Big Little Lessons

Kristine Annunziata and Jenny Goodenough
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Self-Improvement

Meet two passionate kindergarten teachers with over 50 years of combined experience in public and private education, spanning classrooms from New York to Los Angeles. Just as children develop in kindergarten, we all continue to experience new beginnings and changes throughout life—school, careers, relationships, hobbies, etc. The early lessons like kindness, sharing, and resilience are often the ones we return to when life gets complicated. This podcast is for individuals who like to reflect on their own educational journey and apply lessons to their own lives. People seeking to be better humans. Anyone who enjoys the process of reflecting on the important life lessons they have learned and using them to grow in their professional and personal lives.

  1. 5d ago

    Bittersweet Endings, Brave Beginnings ~ 046

    Endings are never just endings. Whether it’s the last day of school, saying goodbye to a season of life, watching children grow, or stepping into something new, transitions often hold both grief and gratitude. In this episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine reflect on the bittersweet nature of goodbyes and new beginnings. Drawing from years in the classroom and life beyond it, they talk about why closure matters, how rituals help children and adults process change, and how even tender endings can make room for growth, hope, and what comes next. Because sometimes the biggest lessons come when we pause long enough to honor where we’ve been before moving forward. The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  2. Jun 30

    Opening Doors Through Literacy ~ 045

    In this inspiring episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Lucy Martin, Director of Development for the Children's Literacy Project, to discuss the life-changing impact of literacy and why reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child. Lucy shares how her organization is working to address America's literacy crisis through storytelling, advocacy, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. The conversation explores the far-reaching effects of literacy on education, opportunity, confidence, and lifelong success. Lucy also discusses the powerful documentaries Sentenced and Moonshot, which shine a light on both the challenges facing struggling readers and the communities working together to create meaningful change. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that improving literacy is not just the responsibility of schools—it's something all of us can support through awareness, encouragement, and action. About Lucy Martin Lucy Martin is the Director of Development for the Children's Literacy Project and a passionate advocate for improving childhood literacy. Through storytelling, community engagement, and documentary filmmaking, she helps raise awareness about the literacy crisis in America and inspires individuals and organizations to become part of the solution. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Children's Literacy Project – A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for children through advocacy, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and storytelling. Teach a Kid to Read – A volunteer initiative that connects caring adults with children who need additional reading support and encouragement. Sentenced – A documentary executive produced and narrated by Stephen Curry that explores America's literacy crisis through the stories of children and adults affected by illiteracy. Moonshot – A documentary series highlighting communities that have dramatically improved literacy outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to helping children learn to read. Learn More Children's Literacy Project: https://www.childrensliteracyproject.org Teach a Kid to Read: https://www.teachakidtoread.org Sentenced Documentary: https://www.sentencedfilm.com Connect with Lucy Martin LinkedIn: Lucy Martin Children's Literacy Project: https://www.childrensliteracyproject.org Additional Resources: Southern Surge Article How to Build a Brain video Love to Learn by Isabelle Hau D.E. Stevenson Website We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min

  3. Jun 22

    Modern Mom Probs. with Tara Clark ~ 044

    In this heartfelt and humorous conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with author, podcaster, and creator of Modern Mom Probs, Tara Clark, to talk about the realities of modern motherhood. Through honest stories, relatable parenting moments, and plenty of laughter, Tara shares how a simple Instagram account grew into a thriving community that reminds parents they are not alone. Together, they explore the pressures facing today's moms, the impact of social media, the power of vulnerability, and why perfection is never the goal. Tara reflects on the lessons she's learned through parenting, marriage, creativity, and showing up consistently for over a decade. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that connection often grows in the very moments we wish had gone differently. Whether you're raising young children, navigating a new season of parenting, or simply trying to give yourself a little more grace, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and the comforting reminder that the messy moments are often the most meaningful. Connect with Tara Clark Instagram: @modernmomprobs Website: modernmomprobs.com Podcast: Modern Mom Probs Book: Modern Mom Probs: A Survival Guide for 21st Century Mothers  YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@modernmomprobs?sub_confirmation=1 We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min

  4. May 26

    Strong from the Inside Out with Amelie Redivo ~ 043

    Amelie Redivo joins Jenny and Kristine for a heartfelt conversation about healing, identity, faith, and redefining what it truly means to be strong. As a professional dancer, fitness instructor, holistic health coach, and model, Amelie shares her deeply personal journey through an eating disorder and exercise compulsion—and the turning point that helped her move from striving and self-punishment toward compassion, balance, and self-worth. Grounded in her Christian faith and supported by her family, Amelie reflects on learning to see herself not through performance or appearance, but as “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Together, the conversation explores body image, comparison, mental wellness, healthy movement, and the powerful connection between physical and emotional health. Amelie also shares how her own healing journey now shapes the way she coaches others—with empathy, encouragement, and a focus on empowerment rather than perfection. This episode is a meaningful reminder that true strength often begins not with control… but with grace toward ourselves. We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min

