https://get.castmagic.io/TheDeadManWalkingPodcast To contact Fred, repeatedly.dead.fred@gmail.com To contact PR, myles@hiltz2.com To find Fred’s memoir, The Summer I Died Twenty Times, visit https://bit.ly/3mwDpit Dr. Dale Atkins: www.daleatkins.com | @DrDaleAtkins (Instagram) | dale@drdaleatkins.com Alternative Episode Titles: Navigating the Psychology of Kindness with Dr. Dale Atkins The Kindness Conundrum: Exploring Empathy with Dr. Dale Atkins The Power of Kindness: Crafting Empathy in a Divided World Podcast Summary: In this enlightening two-part episode of The Dead Man Walking Podcast, Fred Rutman interviews renowned psychologist Dr. Dale Atkins, diving deep into the psychological and societal impacts of kindness. They explore how empathy, compassion, and small acts of kindness shape not just individuals but entire communities. Dr. Atkins shares her early work with children affected by trauma, the stress children experience today, and how parental engagement plays a key role in their development. The conversation also unpacks how individual energy influences surroundings, the harmful effects of social media on youth, and how teaching empathy in schools can foster resilience in young minds. Fred and Dr. Atkins also explore the “helper’s high,” a biological reward for kindness, and the long-lasting effects of positive family traditions. Dr. Atkins stresses the importance of self-compassion and community support in navigating difficult times, emphasizing the vital role kindness plays in our everyday lives. Questions I Wish I'd Asked: How can we encourage others to pause and think before reacting in today’s cancel culture? Can you expand on "kindness as a muscle" with practical steps to strengthen it daily? What long-term effects do you see on children who lack kindness and support early on? Lessons Learned/Takeaways: Advocacy and kindness can deeply affect children's psychological recovery. Engaging genuinely with others creates a positive ripple effect. Educating children about kindness leads to more resilient and happy communities. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dale Atkins and themes of kindness and empathy 03:15 - Dale’s early work in psychology with child advocacy 07:45 - Steps for cultivating kindness in a fractured society 13:30 - The impact of positive influences and habits of kindness 18:50 - The psychological effects of kindness: the “helper’s high” 21:40 - Social media and its negative impact on youth empathy 28:45 - Teaching empathy and kindness in schools 32:10 - The healing powers of music for memory and cognitive challenges 39:20 - Wrap-up: Personal anecdotes and reflections on kindness #MedicalTrauma #RepeatedlyDeadFred #PTSD #PostConcussionSyndrome #ABI #TBI #IntermittentFasting #IF #WeightLoss #DeathAndNearDeath #CardiacIssues #CovidRecovery #MentalHealth #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #PositiveMindset #Fitness #Health #Food #TimeRestrictedEating #Lifestyle #Inspiration #GinStephens #DelayDon’tDeny #FastFeastRepeat #IntermittentFastingStories #TheSummerIDiedTwentyTimes #TheDeadManWalkingPodcast #DrDaleAtkins #TheKindnessAdvantage #Psychology #SelfCompassion #CommunitySupport #HelpersHigh #Empathy #IntellectualHonesty #SocialMediaImpact #Bullying #AnonymityOnline #ServiceToOthers #PositiveInfluences #KindnessInSociety #SmallActs #ServiceAndSupport #MoralLandscape #CommunityEngagement #EmpatheticChoices #KindnessMuscle #DailyKindness #KindnessChainReaction