Mashup: Let's Journey to the Land of Qook-a-lackas!

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for the fourth episode in our mashup series, and maybe the most special one yet.Over five seasons of Little Kids, Big Hearts, Todd and his kid guests have made their way to the Land of Qook-a-lackas in so many different ways! Todd has many favorites: A hot air balloon. A submarine. A rainbow flying bike. A 1984 Oldsmobile flying station wagon. The Qook-a-lacka Express train. A fleet of magical dolphins. A jump straight into the sky. A giant water slide. A magical fluffy cloud. A mountain climb. A science experiment that turns your whole body into particles. And finally, the light that lives inside of your chest.In this "mindful moment mashup," Todd revisits each of his favorite journeys, one after another, all the deep breaths and the gummy bears, all the moments of arriving to a place that is a little magical. And when the final journey ends, Todd closes with a reflection on what all of it has really been about: the light that every child carries inside them, their curiosity, their imagination, their kindness, and their ability to see possibilities that grown-ups sometimes miss.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for a quiet, cozy listening moment together as a family.In This Episode, Listeners Will:Take fourteen journeys to the Land of Qook-a-lackas across five seasonsRevisit some of their favorite mindful travel moments from the showExperience a calming, breath-centered listening episode from start to finishHear Todd's closing reflection on what makes every child's light worth celebratingBe reminded that the light we carry inside us travels with us wherever we goGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "Which journey would you most want to take to the land?"Trying a short breathing exercise together inspired by any journey in the episodeTalking about what the light inside them looks like and what color they imagine it to beGoing back to listen to a full Kidventure episode that features one of these journeysAbout 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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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 albu.🌈 Visit The Little Kids, Big Hearts Podcast website: https://playsparkler.org/podcast

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for something a little different on Little Kids, Big Hearts.Today, Todd is taking us on a musical adventure through past seasons of original songs, every one of them inspired by the real conversations, feelings, and ideas that kids brought to this show. There is a song about family in all its forms. A song about making room at the table for everyone. A siblings song that started with kids talking honestly about towers and patience. A song written for a boy named Jack whose dad is far away. A song about playing together, a song about starting a new day fresh, a song about standing up when something feels unfair, and a song about gratitude.Todd calls it a mixtape, which is exactly what it is. Whether you want to sing along, dance around, or just listen with your superpowered listening ears, there is something here for you. And if you hear a song you love, all the details are right here in the show notes.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.Songs in This Episode:"I've Got My Family" — by Benjamin Weiner, which was first released on the episode "Song: "I've Got My Family" with Benjamin Weiner""Room for You at the Table" — by Benjamin Weiner and Suzi Shelton, which is from the album "We're Friends Now," which was shared on the Little Kids, Big Hearts episode, "SONGS: Friendship Songs That’ll Make You Dance!""That's What Big Brothers Are For" — by Christopher Burkholder, which was first released in the episode "Song 🎶: A Real Songwriter Talks & Sings About Siblings!""I'll See You Then" — by Christopher Burkholder, which was first released in the episode "Interview: A Song About Missing Someone You Love!""Together" — by Lance Horne, which was first released in the episode "Song & Interview: "Together" With Lance Horne""Make the Morning Bright" — by Benjamin Weiner, which was first released in the episode "Operation Help Out Mission and Song" and was inspired by the episode "Big Hearts in Tough Times: LA Kids Discuss the Fires." "When Something's Unfair" — by Benjamin Weiner and performed with Benjamin and Vella Lovell. It was first released in the episode "The Fairness Quest Mission & Song""I'm Grateful" — by Benjamin Weiner, which was first released in the episode "Song & Interview: I’m Grateful by Benjamin Weiner"About the Songwriters: 🎵 Benjamin Weiner is a New York-based kids TV writer and composer whose work includes Dora, Dora: Say Hola to Adventure!, Bossy Bear, and Face's Music Party. A former classroom teacher, he brings both musicality and deep knowledge of how kids learn to everything he writes.🎵 Christopher Burkholder is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in folk, jazz, and blues. He works alongside his family in their coffee business, Twin Valley Coffee, and has been writing and releasing music for over two decades.🎵 Lance Horne is an Emmy Award-winning composer, pianist, singer, and music director who has collaborated with Alan Cumming, Rufus Wainwright, Kylie Minogue, the von Trapps, Ben Folds, Neil Gaiman, and Sesame Street, among many others. He has performed for President Obama and Queen Elizabeth and received the Jonathan Larsen Award in 2006.