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. Storytime: The Curious Case of the Quiet Tree

    · 6:50 · S4 E31

    Once, in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, where the sky shimmers lavender in the mornings and the grass hums softly under your feet, there stood a tree that… didn’t do anything. It didn’t blossom in spring. It didn’t drop…

  2. The Nature Detective Mission 🔍🌻

    · 3:19 · S4 E30

    This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts is focused on the natural world — and how it makes us feel! And this month's "mission" is The Nature 🔍🌻 Detective Mission. Todd and Christy challenge listeners to learn about…

  3. We 💚 Nature with Maulik Pancholy

    · 34 min · S4 E29

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

  4. Judge Reinhold Interview: How to Leverage Nervous Energy to Fuel Your Best Work

    · 14 min · S4 E28

    On this special episode of the Little Kids, Big hearts podcast, LKBH host Todd Loyd has a conversation with the actor and legend Judge Reinhold. Judge appeared on our podcast at the start of the month — exploring…

  5. Feeling Nervous? Sing Along With Us!

    · 2:52 · S4 E26

    Everyone feels nervous sometimes — whether you're a Grammy-winning performer or a kid who hasn't started Kindergarten yet! This month, Little Kids, Big Hearts is focused on feeling nervous — what it is to feel nervous…

  6. Storytime: Quessa's Big Camp Out

    · 8:05 · S4 E27

    Welcome to Storytime! In this original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts, we join Quessa, Kalini, and Karva, and their class of Qook-a-leekies on their first overnight field trip. It can be scary to be away…

  7. The I'm Brave Mission

    · 5:05 · S4 E25

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

  8. Wobbly to Wow With Judge Reinhold

    · 28 min · S4 E24

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

  9. Brush! Whoosh! Pop! — The Sounds of Our Feelings

    · 16 min · S4 E23

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

  10. Storytime: The Day the Songbook Disappeared

    · 8:32 · S4 E22

    Welcome to Storytime! In this original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts, we learn the origin of the Qook-a-lacka song healer, Quasnick, who we first met in our episode "Moving Time" when Quasnick helped…

  11. Original Song: Power of A Song

    · 3:39 · S4 E21

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

  12. The Song of YOU Mission

    · 4:15 · S4 E20

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

  13. Super Songs for Super Kids

    · 21 min · S4 E19

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

  14. Unstoppable: How to Turn Limitations into Opportunities — With Ali Stroker

    · 23 min · S4 E18

    Ali Stroker is a trailblazing actor and advocate who joined the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast as a guest Qook-a-lacka on our episode focused on inclusion. Today, Ali is back — out of character, as her amazing self —…

  15. Storytime: Quiggle's Wheels

    · 4:32 · S4 E17

    Welcome to storytime! This new fictional story, set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, is about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to play. The main character is Quiggle, a little Qook-a-leekie who travels…

  16. Song & Interview: "Together" With Lance Horne

    · 13 min · S4 E16

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

  17. The You, Me, We Mission

    · 3:57 · S4 E15

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

  18. Inclusion Matters With Ali Stroker

    · 32 min · S4 E14

    On this kidventure episode, two kids — Scarlett and Zach — talk about their disabilities and share their experiences with inclusion (on inclusive playgrounds and in other contexts). As Scarlett explains, inclusion…

  19. Interview: Making Music & Making Mistakes with Laurie Berkner

    · 32 min · S4 E13

    Everyone — even the "queen of children's music" — makes mistakes on occasion! We are thrilled to share an interview with Laurie Berkner, the bestselling, award-winning children's recording artist, about making music…

  20. Storytime: A Mistake Takes Root

    · 9:41 · S4 E12

    In this original fictional story set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, we learn the origin story of the qook-a-melos, one of the most popular treats in the Land. It turns out that the qook-a-melo tree stemmed from a…

  21. Mighty Mistakes Mission & Song

    · 6:42 · S4 E11

    During the most recent "kidventure" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "The Magic of Mistakes with Terence Archie," three kids — Layla, Liam, and Ariel — talk about the mistakes they've made and visit the Land of…

  22. The Magic of Mistakes with Terence Archie

    · 34 min · S4 E10

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

  23. "Helping" Interview with Firefighter John Louthan

    · 14 min · S4 E9

    In our recent episode "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires," we talked with four LA kids about their experiences and feelings during the fires in Los Angeles. Today, we're back with a special interview…

  24. Storytime: New Skies for Lyra

    · 11 min · S4 E8

    In this original fictional story set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas, we learn the "history" of the Great Link-a-doo Flood, through the lens of Lyra — a little Link-a-deedle. In the story, Lyra and all the students at the…

  25. Operation Help Out Mission and Song

    · 6:32 · S4 E7

    During the most recent "kidventure" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires," four LA Kids — Amicko, Kiaan, Kaveer, and Cleo — share their experiences and feelings related to…

  26. Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires

    · 35 min · S4 E6

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

  27. Interview: Fairness with Judge Gabriel Sanchez

    · 18 min · S4 E5

    On our episode about fairness — "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman" — three kids (Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will) helped two arguing Qook-a-lackas through a process of “qook-a-lation.” They listened to both…

  28. Storytime: The Qook-a-lackas' Absolutely Exactly Everything Equal Day

    · 6:01 · S4 E5

    During the most recent adventure of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman," three kids — Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will — travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to…

  29. The Fairness Quest Mission & Song

    · 5:29 · S4 E4

    During the most recent adventure of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman," three kids — Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will — travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to…

