Kristi Yamaguchi, an Olympic gold medalist and advocate for youth literacy, shares her inspiring journey from ice skating champion to philanthropist. She opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked her passion for skating and the values her parents instilled in her. Kristi discusses her nonprofit, Always Dream, focusing on improving early literacy in underserved communities. She emphasizes the power of children's literature and cultural heritage, while also sharing her experiences in reality TV and the growth that comes from embracing challenges.
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Always Dream's Impact on Literacy
Kristi Yamaguchi founded Always Dream to help underserved children embrace their dreams through early literacy.
Book coaches support families by providing resources and strategies to build a literacy-rich home environment.
insights INSIGHT
Early Reading Predicts Success
Reading proficiency by fourth grade strongly predicts high school graduation rates.
Early literacy challenges correlate with broader social issues like poverty and incarceration.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Value of Book Coaches
Use book coaches to guide families in creating effective reading habits with their children.
Coaches provide literacy strategies and keep families accountable to maintain consistent reading routines.
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In this follow-up to Dream Big, Little Pig!, Poppy sets off on a world tour to celebrate the importance of friendship. With stops in France, Brazil, Japan, and other exciting countries, It's a Big World, Little Pig! introduces young readers to different cultures while reinforcing the importance of staying connected to friends and family.
Dream big, little pig!
Kristi Yamaguchi
Poppy is a pig who has big dreams. But when she tries to make them come true, she discovers that it takes practice, dedication, and a whole lot of heart to achieve your goals. In Dream Big, Little Pig!, New York Times bestselling author Kristi Yamaguchi shares an inspiring tale about believing in yourself and never giving up.
Cara's kindness
Cara's kindness
Kristi Yamaguchi
Cara is a little girl who learns the importance of kindness in this heartwarming story. When Cara's act of kindness inspires others, it creates a ripple effect that spreads throughout her community. Cara's Kindness is an uplifting tale about the power of giving and how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
This week on the special edition Bruce Lee Foundation takeover of the Bruce Lee Podcast for the month of May, Shannon is honored to welcome Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi to the show.
Everyone knows Kristi as a champion on the ice, but in her years since winning gold she has also become a devoted author, philanthropist, and lifelong advocate for youth literacy. Born in California to Japanese-American parents, Kristi’s mother was born in a WWII internment camp while her grandfather served as a U.S. Army lieutenant. Kristi’s journey reflects strength across generations and is one of legacy and service.
Kristi shares how a treasured Dorothy Hamill doll ignited her early passion for skating, and what it felt like to meet her idol moments before the biggest performance of her life. She also reflects on her touring years with Stars On Ice.
Kristi opens up about the values her parents instilled in her around service and gratitude—and how those principles ultimately led her to found Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream, a nonprofit dedicated to early literacy and family engagement. Through her foundation, Kristi is helping ensure that children in underserved communities not only have access to high-quality books, but also the support needed to build a lifelong love of reading.
Finally, Kristi opens up about a new passion she’s been engaged in, and it’s VERY Bruce Lee of her! Join Shannon and get to know how Kristi is continuing to shape an inspiring legacy that continues across generations!
Bruce Lee Podcast 
