- #42. Uncle Greg Chats with a Neighbor: Amanda Valentine (Project Runway)
In this episode, Uncle Greg is visited by another neighbor from Project Runway! You may have seen Amanda Valentine on Season 11, Season 13, or All Stars Season 6. Since then Amanda has created her own clothing line, styled bands, and is raising some pretty cool kiddos (who make a cameo on the pod!).
Uncle Greg and Amanda discuss how some skills are learned out of necessity rather than creative passion, but making space for our creative passions...is a necessity. That "weird" thing you do that makes you tick or keeps you grounded; the colors, patterns, or music that hits your brain just right, it can all be just for you. As Uncle Greg and Amanda discover with each other, it's also pretty nice to be seen too.
Listen and share with a friend! And stay 'til the end if you want some great recs for fried chicken in Atlanta!
If you'd like to connect with Uncle Greg, the Stay Kind Line is open!
Call 312-612-0101 to leave a message. Share a ~1min story of a kindness that you experienced. No matter how big or small, we want to hear from you. And you may hear yourself on an episode!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S3E2 - 37m - Sep 21, 2026 - #41. Uncle Greg Talks About Dance
In this Season 3 opener, Uncle Greg and Mister Rogers talk about their love for dance and the freedom we feel when we move our bodies exactly the way they want to move. You can follow the steps marked for you or step out on your own. Dance energizes and connects us, just like the stories we tell and the laughs we share.
Season 3 brings you more stories, more laughs, and more walks down memory lane. So stay tuned!
If you'd like to connect with Uncle Greg, the Stay Kind Line is open!
Call 312-612-0101 to leave a message. Share a ~1min story of a kindness that you experienced. No matter how big or small, we want to hear from you. And you may hear yourself on an episode!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S3E1 - 18m - Aug 16, 2026 - #40. Playing With New People
After sewing the world, Uncle Greg is back with another episode--sharing (and singing) his adventure stories. He proves that, with just a little imagination, we can enjoy endless opportunities. Sometimes in life, we're thrown things that really burst our bubble. Sometimes, we might create our own trouble. New experiences might be scary, but if we can remember our porpoise, there's truly nothing we can't handle. We can be stars, just the way we are...s.
We all have a story that deserves to be heard, talent that deserves to be seen, and joy that deserves to be shared.
Uncle Greg wants your story! Share a moment of kindness that impacted you by calling the Stay Kind Line (312-612-0101). Leave a ~1min voicemail with your first name and where you're calling from...or stay anonymoose. You may hear it on an episode!
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S2E17 - 30m - May 16, 2026 - #39. Uncle Greg Chats with a Neighbor (and old friend) Ariel McCleary
In this episode, Uncle Greg visits with an old schoolmate, friend, and fellow creative, Ariel McCleary. The two enjoy a laugh-filled walk down memory lane and discuss the freedom in taking a leap of faith and letting your heart guide you. There is no one we are meant to become, because we are all becoming. We are continually shaped by our unique journeys and the people we meet along the way.
If you aren't already one of the 10M views on Ariel's viral video, check it out here!
Uncle Greg would love to hear from you! Share a moment of kindness that impacted you by calling the Stay Kind Line (312-612-0101). Leave a ~1min voicemail with your first name and where you're calling from. You may hear it on an episode!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E16 - 57m - Apr 20, 2026 - #38. Uncle Greg Chats With A Neighbor [Alek - A Beautiful Night In Our Neighborhood]
In this episode, we meet Alek Sayers, producer and host of A Beautiful Night in Our Neighborhood, a Chicago-centered monthly variety panel show where you can catch the local news and talent, play games, and share in a beautiful experience with your neighbors!
Uncle Greg and Alek share their early upbringings, present yearnings, and Mister Rogers inspired their productions. They explore the practice of empathy--more than a feeling, it's an act, it's a muscle, and it's a skill--and they discuss how theater and the arts allow us the space and the tools to do this practice. It's a place to push yourself and be brave in a community trying the same.
Enjoy this episode full of synchronicities, a nod to Rog' and a shared mission to spread kindness and create connection. Then check out A Beautiful Night in Our Neighborhood!
At each show, Alek asks his guests to share a beautiful experience they've had in their neighborhood. Share yours any (and every) month at The Playground Theater!
Uncle Greg asks his listeners to share a moment of kindness that impacted them. Share yours by calling the Stay Kind Line (312-612-0101). Leave a ~1min voicemail with your first name and where you're calling from. You may hear it on an episode!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E15 - 53m - Mar 30, 2026 - #37. Uncle Greg Talks About Change
In this episode, Uncle Greg talks about how difficult and beautiful change can be. From moving your bed to the other side of the room and seeing things from a new perspective, to taking on new responsibilities and seeing how capable you really are, change can be good...even if it's scary at first.
It helps to have people around you to let you know it's going to be okay and that, no matter what happens, they like you just the way you are. You don't have to change to be liked. As we grow, we will all change, and we can be liked for who we are then, too.
