In this powerful episode of Balancing Life's Issues, host Wendy Wollner welcomes Kath Koschel, founder of the Kindness Factory, to share her extraordinary journey of resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of kindness. From surviving personal loss and physical adversity to sparking a global kindness movement, Kath’s story is a testament to the strength found in compassion. Together, Wendy and Kath discuss the science of kindness, the courage required to choose optimism, and how small acts can transform lives.

Key Takeaways:

• The Science and Impact of Kindness: Kath shares insights on what happens in the brain when we give or receive kindness, inspiring a ripple effect that can touch both familiar faces and strangers.
• Turning Adversity into Action: Kath reveals her journey from enduring life-altering injuries and profound loss to building the Kindness Factory, a global movement celebrating acts of kindness.
• Choosing Tough Love Over Sympathy: Wendy and Kath explore the importance of “strong skills” like compassion and empathy, which require both honesty and courage, and how they’re different from simply being nice.
• Finding Optimism Through Gratitude: Kath shares her practical approach to overcoming tough days through gratitude and choosing to focus on positive influences, which sustains her resilience.

Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about Kath Koschel and her work: https://kathkoschel.com
• Log an act of kindness and join the movement: https://kindnessfactory.com

The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion

Got an idea for the show? Email producer Kai kai@balancinglifesissues.com

Welcome to Season 2 of Balancing Life's Issues!

In this heartwarming episode Wendy Wollner sits down with Alex and his mother, Val, whose famous letter to President Obama touched millions of hearts. Wendy, Alex, and Val dive into the power of empathy, raising children who believe in the magic of life, and how to maintain hope and inspiration amidst cynicism. Together, they explore how we can uncover life's miracles, even in the smallest gestures.

• Empathy Starts Early: Alex's story reminds us how important it is to raise empathetic children who believe in making the world a better place.
• The Magic of Family: Val shares her experience navigating cynicism while keeping hope alive through the incredible journey their family has taken.
• Believing in Miracles: Wendy encourages listeners to push past cynicism and embrace the idea that everyday magic exists, if we're willing to look for it.
• Inspiration Through Action: Learn how small actions can have a big impact, as seen through Alex's letter and the worldwide response it sparked.

• Watch Alex's letter to President Obama here: Alex's Letter to Obama
• Another reference to Alex's story: Video of Alex's Inspiring Journey

Got an idea for the show? Email kai@balancinglifesissues.com

Welcome to Balancing Life’s Issues the podcast!

On today’s episode "quirky and perky" CEO of BLI Wendy Wollner, dives deep into the secrets of business success by inviting renowned expert and founder of FitMinded, Dr. Jen Huberty (https://www.jenhubertyphd.com/about). They discuss the pivotal role of data in your business, the consistent challenges of being a female business owner, and how to address imposter syndrome as a CEO. Discover how leveraging data can transform your decision-making processes, enhance your strategies, and ultimately help your business thrive. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips from industry leaders on making data work for you. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the power of data in the business world!

Got an idea for the show? Email kai@balancinglifesissues.com