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Play Nature Podcast

Rusty Keeler
Outdoor Play
Child Development
Play
Risky Play
Nature Play
Nature-Based Play
Loose Parts
Natural Playscapes
Children's Development
Schema Play
Education
Childhood Education
Freedom To Play
Resilience
Loose Parts Play
Early Childhood Education
Playwork
Evolutionary Psychology
Play-Based Learning
Authentic Childhoods

Welcome to Play Nature Podcast, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the beauty and benefits of outdoor, nature-based play—for all children (and us adults too!) Hosted by Rusty Keeler, a passionate play advocate, with over 30 years of experience designing natural playscapes, writing about nature and risky play, and traveling the world to champion the power of play, Rusty’s Play Nature Podcast is you... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes40Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingKids & Family

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Artwork for Play Nature Podcast

Latest Episodes

What happens when one kid climbs up the slide while another is coming down? Is going up the slide really dangerous? Or is it just one of those playground rules we’ve inherited without thinking too hard about it?

In this episode of the Play Nature Po... more

YouTube

What happens when children meet a muddy hill, a dangling rope, and a whole lot of possibility? They climb. They slip. They tumble. They try again.

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty returns to Six Mile Creek and shares the story of Challe... more

YouTube

Nature is everywhere. In the trees. In the rain. In the crack in the sidewalk where one determined little plant is doing its thing. In the tree that looks like a butt.

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty talks with Dr. Rachel Larimore abou... more

YouTube

A school that smells like mud, woodsmoke, porridge, and possibility? Well…that sounds perfect!

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty chats with Louise Licznerski about outdoor learning in Scotland, where children run, wander, forage, climb, ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
Founder and chief visionary of Samara Early Learning, author and speaker in nature-based learning
Samara Early Learning
Episode: Ep 37 | Nature-Based Learning Doesn’t Need a Forest with Dr. Rachel Larimore
Louise Licznerski
educator, outdoor learning advocate and entrepreneur
Little Bugs Outdoor Nurseries; Wild Bugs; SOLA; Wee Foragers
Episode: Ep 36 | Outdoor Learning, Risky Play, and Food Education with Louise Licznerski
Alex Barrable
Researcher in human-nature interactions focusing on human and planetary well-being
Independent researcher / academic collaborator with nature connection research
Episode: Ep 33 | Mud, Microbes, and the Magic of Nature with Alex Barrable
Adam Bienenstock
Founder/ former CEO of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, founder of ReNature Foundation
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds; ReNature Foundation
Episode: Ep 32 | Adam Bienenstock on School Forests, Soil Health, and the Future of Nature Play
Claude Stephens
Director of Bernheim Forest and Arboretum's Children at Play Network
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
Episode: Ep 30 | Claude Stephens’ Nature Play Revolution
Kristy DeGraaf
Founder of The Learning Tree; president of the Professional Family Childcare Association of Utah; 2025 Policy Fellow with the National ECE Workforce Center
The Learning Tree; Professional Family Childcare Association of Utah
Episode: Ep 28 | Kristy DeGraaf on Nature Play, Outdoor Learning, and Advocacy
Marc Armitage
Play worker, play advocate, and friend of play based in Australia
Australia
Episode: Ep 26 | How a Playworker Thinks About Play with Marc Armitage
Erik Herman
Founder of the Free Science Workshop (and co-founder of multiple science-education nonprofits)
Free Science Workshop, Physics Bus, Global Alliance for Community Science Workshops
Episode: Ep 25 | Junk Becomes Genius with Erik Herman, Founder of the Free Science Workshop
Gemma Nicholl Medina
Assistant professor at the University of Hawaii Maui College and advocate for play-based learning.
University of Hawaii Maui College
Episode: Ep 22 | Place-Based Learning: Environment, Culture, and Food with Gemma Nicholl Medina

Host

Rusty Keeler
Host of Play Nature Podcast and founder of Play Nature Podcast brand; brings decades of experience designing natural playscapes, promoting risky play, and advocating for outdoor, nature-based learning.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 13 ratings
  • Really engaging!!

    This was such an engaging episode to listen to, especially the discussion around letting children play beyond structured environments and reconnect with nature in a more authentic way. The idea that a single log, patch of dirt, or muddy space can spark creativity and confidence really stayed with me. I appreciated how hopeful and practical the conversation felt from beginning to end.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mary Burruss
    United States4 months ago
  • The best

    Great podcast by the best in the biz!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lil brandt
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality guests who bring hands-on experience to outdoor learning.
Listeners appreciate the mix of theory and real-world application.
Engaging discussions with practical, nature-based play ideas for kids and families.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 37 | Nature-Based Learning Doesn’t Need a Forest with Dr. Rachel Larimore
Q: Can you share a memorable example of a simple activity that sparked huge curiosity in children around nature?
Activities like observing a rain event, noticing seeds transported by wind or animals, or turning a dirty sock experiment into a living terrarium illustrate how everyday nature interactions spark wonder and learning.
Ep 37 | Nature-Based Learning Doesn’t Need a Forest with Dr. Rachel Larimore
Q: How do you handle barriers such as schedules or safety concerns when pushing for more outdoor time?
Use site assessments and benefit-risk analyses to plan safely, provide staff gear for outdoor work, and start with small, feasible changes that build momentum and teacher confidence.
Ep 37 | Nature-Based Learning Doesn’t Need a Forest with Dr. Rachel Larimore
Q: What are some first steps people can take to start integrating nature into daily learning, especially when time and resources are tight?
Begin by indoor- outdoors integration with locally relevant materials and structures, then gradually extend outdoor time on easy weather days; ensure indoor spaces reflect local nature, and provide simple outdoor options like loose parts and writing or drawing materials outside.
Ep 25 | Junk Becomes Genius with Erik Herman, Founder of the Free Science Workshop
Q: How can schools or parents blend the philosophy of Free Science into existing education or home routines?
Encourage curiosity-driven projects, reduce emphasis on immediately explaining phenomena, and allow students to explore with materials while adults act as facilitators who step back to let the science speak through observation and hands-on activity.
Ep 25 | Junk Becomes Genius with Erik Herman, Founder of the Free Science Workshop
Q: What advice would you have for well-meaning adults trying to adapt this model into their own settings?
Start small with a dedicated space for messy play, invite neighbors to contribute, and gradually scale by supporting others to start their own community spaces; emphasize hands-on, experiential learning over traditional instruction.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About Play Nature Podcast

What is Play Nature Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A nature-forward show celebrating outdoor, nature-based play for children and adults, with a strong emphasis on risk-tolerant, play-rich environments. Episodes feature practitioners, educators, and researchers who share practical guidance for outdoor classrooms, community playspaces, and family-style play, along with policy and funding insights that help expand access to nature-based learning. Notable threads include balancing safety with exploration, building and sustaining nature-play networks, and leveraging local landscapes to foster curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. The show consistently highlights hands-on strategies using loose parts, natural materials, and place-based activities, making it a practical resource fo... more

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How many listeners does Play Nature Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Play Nature Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Play Nature Podcast:

1. The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
2. Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast
3. The Oprah Podcast
4. The Mel Robbins Podcast
5. The Moth

How many episodes of Play Nature Podcast are there?

Play Nature Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 40 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Play Nature Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Play Nature Podcast?

Recent guests on Play Nature Podcast include:

1. Dr. Rachel A. Larimore
2. Louise Licznerski
3. Alex Barrable
4. Adam Bienenstock
5. Claude Stephens
6. Kristy DeGraaf
7. Marc Armitage
8. Erik Herman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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