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This 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.

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Listen 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!

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This 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.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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In 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!

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In 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.

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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!