On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from Dr. Michael Arenson, a dedicated pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare. Dr. Arenson shares his commitment to nurturing relationships, especially in challenging circumstances like poverty and housing instability. His innovative work ontrauma-responsive care programs and as a co-editor of a textbook on developmental trauma and resilience emphasizes a profound intersection of research, policy, and practice aimed at advancing child health equity.

We learn how the first three years of life are crucial for brain growth and the lifelong impact of early interactions. Dr. Arenson shares valuable insights into building "the buffering" through positive relationships, focusing on embodied experiences like touching, singing, and cuddling. Weexplore how societal systems and everyday interactions shape familial relationships and child development. This episode highlights the universal need for children to feel safe, seen, and heard, illustrating how these elements contribute to resilience and strong community foundations..

This episode was recorded on August 6th, 2025 and aired on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio 94.1FM in Saint Paul, MN and wfnu.org. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts