Episode 40: The Cost of Kindness
Episode 40: The Cost of Kindness
Content note:
One segment includes a personal story of childhood family violence. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone:
In the US call or text 988, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
We almost always hear “the cost of kindness” as a warning. This episode flips it: the real cost isn’t being kind — it’s holding kindness back.
Greg and the panel make the case with research and a lot of honest, everyday stories.
In this episode:
Why kindness lowers stress — and lifts productivity by about 12%
What unkindness really costs a workplace (the numbers are rough)
How to be kind without getting walked on — boundaries and advocacy
Kindness vs. people-pleasing — the honest difference
Why you have to save some kindness for yourself, too
Chapters:
00:00 Why “kindness costs” is backwards
02:16 The research: cortisol, blood pressure, productivity
04:24 Is kindness a weakness at work?
05:15 Everyday kindness, the small stuff
06:10 What kindness does in the brain
07:43 Turning kindness inward
08:32 The cost of kindness at work
11:54 Getting taken advantage of + people-pleasing
24:26 Staying kind when you’re running on empty
39:40 Recap, challenge & support groups
This episode featured Greg with co-hosts Rich, Derek, Liam, and Sarah.
💜 Free weekly peer support groups: Brain Injury
(Mon 1PM ET), Chronic Pain
(Tue 12PM ET), Mental Health
(Wed 7:30PM ET). Sign up / RSVP:
https://luma.com/calendar/cal-oyT0VPlVTKCPxBw
Keep the groups free: https://buymeacoffee.com/kindnessrx
Newsletter: https://kindnessrx.beehiiv.com/