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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for another special mashup episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts.More than five years ago, the very first episode of this podcast was called What's in Your Heart? It was all about feelings, and one of the kids on that episode said something that has stayed with Todd ever since: "My heart feels all the feelings right now." Over the years, that idea has come up again and again, in Kidventures, in Missions, in Interviews, and in Storytimes. And in this episode, Todd strings those moments together into one warm, wide-ranging celebration of what it means to feel things.There is anger that sounds like a tuba, heavy and hard to carry, rumbling through your whole body. There is the feeling of being happy and tired at the same time. There are kids feeling mad and sad when a sibling knocks over a Lego build, and kids feeling nervous and excited about dancing. There is Georgia feeling hungry and happy. There is Layla talking about the day she found out her dad had brain cancer and all the mixed emotions that came with it. And there is a very worried Qook-a-lacka named Quaslin, dealing with a gummy bear crop emergency.Because feelings are simply a part of life. And they are part of what makes us who we are.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Listeners Will:Hear kids from across five seasons talk honestly about their feelingsDiscover that having more than one feeling at the same time is completely normalLearn what anger sounds like as a tuba, a drum, and a lion all at onceBe reminded of some of their favorite Little Kids, Big Hearts momentsHear Todd's own popsicle stick jar activity from his nursery school classroomGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "What feeling are you carrying around right now?"Trying the popsicle stick jar activity at home with jars labeled with different feelingsTalking about a time you had two feelings at the exact same time and what that was likeReminding your child that feelings do not have to take turns, and that is okayAbout 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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for something a little different on Little Kids, Big Hearts.As we bridge into a new season, Todd is pulling back the curtain on one of the most magical parts of every Kidventure and Storytime episode: the moment kids describe what the Qook-a-lackas and Qook-a-leekies looked like to them.In the Land of Qook-a-lackas, the creatures there look different to every child who visits. Some have fur and spikes. Some have scales. Some change color depending on how they are feeling. And what each kid sees is shaped entirely by their own imagination. Over the past five seasons of the show, Todd has asked kids this question again and again, and the answers have been endlessly surprising. A panda. A hedgehog. A ginormous unicorn. A lavender dragon. A tiny purple troll from the movie Trolls. The bird on the Fruit Loops box. A creature with tie-dye fur, spikes, and an English flag printed on it.This episode strings many of these moments together, with Todd reflecting on what it means that no two kids ever see quite the same thing: Because the way we view the world shapes what we see everywhere, not just in the land of Qook-a-lackas.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Listeners Will:Hear kids describe the Qook-a-lackas in their own wordsDiscover just how wildly different two kids can imagine the same creatureBe reminded that imagination is personal, specific, and worth paying attention toCatch up on some of their favorite moments from past episodesBe inspired to draw their own version of a Qook-a-lacka or Qook-a-leekieGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "If you visited the Land of Qook-a-lackas, what do you think a Qook-a-lacka would look like to you?"Listening to a kidventure episode together, drawing the featured Qook-a-lacka, and comparing your versionsTalking about how two people can experience the same thing differently and both be rightGoing back to listen to a full Kidventure or Storytime episode together and open up your imaginations!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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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

Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by pediatrician Dr. Zach Kircher and returning guest Carson, age seven, for a conversation all about what it's really like to go to the doctor.Carson comes prepared with some great questions for Dr. Zach, including what a pediatrician does, why he wanted to become a doctor, how many years it takes to become one, and what he loves most about his job. Together, they talk about what happens during a regular checkup, why doctors want kids to ask questions, and how getting to know your doctor can help you feel more comfortable.Dr. Zach also shares some helpful strategies for kids who feel nervous about going to the doctor, especially when it comes to shots and vaccines. From bringing a favorite stuffed animal or fidget toy to using distractions, asking questions, and making choices about where and when a shot happens, kids learn that they can have a voice in their own doctor's visits.Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Learn what a pediatrician does and how they care for kidsDiscover what happens during a regular doctor's checkupLearn why it's important to ask questions about your body and healthDiscover ways to feel more comfortable when visiting the doctorLearn strategies for handling nerves around shots and vaccinesBe reminded that it's okay to tell a doctor when you're feeling scared or worriedHear why being brave can mean asking questions and taking things one step at a timeGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "What is something you would want to know before going to the doctor?"Talking about what usually happens during your child's checkups so they know what to expectAsking your child what they would like to bring with them to help them feel comfortablePracticing telling a doctor or nurse, "I'm feeling nervous," or "Can you tell me what you're going to do?"Reminding your child that asking questions is always okay when they don't understand something about their health Dr. Zach Kircher is a pediatrician who works in Hartford, Connecticut. He knew he wanted to become a "baby doctor" when he was just four years old, inspired in part by his mother, a preschool teacher, and by his own relationship with his pediatrician. He loves getting to know his patients and families, watching kids grow up, and helping children feel better when they're sick.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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits:Little Kids, Big Hearts is hosted by Todd Loyd. Its 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

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Storytime episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, continuing this month's theme all about doctors.In this episode, Todd, Vivien, and Orli bring an original story to life set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas.The story follows Quarin, a young Qook-a-leekie who loves collecting interesting things: pebbles that look like smiling quiddleberries, feathers shaped like question marks, heart-shaped leaves. One afternoon while exploring a quiet new part of the land, Quarin steps on something near a patch of glowing moss. One quick poke, nothing visible, so Quarin shrugs and carries on. But the foot keeps hurting, and the next morning it is time to visit the Land's Healer.Quarin's imagination gets immediately and dramatically busy. Giant tweezers. A super villain cape. A very bad time.What actually happens is something different. The Land's Healer asks questions, listens carefully, uses a magnifying leaf and a listening shell, and treats the whole thing like a mystery to solve. By the end, Quarin has a new word for what healers do: they are detectives.Featuring returning kid guest Vivien who is 7 years old and plays Quarin, and Orli, an educator who is Todd’s teaching partner in New York City playing the roles of Quorley and the Land’s Healer.Perfect for kids ages 3-11, especially any kid with a checkup or appointment coming up soon.In This Episode, Kids Will:Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas for an original story about visiting the healerMeet Quarin, whose imagination turns tiny tweezers into a giant super villainDiscover that healers ask questions and gather clues, just like detectivesLearn that sometimes our worries grow much bigger than the thing we are actually worried aboutHear a story that makes doctor visits feel a little more familiar and a lot less scaryGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Storytime By:Asking your child: "What do you think doctors are trying to figure out when they ask you questions?"Talking through what tools a doctor might use before an upcoming visitAcknowledging that it is completely normal for imaginations to make things scarier than they areReminding your child that it is always okay to ask questions and to hold someone's handAbout 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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Mission episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, continuing this month's theme all about going to the doctor.In this episode, Todd is joined by co-host Georgia, fresh from a visit to Florida and about to head to Portugal, for a warm and honest conversation about going to the doctor. Georgia talks about getting her blood drawn and watching the whole thing because she was too curious not to, about shots and how the memory can feel worse than the actual thing, and about the time she went down the biggest water slide at a water park even though she was scared, because being brave does not mean you are never scared.They also check in on some ideas from Carson in the Kidventure episode, share their own strategies for taking the worry off, and Georgia adds a second mission of her own.This month kids get two missions: create your Doctor Superpower Plan with three or four things that help you feel brave and calm at the doctor's office, and then Georgia's mission: find a kid who has a big appointment coming up and help them feel less nervous.