Explore every episode of the podcast Little Kids, Big Hearts
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus: Vote for Little Kids, Big Hearts in the Signal Listener's Choice Awards! | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:02:26 | |
Little Kids, Big Hearts has been nominated for Signal Awards in two categories: Culture, Belonging & Inclusion and Kids Episodes. There's a Listener's Choice vote now (until Thursday 10/15/26), and we are hoping that our loyal listeners could take a minute to show your ❤️podcast love❤️ by voting! The nominated episode is called "Who's in My Family?" Three kids (Georgia, Jaden, and Carmine) join host Todd Loyd to talk about family and help a Qook-a-lacka friend (played by the amazing Ryann Redmond) recognize what makes their Qook-a-lacka family uniquely amazing. Thank you to our amazing team and to all of our listeners across the US and globally — and to the small but mighty team who creates Little Kids, Big Hearts: host Todd Loyd, sound guru Ryan Marth, and the whole team at Sparkler Learning — the nonprofit organization that produces Little Kids, Big Hearts. Please take a moment to vote in the Listener's choice, once in each category! And share with others who love high-quality content for kids and families! Here are the links: Kids Individual Episode: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2026/individual-episodes/genre/kids Culture Belonging and Inclusion: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2026/individual-episodes/genre/culture-belonging-inclusion You need to confirm your email address in order for your vote to count! THANK YOU! And let's keep growing those big hearts ❤️🥰 together! | |||
| Mixtape Vol. 3: 🎶❤️ More Great Tunes from the Beginning! | 09 oct. 2026 | 00:23:35 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for our third Mixtape mashup! Last week, Todd took us back to the beginning with songs from the first three seasons of the show, revisiting songs about siblings, identity, trying new things, pets, belonging, anger, and imagination. Now we're continuing that musical journey with seven more songs, each one connected to real conversations with kids and adventures in the Land of Qook-a-lackas. This time, we're dreaming about the future, finding hope during big changes, discovering our own superpowers, setting boundaries, welcoming a new year, spreading kindness through our communities, and even helping a very wet cat get dry as we explored the magic of stories. We'll travel from Dream Fest in the Land of Qook-a-lackas to conversations about moving and learning differences. We'll explore hopes and dreams, practice saying no when something doesn't feel right, discover how one small act of kindness can grow throughout an entire community, and finish with the story of Buttercup the cat. These songs are little snapshots of the conversations we've had with so many incredible young people over the years, and together these two mixtape episodes celebrate the big ideas at the heart of Little Kids, Big Hearts: curiosity, kindness, empathy, imagination, connection, and the freedom to be exactly who you are. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. Songs in This Episode: 🎶 "Dreamland" by Bill English from the Dreams and Nightmares episode 🎶 "A Little Bit Better" by Benjamin Weiner from the Moving Time episode (you'll hear Benjamin in the song, along with guest star Amir Arison, and the guest kids on the episode, Aurelia, Cris, and Henry) 🎶 "Super Super Power" by Benjamin Weiner, performed by Q. Smith — from the Learning Differences episode 🎶 "Under the New Moon" by Benjamin Weiner, performed by Jolly Abraham — from the Hopes and Dreams episode 🎶 "I've Got Boundaries" by Benjamin Weiner, performed by Michael Cruz Kayne from the Boundaries episode 🎶 "Spread the Love" by Bill English from the Cultivating Sweet Kindness episode 🎶 "The Cat Gets Wet" by Benjamin Weiner, performed by LKBH host Todd Loyd from the Magic of Stories episode About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mixtape Vol. 2: 🎶❤️ Going Back to the Beginning! | 02 oct. 2026 | 00:22:52 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for Mixtape Vol. 2 of Little Kids, Big Hearts. 💕 🎶 After releasing our first musical mixtape featuring songs from the most recent seasons, Todd is now going all the way back to the beginning, digging into the songs from the first three seasons of the show. These are the songs that started it all: written specifically for the podcast and born from real conversations that kids had about siblings, identity, trying new things, pets, belonging, big feelings, and the power of imagination. This is the first of two episodes covering those early seasons. Todd takes us from a flying station wagon full of siblings to a journey with Crayton the Dragon, who was learning how to fly. From puzzle pieces and eight billion ways to be, to furry friends who mean everything, to the feeling of finally belonging just as you are, to the reminder that feelings, all of them, are okay. More mixtape fun is coming soon, with songs about dreams, moving, learning differences, community, and the magic of stories. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. Songs in This Episode:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mashup: Let's Journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas! | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:42:08 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for the fourth episode in our mashup series, and maybe the most special one yet. Over five seasons of Little Kids, Big Hearts, Todd and his kid guests have made their way to the Land of Qook-a-lackas in so many different ways! Todd has many favorites: A hot air balloon. A submarine. A rainbow flying bike. A 1984 Oldsmobile flying station wagon. The Qook-a-lacka Express train. A fleet of magical dolphins. A jump straight into the sky. A giant water slide. A magical fluffy cloud. A mountain climb. A science experiment that turns your whole body into particles. And finally, the light that lives inside of your chest. In this "mindful moment mashup," Todd revisits each of his favorite journeys, one after another, all the deep breaths and the gummy bears, all the moments of arriving to a place that is a little magical. And when the final journey ends, Todd closes with a reflection on what all of it has really been about: the light that every child carries inside them, their curiosity, their imagination, their kindness, and their ability to see possibilities that grown-ups sometimes miss. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for a quiet, cozy listening moment together as a family. In This Episode, Listeners Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mashup: A Musical 🎵❤️ Mixtape (Music From Little Kids, Big Hearts!) | 18 sept. 2026 | 00:23:31 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for something a little different on Little Kids, Big Hearts. Today, Todd is taking us on a musical adventure through past seasons of original songs, every one of them inspired by the real conversations, feelings, and ideas that kids brought to this show. There is a song about family in all its forms. A song about making room at the table for everyone. A siblings song that started with kids talking honestly about towers and patience. A song written for a boy named Jack whose dad is far away. A song about playing together, a song about starting a new day fresh, a song about standing up when something feels unfair, and a song about gratitude. Todd calls it a mixtape, which is exactly what it is. Whether you want to sing along, dance around, or just listen with your superpowered listening ears, there is something here for you. And if you hear a song you love, all the details are right here in the show notes. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. Songs in This Episode:
About the Songwriters: 🎵 Benjamin Weiner is a New York-based kids TV writer and composer whose work includes Dora, Dora: Say Hola to Adventure!, Bossy Bear, and Face's Music Party. A former classroom teacher, he brings both musicality and deep knowledge of how kids learn to everything he writes. 🎵 Christopher Burkholder is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in folk, jazz, and blues. He works alongside his family in their coffee business, Twin Valley Coffee, and has been writing and releasing music for over two decades. 🎵 Lance Horne is an Emmy Award-winning composer, pianist, singer, and music director who has collaborated with Alan Cumming, Rufus Wainwright, Kylie Minogue, the von Trapps, Ben Folds, Neil Gaiman, and Sesame Street, among many others. He has performed for President Obama and Queen Elizabeth and received the Jonathan Larsen Award in 2006. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mashup: All the Feelings 🙂☹️😡😳 (And the Magic of Having More Than One at Once) | 11 sept. 2026 | 00:14:49 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for another special mashup episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts. More than five years ago, the very first episode of this podcast was called What's in Your Heart? It was all about feelings, and one of the kids on that episode said something that has stayed with Todd ever since: "My heart feels all the feelings right now." Over the years, that idea has come up again and again, in Kidventures, in Missions, in Interviews, and in Storytimes. And in this episode, Todd strings those moments together into one warm, wide-ranging celebration of what it means to feel things. There is anger that sounds like a tuba, heavy and hard to carry, rumbling through your whole body. There is the feeling of being happy and tired at the same time. There are kids feeling mad and sad when a sibling knocks over a Lego build, and kids feeling nervous and excited about dancing. There is Georgia feeling hungry and happy. There is Layla talking about the day she found out her dad had brain cancer and all the mixed emotions that came with it. And there is a very worried Qook-a-lacka named Quaslin, dealing with a gummy bear crop emergency. Because feelings are simply a part of life. And they are part of what makes us who we are. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Listeners Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: 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 Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mashup: What Do the Qook-a-lackas Look Like? Kids Tell All! | 04 sept. 2026 | 00:12:26 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for something a little different on Little Kids, Big Hearts. As we bridge into a new season, Todd is pulling back the curtain on one of the most magical parts of every Kidventure and Storytime episode: the moment kids describe what the Qook-a-lackas and Qook-a-leekies looked like to them. In the Land of Qook-a-lackas, the creatures there look different to every child who visits. Some have fur and spikes. Some have scales. Some change color depending on how they are feeling. And what each kid sees is shaped entirely by their own imagination. Over the past five seasons of the show, Todd has asked kids this question again and again, and the answers have been endlessly surprising. A panda. A hedgehog. A ginormous unicorn. A lavender dragon. A tiny purple troll from the movie Trolls. The bird on the Fruit Loops box. A creature with tie-dye fur, spikes, and an English flag printed on it. This episode strings many of these moments together, with Todd reflecting on what it means that no two kids ever see quite the same thing: Because the way we view the world shapes what we see everywhere, not just in the land of Qook-a-lackas. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Listeners Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: A Pediatrician👨⚕️🥼🩺 Answers Kids' Questions About Going to the Doctor! | 28 août 2026 | 00:22:20 | |
Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by pediatrician Dr. Zach Kircher and returning guest Carson, age seven, for a conversation all about what it's really like to go to the doctor. Carson comes prepared with some great questions for Dr. Zach, including what a pediatrician does, why he wanted to become a doctor, how many years it takes to become one, and what he loves most about his job. Together, they talk about what happens during a regular checkup, why doctors want kids to ask questions, and how getting to know your doctor can help you feel more comfortable. Dr. Zach also shares some helpful strategies for kids who feel nervous about going to the doctor, especially when it comes to shots and vaccines. From bringing a favorite stuffed animal or fidget toy to using distractions, asking questions, and making choices about where and when a shot happens, kids learn that they can have a voice in their own doctor's visits. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
Dr. Zach Kircher is a pediatrician who works in Hartford, Connecticut. He knew he wanted to become a "baby doctor" when he was just four years old, inspired in part by his mother, a preschool teacher, and by his own relationship with his pediatrician. He loves getting to know his patients and families, watching kids grow up, and helping children feel better when they're sick. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Storytime: The Mystery of the Tiny Glow Burr | 21 août 2026 | 00:12:13 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Storytime episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, continuing this month's theme all about doctors. In this episode, Todd, Vivien, and Orli bring an original story to life set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas. The story follows Quarin, a young Qook-a-leekie who loves collecting interesting things: pebbles that look like smiling quiddleberries, feathers shaped like question marks, heart-shaped leaves. One afternoon while exploring a quiet new part of the land, Quarin steps on something near a patch of glowing moss. One quick poke, nothing visible, so Quarin shrugs and carries on. But the foot keeps hurting, and the next morning it is time to visit the Land's Healer. Quarin's imagination gets immediately and dramatically busy. Giant tweezers. A super villain cape. A very bad time. What actually happens is something different. The Land's Healer asks questions, listens carefully, uses a magnifying leaf and a listening shell, and treats the whole thing like a mystery to solve. By the end, Quarin has a new word for what healers do: they are detectives. Featuring returning kid guest Vivien who is 7 years old and plays Quarin, and Orli, an educator who is Todd’s teaching partner in New York City playing the roles of Quorley and the Land’s Healer. Perfect for kids ages 3-11, especially any kid with a checkup or appointment coming up soon. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Storytime By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mission: Your Doctor Superpower Plan (And How to Help a Friend Feel Brave Too) | 14 août 2026 | 00:12:46 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, continuing this month's theme all about going to the doctor. In this episode, Todd is joined by co-host Georgia, fresh from a visit to Florida and about to head to Portugal, for a warm and honest conversation about going to the doctor. Georgia talks about getting her blood drawn and watching the whole thing because she was too curious not to, about shots and how the memory can feel worse than the actual thing, and about the time she went down the biggest water slide at a water park even though she was scared, because being brave does not mean you are never scared. They also check in on some ideas from Carson in the Kidventure episode, share their own strategies for taking the worry off, and Georgia adds a second mission of her own. This month kids get two missions: create your Doctor Superpower Plan with three or four things that help you feel brave and calm at the doctor's office, and then Georgia's mission: find a kid who has a big appointment coming up and help them feel less nervous. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: Going to the Doctor (And How to Feel Brave When You Get There) | 07 août 2026 | 00:30:06 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, and a brand new theme for the month: Doctors! In this episode, Todd travels to the Land of Qook-a-lackas on floating leaves with Carson, age 7, Zayn, age 8, and Lynn, age 6, where they land in the Glow Health Meadow and reunite with a Qook-a-lacka named Quabe. Today is Quabe's very first glow health checkup as a newly grown-up Qook-a-lacka, and their imagination has been running wild filling in all the blanks. Together, the kids help Quabe build a Doctor Adventure Map: a step-by-step guide through what to expect, from checking in at the front desk and waiting with a fidget spinner or a favorite toy, to the blood pressure cuff, the tongue depressor, and yes, the Qooka Booster. When the shot question comes up, the kids answer with honesty, humor, and a timely reminder that it only hurts a little bit and it is actually a superpower for your body. Featuring the voice of Quabe, played by Tony Award-winning actor Gabriel Ebert. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:
About Gabriel Ebert: Gabriel Ebert is an American stage actor and singer who won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical. He also was nominated for the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his work in John Proctor is the Villain in 2025. In movies, he's appeared in in Ricki and the Flash (2015) alongside Meryl Streep and News of the World (2020) with Tom Hanks. On TV, he's had a recurring role in season three of Mr. Mercedes and made appearances in The Mandalorian, Dickinson, and Elsbeth. Ebert is also a singer with a new folk album, Bucking Horse, which is being released this month. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others. 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 Credits: Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. It's produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth with ukulele music by Bill English. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from The Big Heart Beats album. 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Bonus Interview: Broadway Star Raúl Esparza Answers Kids' Biggest Questions! | 31 juil. 2026 | 00:22:55 | |
Welcome friends! In this special bonus Interview episode, Todd sits down with his friend, four-time Tony Award nominee and celebrated Broadway and television star Raúl Esparza. Together they dig into what it really means to follow a passion you cannot quite explain, even when it scares you. Raul talks about growing up in Miami in a Cuban family, singing old Cuban songs for his grandmother, and how his curiosity was the thing that shaped everything. He shares the story of fifth-grade librarian Barbara Mottner, who handed him a 1911 edition of Shakespeare's plays that he still has to this day, and his Spanish teacher Beatriz Jiménez, who taught him that everything is connected and who he invited to sit beside him at his first Tony nomination. Kids Charlie, Rose, and Jack asked the questions, and Raul delivered: on forgetting lines mid-show, on shows he loved that closed in two weeks, on what it felt like to read Macbeth at ten years old and make all his friends act it out, and on the best advice he ever received, which came from Stephen Sondheim. Raul is currently starring as King Leontes in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale at Shakespeare in the Park, and later this year will star in the original new musical Galileo. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Raúl Esparza: Raul Esparza is an actor, singer, and storyteller whose work spans Broadway, television, and film. He has received four Tony Award nominations for his performances in Company, Taboo, The Homecoming, and Speed the Plow, along with multiple Drama Desk Awards and a Theater World Award. Television audiences know him from Law and Order: SVU, Hannibal, Dopesick, A Murder at the End of the World, Candy, Pushing Daisies, and many others. He is currently starring as King Leontes in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale at Shakespeare in the Park, and will next star in the original musical Galileo. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: A Song About Missing Someone You Love! | 24 juil. 2026 | 00:20:46 | |
Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by singer-songwriter Christopher Burkholder and returning guest Jack, age six, who you may remember from our episode about military families. Together they catch up on Jack's summer (swimming lessons and summer camp!) before Christopher shares the brand new original song he wrote called "See You Then," inspired by the words of three brave kids, including Jack, who opened up about what it's like to have a parent serving in the military. Christopher and Jack hear the song together for the very first time, and talk about the little rituals that help on the hardest days: a Hershey kiss before bed, a squeeze of a favorite stuffy, and the promise of a big hug when the waiting is finally over. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Christopher Burkholder: Christopher Burkholder is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in folk, jazz, and blues. Growing up as the second oldest of six kids in a homeschooled family outside Philadelphia gave him plenty of real-life moments and real feelings to write about. He works alongside his family in their coffee business, Twin Valley Coffee, and has been writing and releasing music for over two decades. He wrote "See You Then" especially for this episode, inspired by kids from our Military Families series. Find him on Instagram at @christopher_burkholder About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Storytime: The Story String | 17 juil. 2026 | 00:09:01 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Storytime episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd and special guest Leo, Todd's former student, bring an original story to life set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas. The story follows Quinjamin, a young Qook-a-leekie who loves mornings best: extra fluffy pancakes with quiddleberry drizzle, walks through the meadow, and time with their beloved grown-up Quillow. But every so often, Quillow has to leave on a helping journey to the Isle of Linkish, to check on old friends called the Linkadoos and lend a hand wherever it is needed. Before leaving, Quillow gives Quinjamin something special: a long braided string and a little basket of wooden story pieces, stars, flowers, feathers, hearts, and more, waiting to be painted. The idea: every time something makes your heart grow while we are apart, decorate one and add it to the story string. Because even when we are apart, our stories keep growing. What follows is a tender and beautifully told story about missing someone, keeping going anyway, and the surprising discovery that love does not pause just because two people are far apart. It stretches. It gathers stories. And when they are together again, there is even more to share. Featuring Leo, Todd's former student. Perfect for kids ages 3-11, military families, and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Storytime By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mission: The Bedtime Brave Plan (Feeling Safe and Cozy When Someone is Away) | 10 juil. 2026 | 00:19:21 