In episode 226, Kestrel welcomes Matty Hickey, the founder of Be Kind Vibes, to the show. A social impact brand, Be Kind Vibes creates ethically-made goods that inspire love & compassion for each other and our natural world. “Kindness is a way forward for us out of these times — it’s a chance for us to be able to reconnect with ourselves, and then, that way, we can kind of express that out into the world and to others. It’s one of the values, one of the pillars of the brand, and it’s how I guide the direction of the brand in everyday decisions — it’s a powerful thing, and I think if we can really tap into it and use it, it is a way forward and I think it’s a way that can unite all of us, really.” -Matt Hickey, Founder of Be Kind Vibes On this week’s show, we take a little journey down memory lane, as Matt was the person who suggested Kestrel start a podcast over 5 years ago now. The two discuss those early ideas, and how Matt really helped spark the early idea for Kestrel to build out this audio community. The two explore several facets of "kindness”, as that is the driving force behind Matt’s work. Also, Matt shares a bit more on his future vision for the brand, and how his priorities have evolved over the years, bringing him further back to a place where natural materials, natural dyes and hyper localized production are king. Promoting The Power Of Kindness, story from CBS Sunday Morning that Kestrel mentions, that discusses a new documentary called “The Antidote” “I think kindness and being kind — it’s an action word and phrase — it’s doing. It’s a way to express and show others compassion and love, and that also extends to our natural world and the environment. I see it as a common thread that connects all of humanity — it’s something that is inside of all of us and it’s something that we can all turn to and begin to express to others.” -Matt BKV “Of The Earth” Bandana Capsule, created in collaboration with Kristin of All Species and Paul Cannon of Iron Sage Wood Follow Matt on Instagram > Follow Be Kind Vibes on Instagram >