Little Moments Count Radio Podcast

Episoder

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  Brain Development and Kindergarten Readiness with guest Andre Dukes 08.07.2026 11min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features Andre Dukes with the Northside Achievement Zone. Andre explains that kindergarten readiness goes beyond ABCs and 123s to include social-emotionaldevelopment shaped by everyday “serve and return” interactions. He encourages caregivers to talk, read, sing, and play, emphasizing vocabulary growth through descriptive language and the value of one-to-one engagement over screens.He stresses that love and tone build trust, noting “no correction without connection”. You can learn more at northsideachievementzone.org and 612-594-8360. This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Early Literacy and Representation with guest Dr. Artika Tyner 08.07.2026 17min

  Hosted by Katey DeCelle of  WFNU Frogtown Community Radio,this conversation features Dr. Artika Tyner, Rondo native, civil rights attorney and law professor, and author of 40 books. She shares why she focuses on early literacy after seeing manyclients learn to read in prison and noting reading failure as an indicator of future incarceration. She explains how literacy begins in the womb, how families can build learning into everyday life, and how summer can become a season of learning gains through intentional community-based activities. Tynerdiscusses the importance of diverse books as “mirrors and windows,” and highlights Planting People Growing Justice’s NEA Big Read work and ways to get involved through resources, columns, and the Leaders or Readers program. This episode was recorded live on the radio program So Saint Paul, which airs on WFNU at 94.1 FM in Saint Paul. For moreinformation, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  El poder de las visitas familiares a domicilio con Alicia García González 08.07.2026 7min

  En este episodio de Little Moments Count, la presentadora Maya Santamaria de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida a Alicia García González de CLUES. Ella comparte cómo losprogramas de visitas familiares a domicilio apoyan a padres y cuidadores durante los primeros años de vida de un niño. Explica cómo el apoyo personalizado y culturalmente sensible puede fortalecer la relación entre padres e hijos, promover un desarrollo saludable y conectar a las familias con recursos valiosos.Este episodio se transmitió en marzo de 2026 en La Raza Radio, a través de las frecuencias 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las CiudadesGemelas. Para más información, visite littlemomentscount.org/podcasts.The Power of Family Home Visiting with Alicia Garcia GonzalezOn this episode of Little Moments Count, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radio welcomes Alicia García González fromCLUES. She shares how family home visiting programs support parents and caregivers during a child’s earliest years. She discusses how personalized, culturally responsive support can strengthen parent-child relationships, promote healthy development, and connect families with valuable resources.This episode was aired in March of 2026, on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts
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  Multi-Sensory Books and Early Brain Development with guest Crystal Stein 08.07.2026 31min

  In this episode, hosted by Mike “Big Miic” Brooks of KRSM Radio, is joined by Crystal Stein, founder and CEO of Beret Publishing, a Minnesota-based children’s media company creating multi-sensory board books that integrate original music, poetry, Grade 2 braille, and storytelling to support early interactions between children and caregivers. Stein shares her transition from a 16+ year finance and consulting career to launching Beret during COVID after becoming a parent and realizing a lack of diverse classical composers represented in children’s materials. She discusses the importance of reading, singing, and being present in the first 1,000 days, accessibility as a baselinefor all children, and “windows and mirrors” representation through Beret’s Echoes of Excellence collection, which highlights historically overlooked composers such as Vicente Lusitano and George Bridgetower.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, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts
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  Bonding Builds Brains with guest Jamesetta Diggs 08.07.2026 8min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features early childhood educator JamesettaDiggs, who trains educators and works with families and communities on early development. Diggs explains early relational health as a wellbeing rooted in everyday “serve and return” interactions that benefit both children and caregivers, supported by a broader community. She discusses Beyond EarlyInitiatives and a parent-child interaction series inspired by community needs, emphasizing simple daily connection moments, and shares her website beyondearlyinitiatives.com This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Brain Development & Culture Restoration - with guest Barb Fabre 08.07.2026 22min

  In this episode, Native Roots Radio host Robert Pilot speaks with Barb Fabre, CEO of Indigenous Visioning and All Nations Rise and a White Earth Ojibwe Nation member, about a new report, “A National Agenda for Tribal Early Childhood Development,” created with representatives from 40–50 tribal nations to guide tribal leaders in building high-quality early childhood systems in reservation and urban communities. Fabre explains why the first five years are critical for brain development, language, self-regulation, and school readiness, noting ROI estimates of $13–$17 for every dollar invested. She emphasizes restoring language and culture through early childhood as a way to heal historical trauma from colonization and boarding schools, address vocabulary gaps, and confrontschildcare and funding challenges in urban Native communities. The report is available at childcaretrust.org. This episode was recorded live on the radio program Native Roots Radio: I’m Awake, which airs on multiple stationsthroughout the Midwest. For more information, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Turning Summer Learning Loss Into Gains with guest Dr. Artika Tyner 08.07.2026 9min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features lifelong educator Dr. Artika Tyner. Dr. Tyner reframes summer learning loss, often cited as a 25–30% loss of school-year learning, as a chance for summer learning gains by making learning fun and using community resources such as Freedom Schools and library programs. She highlights NEA Big Read, hosted by her nonprofit Planting People, Growing Justice and shares family learning ideas at home andin the community. She promotes the organization’s events, including a first-Saturday family learning festival at Jimmy Lee Rec Center, and suggests summer reading incentives and low-cost educational outings. This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Fortaleciendo a las familias latinas con el invitado Xavier Vásquez 10.06.2026 13min

  En este episodio de Little Moments Count, lapresentadora Maya Santamaria de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida a Xavier Vásquez, Director Ejecutivo del Centro Tyrone Guzmán, una agencia multiservicios que atiende a la comunidad latina en las Ciudades Gemelas. Xavier explica cómo la educación comunitaria fortalece a las familias latinasen todo Minnesota. El Centro se distingue por su enfoque intergeneracional inspirado en la pedagogía Montessori, que apoya a las personas desde la infancia hasta la edad adulta. Vásquez resalta el papel fundamental de los educadores comunitarios, líderes de confianza que comparten el idioma y las experiencias culturales de las familias y brindan apoyo a domicilio en temas como el desarrollo infantil, la salud materna y la orientación en los sistemas de atención a la primera infancia. Este episodio se emitió en mayo de 2026 en La Raza Radio, en las frecuencias 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las Ciudades Gemelas. Para más información,visita littlemomentscount.org/podcastsStrengthening Latino Families with guest XavierVasquezOn this episode of Little Moments Count, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radio welcomes XavierVasquez, Executive Director of Centro Tyrone Guzman, a multi-service agency serving the Latine community in the Twin Cities. Xavier discusses how community-rooted education strengthens Latino families across Minnesota. Centrostands out for its Montessori-inspired, intergenerational approach that supports individuals from infancy through older adulthood. He highlights the vital role of community educators who are trusted leaders that share families’ language and cultural experiences and provide home-based support around child development, maternal health, and navigating early childhood systems. This episode was aired in May of 2026, on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information,visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Educate, Inspire, Achieve with guest Andre Dukes 10.06.2026 11min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, thisconversation features Andre Dukes, Vice President of Community Power and Impact Programs at Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), which has served residents since2010 and supports 2,200 scholars and about 1,000 families to help end multi-generational poverty in North Minneapolis by building a culture of achievement. Dukes describes NAZ’s Read-In events launched in 2021 during distance learning, bringing Northside African American children’s book authorsto read at UROC, providing books for kids to build home libraries, and partnering monthly with the North Regional Library to distribute books and encourage library card sign-ups. He explains why representation in books boostsengagement and language development, emphasizes creating supportive ecosystems for children, and discusses raising expectations for graduation and post-secondary success, including college and other pathways.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 
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  Celebrating Indigenous Parenting and Community- with guests Shashana Skippingday and Joe Tahdooahnippah 10.06.2026 22min

  In this episode, Native Roots Radio host Robert Pilot speaks with Shashana Skippingday, Director of Maternal Child Health Programs at the Division of Indian Work, and Joe Tahdooahnippah, a Family Spirit home visitor. They explain the Family Spirit Home Visiting Program, a culturally tailored,tribally developed curriculum created with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, consisting of 65 lessons from pregnancy to age three to support children’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and self-help development. The guests discuss why pregnancy through age three is acritical window for brain development, the importance of consistent, nonjudgmental relationship-building and trust, and what a typical home visit includes. They describe evidence-based outcomes such as increased maternal knowledge and self-efficacy and reductions in stress, depression, substanceuse, and behavioral problems, and they emphasize reclaiming Indigenous parenting knowledge, culture, language, and storytelling disrupted by colonization and boarding schools. This episode was recorded live on the radio program Native Roots Radio: I’m Awake, which airs on multiple stations throughout the Midwest. For more information, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  El poder de la educación temprana bilingüe con el invitado Xavier Vásquez 11.05.2026 11min

