Raising Wildlings – Details, episodes & analysis

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Courtney Sullivan, the founder of Wild Play Co., joins us to share her journey from academia to entrepreneurship. Inspired by her background in exercise science and concern over youth's sedentary lifestyles, she embarked on creating a nature play business, WildPlay Co, in Bendigo, Victoria.

We chat about:

• Launching a business while parenting young children and the unique challenges it brings
• The flexibility entrepreneurship offers as a parent
• The importance of connecting with like-minded individuals who share her passion for outdoor education and environmental conservation
• Managing permits and zoning hurdles
• Crafting authentic marketing messages and the power of storytelling in marketing.
• The importance of a diverse and dedicated team in their success
• How the Wild Business course bolstered her confidence to ask questions and seek guidance through the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship.
• And we celebrated Wild Play Co. first year, and hear all about Courtney's exciting plans for the future.

Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and the keys to navigating the entrepreneurial landscape with resilience and adaptability. 

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered how to foster a deeper connection between children and the natural world? On this episode of Raising Wildlings, we sit down with soon-to-be Dr. Amanda England, an expert in nature play philosophy and pedagogy, currently pursuing her PhD in Australia. Amanda unpacks the essence of Forest School in Australia, highlighting how this approach encourages free play and curiosity-driven learning in outdoor environments, emphasising the importance of play with risk and adventure . You'll discover how children can learn about sustainability, community, and indigenous connections through their interactions with nature.

Amanda's research underscores the value of regular, uninterrupted play in the same natural space, allowing children to witness and engage with seasonal changes. She passionately believes that this continuity fosters a meaningful and sustainable relationship with the natural world. We discuss the need for extended play periods and a holistic approach to education where children learn with, from, and in nature. You'll hear about the significant benefits of viewing humans as an integral part of nature, rather than as separate entities, and how this perspective can transform educational practices.

So grab your boots and join us for an insightful journey into the wild world of Forest Schooling. Stay wild!

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

Ever reminisced about the simple joys of childhood when a stick wasn't just a stick but a sword, a wand, or a companion on countless adventures? 

In today's episode, Nicki and Vicci will unravel the hidden developmental treasures found in stick play and how adults can prioritise safety without dampening the spirit of creativity.

Listen in as Nicki and Vicci share their extensive knowledge of:

🌱 The benefits of stick play
🌱 How to find 'the perfect stick'
🌱What's a 'blood bubble' and how does it create safety
🌱 Antedotes and insights on guiding children to play responsibly
🌱How and why children must be a part of shaping the safety rules 
🌱Adults roles in recognising children's emotional cues

Bringing the outdoors in can be daunting, especially in childcare settings, but it's not impossible and this episode will renew your appreciation for stick play with practical approaches to make it an enriching part of outdoor learning.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

 In this episode, we’re talking with the founder of The Kindness Couch, Candice Fraser about  nurturing ourselves with holistic self-care and self-compassion so that our children can grow to do the same. Wondering what holistic self-care is and what that can look like in your full life? This is the episode for you.

👉  Candice Shares

• About the Kindness Couch
• What inspired her to set off on her own dream of being a coach
• Her profound view on true self- compassion
• Her tips for a peaceful holiday season
• Of the Human Experience and how we can cope when life is out of balance
• How to mindfully navigate hard emotions
• About the connection between nature and mindfulness
• How holistic health starts with a self-care routine
• The importance of gratitude
• How to model mindfulness and gratitude to our children
• About the shift towards a constructive inner critic
• The RAIN process

👉  Opt In for a FREE Downloadable

👉  Links and Resources

Email Candice: thekindnesscouch@gmail.com
Website
Special offer! Bonus Home Retreat Box when you subscribe this month!
Facebook
Instagram
Book: Power of Awakening, Wayne Dwyer

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

Battle sounds fill the forest, swords clatter and arrows whizz through the air, groans and victorious shouts ring out. Huzzah! It’s not a medieval war you’re witnessing – but children playing with weapons. In today’s episode we talk about this controversial type of rough and tumble play.

👉  Nicki and Vicci Share

• The six types of Risky Play 
• What 'Rough and Tumble' play is
• The value of rough play
• How rough play relates to socialising
• How we can help communicate safe boundaries
• The evidence that shows there is no link between weapon play and real-life aggression
• About consensual play
• The big concepts weapon play highlights in children
• The importance of competition and collaboration
• The role weapon plays in child development 
• The signs to look out for to signify everyone is still having fun
• Helpful phrases for supervising weapon play

👉  Opt In For a Free Downloadable! 

