Explore every episode of the podcast Play Nature Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 1 | Welcome to the Play Nature Podcast | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:25:42 | |
In the first episode of the Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler shares his mission of connecting children with nature through outdoor play and natural playscapes.
In a world where children are indoors and on screens more than ever, Rusty’s encouraging words that “it doesn’t take huge things to make a huge difference” make creating meaningful outdoor experiences feel attainable. As a seasoned playscape designer, Rusty discusses the importance of free play, risky play, and natural experiences in fostering creativity and resilience in children. This episode lays the foundation for future conversations about practical design ideas, inspiring stories, and the philosophy of play. Join Rusty as he invites parents, educators, and designers to rethink childhood and prioritize nature in kids' lives. Get ready to be inspired and start transforming play—one outdoor play experience at a time! Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Play Nature Podcast Trailer | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:02:58 | |
Welcome to the Play Nature Podcast! Hosted by Rusty Keeler, this is your guide for supporting outdoor play, protecting childhood, and letting kids be kids. Join Rusty to uncover the wonders of outdoor play and learn what tools you already have to create joyful, natural play experiences for all seasons, all weather, and all children. Let’s make the world a better place by saying “Yes!” to play. Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 2 | Who the Heck is Rusty Keeler?! | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:26:09 | |
Get ready to get to know the one and only Rusty Keeler—podcast host, playground designer, and lover of all things play and nature! Rusty’s not just about swings and slides; he’s on a mission to bring kids closer to the great outdoors. From his early days in industrial design to becoming a champion for natural play spaces, Rusty’s journey is packed with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of dirt (the good kind!). As you get to know Rusty in this episode, he takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of playgrounds around the world! He’s seen it all—lush green spaces, buzzing bees, and kids laughing their way through nature-filled fun. He shares why play is universal, why nature is the best playground of all, and how we can make outdoor spaces both safe and adventurous. Feeling inspired? That’s exactly what Rusty hopes for! He’s here to encourage YOU: parents, educators, and communities to rethink play spaces and embrace the beauty of natural environments. So grab a cup of coffee (or step outside for a breath of fresh air!), and let’s dive into the magic of outdoor play! **Stick around to the end of the episode to hear Rusty answer listener questions! He’s covering bees (Spoiler alert: Kids and bees can totally coexist!), grass vs. turf, and tools for your mud kitchen. Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 5 | Risky Play | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:31:53 | |
Get ready to tumble, climb, and maybe even take a little leap! In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty talks all about risky play. What is it? Why does it matter? And how can a scraped knee actually be a win? Rusty introduces the six types of risky play and explores our role as adults in letting it happen organically and free of hazards. He leads us to balance freedom with safety and find the line between letting go and stepping in. Rusty includes real-life examples and thoughtful insights to help us see how risky play builds resilience, sharpens decision-making, and boosts confidence—without tossing caution completely to the wind. Stay tuned through the end to hear listener questions centered around Risky Play. Rusty tackles the tricky topic of setting boundaries, knowing when to say no. And he answers a question about how to chat with licensing bodies who might raise an eyebrow at all this free-range fun. Bottom line? Kids need room to roam, and it’s up to us grownups to create that space—safely, smartly, and with a whole lot of heart. Resources Mentioned: 10 Ways to Support Risky Play FREE Download Risky Play Roundtable Online Course 10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 4 | What is Play? | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
Play is serious business! In this episode, Rusty Keeler takes us on a delightful stroll to explore why play matters so much for kids. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty explains the ultimate question, what is play? He talks all about how play should be wild, wonderful, and a little muddy. No instructions needed—just curiosity, imagination, and maybe a hot bowl of “soup” from the mud kitchen. Rusty shares thoughts on how play is freely chosen, personally directed, and fueled by that irresistible spark of joy. He talks about why it’s crucial for kids of all ages to experience both unstructured play and a little bit of chaos. Forget the rigid academic expectations—turns out, digging in the dirt and building forts might just be what lays the groundwork for future learning. Stay tuned to the end to hear listener questions answered. Today’s questions cover hill slides and tree cookies. This episode is your gentle reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for kids is stand back and let them play. Listen, share, and play on! Are you enjoying the Play Nature Podcast with Rusty Keeler? Help others find the simple answer of play by rating, reviewing, and sharing an episode with a fellow parent, educator, or lover of mud puddles. Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 3 | Natural Playscapes | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:38:02 | |
Want to ditch the plastic jungle gyms and bring a little wild back to playtime? Good news--it’s easier than you think! In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler shares his passion for natural playscapes — think trees to climb, logs to balance on, and mud to squish. It’s all about giving kids the freedom to explore, take risks, and spark their imaginations. Rusty describes the magic of nature play, risky play, and loose parts play. He’s got tips on how to design spaces that celebrate your local environment, whether that’s a backyard adventure zone or a school playground makeover. He even gives tips for safety concerns and licensing hurdles. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Rusty’s got easy projects to try, from planting a tree to building a garden bed. So, grab the kiddos, head outside, and start creating a space where nature and play go hand in hand. Why? Because the best playgrounds are the ones Mother Nature designed. Rusty’s motto is Dream big. Start small. Never stop. Share this episode with someone else that has a backyard waiting to be adventure-fied. At the end of this episode Rusty answers questions about making natural playscapes in the desert, how to store all those loose parts, and what you could say a licensor about pea gravel. Don’t miss it! Links: 20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass 10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD] Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 9 | Field of Dreams: Building Wild Childhoods in Scotland with Cameron Sprague | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:59:38 | |
“We have really strong relationships with our children and our families, and that's what allows the adventures to come.” --Cameron Sprauge, Head of Nurseries-Stramash Social Enterprise What if the secret to raising resilient, creative, confident kids was… play? Real play. Outdoors. With sticks, mud, and a whole lot of autonomy. In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast host Rusty Keeler and his guest get curious about how wild play spaces help children build skills for life—and why a scraped knee might just be part of the plan. Meet Cameron Sprague: nature play champion, outdoor educator, and all-around muddy-booted legend. From the forests of Scotland to the joyful chaos of Stramash Outdoor Nurseries, Cameron shares stories from his journey into nature-based education. Together they Rusty and Cameron talk about planting trees, trusting children, building with pallets, embracing risk, and growing outdoor play from the ground up. They share visions for a world where children belong outside—rain or shine. Top 3 muddy gems from Episode 9:
Catch the conversation where Cameron and I look at some pictures of his original "field of dreams" on my YouTube channel @rustykeeler: youtube.com/watch?v=n0UFbz8Or-4
Links and Resources: Balance and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom Follow Cameron @cameronsprague on Facebook & X | @Cameronsprague02 on IG Puddle Patter with Stramash Outdoor Nurseries on Spotify ISO 4980:2023(en) Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment
20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
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| Ep 8 | Be the Loose Part: Phoebe Wyllyamz on Showing Up for Kids | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:46:32 | |
“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step back and trust that children know exactly what they’re doing.” --Phoebe Wyllyamz, Playworker What if someone told you the best way to build life skills isn’t through flashcards or structured schedules—but through play? Real, messy, child-led, joyful play. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler introduces us to Phoebe Wyllyamz––a play work advocate, early childhood educator, and all-around childhood champion from the Catskills of New York. Together they explore playwork, risky play, children’s rights, farts, freedom, and why the best grownups in play spaces don’t manage––they listen. It’s time to trust kids with autonomy and a little bit of risk to help them grow into confident, resilient humans. Doesn’t that sound magical? It kind of is. Phoebe brings years of experience from Woodland Playhouse and shares insights from her upcoming book, An Invitation to Play. She’s here to remind us that kids don’t need us to micromanage their play. They need us to trust them. Top 3 Takeaways from Episode 8:
Resources Mentioned: Sword battle at Phoebe’s Play Pod video Follow Phoebe @playphoebe
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 7 | Dream Big, Start Small, Never Stop! | 27 May 2025 | 00:24:17 | |
This episode of Play Nature Podcast is bringing Rusty’s motto “Dream Big, Start Small, Never Stop” to life. Rusty is once again out in nature––with birds chirping and leaves crunching, we dive into how his mantra can guide not just life choices, but the design of amazing outdoor play spaces too. You’ll hear stories from the field—both personal and professional—as we explore what it really means to start small. Think: tiny hills, cozy sand pits, and simple additions that spark BIG joy. It's all about planning with heart, taking the first (sometimes muddy) step, and sticking with it—even when the weeds grow faster than the dreams. If your dreams involve plotting a backyard makeover or dreaming of a community wonderland, you’ll find tools, tips, and a whole lot of encouragement to get started. Let’s play! Resources Mentioned: 20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul FREE Download Nature Play Design Masterclass 10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 6 | Outdoor Loose Parts | 13 May 2025 | 00:27:31 | |
