How do everyday moments shape the leaders of tomorrow? Join host Tina Shepardson on The Lil’ Leaders Podcast as she shares the heart behind creating a podcast for kids and why developing leadership skills from an early age matters. Drawing on her 33 years of teaching experience and personal stories, Tina explores how the adults in children's lives can use everyday moments to build children’s confidence, kindness, and resilience, and self-belief.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Build confidence in children by giving them opportunities to try.
• Develop problem-solving skills for children without always stepping in.
• Develop resilience in children and encourage a growth mindset.
• Instill emotional growth in kids through empathy and kindness.
• Strengthen teamwork skills for children, communication, and friendships.
• Use everyday moments to foster independence and raise confident kids.

Tina also shares how adults in children's lives can lead by example, creating opportunities for children to for practice and growth in their daily lives.

Tune in to The Lil’ Leaders Podcast for practical parenting tips and inspiration to help your child grow into a confident, capable leader!

Visit the Lil’ Leaders Club for FREE resources, picture book recommendations, fun downloadable activities, and ideas you can use at home or in the classroom.

About Tina:

Tina Shepardson is an award-winning teacher of 33 years, children’s author, and founder and host of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast, where she highlights kids’ leadership through real-life experiences and meaningful conversations. She is the author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds—a 2025 Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite—and Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack. Tina also contributes to Inspiring Minds Magazine, sharing ideas that support children’s confidence, connection, and leadership development. Through her podcast, books, and resources, Tina is passionate about helping children build the skills they need to become confident, connected leaders.

Connect with Tina:

Have a question, want to share your child’s leadership story or be a guest, or simply stay connected?

Facebook: Tina Shepardson Instagram: @thelilleaderspodcast Website: TinaShepardson.com LinkedIn: Tina Shepardson Pinterest: Tina Shepardson

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the stuffed animals your child cherishes could help them build confidence, express their feelings, and discover the leader within?

Join host Tina Shepardson in this heartwarming episode of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast, as she welcomes Scott Meyer, CEO of Budsies, to explore the magical world of personalized plushies and the powerful connections children have with their favorite stuffed animals. Scott shares how Budsies brings children’s creativity and characters to life, encouraging them to believe in their imagination and the possibilities within themselves. From turning a drawing into a treasured plushie to creating stories that bring characters to life, this conversation celebrates the power of creativity, self-expression, and believing in yourself.

Tina and Scott explore how imagination can support children’s emotional intelligence, independence, and ability to navigate life’s challenges. Scott also shares insights into Budsies’ innovative storybook curriculum, which helps children articulate their thoughts and feelings while developing literacy, social skills, and meaningful friendships.

This episode offers relatable stories, practical ideas, and inspiring reminders that creativity and emotional understanding are valuable parts of growing into a leader.

In This Episode, Your Child Will Discover:

• How bringing their ideas to life helps children believe in themselves and see the possibilities within their own unique ideas.

• How the emotional connections children have with their plushies encourages self-expression, comfort, and a deeper understanding of their feelings.

• How Budsies’ storybook curriculum supports literacy, emotional intelligence, and communication.

• Practical ideas for developing independence, a growth mindset, empathy, and the courage to make thoughtful choices.

Whether you're a parent seeking ways to nurture your child’s confidence or an educator looking for creative approaches to learning, this episode is filled with ideas to inspire children to imagine, create, connect, and grow.

Visit the Lil’ Leaders Club for free resources, picture book recommendations, fun downloadable activities, and ideas you can use at home or in the classroom.

About Tina:

Tina Shepardson is an award-winning teacher of 33 years, children’s author, and founder and host of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast, where she highlights kids’ leadership through real-life experiences and meaningful conversations. She is the author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds—a 2025 Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite—and Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack. Tina also contributes to Inspiring Minds Magazine, sharing ideas that support children’s confidence, connection, and leadership development.

Connect With Tina:

Facebook: Tina Shepardson Instagram: @thelilleaderspodcast Website: TinaShepardson.com LinkedIn: Tina Shepardson Pinterest: Tina Shepardson

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Fostering Independence: Choosing Kindness, Building Confidence, and Leading By Example

How can a simple bike jump teach invaluable lessons about perseverance, kindness, and leadership?

In this uplifting episode of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast, host Tina Shepardson talks with young leader Alex about sports, friendships, family, and the everyday experiences that help shape who we become.

Alex shares a heartwarming story about teaching her brother how to navigate a bike jump—a moment that highlights patience, kindness, and the importance of taking the time to help someone else. She also talks about her mom’s influence as a role model, encouraging her to embrace new experiences and keep trying when something feels challenging.

From building confidence and independence to staying connected with friends during school breaks, Alex shares relatable insights into being a resilient, connected, kid leader. She also talks about starting seventh grade, making new friends, and balancing school with soccer, baseball, and other activities.

Whether your child is learning to try something new, navigate friendships, or support someone else, this episode offers real stories and meaningful conversations that encourage kids to build confidence, kindness, resilience, and leadership skills.

In This Episode, Your Child Will Discover:

• How helping others can build empathy and strengthen relationships

• How role models can inspire children to embrace challenges

• Ways to build confidence, independence, and responsibility

• Simple ideas for staying connected with friends

• What it means to be a good friend and supportive sibling

• How to balance sports, school, friendships, and new experiences

Visit the Lil’ Leaders Club for free resources, picture book recommendations, fun downloadable activities, and ideas you can use at home or in the classroom.

About Tina:

Tina Shepardson is an award-winning teacher of 33 years, children’s author, and founder and host of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast, where she highlights kids’ leadership through real-life experiences and meaningful conversations. She is the author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds—a 2025 Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite—and Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack. Tina also contributes to Inspiring Minds Magazine, sharing ideas that support children’s confidence, connection, and leadership development. Through her podcast, books, and resources, Tina is passionate about helping children build the skills they need to become confident, connected leaders.

Connect with Tina:

Have a question, want to share your child’s leadership story or be a guest, or simply stay connected?

Facebook: Tina Shepardson Instagram: @thelilleaderspodcast Website: TinaShepardson.com LinkedIn: Tina Shepardson Pinterest: Tina Shepardson

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.