Sat, March 09, 2024

Kind World presents: "Beyond All Repair," a new podcast about an unsolved murder and a woman who wasn’t believed

Introducing Beyond All Repair, a new WBUR podcast hosted by Amory Sivertson. This series tells the story of a murder, but also the woman who was accused of that murder, Sophia. Sophia was newly married and six months pregnant when she was charged with murdering her mother-in-law in 2002. She gave birth to a son in jail that she hasn’t seen since, and for the last three years, she’s been telling me her story in hopes of getting justice for her mother-in-law, of having a chance of meeting her son, and of finally being believed. This is the first chapter of Beyond All Repair. Episode 2 is already waiting for you. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Fri, October 06, 2023

Introducing ‘The Gun Machine’, a podcast about how America was forged by the gun industry

Produced by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, in partnership with The Trace, The Gun Machine looks into the past to bring you a story that most Americans never learned in history class: how early partnerships between mad scientist gunsmiths and a fledgling U.S. government created the gun industry in the Northeast, and how that industry has been partners with the government ever since. Host Alain Stephens examines how this 250-year relationship underpins all Americans’ interactions with guns — including our failures in dealing with the fallout of gun violence. The Gun Machine episodes drop every Wednesday, starting Oct. 4, 2023. Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts. https://link.chtbl.com/thegunmachine

Wed, March 15, 2023

Kind World introduces Violation, a new podcast about who pulls the levers of power in the justice system

We want to share a first listen of a new podcast we're working on at WBUR. Violation tells the story of two families bound together by an unthinkable crime. It explores America's opaque parole system and asks: How much time in prison is enough? Who gets to decide? And, when someone commits a terrible crime, what does redemption look like?  Listen to the trailer and if you like what you hear, head over to the Violation feed wherever you get your podcasts and hit subscribe so you'll get new episodes when they drop, beginning March 22.

Tue, July 26, 2022

Kind World Presents: Endless Thread's look into "Aunties:" abortion access advocates of Reddit

Kind World presents Endless Thread's deep dive into Reddit's Auntie Network, an online community "dedicated to providing information and resources to those in need of abortion services." It has been inundated with new members since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in early May. Community members can offer rides, lodging, and emotional support for anyone seeking an abortion — especially when crossing state lines.

Mon, November 22, 2021

Kind World Presents: Endless Thread's look into the life and legacy of Bill Mays

Remember those OxiClean commercials with the in-your-face pitchman? That was Billy Mays. Mays died years ago, but he’s lived on in meme form. Why? We ask his son Billy Mays III, his biggest frenemy, and a host of others to explain why someone who was squarely in the age of television continues to appear online in strange and provocative ways. It’s the story of an American staple whose consumerist existence belies a personality that, in the end, was surprisingly wholesome.

Tue, January 19, 2021

Kind World Presents: Selena And Me

Today, we present the very first episode of Anything for Selena, a new podcast from WBUR and Futuro Studios. Growing up along the US-Mexico border, Maria Garcia felt torn between her two identities as Mexican and American. But then, something changed her life. She discovered Selena — the Mexican-American pop icon who proved she didn’t have to choose. In the premiere episode of “Anything for Selena,” host Maria Garcia explores how Selena helped Maria find her own place in the world.

Thu, October 29, 2020

Kind World Presents: Anything For Selena

Listen to the trailer for "Anything For Selena," a new podcast from WBUR and Futuro Studios coming in January 2021. Subscribe now so you don't miss it! About The Show: On March 31, 1995, nine-year-old Maria Garcia came home to find her mother glued to the TV, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. The phone kept ringing. Relatives in Mexico and the States wanted to know if Maria’s family was watching, too. American networks and Mexican programming aired the same top story. Selena Quintanilla, the Grammy-winning ascending Mexican American popstar had been killed — swiftly, violently — by the president of her fan club. The story shook the country and changed Maria’s life. In "Anything For Selena," host Maria Garcia goes on an intimate, revelatory quest to understand how Selena has become a potent symbol for tensions around race, class and body politics in the United States. The series weaves Maria’s personal story as a queer, first-generation Mexican immigrant with cultural analysis, history and politics to explore how, 25 years after her death, Selena remains an unparalleled vessel for understanding Latino identity and American belonging.

