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The Support & Kindness Podcast

The Support & Kindness Podcast

By: 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
Episodes
  • Episode 29: "Choosing a Good Medical Provider or Therapist"

    Episode 29: "Choosing a Good Medical Provider or Therapist"
    Mar 29 2026
    Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek, LiamSummaryChoosing a medical provider or therapist can feel confusing, stressful, and high‑stakes—especially when you are already not feeling your best. In Episode 29, Greg and the crew walk through a clear, practical roadmap for finding care that actually fits your needs. This episode breaks down provider types, credentials, insurance issues, therapy styles, and the often‑overlooked importance of trust, communication, and listening to your instincts.The conversation blends evidence‑based guidance with real lived experiences—both good and bad—to remind listeners that changing providers is not failure, it is self‑care.Key Topics CoveredClarifying what kind of care you need before you searchDifferences between primary care providers, specialists, and mental health professionalsUnderstanding licenses, certifications, and experienceNavigating insurance, cost, in‑network vs. out‑of‑network careWhy location, access, and telehealth options matterHow to assess fit during your first visitTherapy types explained simply (CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic, group vs. individual)When and how to move on if a provider isn’t rightHost & Co‑Host HighlightsGreg anchors the episode with structure and compassion, emphasizing that preparation and self‑advocacy change outcomes.“If the answer to ‘did they listen to me?’ is no, you’re allowed to keep looking. You deserve to feel respected and heard.”Greg also shares a personal story of a therapist falling asleep during session, reinforcing a central message:“A good provider on paper doesn’t always mean the right provider for you.”Takeaway: Trust how you feel in the room, not just the résumé.Rich speaks candidly about being dismissed by medical professionals while seeking care for traumatic brain injury.“Don’t sit there allowing a dismissive medical professional to not provide the care you’re seeking.”He highlights the importance of second opinions and patient‑centered care, noting how validation from a neurologist who understood sports‑related head trauma changed everything.Takeaway: Being believed matters as much as being treated.Jay reflects on both deeply positive and traumatic healthcare experiences, including finally being heard by a pain specialist.“One of the smartest moves I ever made was asking for a pain doctor.”He also shares the impact of a long‑term therapist who balanced challenge and care:“She made me see the true value in therapy.”Takeaway: Specialized care exists—ask for it.Derek offers thoughtful insight into therapy styles, especially DBT vs. CBT, and group versus individual settings.“Just because something works doesn’t mean it works the same way for everyone.”He stresses pacing, openness, and allowing time before deciding—while still honoring personal boundaries.Takeaway: Growth takes time, but your values still matter.Liam discusses stigma, vulnerability, and the power of strong primary care relationships.“It all starts from the ground up with a primary care doctor you trust.”He also emphasizes honesty as a core value in healthcare and life.“Honesty and kindness usually travel together.”Takeaway: The right foundation makes every next step easier.Notable InsightsOnline reviews help, but patterns matter more than single commentsEvidence‑based therapy is a strong green flagTherapy fit often takes 3–5 sessions to assessEthical providers support referrals if it’s not workingChanging providers is not quitting—it’s advocatingFree Peer‑Led Support GroupsWe host free, live, online weekly peer‑led support groups, and you are warmly invited:Mondays at 1:00 PM EasternBrain Injury Support Tuesdays at 12:00 PM EasternChronic Pain Support Wednesdays at 7:30 PM EasternMental Health Support 👉 Sign‑up Click HereFinal ReminderYou deserve care from someone who listens, respects you, and supports your wellbeing. Take your time finding that person—it matters.Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.GregRichJayDerekLiam
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    42 mins
  • Episode 28: How to Be a Better Listener

    Episode 28: How to Be a Better Listener
    Mar 22 2026

    Episode 28: How to Be a Better Listener

    Support and Kindness Podcast

    Hosts:

    Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek

    Episode Summary

    In Episode 28, the team takes a thoughtful look at what it truly means to listen. Not the kind where we wait for our turn to speak, but the kind that helps people feel seen, safe, and understood.

    Greg opens with research that shows we spend nearly half of our communication time listening, yet most of us remember only about half of what’s said.

    The group explores why that gap matters, how listening shapes relationships, and how being heard can reduce loneliness and stress.

    The conversation covers practical tools for better listening, cultural differences in communication styles, and the science behind why feeling heard activates the brain’s reward system.

    Through personal stories and honest reflection, each host shares what helps and hinders their own listening, especially during emotional or difficult moments.

    This episode closes with a simple challenge: choose one person and show up more fully in your next conversation.

    Key Listening Takeaways

    • Be fully present: phones away, attention focused

    • Listen to understand, not to reply

    • Ask open-ended questions and pause before responding

    • Reflect back what you heard to confirm understanding

    • Notice tone, body language, and what isn’t being said

    • Follow the other person’s communication style, especially across cultures

    Host Reflections & Notable Moments

    Greg

    Greg shares a powerful memory of being deeply listened to during a painful time in his life.

