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The Support & Kindness Podcast

The Support & Kindness Podcast

De : Greg Shaw
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 🌟 The Support & Kindness Podcast – With Greg and Rich Life with mental health challenges, brain injury, TBI, chronic pain, or simply the weight of everyday struggles can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created The Support & Kindness Podcast — a space where compassion, community, and real conversations come together. Each week, Greg and Rich share stories, insights, and practical tools that remind you you’re not alone. From personal experiences to uplifting interviews, we explore how kindness and support can transform lives — one story, one act, one conversation at a time. Expect heartfelt talks, simple steps you can take to spread kindness in your world, and encouragement to keep going, even on the hardest days. Whether you’re seeking hope, healing, or just a gentle reminder that what you do matters, this is your place. 👉 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and join us in building a kinder, more supportive world.Greg Shaw
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    Épisodes
    • Episode 25: How the News Affects People With Depression and Anxiety

      Episode 25: How the News Affects People With Depression and Anxiety
      Feb 28 2026
      Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek, Liam, SarahThe team has an open and honest conversation about how constant exposure to news, especially negative, sensational, and political content can intensify anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. This is a peer-led discussion based on lived experience, not medical advice. The focus is on awareness, balance, and practical ways to protect mental health while still caring about the world.SummaryGreg opens the conversation by explaining how the nervous system reacts to news as if it were a personal threat, keeping the body in fight-or-flight mode for hours at a time. For people already living with anxiety or depression, this repeated stress can increase panic, hopelessness, poor sleep, and emotional fatigue. The group discusses how modern news cycles, social media algorithms, and breaking alerts amplify fear and outrage, often without offering balance or resolution.Throughout the episode, each co-host shares personal experiences with news overload, disengagement, guilt, political stress, and finding healthier boundaries. The shared theme is clear: being informed should never come at the cost of mental health.Key TakeawaysConstant negative news keeps the nervous system in a chronic stress stateSensational headlines are designed to trigger fear and urgencyAnxiety and depression can magnify the emotional impact of newsAvoiding or limiting news is not selfish; it can be necessaryIntentional boundaries help restore calm and clarityBalance comes from choosing quality over quantityNotable Quotes & Reflections by HostGreg“Negative news doesn’t just inform you. It hits harder.”Greg shares how obsessive news tracking led to burnout and worsening depression, and how being intentional about sources and timing helped restore balance.Observation: Awareness and choice are the real power when it comes to media consumption.Rich“I started feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and emotionally numb.”Rich explains how selective follows and trusted writers helped him avoid constant sensationalism.Observation: Indifference and emotional shutdown can be signs of news overload.Jay“I used to stay on top of everything, but it made me feel bleak and hopeless.”Jay discusses stepping away from both news and social media entirely to protect his mental health.Observation: Peace improved when exposure decreased, even if it meant staying less informed.Derek“I get full of adrenaline, then I crash and feel defeated.”Derek reflects on processing intense emotional reactions by grounding himself in gratitude and connection.Observation: Slowing down and talking with loved ones helps regulate emotional responses.Liam“I’d rather be selective than bombarded.”Liam shares how avoiding social media allows him to choose when and how he engages with current events.Observation: Distance from constant updates reduces anxiety and emotional overload.Sarah“I know it sabotages my mental health, but I still struggle to step away.”Sarah speaks honestly about the tension between political involvement and emotional wellbeing.Observation: Guilt and frustration are common when trying to balance civic engagement with self-care.Final ThoughtsThe episode closes with reflections on hope, compassion, and human connection. The hosts remind listeners that caring about the world does not require constant exposure to distressing content. Mental health is foundational, and protecting it allows people to show up more fully for others.Free Weekly Peer-Led Support GroupsA reminder that we host free online live weekly peer led support groups:Mondays at 1:00 pm EasternBrain Injury Support GroupTuesdays at 12:00 pm EasternChronic Pain Support GroupWednesdays at 7:30 pm ESTMental Health Support GroupSign-up here: https://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBwIf this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need support. You matter, and your mental health matters.
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      25 min
    • Episode 24: Self-Talk — The Power of Self-Talk: Understanding the Voice Within

      Episode 24: Self-Talk — The Power of Self-Talk: Understanding the Voice Within
      Feb 22 2026

      Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, DerekPodcast: Support and Kindness Podcast

      Episode Summary

      In this episode, the team explores self‑talk—the inner voice that shapes how we handle stress, setbacks, and everyday life.

      Greg opens with a clear explanation of what self‑talk is, why it matters, and how it affects the brain. The conversation then moves into personal reflections from Rich, Jay, and Derek, who share how self‑talk shows up in their own lives, what makes it harder, and what helps them soften their inner critic.

      The episode balances science, lived experience, and practical tools. Listeners are reminded that negative self‑talk is common, not a personal failure, and that small, compassionate shifts can make a meaningful difference over time.

      Key Themes & Takeaways

      • Self‑talk runs mostly on autopilot but strongly influences emotions, decisions, and resilience

      • Negative self‑talk increases stress and threat responses; supportive self‑talk improves focus and problem‑solving

      • Common unhelpful patterns include catastrophizing, personalizing, filtering, and all‑or‑nothing thinking

      • Supportive self‑talk is honest and kind, not forced positivity

      • Awareness is the first step—change starts by noticing the inner voice

      Host Reflections & Noteworthy Insights

      Greg

      • Quote: “Your relationship with yourself is the longest relationship that you will ever have.”

      • Greg shares how his inner critic often echoes old messages of failure and self‑doubt. He describes “putting thoughts on trial” by asking where they come from and whether they are grounded in facts.

