Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for another Season 5 episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast.

In this Mission episode, Todd is joined by our friend Georgia, 5, to continue exploring this month’s theme: FAMILIES!

Inspired by our Kidventure to the Land of Qook-a-lakas, kid listeners are invited to go on a special mission: Creating their own family quilt square. Together, Todd and Georgia talk about the people, traditions, foods, adventures, and creative moments that make families unique.

Georgia shares her own quilt square, featuring adventures and crafting, and explains how art, imagination, and time together help her family feel connected. We also hear from Carmine, who shares how music, friends, and pizza represent his family. 

This episode encourages kids to reflect on love, belonging, and everyday routines — and consider creating their own family quilt squares — to grow the Little Kids, Big Hearts family quilt. Every family looks different and in every family love matters!

The podcast is perfect for kids aged 2–11, and designed to be enjoyed together with a grown-up.

THIS WEEK’S MISSION:
Kids are invited to create their own family quilt square by drawing a square and adding about three things that make their family special. These can include people, pets, foods, games, traditions, or anything that shows love and care.

Once you've created your family's quilt square, grown-ups can send a picture to us at podcast@playsparkler.org (or on social media). We love seeing your creativity and growing our Little Kids, Big Hearts Family Quilt.

IN THIS EPISODE, KIDS WILL:

• Reflect on what makes their family special
• Practice expressing feelings through art and storytelling
• Celebrate different family structures and traditions
• Build empathy by seeing how other families share love
• Take part in a creative, real-world mission

GROWN-UPS, YOU CAN EXTEND THE CONVERSATION BY ASKING:

• What are three things that make our family special to you?
• What activities help you feel most connected to our family?
• How do different families show love in different ways?

ABOUT LITTLE KIDS, BIG HEARTS:

Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through imaginative Kidventures, missions, stories, and songs, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and caring for others.

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND SHARE:

If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share! It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts.

🎧 Find us on YouTube:
 https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts

🎵 Follow us on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts

📸 Follow us on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast

📘 Find us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 

CREDITS:

Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. Georgia, 5, co-hosted today's epsiode! It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod, also at Sparkler. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth, with original music by Bill English. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the use of the song “Like Nobody Else” from Big Heart Beats.

Learn more about the podcast at:
 https://www.playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for the Season 5 premiere of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast!

In this special Kidventure episode, Todd is joined by three thoughtful kids, Georgia, Jaden, and Carmine, for a warm, meaningful conversation about families and what makes them special.

Together, they talk about family traditions, bedtime routines, games, meals, and the everyday moments that build love and belonging.

Then, the kids close their eyes and travel as tiny imaginary particles to the Land of Qook-a-lakas, where they meet Quilliam, a Qook-a-laka who worries that their family is “just too teeny-weeny” to make a Dream Fest quilt square. With creativity, empathy, and big hearts, the kids help Quilliam discover that families of every size create meaningful memories and that love is what matters most.

This Kidventure episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts supports social and emotional learning by encouraging empathy, perspective-taking, emotional expression, and inclusion, while celebrating the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes. Perfect for kids ages 3–11 and for listening together as a family.

About Our Guest Star:
The role of Quilliam in this episode is played by Ryann Redmond, an actress and singer. Ryann originated Bridget in Bring It On: The Musical, appeared in the original cast of If/Then, performed in Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, and made history as the first female Olaf in Frozen on Broadway.

In This Episode, Kids Will:

• Explore different family structures in an inclusive, age-appropriate way
• Practice empathy through conversation and imagination
• Learn that love, care, and connection define “family”
• Use creative storytelling to solve a problem in the Land of Qook-a-lakas
• Reflect on routines and traditions that build belonging

Grown-Ups, Extend the Conversation By Asking:

• Who is part of our family? 
• What are some special things we like to do together as a family? Do we have any traditions? 
• How are our family routines similar or different from our friends' routines? 
• What helps you feel safe, loved, and included at home?
• What would YOU include on your quilt square? 

Find educator resources to keep the learning going at:
https://playsparkler.org/familyepisode/

About Little Kids, Big Hearts:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the discussion through Kidventures, stories, songs, missions, and conversations!

Subscribe, Rate, and Share:
If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts!

🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast

Credits:
Hosted by Todd Loyd. Produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth, with original music by Bill English.

Special thanks to Noggin for their support and use of “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.

Learn more and find episode resources at:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

This summer, Little Kids, Big Hearts is teaming up with Camp Sparkler, and we'd love for all of our listeners to join us for 8 FREE & FUN weeks of virtual summer camp. LKBH Host Todd Loyd is the head counselor at Camp Sparkler this year and each week, we'll  be exploring big feelings, creativity, and a whole lot more! You can listen to the podcast, watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts), and you can play along with play and learning activities in the Sparkler mobile app! 

This week — week 1 — we're focused on BELONGING, who we are and how we fit together. ❤️🌟

In our Little Kids, Big Hearts episode called "We Belong," four amazing kids — Providence, River, Yonatan, and Valencia — discussed what it means to belong. Todd and the kids then journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where they meet a Qook-a-lacka named Quinnie (played by Alexis Michelle), who needs help figuring out how to help the Link-a-doos, who are coming to the Land as refugees after a big storm destroyed their island.

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the original song "Growin' Up This Summer" that you hear in the episode is by Benjamin Weiner.

Listen to the original episode and find episode resources online at https://playsparkler.org/little-kids-big-hearts-we-belong-with-alexis-michelle/. 

Find out more about Camp Sparkler and play along at https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler2025/

Once, in  the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where the sky shimmers lavender in the mornings and the grass hums softly under your feet, there stood a tree that… didn’t do anything.  It didn’t blossom in spring.  It didn’t drop colorful leaves in the fall.  It didn’t blossom or grow fruits like the other trees — no Quinklepuffs, no Quiddleberries!

Welcome to the newest original story from the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. 

This month, we're focused on the natural world and how it makes us feel. 

And this story is all about a very special tree. Was it quiet ... or was it just waiting to share its true self with people who were patient?? Listen along to find out. 

At the end of the episode, listen up for a new song by our friend Benjamin Weiner inspired by the power of nature to help us learn and grow! The song is called GROWIN' UP THIS SUMMER! And in addition to listening on the podcast feed, you can watch a music video of it on our YouTube channel! So visit and sing/dance along. 

Thanks for joining us for Storytime!

Visit us online (https://playsparkler.org/lovingnature/) or on our Youtube channel to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts). 

This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts is focused on the natural world — and how it makes us feel! 

And this month's "mission" is The Nature 🔍🌻 Detective Mission. 

Todd and Christy challenge listeners to learn about something new about the nature that surrounds you. See if you can find out the name of a tree or flower near where you live...or discover something else you'd never noticed about the natural world! The more we notice, the more connected we feel — to nature, to others, and to ourselves.

Parents/caregivers: Share the results of your kids' Nature Detective Missions with us! You can email it to us at support@playsparkler.org or share it on social media. 

Have fun out there, Nature Detectives!

🍀🐛🪲🕸🌵🌳🌴🌿🌱🍄🐚🌷🌸🌻

On this episode, three kids — Charlie from Brooklyn, Knox from Denver, and Sienna from Houston — join LKBH host Todd Loyd to discuss the great outdoors — and how nature makes them feel. 

The kids and Todd then hike up an enormous imaginary mountain to travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas … arriving JUST at the right moment to help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Qwiffin (played by the amazing Maulik Pancholy), grow a "memory garden." 

What is a memory garden?!