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear Georgia talk honestly about getting blood drawn, shots, and feeling nervous before appointmentsLearn that the memory of something scary can feel bigger than the thing itselfDiscover that bravery means doing something even when you feel scared, not waiting until you feel readyCollect ideas for their own Doctor Superpower Plan including stuffies, fidget spinners, deep breaths, and holding a handGet two missions: one for themselves and one to help someone elseGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:Asking your child: "What would go in your Doctor Superpower Plan?"Talking about an upcoming appointment before you go in honest, age-appropriate languageAsking your child if there is a friend they could help feel brave Sharing a time you felt scared but did something anyway, just like Georgia on the water slideReminding your child that questions are always okay to ask at the doctor's officeAbout 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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Kidventure episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, and a brand new theme for the month: Doctors!In this episode, Todd travels to the Land of Qook-a-lackas on floating leaves with Carson, age 7, Zayn, age 8, and Lynn, age 6, where they land in the Glow Health Meadow and reunite with a Qook-a-lacka named Quabe.Today is Quabe's very first glow health checkup as a newly grown-up Qook-a-lacka, and their imagination has been running wild filling in all the blanks. Together, the kids help Quabe build a Doctor Adventure Map: a step-by-step guide through what to expect, from checking in at the front desk and waiting with a fidget spinner or a favorite toy, to the blood pressure cuff, the tongue depressor, and yes, the Qooka Booster. When the shot question comes up, the kids answer with honesty, humor, and a timely reminder that it only hurts a little bit and it is actually a superpower for your body.Featuring the voice of Quabe, played by Tony Award-winning actor Gabriel Ebert.Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Float to the Glow Health Meadow on glowing leaves and help a nervous Quabe prepareBuild a Doctor Adventure Map step by step through a real checkupLearn what actually happens at a doctor's visit in honest, kid-friendly languageDiscover that deep breaths, a favorite toy, or a great playlist can make waiting easierGet a mission to create their own Doctor Superpower Plan before their next visitGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:Asking your child: "What three things would go in your Doctor Superpower Plan?"Talking through what will happen at an upcoming appointment before you goLetting your child bring one comfort item of their choice to the visitAcknowledging that shots are quick and it is okay to feel nervous about themCelebrating bravery after the appointment with a small treat or stickerAbout Gabriel Ebert: Gabriel Ebert is an American stage actor and singer who won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical. He also was nominated for the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his work in John Proctor is the Villain in 2025. In movies, he's appeared in in Ricki and the Flash (2015) alongside Meryl Streep and News of the World (2020) with Tom Hanks. On TV, he's had a recurring role in season three of Mr. Mercedes and made appearances in The Mandalorian, Dickinson, and Elsbeth. Ebert is also a singer with a new folk album, Bucking Horse, which is being released this month.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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: 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

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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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

Welcome friends! In this Interview episode, Todd is joined by singer-songwriter Christopher Burkholder and returning guest Jack, age six, who you may remember from our episode about military families.Together they catch up on Jack's summer (swimming lessons and summer camp!) before Christopher shares the brand new original song he wrote called "See You Then," inspired by the words of three brave kids, including Jack, who opened up about what it's like to have a parent serving in the military. Christopher and Jack hear the song together for the very first time, and talk about the little rituals that help on the hardest days: a Hershey kiss before bed, a squeeze of a favorite stuffy, and the promise of a big hug when the waiting is finally over.Perfect for kids ages 3 to 11 and for listening together as a family.In This Episode, Kids Will:Hear a brand new original song written just for Little Kids Big HeartsLearn how a real songwriter turns feelings and memories into musicDiscover that it's okay to feel sad and proud at the same timeHear how small rituals (like a bedtime treat or a favorite stuffy) can help with missing someoneBe reminded that love doesn't disappear just because someone is far awayGrown-Ups, You Can Extend the Listening By:Asking your child: "Is there a special little thing we could do to help when we miss someone?"Listening to the song together and talking about which lines feel most trueEncouraging your child to write a letter, draw a picture, or make something for someone they missTalking as a family about the mix of feelings, sad and proud, that can come with having a loved one serveAbout Christopher Burkholder: Christopher Burkholder is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in folk, jazz, and blues. Growing up as the second oldest of six kids in a homeschooled family outside Philadelphia gave him plenty of real-life moments and real feelings to write about. He works alongside his family in their coffee business, Twin Valley Coffee, and has been writing and releasing music for over two decades. He wrote "See You Then" especially for this episode, inspired by kids from our Military Families series. Find him on Instagram at @christopher_burkholderAbout 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/LittleKidsBigHeartsPodcastCredits: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