Not Just Nice: Wild Kindness & Fierce Compassion in Practice

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In this thoughtful and empowering conversation, Kathie Lapcevic welcomes Jennifer Walter of The Scenic Route podcast to explore the nuanced and transformative idea of wild kindness—a form of kindness rooted not in politeness or people-pleasing, but in authenticity, self-respect, and community care.

Key Topics Discussed:

Kindness vs. Niceness: Jennifer breaks down the often-confused difference between the two: “Niceness is performative. Kindness comes from values, includes boundaries, and isn’t always soft.”
Small Steps to Build Confidence: Say “no” in low-stakes situations, sit with discomfort, and build your capacity to honor your own needs. “No is a complete sentence. Practice makes it less scary.”

Tone Policing and Shrinking Ourselves: Many women soften their speech or make themselves physically smaller. Jennifer encourages noticing and gently challenging those habits.
Anger and Compassion Can Coexist: “Anger reveals our values. Compassion drives connection. They’re not opposites.”
Rest as Resistance: Inspired by Audre Lorde and bell hooks, Jennifer frames rest not as indulgence, but as a radical act: “When was the last time you did something without turning it into a fucking Etsy shop?”
Boundaries as a Kindness to Others: Setting clear, loving boundaries actually honors relationships. “Better a kind no than a resentful yes.”
From Internal to External Change: Practicing wild kindness starts within but must ripple outward to community action and systemic questioning.