Qwiffin explains: "Well, it's a garden, but instead of being made out of dirt and seeds and the power of photosynthesis, it grows in a different way: It grows from our memories of being outdoors in nature." 

The kids and Todd help Qwiffin brainstorm amazing memories of nature in all four seasons: ❄️, 🌸,🌻,🍁!

Together, with the power of their memories, they help the garden glow and grow!

💚💚💚

Maulik Pancholy plays the role of  Qwiffin. Maulik Pancholy is an award-winning actor, author, and activist. His career has spanned hit television shows, animated series, the Broadway stage, and films. He recently completed filming on the Jesse Eisenberg-directed feature film No One Cares (with Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti), the indie feature Nuked (with Anna Camp and Justin Bartha), and the indie feature ReEntry (with Emily Deschanel and Noma Dumenzwini). 

He famously played Alec Baldwin’s intrepid assistant Jonathan on the Emmy®, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning NBC comedy 30 Rock; Sanjay on the Showtime hit series Weeds; and Neal on the NBC comedy Whitney. His numerous recurring and guest starring roles include Only Murders in the Building, Leverage: Redemption, The Good Fight, Dynasty, Star Trek: Discovery, Elementary, Friends from College, The Good Wife, Web Therapy, The Comeback, The Sopranos, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. For his work on television, he has been nominated for and won the Screen Actors Guild Award on multiple occasions. Pancholy has entertained both children and adults as the voice of Baljeet on the Emmy® award-winning Disney animated series Phineas & Ferb, and as the title voice of Sanjay on Nickelodeon’s Sanjay & Craig. He is the voice of Ranjeet on Disney Junior’s Mira, Royal Detective and can be heard on the Netflix series Q-Force and the upcoming Netflix series Ghee Happy. He has appeared in blockbuster films such as 27 Dresses and Hitch, and his many theater credits include starring on Broadway opposite Matthew Broderick and Martin Short in Terrence McNally’s It’s Only A Play, playing opposite Ed Harris in David Rabe’s Good For Otto, starring in the Tony-nominated Broadway production of Bess Wohl’s Grand Horizons, and starring in J.C. Lee’s To My Girls at 2nd Stage Theater.

 His debut novel, The Best at It, won a 2020 Stonewall Honor in Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and his sophomore novel, Nikhil Out Loud, won a 2023 Lambda Literary Award and was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2022. He is a cofounder of the anti-bullying nonprofit ActToChange.org.

💚💚💚

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English. 

Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Also...Little Kids, Big Hearts now has a YouTube channel. Please join our growing community on YouTube! Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

On this special episode of the Little Kids, Big hearts podcast, LKBH host Todd Loyd has a conversation with the actor and legend Judge Reinhold. 

Judge appeared on our podcast at the start of the month — exploring feelings of nervousness and practicing some ways to cope with four big-hearted kids.

Now he's back to share his OWN experiences and strategies. 

It turns out that even having decades of experience as a famous actor doesn't make you immune from feeling anxious, and Judge says that's actually a good thing. 

He explains: 

"If you're not nervous, then you're not going to do a good job. And that's how you break down that nervousness and turn it into fuel. It's a good thing. It's going to drive you. Adrenaline can get away from you but it can also make you so sharp and make you better than you. That's that special thing that will make you better than you thought you were, that adrenaline. You have to make it your friend." 

Learn more about the episode: https://playsparkler.org/feeling-nervous/

Or find more resources on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Everyone feels nervous sometimes — whether you're a Grammy-winning performer or a kid who hasn't started Kindergarten yet!

This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts is focused on feeling nervous — what it is to feel nervous and some strategies to cope with the feeling! 

Today, we're thrilled to release an original Little Kids, Big Hearts song by the amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner called NERVOUS. It's inspired by the words that our amazing kid guests shared on our episode "Wobbly to Wow With Judge Reinhold" and by Doechii's powerful song "Anxiety." 

NERVOUS by Benjamin Weiner

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

My palms are sweaty getting ready for a dance show. 

My heart starts beating when I'm meeting someone I don't know. 

Going to a new place. 

You can see the feeling on my face. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

When my tummy's feeling funny and my hands shake, 

My voice is breaking when I think I'm making a mistake. 

I know my family can calm me down. 

And it's better just to say it out loud. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

So, take a deep breath [breath],

Shake your hands out: shake, shake, shake, shake. 

And take a deep breath [breath],

And shake your hands out: shake, shake, and sing

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

I take a deep breath, and shake my hands out, too. 

I'm feeling nervous, but I know what to do. 

Hmm...

Learn more and listen along with us!

Welcome to Storytime!

In this original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts, we join Quessa, Kalini, and Karva, and their class of Qook-a-leekies on their first overnight field trip. It can be scary to be away from home ... and as the qook-a-leekies practice climbing and cope with a big storm, nervous energy grows and grows. 

How will Quessa the Qook-a-leekie cope with all the big nervous feelings? 

The story is voiced by host Todd Loyd and Creative Producer Christy Pusz Decatur. 

Thanks for joining us for Storytime!

Visit us online (https://playsparkler.org/feeling-nervous/) or on our Youtube channel to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts). 

This month, the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast is focused on nervousness. The kids chatted about what makes them nervous and practiced some strategies to help them cope with nervousness, including a game called What If? ... But Then. 

In this month's "Mission," Todd and Christy challenge our listeners to play a version of the What If? ... But Then game at home: 

1. Think of something that makes you nervous

2. Draw a picture of your "But Then" — a positive resolution that turns the nerves to bravery! 

They also share a song from the the LAST mission by a 5-year-old listener inspired to share HER special song: "Hello, hello, hello WORLD!" You're going to love it!  

Please share your "BUT THEN" inspirations! You can share by emailing us at podcast@playsparkler.org. 

Learn more about the podcast on our website: playsparkler.org

Or you can listen to episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

On this episode, four kids — Miel, Kelly, Leo, and Sammy — join LKBH host Todd Loyd to discuss nervousness: What causes nervous? What can we do with nervous feelings? 

The kids and Todd then float on fluffy clouds and to the Land of Qook-a-lackas … arriving JUST in time to help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Quillabee, get ready for the Big Feelings Fest! 

At first, Quillabee is feeling super nervous about sharing a story in front of a crowd — but the kids help Quillabee practice strategies to get past the nerves before the Fest. 

☁️ They shake the nerves out of their arms, legs, elbows, etc.

☁️ They play "What If...But Then!" to imagine alternative (positive) ends of nervous moments.

☁️ They practice taking deep, calming breaths. 

Together, they learn that EVERYONE feels nervous sometimes — and they learn some strategies to deal with nerves!

❤️❤️❤️

Quillabee is played by JUDGE REINHOLD, the movie and TV actor. 

JUDGE REINHOLD has been in over seventy-five motion picture and television roles and enjoys a 35-year relationship with an international audience of all ages.  His films include STRIPES, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, RUTHLESS PEOPLE, and Christmas franchise, THE SANTA CLAUSE 1,2,3. BEVERLY HILLS COP 1, 2, 3 play continually internationally, making Judge a familiar presence worldwide.  FAST TIMES and BEVERLY HILLS COP were recently voted by the American Film Institute as two of the “Top 100 American Comedies.”   

Judge received an Emmy nomination for his performance as “The Close Talker” on Seinfeld, and his guest-star appearances in Seinfeld and Arrested Development received two of the highest ratings on both series. Judge has been an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1987.

Judge most recently co-starred with Eddie Murphy in the fourth installment of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, which was Netflix’s most successful summer movie of 2024, released globally in 250 million homes.

❤️❤️❤️

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English. 

Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org/feeling-nervous/

Also...Little Kids, Big Hearts now has a YouTube channel. Please join our growing community on YouTube! Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts has focused on the power of music ... and we're excited to wrap up the month with a special interview with the person BEHIND the music on our podcast: Our audio engineer and sound designer, Ryan Marth. 

Host Todd Loyd joins Ryan and one of his kids (Clover, 8) for an interview about the power of music and sound design to help people understand how someone is feeling, even without words. 

You'll discover... 

🎶 How Ryan imagines the sounds that accompany us on outings to the Land of Qook-a-lackas

🎶 Some of the things we all have around our homes that can actually be transformed into instruments, and 

🎶 How Ryan got inspired by music and how kids can start creating their own songs!

In addition to Ryan's work with Little Kids, Big Hearts, he's a film and television composer whose work includes contributions to studio action films, Emmy winning documentaries, and award-winning independent features.  He’s composed, produced, and created audio for major studios, including Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and National Geographic. 

Learn more about this month's episodes on our website: https://playsparkler.org/power-of-music/

Season 5 of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast is coming on Friday, Jan. 9 — so rev up your imagination, and get ready to journey with us to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to explore big feelings and solve problems with our Qook-a-lacka friends. 

If you're new to the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, you should know that the Land of Qook-a-lackas is a special place where children go to share their feelings, but not everyone can see the Qook-a-lackas or little Qook-a-leekies who live there. Some have fur, spikes, scales, and different colors — and they look different to all children. 

Get ready to imagine and grow big hearts with us! 💛

Welcome to Storytime!

In this original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts, we learn the origin of the Qook-a-lacka song healer, Quasnick, who we first met in our episode "Moving Time" when Quasnick helped kids create a song to help a Qook-a-lacka family cope with their big feelings around moving. 

In this story, Quasnick has practiced and practiced for the Great Qooka Sing, but loses the all-important songbook the day of the performance! 

Quasnick is poised to apologize and call it a night, but a young friend gives an important reminder: "You don’t need the sheet music. I’ve heard you hum by the shoreline and in the store. I’ve seen you tap your feet in time with the sounds of the forest. Your songs are part of YOU!"

Quasnick gets up on stage and creates an original song inspired by the words and feelings of the Qook-a-lackas in the crowd. 

The song becomes "Power of a Song," which we released earlier this week on our podcast ... AND the moment transformed Quasnick into the Song Healer of the Land of Qook-a-lackas. 

The Song Healer doesn’t “fix” feelings but rather makes space for them, so all Qook-a-lackas and little Qook-a-leekies know that their hearts have a voice.

The story is voiced by host Todd Loyd, Creative Producer Christy Pusz Decatur, and the original Song Healer, Benjamin Weiner!

Thanks for joining us for Storytime!

Visit us online (https://playsparkler.org/power-of-music/) or on our Youtube channel to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts). 

This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts is focused on the power of music, and today we are thrilled to release an original song by the amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner called POWER OF A SONG. 

What does music mean to you? 

How does music make YOU feel? 

Here are the lyrics! Sing along with us!

POWER OF A SONG

When you’re filled up with a feelinglike happy angry, or sad,you might feel some music coming too. 

And before too long, your feeling is a song, a song that belongs to you.

And you can sing loud,
And you can sing quiet,
And you might feel better, 
So why don’t you try it, cause

You’ve got a song in your heart,(I bet you can feel it,)
You’ve got a song in your heart,
(And no one can steal it)When you sing it you can feel,
Happy safe and strong,That’s the power of a song.

When you’ve got a story,
About a king or a magic spell,
You might feel a tune start to appear, (la la la…)And before too long, 
Your story is a song,And people gather round ‘cuz they want to hear…

And you can sing fast fast fast fast
And you can sing slowwww,
And people might sing along,And your song will grow… 

'cause you’ve got a song in your heart,(I bet you can feel it,)
You’ve got a song in your heart,
(no one can steal it)When you sing it you can feel,
Happy, safe, and strong,That’s the power of a song.

A song can move your hands! (Everybody, move your hands!)
A song can tap your feet! (Everybody, tap your feet)
Oh song can make you dance (Come on: everybody dance) 
While you’re walking down the street 'cause 

You’ve got a song in your heart,(I bet you can feel it,)
You’ve got a song in your heart,
(And no one can steal it)When you sing it you can feel,
Happy, safe, and strong,That’s the power of a song.

Oh! The power of a song!

Oh! The power of a song!

Sing it with me now!

Oh! The power of a song!

One more time now!

Oh! The power of a song!

This month, the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast is focused on the power of music! We shared some of our favorite songs from the LKBH podcast, and today, we're excited to share a brand new challenge for our listeners and their families: The Song of YOU Mission! 

Todd and Christy challenge our listeners to make up their own song  that tells the story of their feelings, their experiences, their hopes and dreams ...

We'd love to hear your song: Share it with us at podcast@playsparkler.org. 

Learn more about the podcast on our website: playsparkler.org

Or you can listen to episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

We're SO excited to share some of our favorite songs from the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast on this special episode about the power of music to help people express our feelings and become braver, kinder, and stronger! 🎶  🎹  🎸

Here's the lineup of songs you'll hear on the episode:

❤️ "Super Superpower," by Benjamin Weiner and performed by Q. Smith

❤️ "Try," written and performed by Bill English

❤️ "Together," written by Lance Horne and performed by Lauren Elder, Julie Garnyé, and Lance Horne

 ❤️ “A Little Bit Better," written by Benjamin Weiner and performed by Benjamin with kid guests Aurelia, Cris, Henry & Guest Qook-a-lacka Amir Arison

❤️ "I Have the Key," written by Benjamin Weiner and performed by Rebecca Naomi Jones

❤️ "Just As You Are," by Benjamin Weiner

❤️ “You Can Use Your Imagination!” written by Benjamin Weiner and performed by Nadiyah Dorsey

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth.

Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org

We'll be re-posting the music videos of the songs on our youtube:  @LittleKidsBigHearts ​

Ali Stroker is a trailblazing actor and advocate who joined the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast as a guest Qook-a-lacka on our episode focused on inclusion. Today, Ali is back — out of character, as her amazing self — to talk with LKBH Host Todd Loyd about her own experiences with disability and inclusion. 

❤️ She reflects on what Scarlett and Zach said on the episode: "When I hear Scarlett talking about horseback riding: It felt like she was explaining something that was so normal. And that, to me, is progress."

❤️ She shares her own personal motto — Turning Limitations into Opportunities: "It can apply to somebody with a disability or not because as human beings, we have limitations. It's part of existing in the world." 

 ❤️ She talks about being a mom with a disability — and how being a mom in a wheelchair affects her parenting and her son's independence. 

❤️ She talks about the power of "inclusive playgrounds." "I never had one inclusive playground growing up, and to this day, I still go to the playground and I have this like funny feeling in my stomach because it was a place of confusion and shame and frustration for me as a child ... Every kid deserves that freedom and that ability to play in an outdoor space with their friends."

❤️ She talks about a moment when she was in 1st grade and her PE teachers included her in a lesson on "how to skip," which changed her life. "Thirty-one years later, I still remember it because it felt like I was included and someone had taken a little bit of time to get creative and make me feel like I was learning a new school too, and that I could be a part of the group in moving...And that meant everything to me, everything!"

 ❤️ She talked about her children's book "Ali and the Sea Stars," which was based on her own experience as a six year old being introduced to musical theater by her neighbor on the Jersey Shore. "It basically set my entire life journey of  becoming a musical theater and actress and everything that I do now." 

❤️ She shares advice for kids with disabilities who want to try something new that hasn't been done before. 

Ali Stroker is a Tony Award winner for her role as ‘Ado Annie’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony. She was a series regular on the Netflix series, Echoes, and starred in the Lifetime holiday film, Christmas Ever After. Ali recurred in the final season of Netflix's Ozark and in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. She co-wrote the novel, The Chance to Fly and its sequel, Cut Loose!; and she wrote the children's book, Ali and the Sea Stars. She was recently seen opposite Matthew Broderick in Babbitt at Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC and played 'Lady Anne' in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Richard III. She’s performed her one woman show all over the country. Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”

Learn more on our episode webpage: https://playsparkler.org/inclusion/

Watch on our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Welcome to storytime! 

This new fictional story, set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, is about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to play. 

The main character is Quiggle, a little Qook-a-leekie who travels around the Land of Qook-a-lackas in chair with rainbow, sparkling wheels. When it's time for the annual tradition of climbing the Twisty Tree as a class, all the Qook-a-leekies have to come together to figure out a way to include ALL their classmates, including Quiggle!

"Quiggle's Wheels" is read by our host, Todd Loyd, who is a teacher in New York City who LOVES a good storytime, along with Christy Pusz Decatur, the LKBH creative producer. 

Find resources on inclusion — the focus this month — from LKBH online at: https://playsparkler.org/inclusion/

VISIT and subscribe to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

#story #storytime #inclusion #disability #similarities #workingtogether #playingtogether #parenting

On this special episode, Little Kids, Big Hearts host Todd Loyd chats with award-winning composer, lyricist & performer Lance Horne 🎶 about the disability he was born with and how he overcame his early challenges to become an Emmy Award winning songwriter and musician. 

Lance explains: "I spent four summers of my childhood with my head wrapped in a bandage. And it meant not being able to go out and play on the swing set or having people kind of point and wonder what's going on or getting ready for a surgery or being excited about a surgery..."

He goes on to recount how two different teachers — Miss Roseberry and Susan Grove — inspired him to pursue music and to write his own songs. 

 At the end of the episode, Lance shares the new song he created — TOGETHER — inspired by the words Zach and Scarlett shared earlier this month on the LKBH episode "Inclusion Matters With Ali Stroker." 

Recording & Mix: Jacob Tourjeman 

Vocals: Lauren Elder, Julie Garnyé, Lance Horne 

Whistling: Lauren Elder 

Music: Lance Horne 

Lyrics: Lance Horne & Todd Loyd

***

Lance Horne is an Emmy award-winning composer, pianist, singer, music director, and producer who has arranged for/performed with Alan Cumming, Jake Shears/Scissor Sisters, Ricki Lake, Rufus Wainwright, Pink Martini, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, the von Trapps, Ben Folds, Neil Gaiman, Chita Rivera, Justin Vivian Bond, Sandra Bernhard, Shoshana Bean, Amanda Palmer/Dresden Dolls, Cheyenne Jackson, Jelani Remy, Kelli O’Hara, Ken Page, Ana Gasteyer, Meow Meow, Taylor Mac, the Gatlin Brothers, Boston Pops, Seoul Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony, London/SF/LA/NY Gay Men’s Chorus, Sydney Dance Company, Michael Feinstein, Carol Channing, and Sesame Street. He performed with Kristen Chenoweth for President Obama, the First Lady, and Queen Elizabeth.

Broadway: vocal arrangements for Little Women, arrangements and appearance in Regina Spektor on Broadway. Music for ‘Bent’ dir. Moises Kauffman at Mark Taper Forum. Producer and performer: World Pride, Copenhagen 2021; Broadway in the Park Series, Mexico City; Secret Broadway, Australia featuring Shoshana Bean. Work with the A.R.T. in Cambridge includes Prometheus Bound, Cabaret, and Extraordinary. Multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and London's West End. 

Albums include compositions and arrangements for “Jake Shears” featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, “Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs”, and John Cameron Mitchell's "New American Dream". Music Supervisor, producer, arranger, and composer, “Each and Every Day” documentary for HBO, dir. Alexandra Shiva. Composer of Ricki Lake Show theme (FOX), Macy's Parades (NBC), multiple film scores, specialty material for television. Multiple residences at Joe’s Pub, host of weekly Mondays in the Club with Lance, now in its seventh year at Club Cumming.  Two original musicals currently in development. 

Mr. Horne is a Steinway Artist, recipient of Jonathan Larson, Bistro, and ASCAP Awards, Helpmann Award Nominee, Interlochen graduate with BM, MM in Composition, The Juilliard School. Previously on faculty at Juilliard, NYU, and EAMA Paris. Currently on faculty at Syracuse University.

During the most recent "KidVenture" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Inclusion Matters with Ali Stroker," two kids — Zach and Scarlett — help to devise a brand new sport in the Land of Qook-a-lackas that EVERYONE can play TOGETHER called Quibble Launch.

Today, we're back with to challenge our listeners to participate in the You, Me, We Mission — which is all about figuring out new ways to play together!

🌟 First, Todd and Christy hear from Leo, who shares how he took on our last mission: The Mighty Mistakes Mission!

🌟 Then Todd and Christy introduce this month's special mission for kid listeners: The You, Me, We Mission!

Come back next week for a song/interview about inclusivity by our friend LANCE HORNE! 

We'd love to hear from kid listeners about how you're taking on this month's mission! Please email your audio memos to podcast@playsparkler.org. 

You can also visit us for videos of our podcast and more on our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts. 

Find more info on the podcast on our website: https://playsparkler.org/inclusion/

On this kidventure episode, two kids — Scarlett and Zach — talk about their disabilities and share their experiences with inclusion (on inclusive playgrounds and in other contexts). As Scarlett explains, inclusion "means that everybody can play, no matter your disability or how you walk or how you roll or anything like that."

After a chat on Earth, the kids and Todd travel on the colors of the rainbow to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where they meet a Qook-a-lacka friend, Quinnly, who is trying to figure out how the Qook-a-lackas and their new neighbors, the Link-a-doos, can play TOGETHER. The Qook-a-lacka's favorite sport, Quibble, is played on the ground with a big ball — while the Link-a-doos' favorite sport, Loop-a-launch, is played in the sky with a little bouncy ball. The kids and Todd help Quinnly to brainstorm a whole new game (Quibble Launch!), which has special rules and a two tier playing field that is perfect for the new neighbors to play together!

Little Kids, Big Hearts was THRILLED to be joined on this episode by guest star Ali Stroker, who plays the role of Quinnly. 

Ali Stroker is a Tony Award winner for her role as ‘Ado Annie’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony. She was a series regular on the Netflix series, Echoes, and starred in the Lifetime holiday film, Christmas Ever After. Ali recurred in the final season of Netflix's Ozark and in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. She co-wrote the novel, The Chance to Fly and its sequel, Cut Loose!; and she wrote the children's book, Ali and the Sea Stars. She was recently seen opposite Matthew Broderick in Babbitt at Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC and played 'Lady Anne' in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Richard III. She’s performed her one woman show all over the country. Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

The Little Kids, Big Hearts team wants to say a big, public "THANK YOU" to Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration, the amazing organization that helped us find the brilliant, insightful kids who appear on this episode, Scarlett and Zach. Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration is an international non-profit organization that creates play, dignity and social equity for children with disabilities through inclusive playgrounds and education programs that unite children of all abilities. Scarlett and Zach played — and met "buddies" — on inclusive playgrounds created by this organization, which has built these sensory- and literacy-rich playgrounds in the US, as well as Mexico, Israel, Canada, Ecuador, Russia, Argentina, South Africa, Armenia, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. THANK YOU!!! Learn more about Inclusion Matters on its website: https://inclusionmatters.org/

Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org/inclusion/

Also...Little Kids, Big Hearts now has a YouTube channel. Please join our growing community on YouTube! Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Everyone — even the "queen of children's music" — makes mistakes on occasion!

