We visit with Reed Endersbe regarding the Robert Putnam documentary, "Join or Die." Putnam, the author of the best-selling, "Bowling Alone," argues that the epidemic of loneliness is having an adverse impact on the mental health of Americans and the lack of joining civic organizations is likewise impacting the health of American democracy.
Big news in the Gorg family! We try to discuss politics and it goes nowhere. We land on a discussion of legendary Coach Bill Lechner and John's cousin Matt Benz, a great guy who was just recognized for 1500 games as the Minnesota Wild's Equipment Manager.
We visit with a remarkable person, Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Shanti Narasimhan. A University of Minnesota Professor, Heart Doctor at Masonic Children's Hospital and volunteer for Children's Heartlink traveling to Brazil and India on mission trips providing cardiac care to underserved children. Amazing person!
We return to Willow Lane Elementary and visit with a group incredibly ambitious and kind 4th graders and hear about their "Minnow Tank" Program.
Anthony LaPanta joins us to talk family, friends and food (and not necessarily in that order) and his personal Mt. Rushmore of local "good guys" he has encountered in the professional sports world.
BOO! While John's sarcasm gets a bit exhausting in this Halloween preview, the KC Crew discuss KG's Wild travel (packing for 12 days), Steve's favorite scary movies (no one has ever heard of) and John shares a ghost story from his days on the St. Joe's Hospital psych ward...as an employee, not a patient.
We discuss a unique program that brings hockey to children in the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul , DINOMIGHTS. We visit with Impact Hockey owner and DINOMIGHTS Volunteer, Eric Johnson (Self described Johnny Clueless fan, Kevin Gorg admirer and complete stranger to John Schwietz.)
The KC Crew discusses a variety of topics from Hurricane Helene to Customer Service recognition. Steve offers a new KC Challenge...Support the Arts. (Apparently Culinary Arts don't count) :(
We enjoy a chat with legendary St. Paul Pioneer Press Columnist, former Minnesota Twin and all-around great guy Charley Walters
Crossover event with Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries. We visit with Shawn Kor, Executive Director of Eagle's Healing Nest.
We take a few moments to reflect on some of the "light" that came out of one of the darkest days in US history, September 11, 2001.
Fashion-forward 14-year-old, Carter Finseth tells us about his "kindness brand,' Be. Real. Be You. Be Nice.
The Great Minnesota Get Together...a combination of food, fun and apparently FIGHTS on the Midway. We discuss the Kindness experienced at the fair and the unfortunate chaos we also endured.
In a world dominated by political divisiveness, St. Paul/Minnesota lost one of the least divisive, most lovable "politicians" to ever hold office. George Latimer was THAT guy. His dear friend, and John's "Uncle Harry" joins us in remembering a St. Paul legend.
KG (finally) got us a good one. Kidding, of course. We discover a really important part of Paul Allen (KFAN's 9-Noon host/Voice of the Minnesota Vikings/ Canterbury Track Announcer). For those who know him well, his gift of calling a play, calling a race and just plain storytelling is second to none. For the Kindness Chronicles, his gift of hospitality (after experiencing countless technical difficulties on our end) was on full display. WHAT. A. GUY.
Do you remember when they had commercials like, "this week on a very special Blossom?" This is one of those weeks. Heather and Randy Bacchus share the story of their son's tragic story, the perils of "today's marijuana" on the developing brain and how it has led to the development of Be Extraordinary. Be You.
From MN Nice to True Confessions. The positive side of bad choices.
We discuss Minnesota Nice...is it always nice?
We visit with EJ and Nicole McNaulty about their unique organization that honors their late son, Michael, by spreading kindness thru incredible candles that deliver a powerful message. Check them out at AKindness.co.
We talkin' dogs for the 4th of July, Betty, Milty, Fenway, Brooks and Belle.
We weren't able to connect with Taylor for our live podcast, but we explore the Taylor Swift phenomenon and the role kinds plays in her "brand."
Buckle up for the enthusiasm of Tommy McBrayer, the Founder and CEO of aptly named non-profit, Don't Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops. Living with gun violence in Minneapolis, Tommy, a two-time gun violence survivor turned his trauma into hope for hundereds of young men and boys in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
We let Steve sit this one out. Kevin and John discuss a Father's Day US Open, the perils of hosting a podcast called "The Kindness Chronicles" and the importance of having the right guys "In the Room," for teams like the Twins and The Wild.
John's dad, Jack joins us for a fun chat about fatherhood and favorite TV and Movie Dads.
Crossover event.
THANK YOU, LISTENERS! Depending on how you count, this is our 100th episode to be uploaded. We have a bit of fun reminiscing!
We are all in-studio for University of Minnesota Basketball player, and budding media personality, Parker Fox, as he shares some stories about his "non-linear" journey thru 7 (soon-to-be 8) years as a college athlete. From All-American to a torn ACL on one leg to a torn ACL on the other to Minnesota Golden Gopher Basketball Captain. He discusses everything from the transfer portal to the big business of college athletics to a couple of U of M graduate-level courses that would make just about eve...
We discuss a variety of topics, from Kevin's "Preposterous Statements" hall-of-fame record, to Minnesota's extraordinary culture of philanthropy to a few"Don't Be THAT Guy tips.
Our mom's join us (in studio) to reflect on motherhood with the KC Crew.
