Big Little Kindnesses

In this episode of Big Little Kindnesses, we talk to photographer and artist Sarah Ketelaars about The Museum of the 544, her remarkable photographic memorial to 544 psychiatric patients murdered by the Nazis in Latvia in 1941.
Sarah’s beautiful cyanotypes draw on nature and Latvian pagan symbolism, and use real people as the figures within the images — people who have themselves known joy, love and happiness, just as those 544 individuals once did.
We talk about the extraordinary way beauty can help us approach an almost unbearable story, and about the sense of connection we can feel when looking at Sarah’s work.
At its heart, our conversation is about something very simple: seeing the individual behind the number and remembering our shared humanity.
Find Sarah on instagram 
@sarahketelaars
@musem_of_the_544
sarahketelaars.com 
Upcoming shows:
 
Bethlem Museum of The Mind Gallery, East Croydon.
20th Nov - 6th March
 
Transferring to:
Museum of Occupation, Riga, Latvia
Mid mar - mid May, exact dates tba.

Rachel and her husband Fred spent months traveling North America in their RV, and this episode shares two memorable acts of kindness they encountered on the road.
When a damaged RV tyre threatened their plans at Acadia National Park, a local shop owner stepped in with a quite remarkable offer!
Later in Canada, hosts from the Boondockers Welcome network left their home open so Rachel and Fred could watch the King’s coronation — and welcomed them with warm generosity.
The episode celebrates everyday generosity from strangers who turned travel setbacks into unforgettable experiences.
 
Has listening to this reminded you of a story of kindness whilst travelling? We want to hear from you! biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com
Nicola and Claire 💙💙

A sunny afternoon turns into a four-week search when Mr. Smith the tortoise disappears from his garden. After posters, neighbours and RSPCA alerts he is finally found in a very unexpected place!
The episode also shares the backstory of how Keith took Mr. Smith in after the pet's elderly owner became unwell.
We are delighted to share this story and perhaps you too have a similar story to share?
Do get in touch!
Biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com 
Nicola and Claire 💙💙
 

On a cold day at a train station, something rather lovely and unexpected happened for the flower seller. This one act created  surprise, smiles, and a ripple of generosity among commuters and staff.
This shows how that single act supported a woman through a difficult time, inspired others to pay kindness forward, and indeed was the spark for the Big Little Kindness project. 
We hope you enjoy it! And don’t forget if it’s inspired you and reminded you of a story of kindness please do get in touch.
 Biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com 
Nicola and Claire 💙💙

In this episode, Claire remembers a family holiday in Cornwall when her dad heard a distant cry for help.
How did shoes play a role in the rescue? Listen to find out!
The episode reflects on that small, selfless act and how it shaped Claire's view of kindness.
Hosts Nicola and Claire use the story as a tribute to kind fathers and to illustrate how simple gestures can have a long-lasting impact on others and on the people who witness them.
Did this remind you of a story of kindness? We’d love to hear from you!
Contact us at biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com 
Thank you!
Nicola and Claire 💙💙

Claire shares her late mother’s wartime memory—"Doodlebug Day"—about a terrifying near-miss with a German buzz bomb while the family picnicked on the Thames in 1944.
Despite the danger, the story highlights the calm, care and community kindness that sustained them, and serves as a loving tribute to a mother whose long-ago memories shone through even as dementia took hold.
Clarification: Rutger Bregman’s book is called Human Kind: A Hopeful History  
Has this reminded you of a story of kindness? We’d love to hear from you! You can easily get in touch with us at biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com
Thank you!
Nicola and Claire 💙💙
 

Andrea tells how her elderly father likely had a seizure, became disorientated and ended up stuck in a field surrounded by cows.
A group of local teenage boys found him, helped him to safety, called an ambulance and may have saved his life. Host Nicola reflects on the quiet, unthanked acts of kindness and invites listeners to share their own stories.
Do you have a story to share of kindness? We’d love to hear from you!
bigkittlekindnesses@gmail.com
Thank you!
Nicola and Claire 💙

In this episode Nicola and guest Sarah share a heartwarming encounter at a recycling centre, where a cheerful attendant named Peter brightened Sarah’s day by chatting about music and recommending songs. His unexpected kindness reminded her how small, motive-free gestures can have a big emotional impact.
The conversation explores how everyday acts of warmth create ripple effects, build community, and boost resilience—showing that no job is "just a job" when people choose to care. 
Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you!
biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com 
Thank you!
Nicola and Claire
💙💙

Bettina joins us again and tells us of how a neighbour instantly recognised she needed a nap after a sleepless night with young children. I’m sure many of you can relate to this!
Do you have a story to share of a small act of kindness that meant a lot, even years later? We’d love to hear from you! biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com 
Thank you!
Nicola and Claire xx

Welcome to any new listeners to the Big Little Kindness podcast!
Thank you for stopping by. Our project is collecting and sharing stories of small acts of everyday kindness that have made a lasting difference. Thank you for the mention on 6 Music too on Sunday ( via Radcliffe and Maconie)💙
If you have a kindness story to share we would love to hear from you! You can send us your story by DM on Instagram, email at biglittlekindnesses@gmail.com
We are also planning a book of stories.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Nicola and Claire. Xx