  En este episodio de "Pequeños Momentos Cuentan", la presentadora Maya Santamaria de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida a Xavier Vásquez, Director Ejecutivo del Centro Tyrone Guzmán, una agencia multiservicios que atiende a la comunidad latina en las CiudadesGemelas. Xavier habla sobre el importante papel de la educación temprana bilingüe y por qué los primeros cinco años de vida son cruciales para el desarrollo infantil. Explica que durante estos primeros años se está formando el cerebro del niño. Anima a los padres a no preocuparse por su inglés, sino a proteger y cultivar su lengua materna como base de la identidad, la confianza y la conexión. Haciendo hincapié en que el lenguaje abre mundos, Vásquez destacacómo los niños bilingües pueden unir generaciones y comunidades, y recuerda a los cuidadores que las herramientas más importantes que tienen son sencillas: hablar, leer, contar cuentos y estar presentes con sus hijos. Este episodio se emitió en abril de 2026 en La Raza Radio, en las frecuencias 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las Ciudades Gemelas. Para más información, visite littlemomentscount.org/podcasts The Power of Bilingual Early Education with guest Xavier VasquezOn this episode of Little Moments Count, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radio welcomes Xavier Vasquez, Executive Director of Centro Tyrone Guzman, a multi-serviceagency serving the Latine community in the Twin Cities. Xavier discusses the powerfulrole of bilingual early education and why the first five years of life are so critical to a child’s development. He explains that during these early years, a child’s brain is being built. He encourages parents not to worry about their English, but instead to protect and nurture their home language as the foundation of identity, confidence, and connection. Emphasizing that language opens worlds, Vazquez highlights how bilingual children can bridge generationsand communities, and reminds caregivers that the most important tools they have are simple: talking, reading, storytelling, and being present with their children.This episode was aired in April of 2026, on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Reviving Culture with Language and Storytelling with guest Nicholas DeShaw 11.05.2026 22min

  In this episode, Native Roots Radio host Robert Pilot speakswith Nicholas DeShaw, a Bois Forte Ojibwe descendant, educator, author, and aspiring Ojibwe language speaker. DeShaw explains how reading with very young children builds connection, supports abstract thinking, and becomes a shareddaily experience. He discusses writing Loaf the Cat Goes to a Powwow to center contemporary Native life and offer both Native and non-Native children an accessible, joyful view of powwow culture. They explore storytelling’s role in teaching values, language revitalization at home and through immersion, the impact of representation in schools, and how traditional games like lacrosse strengthen identity and wellbeing.This episode was recorded live on the radio program NativeRoots Radio: I’m Awake, which airs on multiple stations throughout the Midwest. For more information, visitlittlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Early Learning with History, Music and Accessibility with guest Crystal Stein 11.05.2026 30min

  Hosted by Katey DeCelle of  WFNU Frogtown Community Radio, this conversation features Crystal Stein, founder and CEO of Minnesota-based Beret Publishing. Stein explains leaving a 16-year finance career after becoming a first-time mom during COVID and not finding children’s books about celebratedcomposers who looked like her, inspiring her to create Beret Books: multisensory board books integrating original music, poetry, and Grade 2 braille. She highlights the Winifred Atwell title and discusses how touch, sound, and visuals support early brain development, retention, and inclusive learning. Stein describes her research-driven mission to counter historicalerasure by featuring Black classical composers such as Vicente Lusitano, George Bridgetower, Chevalier, Florence Price, and Atwell. This 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
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  Early Childhood Literacy with guest Sarah Warren 11.05.2026 12min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, thisconversation features Minnesota author and nonprofitleader Sarah Warren, who began as a preschool and Head Start teacher and started writing because many classroom books lacked characters who shared her scholars’ backgrounds. Warren discusses her picture book biographies about women including Beyoncé, Stacey Abrams, Dolores Huerta, and an upcoming book on Majora Carter, emphasizing the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in books amid book bans targeting books by and about people of color. She shares her nonprofit Picture Book Parade, which brings authors, illustrators, story strolls, and story times into communities at the Midtown Farmers Market and a gallery display at MSP Airport, and lists upcoming events and websites to connect.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 
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  How Home Visiting Supports Families Experiencing Homelessness, with guest Jocelyn Pickreign 11.05.2026 24min

  In this episode, hosted by Mike “Big Mic” Brooks of KRSM Radio, is joined by Jocelyn Pickreign of Simpson Housing Services discussing early childhood development and home visiting for families impacted by homelessness. Jocelyn explains Simpson’s mission to house, support, and empower people experiencinghomelessness and describes their team-based approach, including early childhood home visitors for children under five. She outlines why the first 1,000 days and early years are critical, how responsive interactions like talking and playing build brain connections, and how reducing isolation and boosting parental confidence can lower stress and support secure attachment. Jocelyn also describes the Family Spirit curriculum and how early intervention can reduce adverse childhood experiences by building positive, protective experiences, sharing a story of a mother gaining confidence in her parenting.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
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  Supporting Motherhood and Brain Development, with guest Kindra McGee 11.05.2026 29min

