Little Minds Big Talks

Send us Fan MailThis week on Little Minds Big Talks, we continue our exploration of optimism by zooming out and looking at stories from around the world.Our fourth- and fifth-grade hosts sit down with Holly Gibbs, the host of The Happy Pod, who shares real stories of happiness, resilience, and hope from people across the globe.We talk about how focusing on positive stories can help our brains feel more hopeful, and how optimism is something we can practice every day.This episode reminds us that even in a big world full of challenges, there is always good to be found, and we can choose to look for it!And remember, little hearts can make a big difference.

Send us Fan MailListen with us as we explore the power of optimism, and how the way we think can shape how we feel and respond to challenges.Our fourth- and fifth-grade hosts sit down with Bryn Imagire from Pixar to talk about how optimism plays a role in storytelling, creativity, and real life. At Pixar, stories often begin with problems, mistakes, or setbacks, but they don’t end there. Bryn shares how staying hopeful, working through challenges, and believing things can get better are all part of creating meaningful stories.This episode reminds us that optimism doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means choosing to look for possibilities, even during difficult moments.Keep your mind open, your heart hopeful, and listen in as we continue our Happiness Project journey.And remember, little hearts can make a big difference!

Send us Fan MailThis month on Little Minds Big Talks, we’re diving into emotional regulation and how understanding our brains can actually make us happier.Our fourth- and fifth-grade hosts interview Dr. Thao, a local child psychologist, to learn why we have big emotions and what’s happening in our brains when we feel overwhelmed, angry, nervous or sad. Dr. Thao shares practical strategies kids (and adults!) can use in the moment to calm down, think clearly and build emotional intelligence at home and at school.This episode reminds us that emotional regulation isn’t about stopping feelings it’s about learning what to do with them.Take a deep breath and listen in as we continue our Happiness Project journey.And remember, little hearts can make a big difference.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our fourth- and fifth-grade hosts dive into the idea of growth mindset. This means learning how our brains grow when we try, make mistakes, and keep going.We’re joined by songwriter Marty Dodson, who shares his journey of creativity, persistence, and learning through challenges. Marty talks about how his early work wasn’t perfect, how feedback helped him improve, and why mistakes are an important part of success.This conversation helps us understand that talent isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build through effort, practice, and believing in yourself. Whether you’re learning in school, sports, music, or life, this episode reminds us that “not yet” is more powerful than “I can’t.”Thanks for listening, and remember: little hearts can make a big difference, so spread kindness, stay curious, and strive to make the world a better place, one conversation at a time.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our fourth- and fifth-grade hosts explore the power of social connections and why relationships matter at every age. Scientists say strong social connections can help people feel happier, healthier, and less lonely, and we wanted to see what that looks like in real life.This conversation reminds us that feeling connected helps everyone thrive and that little moments of connection can make a big difference.Thanks for listening, and remember: little hearts can make a big difference, so spread kindness, stay curious, and strive to make the world a better place, one conversation at a time.

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our 4th and 5th grade hosts continue exploring the theme of gratitude with an extraordinary guest Dr. Jeni “Mama Peace” Stepanek.Jeni shares the powerful lessons of gratitude, peace, and purpose she learned with her son, poet and peace-builder Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Together, they inspired millions around the world through their message of hope and “Heartsongs.”In this heartfelt conversation, Jeni helps us understand how gratitude can guide us through hard times, how kids can practice thankfulness every day, and how small actions can create big waves of peace in our communities. http://www.mattiespeacefoundation.org/Join us for one of our most inspiring interviews yet, and stay tuned, because next month we begin our new theme: Social Connections!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our 4th and 5th grade hosts explore the power of gratitude and how giving back can make us happier. We sit down with Kyle Garcia, a local firefighter, to learn how gratitude shows up in his work, his team, and his daily life. From helping others to finding joy in service, Kyle shares how being thankful connects to courage, kindness, and community. Tune in to hear how gratitude can spark happiness one good deed at a time. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our 4th and 5th grade hosts explore how art connects to mindfulness and happiness. We sit down with award-winning illustrator Tyler Jacobson to learn how creativity can help us slow down, focus, and express our emotions. Tyler shares what it’s like to get lost in the flow of drawing, how mistakes can lead to growth, and why making art can be a powerful way to find calm in a busy world. Tune in to discover how mindfulness and creativity work hand in hand! 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our 4th and 5th grade hosts explore the power of mindfulness and how it connects to happiness. After reflecting on last month’s theme of kindness, we welcome special guest Shawnte, a local yoga instructor and parent at our school. She helps us understand what mindfulness really means, how it can calm our minds, and simple ways kids can practice it every day. Tune in to discover how slowing down can actually bring more joy to our lives!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Little Minds Big Talks, our 4th and 5th grade hosts sit down with Camden Riley from the Oakland Roots soccer team to talk all about kindness. Camden shares how kindness shapes teamwork, builds stronger connections, and makes a difference both on and off the field. His stories remind us that even in competitive sports, leading with kindness can change the game and the world around us. Tune in for inspiration on how to spread kindness in your own life! 

