On November 19 2024, Sam Boyle, founder of the Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness, joined the Eric Chase Podcast for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about her personal journey, the importance of suicide prevention, and the transformative impact of Kindness Rooms in local schools. In an emotional and inspiring dialogue, Sam shared the story of her son Luken, the pain of losing him, and how that tragedy became the foundation for a mission to promote kindness and save lives.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here: Eric Chase Podcast
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Sam recounted the heartbreaking story of her son, Luken, a kind and empathetic 14-year-old who tragically took his own life in 2017. Despite never having displayed mental health struggles or signs of bullying, Luken became the victim of a cruel cyberbullying prank orchestrated by someone he trusted. The devastating loss pushed Sam into a new reality, one where her grief became the driving force behind advocacy and action.
“What I’ve learned is that kids need to talk about it,” Sam shared during the podcast. “They need someone to say, ‘It’s okay to struggle.’ And even if you’re a bully, you need love too. Hurt people hurt people.”
Sam’s openness and courage in discussing her journey have sparked critical conversations about suicide prevention and mental health in schools and communities.
The Power of Kindness Rooms
During the podcast, Sam highlighted one of the core initiatives of the Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness: the Kindness Rooms. These rooms are carefully designed spaces within schools that promote kindness, provide students with a place to regroup, and encourage intentional acts of care and connection.
Kindness Rooms serve a dual purpose. They’re a safe space for students to decompress, reflect, and reset, but they’re also hubs for creating tangible acts of kindness—whether that’s writing encouraging notes, crafting small gifts for peers, or contributing to community projects.
“These rooms are about more than kindness; they’re about giving students tools to connect with others and themselves,” Sam explained. “Kindness Rooms make a profound difference by fostering empathy and showing kids that even small actions can have a big impact.”
Through partnerships with schools across Northwest Ohio, the Campaign for Kindness has brought Kindness Rooms to numerous communities, creating a ripple effect of positivity and support.
Suicide Prevention: Breaking the Silence
Another critical focus of the podcast was suicide prevention. Sam candidly discussed the stigma surrounding the topic and the challenges of addressing it openly, especially in schools.
“Kids are talking about it already—online, with their friends, everywhere. The question is, do we want them learning about suicide from each other, or do we want them to have the tools to understand and talk about it in a healthy way?” Sam asked.
She emphasized the need to remove the shame and silence surrounding mental health struggles. By sharing her story and creating spaces like Kindness Rooms, Sam and the Campaign for Kindness aim to equip students with the resources and support they need to navigate these difficult conversations.
Lessons in Kindness and Connection
Throughout the podcast, Sam’s message was clear: kindness has the power to transform lives. She shared several stories of visiting schools, working with students, and witnessing firsthand how acts of kindness can shift attitudes, create connections, and even save lives.
One particularly moving moment she shared was about a sixth-grade class struggling with interpersonal tensions. After introducing the concept of kindness through storytelling and the implementation of a Kindness Room, Sam saw a remarkable change. “It was palpable,” she said. “The kids were eager, excited, and connected in ways they hadn’t been before.”
Sam also offered a simple yet profound definition of kindness for young people: doing something good without expecting anything in return. It’s a lesson that resonates not only with students but with everyone who hears her speak.
Join the Mission
Sam’s appearance on the Eric Chase Podcast is a testament to the work being done by the Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness. It’s also a call to action for everyone who wants to make a difference in their community.
- Listen to the podcast: Eric Chase Podcast
- Support Kindness Rooms: Learn how your school or community organization can partner with the Campaign for Kindness to implement a Kindness Room.
- Spread the message: Share this blog, tell a friend, or simply practice an act of kindness today.
Together, we can create a world where kindness isn’t just a value but a way of life—and where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
About the Campaign
The Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness is dedicated to promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention through education and community initiatives. Inspired by Luken’s legacy, the campaign continues to make a meaningful impact, one act of kindness at a time.