We are thrilled to share an interview with Laurie Berkner, the bestselling, award-winning children's recording artist, about making music and making mistakes. 

Laurie's albums have been bestsellers on a chart typically dominated by movie soundtracks and major label compilations. With more than 1 billion total streams, an average of more than 22 million monthly streams, more than 535 million YouTube channel views, and millions of CDs and DVDs sold, Laurie’s songs have become beloved classics for children worldwide. Her debut DVD, which went quadruple platinum, was the first-ever indie children’s music DVD to enter Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Laurie’s 16th album, A Laurie Berkner Halloween, was released in September 2024, and a Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits album will be out in May 2025.

A longtime fixture on TV’s Noggin and Universal Kids (formerly Sprout) channels, Laurie was the first recording artist to ever appear in a music video interstitial on Noggin and was featured in nearly all the episodes of the channel’s Jack’s Big Music Show. Laurie can also be heard in two seasons of the ten-chapter Audible Original series she created, Laurie Berkner’s Song & Story Kitchen. 

Laurie has written the music and lyrics for three children's musicals and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers has published a series of three picture books with Laurie, each based on one of her songs: We Are the Dinosaurs, Pillowland, and Monster Boogie.

In this interview on the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, Laurie chats with LKBH host Todd Loyd about making mistakes: The theme of the month!

It's our eighth and final week of Little Kids, Big Hearts @ Camp Sparkler, and we're focused on our hopes and dreams: What are we looking forward to as the new school year approaches? What do we want to learn? What are we excited to experience? 

💚 First, Todd shares some clips from an episode called "Hopes & Dreams With Jolly Abraham." Three kids — Levi, Christine, and Ariel — share some of the amazing things they'd learned in the last year ... and what they're hoping and dreaming for the year ahead .

💚 Then Todd and the kids journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas where they visit with  Qook-a-lacka friend played by Jolly Abraham. They join in the Qook-a-lacka tradition of Moon Day, where they help to “send off” the old moon and “welcome” the new moon by sharing hopes and dreams. 

"I hope and dream for me and my brothers to get along," says Ariel. 

What are YOU hoping and dreaming? 

This summer, Camp Sparkler is exploring eight different themes related to social and emotional learning (SEL). Learn more about Camp Sparkler and play along throughout the summer with a weekly lineup of off-screen play activities and learning extensions on your Sparkler app: https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler.

Thank you to Benjamin Weiner, who wrote and performed the song “Growin’ Up This Summer," which you hear in this video. 

Thank you to Ryan Marth — our guru of sound!

Learn more about the podcast or listen to whole episodes on our web page:  https://playsparkler.org/podcast. Learn more about Camp Sparkler online at https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler2025/

You can play along in your Sparkler mobile app! It's free, it's fun, it's learning! :)

In this original fictional story set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, we learn the origin story of the qook-a-melos, one of the most popular treats in the Land. 

It turns out that the qook-a-melo tree stemmed from a MISTAKE...and that mistakes can actually help us to create great things! As Professor Quomelo — the accidental inventor — says, "Trust in yourself, trust in the process, and have the courage to make mistakes!" 

What great things will YOU dream up if YOU make more mistakes? 

"A Mistake Takes Root" is read by our host, Todd Loyd, who is a teacher in New York City who LOVES a good storytime, along with Christy Pusz Decatur, the LKBH creative producer. 

This original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts shares important lessons about the importance of making mistakes. Find resources on mistakes — the focus this month — from LKBH online at: https://playsparkler.org/mistakes/

VISIT and subscribe to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

#story #storytime #mistakes #parenting

During the most recent "kidventure" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "The Magic of Mistakes with Terence Archie," three kids — Layla, Liam, and Ariel — talk about the mistakes they've made and visit the Land of Qook-a-lackas to visit with a friend there, Quippin, who needs help preparing for the Perfectly Imperfect Expo. The whole point: Celebrating mistakes!

Today, we're back with to challenge our listeners to participate in the Mighty Mistakes Mission!

🌟 First, Todd and Christy hear from Raleigh and Clover, who share how they took on our last mission: Operation Help Out!

🌟 Then Todd and Christy introduce this month's special mission for kid listeners: Mighty Mistake Mission!

🌟 Finally, we share a song about making mistakes by none other than LAURIE BERKNER, "I'm Not Perfect." It's a perfect song about making mistakes and we're so happy that Laurie was willing to share it as part of LKBH.

Come back later this month for a whole INTERVIEW with Laurie Berkner (the Taylor Swift of kids' music!) focused on the theme of the month: the magic of mistakes. 

We'd love to hear from kid listeners about how you're taking on this month's mission! Please email your audio memos to podcast@playsparkler.org. 

You can also visit us for videos of our podcast and more on our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts. 

Find more info on the podcast on our website: https://playsparkler.org/mistakes/ 

On this episode, three kids — Layla (11), Liam (11), and Ariel (10)— talk about mistakes and learn that mistakes aren't just problems to fix; they're moments that can actually help us learn and create!

The three guest kids talk about mistakes they've made and then travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas on magical air skates to help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Quippin, prepare for the Perfectly Imperfect Expo. The Perfectly Imperfect Expo is a big event here in the Land of Qook-a-lackas — all about trying new things, even when they feel tricky. It’s a place where everyone walks, flies, or scoots around our big Qooka-Expo Center near the Qook-a-lacka Seaport to see the newest innovations in mistake-making. And at every single booth, attendees get a chance to make mistakes and discover something wonderful in the process. 

Quippin's friends are stranded on their way home from a Quibble Match, so the kids and Todd pitch in to help Quippin record the proposal for the selection committee. 

🎥 First they draw cars with their eyes closed!

🎥 Then they turn their car mistakes into other creations!

🎥 Then they try saying tricky "word wobblers" 

🎥 They finish up the proposal with a speed round of mistakes, during which they share as many mistakes they can think of

"It's like completely normal to make mistakes because no one can be perfect," explained Liam. 

Our guest star on this episode is Terence Archie, who plays the role of Quippin. Terence is an actor whose Broadway credits include Company, Kiss Me, Kate, Rocky, and Ragtime. He's also appeared in a long list of shows off-Broadway, in regional theaters, and on TV. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org/mistakes/

Also...Little Kids, Big Hearts now has a YouTube channel. Please join our growing community on YouTube! Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

In our recent episode "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires," we talked with four LA kids about their experiences and feelings during the fires in Los Angeles. Today, we're back with a special interview with a real-life firefighter, John Louthan. John is a fireman for FDNY Engine Company 5 in New York City. He's been fighting fires for about two decades. He started his career as an emergency medical technician and then became a paramedic before becoming a firefighter.

Learn from John what it's like to fight fires: Is it really what we read in our favorite  children's books about fighting fires? Also learn about John's experiences and feelings, and get tips to help your family plan for and keep safe during fires.

Find episode resources on our website: https://playsparkler.org/hardtimes

In this original fictional story set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, we learn the "history" of the Great Link-a-doo Flood, through the lens of Lyra — a little Link-a-deedle. In the story, Lyra and all the students at the Treetop School survive the Great Link-a-doo Flood and then escape with their parents to the Land of Qook-a-lackas where they are welcomed by the Qook-a-lackas. Lyra learns to cope — and move forward — with help from friends, neighbors, songs, and traditions. 