  In this episode, hosted by Mike “Big Mic” Brooks of KRSM Radio, is joined by Kindra McGee of Diva Moms, a Minnesota Community Care program created in 2018 to support pregnant and postpartum African American moms with advocacy,education, and care. Kindra explains Diva Moms (Dynamic Involved Valued African American Moms), shares her personal experience with pregnancy loss and postpartum depression, and describes her role as a doula/perinatal educator whotranslates medical language into plain English and encourages parents to ask questions and advocate for respectful care. The conversation highlights the importance of support during and after pregnancy, including fathers’ involvement, and why brain development from the womb through age five is critical, emphasizing daily interactions like reading and creating healthyenvironments. Kindra shares how to connect with Diva Moms and her wish for a fully stocked “diva mobile” for home visits. 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
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  Apoyando la salud mental familiar desde temprano con el invitado Xavier Vázquez 09.04.2026 10min

  En este episodio de Little Moments Count, la presentadora Maya Santamaria de KMNV La Raza Radio da la bienvenida a Xavier Vasquez, director ejecutivo del Centro Tyrone Guzman, una agencia de servicios múltiples que atiende a la comunidadlatina en las Ciudades Gemelas. Xavier aborda cómo la salud mental de los padres moldea el desarrollo de los hijos durante sus primeros cinco años de vida. Explica de qué manera los niños absorben las emociones de sus cuidadores, comparte señales clave de estrés en los niños pequeños y alienta a las familias a buscar apoyo de manera temprana. La conversación destaca la importancia del autocuidado sencillo, la conexión comunitaria y la idea de que el amor, la presencia y los momentos cotidianos son lo que verdaderamente construye elfuturo de un niño y una comunidad más saludable. Este episodio se transmitió en marzo de 2026 en La RazaRadio, a través de las frecuencias 95.7 FM y 1400 AM en las Ciudades Gemelas. Para más información, visite littlemomentscount.org/podcasts. Supporting Family Mental Health Early with guest Xavier VasquezOn this episode of Little Moments Count, host Maya Santamaria of KMNV La Raza Radio welcomes Xavier Vasquez, Executive Director of Centro Tyrone Guzman, a multi-service agency serving the Latine community in the Twin Cities. Xavier discusses how a parent’s mental health shapes a child’sdevelopment in the first five years. He explains how children absorb caregivers’ emotions, shares key signs of stress in young kids, and encourages families to seek support early. The conversation highlights simple self-care, community connection, and the idea that love, presence, and everyday moments are what truly build a child’s future, and a healthier community.This episode was aired in March of 2026, on La Raza Radio at 95.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  The Impact of Cultural Relevance in Books with guest Taylor Sorrells 09.04.2026 29min

  Hosted by Katey DeCelle of  WFNU Frogtown Community Radio, this conversation features Minnesota educator and literacy advocate Taylor Sorrells, founder of Read With Me Minnesota, a nonprofit that partners with local authors and illustrators to increase access to culturally relevant children’s literature through author visits, book donations, and community events. Sorrells explains culturally relevant texts and the “windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors” framework. She describes how representation boosts student engagement, literacy acquisition, and belonging, and offers practical ways busy caregivers can build language and connection in the first years through everyday routines, reading, and storytelling. Sorrells discusses starting the organization after teaching in Chicago schools with limited representation and highlights ways thenonprofit supports schools amid fears around DEI funding.This 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 
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  Planting Seeds of Justice and Literacy with guest Dr. Artika Tyner 08.04.2026 9min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features Dr. Artika Tyner, a Rondo community native and leader in youth education. Tyner introduces Planting People Growing Justice, a local literacy nonprofit focused on helping young people read and lead, and announcestwo new books: She Before Me by local author Wisdom (released for Women’s History Month) and R Is for Rondo, which shares the city of Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood history and Black excellence. She emphasizes caregivers as children’s first educators, encourages daily story time to buildvocabulary and inspiration, and stresses honoring Black history year-round. She shares ways to connect and invites families to the free Leaders Are Readers event at the Jimmy Lee Rec Center. This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts 
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  Overcoming Bullying and Boosting Growth with guest Justice Bell Bey 08.04.2026 6min

  Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features children’s book author, Justice Bell Bey.Justice discusses his work in Minneapolis through boxing programs, block parties, and prison ministries, and his children’s book “Bey Overcomes Bullying,” inspired by his niece’sexperience being bullied at a new school and learning to believe in herself. He explains how books help parents and caregivers teach lessons through tone and visuals, shares how to find him on social media and justicebellbeybooks.org,and encourages Minneapolis to keep faith, persevere, and watch their children.This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts