Big Little Lessons

Amelie Redivo joins Jenny and Kristine for a heartfelt conversation about healing, identity, faith, and redefining what it truly means to be strong. As a professional dancer, fitness instructor, holistic health coach, and model, Amelie shares her deeply personal journey through an eating disorder and exercise compulsion—and the turning point that helped her move from striving and self-punishment toward compassion, balance, and self-worth. Grounded in her Christian faith and supported by her family, Amelie reflects on learning to see herself not through performance or appearance, but as “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Together, the conversation explores body image, comparison, mental wellness, healthy movement, and the powerful connection between physical and emotional health. Amelie also shares how her own healing journey now shapes the way she coaches others—with empathy, encouragement, and a focus on empowerment rather than perfection. This episode is a meaningful reminder that true strength often begins not with control… but with grace toward ourselves. We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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.

Episode Summary: What if the way children learn about food in their earliest years quietly shapes their health for a lifetime? In this thoughtful and informative conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Dr. Mona Misra, a nationally recognized bariatric and metabolic surgeon, to explore how families can build healthier relationships with food, movement, and overall wellness—without shame, perfection, or obsession over appearance. Dr. Misra shares her personal journey into medicine, her passion for helping patients transform their health, and her belief that obesity should be understood as a complex chronic disease rather than a personal failure. Together, the conversation explores the powerful role early childhood habits play in lifelong health, how emotional patterns and food triggers develop, and practical ways families can create sustainable routines centered around nourishment, awareness, and balance. With compassion and clarity, Dr. Misra offers realistic strategies for parents and adults alike—reminding listeners that small, consistent changes can create lasting impact, and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Dr. Mona Misra Website     We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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.

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] 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 empathy begins when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with this person?” and start asking, “What happened to them?” In this powerful Part 1 conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with licensed clinical social worker Amanda Feldman, who works inside a men’s maximum security prison counseling individuals navigating trauma, addiction, and healing. Amanda shares what drew her to this deeply challenging work, the humanity she sees behind prison walls, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior. One of the most moving moments of the episode centers around Amanda’s decision to spend an entire weekend confined to her bathroom in an effort to better understand the isolation and limitations her clients experience every day. Through this eye-opening experience, she reflects on empathy, emotional safety, resilience, and the importance of looking beneath the surface of people’s actions and choices. Together, the conversation explores how early wounds shape behavior, why curiosity creates connection, and what parents, educators, and all of us can do to build more compassion in our everyday lives. This episode is a reminder that every adult was once a child—and that empathy has the power to change the way we see one another. Poem - Cause I Ain't Got a Pencil by Joshua T. Dickerson We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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: What emotional immaturity in parents can look like Why adult children often struggle with guilt and self-doubt How childhood patterns show up in adult relationships Healthy boundaries and where to begin Rewriting unhealthy cycles with hope and self-awareness Small steps toward healing and emotional freedom One of the biggest takeaways? You are not “too sensitive,” “dramatic,” or “crazy.” Your experiences matter—and healing is possible. Connect with Torie: Instagram: @cyclebreakertherapist on Instagram TikTok: @cyclebreakertherapist on TikTok Podcast: You’re Not Crazy Connect with us: Instagram: @teachbiglittlelessons Email: [email protected] We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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 Yardsticks by Chip Wood We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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: Small money habits, practiced consistently, can lead to lasting confidence and security—not just financially, but in how we show up in our everyday lives. Resources Mentioned Next Gen Personal Finance Free financial literacy curriculum, interactive tools, and resources for students, teachers, and families Nerd Wallet Practical guidance on budgeting, credit, investing, and everyday money decisions We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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 How Asherah and Jessica found each other and why finding your person matters The origin story of Peptoc and the moment it went viral Why encouragement from children feels so genuine and impactful What kids taught them about kindness, connection, and courage The creation of their book, You Are Amazing Like a Rocket Encouragement as a daily practice, not just a one-time act The global ripple effect of Peptoc across 25 countries and five continents Simple ways families, teachers, and communities can bring encouragement into everyday life Resources and Links: You Are Amazing Like a Rocket — Available wherever books are sold Peptoc Hotline: Call 707-8PEPTOC (707-873-7862) to hear encouraging messages from children Peptoc Website: Peptoc (peptoc.org) — Learn more and explore ways to bring this movement to your community Contact: [email protected]   We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at [email protected] 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.