"New Skies for Lyra" is read by our amazing host, Todd Loyd, who is a teacher in New York City who LOVES a good storytime, along with Christy Pusz Decatur, the LKBH creative director, and Rose, alumna of the podcast.

This original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts shares important lessons about hope and resilience. 

We are excited to share this original fictional story with you! 

Find fairness resources from LKBH online at: https://playsparkler.org/hardtimes/

VISIT and subscribe to our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

#story #storytime #resilience

During the most recent "kidventure" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires," four LA Kids — Amicko, Kiaan, Kaveer, and Cleo — share their experiences and feelings related to the wildfires. They talk about the family, friends, and community helpers who have helped them to get through this tough time.

Today, we're back to challenge our listeners to participate in Operation Help Out. What are ways WE can each get out there and help — in big ways or small — and make the world a better place? 

Please share your family's mission with a few words or a picture! You can share on instagram (@little_kids_big_hearts_podcast), facebook (@LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast), or just email us: podcast@playsparkler.org. We'd love to share your mission on our next LKBH mission episode. 

Following the MISSION, turn up the volume and sing/dance along to a brand-new Little Kids, Big Hearts original song: Good Morning Song! It's inspired by the good morning song that Linkala talked about in our "Big Hearts in Tough Times" episode. 

The song is written and performed by amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner.

Learn more online at: playsparkler.org/hardtimes

Starting the second week of January 2025, Los Angeles, CA has been grappling with unprecedented wildfires, which roared through the city, powered by strong winds and dry conditions. Hundreds of thousands of people had to evacuate their homes as firefighters battled the wildfires.

In this special episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts, four LA Kids — Amicko, Kiaan, Kaveer, and Cleo — share their experiences and feelings related to the wildfires. 

They travel with Little Kids, Big Hearts host Todd Loyd to the Land-of-Qook-a-lackas where they visit with a Link-a-doo friend, Linkala, who fled the Isle of Link-a-doo in the  Great Link-a-Doo Flood. Linkala shares memories and feelings — as well as some useful ways to cope with disasters and get through hard times — and answers the kids' questions about surviving similar disasters.  

Linkala is played by Dr. Cara Spitalewitz, a clinical psychologist who works with children and adolescents in New York City. Cara previously was a supervising psychologist at Bellevue Hospital Center and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. She holds a B.A. from Columbia University, an Ed.M. in Human Development & Psychology from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University-Brooklyn. She completed an APA-accredited Clinical Internship at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine and her postdoctoral training at Bellevue Hospital Center. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Please learn more about the episode online at playsparkler.org/hardtimes.

Do you know of a little kid, with a big heart who would be interested in being a guest on our podcast? Please learn more here: https://playsparkler.org/participate-on-our-podcast/

On our episode about fairness — "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman" — three kids (Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will) helped two arguing Qook-a-lackas through a process of “qook-a-lation.” They listened to both sides of the argument, asked some questions, and then shared some ideas to help the Qook-a-lackas find a fair solution.

Today, Little Kids, Big Hearts is thrilled to share an interview diving into fairness with someone who knows A LOT about qook-a-lation: Judge Gabriel P. Sanchez, who has served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit since 2022.

Our host, Todd Loyd chats with Judge Sanchez about what fairness is and moments in his life when he's learned about fairness. He shares tips for little kids with big hearts who want to follow in his footsteps and become real-life judges — and also tips on how we can bring more fairness to our classrooms and playgrounds today. 

Judge Sanchez was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2022 — an exciting first for our podcast! He's based in San Francisco, but hears cases across California, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Judge Sanchez has had a remarkable career advocating for criminal justice reform, public safety, and civil rights, while also serving as a pro bono supporter of farm workers’ rights. 

During the most recent adventure of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman," three kids — Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will — travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends "qook-a-late" to retsore fairness to the Land.

Today, we're back with an original story about fairness — "The Qook-a-lackas' Absolutely Exactly Everything Equal Day" — told by our amazing host, Todd Loyd, who is a teacher in New York City who LOVES a good storytime. 

In the story, Kix and Kelenor (twin Qook-a-lackas) think everything is unfair. When their parent, Quamira, offers them an Absolutely Exactly Everything Equal Day, they think they're getting what they want...but are they really!?

This original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts has an important lesson about what fairness is...and what it is not.
 
We are excited to share this original fictional story with you! 

Find fairness resources from LKBH online at: https://playsparkler.org/fairness/

During the most recent adventure of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman," three kids — Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will — travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends "qook-a-late" to retsore fairness to the Land.

Today, we're back to challenge our listeners to go on their own FAIRNESS QUEST, inspired by the episode and the words/actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — whose legacy of justice, equality, and human rights we celebrated this week. Todd and LKBH Producer Christy Pusz Decatur issue our first-ever challenge our listeners to (1) notice something that seems unfair, (2) think about ways to help, and then (3) take action to help someone else feel included, valued, or supported. This is our first-ever challenge episode, and we'd be overjoyed if our listeners could take a moment to share how their families interpreted the fairness quest with a few words or a picture! You can share on instagram (@little_kids_big_hearts_podcast), facebook (@LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast), or just email us: podcast@playsparkler.org. 

Following the MISSION, turn up the volume and sing/dance along to a brand-new Little Kids, Big Hearts original song: When Something's Unfair.

It's written by amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner and performed with Benjamin PLUS Vella Lovell, who played Principal Quella in our fairness episode. Vella currently appears on the Fox comedy Animal Control alongside Joel McHale as “Emily.” Other credits include Mr. Mayor, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Accused, A Clüsterfünke Christmas, She Ra And the Princesses of Power, Kiff, The Big Sick, Dollface, Girls, Younger, Grace and Frankie, As We See It, Your Place or Mine. On the stage, Vella has appeared in plays at The Geffen Playhouse, Yale Rep, The Public Theater and Williamstown Theatre Festival. She graduated from @nyutisch and @juilliardschool.

Learn more online at: https://playsparkler.org/fairness/

Week 7 of Little Kids, Big Hearts @ Camp Sparkler is focused on feelings. We all have them — and we all can learn to identify them and manage them! 

Feelings are something we discuss a lot on our podcast, Little Kids, Big Hearts. In honor of this week of camp, Todd shares clips from two podcast episodes: 

💚 First, Todd shares a clip from an episode called "Feeling Angry," in which Lauren, Esther, and Sam share what musical instrument their anger reminds them of. (Listen to the whole episode and the bonus interview to hear the voice of Tony Winning actress Marjan Neshat, who plays the role of a very ANGRY qook-a-lacka: https://playsparkler.org/little-kids-big-hearts-feeling-angry/) 

💚 Then, Todd shares a clip from another episode called "What Can You Do With Big Feelings?" in which Anaya, Eleanor, Raffaele, and Wilder share where they FEEL their feelings. At the end of the episode you can dance your feelings with a special song called Dance Your Feelings: https://playsparkler.org/what-can-you-do-with-big-feelings/
 
This summer, Camp Sparkler is exploring eight different themes related to social and emotional learning (SEL). Learn more about Camp Sparkler and play along throughout the summer with a weekly lineup of off-screen play activities and learning extensions on your Sparkler app: https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler.

Thank you to Benjamin Weiner, who wrote and performed the song “Growin’ Up This Summer," which you hear in this video. 

Thank you to Ryan Marth — our guru of sound!