      • Key point: Speaking to yourself the way you would support someone else creates stability and room for growth.

      Rich

      • Quote: “I need to treat myself a lot nicer. I need to give myself more compassion and grace.”

      • Rich reflects on personalizing blame and filtering out successes, habits shaped partly by his career as a coach.

      • Insight: Coaching taught him that feedback can be honest without being harsh—and that the same approach applies to self‑talk.

      Jay

      • Quote: “The person we fight the most with…is ourselves.”

      • Jay emphasizes gratitude as a tool to quiet negative self‑talk, reminding himself of health, safety, and basic needs that are easy to overlook.

      • Key takeaway: Staying busy, giving back, and volunteering can interrupt the inner critic and improve self‑esteem.

      Derek

      • Quote: “The best you can is good enough.”

      • Derek describes how music and meaningful lyrics help him reset his mindset during stress or self‑doubt.

      • Observation: Small moments—compliments, presence, simple comforts—add up and help ground supportive self‑talk.

      Practical Tools Shared

      • Catch and challenge harsh thoughts: “Is this true?” “Would I say this to someone I care about?”

      • Reframe with realism and kindness, not denial

      • Use your own name or “you” to create distance and compassion

      • Ask gentle questions instead of judging

      • Write thoughts down to notice patterns and progress

      Peer‑Led Support Groups

      • Monday at 1:00 PM: Brain Injury Support

      • Tuesday at 12:00 PM: Chronic Pain Support

      • Wednesday at 7:30 PM: Mental Health SupportFree, peer‑led, and open to anyone seeking a supportive space.

      Details and Sign Up Here:

      https://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBw

      Additional Resources

      • TED Talk — Ethan Kross (2024)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb0nLpdWttA

      • Free CBT Worksheets — Therapist AidPractical, free, and easy to usehttps://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets/cbt

      • Immediate support (U.S.): Call or text 988 (24/7)

      Closing Thought:The way you talk to yourself matters. Awareness comes first. Kindness follows. Be patient with the practice—and with yourself.
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      18 min
    • Episode 23: Sleep - Why It Matters, Why It’s Hard, and How to Rest Better

      Episode 23: Sleep - Why It Matters, Why It’s Hard, and How to Rest Better
      Feb 15 2026
      Hosts: Greg Shaw, Rich Jay, Derek, SarahSummarySleep is something we all do, yet many people struggle to get enough of it—or to feel truly rested. In Episode 23, the Support and Kindness team talks about why sleep matters, why it can be difficult, and what can help. The discussion blends science, personal experience, mental health awareness, and practical ideas you can try at your own pace.Greg opens with a clear explanation of how sleep works, including sleep cycles, REM and non‑REM stages, circadian rhythm, and social jet lag. He explains how sleep supports memory, emotional regulation, physical repair, and long‑term health. The group also discusses common disruptors such as anxiety, technology, inconsistent schedules, and chronic stress.The episode covers sleep disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome, with a strong reminder that ongoing sleep problems deserve professional support. From there, the conversation becomes more personal, with each host sharing their own relationship with sleep—what helps, what doesn’t, and how health, routines, and mindset affect rest.A steady theme runs throughout: sleep is not a luxury or a weakness. It is a basic human need, and treating yourself with kindness can make a real difference.Key Topics CoveredWhat sleep does for the brain and bodySleep stages, cycles, and REM sleepCircadian rhythm and social jet lagSleep and mental healthCommon sleep disorders and when to seek helpTechnology and blue lightCreating a supportive sleep environmentCultural views of restGentle, practical sleep strategiesHost HighlightsGregGreg blends research with honesty, sharing his long‑term sleep struggles alongside multiple health conditions.“Sleep is not a passive shutdown of the body and the brain.” He describes sleep as overnight maintenance and stresses that quality matters as much as quantity. Small, consistent cues—like a cool room or regular medication timing—help signal safety and readiness for sleep.RichRich focuses on comfort and routine while living with traumatic brain injuries.“I am searching for the elusive perfect pillow.” He explains how a consistent pre‑sleep routine has greatly reduced the time it takes him to fall asleep, even when discomfort remains.JayJay talks openly about anxiety, medication, and the feeling of missing out by sleeping.“I’ve always felt like I was missing out on time to be alive.” Warm baths before bed help him calm anxiety and physical pain. He also emphasizes regular sleep times and keeping electronics out of the bedroom.DerekDerek values flexibility and listening to his body.“It really just depends.” He encourages balancing planning with awareness and honoring natural signals for rest.SarahSarah brings humor and honesty about heavy sleep medication and exhaustion.“I will never, ever be a morning person.” She reflects on changes in dream recall and how medications can reshape sleep in unexpected ways.Final ReflectionsSleep struggles are common and deeply human. Whether challenges come from pain, anxiety, brain injury, or daily stress, rest deserves patience and care. If sleep feels hard right now, you’re not failing—you’re human. Even small, kind changes can help over time.Resources MentionedKindness RX peer support groupsBrain Injury Support: Mondays 1:00 PMChronic Pain Support: Tuesdays 12:00 PMMental Health Support: Wednesdays 7:30 PMWebsite: kindnessrx.orgInsomniaThis guide gives clear, reliable advice on healthy sleep habits and treatments so listeners can understand insomnia and sleep better.SleepThis resource explains how much sleep people need at different ages, why sleep is important for health, and when to get help for sleep problems.Sleep Hygiene It's included because motivation helps people turn sleep tips into steady habits that improve sleep over time.Closing Thought:Sleep is a basic need. Be gentle with yourself as you learn what rest looks like for you.
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      25 min
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