Growing up in a household filled with trauma and chaos, Brandon Jones transformed his challenging experiences into a lifelong commitment to children's mental health. As the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health, Brandon joins us to share his insights on the transformative power of little interactions in the first 1,000days of a child's life. He passionately explains how simple daily actions—like talking, reading, and playing—are not mere pastimes but crucial investments in the future of every child, shaping their understanding of the world and influencing their lifelong learning and behavior.

We unpack the misconception that children are blank slates, highlighting instead how these early experiences establish vital brain pathways and foundational skills. Brandon helps us understand why these early moments matter so much and how they can determine a child's ability to navigate the world.

This episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcastwas aired live on July 22nd, 2025 on KMOJ Radio at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. You can hear more episodes of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast at littlemomentscount.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.