Learn more about the podcast or listen to whole episodes on our web page:  https://playsparkler.org/podcast. Learn more about Camp Sparkler online at https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler2025/

You can play along in your Sparkler mobile app! It's free, it's fun, it's learning! :)

Fairness has played a pivotal role throughout history, with the pursuit of equality and justice helping to shape the world that we live in today. Fairness also plays out in our everyday lives and in the lives of children as they grapple with real-life moments that feel “unfair.” "Fairness" in the context of social and emotional development refers to a child's growing ability to treat others equitably and considering the needs and perspectives of others. The idea of “fairness” pops up in things like taking turns, sharing, and making decisions.

In this episode, three 6-8 year old children, Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will, visit with LKBH host Todd Loyd to talk about fairness. They then travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends — Principal Quella and Korrik, the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society — to restore fairness to the Land through a process of “qook-a-lation.” The kids listen to both sides of a conflict, ask questions, and then suggest fair solutions. 

Our guest stars on this episode are Vella Lovell, who plays the role of Principal Quella and Meredith Holzman, who plays the role of the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society, Korrik. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Please learn more about the episode online at playsparkler.org.

Last week, we joined with three kids — Roxy, Everly, and Charlie — who helped us explore the big idea of gratitude. 

Now, in this special new episode, our friend Benjamin Weiner, an educator and musician, shares the brand new song he created based on the words about gratitude that the children shared in "Gratitude PowerUp." 

Host Todd Loyd chats with Benjamin about his process and inspiration ... and then we hear the new song, "I'm Grateful." 

Benjamin taught young children in Brooklyn for a decade before becoming a full time writer and composer. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Benjamin is currently writing for Rosie’s Rules on PBS and Vida the Vet on Netflix. He’s written dozens of TV and podcast episodes for Nickelodeon, including the premiere of the new Dora series on Paramount+. His work has been featured by Tribeca Film Festival, the Today Show, and his kids music as “Princess Backpack and Benjamin” has been heard on kids radio stations worldwide. Learn more: www.BenjaminWeiner.com and www.PrincessBackpack.com.

Learn more and see the music video at at playsparkler.org/podcast.

Gratitude can be a big, abstract idea for most young children — but it is important! Feeling grateful can help to foster emotional wellbeing and resilience; it can reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships, and promote a sense of belonging.

Welcome to Season 4 of Little Kids, Big Hearts! We are SO excited to spend more time with you exploring important themes related to children's social and emotional development. 

In this new episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts, three children (Charlie, Roxy, and Everly) discuss gratitude and what gratitude feels like. They then journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas aboard magical hoverboards and help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Kwi-loh (played by Lauren Blumenfeld), power up the Gratitude Power Plant in the Land of Qook-a-lackas.

Our guest star is Lauren Blumenfeld, an actor, writer, and filmmaker, who has a long list of credits on stage and in movies and TV. Lauren's favorite theatre credits include POTUS (The Geffen Playhouse), The Assembled Parties (Broadway), We Are Proud To Present...(Soho Rep), Sailor Man (NYC Fringe Award) and numerous productions at Ars Nova. Lauren has performed abroad at The Old Vic (London) and regionally at The Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe (San Diego), The Pittsburgh Public, and The Virginia Stage Company. She was a series regular on the satirical comedy Nightcap and has played recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Limitless, Unforgettable, Doubt, Deadbeat, and Archibald’s Next Big Thing (Netflix). Lauren's shorts have played in festivals worldwide, including SXSW and SIFF. Learn more online.

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Please learn more about the episode online at playsparkler.org/gratitude-powerup-with-lauren-blumenfeld/

In this special interview episode, host Todd Loyd interviews another Todd — the legendary author/illustrator of more than 50 children's books TODD PARR. 

Todd Parr is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of more than 50 books for children, including The Thankful Book, The Earth Book and The I LOVE YOU Book, as well as The Kindness Book and the recently released The Spring Book and The Activity Book, all from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 

He has inspired and empowered children around the world with simple, hopeful and powerful messages such as “be kind,” “love yourself,” and “be who you are,” all set with vibrant images utilizing eye-catching primary colors. His books have received numerous awards and are available in nearly 20 languages. He also is the co-creator of the popular three-time Daytime Emmy©-nominated animated TV series, ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment. Several short
films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work.

A flight attendant before becoming a full-time author/illustrator, Todd’s first book, The Okay Book, was published in 1999. Todd devotes time to numerous philanthropic causes supporting pet adoption, children’s hunger, health, and literacy. He is a frequent reader and fund-raiser for The Ronald McDonald House, and he also currently serves on the board of directors for the Virginia Children’s Book Festival.

This interview — which follows the "Magic of Stories" episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast — helps parents/caregivers learn from one of the most influential author/illustrators of children's books of our time. They discuss what inspires his books — as well as how his books make an impact on young children around the world.

Learn more at playpsarkler.org/podcast

#interview #bonus

Stories are magical! They are gateways to new people, places, and ideas ... and they help children to build empathy and understanding — allowing them to see the world from different perspectives. As kids step into the roles of different characters, they gain insights into emotions, relationships, and the diverse experiences that make up our shared world. This helps them grow into compassionate and thoughtful individuals! Stories also have MANY other amazing powers — like helping children build language and literacy skills and helping to grow the bond between parents and children.

In this episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts — The Magic of Stories — three children (Olivia, Anusha, and Moses) explore the power of stories. They discuss some of their favorite stories and characters and then they travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Quimmel, write a story that they title "The Cat Gets Wet" to meet an upcoming deadline for the Qook-a-lacka Summer Story Festival! 

The guest star in this episode is Nick Blaemire, a writer, actor, and director based in Brooklyn, NY. Fun fact: at 23, Nick became the youngest person to ever have written a Broadway musical (Glory Days) while also performing in another Broadway musical (Cry-Baby). He has since written six more original musicals, and he has a long list of acting credits on Broadway, Off Broadway, and nationally, as well as roles on TV and film. He has also released three EPs of original songs.

The original song in the episode, "Cat Gets Wet," was written by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner — based on the story that Olivia, Anusha, and Moses told during the episode — and performed by our multitalented podcast host, Todd Loyd. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

In this episode three children, Donovan, Layla, and Ruby, explore the idea of resilience — being able to move through the hard things we face and bounce back or recover afterward. They share times they have had to practice resilience, and then they help a Link-a-deedle friend, LaLeek, who lives in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, learn about resilience. 

The guest star in this episode is Marc Grapey, an actor, director, writer and producer, with credits on stage, as well as in movies and TV. Marc has been a fixture of the Chicago Theatre community for the last 25 years, often appearing at Victory Gardens, The Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Writer’s Theatre. He made his Broadway debut in 2005 opposite Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the hit revival of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. His numerous films include SuperBad, Adventureland, The Day Trippers, While You Were Sleeping, At Any Price, Keeping up with the Joneses, and the upcoming Steven Spielberg produced Captive State. He has made over 60 guest appearances on television. 

The original song in the episode, "On With The Show," was written and performed by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/little-kids-big-hearts-resilience/.

During the most recent episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Celebrating Learning Differences with Q. Smith," one of our kid guests, Oliver, mentioned how meaningful it was to him to see How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway. How to Dance in Ohio is a new musical based on a true story about Dr. Emilio Amigo helping a group of autistic high school students prepare for a formal end-of-year dance.

In this special interview, Oliver joins Little Kids, Big Hearts host Todd Loyd to interview Caesar Samayoa, who played the role of Dr. Amigo in the Broadway production.

Cesar talks about the history-making show — in which autistic actors played the roles of the autistic characters — and shares inspiration and insight that we hope will help our audience dive in deeper to some of the issues we discussed in our learning differences episode.