Get ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of loose parts! Loose parts include the simplest stuff––think hula hoops to plastic dinos, boards to bottle caps. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler takes us outside and into the magic of child-led creativity. Rusty shows us how all the stuff thats just laying around can spark the biggest adventures. Rusty includes his “a-ha” moment about loose parts and explains how loose parts boost everything from wiggly muscles to big imaginations. We're talking brain growth, body movement, teamwork, and feelings—all powered by a pile of "junk" (aka treasure). It’s development disguised as fun! What will it cost to incorporate loose parts? Almost nothing! Rusty shares smart, budget-friendly tips to gather loose parts without spending a dime. Plus, stay tuned to the end to hear answers to real listener questions like “Where do I start?” and “Is this gonna break the bank?” Resources Mentioned:FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide 10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD] Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 12 | The Power of Toddler Play: Trusting Little Ones to Lead and Learn with Deb Curtis | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:38:03 | |
Play is serious stuff. It’s how kids make sense of the world, grow their brains, build friendships, and show us their natural brilliance. When we step back and let play lead, magic happens. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, we’re celebrating the joy, wisdom, and wildness of children’s play, just as it is. Host Rusty Keeler sits down with Deb Curtis, a longtime champion of childhood and co-author of The Art of Awareness. With stories straight from the classroom and a heart full of curiosity, Deb reminds us that children are already wired for empathy, fairness, and deep learning—no adult scripts required. Here are three big takeaways from the conversation with Deb:
Make sure to check out the YouTube video where Deb and Rusty discuss pictures of toddler play and playscapes from Deb's program over the years: youtube.com/watch?v=O2BG239oqYs Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 11 | Why Children Play—and What Adults Have Forgotten: Peter Gray on the Instinct to Play | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:47:10 | |
Play is not just fun—it’s essential. It’s how children explore, create, stumble, and soar. It’s how they learn to be brave, solve problems, and build their world. In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, we dig into the deep roots of play and why letting kids run wild (in a good way!) may be the most important thing we do for their growing brains. Rusty is joined by Dr. Peter Gray—play researcher, freedom fighter, and author of Free to Learn. Peter is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College, but he speaks fluent playground. He talks about what real play looks like, why it’s fading from childhood, and how that’s affecting kids everywhere. Spoiler: play isn’t optional. It’s nature’s secret weapon. Top three takeaways from part one with Peter Gray:
Come back for part 2 with Peter Gray on an upcoming episode of the Play Nature Podcast! Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 10 | Seasons of Play with Rusty: 5 Tips for SUMMER Outdoor Fun | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:19:41 | |
Ready to splash, dig, and grow your way through summer? What if a simple water fight could bring more joy than screen time? And who says adults don’t need nature-play too? In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler with his feet in the creek, shares five favorite ways to get outside and feel the season. Think water play, plant love, melting ice, and loose parts. These aren't just kids' ideas—they’re for the whole family (yes, grown-ups included). There’s even a surprise bonus tip for the truly wild-hearted. So gather your buckets, your sticks, and your curiosity. Whether you're growing basil or just growing memories, this episode will inspire you to turn off the screens and turn up the wonder. Dirt optional, joy guaranteed. Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 13 | What’s Really Hurting Our Kids: Peter Gray on Why Phones Aren’t the Problem | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:35:10 | |
Play isn’t just the giggles and games—it’s a protective shield for growing hearts and minds. When kids lose play, they lose more than fun. In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, Rusty Keeler goes deeper into why children are more anxious and less joyful, and what we can do to turn the tide. Rusty welcomes back Dr. Peter Gray, our favorite play professor and champion of childhood freedom. This time, they dig into what’s really behind the rise in kids’ anxiety and depression—and no, it’s not just the phones. Peter points to the pressure cooker of modern education, where rigid standards and endless testing are crowding out curiosity, movement, and joy. Top three takeaways for part 2 with Peter Gray
Watch Rusty and Peter talk about the playfulness of a Sudbury School on Rusty's Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrtiVT1JDMQ Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 17 | Everything is Broken (and That’s Okay!) with Teacher Tom Hobson | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:26:39 | |
