Little Moments Count Radio Podcast

In this episode, Native Roots Radio host Robert Pilot speaks with Rachel Smith and Kateri DeShaw from the MontessoriAmerican Indian Childcare Center, (MAICC) and the Economic Mobility Hub. They discuss MAICC as an Indigenous Montessori program blending the Montessori method with American Indian child-rearing practices, including language learning andcommunity connection for Native families. Rachel highlights routines, boundaries, communication, and building children’s security through parenting programs like Positive Indian Parenting and Circle of Security, noting the benefits of mixed-age classrooms. Kateri explains how the Economic Mobility Hubprovides wraparound family coaching, culturally relevant goal-setting through the Seven Generations Plan, and a guaranteed basic income cohort offering $500 monthly to support stability and long-term planning. They share how these programs reduce isolation, connect families to resources, and strengthencommunity.This episode was recorded live in March of 2026, on the radio program Native Roots Radio: I’m Awake, which airs on multiple stations throughout the Midwest. For more information, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts

En este episodio de Little Moments Count, la presentadora Maya Santamaría de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida al Dr. Francisco Ramírez de M Health Fairview para explorarcómo los hábitos diarios sencillos, como leer juntos, pueden moldear el futuro de un niño. Dado que casi el 80% del desarrollo cerebral ocurre durante los primeros 1000 días, la lectura compartida se convierte en algo más que unarutina; es una forma poderosa de cultivar vínculos emocionales, fortalecer las habilidades lingüísticas y apoyar el crecimiento cognitivo. El Dr. Ramírez también destaca la importancia de la exposición bilingüe, animando a las familias a adoptar tanto el español como el inglés como herramientas valiosaspara desarrollar la confianza, la empatía y la conexión. Esta conversación recuerda a los cuidadores de niños que incluso unos pocos minutos de concentración al día pueden ayudar a desarrollar cerebros fuertes, relaciones afectivas y comunidades prósperas.Este episodio se transmitió en La Raza Radio en 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las Ciudades Gemelas. Para más información, visitelittlemomentscount.org/podcastsWhy Reading Matters From Day One, with guest Francisco RamirezOn this episode of Little Moments Count, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radio welcomes Dr. Francisco Ramirez of M Health Fairview to explore how simple daily habits—like reading together—can shape a child’s future. With nearly 80%of brain development happening within the first 1,000 days, shared reading becomes more than a routine; it is a powerful way to nurture emotional bonds, strengthen language skills, and support cognitive growth. Dr. Ramirez also highlights the importance of bilingual exposure, encouraging families toembrace both Spanish and English as valuable tools for building confidence, empathy, and connection. This conversation reminds caregivers that even a few focused minutes each day can help create strong brains, loving relationships, and thriving communities. This episode was aired on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

In this episode, hosted by Mike “Big Mic” Brooks of KRSM Radio, early childhood educator Marie Lister joins the conversation to explore how adults can support young children during times of fear and uncertainty in their communities. Lister, a University of Minnesota preschool teacher and Director of Teaching and Research at the Childhood Development Center, shares guidance on how to talk honestly and developmentally appropriately with children about difficult topics such as immigration enforcement and deportation.She discusses the importance of maintaining routines, sharing clear and concrete information, identifying safe adults, and helping children name their feelings with language like, “I wonder if you’re feeling….” Lister also highlights the role of “rupture and repair” when caregivers respond imperfectly, reminding adults that relationships and trust can always be rebuilt.The conversation also touches on inclusive classrooms, anti-bias teaching practices, and Lister’s Young Hearts, Open Minds coaching work with educators. Resources shared in the episode include the Minnesota Family Deportation Preparedness Plan and a YouTube talk titled Supporting Children During Immigrant Enforcement Operations. This episode was recorded live on the radio program For The Culture, which airs on KRSM Radio at 98.9 FM in Minneapolis. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

En este episodio, la presentadora Maya Santamaría de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida al Dr. Francisco Ramírez de M Health Fairview para hablar sobre cómo las familias pueden apoyar a los niños pequeños en momentos de estrés e incertidumbre en la comunidad. Mientras las familias de Minnesota lidian con el miedo y la ansiedad relacionados con la aplicación de la ley migratoria y otros desafíos sociales, el Dr. Ramírez comparte consejos prácticos y compasivos basados ​​tanto en la medicina como en la confianza comunitaria.Este episodio transmitió en La Raza Radio en 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las Ciudades Gemelas. Para más información, visitelittlemomentscount.org/podcastsHelping Young Children Cope in Stressful Times, with guest Francisco RamirezOn this episode, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radiowelcomes Dr. Francisco Ramirez of M Health Fairview to discuss how families can support young children during times of community stress and uncertainty. As Minnesota families navigate fear and anxiety related to immigration enforcementand broader social challenges, Dr. Ramirez shares practical, compassionate guidance rooted in both medicine and community trust.This episode was aired on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

In this episode, we discuss he importance of representationand storytelling for underrepresented communities.Hosted by Katey DeCelle. of WFNU Frogtown Community Radio,this conversation features children’s book author, Kao Kalia Yang. She explores her journey from a selectively mute, Hmong refugee child to a celebrated storyteller. In this episode you’ll hear: Kalia Yang's childhood experiences and the origins of her writing journeyThe significance of seeing oneself reflected in children's booksHow early exposure to bilingual reading influences identity and resilienceThe impact of her books on Hmong and other marginalized communitiesThe role of storytellers in fostering belonging and memoryInsights into her upcoming publications, A Home on the Page and The Blue House I LovedThe importance of cultural representation for both children and adultsKalia’s efforts to support other communities in telling their own storiesHeartfelt anecdotes about community interactions and the power of books to build bridgesThis episode was recorded live on the radio program So SaintPaul, which airs on WFNU at 94.1 FM in Saint Paul. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

In this episode, we discuss how simple interactions—talking,playing, reading, and singing—within a loving, safe environment lay the foundation for future learning, with education beginning at home.Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, thisconversation features Felix Larbi Appiah, an expert in adult education, youth development, and child protection. He discusses how basic needs like clothing, shelter, food, and safety are essential, but neglecting emotional and educational support can hinder development, so caregivers should watch for distress signals such as withdrawal, behavior changes, aggression, sleep disturbances, or appetite shifts to intervene early. Community efforts like Little Moments Count and partnerships such as Planting People, Growing Justice in Ghana bolster caregiver roles and support networks, underscoring that play, love, early distress recognition, and collaborative support drive healthy early childhood development.This episode was recorded live on the radio program TheAfternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts