Imagine giving it all up — the money, the career, the prestige — to help people living on the street who struggle with substance-use disorder. Kali Baba McConnell is someone who did that. After overcoming his own dependency demons, he works to offer resources, and kindness, to others navigating their own addictions on the streets of Northampton.
And Another Thing devotes Mondays to in depth conversations with a single individual about challenges they have faced and lessons that they have learned.
In this Monday Conversation, McDonnell describes the darkest days of his addiction and his passion for starting his non-profit, “Nothing But Kindness” to help others. He’s no fan of current service models for those with substance use-disorder, and advocates the use of harm reduction in its place.
The former IT professional and touring musician who used to drum for artists including Arlo Guthrie, will often take his guitar during his outreach on the streets as a way to connect to the community he’s working to help. He’s currently working on a new album and plans to use the proceeds from any sales for his self-funded non-profit.