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd is joined by co-host Georgia, calling in from Fort Lauderdale where she is spending some of the summer with her grandparents. Together they dig into something a lot of kids know about: The way missing someone can feel the biggest right at bedtime, when everything gets quiet and your brain starts thinking. Georgia shares her own bedtime routine, her doll Lila, her love of reading while listening to a story at the same time, and her firm belief that experiments are how you figure out what works, and that it is okay to try again and again until you get it right. She and Todd also discover something they have in common: they both have ADHD, which makes stopping the brain at bedtime a little trickier and a little more worth talking about. They also listen back to clips from three kids in a recent episode, Jack, Harper, and Nile, who each have a parent in the military, and talk about what helps them feel safe and cozy when someone they love is away. At the end of the episode, kids listening at home get their mission: Make your very own Bedtime Brave Plan. Think of three things that help you feel safe, calm, and cozy before bed, draw them on a piece of paper, and share them with a grown-up you love. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: When Someone You Love is Far Away | 03 juil. 2026 | 00:31:34 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd travels to the Land of Qook-a-lackas by moonlight with Jack, Harper, and Nile, three kids who each have a parent serving in the military. There they meet Quodger, a Qook-a-lacka whose grown-up is far away helping care for the moon mirrors past the misty mountains. A big cloud storm has interrupted the moon phone calls, and Quodger is feeling the quiet in a big way. Together, the kids become Moon Helpers and come up with two ideas that Quodger, and any kid missing someone they love, can actually use: Moon Messages, drawings or notes you can send to someone far away to let them know you are thinking of them, and a Cozy Kit, a collection of soft and comforting things to help get through the hard moments at home. Along the way, Jack shares the sloth stuffy that plays his dad's voice when you squeeze its belly, Harper talks about the feeling that a parent might be gone for 100 years, and Nile reminds everyone that calling an auntie counts too. Featuring the voice of Quodger, played by actor Roger Clark. Perfect for kids ages 3-11, military families, and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:
About Roger Clark: Roger Clark is an actor with over 25 years of experience across stage, screen, voiceover, and performance capture, having performed in nearly 50 countries. He is best known for his role as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, which earned him the 2018 Game Award for Best Performance and a BAFTA nomination. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: "Lulu is a Rhinoceros" Author Answers Kids' Biggest Questions! | 26 juin 2026 | 00:35:32 | |
Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by writer, songwriter, and co-creator of Lulu is a Rhinoceros, Allison Flom, and seven-year-old kid interviewer Briar, who came prepared with thoughtful questions that kept everyone on their toes. Together, they dig into what it really means to be yourself, even when others do not understand. Allison shares how she and her father co-created Lulu, a bulldog who knows she is a rhinoceros on the inside, and what it meant to watch that book become an animated musical special on TV. They talk about why kindness starts with listening, why curiosity is so much better than judgment, and why the song at the heart of the special, The Perfect Me, includes the lyric "I'm easy to love" as a personal Easter egg from a moment that changed Allison's life. Briar brings everything: Great questions, a story about being the only girl in her preschool class, and a final thought about Lulu that stopped everyone in their tracks. They also listen to The Perfect Me together live, and the room has feelings. A second Lulu book, "Lulu Makes the Band," is on the way. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Allison Flom: Allison Flom is a writer, songwriter, and advocate based in New York City. Her work explores themes of identity, justice, and human rights. She co-authored Lulu is a Rhinoceros with her father Jason Flom, then wrote the teleplay and original lyrics for the animated musical special of the same name, featuring the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, Alex Newell, and Dulé Hill, among others. A second book in the series, "Lulu Makes the Band," is coming soon. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Storytime: The Stars of Twinkle Top | 19 juin 2026 | 00:10:11 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Storytime episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd, Vivien, and Kit bring an original story to life, set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where the hills roll like soft green blankets and the streams hum sleepy songs. The story follows Quivian, a young Qook-a-leekie who loves nothing more than climbing to a hilltop called Twinkle Top every evening to study the stars. Quivian does not just look at them. They sketch them, map them, and give them wonderfully silly names: the Dancing Pickle, the Sleepy Sandwich, the Flying Pancake, and the Extremely Dramatic Turnip. While everyone else prepares for the beloved Quiddleberry Gathering, baking pies, painting banners, and building glowing lanterns, Quivian wonders whether something as small as naming stars could ever really matter. Then the Moon Muffin Mist rolls in, and everything changes. This is a story about curiosity, about the things that make us different, and about how the interests that feel most like ours can sometimes become the gifts we never knew we had to offer. Featuring Vivien, age seven, and Kit, age thirteen. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Storytime By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mission: What Makes You YOU? | 12 juin 2026 | 00:13:44 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd is joined by co-host Georgia for a warm and curious conversation about identity, the things that make each of us uniquely ourselves. Georgia's class has been studying identity through self-portraits and the origins of their names. She comes in full of ideas, including her talent for giving compliments, her love of creating things in her own special craft space, and a very impressive fake cry she performs live. Together, Todd and Georgia listen to three kids share what lights them up: Vivian talks about gymnastics and the things that challenge her in the best way, Charles shares his love of Roblox and his deep curiosity about the Titanic, and Summer describes the joy of playing hide and seek at the park and noticing the world around her. Each story reveals something true: being yourself does not look one way. It shows up through games, art, curiosity, movement, and connection. At the end of the episode, kids listening at home get their own mission: pay attention to something you really enjoy this month, notice when you feel most like yourself, tell someone about it, and ask them what makes them feel like themselves, too. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: When Being Yourself Feels Hard (And What Helps!) | 05 juin 2026 | 00:29:51 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd travels to the Land of Qook-a-lackas with Charles, age nine, Vivien, age seven and a half, and Summer, age five, where they meet Quivvy, a Qook-a-leekie who loves performing more than anything in the world. Quivvy sings, dances, turns every game into a show, and fills a journal with ideas for new performances. Quvvy’s sparkles used to burst everywhere. But lately, some friends have been pulling away, and Quivvy has started dimming those sparkles just to fit in. Together, the kids help Quivvy figure out something really important: you do not have to choose between being yourself and keeping your friends. Along the way, they share what lights them up, from Charles and his deep knowledge of the Titanic, to Vivien's gymnastics and piano, to Summer's pageants and ballet, and discover that the things that make us different are the very things worth celebrating. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:
🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: Crystal Clarke is an American actor and developing writer working across film, television, and voiceover in the UK and US. She is known for portraying Georgiana Lambe in ITV/PBS’s Sanditon. Her narration of One Big Open Sky received a 2025 Audie Award nomination. Her creative focus is quality storytelling that bridges gaps and broadens representation within historical narratives. Crystal also advocates for visibility and inclusion for neurodivergent creators. Follow her on Instagram at @thatcrystalclarke. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: Max & Ruby Author/Illustrator Answers Kids' Biggest Questions! | 29 mai 2026 | 00:21:39 | |
Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd chats with legendary author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, creator of the beloved Max & Ruby series — and two very special kid interviewers, Ripley, age eight, and Journey, age eleven — who you may remember from season one. Together, they dig into what it means to write stories that make readers see themselves — and explore how the characters Max and Ruby were inspired by Rosemary's own two children! They find out what it was like too see characters go from the pages of books to the TV screen like Max and Ruby did when they were turned into a show on Nick Jr. Ripley and Journey come prepared with sharp questions about rhyming, getting unstuck, and which of her own books Rosemary loves most. Rosemary answers with warmth, humor, and more than five decades of hard-won wisdom about creativity, confidence, and why the very best thing any author can do is write stories that make a reader say, “I see myself in that." Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Learning By:
About Rosemary Wells: Rosemary Wells is the author and illustrator of more than 120 books for children, including more than 40 about the beloved bunny siblings Max and Ruby. Born in New Jersey to a playwright father and a ballet dancer mother, she began drawing early and never stopped. Her books have been adapted for television by Nelvana, airing on Nick Jr. for over a decade and available now on streaming. She travels widely as a passionate advocate for literacy and visits schools to teach her Seven Steps to Writing Success. Visit her at rosemarywells.com. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Bonus Interview: Meet the Tiny T-Rex Children's Book Author! | 22 mai 2026 | 00:19:20 | |
Welcome friends! In this special bonus Interview episode, Todd is joined by New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Stutzman and returning guest Bea, age 8, who you may remember from our Friendship Kidventure episode. Together they dig into what it really means to build stories around friendship, from the origins of Tiny T-Rex and his best friend Pointy, to why honest storytelling connects with readers of all ages. Jonathan talks about growing up loving books before he could even read, writing hundreds of songs before a good one comes through, and what it felt like to collaborate with his wife Heather Fox on Llama Destroys the World. Bea brings some of the best questions of the season, including what Jonathan's favorite book is, what his favorite hobby is, and whether sock monkeys might actually be behind all those missing socks. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Jonathan Stutzman: Jonathan Stutzman is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of picture books for children. He is best known for the Tiny T-Rex series, Llama Destroys the World, and Fitz and Cleo. His books have been translated into over a dozen languages and are in development for television and film. Jonathan lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, illustrator Heather Fox, and their French bulldog Hugo, who has his own book coming out soon. Find him on Instagram at @thedustdancestoo or visit jonathanstutzman.com About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Song 🎶: A Real Songwriter Talks & Sings About Siblings! | 15 mai 2026 | 00:26:31 | |
Welcome friends! In this song 🎶 episode, Todd is joined by singer-songwriter Christopher Burkholder and returning guest Carmine, age seven, who you may remember from our episode about family. Together, they dig into what life as a musician really looks like, from writing hundreds of songs before releasing one, to learning harmonica on the side, to growing up as the second oldest of six kids in a homeschooled family outside Philadelphia. Christopher also shares a brand new original song on the episode called "That's What Big Brothers Are For," written especially for this episode, and the three of them hear it together for the very first time. Carmine comes with a list of questions, his brand new guitar, and an original song of his own called the "Wormy Worm Song" that he performs before signing off. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Christopher Burkholder: Christopher Burkholder is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in folk, jazz, and blues. Growing up as the second oldest of six kids in a homeschooled family outside Philadelphia gave him plenty of real-life moments and real feelings to write about. He works alongside his family in their coffee business, Twin Valley Coffee, and has been writing and releasing music for over two decades. He wrote "That's What Big Brothers Are For" especially for this episode. Find him on Instagram at @christopher_burkholder About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mission: Little Siblings, Big Feelings | 08 mai 2026 | 00:12:59 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd is joined once again by co-host Georgia, age 6, for an honest, funny, and relatable conversation about one of the trickiest parts of having a little sibling: what to do when they knock things down, rip things up, or want something completely different than you! Georgia brings her own fresh experience to the table. Her baby brother Wesley ripped apart a picture she made with her friend at art class just before this recording, and she comes in already thinking through solutions. Together, Todd and Georgia listen to stories from Rex, Brooklynn, and Lincoln, each of whom has faced their own little sibling-sized challenge, and each of whom found a way through it. Kids explore how to take a breath and choose one of three strategies: ask a grownup for help, make space for both people, or try doing things together and then separately. Along the way, Georgia reminds us that even when things get knocked down, sometimes you get to build something even better. At the end of the episode, kids listening at home get their own mission: the next time a sibling changes your plan, take a breath and try one of these three kid-tested strategies. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: Little Siblings Crash the Build Zone! | 01 mai 2026 | 00:33:02 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd is joined by Rex, Lincoln, and Brooklynn for a magical journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where their friend Queniel the Qook-a-lacka is having a frustrating day. Every time Queniel builds a tower, little sibling Quib comes zooming through and knocks it down. Together, the kids help Queniel learn what's really going on (spoiler: Quib might just want to play), and then come up with an imaginative, kid-powered plan: a Build Zone, a Crash Zone, and a Together Zone, each with its own rules, timers, and yes, a special crash tower just for Quib. Along the way, they talk honestly about what it feels like to have a younger sibling, including the joy, the frustration, and the moments when you just want your LEGO build to survive the afternoon. This episode helps kids develop empathy, communication skills, and creative problem-solving, while reminding them that little sibs aren't always trying to cause chaos; sometimes they're still learning. Perfect for kids ages 2-11 and for listening together as a family. 🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: The voice of Queniel is brought to life by Broadway actor Daniel Reichard. He originated the role of Bob Gaudio in the Tony Award-winning original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance. His other credits include Radiant Baby at The Public Theater, the title role in New York City Opera's Candide, and over 800 concerts worldwide with The Midtown Men, the vocal group he co-founded with his Jersey Boys castmates. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: A Real Farmer 🧑🏼🌾 Answers Kids' Biggest Questions! | 24 avr. 2026 | 00:18:28 | |
Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by farmer Susan Mitchell, owner of Cloverleigh Farm in Connecticut, and returning guest Avery, age six, who you may remember from our episode at the beginning of April called "Can Kids Help Heal the Land?" Together they dig into what farm life is really like, from growing vegetables in a greenhouse in the spring to caring for beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys yearround. Susan talks about farming in all weather, losing plants in the freeze of 2026, donating produce to a local soup kitchen, and what it means to build a true community around food. Avery brings some of the best questions of the season, including whether it is possible to give vegetables to homeless people and whether schools can take field trips to the farm. The podcast is perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Susan Mitchell: Susan Mitchell started her journey into agriculture as a public high school teacher in New York State, where she grew food with her students in the school's garden. She quickly fell in love with the practice and left teaching to apprentice on a farm in the Hudson Valley, then managed farms throughout Connecticut before finding her own property in Columbia, CT. She is also one of the founding members and current Steering Committee member of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance, a farmer-led statewide network of new farmers. Learn more at cloverleighfarm.com. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Storytime: Slow Down and Notice! | 17 avr. 2026 | 00:08:39 | |
Welcome friends! It's time for a Little Kids Big Hearts Storytime. This month's story comes from the Land of Qook-a-lackas and is all about what happens when you slow down just enough to notice what matters. In this story, we meet Quince, a gentle Qook-a-leekie who loves the forest and moves through it slowly, noticing everything. Quince spots something others have missed: the Quilips are leaning, the Quoodle keeps dropping its twig, and the forest feels a little off. One small thing at a time, Quince begins to help. Not in a big way or a loud way, but in a small, steady, slow way. And slowly, others start to notice too. Todd and Rose, age eight, read the story together and share the magic of a world where paying close attention is its own kind of superpower. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mission: Kids Can Help The Earth! | 10 avr. 2026 | 00:13:19 | |
Welcome friends! It's time for a Little Kids Big Hearts Mission, where kids help kids make the world a little kinder, a little braver, and a little better. In this episode, Todd is joined by his co-host Georgia, who is now 6️⃣ years old and full of big ideas. Together they explore what it means to take care of our environment, from picking up trash and planting seeds, to recycling, reducing pollution, and even raising money for charity. Georgia shares her genius "making things bins," her stop pollution sign, her carrot planting project, and her plans for a summer perfume and face mask shop to raise money for environmental causes. Along the way, they hear from Rose and Avery about beach cleanups, gardens, and why caring for the Earth matters. Then Todd and Georgia deliver this week's mission together. The mission: Choose one small way to help the Earth 🌎. Pick up trash 🗑️, turn off lights 💡, plant something 🌱, save water 💧, or find a way to reuse ♻️ something you already have. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: Can Kids Help Heal The Land? 🍀💚 | 03 avr. 2026 | 00:27:27 | |
Welcome friends! In this Kidventure episode, Todd is joined by Avery (age 6, Dallas TX), Rose (age 8, Alameda County CA), and Nicholas (almost 7, Columbia CT). Together they explore the environment and what worries them about the earth, before floating off on dandelion parachutes to the magical Land of Qook-a-lackas, where something feels very wrong. Their friend Qwade needs their help. The gummy bears are tired, the Quilips have been over-picked, the bees are struggling, and the weather is all mixed up. The kids become nature detectives, piecing together clues and coming up with thoughtful ideas about what it means to care for a living, breathing world. Qwade is brought to life by award-winning Broadway actor Wade McCollum. Perfect for kids ages 2 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: Wade McCollum is a Broadway actor, filmmaker, singer, composer, writer, director, and co-founder of a neuroscience/music startup. Broadway credits include: Water for Elephants and Floyd Collins. Screen credits include: The Knick, FBI: Most Wanted, and Madame Secretary. Learn more at https//www.wadesong.com. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: A 68-Year Friendship Story! | 27 mars 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. This one is extra special. Todd is joined by two people who have been best friends since the first grade: his mom, Claudia, and her childhood best friend, Vicky. They have been friends for nearly seven decades, and the love and laughter between them is something you can feel in every single word. Also joining us is Zuri, returning co-host and seven-year-old friendship expert, who brings her own big questions and big heart to the conversation. Together, they travel all the way back to first grade in Texas, where two six-year-olds sat down next to each other and just clicked. From basketball and cheerleading to navigating distance, family changes, and life's harder chapters, Claudia and Vicky show us what it looks like when a friendship truly stands the test of time. And Zuri, who has secret handshakes with most of her friends, reminds us that the magic of close friendship starts young and matters at every age. This episode is a warm, funny, genuine conversation about what it means to choose someone again and again, through laughter, distance, and all of life's changes. Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In this episode, kids will:
Grown-ups, extend the learning by:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| SONGS: Friendship Songs That’ll Make You Dance! | 20 mars 2026 | 00:27:19 | |
We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new episode. In this episode, Todd is joined by a Anthony, 8, for a dance-filled conversation. Together, they listen and talk about four songs from the new kids' album We're Friends Now by award-winning children's musicians Benjamin Weiner & Suzi Shelton. As he listens, Anthony shares what he loves doing with friends, from bike rides and sleepovers to visits to Dave & Buster's. He opens up about the kind of treehouse he'd design (with a power extender, obviously). He also says he makes his own music, loves to sing, and would love to make an album all about bike riding. Songs Featured from We're Friends Now by Suzi Shelton & Benjamin Weiner:
