You don’t need special skills. You don’t even have to leave your house. All it takes is a few words—written with intention.  

I know mother-in-law stories don’t always come with a happy ending, and if that’s been your experience, I’m really sorry. That can be hard. But sometimes, you get lucky. Sometimes you meet someone who serves quietly, loves fiercely, and shows up in a hundred small ways that change everything. This is a story about that kind of good—the kind that doesn’t make noise, but somehow holds a whole family together.

This episode of Snippets of Good tells the story of women who lost their husbands to tiger attacks and were left not only with grief, but with stigma. Instead of turning away from the forest, these women chose a different path—working alongside conservationists to restore mangrove ecosystems that protect both villages and wildlife. This is a story about resilience, dignity, and how small acts—like planting a tree—can become powerful acts of healing. triciasimpson.com  

Today I have two short stories to share. First, a group of friends got together to make taco soup kits for families in need. The second is a tribute to a classmate who recently passed away. It's about the dreaded ninth-grade gym class. I share how he helped me through a difficult time.

This month’s service challenge is simple—but powerful. Donate to a thrift store. Not as an afterthought. Not as a clean-out rush. But as an intentional act of service. Because the things we no longer need can become exactly what someone else is looking for. And sometimes, doing good begins when we choose to let go. triciasimpson.com

In the summer of 1948, a young pilot noticed a group of children watching planes land in a struggling, divided city. What followed was a small promise, a creative idea, and a reminder that kindness—no matter how simple—can lift spirits and leave a lasting legacy. This episode explores how one small act became a symbol of hope, and why little things still matter today. There is no such thing as too small. triciasimpson.com [email protected]

Sometimes, doing good doesn’t mean having the right words—it means being present. In today’s episode of Snippets of Good, I share the heartwarming story of the Grandma Stand, where volunteer grandmas offer a listening ear to strangers who need connection, comfort, or simply someone to hear them out. This simple idea reminds us of the wisdom of our elders and the healing power of being truly heard.

In Episode 37, host Tricia Simpson interviews Rebekah Grow about losing her little sister to neuroblastoma and how that loss inspired Rebekah to volunteer for nine years at Camp Hope (Camp Hobe), supporting kids with cancer and their siblings. https://www.camphobekids.org/ The conversation highlights the healing power of community, the importance of volunteering, and how small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

In this episode, I share a story from my childhood—a Christmas shaped by tragedy, uncertainty, and unexpected kindness. It’s a reminder of how deeply a community can care when everything feels impossible.   triciasimpson.com

In this episode, I invite listeners to slow down during the holiday rush and practice self-care by doing less. I share a personal story about saying no to traditions and obligations, discovering quiet moments of joy, and I encourage listeners to create space, rest, and presence this season. triciasimpson.com

Today, I want to talk about something many of us deal with regularly: healthcare visits. More specifically, the people who work in healthcare—receptionists, nurses, doctors—the ones who can make or break our experience. I had a checkup this week that reminded me of this. Let's celebrate the good ones, the helpers among us who made a big difference in our lives. They're the folks who help us stay healthy and steady in a world that can feel anything but steady. triciasimpson.com

It takes courage to receive help. Letting others support us is just as important as offering help ourselves. This episode is inspired by Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection. We dive into the hidden emotional armor we carry, the shame behind self-sufficiency, and how refusing help can quietly weaken our relationships. Today, I'll invite you to embrace vulnerability, deepen connection, and experience the joy of shared humanity. triciasimpson.com

This week, we’re looking back at the life of Florence Nightingale — the Lady with the Lamp — whose courage and compassion reshaped what it means to serve. From dark war hospitals to the birth of modern nursing, her story is a poignant reminder that one light can truly change the world.   triciasimpson.com You can buy Peril in the Everglades here    https://www.amazon.com/author/triciasimpsonbooks  

Hey everyone, this is our November service challenge episode. Every month, I like to share a simple way we can bring a little more good into the world — small acts that ripple out in big ways. This month, we are going to look beyond our own yard and see who might need a hand this week. Message me at [email protected] Find out what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com

