Kindness is Everything
Kids & Family
About
Children's author and conservationist, Anitha Rao-Robinson invites listeners to join her as she creates a community of kindness. She speaks with folks of all ages about their incredible stories of kindness towards animals, the environment, and people.
Episodes
- Kindness Is Saving Beagles—Rescuing beagles from a horrific breeding and testing facility.
Dean Wyrzykowski joins Anitha to discuss the rescue of beagles from Ridglan Farms, a breeding and testing facility. They cover the conditions the dogs endured and the efforts that led to the rescue of over 1500 dogs.
- Kindness Is Being Dr. Izzy—From vegan to wildlife vet to conservationist to honouring Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Izzy Hirji joins Anitha to discuss his work as a veterinarian and conservationist, highlighting his admiration and experiences with Dr. Jane Goodall. They discuss Dr. Goodall's influence and Izzy's efforts in animal welfare.
- Kindness Is Comedy & Commitment
Aaron Foster talks about his comedy career, including his decision to share his mental health struggles in his shows. He also discusses reuniting with a dog he fostered over a decade ago which he then adopted.
- Kindness Is Caring For Those Left Behind—When someone dies, what happens to their beloved companion animal?
This episode of Kindness Is Everything explores the topic of pet care after an owner's death. Anitha chats with Lindsay Kirschner about her experience adopting her mother's dog, Coconut, after her mother passed away unexpectedly. They emph…
- Kindness Is Loving Dogs—From fostering to creating an animal sanctuary
Anitha chats with Alyssa Blackwell about her journey fostering dogs since age 16 and her new animal sanctuary, Sacred Paws Dog Sanctuary. This episode explores Alyssa's dedication to helping animals, inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall.
- Kindness Is Carrying On A Legacy–How the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada continues the work of Dr. Jane Goodall.
This episode explores the work of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. It features an interview with CEO Bella Lam, who discusses Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy and the institute's conservation efforts.
- Kindness Is From Fauna—Spreading awareness about cultivated meat.
Shimoi Kalra from From Fauna discusses cultivated meat and its benefits. She explains how the organization simplifies information about cultivated meats for a wider audience.
- Kindness Is Food Empowerment—How the power of one’s food choices can create a just & sustainable world.
Lauren Ornelas, founder of The Food Empowerment Project (FEP), joins Anitha to discuss how individual food choices can contribute to a more just and sustainable world. The conversation covers topics such as healthy vegan choices, farm anim…
- Kindness Is The Caregivers Journey—A podcast helping caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan discuss The Caregivers Journey, a podcast inspired by their personal experiences caring for loved ones with dementia. They aim to support and provide resources for other caregivers facing similar challenges.
- Kindness Is Blink Now—How a gap year turned into a life dedicated to empowering children & women in Nepal
Maggie Doyne discusses her work with the BlinkNow Foundation, which empowers children and women in Nepal. She shares how a gap year led to the creation of a children's home, a school, and a women's center, and reflects on the joys and trag…
- Kindness Is Creating Transfarmation—Helping to build a just & sustainable food system.
Katherine Jernigan, Director of the Transfarmation Project, joins Anitha to discuss transforming animal agricultural farms into plant-based farms. She talks about the harm to animals and farmers in animal agriculture, the cost of transform…
- Kindness Is Furball Confidential—A podcast all about folks and the adorable animals they share space with.
Jen Moroz, creator of the podcast Furball Confidential, joins Anitha to discuss the inspiration behind her show, which focuses on people and their pets. She shares her experiences and conversations with guests, prompted by her dog, Clutch.…
- Kindness Is Keeping Neighbours Safe—Helping black & brown folks in Minneapolis/St. Paul as ICE descends upon this community
Mike Hotz joins Anitha to discuss the situation in Minneapolis/St. Paul as ICE detains people of color. He shares stories of individuals affected and how the community is providing support.
- Kindness Is Social Media For Good—Using the power of social to advocate for animals
Johnny Oberg, an animal advocate, joins Anitha to discuss his journey to becoming an animal activist and using social media to advocate for animals. He talks about the impact of his social media posts and how he bears witness to animals be…
- Kindness Is Making Poetry—Creating meaningful poems for strangers
Hannah Monsour, a typewriter poet, discusses creating instant poems for strangers, sharing unique encounters like wedding proposals. She creates a poem for Anitha during the episode, highlighting the power of words.
- Kindness Is Remembering Esther—Continuing the legacy of Esther the Wonder Pig.
Steve Jenkins, one of Esther the Wonder Pig’s dads, talks about his life with Esther, grieving her passing, and creating a legacy in her name. He also discusses Operation Angels, his new initiative to help other farm sanctuaries.
- Kindness Is The Vegan Report—A space for all fronts of the animal liberation movement.
