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The Support & Kindness Podcast

The Support & Kindness Podcast

Von: 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
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  • Episode 30: Who Do You Trust?

    Episode 30: Who Do You Trust?
    Apr 5 2026
    WHO DO YOU TRUST?Support and Kindness PodcastHosts: Greg Shaw, Rich, Derek, Liam, SarahTrust is something we all rely on, yet many of us struggle to define, build, or rebuild it—especially after being hurt. In Episode 30, the Support and Kindness team has an honest, personal, and sometimes raw conversation about what trust really means, how it breaks, and how we live with the consequences when it does.Greg opens the episode by grounding trust as a choice to be vulnerable based on reliability, honesty, and genuine care. The group explores why trust matters so deeply to our mental health, relationships, and sense of safety—and why so many people feel guarded today.Core themes exploredTrust as reliability, honesty, and benevolence—not perfectionWhy trust breaks through small patterns, not just major betrayalsThe link between trust, vulnerability, and emotional safetyTrust issues as protection, not personal failureRebuilding trust without shutting down or becoming cynicalNavigating trust online, at work, and in personal relationshipsWhy trusting someone with a pet feels deeply personalCo‑Host Insights & Noteworthy MomentsGregGreg reflects openly on how repeated betrayals—especially by people who should have been safe—can make trust feel lonely.“Trust can be lonely. I don’t know if being quick to forgive is a strength or something that gets you hurt again.”Key takeaway: Trust is layered. You may trust different people with different parts of your life—and that’s okay.RichRich shares how trust loss often shows up as emotional vigilance rather than anger.“When I stop asking myself what someone wants from me, that’s when trust starts.”He also reflects on how childhood experiences shaped his instincts to guard information.“I was indoctrinated into trust issues early in life.”Key takeaway: Trust can disappear quickly, but it takes time and consistency to rebuild—and sometimes the work starts within ourselves.DerekDerek emphasizes intuition and context.“You can trust different people with different parts of your life.”He notes that trust grows through experience, not certainty.“You know when you know. It’s case by case.”Key takeaway: Trust is not all‑or‑nothing. It evolves through observation and lived experience.LiamLiam offers some of the most vulnerable reflections of the episode, sharing deep betrayals by close family and a spouse.“How do you recover when the most important people in your life betray you?”He also questions whether pain was worth the love that came before.“Right now, I’d say the pain makes me wish I’d never had it at all.”Key takeaway: Betrayal can damage not only trust in others, but trust in yourself—and rebuilding often starts there.SarahSarah focuses on accountability and hope.“If someone doesn’t take accountability, that can be a relationship ender.”She also reminds listeners not to give up on people.“If you keep trusting people, you will find the good ones.”Key takeaway: Trust can be rebuilt with honesty, boundaries, and time—and new connections are possible at any stage of life.Episode TakeawaysTrust requires vulnerability, and vulnerability always carries riskTrust issues often come from wisdom gained through painHealing trust means balancing protection with opennessYou can rebuild trust without ignoring red flagsFinding safe people is still possible—even after deep hurtFree Peer‑Led Support GroupsYou don’t have to figure this out alone. We host free, live, online weekly peer‑led support groups, and you are warmly invited:Mondays at 1:00 PM EasternBrain Injury Support GroupTuesdays at 12:00 PM EasternChronic Pain Support GroupWednesdays at 7:30 PM EasternMental Health Support Group👉 Sign‑up Click HereChallenge for the week: Think of one person who has shown up for you. Tell them. Trust grows when it’s acknowledged.Connection is worth the risk.
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    51 Min.
  • Episode 29: "Choosing a Good Medical Provider or Therapist"