Fri, October 23, 2020

Kind World Presents: Port Of Entry

The perception that the U.S.-Mexico border’s been effectively sealed shut because of the pandemic is wrong. Lots of people are still crossing. Actually, the biggest, most dramatic change in who can’t cross right now; you’re not going to find those folks at the official ports of entry. Instead, you have to look inside migrant shelters, at the refugees who can’t seek asylum in the U.S. right now and are instead stuck in border towns. So that's what we do today. We talk to a migrant stuck at the border in Tijuana, and a doctor from Los Angeles who's trying to help. About The Show: “Port Of Entry” is about the unexplored subcultures, creativity and struggles at the U.S.-Mexico border. The KPBS podcast tells personal stories from people whose lives are shaped by the tension reverberating around the wall. This is a show for border babies, urban explorers or those who wonder what happens when two cultures are both separated and intertwined.

Thu, July 30, 2020

Kind World Says Goodbye

Listen in as five Kind World producers discuss how the show has grown and evolved in its seven-year run.

Mon, July 27, 2020

Giving Can Make Us Happier

Science says giving can make us happier than having more money. Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Dunn suggests ways to rethink the way we give in order to make it feel like a source of joy rather than an obligation.

Thu, July 23, 2020

Encore: A Teacher's Aid

When Jenn Carson found out her father was a serial killer, she began to think she was doomed to follow a dark path. But then she met a teacher who helped her change her life forever through simple acts of kindness

Mon, July 20, 2020

The Surprising Benefits Of Raising Kind Kids

Adam Grant, organizational psychologist at UPenn, says kids who are taught kindness and caring at an earlier age may be more likely to succeed as adults.

Fri, July 17, 2020

Encore: A Connecting Flight

A chance meeting between a school volunteer and a Marine leads to a slew of unexpected acts of kindness. Plus, how small gifts and tokens from neighbors helped a mother and daughter as the young girl struggled with a mysterious illness.

Mon, July 13, 2020

Feeling Lonely? You're Not Alone.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy shares with us the startling effects of chronic loneliness and how we can combat this public health crisis -- even in a socially distant world.

Thu, July 09, 2020

Encore: Love For The Least Loved

A man confronts his dark past and a random act of kindness that led to a 20-year philosophy.

Mon, July 06, 2020

Have More Meaningful Gatherings, Even During COVID

Priya Parker is an expert on gatherings. She gives us tips on creating deeper social bonds and more collective meaning through our get-togethers.

Thu, July 02, 2020

A Chosen Family

Six years after their story, "A Second Mother To Me," originally aired on Kind World, we catch up with Michael Tambone and Frances Schmitz to talk about the importance and power of a "chosen family."

Mon, June 29, 2020

Kindness In Your World

Our listeners share profound acts of kindness they've experienced throughout their lives, including how kind acts propelled a woman out of homelessness.

Thu, June 25, 2020

Encore: Stuck In Transit

A man became stuck at an airport for 7 months and his only source of hope was a determined stranger. PLUS how a small town helped a family of refugees rebuild their chocolate empire.

Mon, June 22, 2020

A Serving Of Compassion

Irene Li, the celebrated chef of Boston's Mei Mei, discusses her commitment to helping mom-and-pop restaurants and immigrant families survive during the pandemic. Plus, how a longtime customer helped a Los Angeles restaurant owner keep his business afloat as his sales plummet due to coronavirus.

Thu, June 18, 2020

Encore: The Rhythm Within

A drumming teacher steps in and helps a troubled young immigrant find his identity in his new reality. Plus, how kindness and generosity in his early adulthood helped High Point University President Nido Qubein find strength and success.

