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The Support & Kindness Podcast

The Support & Kindness Podcast

Written 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 21: How to Stop Self-Sabotage & Break Free From Limiting Beliefs

    Episode 21: How to Stop Self-Sabotage & Break Free From Limiting Beliefs
    Feb 1 2026

    Self-sabotage can look like procrastination, perfectionism, negative self-talk, unhealthy coping, or pushing people away when things start going well.

    In this episode, the hosts unpack how fear (of failure/rejection and of success), low self-worth, and learned patterns can quietly derail progress—then share practical ways to interrupt the cycle with awareness, small steps, support, and self-compassion.

    Key points

    Self-sabotage is often unconscious: “We don’t wake up… and think… today I’m gonna undermine my own happiness…” — Greg

    Common signs include procrastination, perfectionism, harsh self-criticism, relationship conflict or avoidance, unrealistic goals, and self-medicating.

    Fear of failure can create “failure on our terms” (a false sense of control); fear of success can trigger imposter feelings and discomfort with change.

    The first step is awareness: notice patterns, triggers, and themes (journaling helps).

    Challenge unhelpful thoughts (“Is this true? Is this helpful?”).

    Practice self-compassion: treat yourself as you would a good friend.

    Break big goals into small, actionable steps; add accountability (a friend, coach, or therapist).

    Build healthier coping options (movement, meditation, talking with someone supportive).

    Host highlights

    Greg: “Self-sabotage is a psychological and behavioral pattern that we can overcome.”

    Takeaway:

    Progress > perfection—celebrate tiny course corrections as real wins.

    Rich (procrastination): “Breaking larger tasks down into small, manageable tasks…” reduces overwhelm.

    Takeaway:

    Start with the first micro-step (e.g., “write that first email”).

    Jay (perfectionism/stuckness): “Stepping away from the task… and coming back to it” can help.

    Takeaway:

    If you don’t know the next step, ask someone for help to regain traction.

    Derek (relationships): “Setting alarms on my phone” and using Post-its or visual cues helps him reconnect.

    Takeaway:

    Design reminders ahead of time so future-you follows through. Bonus: “Let’s flip the record over… put a new album on.”

    Sarah (self-compassion): “Nobody is crueler to me than me ever… we should be the kindest to ourselves.”

    Takeaway:

    If you wouldn’t say it to a loved one, don’t say it to yourself—rewrite it more kindly.

    Memorable moments

    Derek shares a painful reflection (a letter from his father) and names the need for external help.

    Jay connects addiction recovery and self-sabotage, expressing gratitude for a healthier chapter.

    Lightning round: community care and “look out for your neighbors” (Rich, Sarah).

    Resources & links mentioned

    Contact: info@kindnessrx.org

    Companion site mentioned: KindnessRX — kindnessrx.org

    Listener action steps

    Do one tiny starter step in the next five minutes.

    Set a 15-minute “good enough” timer, then stop.

    Tell one trusted person your goal (accountability).

    Replace one inner-critic line with a kinder rewrite.

    Set a weekly reminder to reach out to someone important.
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    22 mins
  • Episode 20 — Anxiety With No Apparent Cause