Send us Fan MailIn the first episode of Season 3 of Little Minds Big Talks, our fourth & fifth-grade hosts sit down with a special member of our community who founded the Kindness Coalition. Together, they explore the power of kindness, why it matters, and practical ways we can all spread kindness in our schools and communities. This episode is just the first stop on our journey to discovering the science and joy of happiness, so tune in and get inspired to make the world a brighter place! 

Send us Fan MailWe are off for season 3 of Little Minds Big Talks! We hope you join us as we discuss happiness and all the ways we can achieve it together!

Send us Fan Mail Join us in this heartwarming episode of ‘Little Minds Big Talks’ as we dive into the surprising power of giving high fives to ourselves. Discover why something as simple as a high five in the mirror each morning can set the tone for a positive and empowered day. Our hosts share personal insights and science-backed reasons that explain how these self-high fives can boost your mood and self-esteem. We'll tackle common hesitations like feeling awkward and offer easy ways to make self-encouragement a fun part of your daily routine. Don't miss our challenge at the end of the episode—it might just transform your approach to everyday challenges and successes. Tune in to learn how to cheer for yourself and why your support matters most! 

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder why high fives feel so good? Dive into the fascinating world of high fives with us! In this episode, we explore the science behind why giving a high five can make you and your teammates feel happier, more connected, and even perform better. Discover how a simple act like a high five can release dopamine, boost morale, and strengthen team bonds. Plus, don't miss our High Five Challenge at the end of the episode—join us in spreading joy and positivity one high five at a time. Whether you're with friends, family, or classmates, it's time to slap those hands and see the magic unfold. Tune in now and become a high five champion! 

Send us Fan MailListen in as we discuss the difference between having fun with friends and bullying someone. We'' talk about when joking around can cross the line and when adults should get involved.

Send us Fan MailListen in as we discuss the difference between tattling and telling and how to deal with other kids when adults aren't around!

Send us Fan MailCome along with us for season 2 of Little Minds Big Talks as we explore topics that matter to us! We are going to dive in and help your voice be heard. We are better when we work together!

Send us Fan MailCome along with us as we embark on our new adventure. Season two is all about student voice and helping each other have the best school experience we possible can. We want students from around the world to write to us and ask us advice! We'll do our best to answer your questions and help you [email protected]

Send us Fan MailListen in as we remember all the amazing things we talked about this year! It's been a great experience. We are so happy that you listened in, and we hope you'll continue to take this journey with us next year!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we learn about Welcome the Strangers and all the good they do for our community and our refugee families!

Send us Fan MailCome and learn about what it means to ban a book, and why we shouldn't do it!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we discuss racism with the author, Jelani Memory. He provides insight and wisdom, and he's a great way to wrap up our discussion on racism!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we continue our discussion about racism with assembly member Mia Bonta!

Send us Fan MailListen in as these 4th graders explain racism in a way anyone can understand. 

Send us Fan MailJoin our fourth grade class as we gain insight and understanding with a 2nd grade, non-binary student and their mom! 

Send us Fan MailCome learn with us as we explore the topic of gender identity!

Send us Fan MailListen and learn as we embark on a journey with professionals in the field of mental health. We take a deep dive into what mental health is and what we can do to help others and ourselves! 

Send us Fan MailListen in as we ask an expert about our emotions and learn more about the importance of mental health and asking for help when we need it!

Send us Fan MailListen in as we discuss mental health and what it means to take care of ourselves! We explore why it's so important to have these conversations and ask for help when you need it. 

Send us Fan MailLet's wrap up our talk on using your voice with two guests from our local middle school. We dive deep into the importance of standing up for each other in order for us to stand together. 

Send us Fan MailJoin Little Minds Big Talks as we get to pick the brain of Alameda's Mayor! We try to figure out how kids have made an impact in the past and what we can do moving forward to help our community and world become a better place for all people. 

Send us Fan MailJoin us in November as we explore the importance of using your voice to create positive change. We hope to inspire people to stand up for themselves and others in order to make this world a better place for everyone!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we answer questions from our listeners with the help of high schoolers!

Send us Fan MailListen in as we interview a student with a neurodiverse brain! We learn from Lilac's unique perspective and story! Don't miss out!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'Little Minds Big Talks," we explore the amazing world of neurodiversity. Join us as we learn that just like the different trees in the forest, our brains are unique and special, and that's something to celebrate!

Send us Fan MailThis trailer offers a captivating sneak peak into the heartfelt conversations our fourth grade students have on important topics.