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5 Kindness Podcasts That'll Start 2026 on a Positive Note
Arielle Nissenblatt at EarBuds
December 21, 2025
What’s this theme about? Robert writes:
I selected these podcasts because each one proves that kindness isn’t merely a virtue, it’s a transformative tool. Through storytelling, science, celebrity interviews, and everyday heroes, these shows spotlight the ripple effect of compassion in real, tangible ways, inspiring listeners to go out and build a kinder world.
Each episode on this list offers something unique, but all share one powerful mission: to remind us that kindness makes a difference.
Kindness Podcast Recommendations
 The Art of Kindness podcast cover art | The Art of KindnessBestselling author, mental health advocate, and former Disney star Alyson Stoner joins The Art of Kindness for a conversation about redefining kindness in a broken system. Fresh off their transformative new memoir, “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything,” Alyson opens up about unlearning perfectionism, embracing authenticity, and using creativity as a path to healing. They explore why kindness alone isn’t always enough and what actually creates lasting change, plus a surprise visit from the host's grandma that will warm your heart. It’s an honest, empowering pick-me-up you’ll carry with you long after the episode ends. |
 Why Kindness? podcast cover art | Why Kindness?New York Times bestselling author and executive coach Chester Elton explores what it truly means to lead with kindness. Known as the “apostle of appreciation,” Chester shares how small, intentional acts of kindness can transform workplace culture, elevate leadership, and strengthen everyday relationships. From redefining kindness as a powerful leadership skill to offering practical ways to put it into action immediately, this conversation is both inspiring and actionable. Rooted in kindness.org's science, it sets the tone for a kinder, more connected year ahead. |
 A Cozy Christmas Podcast podcast cover art | A Cozy Christmas PodcastThis cheerful podcast makes you feel merry and bright all year long. One of my favorite episodes features the joyful Sarah Joy Kane. From backstage stories to heartfelt reflections on life as a military wife and how we can better support service families, the conversation blends meaning with merry. |
 The Morgan Harper Nichols Podcast podcast cover art | The Morgan Harper Nichols PodcastMany of us make resolutions, but I love Morgan Harper Nichols' idea to choose a word of the year. As we head into 2026, check out the artist and author's podcast for all-around inspiration. From holding space for feelings to actionable ideas for growth, Morgan's wisdom is uniquely powerful. |
 Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast cover art | Good Hang with Amy PoehlerAlright, I know this podcast likely doesn't need my recommendation, but if you haven't listened to the very first episode of Good Hang, I highly suggest doing so. From navigating hilarious technical difficulties with Rachel Dratch (that made me cry-laugh) to the Tina Fey conversation, tuning in to this interview-based series feels like sitting around with good friends. It's, well... a good hang! |
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 EarBuds Comedy Podcast Recommendations | Haha: Comedy Podcast Roundup from EarBudsEarBuds is spinning off some topic-specific podcast newsletters… and our comedy one is officially here. Get weekly podcast recommendations curated by audio lovers around the world, all focused on comedy podcasts. Subscribe today! You can even sign up to curate a list. |
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Spotlight
 Hebrew School Dropouts podcast cover art | You don't need to have actually dropped out of Hebrew school to be a Hebrew School Dropout. Maybe you went for a few years and had a bar or bat mitzvah before calling it quits. Maybe you're exploring Jewish identity for the first time after a 23andMe surprise. What matters is the mentality: you're skeptical of easy answers, allergic to platitudes, and curious whether Judaism might have more to offer than you assumed. Hosted by Rabbis Rena Singer and Noah Westreich of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, this show is about ideas, not identity politics. |
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