Little Kids, Big Hearts

Latest Episodes:

Mighty Mistakes Mission & Song Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Magic of Mistakes with Terence Archie Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

🎥 First they draw cars with their eyes closed!

🎥 Then they turn their car mistakes into other creations!

🎥 Then they try saying tricky "word wobblers"

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

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

Our guest star on this episode is Terence Archie, who plays the role of Quippin. Terence is an actor whose Broadway credits include Company, Kiss Me, Kate, Rocky, and Ragtime. He's also appeared in a long list of shows off-Broadway, in regional theaters, and on TV.
Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.
Please learn more about the episode online at https://playsparkler.org/mistakes/

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

"Helping" Interview with Firefighter John Louthan Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

In our recent episode "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires," we talked with four LA kids about their experiences and feelings during the fires in Los Angeles. Today, we're back with a special interview with a real-life firefighter, John Louthan. John is a fireman for FDNY Engine Company 5 in New York City. He's been fighting fires for about two decades. He started his career as an emergency medical technician and then became a paramedic before becoming a firefighter.
Learn from John what it's like to fight fires: Is it really what we read in our favorite children's books about fighting fires? Also learn about John's experiences and feelings, and get tips to help your family plan for and keep safe during fires.
Find episode resources on our website: https://playsparkler.org/hardtimes

Storytime: New Skies for Lyra Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

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

"New Skies for Lyra" is read by our amazing host, Todd Loyd, who is a teacher in New York City who LOVES a good storytime, along with Christy Pusz Decatur, the LKBH creative director, and Rose, alumna of the podcast.
This original story by the team at Little Kids, Big Hearts shares important lessons about hope and resilience.

We are excited to share this original fictional story with you!
Find fairness resources from LKBH online at: https://playsparkler.org/hardtimes/

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

#story #storytime #resilience

Operation Help Out Mission and Song Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

During the most recent "kidventure" of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires," four LA Kids — Amicko, Kiaan, Kaveer, and Cleo — share their experiences and feelings related to the wildfires. They talk about the family, friends, and community helpers who have helped them to get through this tough time.
Today, we're back to challenge our listeners to participate in Operation Help Out. What are ways WE can each get out there and help — in big ways or small — and make the world a better place?
Please share your family's mission with a few words or a picture! You can share on instagram (@little_kids_big_hearts_podcast), facebook (@LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast), or just email us: podcast@playsparkler.org. We'd love to share your mission on our next LKBH mission episode.
Following the MISSION, turn up the volume and sing/dance along to a brand-new Little Kids, Big Hearts original song: Good Morning Song! It's inspired by the good morning song that Linkala talked about in our "Big Hearts in Tough Times" episode.
The song is written and performed by amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner.
Learn more online at: playsparkler.org/hardtimes

Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.
Please learn more about the episode online at playsparkler.org/hardtimes.

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

Interview: Fairness with Judge Gabriel Sanchez Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

On our episode about fairness — "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman" — three kids (Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will) helped two arguing Qook-a-lackas through a process of “qook-a-lation.” They listened to both sides of the argument, asked some questions, and then shared some ideas to help the Qook-a-lackas find a fair solution.
Today, Little Kids, Big Hearts is thrilled to share an interview diving into fairness with someone who knows A LOT about qook-a-lation: Judge Gabriel P. Sanchez, who has served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit since 2022.
Our host, Todd Loyd chats with Judge Sanchez about what fairness is and moments in his life when he's learned about fairness. He shares tips for little kids with big hearts who want to follow in his footsteps and become real-life judges — and also tips on how we can bring more fairness to our classrooms and playgrounds today.
Judge Sanchez was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2022 — an exciting first for our podcast! He's based in San Francisco, but hears cases across California, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Judge Sanchez has had a remarkable career advocating for criminal justice reform, public safety, and civil rights, while also serving as a pro bono supporter of farm workers’ rights.

Storytime: The Qook-a-lackas' Absolutely Exactly Everything Equal Day Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

The Fairness Quest Mission & Song Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

During the most recent adventure of Little Kids, Big Hearts, "Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman," three kids — Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will — travel with LKBH host Todd Loyd to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends "qook-a-late" to retsore fairness to the Land.
Today, we're back to challenge our listeners to go on their own FAIRNESS QUEST, inspired by the episode and the words/actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — whose legacy of justice, equality, and human rights we celebrated this week. Todd and LKBH Producer Christy Pusz Decatur issue our first-ever challenge our listeners to (1) notice something that seems unfair, (2) think about ways to help, and then (3) take action to help someone else feel included, valued, or supported. This is our first-ever challenge episode, and we'd be overjoyed if our listeners could take a moment to share how their families interpreted the fairness quest with a few words or a picture! You can share on instagram (@little_kids_big_hearts_podcast), facebook (@LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast), or just email us: podcast@playsparkler.org.
Following the MISSION, turn up the volume and sing/dance along to a brand-new Little Kids, Big Hearts original song: When Something's Unfair.
It's written by amazing educator/composer Benjamin Weiner and performed with Benjamin PLUS Vella Lovell, who played Principal Quella in our fairness episode. Vella currently appears on the Fox comedy Animal Control alongside Joel McHale as “Emily.” Other credits include Mr. Mayor, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Accused, A Clüsterfünke Christmas, She Ra And the Princesses of Power, Kiff, The Big Sick, Dollface, Girls, Younger, Grace and Frankie, As We See It, Your Place or Mine. On the stage, Vella has appeared in plays at The Geffen Playhouse, Yale Rep, The Public Theater and Williamstown Theatre Festival. She graduated from @nyutisch and @juilliardschool.
Learn more online at: https://playsparkler.org/fairness/

Fairness with Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

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

In this episode, three 6-8 year old children, Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will, visit with LKBH host Todd Loyd to talk about fairness. They then travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends — Principal Quella and Korrik, the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society — to restore fairness to the Land through a process of “qook-a-lation.” The kids listen to both sides of a conflict, ask questions, and then suggest fair solutions.
Our guest stars on this episode are Vella Lovell, who plays the role of Principal Quella and Meredith Holzman, who plays the role of the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society, Korrik.
Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.
Please learn more about the episode online at playsparkler.org.

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