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...

It's time to gain the confidence to flex your 'uncomfortable muscles' and become an agent of positive change in your family's life – because when it comes to sex education, silence is not an option. This week we're chatting with Cath Hakanson, mother, sex educator, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. Cath is all about helping kids and parents have better relationships through empowering conversations. With the right tools, self-confidence, and strategies, sex education can be less threatening,...

Rosie Ricketson is a mother and award-winning creative producer passionate about maternal well-being.  With a background in the arts, Rosie curates community-led experiences and projects with a vision for a more connected world.  In this episode, Rosie shares: 🌱Her Thoughts Investing in Community During Uncertain Times 🌱Creativity's Role in Building Community 🌱Modern Motherhood Challenges and Needs 🌱Balancing Parenting, Education, and Work Support This conversation served as a tapestry...

As we close the chapter on an incredible year of growth and connection, our latest podcast episode takes you through a heartfelt journey of our key milestones, mistakes and goals for the new year. Somehow during this time, we have hit an astonishing 420,000 downloads and cultivated conversations that have deeply resonated within the realms of parenting, alternative education, forest schooling and child development. Our little project, birthed in our humble home office, has since spread its...

We're back, baby! Kicking off the 2024 season of the Raising Wildlings Podcast with our friend and fellow business owner Gill Howarth from Born Wise Education. Gill always brings her wisdom to the table and it's great to have her back for an in-depth discussion on what raising "wild and free" children truly means. Listen in as Gill shares: 🌱Her experience on the delicate balance of granting our children the space to navigate their fears and the world at large.  🌱The spectrum of childhood...

Have you ever questioned the traditional education system and its one-size-fits-all approach? If so, this episode is a must-listen as clinical psychologist and education advocate Dr. Naomi Fisher embarks on a deep discussion about alternative pathways to learning. Dr Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in autism, trauma and alternative ways to learn. She is the author of two books, both about self-directed education, and she is the mother of two children. For full show...

Are you curious about how to reconnect with your inner wisdom and that of the land, seasons, and cycles?  Today we are in conversation with the wonderful Tiffany Gesler, a proud Gunggari woman passionate about connecting people to their own nature.    Tiffany is a seasoned early years and outdoor learning educator with expertise in Aboriginal health, midwifery, and women's business.  In this last year, she launched her wild business Sowed and Nurtured, Toowoomba's first private bush...

Stepping out of the mainstream education system and into the business world is equal parts daunting and exhilarating. In today's episode, we are talking with one of our founding Your Wild Business students Leanne Webster who has created a community and connection in Bundaberg QLD with her wonderful business Wild Gully. In this episode Leanne shares: 🌱Her personal journey from the four walls of a classroom into the limitless expanse of the wilderness 🌱The realities of running an early...

Ever thought you couldn't run a Nature Play program because your site isn't postcard-worthy?      Newsflash: Picturesque beaches, a bubbling creek, or a lush rainforest are pretty but they are not essential for your Nature Play program. We repeat they are not essential.  Today we are discussing place-based learning and how it's actually really important that children connect with their own local environment in a deep and meaningful way. Nicki and Vicci will share: 🌱The benefits of running...

"If nature is free and play is free... Then why would I need to pay $ to insure my Nature Play session? " 😱 - Us Yes, that was our actual faces when we heard someone was running a Nature Play session WITHOUT insurance. Not only does this kind of dodgy practice risk people's livelihoods and homes... it also has the potential to completely destroy a whole industry that is supposed to protect childhood and children's right to play in nature. In this episode, Nicki Farrell & Vicci...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're screaming internally, "Not this!"? You're not alone. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's empowering post, this episode delves into Nicki's process of courageously saying ,'Not this,' and stepping away from situations that no longer served her and opting for a path of uncertainty over a life of discontent.  Tune in and unleash the courage within you to say, "Not this." Register for our FREE 3-Day Training Series 🤫 Nature Play Business...

How do you define success as a mother and business owner? What does it mean to find your threshold of "enoughness"?   We are back this week with Gill Howarth, owner of Bornwise Education, as she uncovers her journey through the peaks and valleys of motherhood and entrepreneurship.  For Full Show Notes Head To 👉https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/Balancing-Entrepreneurship-and-Motherhood Register for our FREE 3-Day Training Series 🤫 Nature Play Business Secrets and get the insider info...

