• About Be Kind & Co
  • Contributors
  • Contact
Thursday, May 8, 2025
No Result
View All Result
BE KIND & CO
NEWSLETTER
BE KIND & CO
No Result
View All Result
BE KIND & CO
No Result
View All Result

What I Learned About Kindness After Years of Interviewing Prosecutors, Victims, and Perpetrators

Bethany JonesbyBethany Jones
September 30, 2020
in Inspiration
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
Share on Facebook

Bees are my favorite insect. They are industrious, hard-working and community minded.  They are part magic, part weapon. Their feet are dusted with the spices of thousands of flowers and yet their stinger can cause great damage. Bees are a balance of beauty and pain. As a true crime producer,  I have to have a similar balance.

With years under my belt. I’ve worked with federal agencies, interviewed federal prosecutors, spoken to victims and the perpetrators. These stories are as important to tell as they are hard to live and dwell in when producing.  After spending years sitting with these stories I have learned that compassion, grace and kindness can all be practiced– if one begins to practice these qualities with themselves. 

One of my first prison interviews was in a high-level men’s prison hundreds of miles away from Los Angeles. I had awoken early on a Saturday to go for the interview. As I drove the inky dark of the sky blossomed into a beautiful sunrise.  In the visit room where I was conducting the interview I could observe those around, families, friends and loved ones communing and sharing in a moment of togetherness. I felt somewhat out of place. I was the anomaly here. The man I was interviewing entered the visit room and shook my hand before pulling out my chair for me. I was perplexed.  Shouldn’t this person be boorish, mannerless, without insight and care for others? I was wrong. Kindness and compassion can bloom anywhere, even in the most arid of spiritual and social settings. 

Through my years of delving into these unhappy stories, I have learned that while there is an absence of kindness, grace and compassion, these too can be restored. In order to exhibit kindness, you yourself must experience and know kindness. In order to share compassion, you first must learn empathy.  In order to show grace, your heart must have been hurt and capable of forgiveness. In order to practice any of these qualities, you must first practice them on yourself. 

There is a saying “in a world where you can be anything, be kind”. I agree wholeheartedly and add “in a world where you can be anything, be kind to yourself.” When you begin practicing kindness, speak to yourself the way you would to someone you love and care about.  Treat yourself as you would a guest in your house– don’t scrimp on treating yourself with care and respect. Also, you can’t pour from an empty cup. To make sure you are refilling your cup, refill with clean and healthy water. Filter out the negative qualities so your cup is being filled with the qualities you would want to spill out when life bumps you. 

So that way you too can believe, be kind, be compassionate and mostly– so you can be. 

You can follow Bethany @prosandconspodcast on Instagram and Facebook, @prosandconsshow on Twitter, and listen to her true crime podcast on the Mouth Off Network. 

Previous Post

Our 5 Favorite Toys for Dogs While We Work From Home

Next Post

Manifestation: It’s an Inside Job

Related Posts

WomanKIND: Angela Unayan

byBe Kind & Co.
March 18, 2025

Life has a funny way of helping us heal but often times not before we hurt.  While playing flag football in 2023 at school, 15 year old Angela Unayan collided with another student...

LA Strong – Together, Our Kindness Can Make a Difference

byBe Kind & Co.
February 5, 2025

Los Angeles has faced challenging times, but the strength of our community shines brighter than ever. The road to recovery is ongoing, and continued support makes a meaningful impact. Whether you want...

Wrap Someone in a Hug this Holiday Season

byBe Kind & Co.
December 13, 2024

The holiday season is a special time for many, but it can also be stressful for some people. With gift lists, parties, travel, and more, the season can feel overwhelming. Did you...

4 Must-Read Books for Finding Strength in Kindness

byBe Kind & Co.
November 11, 2024

We love any excuse to be kind, and this week is a perfect moment to practice. As we celebrate World Kindness Day, this is our chance to slow down, focus on building...

Blonde woman sitting across from another women at a cafe with a cup of coffee in her hand

How to Argue with Kind in Mind

byBe Kind & Co.
August 22, 2024

Life is made up of ups and downs, disagreements and compromises. At some point, you will likely find yourself in an argument or heated debate with someone, whether it’s a family member,...

Next Post
BE KIND AND CO | Why Manifestation Is An Inside Job

Manifestation: It's an Inside Job

9 Simple Habits to Help Fight for Better Air Quality

Be Kind to Mother Earth With These 9 Habits That Improve Air Quality

Mixed nuts on wooden spoon

10 Calcium-Rich Vegan Foods to Incorporate Into Your Nutrition Regimen

JOIN THE BE KIND & CO COMMUNITY

Facebook Twitter Instagram

MOST RECENT STORIES

WomanKIND: Angela Unayan

March 18, 2025

LA Strong – Together, Our Kindness Can Make a Difference

February 5, 2025

Wrap Someone in a Hug this Holiday Season

December 13, 2024

4 Must-Read Books for Finding Strength in Kindness

November 11, 2024
Blonde woman sitting across from another women at a cafe with a cup of coffee in her hand

How to Argue with Kind in Mind

August 22, 2024
Child with little plant sprout

Summer Kindness: 4 Engaging Activities for Children

July 3, 2024
BE KIND & CO

© 2025 Be Kind & Co. All Rights Reserved. Proudly Published & Powered by kindness.

Navigate Be Kind & Co

  • Home
  • Health & Fitness
  • Inspiration
  • Interviews
  • Relationships
  • Pets
  • Workplace
  • Favorite Things
  • Press

Join the Be Kind & Co Community

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Inspiration
  • Interviews
  • Favorite Things
  • Health & Fitness
  • Relationships
  • Workplace
  • Pets
  • Press
  • Contributors
  • Welcome to Be Kind & Co
  • Be Kind & Co Newsletter
  • Contact Be Kind & Co

© 2025 Be Kind & Co. All Rights Reserved. Proudly Published & Powered by kindness.