Little Kids, Big Hearts

Latest Episodes:

SONGS: Friendship Songs That’ll Make You Dance! Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

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:

We Must Be Friends
Up Down All Around
Up in Our Treehouse
Room for You at the Table

Perfect for kids ages 2 to 11 and for listening together as a family.

In This Episode, Kids Will:

Listen to new songs about friendship
Discover that differences make friendships special!
Explore how slowing down can help us notice our friends!

Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:

Asking your child: "What have your friends taught you?"
Dancing together to the songs
Talking about a meal your family has shared with friends

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:
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/were-friends-now/1875727916
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/77Oj3I8EpxrVMVoor2346g

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:
Please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover us:

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

Credits:
LKBH 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. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else.”

Mission: Be a Friend and Fight Loneliness With Kindness! Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

Hear real stories of kids who noticed someone feeling left out and chose to help
Learn what it means to be an "upstander" in their school and community
Explore how friendship can look loud and brave OR quiet and gentle
Discover that even tiny acts of kindness can make someone feel seen and included
Reflect on the magic of friendship and why it makes everything better

Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:

Asking your child: "Did you notice anyone who might have needed a friend today?"
Brainstorming one small thing your family can do to include someone this week.
Talking about what it feels like to be noticed by someone who cares.
Celebrating the effort to notice even when kids aren't sure what to do next.
Encouraging your child to think about their own "superhero friendship power."

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.

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. 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:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Kidventure: Navigating Friendship Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

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:

Explore how friendships begin and how they can change over time
Learn that feeling left out is normal and that feelings deserve to be named
Practice finding brave, kind words for necessary conversations
Understand that friends sometimes need space, and that's okay, too

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

How did you become friends?
Has a friendship ever felt different or tricky? What did you feel? What did you say or do?
What's a brave thing you could say if you ever felt left out?

🎭 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!

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

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:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Interview: Exploring Community with Matt de la Peña Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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:

Hear how an acclaimed author thinks about community and belonging
Learn that stories can help us understand others’ experiences
Practice curiosity and empathy through conversation

Grown-Ups, Extend the Conversation By:

Talking about stories you’ve read together
Encouraging kids to describe kind things that they have done for others or others have done for them
Reflecting together on how family and neighborhood help shape who we are

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.

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.

Credits:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd and produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. Special thanks to Noggin for their support and the song “Like Nobody Else” from The Big Heart Beat’s Album.

🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Storytime: The Light of Loodle Loop Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

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...

Learn what community means and how it’s built
Explore how creativity can connect people
Understand that feeling alone doesn’t mean being forgotten
Discover the power of sharing their unique light

Featured Characters (played by Todd, Rose, and Leo):

Quincy, a thoughtful Qook-a-leekie
Quinella, their loving grand Qook-a-laka
Quimby the Glow Worm
The Qook-a-lakas and Qook-a-leekies of the town

Perfect for...

Kids ages 2–8
Bedtime and story time routines
Families exploring kindness, belonging, and togetherness

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.

Credits:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. Today's fictional story is told by Todd, along with two kid helpers: Rose and Leo!
Produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. 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 for episode resources and more:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Mission: Build Community With Kindness Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

Hear real examples of kids helping others in their community
Explore how kindness can show up in small, everyday ways
Practice empathy, flexibility, and responsibility
Reflect on how it feels to give and receive care

Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:

Asking your child who they helped or noticed today
Brainstorming one small, kind action your family can try this week
Noticing and naming how kindness feels in the body and heart
Encouraging effort and thoughtfulness over “doing it perfectly”

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.

Credits:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd.
Produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod and Adrianna Arocho. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. 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:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Kidventure: Building Community Together! Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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:

Explore what community means in age-appropriate ways
Learn how helping others strengthens connection and belonging
Discover that everyone can contribute to their community
Use imagination to turn challenges into opportunities

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

What communities are you a part of?
Who helps you when things feel hard?
How can we help others in our community, even in small ways?

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

🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Interview: Family, Belonging & Imagination with Author/Illustrator Jessica Love Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

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:

Learn how stories and pictures work together to share big ideas
Explore what family love and support can look like
Practice curiosity by asking thoughtful questions
Feel encouraged to draw, imagine, and create their own stories

Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Conversation By Asking:

What stories or pictures make you feel safe and understood?
Who helps you feel loved when you want to be yourself?
What do you like to imagine when you’re falling asleep?

About Our Guest:
Jessica Love is an author, illustrator, and theater artist best known for Julián Is a Mermaid, which received the Stonewall Book Award and international acclaim. She is also the author of Julián at the Wedding and A Bed of Stars. A feature-length animated adaptation of Julián Is a Mermaid is currently in development with Cartoon Saloon.

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.

Credits:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd.
Produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod.
Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth. 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 for episode resources:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Song: "I've Got My Family" with Benjamin Weiner Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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:

Hear their words transformed into music
Learn that families can look many different ways
Reflect on traditions, routines, and shared moments
Feel affirmed that their family is “just right”

Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Conversation By Asking:

Who are the people that make up our family?
What are some things we love doing together?
What helps our family feel safe and connected?

About Our Guest:
Benjamin Weiner is a composer, educator, and longtime collaborator on Little Kids, Big Hearts. A former New York City school teacher, Benjamin creates music inspired directly by children’s voices, ideas, and lived experiences, transforming everyday moments into songs that support connection and emotional growth.

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.

Credits:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd and 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 song “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.

🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Mission: Let's Make a Family Quilt! Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN THIS EPISODE, KIDS WILL:

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

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

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

ABOUT LITTLE KIDS, BIG HEARTS:

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

SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND SHARE:

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

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

🎵 Follow us on TikTok:

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

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

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

CREDITS:

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

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected