Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for the Season 5 premiere of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast!

In this special Kidventure episode, Todd is joined by three thoughtful kids, Georgia, Jayden, and Carmine, for a warm and meaningful conversation about families — and what makes families special.

Together, they talk about the families they live in, favorite routines with their moms, bedtime traditions, games, meals, and the many different ways families can look. Along the way, kids share big ideas about safety, imagination, love, and belonging.

Then, the kids close their eyes and travel as tiny particles to the Land of Qook-a-lakas, where they meet Quilliam, a Qook-a-laka who is worried their family is “just too teeny-weeny” to make a Dream Fest quilt square. With creativity, empathy, and big hearts heart, the kids help Quilliam discover that families of every size create meaningful memories and that love is what matters most.

This Kidventure gently supports social and emotional learning by encouraging empathy, perspective-taking, emotional expression, and inclusion, while celebrating the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes.

Perfect for kids ages 3–11 and for listening together as a family.

About our Guest Star Qook-a-Lacka: 

The role of Quilliam is played by Ryann Redmond. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Ryann received her formal training at NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts CAP21 Conservatory and she is also on faculty at the Broadway Dreams Foundation. She originated the role of Bridget in the Reading, Workshop, World Premiere, National Tour, and Broadway production of Tony Nominated Bring It On: The Musical, and she performed in the original cast If/Then in Washington, D.C. and on Broadway. Ryann was also a part of the original company of Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville on Broadway. She recently was the first female Olaf in Frozen on Broadway. Ryann just wrapped the Borderlands film, A Good Person film alongside Florence Pugh, and the season premiere of season 6 of The Good Fight alongside Audra McDonald, Christine Baranski, Danny Burstein and Richard Kind. 

In This Episode, Kids Will:

• Explore different family structures in an age-appropriate, inclusive way
• Practice empathy and understanding through conversation and imagination
• Learn that love, care, and connection define "family"
• Use creative storytelling to help solve a problem in the Land of Qook-a-lakas
• Reflect on routines, traditions, and everyday moments that build belonging

Grown-Ups, You Can Extend the Conversation By Asking:

• What are some special things we like to do together as a family?
• How are our family routines similar or different from our friends’ families?
• What helps you feel safe, loved, and included at home?

Find "educator resources" to keep the learning going on our website at https://playsparkler.org/podcast.

About Little Kids, Big Hearts:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the discussion. Through conversation, imaginative Kidventures, stories, songs, and missions, children explore feelings, relationships, kindness, and what it means to care for others.

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