Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features Brandon Jones, an executive leader, trainer, and consultant with degrees in sociology and community psychology. He discusses how parents and caregivers can help youth cope with fear and uncertainty related to community issues by maintaining calm, healthy routines, clear communication, and knowing children’s whereabouts and environments. He emphasizes honest, age-appropriate reassurance, setting clear safety boundaries, and making specific plans so children know where to go and who tocontact.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode, hosted by Mike “Big Mic” Brooks of KRSM Radio, early childhood educator Marie Lister joins the conversation to explore how adults can support young children during times of fear and uncertainty in their communities. Lister, a University of Minnesota preschool teacher and Director of Teaching and Research at the Childhood Development Center, shares guidance on how to talk honestly and developmentally appropriately with children about difficult topics such as immigration enforcement and deportation.

She discusses the importance of maintaining routines, sharing clear and concrete information, identifying safe adults, and helping children name their feelings with language like, “I wonder if you’re feeling….” Lister also highlights the role of “rupture and repair” when caregivers respond imperfectly, reminding adults that relationships and trust can always be rebuilt.

The conversation also touches on inclusive classrooms, anti-bias teaching practices, and Lister’s Young Hearts, Open Minds coaching work with educators. Resources shared in the episode include the Minnesota Family Deportation Preparedness Plan and a YouTube talk titled Supporting Children During Immigrant Enforcement Operations.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program For The Culture, which airs on KRSM Radio at 98.9 FM in Minneapolis. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

In this episode, Native Roots Radio host Robert Pilot speakswith Barb Fabre, CEO of Indigenous Visioning and All Nations Rise and a White Earth Ojibwe Nation member, about the critical importance of early childhood. Fabre explains how high-quality tribal early childhood services help close readiness and word gaps, support social-emotional skills, and can addresslong-term educational inequities. She discusses a new national agenda document, “Native Nations Honoring Culture and Shaping Futures for Children and Families,” designed as a toolkit with talking points and recommendations to prioritizetribal leadership and guide state and federal support. The conversation also highlights severe shortages of tribally run early childhood programs in urban areas like Minneapolis and how updated federal funding formulas and policy changes are needed to better serve Native families, strengthen culture andlanguage, and support intergenerational healing.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program NativeRoots Radio: I’m Awake, which airs on multiple stations throughout the Midwest. For more information, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

En este episodio, la presentadora Maya Santamaría de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida al Dr. Francisco Ramírez de M Health Fairview para hablar sobre cómo las familias pueden apoyar a los niños pequeños en momentos de estrés e incertidumbre en la comunidad. Mientras las familias de Minnesota lidian con el miedo y la ansiedad relacionados con la aplicación de la ley migratoria y otros desafíos sociales, el Dr. Ramírez comparte consejos prácticos y compasivos basados ​​tanto en la medicina como en la confianza comunitaria.

Este episodio transmitió en La Raza Radio en 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las Ciudades Gemelas. Para más información, visitelittlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Helping Young Children Cope in Stressful Times, with guest Francisco Ramirez

On this episode, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radiowelcomes Dr. Francisco Ramirez of M Health Fairview to discuss how families can support young children during times of community stress and uncertainty. As Minnesota families navigate fear and anxiety related to immigration enforcementand broader social challenges, Dr. Ramirez shares practical, compassionate guidance rooted in both medicine and community trust.

This episode was aired on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode,  we delve into the importance of earlychildhood brain development, the vital role of family and community caregivers, and innovative efforts to promote equitable, culturally responsive support systems.

Hosted by Mike “Big Mic” Brooks of KRSM Radio, this conversation features Deby Ziesmer, a passionate advocate with decades of experience in early childhood education. This conversation offers practical advice and inspiring stories from Minnesota’s early childhood landscape. On this episode you’llhear:

• The critical importance of the first 1000 days for brain development
• Simple daily activities parents can do to support learning
• The role of informal caregivers — family, friends, and neighbors — in early childhood
• Challenges and solutions in building equitable and culturally responsible systems
• Impact of policy advocacy and community-led initiatives like the Dreamcatchers documentary
• How to foster community networks among caregivers
• The importance of love, heart, and authenticity in quality caregiving
• Future hopes for early childhood education and community engagement

This episode was recorded live on the radio program For TheCulture, which airs on KRSM Radio at 98.9 FM in Minneapolis. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode, we discuss he importance of representationand storytelling for underrepresented communities.

Hosted by Katey DeCelle. of WFNU Frogtown Community Radio,this conversation features children’s book author, Kao Kalia Yang. She explores her journey from a selectively mute, Hmong refugee child to a celebrated storyteller. In this episode you’ll hear:

• Kalia Yang's childhood experiences and the origins of her writing journey
• The significance of seeing oneself reflected in children's books
• How early exposure to bilingual reading influences identity and resilience
• The impact of her books on Hmong and other marginalized communities
• The role of storytellers in fostering belonging and memory
• Insights into her upcoming publications, A Home on the Page and The Blue House I Loved
• The importance of cultural representation for both children and adults
• Kalia’s efforts to support other communities in telling their own stories
• Heartfelt anecdotes about community interactions and the power of books to build bridges

This episode was recorded live on the radio program So SaintPaul, which airs on WFNU at 94.1 FM in Saint Paul. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode, we explore the critical importance of early childhood mental health awareness.

Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features Albertina Mella,  founder of the Open Up Foundation. She discusses how understanding emotions, recognizing signs of distress, and creating safe spaces can shape healthier futures for young people.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program TheAfternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode, we discuss how simple interactions—talking,playing, reading, and singing—within a loving, safe environment lay the foundation for future learning, with education beginning at home.

Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, thisconversation features Felix Larbi Appiah, an expert in adult education, youth development, and child protection. He discusses how basic needs like clothing, shelter, food, and safety are essential, but neglecting emotional and educational support can hinder development, so caregivers should watch for distress signals such as withdrawal, behavior changes, aggression, sleep disturbances, or appetite shifts to intervene early. Community efforts like Little Moments Count and partnerships such as Planting People, Growing Justice in Ghana bolster caregiver roles and support networks, underscoring that play, love, early distress recognition, and collaborative support drive healthy early childhood development.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program TheAfternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of early childhood development, particularly in the first 1,000 days of life, and how parents and caregivers can actively engage in their children's learning.

Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features, Dr. Artika Tyner, an educator and founder of Planting People, Growing Justice. Dr. Tyner shares practical tips for fostering a love of learning, the significance of building home libraries, and the role of community in supporting literacy and education. The conversation emphasizes the power of small, everyday moments in shaping a child's future.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 

In this episode, we discuss the importance of earlychildhood development, the role of love and connection in a child's growth, and the resources available for parents and caregivers.

Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features early childhood expert, DianneHaulcy, who emphasizes the significance of routine and structure in a child's life while also addressing the common challenges faced by new parents.

This episode was recorded live on the radio program TheAfternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts