About the Episode:

What if being kind could be fun, energizing, and contagious? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Whitney chats with Brian Driscoll, author of The Goodness Game: Make the World Better and Feel Awesome While Doing It. Brian shares how his runaway journey as a teenager and the kindness of strangers inspired him to gamify generosity. Together, they explore actionable strategies for weaving kindness into everyday life—even when you're a busy parent feeling stretched thin. Learn how to identify your unique "helping style," create a sustainable kindness budget, and build meaningful connections through acts of goodness.

About Our Guest:

Brian Driscoll is the author of The Goodness Game: Make the World Better and Feel Awesome While Doing It, a book that explores the transformative power of kindness through a gamified approach. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Brian is a busy father of three boys, a real estate investor, and the owner of a digital marketing company. Inspired by his own experience as a runaway teen helped by the kindness of strangers, Brian has dedicated his life to spreading positivity and empowering others to make meaningful connections through small acts of goodness. His mission is to spark a ripple effect of kindness that impacts individuals and communities alike. You can connect with Brian through his website, www.goodnessgame.com.

Key Discussion Points:

Kindness Starts Small

• You don't need to perform grand gestures to make an impact. Small acts like calling someone by name or lending a hand can create ripples of positivity.

The Five Rules of The Goodness Game

• Rule 1: Give without remembering. Focus on helping without expecting recognition.
• Rule 2: Identify your helping style—whether it's offering empathy, time, resources, or connections.
• Rule 3: Not everyone is your assignment. Set boundaries and focus on where you can genuinely make a difference.
• Rule 4: Create a kindness budget. Plan your time and resources intentionally to avoid burnout.
• Rule 5: Keep score to track your progress and the emotional impact of your acts of kindness.

Practical Tips for Parents

• How busy moms can integrate kindness into their routines without feeling overwhelmed.
• Why it’s essential to accept help as well as give it—and how that completes the cycle of kindness.

Gamifying Kindness

• Brian explains how turning kindness into a game can motivate people to act.
• The importance of tracking your acts of kindness to notice the positive changes in your outlook and mood.

Overcoming Barriers to Kindness

• Addressing cultural and personal biases when deciding who to help.
• How to ensure your kindness is impactful without enabling unhealthy patterns.

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