Tue, June 16, 2020

Building A Village

A Connecticut man starts a donation challenge to feed local families in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, a conversation with activist and authors Mia Birdsong on how we can build stronger, healthier and more equitable communities.

Mon, June 08, 2020

Walk With Shawn

Shawn Dromgoole, a 29-year-old black man, said he was afraid to walk in his gentrifying Nashville neighborhood. Then came a response he never expected.

Mon, June 01, 2020

Playlist: The Kindness Of Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers are in the spotlight these days and getting recognized for their sacrifices during the pandemic. But for so many of them, that recognition is long overdue. Here are three of our favorite Kind World stories about how healthcare workers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their patients in deeply compassionate ways.

Thu, May 28, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Will

Will Bloemendaal, of Grand Rapids, Mich., tells us about witnessing a small but powerful act of integrity and kindness while on the bus.

Fri, May 22, 2020

More Than A Letter

Why a heartfelt thank-you letter from an 11-year-old to her mail carrier resonated with people across the country.

Thu, May 21, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Jessie

Jessie Spellman, of New York, N.Y., tells us about an emotional and unforgettable birthday surprise.

Mon, May 18, 2020

Bringing Generations Closer Together

Stories of kindness that span across different generations.

Thu, May 14, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Anna

Anna Baumgaertner, of Davie, Fla., tells us about a student performance that she calls the highlight of her year.

Mon, May 11, 2020

How To Find Peace In A Pandemic

Dr. Laurie Santos, professor of psychologist at Yale University and host of the podcast, The Happiness Lab, gives us advice on practices we can all adopt as we cope with the anxiety of the coronavirus crisis.

Thu, May 07, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Carly

Carly Shields, of Salt Lake City, Utah, tells us about the sweet ways her 3rd grade students are thinking about #COVIDKindness.

Mon, May 04, 2020

Celebrating Milestones

Finding creative ways to celebrate the class of 2020. Also, how a dedicated mentor changed one man's path.

Thu, April 30, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Kelly

Kelly Brooks, in Boston, Mass., called us to tell us about a project she's been working on to bring people together during the pandemic. The origins of her project date back to 2014 and a diagnosis that changed her life.

Mon, April 27, 2020

'There's Always Hope'

Voicemails about kindness during coronavirus from our listeners! Plus, a woman's quick trip to the grocery store turns into a nightmare as she becomes involved in a hostage crisis at a California Trader Joe's. Donate to support Kind World: www.wbur.org/supportkindworld

Thu, April 23, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Becca

Becca Andrews had recently moved to New York City to pursue her acting dreams. One day, as she was riding the subway, she experienced a small act of kindness that would make a big difference.

Mon, April 20, 2020

Into The Desert

CBS's Steve Hartman joins us to talk kindness during Coronavirus PLUS a story about finding solace in nature and new friends. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. www.wbur.org/supportkindworld

Thu, April 16, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Suzie

Suzie Hicks, of Los Angeles, tells us how her "chosen family" helped her one summer when a string of bad headaches turned into a serious medical condition.

Mon, April 13, 2020

A Shining Light

How can worshippers come together during religious holidays during the coronavirus pandemic? Our latest #COVIDKindness update. Then, a story about how a friend's kind act assured a woman in a painful struggle that she would make it through the darkness.

Thu, April 09, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Andrea

Mon, April 06, 2020

The Power Of Love

We talk about creative ways people are dealing with social isolation during the pandemic. Also, a story about why one woman turned her house into a sanctuary for women in recovery.

Fri, April 03, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Angela

Mon, March 30, 2020

Finding Hope By Giving Life

In this week's #COVIDKindness update, we discuss help by and for medical professionals. Plus, how one man's search for a kidney donor brought him closer to a colleague and friend looking to restore her faith in patient care.

Thu, March 26, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Laura

Laura Niverson, a high school English teacher in Tucson, Ariz., shared with us a story of how her students helped her as she was grieving a difficult loss.