Perfect for kids ages 2 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:
About Benjamin: Benjamin Weiner is an educator and musician whose work spans Nickelodeon, PBS, and Spin Master. Benjamin has written for shows including Dora and preschool podcasts — including LKBH! — and brings warmth, wit, and a deep love of childhood to everything he creates. Learn more at benjaminweiner.com. About Suzi: Suzi Shelton is an award-winning singer and songwriter. Trained as a dancer, she never imagined she'd become a kids' musician, but now can't imagine doing anything else. Suzi and her band have performed at The White House, Symphony Space, BAM, and the Lincoln Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. Her music celebrates diversity, inclusion, and kindness, and her live-stream show Sing with Suzi has been watched in more than 70 countries. Learn more at suzishelton.com. About the Album: We're Friends Now features 11 folk, indie, and pop-inspired songs written and performed by Suzi and Benjamin, and produced by GRAMMY-winning Dean Jones. Listen: About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: | |||
| Mission: Be a Friend and Fight Loneliness With Kindness! | 13 mars 2026 | 00:14:30 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd is joined by his friend and mission co-host Georgia (who also happens to be turning six!) for a warm and joyful conversation all about friendship. Together, they check in with kids Bea, Charles, and Anthony to hear how they noticed someone who was feeling left out, and chose one small, brave act of kindness to help that person feel seen. Along the way, Georgia shares her own friendship stories, including the time she and a friend helped a classmate at the block station, and reveals her superhero alter ego: Friendship Girl, whose power is making friends and seeing the amazing things that happen because of them. Kids explore what it means to be a true friend, what it looks like to be an "upstander," and why noticing someone who feels alone is already a powerful act of kindness. This episode helps children build empathy, courage, and confidence as they discover that you don't have to fix someone's feelings. Sometimes you just have to let them know they're seen. At the end of the episode, kids listening at home are invited to try their own Be a Friend and Fight Loneliness With Kindness Mission: (1) look around, (2) spot someone who might need a friend, and (3) find one small way to show you care. Perfect for kids ages 2–11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: Navigating Friendship | 06 mars 2026 | 00:25:47 | |
Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for another Kidventure on the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast! Today, Todd is joined by three warm, thoughtful kids, Charles (9), Bea (8), and Anthony (8), for a heartfelt conversation about one of the most important parts of childhood (and life!): friendship. Together, they explore how friendships begin — from bus rides and Roblox to vet clinics and hospital hallways. They share what it feels like when a friendship clicks, and what it feels like when something shifts. They talk about feeling left out, working through conflict, and the courage it takes to talk about it. Then, the kids close their eyes and shimmer into the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where they meet Quorra, a Qook-a-leekie played by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, whose BFF Quenna has been spending time with a new group withouth Quorra. Quorra's sparkles are dimming, Quorra's purple is fading to gray, and Quorra doesn't know what to do next. The kids help Quorra find the words to share their feelings, the courage to jump in and play, and the patience to wait until Quenna is ready to listen. This Kidventure supports social and emotional learning by encouraging empathy, expression, conflict resolution, and the understanding that friendships naturally shift and grow. Perfect for kids ages 2-11, and for listening together as a family. IN THIS EPISODE, KIDS WILL:
GROWN-UPS, YOU CAN EXTEND THE CONVERSATION BY ASKING:
🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw has narrated 100+ audiobooks and voiced stories featured as New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Booksellers Bestsellers. She is a Booklist Editors' Choice Award winner and has also been recognized by the School Library Journal, Apple Books Must Listen, BookRiot, Vulture, and Audiofile. She also has a long list of film and TV credits! About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: Exploring Community with Matt de la Peña | 27 févr. 2026 | 00:19:53 | |
Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for this special interview episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts. Today host Todd Loyd is joined by his kid friend Keri and award winning author Matt de la Peña to explore the idea of community: what it means, how it shapes us, and how it shows up in stories and everyday life. Together they dive into Matt’s creative process and the themes that unite his books with children’s experiences of neighborhood, belonging, imagination, and care. Matt talks about how his own upbringing in a working-class community influenced his writing, why community plays a central role in stories like Last Stop on Market Street, and how children’s perspectives can reveal wisdom about the world around them. Keri asks thoughtful questions about family relationships, walking alongside others, and how everyday experiences can become powerful stories. This episode supports social and emotional learning by helping kids notice the people, places, and relationships that make up their communities and understand how stories help us see ourselves and others with empathy and curiosity. Perfect for kids ages 3–11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, Extend the Conversation By:
About Our Guest: 📚 Matt de la Peña is a New York Times bestselling, Newbery Medal-winning author of picture books and novels for young readers. He won the 2016 Newbery Medal for Last Stop on Market Street and has written award-winning books including Carmela Full of Wishes, Love, Milo Imagines the World, and The Perfect Place. Matt’s writing celebrates diverse communities, everyday kindness, and the beauty of ordinary life. He received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Storytime: The Light of Loodle Loop | 20 févr. 2026 | 00:07:27 | |
In this magical stortime episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts, listeners travel to the Land of Qook-a-lakas for a fun, imaginative fictional story about community and belonging. The story is told by LKBH host Todd Loyd, along with two kid helpers: Rose and Leo! High above the town, in a cozy place called Loodle Loop, lives a small Qook-a-leekie named Quincy and their grand Qook-a-laka, Quinella. While the town below gathers to bake, sing, and share ideas, Quincy begins to wonder if anyone even knows they’re there. When Quincy creates a glowing path made of pebbles, moss, and softly chiming bells, something beautiful happens. What starts as a quiet act of creativity becomes a powerful invitation, reminding everyone that community grows when we share what makes us special. This calming story gently supports social and emotional learning by exploring connection, courage, and the idea that everyone belongs. Perfect for bedtime, quiet moments, and listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will...
Featured Characters (played by Todd, Rose, and Leo):
Perfect for...
