The Playful Den Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with author, performance artist, and original Laa-Laa, Nikki Smedley (@realtubbylaa).

Episode notes:

* The Role of Play in Childhood and Beyond

* Nikki shares her childhood experiences of imaginative play and independence.

* The connection between her early leadership in play and her later career in creating stories for performance.

* From Dancer to Teletubby

* Nikki's journey from running her own dance company to auditioning for Teletubbies.

* Insight into how dance discipline and humor influenced her comedic approach to performance.

* Creating the Magic of Teletubbies

* Behind-the-scenes details on the intentional design of Teletubbyland and the characters.

* The importance of consistency, safety, and playfulness in connecting with young audiences.

* Challenges of Fame and the Media Frenzy

* Nikki’s experience with intense media scrutiny and how the press targeted the cast.

* The emotional toll and unexpected challenges of being part of a cultural phenomenon.

* Impact on Children, Including Neurodivergent Audiences

* How Teletubbies became a safe and calming presence for autistic children.

* Nikki’s reflections on the long-term positive effects of the show.

* The Importance of Storytelling and Play

* A broader discussion on how storytelling and play are essential for human connection and creativity.

* Nikki’s views on the decline of live-action children’s entertainment and the cultural impact of storytelling.

* Confessions of a Teletubby

* Nikki’s one-woman show and how it brings humor and humanity to her Teletubby experience.

* Encouragement to support the arts and reflect on the role of stories in our lives.

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Follow Nikki Smedley here to stay up to date with upcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/realtubbylaa/?hl=en

In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with Dr. Martha Deiros Collado (@dr.marthapsychologist), a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting and child development.

Episode notes:

Guest Introduction:

* Meet Marta, a clinical psychologist, author, and Instagram creator known for her practical, compassionate advice for parents.

* Marta shares her journey from working in the NHS to becoming a trusted voice in the parenting community.

Key Topics Discussed:

* Childhood Play and Its Influence on Adulthood:

* Marta reflects on her favourite types of play as a child, including imaginary role play, building, and scientific exploration.

* How these forms of play shaped her career and approach to life as a clinical psychologist and mother.

* The Importance of Play in Parenting:

* Why play isn’t just for kids—it’s a tool for connection, understanding, and empathy.

* How Marta uses play therapeutically in her practice to build trust with children.

* Lessons from Parenting:

* Exploring the nuances of guilt vs. shame as a working parent.

* Why parenting has grown Marta as a person and deepened her relationship with herself.

* Siblings and Individuality:

* The challenges and joys of parenting multiple children with different personalities.

* How focusing on individuality instead of fairness fosters stronger family bonds.

* Adolescence and Letting Go:

* The importance of trust and communication during the teen years.

* Why letting go and allowing teens to become their own person is critical.

* Parenting in the Social Media Era:

* The impact of information overload on modern parenting.

* Marta’s advice on being intentional with parenting content and protecting intuition.

Marta’s Book – How to Be the Grown-Up:

* An empowering guide that focuses on the parent’s role in shaping a healthy, trusting relationship with their child.

* Why emotional accountability, self-awareness, and modeling behavior are key to being a great parent.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

* Play is more than fun—it’s foundational for empathy, connection, and understanding both in childhood and adulthood.

* Parenting isn’t about controlling your child but growing alongside them.

* Guilt can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and growth if approached with curiosity instead of avoidance.

Closing Thought:“Play isn’t just a childhood pastime—it’s a lifelong tool for connection, growth, and joy.”

Follow Dr. Martha here for more parenting advice and resources:

https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com

This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of parenting, interested in child psychology, or simply curious about what helps children and families thrive.

Emma and Ben share their opposing strategies to coping with the common cold and why they don't get on when they're ill. Interview with artist Murugiah who discusses the importance of creative freedom in childhood and how to maintain a passion for something that is your play when it becomes your career. Murugiah Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_murugiah/?hl=en

Emma and Ben share their joy of the Olympics, talk about Ben's immersion into Jabba's Palace and try and work out if Emma is a mouth-breather. Today's guest is Jeff Harry, a positive psychology coach and an expert in helping businesses use play to solve problems and improve corporate culture. Jeff shares why playing at work isn't what people assume and how it really help organisations retain staff and achieve growth. Jeff Harry Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jeffharryplays/?hl=en

In this episode Emma speaks to Olga Thompson aka Big Fat Greek Mother a comedienne who brings to life characters and tells stories to make us laugh - a creative process sparked from a difficult time which has led to a transformational personal growth and alignment. Follow Olga on IG: @big_fat_greekmother

Emma chats to Laura Walsh, Head of Play, from Starlight a charity organisation which facilitates play for children suffering serious illnesses. Laura talks about the magic of play and its power to transform difficult medical interventions which can be scary experiences for young people receiving medial treatment. Laura also explains why it’s so important to facilitate play for families who are going through challenging health circumstances and why escapism and connection through play is such an important part of their journey. Support Starlight and find out more about the amazing work they do https://www.starlight.org.uk Follow Starlight on social media @starlight_uk

Emma chats to Marcus Veerman founder of Playground Ideas, a not for profit organisation supporting communities around the world to build playgrounds with local resources, about a variety of play-based topics including adventure and creativity, playground design and loose parts play. Marcus shares his journey with his invention of the Nüdel Kart - a stimulating and inclusive loose-parts play resource used by Schools, early childhood centres and Allied health professionals around the world. Find out more about Nüdel Kart - https://www.nudelkart.com/ Learn about Playground Ideas - https://playgroundideas.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjw5P2aBhAlEiwAAdY7dBtpf7WeB_HJJsEkkutqjxm4a12IldasZRHUxjoyLiyRFkNpM8aYBBoCzLcQAvD_BwE

Emma chats to Lu - a '52 year old accidental influencer who is ageing disgracefully'. Lu is in the middle of her tour in her RV Susie travelling the US giving talks to women about self love and masturbation. Emma asks for a heads up on the 40s and Lu discusses her divorce and middle aged rebellion. Follow Lu @luinluland

This is a glorious chat with Anna Mathur about the contemporary culture of motherhood and how it makes it difficult to accept ourselves and move towards our own needs. Anna Mathur is a mum of three, author, podcaster and psychotherapist. She's also the founder of The MotherMind Way (www.themothermindway.com) a platform of low cost, resources to support the emotional and mental health of all mums. You can buy Anna's third book, TheLittle Book of Calm for New Mums here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Book-Calm-New-Mums/dp/0241559812/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34AQIRHXFA9GR&keywords=little+book+of+calm&qid=1655980699&sprefix=little%2Caps%2C780&sr=8-1 You can also listen to twice weekly episodes of Anna podcast, The Therapy Edit.

Follow Anna on IG: @annamathur Follow Emma on IG: @emmaworrollo Learn more about living playfully: @playful_den Follow Ben on IG: @benflyingretro

Emma chats to LA based professional toy photographer Mitchel Wu. Mitchel pivoted his career multiple times before landing on toy photography where he has carved out a dreamy creative profession working for global brands. Using photography as his medium, he uses toys and special effects and create his art and tell stories. Emma and Mitchel chat about finding work that fires you up creatively, how to pivot and why toy photography is so joyful and imaginative. They also explore themes of scale and why it makes us curious and why it it feels so satisfying to observe characters we know and love doing something completely unexpected. Find Mitchel on IG @mitchelwuphotography and on his website https://www.mitchelwutoyphotography.com/