Mon, March 23, 2020

#COVIDKindness & Building A Winning Team

Neighbors helping neighbors during the coronavirus crisis. Plus, the humble beginnings of a remarkable movement to educate generations of refugee children.

Thu, March 19, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Marianne

Marianne McCarthy, of New Haven, Conn., shares the story of a stranger who led her to safety during a crowded concert.

Mon, March 16, 2020

The Birthday Meal

When Nancy Kinnally helped a young man living on the streets, she never imagined how meaningful a hot meal and a little hospitality could be.

Thu, March 12, 2020

A Moment Of Kindness From Mallory

Listener Mallory Van Fossen tells us about the time a complete stranger came to her rescue after an accident.

Mon, March 09, 2020

'I'll Never Cry Again'

Nguyen Thi Dep was forced to give up her daughter during the Vietnam War. She spent decades searching for her, until a stranger decided to help.

Trailer · Mon, February 24, 2020

More Good News: New Season Starts 3/10

We know there's a lot going on in the news, and sometimes, it's hard to see the good when so much seems bad. But here at Kind World, we know there are still compassionate people doing amazing things for others every day -- small good deeds and life-changing acts of kindness. Our new season starts March 10.

Thu, February 13, 2020

Kindness From Our ... Exes?

Breakups can involve complicated feelings and simmering resentments. But we asked some of our friends and colleagues to reflect back and think about the nice things their exes have done for them. We got some pretty great answers.

Mon, February 10, 2020

Returning A Family Treasure

When a filmmaker bought an old VCR for a video project, he was surprised to find a VHS tape inside, featuring a remarkable family moment. He was determined to find the family in the video.

Fri, January 24, 2020

Glimmers Of Light Amid Darkness

Edith Rubin, 91, survived the holocaust. More than 75 years after she was rescued from a Nazi camp, she remembers the rare moments of kindness she experienced during the darkest time in her life.

Bonus · Mon, January 13, 2020

The "Thank You Project"

When Writer Nancy Davis Kho decided to spend an entire year writing "thank-you" letters, she didn't expect just how transformative it would be.

Bonus · Mon, December 23, 2019

Holiday Playlist: The Gift Of Kindness

A collection of Kind World stories that showcase the power of a small but life-changing gift.

Bonus · Thu, December 19, 2019

Teaching Kids To "Be Kind"

An author shares her thoughts on how kids can take an active role in creating a better world. Plus, we visit a children's book shop to check out some favorite stories about kindness.

Mon, December 16, 2019

'The Power Of Niceness'

Six years ago, Ruthy Brown answered Laura DiGeronimo's cry for help on Facebook, agreeing to clear her driveway piled high with snow. Neither woman expected the simple but significant act of kindness to change Laura's life dramatically for the better.

Bonus · Thu, December 12, 2019

Kind World Presents: "Endless Thread"

A slew of unexpected letters, one awesome invention, and an exceptionally kind Santa. These are some of the most heartwarming stories from Reddit - aka "the front page of the internet."

Mon, December 09, 2019

'The Bike Man'

Bob Charland doesn't know how much time he has left to live. But he knows that while he's here, he wants to bring joy to as many kids as possible.

Bonus · Thu, December 05, 2019

Kind World Presents: We Share The Same Sky

In 2017, Rachael Cerrotti shared her story with Kind World. This year, she released a podcast called "We Share The Same Sky," detailing her grandmother Hana's incredible story of survival -- and the journey Rachael took to learn every bit of it.

Mon, December 02, 2019

A Remarkable Family History

Rachael Cerrotti spent the last decade obsessing over her family history. She uncovered a remarkable story about her grandmother, Hana Dubova, who was the only person in her Jewish Czech family to survive the Holocaust.

Mon, November 25, 2019

Change Of Heart

Rais Bhuiyan was almost killed by a white supremacist. The hate-filled attack shattered his life. As Rais picked up the pieces, he then decided to do something extraordinary.