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website for episode resources and more: | |||
| Mission: Build Community With Kindness | 13 févr. 2026 | 00:13:03 | |
Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. In this episode, Todd is joined by his friend and new mission co-host Georgia for a thoughtful and heartwarming conversation about helping others and building community. Together, they check in with kids Gabe, Zuri, and Credence to hear how they completed their community missions through simple, meaningful acts like making cards, helping classmates, and noticing when someone needs kindness. Kids explore what it feels like to give and receive kindness, take responsibility, and show care in everyday moments. This episode encourages empathy, flexibility, and confidence as children learn that even small actions can make a big difference. At the end of the episode, kids listening at home are invited to go on their own community builder mission by helping someone, including a friend, or creating something kind for another person. Perfect for kids ages 2–11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Kidventure: Building Community Together! | 06 févr. 2026 | 00:25:51 | |
Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for another Kidventure on the Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast. Today, Todd is joined by three thoughtful kids, Credence (6), Zuri (7), and Gabe (8), for a warm and curious conversation about community and the many ways kids are already part of communities. Together, they explore what community means, from families and schools to neighborhoods, teams, and places of worship. They discuss how neighbors welcome one another, how teachers and grown-ups help when things feel hard, and how volunteering and helping others can make a difference. Then, the kids close their eyes and travel on a butterfly bus to the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where they meet Quandy, a Qook-a-lacka whose community is facing a BIG problem. A whirlwind has scattered supplies all over the Land just before the big bright block party, leaving Quandy feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to bring everyone together With creativity, teamwork, and big-hearted ideas, the kids help transform piles of random objects into games, decorations, music, and art. Together, they discover that community isn’t about perfection; it's about sharing ideas, helping one another, and building something meaningful together. Perfect for kids aged 2–11, and for listening together as a family. IN THIS EPISODE, KIDS WILL:
GROWN-UPS, YOU CAN EXTEND THE CONVERSATION BY ASKING:
🎭 Special Guest Qook-a-lacka: Mandy Gonzalez plays the role of Quandy. Mandy is an award-winning Broadway actress, singer, songwriter, and author. Mandy starred in Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler, originated Nina Rosario in In the Heights, starred as Elphaba in Wicked, performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, and is the author of the Fearless book series. About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the conversation. Through real discussions, imaginative stories, songs, and Kidventures, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others. Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Interview: Family, Belonging & Imagination with Author/Illustrator Jessica Love | 30 janv. 2026 | 00:15:39 | |
Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re here for this heart-filled episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. This week, Todd is joined by returning kid guest Carmine and special guest Jessica Love, the award-winning author and illustrator of Julián Is a Mermaid and A Bed of Stars. Together, they explore creativity, imagination, and the many ways family members show love and support for each other. Jessica shares the inspiration behind Julián Is a Mermaid, including how pictures can tell powerful stories with very few words and why Julián’s relationship with his abuela (his grandma) is at the heart of the book. Carmine asks thoughtful questions about being an author, storytelling, and pretending, leading to joyful conversations about mermaids, kitty cats, and chicken nuggets. The conversation then turns to A Bed of Stars, a story about a child and parent camping together in the desert and wondering about the vast universe. Jessica talks about creating the book while pregnant with her son and discusses how stories can help kids feel less small in a big world. This episode celebrates self-expression, imagination, and the many ways families help children feel safe, loved, and understood. Perfect for kids ages 2–11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Conversation By Asking:
About Our Guest: About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website for episode resources: | |||
| Song: "I've Got My Family" with Benjamin Weiner | 23 janv. 2026 | 00:13:20 | |
Welcome friends! This month on the Little Kids, Big Hearts 💕 podcast, we’ve been exploring the theme of family and all the ways families help us feel safe, loved, and strong. In this special song and conversation episode, Todd is joined by longtime collaborator, educator, and composer Benjamin Weiner. Together, they revisit what kids shared in our family Kidventure episode — "Who's in My Family?" — about who is in their family, what they do together, and what they learn from their family. Benjamin reflects on listening closely to kids’ words and transforming their ideas, rhythms, and feelings into music. He shares how children’s language naturally lends itself to songwriting and how family memories and storytelling shaped his own creative path. The episode culminates in the debut of I’ve Got My Family, an original song inspired directly by the voices of kids on the podcast. The song celebrates families of all shapes and sizes and reminds listeners that love, care, and connection are what truly make a family. This episode supports social and emotional learning by affirming belonging, inclusion, and safety, while encouraging kids to reflect on the people who make up their own families. Perfect for kids ages 2–11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Conversation By Asking:
About Our Guest: About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album. 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: | |||
| Mission: Let's Make a Family Quilt! | 16 janv. 2026 | 00:07:48 | |
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: 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:
GROWN-UPS, YOU CAN EXTEND THE CONVERSATION BY ASKING:
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: 🎵 Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Follow us on Instagram: 📘 Find us on Facebook: 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: | |||
| Kidventure: Who's in My Family? | 09 janv. 2026 | 00:29:33 | |
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: In This Episode, Kids Will:
Grown-Ups, Extend the Conversation By Asking:
Find educator resources to keep the learning going at: About Little Kids, Big Hearts: Subscribe, Rate, and Share: 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts Credits: 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: | |||
| Get Ready for Season 5 of Little Kids, Big Hearts | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:02:24 | |
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! 💛 | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Hopes & Dreams | 25 août 2025 | 00:06:00 | |
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? 💚 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. | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Feelings | 18 août 2025 | 00:04:33 | |
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! | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Helping Others! | 11 août 2025 | 00:04:15 | |
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. You can also visit us on our YouTube channel to see a video of the epiosde: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Let's Imagine! | 04 août 2025 | 00:06:10 | |
Week 5 of Camp Sparkler is focused on using our imaginations. The host of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast and head counselor at Camp Sparkler, Todd Loyd, introduces the idea and shares some clips from a podcast episode focused on calming down — "Imagination Time." You can play along in your Sparkler mobile app! It's free, it's fun, it's learning! :) | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Feeling Grateful! | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:06:52 | |
Week 4 of Camp Sparkler is focused on GRATITUDE — feelings of thankfulness and appreciation for the positive people, things, and experiences in your life. Gratitude can be a big, abstract idea for most young children — but it is important! Feeling grateful can help to foster emotional well-being and resilience. Research shows that practicing gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships, and promote a sense of belonging. | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Calming Down | 21 juil. 2025 | 00:07:21 | |
Week 3 of Camp Sparkler is focused on CALMING DOWN — strategies people can use to regulate their big feelings. Learn more about Camp Sparkler online at https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler2025/ | |||
| Camp Sparkler: Working Together | 18 juil. 2025 | 00:04:07 | |
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 2 — we're focused on WORKING TOGETHER, teaming up to discuss issues and solve conflicts. In our Little Kids, Big Hearts episode called "Let's Work it Out," three big siblings with a lot of problem solving experience — Audrey, Cole, and Miles — share some of their experiences and then work together to suggest solutions to challenges they're facing in the Land of Qook-a-lackas. 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 learn more about the podcast online at https://playsparkler.org/podcast. Find out more about Camp Sparkler and play along (for free) in the Sparkler mobile app with lots of do-together activities at https://playsparkler.org/campsparkler2025/ You can also visit our YouTube for videos and resources: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts | |||
| Camp Sparkler: We Belong! | 13 juil. 2025 | 00:06:05 | |
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/ | |||