The Layers Beneath: The Story Behind The Babushka Project

Being Human: Kindness, Vulnerability & Finding Meaning

What does it really mean to be human? In this episode of Kindness in Motion, we dive deep into kindness, vulnerability, identity, selfhood, meaning‑making, mental health, and the everyday practice of being human. Our guest Justin joins us from Florida to explore how we stay grounded, connected, and compassionate in a chaotic world. We talk about kindness as a daily practice, why vulnerability takes courage, and how our sense of self is shaped by social media, modern life, neurodiversity, and the stories we tell about who we are. Justin brings together psychology, philosophy, naturalistic spirituality, and cognitive science to help us understand how humans think, feel, and make meaning. From self‑awareness and identity to authenticity, sincerity, and emotional wellbeing, this conversation explores the messy, beautiful layers of being human. We look at how to reconnect with ourselves, how to take small acts of kindness into the world, and how to navigate anxiety, overwhelm, and the pressure to perform. We also explore: * Why kindness matters in a disconnected world * How vulnerability builds connection * The impact of social media on identity and mental health * Meaning‑making, relevance realisation, and self‑reflection * The sacred without the supernatural * AI, compassion, and the future of human connection * How to take one small step toward kindness today If you’re curious about wellbeing, self‑development, emotional resilience, spirituality, psychology, or the human condition, this episode is for you. It’s thoughtful, grounding, and full of practical insights for anyone trying to live with more kindness — toward themselves and others. Keywords: kindness, vulnerability, wellbeing, mental health, identity, selfhood, meaning, philosophy, psychology, spirituality, compassion, connection, self‑awareness, authenticity, emotional resilience, human behaviour, personal growth, neurodiversity, social media, mindfulness, being human.

The Layers Beneath: The Story Behind The Babushka Project

In this episode of Kindness in Motion, Suzy and Parry share something special: the birth of a brand‑new podcast growing out of Suzy’s lived experience, her one‑woman show, and the deeper conversations that kindness often leads us toward. Suzy opens up about being bullied throughout childhood, how those early experiences shaped her identity, and why long‑term bullying can leave lasting layers beneath the surface. Together, she and Parry explore how empathy, hypervigilance, masking, and self‑protection become part of who we are — and why those layers deserve to be understood with compassion rather than shame. This conversation introduces The Babushka Project, a new podcast hosted by Parry and inspired by Suzy’s journey. It will explore identity, trauma, psychology, and the many “layers” we carry into adulthood. The first guest will be the wonderful Dr. K, a child psychologist who brings clarity and warmth to complex topics. If you’ve ever felt shaped by your past, struggled with self‑worth, or wondered why certain patterns follow you into adulthood, this episode offers connection, context, and the reassurance that you’re not alone. The Babushka Project launches on 13th May. Until then, join us for this honest, gentle conversation about where it all began. Keep safe, keep happy — and most of all, be kind to yourself and to each other.

Self‑Kindness, Journals, and the Babushka Project

A warm, honest conversation about self‑kindness, journaling, gratitude, perfectionism, boundaries, and how childhood bullying follows us into adulthood. Suzy and Parry share real moments, practical takeaways, and the personal project driving their work on anti‑bullying and healing. Listen for journaling tips, gratitude practices, and a heartfelt look at the Babushka Project. What you’ll hear * Why journaling is an act of self‑kindness and how it helped Suzy process her history. * Practical micro‑steps to catch moments of self‑criticism and choose kinder responses. * Perfectionism vs. joy — how standards can protect or trap us. * Boundaries, social media, and dysregulation — why connection matters more than content. * The Babushka Project — why childhood bullying matters for adult wellbeing and what the hosts are doing about it. #SelfKindness #Journaling #Gratitude #MentalHealth #AntiBullying #SelfCompassion #Mindfulness #BabushkaProject

The Cost of Kindness: Armour, Boundaries, and Being Human

In this heartfelt episode of Kindness in Motion, Suzy and Parry dive into what kindness really means — beyond the clichés, beyond the fluff, and deep into the messy, human reality of how we give, receive, and sometimes struggle with kindness. Together they explore kindness as armour, kindness as survival, and the difference between being nice and being truly kind. Suzy shares powerful stories from her childhood, including the community kindness she witnessed in the 1980s and how those early experiences shaped her understanding of compassion, confidence, and care. The conversation moves into the emotional cost of selfless giving, the importance of agency when helping others, and the surprising ways kindness can become a defence mechanism. This episode also opens up an honest discussion about bullying, mental health, and the long‑term impact of childhood trauma. Suzy talks about her mission to advocate against bullying and why protecting children’s emotional wellbeing is a responsibility we all share. Parry brings thoughtful insight into self‑kindness, self‑criticism, and the complicated relationship many of us have with our own expectations. If you’re interested in kindness psychology, mental health, anti‑bullying advocacy, neurodiversity, self‑compassion, or simply becoming a kinder human without losing yourself, this warm and honest conversation will resonate deeply. It’s reflective, funny, vulnerable, and full of the real‑life moments that make kindness powerful. A welcoming, grounding listen for anyone who believes kindness can change lives — starting with our own.

Listening Spaces

Kindness in Motion — The Quiet Power of Listening with Katie Van Haeften What if the most transformative act of kindness isn’t what we say… but how we listen? In this episode, Suzy and Parry explore the life-changing impact of active listening, human connection, and emotional presence with educator and facilitator Katie Van Haeften, whose work spans decades and continents. Katie shares the surprising research behind why being truly heard boosts wellbeing, reduces conflict, and strengthens relationships. She reveals how her “listening spaces” help people feel seen without judgement, and why five uninterrupted minutes of attention can shift someone’s entire emotional landscape. We dive into: * Why listening is a powerful act of kindness * How language shapes connection and emotional safety * Simple listening techniques that improve communication * The link between self-awareness, empathy, and mental health * How different cultures express presence and community * Why listening can reduce bullying and support young people * A guided grounding exercise to help you listen inward From rural Himalayan villages to everyday moments of tenderness, Katie’s stories reveal what humans everywhere long for: to be heard, valued, and understood. If you’re interested in wellbeing, mindfulness, communication skills, self-development, or building more compassionate relationships, this conversation offers practical tools and gentle insight you can use immediately. A grounding, hopeful episode for anyone wanting to show up with more kindness — for others and for themselves.