Rayane Laddi discusses his podcast, The Vegan Report, with Anitha, covering topics like the animal liberation movement, podcast episodes, and tips for starting a podcast.
- Kindness Is The Animal Save Movement—Creating an eco-friendly vegan world, for the animals, the planet, and health.
Anita Krajnc, co-founder of The Animal Save Movement, discusses the organization's origins and its growth since 2010. She explains their grassroots approach to animal activism and the importance of bearing witness.
- Kindness Is Loving Octopuses—A young girl dedicated to helping octopuses.
Lily Niederhofer, an eleven-year-old, joins Anitha to discuss her favorite animal, the octopus. She raises awareness about the conditions octopuses face and uses her swimming skills to raise money for ocean and marine life protection. This…
- Kindness Is Queer Brown Vegan—Advocating for diversity & inclusion in environmental education.
Isaias Hernandez, environmentalist and storyteller, joins Anitha to talk about advocating for animals, the environment, and underrepresented communities. This episode focuses on queer brown veganism and promoting diversity and inclusion in…
- Kindness Is Bags Without Barriers—Providing essential supplies so all individuals can be successful.
Justin Osei-Dwumoh joins Anitha to discuss Bags Without Barriers, an initiative that provides essential school supplies to students and vital items to underserved new mothers. He partners with organizations to fill backpacks and diaper bag…
- Kindness Is Creating Frankie’s World–Advocating for one of society’s most misrepresented beings, rats.
Mariah Madigan, founder of Frankie's World, shares her journey of establishing a rat sanctuary. She discusses challenging negative perceptions of rats and highlights their intelligence, cleanliness, and affectionate nature.
- Kindness Is Teachers for Future Turtle Island—Educating on colonialism, equality, climate crisis & more.
Kim Benson joins Anitha to discuss "Teachers for Future Turtle Island," a group dedicated to dismantling systems of colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy. The discussion covers how these systems contribute to ecological…
- Kindness Is Racing To Zero—Helping sports organizations tackle climate change.
Oliver Scholfield of Racing to Zero joins Anitha to discuss how sports organizations can tackle climate change and implement solutions to minimize environmental harm. The episode explores the positive changes possible within the sporting w…
- Kindness Is Being Anonymous for the Voiceless—Speaking out against history’s largest and longest-standing injustice.
Oliver Loos joins Anitha to discuss animal activism, veganism, and the animal rights organization Anonymous for the Voiceless. The episode explores their work to raise public awareness about animal exploitation.
- Kindness Is Continuing To Fight For Rainbow Spaces—Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth
Nadia Kean-Ayub returns to discuss Rainbow Spaces, an organization dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth. The episode explores the present environment in the United States concerning LGBTQ+ communities and the importance of supportive space…
- Kindness Is Being We Animals—Advocating For Animals Through Photojournalism.
Jo-Anne McArthur, founder of We Animals, discusses animal photojournalism with Anitha. She talks about documenting animal cruelty and the "humanity" of animals used for food, clothing, entertainment, and research.
- Kindness Is Elevating Access—Ensuring folks have access to life-saving healthcare, even if it comes at self-risk.
This episode features Kira from Elevated Access, a non-profit that provides free flights for individuals seeking life-saving healthcare, including gender-affirming and abortion care. The discussion covers the challenges faced by those seek…
- Kindness Is Fulfilling Edgar’s Mission—How a photo shoot with a pig grew into a sanctuary for farm animals.
Pam Ahern, founder of Edgar’s Mission, discusses her journey to create a sanctuary for farm animals. She shares stories of rescued animals and highlights the mission's focus on kindness and hope.
- Kindness Is Being Like Josh—How fostering one dog with special needs turned into an entire foundation helping dogs with disabilities.
Kimberly Elliott, founder of the Be Like Josh Foundation, shares how her experience fostering a special needs dog named Josh inspired her to create an organization that helps dogs with disabilities. She also discusses misconceptions about…
- Kindness Is Coffees For Gaza—How donating the cost of a coffee can make a positive impact.
Dr. Inda Ahmad Zahri, co-founder of Coffees For Gaza, discusses the initiative to help families in Gaza. She shares stories of families who have been helped and emphasizes that even small donations can make a positive impact.
- Kindness Is Helping Primates Together—How a group of sanctuaries work together to help primates.
This episode discusses the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) and its efforts to unite primate sanctuaries. It highlights their work in providing care for primates and addressing the reasons primates, not native to North Ame…
- Kindness Is Ethical Wildlife Tourism—How to enjoy your trip while respecting wildlife
Anitha and Connie Needham discuss ethical wildlife tourism, exploring ways to travel responsibly without causing harm to animals. They cover activities like elephant rides and photo opportunities, highlighting their impact on wildlife.
