Little Kids, Big Hearts

Sparkler Learning
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  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

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).

  1. Mission: Little Siblings, Big Feelings

    2 DAYS AGO

    Mission: Little Siblings, Big Feelings

    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: Hear real stories from kids navigating the ups and downs of having younger siblingsLearn three simple strategies for handling sibling conflict with patience and flexibilityExplore the idea that big feelings like frustration are totally valid and okayDiscover that sometimes when things get knocked down, you can build them back even betterReflect on what they love, and what is hard, about the siblings in their livesGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By: Asking your child: "What's one thing that's hard about having a sibling, and one thing that's great?"Practicing the three strategies together before a conflict happensAcknowledging that frustration with siblings is normal and worth talking aboutNoticing and naming moments when your child shows patience or flexibilitySharing your own sibling stories from when you were youngAbout 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 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 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

    13 min
  2. Kidventure: Little Siblings Crash the Build Zone!

    1 MAY

    Kidventure: Little Siblings Crash the Build Zone!

    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: Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas in a cozy laundry basketHelp Queniel solve a sibling conflict with creative thinkingLearn how to set clear boundaries with younger sibsPractice using words when things go wrongDiscover that understanding why someone acts the way they do can change everythingGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By: Talking about a time a sibling or friend accidentally upset them and what helpedPracticing kind, clear phrases before conflicts happenNoticing and naming what younger siblings might be trying to communicateCelebrating your child when they show patience with a younger siblingAbout 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. It helps other families discover LKBH. 🎧 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: 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

    33 min
  3. Interview: A Real Farmer 🧑🏼‍🌾 Answers Kids' Biggest Questions!

    24 APR

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

    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: Hear what a real working farm looks like from someone who built oneDiscover that farming is hard, hopeful, and deeply connected to communityLearn how bees, soil, seasons, and care are all part of where our food comes fromFind out how to look for a farm near where they liveBe inspired to think differently the next time they see produce at the grocery storeGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By: Asking your child: "Where do you think the food in our kitchen came from?"Looking up a local CSA or farm stand in your areaTalking about what it means to support small businesses in your communityEncouraging your child to try a vegetable straight from a garden or farm standAbout 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: 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 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 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

    18 min
  4. Storytime: Slow Down and Notice!

    17 APR

    Storytime: Slow Down and Notice!

    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: Visit the Land of Qook-a-lackas and meet some wonderful new charactersDiscover that slowing down helps us notice things that others missLearn that small, quiet actions can create real and meaningful changeExplore what it means to care for the world around you in your own small wayBe reminded that the best things usually start smallGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By: Going on a slow walk with your child and asking: "What do you notice that you usually miss?"Talking about one small thing your family could do to care for your neighborhood or environmentAsking your child: "Is there something or someone you have noticed lately that needed a little help?"Celebrating the quiet, steady helpers in your child's lifeAbout 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 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 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

    9 min
  5. Mission: Kids Can Help The Earth!

    10 APR

    Mission: Kids Can Help The Earth!

    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: Explore what the environment is and why it mattersHear real ideas from kids about how they help take care of the planetDiscover that small actions, done by lots of kids, can make a big differenceGet inspired to try their own version of Georgia's "making things bin"Receive this week's mission and think about which step to take firstGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By: Asking your child: "What is one small thing you could do this week to help the Earth?"Setting up a "making things bin" at home with boxes, scraps, and craft suppliesGoing on a walk and picking up litter togetherTalking about where trash goes and why it matters for animals and oceansCelebrating whatever small step your child decides to takeAbout 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 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 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

    13 min
  6. Kidventure: Can Kids Help Heal The Land? 🍀💚

    3 APR

    Kidventure: Can Kids Help Heal The Land? 🍀💚

    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: Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas and help solve an environmental mysteryExplore the connection between bees, flowers, weather, and the natural worldDiscover that caring for the environment starts with small, meaningful choicesLearn that it is okay to sit with big feelings without having all the answersMake a Qook-a-lacka promise to care for the earth in their own wayGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By: Asking: "What is one small thing you could do today to help the earth?"Going on a nature walk and looking for signs that plants and animals are connectedEncouraging your child to reuse something before throwing it awayReminding your child that practice makes progress and every effort matters🎭 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: 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 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 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

    27 min
  7. Interview: A 68-Year Friendship Story!

    27 MAR

    Interview: A 68-Year Friendship Story!

    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:  Hear the real story of a friendship that has lasted nearly 70 years and countingDiscover that friendship isn't about never disagreeing. It's about choosing each other again and againExplore how staying connected looks different at different stages of lifeLaugh along with two lifelong best friends who still make each other giggleReflect on the friendships in their own lives and what makes them specialGrown-ups, extend the learning by: Asking your child: "What do you think makes a friendship last a really long time?"Sharing a story about one of your own long-time friends with your childTalking about what it feels like to have someone who is always in your cornerEncouraging your child to think about the friends they have now and what they love about themAsking: "Is there a friend you want to make sure you stay close to as you grow up?"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 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlekidsbighearts 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_kids_big_hearts_podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcast 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 Beat’s Album. 🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website:  https://playsparkler.org/podcast

    16 min
  8. SONGS: Friendship Songs That’ll Make You Dance!

    20 MAR

    SONGS: Friendship Songs That’ll Make You Dance!

    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 FriendsUp Down All AroundUp in Our TreehouseRoom for You at the TablePerfect for kids ages 2 to 11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will: Listen to new songs about friendshipDiscover 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 songsTalking about a meal your family has shared with friendsAbout 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.”

    27 min
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About

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).

Information

  • Creator
    Sparkler Learning
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sparkler Learning
  • Show Website
    Little Kids, Big Hearts

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