  30. Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman

    · 26 min · S4 E3

    Fairness has played a pivotal role throughout history, with the pursuit of equality and justice helping to shape the world that we live in today. Fairness also plays out in our everyday lives and in the lives of…

  31. Song & Interview: I’m Grateful by Benjamin Weiner

    · 15 min · S4 E2 · Bonus

    Last week, we joined with three kids — Roxy, Everly, and Charlie — who helped us explore the big idea of gratitude. Now, in this special new episode, our friend Benjamin Weiner, an educator and musician, shares the…

  32. Gratitude PowerUp with Lauren Blumenfeld

    · 26 min · S4 E1

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

  33. Interview: Telling Stories that Matter with Author/Illustrator Todd Parr

    · 37 min · S3 E14 · Bonus

    In this special interview episode, host Todd Loyd interviews another Todd — the legendary author/illustrator of more than 50 children's books TODD PARR. Todd Parr is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and…

  34. The Magic of Stories with Nick Blaemire

    · 28 min · S3 E13

    Stories are magical! They are gateways to new people, places, and ideas ... and they help children to build empathy and understanding — allowing them to see the world from different perspectives. As kids step into the…

  35. Building Resilience with Marc Grapey

    · 32 min · S3 E12

    In this episode three children, Donovan, Layla, and Ruby, explore the idea of resilience — being able to move through the hard things we face and bounce back or recover afterward. They share times they have had to…

  36. Interview: Exploring "Learning Differences" with Oliver, 12, and Caesar Samayoa from "How to Dance in Ohio"

    · 23 min · S3 E11 · Bonus

    During the most recent episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Celebrating Learning Differences with Q. Smith," one of our kid guests, Oliver, mentioned how meaningful it was to him to see How to Dance in Ohio on…

  37. Celebrating Learning Differences with Q. Smith

    · 40 min · S3 E10

    In the United States, about 15% of students receive special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Learning differences aren’t all alike, but they can all affect how…

  38. Let's Take Responsibility with Natalie Gold

    · 32 min · S3 E9

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

  39. Special Reimagined Episode: What Can You Do With Big Feelings?

    · 24 min · S3 E8

    What do you do when you're feeling angry or sad, or when you're facing something new and scary? In this special episode — which is reimagined and reworked from a Season 1 episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts — Todd and…

  40. Grandparent Relationships

    · 38 min · S3 E7

    Grandparents, or older friends and family members, can play pivotal roles in children's lives, acting as caregivers, mentors, and friends. Whether grandparents live in a child’s neighborhood or far away, the love and…

  41. Bonus: Boundaries Interview with Ana Cruz Kayne and Michael Cruz Kayne

    · 13 min · S3 E7 · Bonus

    Last week, we released an episode about BOUNDARIES — the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. Today, we're excited to release a bonus interview with the guest stars of the episode, Ana Cruz Kayne…

  42. Boundaries with Michael Cruz Kayne and Ana Cruz Kayne

    · 37 min · S3 E6

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

  43. Hopes & Dreams With Jolly Abraham

    · 32 min · S3 E5

    In "Hopes & Dreams," three kids (Levi, Christine, and Ariel) reflect on the new things we have learned, the friendships we have formed, and the challenges we have faced in the past year — and what we are excited to…

  44. Bonus: Belonging Interview with Hip-Hop Pioneer Darryl "DMC" McDaniels

    · 33 min · S3 E4 · Bonus

    On last week's episode, we explored "Belonging" — being who you are and being accepted and embraced for who you are. In this special bonus interview, we continue to explore this idea. Little Kids, Big Hearts host Todd…

  45. We Belong — With Alexis Michelle

    · 35 min · S3 E3

    Belonging — being who you are and being accepted and embraced for who you are — is important for children and for all people. In this episode four kids (Providence, River, Valencia, and Yonatan) discuss what it means…

  46. Bonus: Imagination Interview with "Not a Box" Author/Illustrator, Antoinette Portis

    · 26 min · S3 E2 · Bonus

    On last week's episode, "Imagination Time!," we flexed our imagination muscles with three kids — Shaelan, Sameia and Hunter. After recording, our host — Todd Loyd — was lucky to explore the power of imagination with…

  47. Imagination Time! — With Nadiyah Dorsey

    · 32 min · S3 E1

    Using our imaginations might seem like a basic part of childhood, but imagination plays an important role in childhood and in life: it builds creativity and independence, social and problem-solving skills, teamwork and…

  48. Calm Down at Camp Quinder-Calm (World Mental Health Day)

    · 5:20 · S2 E14 · Bonus

    In honor of World Mental Health Day, we wanted to share the visualization and song that Quinlan shared in the Land of Qook-a-lackas during our August episode, "The Key to Calming Down." Research shows that techniques…

  49. Trying New Things (2023 Signal Awards Finalist)

    · 27 min · S2 E13 · Bonus

    Little Kids, Big Hearts just became a finalist in the Signal Awards! Before Oct. 5, you — OUR LISTENERS — can do us a BIG (and big hearted ❤️) favor by voting for us in the Signal Listener's Choice Awards. It's easy:…

  50. The Key to Calming Down With Rebecca Naomi Jones

    · 37 min · S2 E12

    In "The Key to Calming Down," three kids (Charlie, Katrina, and Sienna) join Todd to share tips and tricks they use to calm down — which come in handy when they're experiencing big feelings. The kids and Todd then take…

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