👉 Resources & References

Peter Gray “Free to Learn”

Homeschooling Webinars

Find all your weapons play resources on our online shop

*Order before December 10th to deliver before Christmas! 

Please consider support

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

We know that as a society we are living an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and children have never moved as little as they do today. That’s why people like Katy Bowman, author of Move your DNA and now her latest book Grow Wild, are so important in helping us to recognise why we need to move more. Katy joins us today from the US to chat to us about movement and to give us some simple actionable changes that aim to combat our super sedentary culture.

👉  Katy shares

• Her inspiration for writing a book focused on family movement
• What ‘stacking’ is
• Her background and why movement is so important to her
• The seven containers or environments we live in
• That not all nutrients come from food and that there are other ways to nourish our bodies
• How explicit and implicit rules for movement are sending messages to our children
• How we can move from a sedentary culture to a dynamic one
• The benefits of being barefoot
• About Elimination Communication
• Ideas for implement flexible seating in an educational environment
• Simple changes we can make at home to encourage a greater range of movement
• Why we need to move the upper part of our bodies

👉  Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉  Links and Resources

Join in our MASTERCLASS
Support us on Patreon

Connect with Katy

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

In this episode, we’re talking about the fears people have about starting a nature play business and why we must overcome them. 
*
This episode was created in the context of taking the leap to entrepreneurship, but the advice and lessons may resonate with anyone dealing with fear and insecurity in their life.

👉  Nicki shares

• Why educators make wonderful entrepreneurs 
• Some secrets about FEAR
• The criticism and praise complex
• The two types of feedback
• How fear can hold us back 
• The different types of fear
• About perceived risk
• About people pleasing
• About imposter syndrome
• How to get out of your own way
• Ideas for your first baby steps

👉  Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉  Links and Resources

Free Masterclass!
STEAL OUR STEP-BY-STEP ROADMAP FOR GROWING YOUR OWN NATURE PLAY BUSINESS

Check out our Homeschooling, Wildschooling and Unschooling Webinars

Wild Business! Sign up to learn more here

Please Support us on Patreon

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature pl

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

In this episode, we chat about why society makes it so hard to navigate the legislation and why we need to push through it so that we can get more children outdoors and we chat about our own journey in embracing the red tape as an essential part in advocating for children.

👉  Nicki and Vicci discuss

• The benefits of nature play
• Risks and resilience
• Why outdoor learning is essential for developing life skills
• The cost of keeping children “safe”
• Some horrible stats that might make you want to do something about it
• The importance of navigating the red tape
• Their Wild Business Course
• The value of mentors in this space

👉  Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Resources & References

Check out our Homeschooling, Wildschooling and Unschooling Webinars

Wild Business! Sign up to learn more here

Please Support us on Patreon

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are l

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

In this episode, we’re  talking about the 4 biggest mistakes we made when we were starting our Forest School business. And some of them were biiiiiig!

👉  Wildlings Founder’s Share

• The profound initial mistake Nicki made in her transition to a more positive and fulfilling career and life
• What took them so long! 
• How we can grow from our mistakes
• The importance of soft skills and interpersonal relationships
• How releasing the ego builds resilience
• How big risks (in business, not safety) pay off
• How to back yourself
• About growth mindset
• How important it is to invest in yourself

👉  Opt In for FREE Downloadables Here

👉  Resources & References

Learn more about Wild Business Here

Learn more about taking the leap to homeschooling here

We would love your support on Patreon! Sign up here!

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and build

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

Send us a text

A couple of months ago a Facebook post caught my eye, the title of a book called Raising Girls Who Like Themselves. This title, whilst so simple, really tugged at a core want that I have for my children. I grabbed a copy, read it within a day, and thought, I need to get the authors Kasey and Chris on the show so that we can help raise more girls who like themselves.

👉  Kasey and Chris Share

• Why girls don’t like themselves
• The 7 pillars that every girl needs if she is to grow up liking herself 
• The simple step a parent can take to start their children on the right path
• How we can teach our girls to deal with criticism and negative feedback with productive conversations and modeling
• About body shaming, body hating and the exploding industries that prey upon women's insecurities.
• Shocking stats about how our girls view themselves
• How our attempts to build girls body images could actually be making it worse
• The harm in cramming as much knowledge, skills and experience into our children as early as possible 
• What our children will gain from parent’s valuing free play

👉  Opt In

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉  Links and Resources

For a special Raising Wildling's offer please follow this link to learn how to teach your daughter to handle teasing and criticism like a boss with this FREE online mini-course by the authors of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves (valued at $97)

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development, 

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values. 

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So  dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)