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 means to follow a passion you cannot quite explain, even when it scares you. Raul talks about growing up in Miami in a Cuban family, singing old Cuban songs for his grandmother, and how his curiosity was the thing that shaped everything. He shares the story of fifth-grade librarian Barbara Mottner, who handed him a 1911 edition of Shakespeare's plays that he still has to this day, and his Spanish teacher Beatriz Jiménez, who taught him that everything is connected and who he invited to sit beside him at his first Tony nomination. Kids Charlie, Rose, and Jack asked the questions, and Raul delivered: on forgetting lines mid-show, on shows he loved that closed in two weeks, on what it felt like to read Macbeth at ten years old and make all his friends act it out, and on the best advice he ever received, which came from Stephen Sondheim. Raul is currently starring as King Leontes in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale at Shakespeare in the Park, and later this year will star in the original new musical Galileo. Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family. In This Episode, Kids Will: Hear how one of Broadway's most celebrated actors almost became a lawyer, a diplomat, or a marine biologistLearn why curiosity is Raúl's most important quality, and how it has shaped his entire lifeDiscover that even world-famous performers face failure, and what helps them keep goingFind out what it feels like to stand on stage when the audience applaudsHear Stephen Sondheim's best advice: you can't get it right, but that also means you can't get it wrongGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By: Asking your child: "What is something you love that you have never told anyone about?"Talking about a mentor, teacher, or librarian who believed in you when you were youngEncouraging your child to share something they love, even if it feels a little scaryGoing to see The Winter's Tale (a grown-up activity!) at Shakespeare in the Park if you are in New York City this summerAbout Raúl Esparza: Raul Esparza is an actor, singer, and storyteller whose work spans Broadway, television, and film. He has received four Tony Award nominations for his performances in Company, Taboo, The Homecoming, and Speed the Plow, along with multiple Drama Desk Awards and a Theater World Award. Television audiences know him from Law and Order: SVU, Hannibal, Dopesick, A Murder at the End of the World, Candy, Pushing Daisies, and many others. He is currently starring as King Leontes in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale at Shakespeare in the Park, and will next star in the original musical Galileo. 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
