Big Little Lessons

What happens when a serious little boy discovers he can write a new chapter—and make room for joy? In this week’s episode, Jenny and Kristine welcome Edgardo Gazcon, a warm, funny neighbor Jenny first met while walking their dogs, Gussie and Henry. Edgardo shares the experiences behind the joy he brings to their neighborhood: growing up in Mexico, finding confidence through acting, and building a...

How do we help children talk about race, identity, and difference with honesty, curiosity, and respect? In this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation, Jenny and Kristine welcome educator, consultant, and longtime equity leader Monique Marshall to explore how parents and educators can move beyond “color blindness” and create communities in which every child feels seen, valued, and included. Moniq...

In this heartfelt episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Shannon Macedo, a beloved third-grade teacher who has spent an extraordinary 40 years serving the same school community. Shannon reflects on the experiences that first led her into education, the people who encouraged her along the way, and the relationships with students, families, and colleagues that have made teaching so meaningful. Th...

Rev. Canon Norman Hull serves as the K–8 Chaplain and teaches middle school world religion at an independent school in Los Angeles, where he has spent many years accompanying children through questions of faith, identity, belonging, and purpose. In this episode, Norman invites us to think about spiritual development not simply as something adults teach children, but as something already unfolding...

Chelsea Culbert once imagined that studying chemistry would lead her to medical school. Instead, a decision to join Teach For America brought her across the country to a high school in Los Angeles—and what she initially thought might be a temporary stop became a calling. In this episode, Chelsea shares how she went from chemistry teacher to instructional leader, girls’ varsity soccer coach, doctor...

What if making a mistake isn’t a sign that we’re failing—but evidence that we’re learning? In this revisit, Jenny and Kristine reflect on how this lesson continues to show up whenever we are learning, creating, or trying something unfamiliar. Mistakes can feel uncomfortable at any age, but they also give us an opportunity to pause, take responsibility, make adjustments, and try again. Drawing from...

In this episode, we welcome therapist Dani Fee back to Big Little Lessons for a new conversation about burnout—both in adults and in children —before revisiting our earlier episode with her about navigating big feelings. Dani helps us broaden our understanding of burnout beyond the workplace. Children can experience burnout too, particularly when they are trying hard to hold everything together, m...

In this summer revisit, Jenny and Kristine welcome Lisa Konstandt back to continue their conversation about flexibility, resilience, and navigating change. Lisa shares that flexibility is not simply about changing plans—it is about loosening expectations, accepting our emotions, and learning to adjust when life unfolds differently than we imagined. The conversation explores why the transition from...

In this joyful revisit, Jenny and Kristine welcome back their friend and colleague, James Calvert, to share more of the funny, unpredictable, and unforgettable moments that happen in schools. Drawing from their years in the classroom—as well as James’s recent experiences as a substitute teacher and summer art teacher—they reflect on the students whose personalities, questions, and unexpected comme...

What happens when a father steps away from a demanding career and becomes the primary caregiver for his two children? In this episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Michael Bradley for an honest, thoughtful, and often humorous conversation about life as a stay-at-home dad. Michael reflects on the many labels people have used to describe his role, the assumptions that still surround fathers who...

Travel has a way of waking us up. It invites us to slow down, look more closely, step outside our routines, and rediscover a sense of wonder. In this episode, Jenny and Kristine reflect on the big little lessons that emerge when we leave the familiar behind and experience new places, people, cultures, and ways of living. They share stories from recent travels, the moments that surprised them, and...

In this episode of Big Little Lessons , Jenny and Kristine sit down with Jan Weiss for a thoughtful conversation about staying curious, trying new things, and continuing to move forward through life’s many seasons. Jan reminds us that growth does not stop at a certain age or stage — and that being open, flexible, and willing to begin again can lead to unexpected opportunities, deeper self-understa...

Endings are never just endings. Whether it’s the last day of school, saying goodbye to a season of life, watching children grow, or stepping into something new, transitions often hold both grief and gratitude. In this episode of Big Little Lessons , Jenny and Kristine reflect on the bittersweet nature of goodbyes and new beginnings. Drawing from years in the classroom and life beyond it, they talk...

In this inspiring episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Lucy Martin, Director of Development for the Children's Literacy Project, to discuss the life-changing impact of literacy and why reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child. Lucy shares how her organization is working to address America's literacy crisis through storytelling, advocacy, volunteer engagement, and community par...

In this heartfelt and humorous conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with author, podcaster, and creator of Modern Mom Probs, Tara Clark, to talk about the realities of modern motherhood. Through honest stories, relatable parenting moments, and plenty of laughter, Tara shares how a simple Instagram account grew into a thriving community that reminds parents they are not alone. Together, they e...

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 t...

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, per...

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 pers...

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 cha...

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...

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...

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 conversatio...

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 i...

What does it really look like to raise independent, capable children? In this episode of Big Little Lessons , we sit down with Carolyn LaGaly, an educator of over 35 years, and her daughter Margaret—who now teaches at the very same school where she once grew up as a student. Together, they offer a rare, full-circle perspective on parenting, education, and what it means to help children grow into c...

What if one simple act—like writing a letter—could change the lives of countless families? In this episode, we talk with longtime kindergarten teacher and advocate Tricia Zarro, whose curiosity and compassion helped open the door to autism service dogs for children and their families. As we recognize National Autism Acceptance Month , Tricia shares how advocacy, kindness, and a commitment to equit...