Little Kids, Big Hearts

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 biologist
Learn why curiosity is Raúl's most important quality, and how it has shaped his entire life
Discover that even world-famous performers face failure, and what helps them keep going
Find out what it feels like to stand on stage when the audience applauds
Hear Stephen Sondheim's best advice: you can't get it right, but that also means you can't get it wrong
Grown-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 young
Encouraging your child to share something they love, even if it feels a little scary
Going to see The Winter's Tale (a grown-up activity!) at Shakespeare in the Park if you are in New York City this summer
About 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

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 Hearts
Learn how a real songwriter turns feelings and memories into music
Discover that it's okay to feel sad and proud at the same time
Hear how small rituals (like a bedtime treat or a favorite stuffy) can help with missing someone
Be reminded that love doesn't disappear just because someone is far away
Grown-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 true
Encouraging your child to write a letter, draw a picture, or make something for someone they miss
Talking as a family about the mix of feelings, sad and proud, that can come with having a loved one serve
About 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_burkholder
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

Welcome friends! We're so glad you're joining us for a brand new Storytime episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.
In this episode, Todd and special guest Leo, Todd's former student, bring an original story to life set in the Land of Qook-a-lackas.
The story follows Quinjamin, a young Qook-a-leekie who loves mornings best: extra fluffy pancakes with quiddleberry drizzle, walks through the meadow, and time with their beloved grown-up Quillow. But every so often, Quillow has to leave on a helping journey to the Isle of Linkish, to check on old friends called the Linkadoos and lend a hand wherever it is needed.
Before leaving, Quillow gives Quinjamin something special: a long braided string and a little basket of wooden story pieces, stars, flowers, feathers, hearts, and more, waiting to be painted. The idea: every time something makes your heart grow while we are apart, decorate one and add it to the story string. Because even when we are apart, our stories keep growing.
What follows is a tender and beautifully told story about missing someone, keeping going anyway, and the surprising discovery that love does not pause just because two people are far apart. It stretches. It gathers stories. And when they are together again, there is even more to share.
Featuring Leo, Todd's former student.
Perfect for kids ages 3-11, military families, and for listening together as a family.
In This Episode, Kids Will:
Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas for an original story about love and distance
Meet Quinjamin and Quillow, and discover the magic of the Story String
Hear that missing someone and having fun on the same day can both be true
Learn that our hearts are big enough to hold more than one feeling at once
Be inspired to make their own Story String while someone they love is away
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Storytime By:
Asking your child: "What would you put on your Story String today?"
Making a Story String together using string, paper, or wooden pieces
Talking about how your family keeps growing even when someone is away
Sharing a memory from a time you were apart from someone you love and what helped
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

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 by co-host Georgia, calling in from Fort Lauderdale where she is spending some of the summer with her grandparents. Together they dig into something a lot of kids know about: The way missing someone can feel the biggest right at bedtime, when everything gets quiet and your brain starts thinking.
Georgia shares her own bedtime routine, her doll Lila, her love of reading while listening to a story at the same time, and her firm belief that experiments are how you figure out what works, and that it is okay to try again and again until you get it right. She and Todd also discover something they have in common: they both have ADHD, which makes stopping the brain at bedtime a little trickier and a little more worth talking about. They also listen back to clips from three kids in a recent episode, Jack, Harper, and Nile, who each have a parent in the military, and talk about what helps them feel safe and cozy when someone they love is away.
At the end of the episode, kids listening at home get their mission: Make your very own Bedtime Brave Plan. Think of three things that help you feel safe, calm, and cozy before bed, draw them on a piece of paper, and share them with a grown-up you love.
Perfect for kids ages 3-11 and for listening together as a family.
In This Episode, Kids Will:
Hear Georgia's own bedtime routine and what helps her feel cozy and brave at night
Listen to real kids share what helps them feel safe when someone they love is away
Learn that missing someone and feeling okay can both be true at the same time
Discover that a bedtime routine helps your brain know it is time to rest
Get a mission to make their very own Bedtime Brave Plan
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Mission By:
Asking your child: "What are three things that help you feel cozy at bedtime?"
Making a Bedtime Brave Plan together and putting it somewhere your child can see it
Talking about what it feels like when someone we love has to go away for a while
Trying something new in your bedtime routine and treating it like an experiment
Sending your child's Bedtime Brave Plan drawing to the show so we can share it (podcast@playsparkler.org)
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

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 travels to the Land of Qook-a-lackas by moonlight with Jack, Harper, and Nile, three kids who each have a parent serving in the military. There they meet Quodger, a Qook-a-lacka whose grown-up is far away helping care for the moon mirrors past the misty mountains. A big cloud storm has interrupted the moon phone calls, and Quodger is feeling the quiet in a big way.
Together, the kids become Moon Helpers and come up with two ideas that Quodger, and any kid missing someone they love, can actually use: Moon Messages, drawings or notes you can send to someone far away to let them know you are thinking of them, and a Cozy Kit, a collection of soft and comforting things to help get through the hard moments at home.
Along the way, Jack shares the sloth stuffy that plays his dad's voice when you squeeze its belly, Harper talks about the feeling that a parent might be gone for 100 years, and Nile reminds everyone that calling an auntie counts too.
Featuring the voice of Quodger, played by actor Roger Clark.
Perfect for kids ages 3-11, military families, and for listening together as a family.
In This Episode, Kids Will:
Travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas on ribbons of moonlight
Meet Quodger, a Qook-a-lacka who is missing their grown-up and needs some help
Learn two real strategies for coping when someone you love is far away
Discover that missing someone and being proud of them can both be true at once
Be reminded that they are not alone, even when things feel quiet and hard
Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Kidventure By:
Asking your child: "What would you put in a Moon Message for someone you love?"
Making a Cozy Kit together with a stuffy, a blanket, and a favorite treat
Starting a countdown calendar until your loved one comes home
Talking about all the feelings it is okay to have when someone is away
Encouraging your child to draw a picture or write a note to send to someone far away
About Roger Clark: Roger Clark is an actor with over 25 years of experience across stage, screen, voiceover, and performance capture, having performed in nearly 50 countries. He is best known for his role as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, which earned him the 2018 Game Award for Best Performance and a BAFTA nomination.
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