    Episode 29: "Choosing a Good Medical Provider or Therapist"
    Mar 29 2026
    Hosts: Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek, LiamSummaryChoosing a medical provider or therapist can feel confusing, stressful, and high‑stakes—especially when you are already not feeling your best. In Episode 29, Greg and the crew walk through a clear, practical roadmap for finding care that actually fits your needs. This episode breaks down provider types, credentials, insurance issues, therapy styles, and the often‑overlooked importance of trust, communication, and listening to your instincts.The conversation blends evidence‑based guidance with real lived experiences—both good and bad—to remind listeners that changing providers is not failure, it is self‑care.Key Topics CoveredClarifying what kind of care you need before you searchDifferences between primary care providers, specialists, and mental health professionalsUnderstanding licenses, certifications, and experienceNavigating insurance, cost, in‑network vs. out‑of‑network careWhy location, access, and telehealth options matterHow to assess fit during your first visitTherapy types explained simply (CBT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic, group vs. individual)When and how to move on if a provider isn’t rightHost & Co‑Host HighlightsGreg anchors the episode with structure and compassion, emphasizing that preparation and self‑advocacy change outcomes.“If the answer to ‘did they listen to me?’ is no, you’re allowed to keep looking. You deserve to feel respected and heard.”Greg also shares a personal story of a therapist falling asleep during session, reinforcing a central message:“A good provider on paper doesn’t always mean the right provider for you.”Takeaway: Trust how you feel in the room, not just the résumé.Rich speaks candidly about being dismissed by medical professionals while seeking care for traumatic brain injury.“Don’t sit there allowing a dismissive medical professional to not provide the care you’re seeking.”He highlights the importance of second opinions and patient‑centered care, noting how validation from a neurologist who understood sports‑related head trauma changed everything.Takeaway: Being believed matters as much as being treated.Jay reflects on both deeply positive and traumatic healthcare experiences, including finally being heard by a pain specialist.“One of the smartest moves I ever made was asking for a pain doctor.”He also shares the impact of a long‑term therapist who balanced challenge and care:“She made me see the true value in therapy.”Takeaway: Specialized care exists—ask for it.Derek offers thoughtful insight into therapy styles, especially DBT vs. CBT, and group versus individual settings.“Just because something works doesn’t mean it works the same way for everyone.”He stresses pacing, openness, and allowing time before deciding—while still honoring personal boundaries.Takeaway: Growth takes time, but your values still matter.Liam discusses stigma, vulnerability, and the power of strong primary care relationships.“It all starts from the ground up with a primary care doctor you trust.”He also emphasizes honesty as a core value in healthcare and life.“Honesty and kindness usually travel together.”Takeaway: The right foundation makes every next step easier.Notable InsightsOnline reviews help, but patterns matter more than single commentsEvidence‑based therapy is a strong green flagTherapy fit often takes 3–5 sessions to assessEthical providers support referrals if it’s not workingChanging providers is not quitting—it’s advocatingFree Peer‑Led Support GroupsWe host free, live, online weekly peer‑led support groups, and you are warmly invited:Mondays at 1:00 PM EasternBrain Injury Support Tuesdays at 12:00 PM EasternChronic Pain Support Wednesdays at 7:30 PM EasternMental Health Support 👉 Sign‑up Click HereFinal ReminderYou deserve care from someone who listens, respects you, and supports your wellbeing. Take your time finding that person—it matters.Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.GregRichJayDerekLiam
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    42 Min.
  • Episode 28: How to Be a Better Listener

    Episode 28: How to Be a Better Listener
    Mar 22 2026

    Episode 28: How to Be a Better Listener

    Support and Kindness Podcast

    Hosts:

    Greg, Rich, Jay, Derek

    Episode Summary

    In Episode 28, the team takes a thoughtful look at what it truly means to listen. Not the kind where we wait for our turn to speak, but the kind that helps people feel seen, safe, and understood.

    Greg opens with research that shows we spend nearly half of our communication time listening, yet most of us remember only about half of what’s said.

    The group explores why that gap matters, how listening shapes relationships, and how being heard can reduce loneliness and stress.

    The conversation covers practical tools for better listening, cultural differences in communication styles, and the science behind why feeling heard activates the brain’s reward system.

    Through personal stories and honest reflection, each host shares what helps and hinders their own listening, especially during emotional or difficult moments.

    This episode closes with a simple challenge: choose one person and show up more fully in your next conversation.

    Key Listening Takeaways

    • Be fully present: phones away, attention focused

    • Listen to understand, not to reply

    • Ask open-ended questions and pause before responding

    • Reflect back what you heard to confirm understanding

    • Notice tone, body language, and what isn’t being said

    • Follow the other person’s communication style, especially across cultures

    Host Reflections & Notable Moments

    Greg

    Greg shares a powerful memory of being deeply listened to during a painful time in his life.

    “I really felt heard for the first time in a long time… I felt warm and freed in that moment.”

    He emphasizes that listening is an active choice and a form of kindness, especially when emotions run high.

    “Listening isn’t passive. It’s a generous choice.”

    Rich

    Rich frames listening as a learned skill, not a natural talent.

    “Listening is something we have to actively work on throughout our life.”

    He highlights how emotions and distractions can derail attention and reminds listeners that difficult conversations are where listening matters most.

    Jay

    Jay speaks openly about how chronic pain affects his ability to listen.

    “When I’m in pain, it’s all I can focus on.”

    He stresses empathy, presence, and reducing phone use during conversations.

    “Putting yourself in their shoes can really help you be a good listener.”

    Derek

    Derek reflects on how upbringing and environment shape communication habits.

    “Even different family dynamics create very different ideas of listening.”

    He admits to forming responses too quickly and describes his ongoing effort to slow down and truly hear others.

    “Pause, absorb, then respond.”

    Closing Challenge

    Choose one person this week and try one listening skill: presence, reflection, or an open-ended question. Notice what changes.

    Free Weekly Peer-Led Support Groups

    You are warmly invited to join our free online live support groups. Sign-up links are in the show notes.

    • Mondays at 1:00 pm Eastern - Brain Injury Support Group

    • Tuesdays at 12:00 pm Eastern - Chronic Pain Support Group

    • Wednesdays at 7:30 pm EST - Mental Health Support Group

    Sign-up here:

    https://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBw

    Be kind. Be present. Listen with your whole heart.

    If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need support. You matter, and your mental health matters.
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    26 Min.
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