Craig Conover (Southern Charm): Bravo, Bullies & Bee-ing Yourself

What if the thing people make fun of you for is your superpower? Bravo's Southern Charm star, entrepreneur, and author Craig Conover joins Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness for a heartfelt conversation about childhood bullying, reality TV, self-acceptance, and his new children's book, Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You. Craig opens up about how being bullied as a kid prepared him for the vulnerability of reality television, why he refuses to let other people's cruelty steal his kindness, and how his love of sewing became a powerful reminder to embrace what makes us different. Plus, he shares a surprisingly simple trick for accepting compliments, why a little constructive criticism can be an act of kindness, and the advice that changed his life. This positive podcast episode explores: Why Craig says your “weirdness” can become your superpower How childhood bullying shaped his mission to help kids feel less alone What being bullied on reality TV taught him about vulnerability, authenticity, and being yourself Why you can coexist with someone without becoming their friend How Craig's father influenced his leadership style—and why kindness and constructive criticism can coexist The powerful message behind his new book Patch Work and its refreshingly realistic approach to bullying, forgiveness, and boundaries Why accepting a compliment can be an act of kindness, too The simple daily habit Craig recommends to make someone else's day How creativity, gratitude, and physical activity help Craig practice self-kindness Plus, Craig plays Sew or Tell, sharing his favorite way to show kindness, the most ridiculous thing he's ever sewn, and the advice he hopes everyone takes to heart. Whether you're a Southern Charm fan, a parent, a creative, or someone learning to embrace the things that make you different, this episode is a reminder that other people's opinions don't get to define you. CRAIG CONOVER is a fan favorite on Bravo’s hit series Southern Charm. After being mocked for his enthusiasm for sewing, Craig turned his pastime into a full-time career as co-founder of Sewing Down South, a thriving Southern-based sewing lifestyle brand. He has since expanded his Charleston ventures as a partner in local restaurant By the Way and wedding and event venue The Waverly. A board-certified attorney and graduate of the College of Charleston and Charleston School of Law, Craig also serves on the board of Hope For The Warriors. He is the author of the top-rated memoir Pillow Talk: What’s Wrong with My Sewing? and will release his debut children’s book, Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You., on October 13, 2026. Follow Craig @caconover Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok Music: “Awake” by Ricky Alvarez & “Sunshine” by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices