On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from Dr. Michael Arenson, a dedicated pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare. Dr. Arenson shares his commitment to nurturing relationships, especially in challenging circumstances like poverty and housing instability. His innovative work ontrauma-responsive care programs and as a co-editor of a textbook on developmental trauma and resilience emphasizes a profound intersection of research, policy, and practice aimed at advancing child health equity.

We learn how the first three years of life are crucial for brain growth and the lifelong impact of early interactions. Dr. Arenson shares valuable insights into building "the buffering" through positive relationships, focusing on embodied experiences like touching, singing, and cuddling. Weexplore how societal systems and everyday interactions shape familial relationships and child development. This episode highlights the universal need for children to feel safe, seen, and heard, illustrating how these elements contribute to resilience and strong community foundations..

This episode was recorded on August 6th, 2025 and aired on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio 94.1FM in Saint Paul, MN and wfnu.org. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Renowned neonatologist Dr. Roger Sheldon shares his wealth of knowledge on the vital importance of early childhood development, emphasizing that the first 1,000 days are crucial for brain growth. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Sheldon passionately discusses how simple daily interactions can profoundly influence a child's brain, highlighting that nearly 80% of brain development occurs within the first three years.

We explore the impact of societal structures, such as child care and nutrition, and how these foundational years set the stage for a lifetime of learning and health. Join us as we shed light on the fascinating process of early brain development and language acquisition. We delve into the world of sensorystimulation and interaction, revealing how babies can effortlessly learn multiple languages without confusion. Dr. Sheldon dispels myths about bilingual upbringing and underscores the cognitive and cultural advantages it offers. Wealso introduce you to Doctors for Early Childhood, a group dedicated to addressing these crucial issues, particularly in response to societal challenges like those following George Floyd's murder, demonstrating the pressing need for focused attention on the early years to cultivate thriving societies.

This episode was recorded on July 19th, 2025 at KRSM Radio in Minneapolis. To learn more, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Growing up in a household filled with trauma and chaos, Brandon Jones transformed his challenging experiences into a lifelong commitment to children's mental health. As the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health, Brandon joins us to share his insights on the transformative power of little interactions in the first 1,000days of a child's life. He passionately explains how simple daily actions—like talking, reading, and playing—are not mere pastimes but crucial investments in the future of every child, shaping their understanding of the world and influencing their lifelong learning and behavior.

We unpack the misconception that children are blank slates, highlighting instead how these early experiences establish vital brain pathways and foundational skills. Brandon helps us understand why these early moments matter so much and how they can determine a child's ability to navigate the world.

This episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcastwas aired live on July 22nd, 2025 on KMOJ Radio at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. You can hear more episodes of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast at littlemomentscount.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from Khulia Pringle, the executive director of Stand Up Minnesota Parents United. She joins us to explore how the first 1,000 days of a child's life are pivotal in setting the stage for their future. How can simple daily interactions sparkprofound brain development during this crucial time? Khulia shares her journey of empowering black and brown families to lead their children's educational journeys, stressing the importance of literacy and early intervention. She alsounpacks complex concepts like the science of reading and dyslexia, advocating for culturally-rooted support systems to ensure every child can succeed both in school and beyond.

This episode was aired live on June 10th, 2025 on KMOJ Radio at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. You can hear more episodes of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast at littlemomentscount.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we talk with Barb Fabre, CEO of Indigenous Visioning and All Nations Rise, and a proud member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation. Barb discusses the Indigenous Box Project, an activity box for parents and caregivers where cultural diversity is celebrated through activities that seamlessly weave Indigenous practices and languages into everyday family routines. Listen in as we discuss the exciting achievementof receiving the IDEAS grant from the St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation, paving the way for more Indigenous-led initiatives. Barb spotlights the importance of authentic cultural items sourced from local Indigenous artisans, alongside traditional stories and books that nurture early literacy and culturalpreservation. We also discuss the role of bilingual environments in fostering early language development, tune in!

