Today's guest is Ashley of Mojave Mini Donkeys, a local attraction to the California high desert area, featuring four mini donkeys, Geronimo, Ghost Rider, Red Wing, and Wolfie.

We learn about the kind nature of donkeys and some of their unique personality traits, and why they're such lovable and unexpected companions.

We also learn about Ashley's background and journey into the donkey world. Her and her husband Matt have also recently launched the Mojave Donkey League, a non-profit donkey adoption organization, which she discusses in depth.

It's impossible to not smile and laugh while listening to this episode.

Enjoy some donkey talk!

Kinder Things kicks off 2026 with a full-circle conversation about time, growth, and the music that carry us through it. Host Mike Shaw sits down with Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line and Vacationer to talk about Eternal Youth—the first Starting Line album in 18 years.

Kenny talks about writing songs that feel lived-in rather than engineered, pushing back against algorithmic creativity and AI-flattened music culture in favor of something unmistakably human.

Conversation also touches upon 2025 being a milestone year for Kenny becoming a first-time father, as his wife gave birth to their beautiful daughter.

In this episode of Kinder Things, host Mike Shaw sits down with none other than Speech Thomas, the legendary frontman of Arrested Development. Known for his lyrical activism and uplifting beats, Speech opens up about his multifaceted creative journey—from his acclaimed TED Talk to his eye-opening documentary film, and his deeply personal podcast that dives into stories of humanity, identity, and resilience.

Throughout the conversation, Speech shares his life mission: to connect people through truth and empathy, and to illuminate the unique light within every individual. He reflects on how creativity can be a healing force.

As a powerful bonus, Speech announces a brand-new album, Adult Contemporary Hip Hop promising a return to the raw, soul-infused sound that made Arrested Development a household name—now layered with the perspective of wisdom, growth, and generational insight.

This episode is a celebration of purpose, artistry, and the sacred responsibility of storytelling. Tune in to be reminded that kindness isn’t passive—it’s active and revolutionary.