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001: Welcome to Everyday Kindness
12/04/2025
001: Welcome to Everyday Kindness
In this heartfelt premiere episode, Adrienne Griffin shares the powerful true story that inspired the Everyday Kindness podcast—the legacy of her father, Joe Wardy, a retired teacher who returned to the classroom at nearly 70 and unintentionally sparked a grassroots kindness movement. Guided by his lifelong study of Zen Buddhism and a personal vow to live with intention and compassion, Joe began handing out small slips of inspirational quotes to students. What he thought was a simple gesture grew into something extraordinary: students collected the quotes, carried them in their wallets and phone cases, and even created a giant jar of gratitude for him during his final hospital stay. Adrienne reflects on how everyday kindness—not niceness, not people-pleasing, but true courage—has the power to heal, to connect, and to transform entire communities. This episode is an invitation to believe that small acts of kindness can ripple outward and change the world. What’s in this episode: How a retired teacher unintentionally sparked a kindness movement The vow of kindness that shaped his daily life and teaching The Buddhist wisdom he passed down in subtle, everyday moments Why he returned to substitute teaching with renewed meaning How teenagers embraced and cherished his inspirational quotes Student stories of how the quotes helped them through hardship The touching gesture of a quote-filled gratitude jar during his illness Why kindness is courageous—not weak or “nice” Maya Angelou’s reminder that courage fuels every virtue How small acts of compassion can create lasting change Share Your Story Have your own story of kindness? Submit it using the link below—your story may be featured in an upcoming episode. Submit your story here: Do you want to build a kinder life and community? Join The Everyday Kindness Challenge. Sign up here:
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