Today I want to share a few of the good things I saw this past week. They weren’t grand gestures or headline moments — just everyday acts of goodness that remind me how many caring people are out there. From grocery store kindness to neighborly help, from kids lending a hand to families stepping up — it’s proof that good things are everywhere if we take the time to look. You can send me your story or reach out to me at [email protected] and see what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com

When I think about the people who’ve quietly served me, my sister Laura always comes to mind. From using her babysitting money to take us swimming, to helping me pay off debt, to caring for our parents for years—she’s given more than I can ever repay. This episode is a thank-you to her and a reminder that love is often quiet.   Share your story or reach out to me at [email protected] or see what else I'm doing at triciasimpson.com

It’s easy to say, ‘I’d help if I could.’ But sometimes, the chance to help is right in front of us — small, simple, and possible. In this episode, I share a story about a $25 copay, a quiet decision, and the reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be big to matter. Sometimes, the good we can do is right within reach.   You can send me messages at [email protected] and see what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com

October service challenge: support your local food bank. I share alarming hunger statistics, personal memories, and simple ways anyone can help — donate shelf-stable foods or money, volunteer time, or quietly deliver groceries to a neighbor. Set a goal, involve others, and share your stories using #snippetsofgoodchallenge to help fill shelves and hearts this month. Every small act of kindness makes a real difference. Contact me at [email protected] or see what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com Volunteer: https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/volunteer?oa_onsite_promo=hungerinamerica Sign the pledge to help prevent SNAP cuts: https://www.feedingamerica.org/advocate/campaign-to-end-hunger Get the guide on how to help as a family: https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action?oa_onsite_promo=hungerinamerica Donate money $1 equals 10 meals: https://give.feedingamerica.org/kTIc6StdKUebxV-HOloYVQ2?oa_onsite_promo=hungerinamerica

In this episode, I share personal stories of car trouble—from dead batteries and a stuck shifter to a failing fuel line—and the surprising ways strangers, neighbors, and family came to the rescue. Bonus: a simple shift-lock override tip. Let me know your stories at [email protected] See what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com 

Welcome to Snippets of Good with Tricia Simpson. Episode 25 shares true stories of brief, unexpected kindness — a cyclist who fixes a stroller tire, strangers who share zoo passes, a comforting hug and a braided hair, and a woman who brings a bridal bouquet — showing how small gestures can leave lasting warmth and connection. Here's where to read more stories: https://www.buzzfeed.com/alivelez/26-stories-about-random-acts-of-kindness-that-will Send me your stories at: [email protected] See what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com

What do you do when you’re one of the richest men in the world? For Andrew Carnegie, the answer was simple: give it away. In today’s episode of Snippets of Good, we explore the steel magnate who built thousands of libraries, changed education, and left behind a legacy of generosity. His philosophy? ‘The man who dies rich dies disgraced.” Find me at: triciasimpson.com Email me at: [email protected]   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_library#Lists_of_Carnegie_libraries

Today, I share three stories about teachers. This episode is a celebration of teachers everywhere and the small acts of kindness and belief that change lives. Share your story of how a teacher made a difference in your life.

September’s service challenge: clean up your neighborhood. Inspired by neighbor Amelia, who picks up trash during morning dog walks, Tricia explains how small, consistent acts — from grabbing litter to pulling weeds — can brighten a community and change how you feel about where you live. She shares an update on last month’s neighbor outreach, encourages listeners to act alone or with others, and asks people to share their cleanup stories and how the effort made a difference.

Today, I share three short true stories about everyday kindness: Sometimes the smallest gestures carry the biggest meaning. Today I'm sharing three stories about saving animals and kindness to strangers, reminding us that kindness shows up in everyday ways. And when it does, it's magic. You can reach me at [email protected] or see what else I'm up to at triciasimpson.com Mom's Flowers:   https://www.rd.com/article/kindness-strangers/  Dog Rescue: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-stories/4100-dog-rescue