Caesar Samayoa has been seen on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theaters, as well as on TV. In addition to How to Dance in Ohio, Caesar's Broadway credits include: Come From Away, Sister Act, The Pee Wee Herman Show. Select off-Broadway includes Love's Labour's Lost (Delacorte Theater) and Shakespeare's R&J, Bernstein's Mass (Carnegie Hall).

Learn more online at: https://playsparkler.org/little-kids-big-hearts-learning-differences/

In the United States, about 15% of students receive special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Learning differences aren’t all alike, but they can all affect how people process, store, and retrieve information — and they can have an impact on many parts of life, from learning to memory to how people express themselves and how people develop relationships with one another.

In this episode, Todd talks with four children — Reese, Willa-Kate, Oliver, and Alessio — all of whom have diagnosed learning differences. They share their experiences and feelings related to their learning differences and go on a journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Professor Kimpton, reconsider how to support a Qook-a-leekie student. This episode is for ALL children and families. It can help them to understand — and rethink — their own differences and their friends’ and classmates’ differences. It can also help children and families think of strategies they can use to persevere through challenges. 

The guest star in this episode is Q. Smith, a Broadway actor and a passionate educator.  Q. created the role of Hannah and others in the Tony Award winning musical Come From Away. She is also in the film version on AppleTV+. Q. has toured with the North American Broadway show A Night With Janis Joplin, playing the roles of Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. Before Come From Away, Q. closed the Broadway production of Mary Poppins. She was the first African American to have a leading role in the history of Mary Poppins. (Read Q.'s full bio on our website.)

The original song in the episode, "Super Superpower," was written by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner and performed by Q. Smith. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/little-kids-big-hearts-learning-differences/.

Taking responsibility is an important part of social and emotional learning. When children take responsibility for their words and actions, acknowledge their mistakes, and help others in their community, they are building empathy, independence, and other important skills. 

In this episode, three children (Leo, Edie, and Aiden) talk about responsibility and then help Quazzilyn (a Qook-a-lacka friend) to rally the Qook-a-lackas to take responsibility and save their gummy bear crops!

The guest star in this episode is Natalie Gold, an actress who has appeared in film, television, and stage productions. She's currently playing Rachael in APPROPRIATE on Broadway. 

The original song in the episode, "Put Up My Hand," was written and performed by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/responsibility.

What do you do when you're feeling angry or sad, or when you're facing something new and scary? In this special episode — which is reimagined and reworked from a Season 1 episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts — Todd and his puppet friend Rainbow join four kids (Anaya, Eleanor, Raffaele, and Wilder) to explore big feelings, where they come from, and what to do with them. 

At the end of the episode, dance along to "Dance Your Feelings," an original song written and performed by educator/composer/performer extraordinaire Benjamin Weiner. 

The new sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour. Thank you also to Ryan Allais for his original sound design of the episode in Season 1! The ukulele music you hear in the background is by Royer Bockus. Wow! It's been a LONG time! 

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/what-can-you-do-with-big-feelings.

It’s week 6 of our summer learning program: Little Kids, Big Hearts @ Camp Sparkler, and we're back for another week of fun and learning. This week, we're focused on helping others! Podcast host/lead camp counselor, Todd Loyd, introduces the big idea and shares some clips from our episode, "How to Help." On the episode, three kids — Zohaib, Orion, and Kaitlin — shared their experiences and big ideas related to helping others in their communities. 

What are some ways YOU and your family can help others? 

And Todd needs some help, too, naming his plant! Share your ideas with us on instagram @little_kids_big_hearts_podcast. 

Thank you to Benjamin Weiner, who wrote and performed the song “Growin’ Up This Summer," which you hear in this video.

Thank you to Ryan Marth — our guru of sound!

Learn more about the podcast or listen to the whole episode here: https://playsparkler.org/podcast. Learn more about Camp Sparkler online at https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler. You can play along in your Sparkler mobile app! It's free, it's fun, it's learning! :)

You can also visit us on our YouTube channel to see a video of the epiosde: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Grandparents, or older friends and family members, can play pivotal roles in children's lives, acting as caregivers, mentors, and friends. Whether grandparents live in a child’s neighborhood or far away, the love and emotional support they provide can significantly contribute to the healthy social and emotional growth of their grandchildren.

In this episode, Todd interviews his own 96-year-old grandmother, as well as his sister and niece about their family memories and relationships. He then chats with two other grandparent-grandkid duos: Brenda and her granddaughter Kailah, followed by Marvin and his granddaughter Melanie. 

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/grandparentrelationships.

Last week, we released an episode about BOUNDARIES — the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. Today, we're excited to release a bonus interview with the guest stars of the episode, Ana Cruz Kayne and Michael Cruz Kayne. Ana and Michael are siblings in real life ... so they know A LOT about the topic of boundaries. 

Ana is an actress and writer, known for her performances in Barbie (2023), Little Women (2019), Jerry & Marge Go Large (2022), Painkiller (TV 2023), and Another Earth (2011). Michael is a Peabody and WGA Award winner, and a four-time Emmy nominee. He is currently a writer for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As a stand-up and actor, he has been seen on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Severance, High Maintenance, and more.  His one-man show, Sorry For Your Loss, was recorded by Audible and named among the Best of Audible 2023. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and kids. 

This season, in addition to our regular episodes with and for kids, we are including bonus interviews with luminaries like Michael and Ana to dive into the social and emotional topics we explore on the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. We hope parents and caregivers love ❤️ these conversations as much as we do. 

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at playsparkler.org/podcast.

Helping children establish boundaries is important for developing friendships and maintaining positive social interactions. Boundaries help people set limits for themselves and honor limits set by others.

In "Boundaries," three eight- and nine-year-old kids (Olivia, Izzy, and Wynter) define and discuss boundaries and help Qook-a-leekie and Link-a-deedle friends learn the importance of boundaries. They discover that understanding someone else’s boundaries requires empathy, the ability to recognize others’ feelings...and that takes practice. 

The role of  Qwee-vee the Qook-a-leekie is played by Ana Cruz Kayne and the role of Lexton the Link-a-deedle is played by Michael Cruz Kayne. Ana and Michael are siblings in real life, so they know a thing or two about boundaries.  Ana is an actress and writer, known for her performances in Barbie (2023), Little Women (2019), Jerry & Marge Go Large (2022), Painkiller (TV 2023), and Another Earth (2011). Michael is a Peabody and WGA Award winner, and a four-time Emmy nominee. He is currently a writer for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As a stand-up and actor, he has been seen on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Severance, High Maintenance, and more.  His one-man show, Sorry For Your Loss, was recorded by Audible and named among the Best of Audible 2023. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and kids. Read more about Ana and Michael on our website.

The original song, "I've Got Boundaries" is written by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner and performed by Michael Cruz Kayne.

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/boundaries.

In "Hopes & Dreams," three kids (Levi, Christine, and Ariel) reflect on the new things we have learned, the friendships we have formed, and the challenges we have faced in the past year — and what we are excited to learn and do in the year ahead. The children also discuss the concept of "letting go" of the feelings and experiences that we don't wish to carry with us into the new year.

The kids and host Todd Loyd travel on giant snowflakes to the Land of Qook-a-lackas where they meet Todd's Qook-a-lacka friend Qweston, played by Jolly Abraham, and participate in the Qook-a-lacka tradition of Moon Day, where they help to "send off" the old moon and "welcome" the new moon.

The original song, "Under the New Moon" that Qweston sings in the Land is written by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner (based on the children's words during the episode) and performed by Jolly Abraham.

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Find more resources and activities to keep the learning going online at https://playsparkler.org/hopesdreams