Call in to share a kindness that was shared with you. The Stay Kind Line is open! 312-612-0101. Leave a ~1min voicemail with your first name and where you're calling from. You may hear it on an episode!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E14 - 25m - Mar 15, 2026 - #36. Generational Kindness
In this episode of Stay Kind, Uncle Greg talks about what's passed down, across, or up to us from our families and neighbors of all generations. The songs we sing, the dances we dance, the gestures and phrases that soften us. What a good feeling it is to surprise others with simple acts of kindness and to be surprised by those around us.
What kindness has been shared with you that felt generational or brand new? Did it feel like ancestors were guiding it or patterns were broken to allow for it? Whether simple or profound, we'd love to hear from you.
The Stay Kind Line is open (312) 612-0101. Leave us a ~1min voicemail with your name and where you're calling from. Your message may make it into an episode!
Thanks for listening, Neighbor!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E13 - 22m - Mar 2, 2026 - #35. Uncle Greg STOMPS
Push, sweep, push, sweep, coassst.
This week, Uncle Greg walks us down memory lane (if you were alive in the 90's and Blue Man Group was too expensive). We visit the cast of STOMP and the Land of Make Believe to learn the power of percussion and presence. We can do so much with our bodies, we can make music with them, or, turn things upside-down. The more we learn to channel our energy, find outlets when we're feeling charged, and allow ourselves grace when we make mistakes - the more we grow.
Kindness often seems like a difficult task...when it's the kind we have to give to ourselves. What a good, good feeling it is to have people around us to show us the way. The simplest acts can truly change someone's day.
Stick around 'til the end of the episode to hear from our first caller, who shares a small act of kindness that did just that. We're excited to hear from YOU too, Neighbor! Give Uncle Greg a call at 312-612-0101. Tell us a story of kindness that surprised you, or came your way at a moment when you needed it the most. Leave your first name and where you're calling from so we can see how big this neighborhood really is! The Stay Kind Line is open ;)
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S2E12 - 21m - Feb 17, 2026 - #34. The Backpack
This week, we meet an adorable baby elephant and Uncle Greg talks about what we choose to share with the world. We decide who gets to see what's in "our bag." We decide when, where, how, and with whom to share our gifts.
When strangers become neighbors, it becomes easier to share. And because we're neighbors ;) - we're inviting you to do just that.
Stay Kind has a voicemail and we want to hear your voice! Call 312 • 612 • 0101 to share an experience that reminded you KINDNESS STILL EXISTS! (Your VM may be included in the pod, so please try to keep your message under 1-minute.)
The Stay Kind Line is open and we can't wait to hear from you!
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E11 - 18m - Feb 1, 2026 - #33. Uncle Greg Talks About Kindness
This week, Uncle Greg talks to us about kindness, the whole point of this pod!
The simplest acts of kindness, ones that aren't done in exchange for anything, can turn someone's day around. Whether it's helping someone reunite with a lost glove or offering someone a chance to try something new, we can all make more space and offer more grace to one another.
COMING SOON: We want to hear from you. Thank you to everyone who has left a comment or shared an episode. Stay Kind Voicemail is coming soon. We'd love for you to share a 30sec-1min story of a time someone was kind to you, or went out of their way to make sure you were okay.
In these trying times, we could all use a reminder of how much kindness still exists in the world.
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S2E10 - 23m - Jan 19, 2026 - #33. Uncle Greg Chats with a Neighbor: Miss Purl (PART II)
Happy New Year Neighbors!
This week Uncle Greg and Miss Purl bring their friendship one step closer and their heartfelt conversation to a close. We learn the impact Mister Rogers had on them both, the cozy knit cardigans, the nostalgia, and the practice of being kind and being in community.
We learn there is always time to take it all in, to pause and be in gratitude. That there are people out there who get us. Places where we can fully be ourselves, and if we can't find them, we can build them.
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
https://ko-fi.com/unclegregproductions
S2E9 - 32m - Jan 5, 2026 - #32. Uncle Greg Chats with a Neighbor: Miss Purl (PART I)
In the final Stay Kind episode of 2025, Uncle Greg connects with a new neighbor, Kamaca Champion aka Miss Purl (@MissPurlChicago), as she closes an important and long-awaited chapter in her life. Uncle Greg and Miss Purl speak to us about love, locks, living authentically and never giving up on what we've always "yarned" for.
A dream deferred can still be realized if we keep listening to it and Miss Purl is a perfect example.
Even though Miss Purl's brick & mortar yarn shop has closed to the public, you can still soak up her glow (and we're not just taking about her flawless complexion!). Follow Miss Purl on Instagram to join her on a brand new journey.
Happy New Year, Neighbors! Join us in January for Part II with Miss Purl and so much more from Stay Kind.
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S2E8 - 30m - Dec 22, 2025 - #31. Uncle Greg Talks About Margaret Hamilton (Wizard of Oz)
Haven't seen Wicked yet? You're still good to give this episode a listen! There are only a couple mostly fashion-based SPOILERS mentioned.
This week Uncle Greg shares how an alleyway encounter, chocolate chip cookies and a husband who didn't want to see Wicked with anyone but himself--turned into a new friendship.
In Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, we meet Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch of the West, Wizard of OZ - 1939) and reflect on fear and the magic of pretending. Uncle Greg encourages us to stay open to new connections and remember that simple acts of kindness can make things less scary and turn neighbors into friends.
Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E31 - 21m - Dec 8, 2025 - #30. When Parents Go To Work
This week, Uncle Greg talks about what happens as children when our parents go to work and the feeling of being left behind. Mister Rogers reminds us that they are still always there, thinking of the love they have for us.
As adults, we may have to leave versions of ourselves behind in order to grow. But those versions of us are always there. They got us to where we are now, and we can think of them lovingly as we step into fuller versions of ourselves. For Uncle Greg, it was moving from a place of hyper-independence into a deeper sense of community.
What have you had to leave behind that you can look back on with fondness, and an appreciation for the work *you* are doing for yourself and for community?
Let us know in the comments and don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, & SUBSCRIBE to join Uncle Greg on his mission to Stay Kind.
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S2E6 - 19m - Nov 24, 2025 - #29. We All Have Art Inside of Us
Hey Neighbors,
It's KD, Uncle Greg's producer. I'm taking this opportunity as the lady behind the keys (...ma'am behind the curtain?...edit-her?) anyway...to share my gratitude for Uncle Greg. It's been an honor to work with him on this project and, in greater measure, to call him one of my dearest friends.
Even through hardship, he is intent on bringing us joy and hope.
It's a vulnerable thing sharing yourself week after week, living your growing pains out loud.
I intentionally left the end of this episode unedited because, like each and every one of us, Uncle Greg deserves to be witnessed and held in community in his rawest human form.
In a sea of overly polished productions, Uncle Greg offers us something real and invites us to show up exactly the way we are.
Happy Birthday, my sweet friend. It's such a good, good feeling to know you're alive.
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Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
S2E5 - 28m - Nov 11, 2025 - #28. Uncle Greg Talks About Different Roles
This week, Uncle Greg talks about the different roles we take on and what it really means to be kind. We can grow and change, and laugh at ourselves along the way.We can help others by doing what we do well. We can also help by looking for ways to support the people helping us.
While we all have different roles, we all have purpose. No matter what you do, thank you, Neighbor, for just being you.
Buy Uncle Greg a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber!
https://ko-fi.com/unclegregproductions
S2E4 - 33m - Oct 27, 2025 - #27. Uncle Greg Talks About Strengths & Being YOU
This week, Uncle Greg takes us into the Land of Make Believe, as well as the Land of I Can't Believe This Is Real Life.
Mister Rogers and his neighbors show us how powerful our imaginations can be, that not everything is as it seems, and that we must look past appearances to discover who people truly are. Each one of us is unique. You're the most YOU, anyone can be.
Huge shout out to all the neighbors in Chicago who are showing up for each other right now. No matter what we look like, it's what's on the inside that matters. That deserves love and love deserves protection.
To support this work and connect with Uncle Greg, you can buy him a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber! Thanks Neighbor!
S2E3 - 30m - Oct 13, 2025 - #26. The Ups & Downs of Friendship
This week, Uncle Greg revisits friendship and the conflicts that make our connections stronger because we're willing to face them.
We all have rainy days, even in the Land of Make Believe. Without them, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the beauty of a rainbow, or the calm after the storm that feels so sweet because of all we were able to weather...together.
To support this work and connect with Uncle Greg, you can buy him a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber! Thanks Neighbor!
https://ko-fi.com/unclegregproductions
To support this work and connect with Uncle Greg, you can buy him a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber! Thanks Neighbor!
S2E2 - 27m - Oct 6, 2025 - Hello Season 2!
Hey Neighbor!
We hope you soaked up the sun this summer. Maybe you popped in those earbuds at the beach and put on your favorite pod (perhaps you listened back to this very podcast!).
If not, have no fear, all the episodes are right here.
In this Season 2 opener, Uncle Greg meets new neighbors, real ones...he moved y'all. We are also reintroduced to the ones in Mister Roger's Neighborhood AND the Land of Make Believe.
If you've been listening since the beginning and thought "Dang! How am I supposed to remember all these people 'n' puppets?" Or, if you're brand new to the pod, (WELCOME! THANK YOU!), this is a great way to get acquainted with all the characters and what they represent within the world of our favorite public television show.
We've got big plans for this season and Uncle Greg Productions! To support this work and connect with Uncle Greg, you can buy him a cup of coffee OR get early access to new merch, exclusive episodes and more by becoming a monthly subscriber! Thanks Neighbor!
S2E1 - 22m - Sep 28, 2025 - Season 2…Premieres Sept 28th!
Hey Neighbor!
Season 2 of Stay Kind w/ Uncle Greg premieres September 28th! Mark your calendars!
Until then, enjoy a few memories and earworms from Season 1 (or listen all the way back through..we won’t stop you!)
In Season 2, we’ll have more episodes to explore, more people to meet, and many more stories to tell…
See you soon, Neighbor!
Like, Subscribe, Share
& Stay Kind.
S2 - 2m - Sep 21, 2025