Welcome to Snippets of Good, where Tricia Simpson shares a heartfelt episode about her father-in-law, Henry Simpson. Through stories of small but powerful acts—fixing cars and dryers, helping with remodels, and quietly caring for family—Henry's life shows how living by example can teach kindness, service, and love.   This short episode celebrates his steady generosity and invites listeners to recognize and thank the everyday heroes in their own lives.  See what else I'm doing at triciasimpson.com or share your story with me at [email protected]

In this episode of "Snippets of Good," host Tricia Simpson shares touching stories of kindness and generosity that demonstrate the profound impact of small, selfless acts. From childhood memories of sharing store-bought bread to heartwarming gestures from neighbors and friends, these narratives highlight the courage and connection that can arise from giving and receiving acts of kindness. Join us as we explore these moments that remind us of the goodness within humanity and encourage us to be a little piece of good in the world. You can reach her at triciasimpson.com

You never know what someone’s going through — especially when they’re sweaty, late, and sprinting through an airport with three tired kids. In this episode, I share a chaotic travel day that ended with a moment of unexpected grace, when a stranger on a plane reached out with a simple question — and changed everything. This is a story about exhaustion, judgment, and the healing power of being seen.

In a world where headlines often leave us discouraged, every now and then, a story breaks through—a story that reminds us of the quiet strength and everyday heroism happening all around us. This one is about Sha'Kyra Aughtry and how she saved a stranger. For the full story: https://ua.org/couple-saves-a-mans-life-during-the-buffalo-blizzard/ To reach out to me or share your own story, please email [email protected]

This episode of Snippets of Good delves into the profound story of Valerie, who, despite her own struggles, stood by me during a time of deep personal sorrow. Valerie's ability to set aside her grief and support me exemplifies the spirit of empathy and quiet strength that can uplift those in need. Join us as we explore the moments of connection and shared solace that define true compassion. This tale of silent heroism reminds us that sometimes the most impactful acts of love are found in simply showing up and being present for others in their darkest times. If you’ve ever been touched by someone’s steadfast presence, or have your own story of quiet support, this episode is sure to resonate with you.

This episode challenges you to extend a greeting, a wave, or a simple act of goodwill to your neighbors in the hopes of fostering connections within your community. Participants are encouraged to share their stories and experiences on social media or through the podcast’s website. triciasimpson.com #snippetsofgood  Tune in and discover the magic that happens when we step outside our comfort zone and open the door to new possibilities.

"What if the quiet hero in your life was the one driving the garbage truck?"  In today’s episode, we meet one such person—not in a superhero cape, but behind the wheel of a garbage truck. triciasimpson.com

"I went out to help a stranger clear her driveway—and ended up clearing a little space in myself too." Today’s story starts with a teenage bad day, a snowy road, and a reluctant trip to the post office. What follows is a reminder of something simple and true: Helping people helps you. triciasimpson.com

Today, we explore the profound impact of kindness on strangers, inspired by a simple handwritten note in a car window. The episode features a real-life story from listener Machelle Burt. This episode gently reminds us of the unseen battles everyone faces and the importance of choosing kindness regardless of circumstances. Join Tricia each Monday to find inspiration in everyday acts of good and share your own stories at triciasimpson.com.

In this episode of Snippets of Good, host Tricia Simpson delves into the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose words and actions continue to inspire hope and change. Born into a segregated world, Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and love, forging a path for civil rights through nonviolent resistance. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, his unwavering faith and courage challenged a nation to rise above hatred and prejudice. Discover how his vision for a world united by compassion and mutual respect remains relevant today, and reflect on what it means to truly serve others in the spirit of unity and understanding.

What if the person you dread seeing most… changed—and you never gave them the chance to show it?

You can tell a lot about a person by what they do when no one’s watching. Today’s story is about a man who believed in work, kindness.

From sock gnomes to college graduation gowns, today’s episode proves there’s no age limit on making a difference. Meet Brayden, 11, whose big heart has raised thousands for others—and Chuck, 79, whose return to college is just the beginning of his mission to help kids in need. You’re never too young, or too old, to help someone.   Braydeen Geerdes https://www.fairmontsentinel.com/news/local-news/2021/07/03/boy-sees-success-helping-others/ Chuck Simmons https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dear-david-stories-of-triumph-cbs-mornings/   Contact me at: [email protected]