Big Little Lessons

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 [email protected]

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.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

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:

Connect with Torie:

Connect with us:

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

In this episode of Big Little Lessons, veteran kindergarten teachers and co-hosts Jenny and Kristine answer the top 10 questions incoming kindergarten parents ask year after year — and the deeper worries behind them. From readiness and academics to big emotions, independence, attention spans, friendships, and separation anxiety, they offer practical guidance, reassurance, and honest insight drawn from more than 50 years in the classroom.

Together, they remind families that kindergarten is not about perfection — it’s about growth. Parents will walk away with concrete ways to support their children before school begins, a clearer understanding of what is developmentally appropriate, and encouragement to focus less on pressure and more on connection, routines, play, and confidence-building.

Whether you’re a first-time kindergarten parent or simply need reassurance during a season of transition, this episode offers warmth, perspective, and the comforting reminder that every child develops in their own time — and that small steps often lead to big growth.

Big Little Lesson: Children don’t need parents who push harder — they need parents who stay close.

Resources:

Kindergarten Readiness: Episode 2

Navigating Big Feelings: Episode 9

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

In this episode of Big Little Lessons, we sit down with returning guest Catherine Siphron to explore the often-overlooked topic of financial wellness—and how small, consistent habits can shape our sense of security, confidence, and freedom over time.

Catherine, a financial advisor and fiduciary, also brings her experience as a high school English teacher and mindfulness coach to this conversation. She shares her personal journey into financial literacy and her passion for helping both students and adults feel more confident and capable with money. Together, we unpack common misconceptions and reframe money—not as a source of stress—but as a skill set that can be learned and strengthened.

This conversation goes beyond numbers—diving into the emotional side of money, including fear, avoidance, and confidence. Catherine offers simple, practical habits to help listeners get started, along with meaningful ways families can begin teaching children about money from a young age.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or even anxious about your finances, this episode is a gentle and empowering reminder that financial wellness begins with awareness—and grows through small, intentional steps.

Big Little Lesson:

Resources Mentioned

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

What if the encouragement you needed most came from a child?

In this uplifting and meaningful episode, we sit down with artists and educators Asherah Weiss and Jessica Martin, the co-creators of Peptoc—a creative project that began with student-made posters and expanded into a global movement of hope, including a hotline featuring encouraging messages from children.

From a simple classroom idea in March 2022 to a hotline receiving over 60,000 calls an hour, Peptoc reminds us that children’s voices carry wisdom, kindness, and truth that the world is craving.

Together, we explore how small acts of encouragement can ripple outward in powerful ways—and how each of us can create spaces where those voices are heard.

In This Episode, We Talk About

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

What does it really look like to raise independent, capable children?

In this episode of Big Little Lessons, we sit down with Carolyn LaGaly, an educator of over 35 years, and her daughter Margaret—who now teaches at the very same school where she once grew up as a student. Together, they offer a rare, full-circle perspective on parenting, education, and what it means to help children grow into confident, capable adults.

From learning responsibility through everyday tasks to embracing boredom, delayed gratification, and the power of “no,” this conversation highlights the importance of supporting children without overstepping—and trusting them to rise to expectations.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about helping children grow, this episode is a meaningful reminder:
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is stepping back—so they can step forward.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

What if one simple act—like writing a letter—could change the lives of countless families?

In this episode, we talk with longtime kindergarten teacher and advocate Tricia Zarro, whose curiosity and compassion helped open the door to autism service dogs for children and their families. As we recognize National Autism Acceptance Month, Tricia shares how advocacy, kindness, and a commitment to equity can truly level the playing field for children and families.

We also explore the life-changing impact of autism service dogs, how BluePath provides them to families at no cost, and what it looks like when support, compassion, and access come together in powerful ways.

This episode is a reminder that even the smallest actions—when rooted in love and advocacy—can create lasting change.

Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World (Netflix)

Spellers The Movie Documentary (YouTube)

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

What happens when teaching becomes more than what happens inside a classroom?

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with educator Lindsey Kaufman, whose 40+ year journey in education has taken her far beyond traditional school walls—and into communities around the world, including her work in the Dominican Republic with Strength for the Journey.

Lindsey shares how her early love of teaching grew into a calling rooted in connection, service, and impact. From her earliest school memories to her experiences teaching in diverse settings—including time spent in Africa—she reflects on what has remained constant throughout her career: a deep belief in the power of relationships and showing up for others.

We explore the moment her path shifted beyond the classroom, the quiet nudges that led her there, and why this kind of work matters—not just for students and communities, but for teachers themselves. Lindsey also speaks honestly about the challenges, the unexpected joys, and the personal transformation that comes from stepping into something bigger than yourself.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of being. And sometimes, when we’re open to it, it leads us exactly where we’re meant to go.

In this episode, we explore:

Learn more about Strength for the Journey - https://www.sftjourney.org/

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.

What if creativity isn’t just an activity—but a language?

In this episode, Jenny and Kristine talk with art educator Kusum Harchandrai Nairi about how creativity helps children express themselves and make sense of the world. From her childhood in Bombay to her path into art education, Kusum shares why open-ended time, simple materials, and less direction from adults can spark deeper imagination and confidence.

We explore the difference between process vs. product, the importance of boredom, and how parents can support creativity by stepping back and staying curious.

Along the way, we highlight how creativity builds far more than artistic skill—it strengthens problem-solving, sharpens observation, encourages trial and error, and develops the ability to sustain practice over time. These are the very skills children carry with them far beyond the classroom.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

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.