Mon, November 18, 2019

The Crash And The Camino

Mark Joseph Peredo and Luke Hutchins may have never crossed paths. But in the aftermath of a highway crash, the two men needed to find a different way to heal. They set off together to walk a centuries-old pilgrimage.

Mon, November 11, 2019

"Is Everything OK?"

Lynn Schutzman had right education, the right job, and the right marriage. Then, she lost everything...until one day, someone asked her a life-changing question.

Mon, November 04, 2019

The Bugler's Salute

When Gary Marquardt attended a veteran’s funeral and heard a squeaky recording of taps honoring the fallen soldier, he was taken aback. Then he learned about an organization that aims to have a live bugler at every veteran’s memorial service.

Mon, October 28, 2019

The Road To Reconnection

When Chick McClure, a transgender man, began transitioning three years ago, he was terrified his father would reject him. Then one day, Chick got an unexpected call from his father.

Mon, October 21, 2019

Lifelines, Pt. 3: A Place Of Respite

A woman, who fled her country after a vicious attack, now helps other refugees overcome trauma.

Fri, October 11, 2019

Lifelines, Pt. 2: The Sidewalk School

Many of the migrants living at the Matamoros, Mexico border encampment are young children. To help them, Felicia Rangel-Samponaro began a makeshift school where the classes are led by asylum-seekers themselves.

Mon, October 07, 2019

Lifelines, Pt. 1: Wagons Of Hope

We cross the southern border with a dedicated group of volunteers, who are the only source of food, clean water, and shelter for hundreds of asylum seekers.

Trailer · Mon, September 30, 2019

Kind World Presents: 'Lifelines'

Kind World Presents "Lifelines:' Stories of Compassion At The Southern Border.

Mon, September 16, 2019

Changing A Life Through Books

Reading and a chance encounter with a former English teacher helped Dan Wise through what he called the scariest time in his life.

Fri, August 30, 2019

BONUS: The Wisdom Of The Moving Man

When we take stock of the people who matter most to us, there are the spouses, the family members, the best friends, the partners. And then there are the people who aren’t any of those things, but who change our lives anyway.

Mon, August 19, 2019

Expanding Boundaries Through Music

Classical Violinist David France came to realize that students from low-income backgrounds could excel just as much as wealthy ones, if they have the right teacher.

Mon, August 05, 2019

BONUS: One Kid's Extraordinary Summer

11-year-old Ruby asked residents at a nursing home to list their three wishes. What they said - and what she did next - surprised everyone.

Mon, July 22, 2019

A Sun That Keeps Shining

Almost three years ago, Norah Wood, 6, helped Dan Peterson, 84, through his grief. Today, their friendship is still as strong as ever.

Mon, July 15, 2019

A Stranger's Rescue

When Michael Connor saw a burning car on the side of the road, he stopped to see how he could help. He didn't expect to save a child's life seconds before a disaster.

Mon, July 08, 2019

A Sister, A Surrogate

In 2014, Melissa Turner went above and beyond the bond of sisterhood to become a surrogate for her identical twin, Jen. Five years since the birth of Jen's own twin girls, the sisters have experienced tremendous joy and unimaginable tragedy.

Mon, July 01, 2019

The Valedictorian

José Bou went from solitary confinement to college professor and youth mentor.

Mon, June 24, 2019

Finding Family After Seeking Asylum

A young man fled his country for the U.S. after his life was threatened. He lost everything and spiraled into a deep depression. That's when a family stepped up to help him rebuild his life.

Mon, June 17, 2019

A Story Of Basketball, Friendship And Mental Health

When David Pradel was going through a hard time, Nate Edwards was there to help. But David didn't know that Nate was suffering from depression, too.

Mon, June 10, 2019

Kids Fuel Scientific Breakthrough

Six years ago, Dylan Siegel thought of a way to help his friend living with a rare liver disease. Now, his idea is funding life-changing scientific research.