Even if everything’s broken, that doesn’t mean the play is over! And that’s the beauty of it. It’s not destruction, it’s deep learning. When we let kids take things apart, we’re helping them put the world together in their own way. This episode of the Play Nature Podcast is the second half of Rusty’s conversation with Teacher Tom Hobson. Listeners will get immersed into the world of junkyard playgrounds, loose parts, and freedom-filled learning. Together Rusty and Tom explore how children learn by taking things apart, testing limits, and transforming “trash” into treasure. It’s a celebration of curiosity, connection, and creativity, the kind that grows from hands-on discovery and messy, marvelous play. Tom shares stories from his playground, a place full of wood scraps, traffic cones, trophies, and treasures. This is where kids explore, build, break, and begin again. He reminds us that every stick was once a branch, every rock once part of a mountain, and every loose part is an invitation to create. Top 3 Takeaways from part 2 with Teacher Tom:
So, say yes to the broken, the wobbly, the weathered, and the wild. Gather your scraps and start your own version of a junkyard playground. Let the children move, stack, glue, and build their dreams. Because when we trust them with freedom, they find wonder in every why, and see beauty in the broken toys. Links: Teacher's Tom's FREE Resource for Play-Based Settings Connect with Tom @theteachertom on Facebook | on Instagram | on X | @thomsas-hobson on LinkedIn
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 16 | Building a Junkyard Playground with Teacher Tom Hobson | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:36:24 | |
Remember the feeling of running outside barefoot, pockets full of Band-Aids, heart full of imagination? That’s where this episode begins. Rusty sits down with the legendary “Teacher Tom” - Tom Hobson to talk about the golden age of play, when kids roamed free, built their own worlds, and learned through scraped knees, laughter, and discovery. Together they ask: What happens when adults step back? What do kids gain when they’re trusted to lead? How do we bring back the magic of self-directed play? In this first part of their joyful two-part conversation, Teacher Tom shares how he built a “junk playground”. It’s a wonderland of wood chips, sand hills, and hammers. It is where where children create, experiment, and cooperate. You’ll hear stories of turning asphalt into a woodland, adding workbenches and saws for preschoolers, and transforming a church yard into a living classroom full of freedom, risk, and delight. Top 3 Takeaways from part 1 with Teacher Tom:
Thanks for joining Rusty & Tom for this peek inside a co-op school where parents become play allies, not play police. This is part one of a two-episode journey into play, purpose, and the power of saying yes. Make sure to come back for part two! Links: Teacher's Tom's FREE Resource for Play-Based Settings Connect with Tom @theteachertom on Facebook | on Instagram | on X | @thomsas-hobson on LinkedIn
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
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| Ep 15 | Seasons of Play with Rusty: Tips for FALL Outdoor Fun | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:30:23 | |
The leaves are turning. The ducks are splashing. The creek runs low. Fall is here! Do you feel it in the air? Can you see it in the trees? Can you smell it in the crisp breeze? This episode of the Play Nature Podcast invites you to pause, marvel, and jump right into the season with joy and curiosity. Host Rusty Keeler takes us creek-side to share top tips for fall nature play: sit spots that slow us down, planting trees and bulbs for seasonal surprise, straw bales for forts and circles, and leaf piles that spark instant delight. Rusty is also inviting you all to participate in by National Play Day coming up on September 20th. He has a quick interview with Pat Rumbaugh who shares how her Play Day is a great example of Dreaming Big, but Starting Small. It’s a playful celebration of autumn’s abundance and a reminder to dream big, start small, and never stop. Links:
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs Share this episode, rate and review the show, and email Rusty! playnaturepodcast@gmail.com | |||
| Ep 14 | Why Children Need Nature Play More Than Ever with Angela Hanscom, OT, TimberNook Founder | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:49:35 | |
We’re here to let you in on a little secret. Strong, confident kids don’t come from a classroom. They are created outdoors! Play is the work of childhood, the language of imagination, and the foundation for lifelong skills. Yet too many children spend their days sitting still. Why does this matter? Because movement, messy play, and nature aren’t just fun—they’re essential for healthy development. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty chats with Angela Hanscom—pediatric occupational therapist, founder of TimberNook, and author of Balanced and Barefoot. Angela is on a mission to restore real, unstructured play to kids’ lives. She shares why outdoor play is more than recreation—it’s therapy in disguise—and how TimberNook grew from a simple idea to a global movement. Top Takeaways from Angela Hanscom as she developed TimberNook:
Links: @timbernook_global on Instagram Barefoot and Balanced by Angela J. Hanscom The Real Reason Why Kids Fidget by Angela Hanscom (HuffPost article)
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 19 | Schema Play Explained: Why Scooping, Dumping, and Mess-Making Matter with Heather Bernt-Santy | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:48:30 | |
Have you ever watched a child scoop birdseed, roll in grass, or wrap Play-Doh around tiny toys and think, “What on earth are they doing?” In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler is chatting and laughing with Heather Bernt-Santy, THE Early Childhood Nerd, to find out why those moments are more than just mess and motion. They really are the heart of learning. They talk about curiosity, connection, and the magic of letting kids be wonderfully, gloriously human. Heather shares her journey from podcaster to author and dives into the world of schema play. Those fascinating patterns children repeat as they explore how the world works. From enclosing and enveloping to transporting and transforming, she shows how every scoop, splash, and spin builds brains, confidence, and joy. Adults just need to step back, trust, and watch the wonder unfold. In this conversation, you’ll hear about risky play and right-to-play advocacy, how teachers can shift from “doing” to “wondering,” and why grown-ups should trade control for curiosity. Top 3 Takeaways from The Early Childhood Nerd: Heather Bernt-Santy