- Kindness Is Zoocheck— Advocating to end the abuse, neglect & exploitation of wild animals
Rob Laidlaw, founder of Zoocheck, joins Anitha to discuss animal activism and his work advocating for wildlife. He shares his journey and efforts to end the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of wild animals, as well as his optimism for the…
- Kindness Is Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary—A place where primates heal & recover from trauma.
This episode features Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, located in Ontario, Canada, highlighting its mission to provide healing and recovery for primates. It shares stories of the sanctuary's residents and discusses efforts to help Cambod…
- Kindness Is Being Annick Press—How a Canadian publisher is standing up for diversity & representation in their books.
Rick Wilks of Annick Press discusses diversity and representation in children's books, including their mentorship program for underrepresented writers. The conversation also covers the topic of book banning and its impact on creators and c…
- Kindness Is Oscar’s Place—A sanctuary for donkeys.
Ron King joins Anitha to discuss Oscar's Place, a sanctuary dedicated to the healing and well-being of donkeys. He shares insights into the individual donkeys and emphasizes their affectionate and intelligent nature, alongside his personal…
- Kindness Is Fauna Foundation—Canada’s only chimpanzee sanctuary offers refuge for those who suffered from medical research.
Mary Lee Jensvold discusses the Fauna Foundation, Canada's only chimpanzee sanctuary, which provides a home for chimpanzees previously used in medical research. She shares stories of their healing and the foundation's efforts to provide co…
- Kindness Is Being Dr. Grace Gilbert—The journey from being a homeschooled conservative to bravely speaking out against current US Government
Dr. Grace Gilbert shares her journey from a conservative, homeschooled background to becoming a doctor and activist. She discusses why she no longer adheres to conservative Christian beliefs and speaks out against current US government pol…
- Kindness Is Otis The Handsome Hound—How an Animal Testing Survivor Is Living His Best Life & Raising Awareness
This episode features Otis The Handsome Hound, an animal testing survivor, and his rescuer, Robert Sturman. They discuss Otis's life, from his past experiences to his present activities, and how he helps raise awareness about animal testin…
- Kindness Is Wild By Nurture—One woman’s dedication to opossums, porcupines, foxes and many animals often neglected when it comes to rescue.
Claire Peters-Lunny, founder of Wild By Nurture, shares stories about her wildlife rehabilitation and sanctuary. She discusses caring for orphaned and injured opossums, porcupines, groundhogs, and other animals, many of whom were injured d…
- Kindness Is Moonman Photography—How photos have the power to connect us with the wonders of wildlife.
Kyle Moon, a wildlife photographer and guide at Yellowstone National Park, shares his experiences photographing wild animals and discusses the ethics of trophy hunting. He also expresses interest in collaborating on environmental projects.
- Kindness Is PETA KIDS—How PETA is showcasing kids & their compassion for animals.
Samantha Crowe from PETA discusses how PETA Kids promotes animal compassion and humane education. The episode also highlights an upcoming contest for children and provides resources for animal welfare.
- Kindness Is Speaking Up—How more than ever, standing up against injustice matters
Dr. Crystal Heath joins Anitha to discuss her experiences with human injustices, including her arrest during a peaceful protest in Los Angeles. She highlights the challenges faced by activists who advocate for both human and animal rights.
- Kindness Is Creating Rainbow Spaces (an Encore episode)- How one woman created a safe space for youth in the LGBTQ+ community
Nadia Kean-Ayub discusses the creation and growth of Rainbow Spaces, an organization providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. She shares what motivated her to start the organization and how it supports the community.
- Kindness Is Theo & 3 Sisters-How one couple took the phrase ‘adopt don’t shop’ to heart & welcomed a family of four kittens into their lives
Lindsay Fortune discusses adopting four kittens, Theo, Sadie, Bailey, and Stella, who transformed from feral to playful pets. She shares insights into their personalities and journey.
- Kindness Is Secondhand Stories
Liz Wheeler, founder of Secondhand Stories, a non-profit chicken sanctuary, talks with Anitha about rescuing and caring for chickens. They also discuss the actual meaning of terms like ‘care-free’ and ‘free-range’ in relation to chickens.
- Kindness Is Saving 25 Cats From Qatar
Mye Hoang, a filmmaker, discusses her documentary "25 Cats From Qatar." The film follows a mission to rescue 25 cats from Qatar and find them homes in the US.
- Kindness Is Being Friends Of Bonobos
Anitha interviews Ariel Rogers, executive director of Friends of Bonobos, about bonobos. They discuss the characteristics of bonobos, their endangered status, and the work being done to protect them, including the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary.
- Kindness Is Jarjeer Mules
Susan Machin, founder of Jarjeer, a sanctuary for equines in Morocco, shares her story. She discusses the challenges and rewards of establishing the sanctuary and the importance of community support for animal welfare in the region.