Mon, June 03, 2019

A Connecting Flight

After a chance meeting on an airplane, school volunteer LynnEllen was inspired to help Timothy feel closer to home during his first deployment to Afghanistan. The letters he received were as unexpected as their meeting.

Mon, May 27, 2019

Rebuilding Lives Through Tiny Houses

A couple forced into homelessness finds shelter and community in a tiny house village built by volunteers.

Mon, May 20, 2019

A Recipe For Renewal

When Chef Rebecca Kelly-Manders met Quintin Storey, she knew he was perfect for her new culinary program catering to a special population: people with felony convictions. It's a population Rebecca and Quintin know intimately. They're both felons.

Thu, May 16, 2019

BONUS: A Conversation With Drummers Jonathan Mande And Jorge Perez-Albela

In "The Rhythm Within," we spoke to Jonathan Mande and Jorge Perez-Albela about how they developed a close bond through drumming. Here are some additional highlights from our conversation with them at the WBUR studios.

Mon, May 13, 2019

The Rhythm Within

A boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo moves to Boston with his family after living through harrowing civil unrest. As he struggles in his new reality, a drumming teacher steps in and helps him find his identity.

Mon, May 06, 2019

Stand-In Mom

Sara Cunningham struggled when her son told her he was gay. Now she volunteers as a stand-in mom at same-sex weddings when the biological parents refuse to attend.

Mon, April 29, 2019

An Adoption Calling Answered

A woman with a rare disease and her husband decide to expand their little family by adopting boys who all share the same rare disease she does.

Mon, April 22, 2019

Love For The Least Loved

Growing up in a violent and chaotic home almost pushed Aaron Stark to commit a mass shooting. He says the simple acts of kindness from his friends stopped him from making a horrible mistake.

Mon, April 15, 2019

Stuck in Transit

A Syrian man is stuck at an airport terminal for months and a determined stranger makes it her mission to help him get out.

Trailer · Tue, April 09, 2019

Trailer: new season starts April 16!

Kind World is a show about transformative acts of kindness. We've got stories that will inspire you, lift your spirit, and stories that may even make you tear up a little. Our new season begins April 16. Subscribe now and don't miss an episode.

Tue, January 08, 2019

All-Star Friendship

Reporter Shirley Wang tells the story of her father, Lin Wang, a cat-litter scientist who befriended NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley.

Tue, January 01, 2019

After The Flood

Coach Kevin Motsinger was one of many North Carolinians displaced by Hurricane Florence earlier this year. Despite his own devastating losses, the 45-year-old high school football coach focused on rebuilding his small, rural town.

Mon, December 24, 2018

An Unbroken Record

Iowa basketball player Jordan Bohannon had the perfect opportunity to break an existing free throw record and solidify his name in Iowa sports history. He decided to sacrifice it all for the sake of one family.

Mon, December 17, 2018

The Lift

Community worker Cathy Heying realized that cars are the lifeline for many people with financial struggles. She decided to dedicate herself to helping others get that lifeline back.

Mon, December 10, 2018

A Priceless Collection

A bereaved grandfather was looking for cards of his deceased son, who used to play in the MLB. When he reached out to an avid baseball card collector for help, he got way more than he ever expected.

Mon, December 03, 2018

The Teacher's Aid

When Jenn Carson found out her father was a serial killer, she thought she was doomed to follow a dark path. But then she met a teacher who could see "the goodness" in her.

Mon, November 26, 2018

More Than A Trim

Lenny White always wanted a job that would bring him purpose. After becoming a barber, he realized his trims could offer so much more to men with dementia.

Mon, November 19, 2018

The Marching Band

Drew Bell knew he wanted to be in his high school's marching band even though he couldn't walk. A friend's act of kindness, and sacrifice, helped him do just that.

Mon, November 12, 2018

Aubree's Songs

Baby Aubree was born nearly three months early and was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder. One of her therapists helped her mother record songs to play to Aubree when her parents are away.

Thu, March 01, 2018

New Ink

Much like addressing racism, covering a tattoo can be more complicated than getting the original.