How Martial Arts & Movies Break Barriers: Erik Neill on Kindness
Release Date: 02/14/2025
Everyone is Needed | Dr. Alison Thompson on Volunteering Without Fear
Our Future is Kind Podcast
In this episode, we feature Dr. Alison Thompson, a full-time global humanitarian and founder of Third Wave Volunteers. She shares her remarkable journey from Wall Street and filmmaking to disaster zones around the world. What began as a response to 9/11 became a lifelong mission: to bring light—literally and figuratively—to areas affected by crisis. With warmth and urgency, Dr. Thompson urges listeners to take action, however small, to contribute to a kinder, more connected future. No skills required. Everyone’s needed. Join, follow, and connect with Dr. Thompson and Third Wave...
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How Kindness Heals Burnout--Lara Heacock on Leading with Care and Accountability
Our Future is Kind Podcast
What if being kind could save you from burnout—and help you lead better? In this episode, Michael sits down with Lara Heacock, a leadership coach who fuses kindness and accountability to help people show up more fully at work and at home. Lara shares her personal journey through burnout, the healing power of micro-kindnesses, and how therapy, self-awareness, and real rest transformed her approach to life and leadership. 🔍 Topics We Cover: – Why burnout often hides in high performers – How small acts of kindness toward yourself make a big difference – Why "kind...
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Nikki Groom: Leading with Authenticity and Building a Kinder Future
Our Future is Kind Podcast
In this episode, Michael Neece sits down with Nikki Groom, CEO of Raised Voices, to explore the power of authentic leadership and personal branding for speakers. Nikki shares how showing up as your true self creates deeper connection and impact, and how slowing down to practice curious compassion can transform conflict into understanding. They discuss envisioning a future rooted in equity and empathy and the collective action required to get there. Nikki also reveals what inspires her daily and how she supports others in sharing their unique brilliance with the world. This Episode's...
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Dina Meyers Explores Justice, Equity, and Kindness in Live Entertainment
Our Future is Kind Podcast
Dina Meyers Explores Justice, Equity, and Kindness in Live Entertainment | #LiveEntertainment In this episode, Michael Neece welcomes Dina Meyers, a live entertainment expert who shares insights on kindness and respect in a challenging industry. She highlights honoring all roles and building trust through kindness. Dina discusses advocating for herself in a male-dominated field, equity, and allyship. She offers tips on handling conflict with kindness, mindfulness, and the impact of a smile. They envision a just future addressing wealth disparity, child safety, and respect for people and the...
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Reclaim Your Courage: Kindness & Self-Forgiveness with Brendan Bernat
Our Future is Kind Podcast
In this episode of Our Future is Kind Podcast, Michael Neece welcomes Brendan Bernat, a program manager, writer, speaker, and financial association professional with over two decades of experience. Brendan shares his heartfelt insights on kindness, leadership, and the courage it takes to build better workplaces and communities. He reflects on his journey from growing up in Northern Virginia to managing teams with empathy, emphasizing how kindness is essential for both professional success and personal happiness. Brendan discusses overcoming workplace fears, the power of public praise, and the...
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Trans Parent: A Dad Talks About his Daughter and How Curiosity and Compassion Win Every Time
Our Future is Kind Podcast
Trans Parent: A Dad Talks about his Daughter and how Curiosity & Compassion Win Every Time Michael G. Neece speaks with Kevin Huntting about being father to a transgender daughter, what he's learned, how **not** scary trans people are, and advice to other fathers. Kevin is founder of The Human Summit and Michael is co-founder. Learn more about the Summit here: https://www.thehumansummit.com/home Please visit our website to get more information: http://ourfutureiskind.com/ Michael G. Neece's Essential Information -Book a Call! https://ourfutureiskind.as.me ...
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How Julie Goldberg Uses Energy Healing to Ignite Kindness and Personal Transformation
Our Future is Kind Podcast
In this episode of Our Future is Kind, host Michael G. Neece welcomes energy healer and trauma-informed coach Julie Goldberg. Julie shares her journey in inner child healing, embodiment, and soul-level transformation through ancient healing modalities rooted in the modern mystery school. Discover how kindness is more than niceness—it’s truth in action, how to set kind boundaries, and why self-love is foundational to loving others. Julie also discusses her powerful life activation experience, healing through energy work, and how cultivating empathy and joy can shape a kinder future for all...
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Space Kindness: Exploring the American Space Program w/Emily Carney & Bruce McCandless III
Our Future is Kind Podcast
Join host Michael G. Neece for a fascinating conversation with space historians and authors Emily Carney and Bruce McCandless III about their new book Starbound: A Beginner's Guide to the American Space Program. Dive into stories from early rocketry to bold future predictions, including insights on the “overview effect” astronauts experience and how kindness and cooperation shape our shared cosmic future. Whether you’re a space nerd or curious about how human values impact exploration, this episode inspires us to build a kinder, more collaborative future—on Earth and beyond. Get your...
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Belonging Starts with Listening: Bernadette Smith on Inclusive Leadership & Courage
Our Future is Kind Podcast
Belonging Starts with Listening: Bernadette Smith on Inclusive Leadership & Courage | #leadership What if creating a more inclusive workplace started with just listening? In this powerful episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael interviews Bernadette Smith—CEO of the Inclusive 360° consulting firm, TEDx speaker, and champion for inclusive leadership. Bernadette shares real stories, practical tools, and unshakable truths about what it means to foster true belonging, especially in times of tension or fear. From how to embrace mistakes without shame to what psychological safety really...
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Lead with Kindness Live with Purpose: John Neral on Owning Your Career Journey
Our Future is Kind Podcast
Lead with Kindness Live with Purpose: John Neral on Owning Your Career Journey | #Career What if the kindest thing we can do in today’s fast-paced world is to simply pause? In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael welcomes John Neral—career coach, podcast host, and advocate for mid-career professionals navigating change. John shares powerful insights on how to lead with non-judgment, embrace curiosity, and show up with intention. Together, they explore how pausing, listening, and letting go of judgment can transform how we work, lead, and connect. 🌟 Kindness Challenge of the Week...
info_outlineOur Future is Kind Podcast guest Erik W. Neill is an actor, stuntman, producer, and playwrite, plus he's a 6th degree master of Taekwondo. On top of all of that, he incorporates meaningful stories in his movies, ones that touch on what it means to be kind, to be inclusive of those with differences, such as the autistic central characters in his upcoming film.
Erik is a native Texan raised in the Chapel Hill suburb of Carrboro, NC. He got his bachelor's degree in Business Science from NCCU in 2004. His taekwondo master status helped him found and operate Neill’s Taekwondo and Fitness LLC for well over a decade. He retired from teaching martial arts in 2017 to pursue acting and stunt choreography full-time. Erik W Neill’s film credits include Turbo Cola, Darkness of Man, and his newest release, Loose Ends. Film production credits include Darkness of Man, Stories, and Calls--the short film. He is currently working on writing and producing his own film; production is anticipated for March of 2026.
Learn more!
https://www.instagram.com/erik_w_neill
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10048951/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-neill-86795481
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Our Future is Kind Podcast is a podcast in search of a kinder future. Here, we interview futurists, artists, politicians, ethicists, corporate leaders, politicians, and others that our audience suggests so that we can
- Generate ideas about what the future *should* look like, and
- Learn how to exercise our kindness to help build that better, kinder future.
Podcast Episode with Erik Neill, release date: February 14, 2025.
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Michael G. Neece's Essential Information
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextKeynoteSpeaker
The Web https://ourfutureiskind.com
Book a Call! https://ourfutureiskind.as.me
Press Kit: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AiWrXvllLwR9xXbDg4dpa8d0V1EF?e=ktzM0O
Our Future is Kind Podcast links:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aQcfpaZkX9Wisd9c9BWXv?si=edb2b2c0d04346b2
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-future-is-kind-podcast/id1784037822
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