    “I really felt heard for the first time in a long time… I felt warm and freed in that moment.”

    He emphasizes that listening is an active choice and a form of kindness, especially when emotions run high.

    “Listening isn’t passive. It’s a generous choice.”

    Rich

    Rich frames listening as a learned skill, not a natural talent.

    “Listening is something we have to actively work on throughout our life.”

    He highlights how emotions and distractions can derail attention and reminds listeners that difficult conversations are where listening matters most.

    Jay

    Jay speaks openly about how chronic pain affects his ability to listen.

    “When I’m in pain, it’s all I can focus on.”

    He stresses empathy, presence, and reducing phone use during conversations.

    “Putting yourself in their shoes can really help you be a good listener.”

    Derek

    Derek reflects on how upbringing and environment shape communication habits.

    “Even different family dynamics create very different ideas of listening.”

    He admits to forming responses too quickly and describes his ongoing effort to slow down and truly hear others.

    “Pause, absorb, then respond.”

    Closing Challenge

    Choose one person this week and try one listening skill: presence, reflection, or an open-ended question. Notice what changes.

    Free Weekly Peer-Led Support Groups

    You are warmly invited to join our free online live support groups. Sign-up links are in the show notes.

    • Mondays at 1:00 pm Eastern - Brain Injury Support Group

    • Tuesdays at 12:00 pm Eastern - Chronic Pain Support Group

    • Wednesdays at 7:30 pm EST - Mental Health Support Group

    Sign-up here:

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

    Be kind. Be present. Listen with your whole heart.

    If 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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    26 mins
  • Episode 27: Keeping Friendships Alive When You’re Struggling

    Episode 27: Keeping Friendships Alive When You’re Struggling
    Mar 15 2026

    Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek, Liam

    When life feels heavy, friendships can feel hard to maintain. In this episode, the Support and Kindness crew talks honestly about what it looks like to stay connected when energy is low, pain is high, or mental health is fragile. The conversation blends research, lived experience, and practical ideas that make friendship feel possible again — even in difficult seasons.

    Greg opens the episode by naming a common experience: pulling away when things get hard and the shame that can follow silence. Drawing on recent data from Pew Research and the CDC, he reminds listeners that loneliness is widespread and that even one steady friendship can make a meaningful difference. His guiding framework for the episode is simple and grounding: small, honest, and steady.

    Key Themes & Takeaways

    • You don’t need big plans or perfect timing to keep friendships alive.

    • One honest sentence can keep the door open.

    • Small contact (texts, emojis, voice notes) still counts.

    • Light conversation can be restful and supportive.

    • Asking for help in small ways builds trust, not burden.

    • Repair and return matter more than constant contact.

    Notable Quotes & Reflections

    Greg

    • “Being in pain doesn’t make you a bad friend. Being tired doesn’t make you cold.”

    • “You don’t need to be all better to keep a friendship alive.”

    • Greg also shares how gratitude practices and community spaces like Pathway Clubhouse help him reconnect when he’s struggling.

    Rich

    • “Consistency is what builds real friendships.”

    • Rich reflects on how low-energy connections like sharing a quote or short message can keep bonds strong.

    • On a personal note, he shares concern about global conflict and the stress it causes him as a parent.

    Jay

    • “True friends don’t have to talk every day.”

    • Jay speaks candidly about physical changes after a serious accident and how it shifted his understanding of confidence and inner beauty.

    • “If someone is beautiful on the outside but ugly on the inside, I can’t see the beauty at all.”

    Derek

    • “I start small — a meme, a photo, a memory.”

    • Derek discusses waiting for safe, mutual moments of vulnerability and the value of routine check-ins.

    • He also shares what’s on his heart: slowing down to notice simple moments like sunlight and offering kindness to strangers.

    Liam

    • “Sometimes the kindest thing is giving someone space while letting them know you’re there.”

    • Liam emphasizes honesty, calm reassurance, and not pushing too hard when someone pulls away.

    • He shares gratitude for the friendships built through the podcast and how they restore faith in people.

    Episode Highlights

    • Research-backed insight on loneliness and social connection

    • Real examples of how to reconnect after silence

    • Gentle scripts for honest communication

    • Permission to show up messy and unfinished

    • A reminder that friendship survives repair, not perfection

    One Small Step

    Pick one person. Send one honest, short message today. No waiting for the right mood. One small bridge is enough.

    Free Peer-Led Support Groups

    You’re invited to join our weekly, free virtual support groups:

    • Mondays 1:00 PM ET – Brain Injury Support

    • Tuesdays 12:00 PM ET – Chronic Pain Support

    • Wednesdays 7:30 PM ET – Mental Health Support

    Sign Up Here:

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

    If this episode helped, consider sharing it with someone who may need it.More episodes and resources: https://kindnessrx.org

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    30 mins
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