Service Spotlight: Art of Kindness Podcast

I’ll never get tired of talking about the ways The Smile Project has brought so many wonderful people into my life. A perfect example is the friendship we’ve formed with Matt’s Kindness Ripples On. Each month they recognize individuals and organizations who are making the world a kinder place. You’ll see many of their honorees turn up on The Smile Project blog as we love the community we’ve formed through lifting each other up.

With that said, I’m thrilled to introduce Robert Peterpaul, an actor, writer, and podcaster based in Connecticut. I love what Robert is doing to recognize kindness in the arts and I can’t wait to share the story. 

Liz: Let’s start in traditional Smile Project fashion. Fill in the blank: Happiness is..

Robert: Happiness is.. my wife—oh and an underbaked cookie!

Liz: Tell me about your podcast. 

Robert: The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul spotlights artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who use their platform to make the world a better place. The podcast focuses on activating kindness in the arts and beyond by getting tangible kindness tips and stories from the brightest stars in the business. Previous guests have ranged from Grammy-winner Meghan Trainor to Olympian Laurie Hernandez to Pulitzer Prize-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda to Wicked director Jon M. Chu and the one and only Carol Burnett. It's a positively down-to-earth (and often funny) interview series that hopes to elicit many smiles.

Liz: What is the driving force behind this project?

Robert: The AOK provides listeners with tangible advice for leading a kinder life, which contributes to making the world better at large. I hope our episodes make people smile, laugh, and not feel so alone, because the truth is they're not alone. They are the most important part of our kindness community. If we can engage them to make kindness an intentional part of their lifestyle, it will change the universe kind act by kind act. My favorite thing is when I hear from listeners that this show has been a source of light for them in some shape or form.

Liz: What does service mean to you?

Robert: I believe we are all here to serve and uplift each other. Inspiring people to choose kindness is my attempt at doing so, and the AOK is my conduit. Growing up, my younger brother Thomas battled cancer. Throughout that rollercoaster journey, I witnessed the power of kindness on an immense level as our community wrapped my family in their arms. The AOK allows me to continue Thomas' legacy of "inspiring smiles" and to pay it forward for all the love we have received. It is a rich creative outlet that allows me to learn from our incredible guests in real-time alongside listeners. 

Back to your question, many guests have spoken about the arts being “an act of service.” And I agree with that wholeheartedly.

Liz: How can people be involved?

Robert: I'd be honored if you tuned in wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Broadway Podcast Network at bpn.fm/aok. You can also follow us for more fun on Instagram at: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul. Join the kindness party!

And here’s a kindness tip to try out today: If you feel comfortable, please make an extra effort to smile at strangers as you pass them. It's a simple, but effective act of kindness that has a big ripple effect :).

Liz: Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice to leave us with?

Robert: A podcast guest once spoke to me about the importance of choosing love over fear at any given moment. That conscious decision has really stuck with me. I aim to choose love. Also, anything Dolly Parton has ever said or done strikes a chord in me.