  5. May 20

    Food as Fuel with Dr. Mona Misra ~ 042

    Episode Summary: What if the way children learn about food in their earliest years quietly shapes their health for a lifetime? In this thoughtful and informative conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Dr. Mona Misra, a nationally recognized bariatric and metabolic surgeon, to explore how families can build healthier relationships with food, movement, and overall wellness—without shame, perfection, or obsession over appearance. Dr. Misra shares her personal journey into medicine, her passion for helping patients transform their health, and her belief that obesity should be understood as a complex chronic disease rather than a personal failure. Together, the conversation explores the powerful role early childhood habits play in lifelong health, how emotional patterns and food triggers develop, and practical ways families can create sustainable routines centered around nourishment, awareness, and balance. With compassion and clarity, Dr. Misra offers realistic strategies for parents and adults alike—reminding listeners that small, consistent changes can create lasting impact, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Dr. Mona Misra Website     We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 5m

  6. May 20

    Expanding Empathy with Amanda Feldman, LCSW ~ 041

    After their powerful first conversation with Amanda Feldman, Jenny and Kristine realized there was still more to unpack about empathy, accountability, and human connection. In this thoughtful bonus episode, Amanda returns to share deeper reflections from her work as a therapist inside a maximum security men’s prison—including why she describes parts of her work as “fun,” what true healing and personal responsibility look like, and how empathy requires us to lower our own defenses in order to truly connect with others. Together, the conversation explores the difference between sympathy and empathy, the balance between compassion and accountability, and how openness and curiosity can create space for growth and healing in all of our relationships. Brené Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy Netflix Documentary: Unlocked, a Jail Experiment The Redemption Project     We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min

  7. May 20

    Building Empathy with Amanda Feldman, LCSW ~ 040

    What if empathy begins when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with this person?” and start asking, “What happened to them?” In this powerful Part 1 conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with licensed clinical social worker Amanda Feldman, who works inside a men’s maximum security prison counseling individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and healing. Amanda shares what drew her to this deeply challenging work, the humanity she sees behind prison walls, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior. One of the most moving moments of the episode centers around Amanda’s decision to spend an entire weekend confined to her bathroom in an effort to better understand the isolation and limitations her clients experience every day. Through this eye-opening experience, she reflects on empathy, emotional safety, resilience, and the importance of looking beneath the surface of people’s actions and choices. Together, the conversation explores how early wounds shape behavior, why curiosity creates connection, and what parents, educators, and all of us can do to build more compassion in our everyday lives. This episode is a reminder that every adult was once a child—and that empathy has the power to change the way we see one another. Poem - Cause I Ain't Got a Pencil by Joshua T. Dickerson We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 5m

  8. May 11

    You’re Not Crazy with Torie Wiksell ~ 039

    What if some of the struggles we carry into adulthood began in childhood relationships that never felt emotionally safe or steady? In this deeply meaningful episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Torie Wiksell to explore the lasting impact of emotionally immature parenting—and the hope that healing is possible. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal lived experience, Torie shares insight into toxic family dynamics, narcissistic and borderline personality patterns, parentification, boundary-setting, and why so many adult children grow up questioning their own reality. Together, the conversation gently unpacks how early childhood experiences shape our sense of self, relationships, parenting, and emotional wellbeing. This episode is honest, compassionate, and validating for anyone who has ever wondered, “Was it really that bad?” Torie reminds listeners that naming our experiences can be the first step toward healing—and that even small boundaries can create meaningful change. In this episode, we discuss: What emotional immaturity in parents can look like Why adult children often struggle with guilt and self-doubt How childhood patterns show up in adult relationships Healthy boundaries and where to begin Rewriting unhealthy cycles with hope and self-awareness Small steps toward healing and emotional freedom One of the biggest takeaways? You are not “too sensitive,” “dramatic,” or “crazy.” Your experiences matter—and healing is possible. Connect with Torie: Instagram: @cyclebreakertherapist on Instagram TikTok: @cyclebreakertherapist on TikTok Podcast: You’re Not Crazy Connect with us: Instagram: @teachbiglittlelessons Email: teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Meet two passionate kindergarten teachers with over 50 years of combined experience in public and private education, spanning classrooms from New York to Los Angeles. Just as children develop in kindergarten, we all continue to experience new beginnings and changes throughout life—school, careers, relationships, hobbies, etc. The early lessons like kindness, sharing, and resilience are often the ones we return to when life gets complicated. This podcast is for individuals who like to reflect on their own educational journey and apply lessons to their own lives. People seeking to be better humans. Anyone who enjoys the process of reflecting on the important life lessons they have learned and using them to grow in their professional and personal lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristine Annunziata and Jenny Goodenough
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Big Little Lessons
  • Show Website
    Big Little Lessons

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