This episode was aired live on June 18th, 2025 on the radio program Native Roots Radio: I’m Awake, which is aired on multiple stations throughout the Midwest. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we discover how the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI) is transforming lives within the White Earth Nation as we talk with Beth Ann Dodds and Geri Goodwin. Beth Ann, IPLI program manager, utilizes her vast experience in community service to guide Native families toward empowerment. Geri is a proud graduate of IPLI's third cohort, and shares her personal journey of building deep connections within her community. We learn about the 22-week program, which intertwines childdevelopment, leadership skills, and Ojibwe culture, leading to impactful community projects and the cultivation of cultural pride.

Tune in to understand how you, too, can be part of this empowering movement, joining in the collective efforts to nurture the cultural heritage and strength of Native families.

This episode was aired live on May 21st, 2025 on the radio program Native Roots Radio: I’m Awake, which is aired on multiple stations throughout the Midwest. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from early childhood professional, Jamesetta Ross Diggs. Through the lens of her own experience as an immigrant mother, Jamesetta  highlights the significance of cultural wisdom and community in shaping a child's development. We discuss Beyond Early Initiative, a groundbreaking agency that bridges generational wisdom from diverse cultures with cutting-edge research in child development. Jamesettaexplains how understanding the cultural contexts of caregiving can enrich our approaches to supporting children and their families. Listen in and discover how you can make a positive impact on the little ones in your life.

This episode was aired live on May 20th, 2025 on KMOJ Radio at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. You can hear more episodes of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast atlittlemomentscount.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, community builder and author Isaiah Allen, shares his personal story, highlighting the journey that inspired his book, "The Power of a Smile." We discuss how his experiences shaped his understanding of representation in literature and its power to help children envision bigger dreams for themselves. Isaiah’s insights remind us of the critical role parents, teachers, and caregivers play in nurturing a child’s sense of self, beyond actions to the core of their identity, through diverse and inclusive storytelling. Tune in to learn how representation and inclusivity in literature can empower the next generation todream bigger.

This episode was aired live on July 1st, 2025 on KMOJ Radio at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. You can hear more episodes of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast at littlemomentscount.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

What if you had the tools and support to become your child'sfirst teacher?

Join us on this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast as we explore the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program in St. Paul, Minnesota, with guest Stephanie Berwald, who has over 20 years in early childhood education. We discuss the four core pillars of ECFE: family involvement, parental knowledge, child development, and community support. Learn how ECFE provides resources like workshops and home visits to help parents and caregivers raise children under five. Stephanie explains how the program welcomes all families, including grandparents and other caregivers.

We share stories from families who have found supportthrough ECFE, highlighting its real-world impact. Discover the importance of being present in daily activities and seeking help when needed. We also cover resources like "Help Me Connect" and a sliding fee scale that makes ECFE accessible. These stories show how ECFE offers guidance and support duringearly childhood, helping families feel connected and supported.

This episode was recorded on June 9th, 2025 and aired on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio 94.1FM in Saint Paul, MN and wfnu.org. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Join us for a conversation with Guy Bowling, the executive director of the Citizen Father Foundation, who shares insights on the transformative power of fatherhood in the earliest years of a child's life. Explore how simple, everyday interactions—talking, playing, reading, and singing—are pivotal in shaping a child's brain development, where nearly 80% of growth happens in the first three years. Our conversation unpacks the unique father-child bond, crucial for nurturing cognitive, emotional, and social growth, contrasting thenatural immediacy of maternal connections.

Guy discusses how storytelling can enlighten communities about the critical roles fathers play, transcending stereotypes and economic constraints. The narrative highlights the impactful presence of black fathers and stresses that meaningful engagement—like participating in daily routines—doesn't hinge on financial means but significantly affects a child's wellbeing and development. We also reflect on the process of fostering positive father involvement and adapting parenting styles to overcome societal barriers and personalchallenges.

This episode was aired live on the radio program For The Culture on KRSM Radio in Minneapolis on April 26th, 2025. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts