S3 E.11 Choosing Kindness | A Conversation with Kind Campaign Co-Founders Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson
In this EpisodeIn this episode, Adriana and Mariah sit down with Kind Campaign co-founders Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson! Kind Campaign has always been close to Adriana’s heart, and she has been watching Lauren and Molly from afar since the beginning. In fact, during Little Words Project’s first ever month in business, Adriana donated a portion of proceeds ($215!) to the Kind Campaign.
As we all know, Adriana faced the classic girl-against-girl bullying throughout her academic career. Unfortunately, she is not the only one. Lauren and Molly faced similar circumstances — they were transformed in a negative way. Everything felt so consuming and life-altering to them. During their senior year in film school, Lauren and Molly really bonded over their bullying experiences. At the time, bullying was common, but there was not a lot of advocacy in the space. The girls knew that this needed to change and they could be at the forefront of something significant.
Starting with local interviews, it was obvious that many women were waiting for the moment that they could be vulnerable about their stories. From their own experiences, Lauren and Molly know just how important it is to lean on people when you are facing hardships. Whether it is a friend, family member, or a youth group, having an outlet to simply vocalize your feelings is a crucial coping skill.
We commonly hear “girls will be girls,” but why? We need each other, and the world is limitless when we collaborate. That’s why Lauren and Molly hit the ground running and developed the Kind Campaign curriculum for schools. This curriculum encourages apologies and reconciliation. Molly recalls the moment that her junior year bully apologized to her – it led to an incredible (and unexpected) senior year. An apology can spark a beautiful metamorphosis. Young people using their voices for good is SO powerful. In their workshops, the girls help students write apology letters to those they may have hurt. Lauren and Molly say that sometimes a girl will have 15 apology cards, and you know that she’s the target. Bullying makes you question yourself and your worth – an apology can culminate a new chapter and create a sense of closure.
The world of social media is ever-changing. Lauren and Molly have watched it evolve since the inception of Kind Campaign. The anonymity provides a whole new channel for bullying and unkind behavior. It can be difficult to navigate - it’s damaging and beautiful at the same time. The girls stress the importance of taking a break. Even if it is for 20 minutes, putting your phone in a drawer allows you to be more present with friends and family and focus on your immediate surroundings. The present moment is all we need, and the past has no power over it.
Lauren and Molly close out this episode with insightful advice for parents. Getting on your kids’ level and sharing your personal story creates openness and understanding. Pay attention to their passions, get them involved in activities, and remind them that their school experience is not their whole life. There is a wide world of people and places waiting for them. Most importantly, remind them that everyone has their own battles and a small act of kindness can change someone’s life.
We absolutely love what Lauren, Molly, and the Kind Campaign do. It is truly amazing work sparking collective change and support. Today’s episode was so precious, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Catch you next time!
Important Times0:50 - Welcome back!
8:05 - Welcome Lauren and Molly/LWP Connection
12:15 - Origins of Kind Campaign
18:32 - Leaning on people when you are struggling
31:40 - Standing up for others
39:56 - Apologies and healing
50:40 - Social media
54:40 - Advice on navigating social media for children
58:42 - What you can say to your kids to help strengthen their self worth
Can't get enough?;)Tune In
 | Apple Podcast |
 | Spotify |
 | Youtube |
dive in deeper
Welcome bestie.
We’re so glad you’re here.
We’re Adriana and Mariah. Co-hosts, entrepreneurs, BFFs, and girls just like you trying to figure it out as we go.
