116: We Empower! with Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg - Episode 116116: We Empower! with Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg - Episode 116
UK Health Radio Podcast
Social entrepreneur Nirmala Peters‑Mehendale talks with Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg about kindness as real strength, sharing personal stories, daily practices and ideas for building more compassionate families, schools and workplaces. The conversation touches on balance, boundaries, empathy and the quiet power of truly being present with others.
50:21•31 Oct 2026
Kindness as Real Power: Nirmala Peters‑Mehendale on Presence, Balance and Everyday Courage
Episode Overview
- Kindness is presented as a deliberate, powerful choice that benefits both relationships and personal wellbeing.
- Sustainable living is framed as a balance between self, others and the environment, supported by clear personal boundaries.
- Small daily habits, such as quiet morning routines and mindful media consumption, can keep energy and mood more stable.
- Volunteering and direct exposure to others’ struggles are suggested as ways to grow empathy and compassionate leadership in young people.
- Presence and deep listening are highlighted as simple yet priceless gifts that many people rarely receive.
“Kindness is a choice.”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation on UK Health Radio’s **We Empower!** brings a refreshing angle: what if genuine strength lies in kindness, presence and balance, not in constant achievement? Host **Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg** chats with social entrepreneur **Nirmala Peters‑Mehendale**, founder of *Kindness Unlimited* in Mumbai. Together, they look at how everyday compassion can become a cultural force, from families and schools to boardrooms.
Nirmala’s simple mantra, printed on her own T‑shirt – **“Kindness is a choice”** – runs through their whole exchange. You’ll hear Nirmala describe growing up introverted, wrestling with self‑esteem and finding the courage as a 15‑year‑old to change her academic path despite family expectations.
A supportive principal, a shift from science to liberal arts, and the classic serenity prayer helped her realise “there are things in life you can change and there are things in life you cannot,” shaping how she sees resilience today. She shares practical habits that keep her grounded: waking at 5 a.m. for quiet tea by the window, sending “good vibes” to everyone in her calendar, and being picky about what she consumes online so her feeds stay positive.
There’s humour too, as Annabel confesses to stress‑fuelled Swiss chocolate and the pair frame self‑kindness as part of health rather than a guilty secret. The episode also touches on heavier themes: loss of empathy among young people, intergenerational trauma, and the danger of chasing titles and material success while relationships erode. Nirmala describes volunteering programmes that try to grow empathy in students, and argues that classrooms and workplaces built on respect, boundaries and genuine listening outperform those driven by fear.
If you’re rebuilding life after alcohol or other addictions, this gentle but honest chat might nudge you to ask: what would change if you treated yourself and others with a little more kindness today?
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