Links: Facebook @thatearlychildhoodnerd Instagram @thatearlychildhoodnerd
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
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| Ep 18 | Climb the Slide: Kisha Reid on How Risk, Play, and Wonder Shape Authentic Childhoods | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:40:46 | |
The magic of an authentic childhood comes from the wonder of the experiences, not the walls they take place in. The best classrooms are fields, forests, and slides climbed from the “wrong” side. In this joyful chat on Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler and Kisha Reid are talking all about the spirit of authentic play. Where children lead, adults listen, and the magic of discovery unfolds in every muddy footprint. Kisha, founder of Discovery Natural Learning Center and Play, has spent 30 years helping children grow through connection, curiosity, and courage. From her home base on a 300-acre retreat center, she invites kids, and the adults watching them, to rediscover what childhood can be: full of risk, laughter, and endless “what ifs.” Together, she and Rusty explore how educators can nurture real play anywhere, whether on acres of open land or in a small patch of yard. Listeners will hear how Kisha builds trust through observation and relationship, how she works with licensing to defend risky play, and how true learning happens when we stop hovering and start believing. Top 3 Takeaways from Episode 18 with Kisha Reid:
Links: @discoverynaturallearningcenter on Facebook
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 20 | Free-Range Kids and the Magic of a Dirt Pile with Lenore Skenazy | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:46:57 | |
It’s time to trust kids more. Let them walk those four houses home, climb that tree, and spend an afternoon conquering a pile of dirt. Freedom, not fear, shapes childhood the childhood we hope to give our kids. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler is chatting with Free-Range Kids author and Let Grow president Lenore Skenazy to explore how we, as parents, got so anxious about safety, and what happens when we let kids reclaim their independence. Together, Rusty and Lenore laugh, reflect, and get fired up about what it means to be a “free-range kid” in today’s world. They are sharing why playtime has shrunk, how fear has grown, and the beauty of a child’s self-directed adventure. From bus stop debates to AirTag sneakers, this conversation takes on the cultural shift from trust to tracking, and how we can turn it around. You’ll hear about the Let Grow Experience (a simple way for schools and parents to nurture independence), the joy of multi-age play, and why every child deserves the chance to say, “I did it myself.” Top 3 Takeaways with Lenore Skenazy
Links: Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow by Lenore Skenazy letgrow.org/free-chapter (FREE chapter for Educators from Free-Range Kids) letgrow.org/resource/more-lenore-skenazy (connect with Lenore for speaking engagements)
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 22 | Place-Based Learning: Environment, Culture, and Food with Gemma Nicholl Medina | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:46:24 | |
Some conversations feel like sunshine. This one? Pure magic. Imagine laughter blowing through the trees, college students climbing branches, children splashing in streams, and stories woven into the wind. That’s the vibe of this episode of the Play Nature Podcast. Host Rusty Keeler is joined by the wonderful Gemma Nicholl Medina to explore the wild wonder of place-based learning and how nature, culture, and play connect like old friends. Big ideas. Small moments. Muddy hands. Happy hearts. Gemma shares how her college students discover something ancient and familiar when they play outside, observe children deeply, and reconnect with trees, soil, stories, and place. Gemma reminds us that nature play doesn't require a perfect forest, perfect tools, or perfect plans. All you need is curiosity, connection, and courage to say, “Let’s begin right here.” Top 3 Takeaways with Gemma:
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs | |||
| Ep 21 | Building Deep Connections with Children: Robin Christie on Play, Failure, Curiosity, and Wonder | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:53:32 | |
Welcome to a world where play speaks louder than words. Where adults climb trees dressed as toucans, worms magically become two worms, and curiosity crackles like fairy lights in a cozy home-like space flooded with plants and laughter. In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler and guest Robin Christie take us by the hand, skipping barefoot through ideas about playfulness, risk, resilience, and the joyful role of goofy, loving adults in children’s lives. Their conversation touches on early childhood teaching in New Zealand, playful adult culture, humor as a first connection, the power of failure, and the soulful art of building truly soft, warm, homey learning spaces. Top 3 Takeaways from Robin Christie:
Children need to see that adults are still learning too. That they are still curious, still surprised, still full of questions. That is how trust forms. That is how humans grow. That is how joy lives in learning… and in life Links:
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
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