The making of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Teaching healthy habits in the digital age
Today’s children grow up in a digital world, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn valuable lessons about the power of kindness, curiosity, and make believe. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continues the tradition and legacy of Fred Rogers. In this episode, hear from Chris Loggins and Hedda Sharapan about how they and their colleagues at Fred Rogers Productions tell stories to help children understand their world and practice habits that support their health and wellness.
"Good Health, Better World" is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Supervising Producer, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Fred Rogers Productions
Chris Loggins is Supervising Producer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, overseeing all aspects of television production, working closely with partners on everything from scripting through final episode delivery and beyond, and directing live-action segments for the series. An Emmy® Award-winning producer, Chris also serves as production manager for Peg + Cat and Odd Squad, which both air on PBS KIDS. Before joining Fred Rogers Productions, he served as the development coordinator at WQED, the PBS station in Pittsburgh. Chris has previous experience working with children in his roles as host of “Baby and Me Storytime” at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and driving the Storymobile for Beginning with Books Center for Early Literacy. He holds a B.A. in American Studies with a focus on African-American History from Kenyon College.
Consultant
Fred Rogers Productions
Hedda Sharapan has been with Fred Rogers Productions (previously Family Communications, Inc.) for 52 years and currently serves as a child development consultant for the company’s award-winning PBS KIDS series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and other projects. She began working with Fred Rogers on the very first taping day of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in October 1966. Over the years she served as Assistant Director, Assistant Producer, Associate Producer, and Director of Early Childhood Initiatives for Rogers’ small non-profit production company. Her monthly e-newsletter, “What we can continue to learn from Fred Rogers,” is distributed through the Fred Rogers Center and reaches more than 16,000 subscribers. Hedda continues to be a highly sought-after speaker at conferences around the country, helping audiences reflect on Fred Rogers’ messages. She received an M.S. in Child Development from the University of Pittsburgh and an honorary doctorate degree from St. Vincent College, home of the Fred Rogers Center.