    Episode 20 — Anxiety With No Apparent Cause
    Jan 25 2026
    Episode 20 — Anxiety With No Apparent CauseHosts: Greg · Rich · Jay · Liam · Derek · SarahEpisode OverviewHave you ever felt anxious for “no reason at all”? Your heart races, your chest tightens, your thoughts spiral, but nothing obvious is wrong?In Episode 20, the Support and Kindness Podcast takes a thoughtful, grounded look at anxiety that seems to appear out of nowhere.Greg and the co-hosts explore why this happens, how the nervous system works, and what helps both in the moment and over time. This episode blends education, lived experience, and practical support, all in a safe, shame-free conversation.This is a peer-based discussion intended to support, not diagnose. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, professional help is encouraged.Episode Themes & Key TopicsWhy anxiety can feel random even when there is a causeHow the nervous system’s alarm system can misfireThe “anxiety about anxiety” loopHidden triggers: stress, fatigue, caffeine, hormones, unprocessed emotionsTools to calm anxiety in the momentHabits that help lower baseline anxietyLetting go of shame and self-criticismThe power of support and shared experienceKey Insights from the HostsGreg (Host)Greg frames the episode with compassion and clarity, emphasizing that unexplained anxiety does not mean something is “wrong” with you.Key Takeaway:“Anxiety can be real even if there’s no obvious cause, and you deserve compassion, not criticism.”Anxiety is often a signal, not a failureThe body may react to accumulated stress before the mind catches upFighting anxiety increases it; curiosity and kindness reduce itThe goal is not perfection, but a lower baseline and more supportRichRich focuses on catching anxiety early.“My goal is to keep anxiety from becoming a panic attack.”What helps him: noticing early physical cues, grounding through surroundings, naming anxiety clearly, and understanding his personal baseline.JayJay describes living with a consistently elevated anxiety baseline.“On a scale of one to ten, my anxiety doesn’t really go below a four.”Anxiety is worse later in the day and before social events, but often eases afterward. Support groups help the most.Tools: consistent sleep, exercise, journaling, fidgeting, and peer support.LiamLiam identifies catastrophizing as his main trigger.“I’ve already developed the worst thing that can happen in my head.”He works on challenging worst-case thoughts and conserving emotional energy.DerekDerek sees anxiety as a signal to slow down.“My anxiety will jolt me back to reality — like, ‘Hey, stop and breathe.’”Simple, linear task lists and accepting “good enough” reduce overwhelm.SarahSarah offers a practical perspective shaped by single parenting.“I don’t feel shame about my anxiety. It’s just another layer of worry.”She finds relief by examining the true worst-case scenario and accepting anxiety without apology.Practical Tools SharedThe 90-Second Kindness PlanName it: “Anxiety is here.”Locate it in the body.Use one anchor:Longer exhalesGrounding through sight or touchTemperature cuesReassure yourself: “This is uncomfortable, not dangerous.”Lowering Anxiety Over TimeBrief journaling and emotional check-insGentle movement and time outdoorsMusic, warm showers, calming routinesReducing environmental stressLimiting doom scrollingStaying connectedFinal TakeawayAnxiety does not need a visible cause to be valid. It may be a misfiring alarm or a tired nervous system asking for care. Meeting anxiety with patience instead of pressure can slowly reduce its grip.You are not broken. You are not alone. Support makes a difference.Be gentle with yourself — and with each other.Resources Mentioned988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)Call or text 988 — available 24/7 https://988lifeline.orgEmergency ServicesCall your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger.(Additional resources are listed in the episode’s full show notes on the website.)
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    23 mins
  • Episode 19 — Seasonal Affective Disorder — SAD

    Episode 19 — Seasonal Affective Disorder — SAD
    Jan 11 2026
    Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder — SAD)Support and Kindness PodcastHosts: Greg Shaw, Rich, JayEpisode Focus: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), how it shows up in real life, and why compassion and connection matter during darker seasons.Episode SummaryAs daylight fades, many people notice changes in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation. In this episode, Greg, Rich, and Jay talk openly about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—what it is, why it happens, who is more at risk, and what treatments and supports can help.This conversation blends research-backed information with lived experience. The hosts also reflect on how seasonal changes affect motivation, sleep, family life, and self‑compassion. The episode closes with a heartfelt check‑in: “What’s on your heart this week?”Important note: This episode is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.What You’ll LearnWhat Seasonal Affective Disorder is and how it differs from “winter blues”Why changes in daylight affect serotonin, melatonin, circadian rhythm, and vitamin DWho is more likely to experience SAD and how geography plays a roleCommon symptoms of winter‑pattern and summer‑pattern SADEvidence‑based treatments including light therapy, CBT‑SAD, medication, and lifestyle supportsPrevention strategies for people who experience SAD year after yearKey Quotes & Takeaways from the HostsGreg Shaw“SAD is real. It has biological causes. And it needs real care.”Greg shares how staying connected through support groups and creative communities helps him manage depression and avoid isolation.Emphasizes empathy—especially turning the kindness we offer others back toward ourselves.Rich“Less light really takes away a lot of my energy in the winter months.”Rich reflects on how early darkness affects motivation, physical activity, and emotional energy.A powerful moment comes when he recognizes he gives his children more compassion than he gives himself—an insight many listeners may relate to.Jay“I actually do better in the winter months—I’ve always been more of a night person.”Jay discusses summer‑pattern struggles, especially sleep disruption due to heat and sunlight.Highlights the importance of exercise, noting its benefits for mood, anxiety, and even reducing dementia risk.Noteworthy ObservationsSAD is not a separate illness—it’s a form of major depression with a seasonal pattern.Diagnosis usually requires the same seasonal pattern for at least two years.Cultural approaches like Hygge (Denmark) and Koselig (Norway) show how warmth, lighting, and togetherness can soften winter’s impact.Emerging research is exploring new tools like dawn simulators and brain‑based stimulation methods.Resources MentionedMayo Clinic – Seasonal Affective DisorderAmerican Medical AssociationNational Institute of Mental HealthJohns Hopkins MedicineMental Health AmericaAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansWebMD – SAD SymptomsDartmouth Health – CBT-SADPiedmont HealthcareCommunity SupportKindnessRX Support Groups (Free, Online, Weekly):Brain Injury SupportChronic Pain SupportMental Health & Emotional Well‑BeingLearn Morehttps://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBwFinal ThoughtWhether winter feels heavy or summer feels overwhelming, this episode reminds us that seasonal struggles are valid—and connection makes a difference.You are not alone.
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    18 mins
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