Do you ever wonder what it takes to start a business while wrestling with the complexities of parenting young children? Join us as we delve deep into the journey of Gill Howarth, the founder of Born Wise Education, who remarkably embarked on her entrepreneurial expedition during her maternity leave - just like we did with Wildlings Forest School! Gill invites us into her world, sharing her story with honesty, courage, and inspiration. For Full Show Notes Head To 👉...

Ever wondered how to package your passion for nature into a profitable venture? This week we're uncovering the untapped potentials in the Nature Play industry and  translating your unique gifts into a viable business. We'll walk you through the diverse niches in the industry, from age-based businesses to corporate events, and even delve into the advantageous role of location in attracting success to your venture. It's tempting to mirror what others are doing, but we reveal why this...

Get ready to be inspired as we journey into the heart of an exceptional early childhood education center with Narelle Dawson, the esteemed Director of Bribe Island Community Kindy. Narelle offers rare insights into leading a team that's been rated excellent four times in a row, a testament to their commitment, dedication, and unwavering focus on building meaningful relationships. She reveals the secrets behind their success and the transformative power of fostering a nurturing environment...

Buckle up! We are spilling our secrets on how collaborations have been a game-changer in our Wild Play business and how they can be for you too! Ever wondered what makes a partnership thrive? Let us share our experience in business partnerships and what we'd do differently if we were starting a new business today.  Full Show notes can be found here: https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/unlocking-the-power-of-wild-business-partnerships-with-nicki-farrell-and-vicci-oliver When You're...

Have you ever wondered how an educational institution could place well-being at the heart of its ethos and practice? Join us for an eye-opening talk with Claire Bartlett, the founding Principal of Woodline Primary, as we discuss its journey from ideation to a growing community of students and families.  Claire opens the door to Woodline's unique perspective on education. She highlights how the school's emphasis on connection, language, and individual attention fosters an environment that...

While playtime might seem straightforward, it's fraught with challenges and nuances that parents often overlook.  In this podcast, we are joined again by researcher, author, and Professor Dr Peter Gray and today we are unraveling the intricacies of play and its influence on a child's growth.  We discuss why simply taking your child to the park isn't the same as neighborhood play and the difference between 'play' and a 'playful approach to learning'.  Join us for this enlightening...

Prepare to be captivated by this deep dive into the world of childhood play. In our latest episode, we have the esteemed pleasure of welcoming back Dr Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. With an impressive track record of studying play's importance, Dr Gray’s insights are sure to fascinate you as he unveils how play shapes children into responsible, creative, and socially adept individuals. Full Show Notes 👉...

The transformative power of parenthood gives many of us a renewed passion for the importance of advocating for our children's play needs.  Today’s guest is no different, Dr. Carla Gull is an academic researcher, speaker, and environmental education program facilitator at Goshen College.  In this episode we will be deep-diving into Dr. Carla’s research work around loose parts play and the importance of unexpected curiosity. For full show notes head to: ...

Today, we are delighted to have Dr Arne Rubenstein back to answer your questions about the role of father figures and how to maintain meaningful connections during a boy's journey toward adulthood. Dr Arne is the CEO and Founder of the Rites of Passage Institute. He has over 30 years of experience as a medical doctor, counselor, speaker, workshop facilitator, and the proud father of two wonderful young men and a mentor to many others. For full show notes head to:...

Dr Kate Grarock is an Ecologist, Hiker, YouTube Creator, passionate storyteller, Mum and most recently, a participant on the incredibly popular SBS TV show, Alone Australia.  Today, we’ll be talking all about her time on the survival show, the best and hardest parts, and her current ecology work and her tips and tricks for solo hiking – including her favourite hiking treat! For Full Show Notes Head To https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/Alone-With-Dr-Kate-Grarock When You're...

At forest school, we often talk about how nature play is so important for our sensory development, but did you know that many of the developmental and behavioural challenges we see in children stem from our nervous system? In today's episode we scratch the surface of sensory integration, sensory processing and retained reflexes with Occupational Therapists, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill.  👉  Rachel and Jess share About primitive reflexesAbout retaining reflexes What we can do at home to...

Today we’re chatting to Sarah Aiono, international speaker, coach, teacher, researcher, CEO of Longworth Education and one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading play pedagogy experts all about the biological need for all humans to play, the need for us as parents and educators to slow down childhood, how the early academic pushdown is harming children and how Sarah and her passionate team help teachers implement evidence-based play pedagogy in their everyday classroom practices.  👉  Sarah...