Podcasts · Kids & Family

Little Kids, Big Hearts

Sparkler Learning

125 episodes

Little Kids, Big Hearts helps kids and their grown-ups grow social and emotional skills, a.k.a. Big Hearts, with a little help from the show's host, Todd Loyd, a longtime early childhood educator. It’s a space where kids LEAD the discussion and explore big ideas in social and emotional learning — from feelings to friendship to helping others. If you like using your imagination, going on imaginary journeys to magical worlds, and eating gummy bears that grow on trees, then you're in the right place! Recommended for big-hearted kids ages 2-10 (and their grown-ups).

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  1. Bonus: Vote for Little Kids, Big Hearts in the Signal Listener's Choice Awards!

    · 2:26 · Bonus

    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…

  2. Mixtape Vol. 3: 🎶❤️ More Great Tunes from the Beginning!

    · 24 min

    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,…

  3. Mixtape Vol. 2: 🎶❤️ Going Back to the Beginning!

    · 23 min

    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…

  4. Mashup: Let's Journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas!

    · 42 min

    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…

  5. Mashup: A Musical 🎵❤️ Mixtape (Music From Little Kids, Big Hearts!)

    · 24 min

    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…

  6. Mashup: All the Feelings 🙂☹️😡😳 (And the Magic of Having More Than One at Once)

    · 15 min

    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…

  7. Mashup: What Do the Qook-a-lackas Look Like? Kids Tell All!

    · 12 min

    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…

  8. Interview: A Pediatrician👨⚕️🥼🩺 Answers Kids' Questions About Going to the Doctor!

    · 22 min

    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…

  9. Storytime: The Mystery of the Tiny Glow Burr

    · 12 min

    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…

  10. Mission: Your Doctor Superpower Plan (And How to Help a Friend Feel Brave Too)

    · 13 min

    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…

  11. Kidventure: Going to the Doctor (And How to Feel Brave When You Get There)

    · 30 min

    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…

  12. Bonus Interview: Broadway Star Raúl Esparza Answers Kids' Biggest Questions!

    · 23 min

    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…

  13. Interview: A Song About Missing Someone You Love!

    · 21 min

    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…

  14. Storytime: The Story String

    · 9:01 · S5 E29

    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…

  15. Mission: The Bedtime Brave Plan (Feeling Safe and Cozy When Someone is Away)

    · 19 min · S5 E28

    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…

  16. Kidventure: When Someone You Love is Far Away

    · 32 min · S5 E27

    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,…

  17. Interview: "Lulu is a Rhinoceros" Author Answers Kids' Biggest Questions!

    · 36 min · S5 E26

    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…

  18. Storytime: The Stars of Twinkle Top

    · 10 min · S5 E25

    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…

  19. Mission: What Makes You YOU?

    · 14 min · S5 E24

    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…

  20. Kidventure: When Being Yourself Feels Hard (And What Helps!)

    · 30 min · S5 E23

    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,…

  21. Interview: Max & Ruby Author/Illustrator Answers Kids' Biggest Questions!

    · 22 min · S5 E22

    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…

  22. Bonus Interview: Meet the Tiny T-Rex Children's Book Author!

    · 19 min · S5 E21

    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…

  23. Song 🎶: A Real Songwriter Talks & Sings About Siblings!

    · 27 min · S5 E20

    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…

  24. Mission: Little Siblings, Big Feelings

    · 13 min · S5 E19

    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…

  25. Kidventure: Little Siblings Crash the Build Zone!

    · 33 min · S5 E18

    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…

  26. Interview: A Real Farmer 🧑🏼🌾 Answers Kids' Biggest Questions!

    · 18 min · S5 E17

    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…

  27. Storytime: Slow Down and Notice!

    · 8:39 · S5 E16

    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…

  28. Mission: Kids Can Help The Earth!

    · 13 min · S5 E15

    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…

  29. Kidventure: Can Kids Help Heal The Land? 🍀💚

    · 27 min · S5 E14

    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…

  30. Interview: A 68-Year Friendship Story!

    · 16 min · S5 E13

    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…

  31. SONGS: Friendship Songs That’ll Make You Dance!

    · 27 min · S5 E12

    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…

  32. Mission: Be a Friend and Fight Loneliness With Kindness!

    · 15 min · S5 E11

    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…

  33. Kidventure: Navigating Friendship

    · 26 min · S5 E10

    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…

  34. Interview: Exploring Community with Matt de la Peña

    · 20 min · S5 E9

    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…

  35. Storytime: The Light of Loodle Loop

    · 7:27 · S5 E8

    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,…

  36. Mission: Build Community With Kindness

    · 13 min · S5 E7

    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…

  37. Kidventure: Building Community Together!

    · 26 min · S5 E6

    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…

  38. Interview: Family, Belonging & Imagination with Author/Illustrator Jessica Love

    · 16 min · S5 E5

    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…

  39. Song: "I've Got My Family" with Benjamin Weiner

    · 13 min · S5 E4

    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…

  40. Mission: Let's Make a Family Quilt!

    · 7:48 · S5 E3

    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…

  41. Kidventure: Who's in My Family?

    · 30 min · S1 E2

    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…

  42. Get Ready for Season 5 of Little Kids, Big Hearts

    · 2:24 · S5 E1 · Trailer

    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…

  43. Camp Sparkler: Hopes & Dreams

    · 6:00 · S4 E29

    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…

  44. Camp Sparkler: Feelings

    · 4:33 · S4 E28

    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,…

  45. Camp Sparkler: Helping Others!

    · 4:15 · S4 E27

    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,…

  46. Camp Sparkler: Let's Imagine!

    · 6:10 · S4 E26

    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…

  47. Camp Sparkler: Feeling Grateful!

    · 6:52 · S4 E35

    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 —…

  48. Camp Sparkler: Calming Down

    · 7:21 · S4 E34

    Week 3 of Camp Sparkler is focused on CALMING DOWN — strategies people can use to regulate their big feelings. The host of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, Todd Loyd, introduces the idea and shares some clips from…

  49. Camp Sparkler: Working Together

    · 4:07 · S4 E33

    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…

  50. Camp Sparkler: We Belong!

    · 6:05 · S4 E32

    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…

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