Lifelong Learning, Challenging Conversations, and Reenergizing Business: Insights from the Forest School Podcast

Send us a textHow does a single mum from Australia's Sunshine Coast end up world schooling in Tuscany?Denise Georges shares her courageous leap from skepticism about homeschooling to embracing world schooling in the beautiful countryside of Italy. After losing her job during the pandemic, Denise discovered the transformative power of alternative education systems, all while navigating personal challenges and societal expectations. Her story is a testament to the strength required to break away from conventional paths for the sake of family and personal fulfillment.We chat about the innovative Boundless Life program, founded by Mauro Rapici, which offers families the chance to live and learn in stunning global locations. With destinations spanning Europe and beyond, this episode uncovers how families can effortlessly balance work, education, and adventure. Denise invites you to redefine family life and education by embracing travel and the path less travelled. Get inspired to break free from societal pressures, explore new possibilities, and perhaps embark on your very own boundless journey!

Send us a textCourtney 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 bringsThe flexibility entrepreneurship offers as a parentThe importance of connecting with like-minded individuals who share her passion for outdoor education and environmental conservationManaging permits and zoning hurdlesCrafting authentic marketing messages and the power of storytelling in marketing.The importance of a diverse and dedicated team in their successHow 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. 

Send us a textHave 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!

Send us a textWhat does it take to create meaningful outdoor experiences for families? Join us as we sit down with Kristi Bryant, passionate outdoor and environmental educator behind Bushwalking Mama. Kristi opens up about her journey in documenting and inspiring family-friendly outdoor activities, and the innovative methods she employs to integrate play and connection into outdoor learning. In this episode, we spotlight the significance of autonomy and personal choice in outdoor activities. Kristi emphasises the need for positive relationships and accommodating individual needs to foster a genuine connection with nature. We discuss the delicate balance between encouraging participation and respecting personal boundaries, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and respected in their outdoor educational adventures. Kristi's approach underscores the importance of gradual steps and listening to individual concerns, creating a supportive environment conducive to learning and growth.We also explore the transformative power of outdoor education in building resilience and overcoming fears. Kristi shares personal experiences and the challenges of starting a business in the nature play industry, from risk assessments to insurance hurdles. Tune in for an inspiring episode that champions the resilience, collaboration, and passion at the heart of outdoor education and nature play.

Send us a textCurious about the world of Family Day Care and how it might be the perfect fit for your child? Join us as we sit down with Victoria Edmond of Big Hearted Education and Rainbow Bridge Family Daycare Service. Victoria takes us through her inspiring journey from long daycare disillusionment to creating her own nurturing Family Day Care service and debunks the myth that family daycare can't be profitable. We cover:What is the difference between Family Day Care and Long Day Care and why might you choose one over the other as a parent?How do children access nature in a Family Day Care Service?What about child protection concerns in Family Day Care?How can I transition out of Long Day Care into Family Day Care?And we bust the myth that you can’t make a profit as a family day care service. So let’s welcome Victoria to the show!We know as a parents, making the choice between Long Day Care, Family Day Care and Kindy can be a hard choice. Hopefully today’s episode with Victoria will answer a few of your burning questions and give you some tips on what to look out for in any service. And if you’re an educator listening today, we hope it answers some questions you have around why you might choose to become a Family Day Care provider and what to look for when joining a service. As always, we love your thoughts, feedback and questions, so feel free to DM us with any questions you may have over on our Raising Wildlings Instagram.Stay wild!

Send us a textWhat if you could launch a thriving nature play business without breaking the bank? Most of you listening are nature loving hands-on type people. So when you’re thinking about starting a Nature Play business of your own, you might feel really confident in the Nature Play side of things but terrified of the day-to-day running of business. The other thing that worries people is the cost of start-up. So in this episode, we thought we’d tackle these two problems in one hit and give you a list of free, easy to use software programs to get you started on your Wild Business journey.

Send us a textCan a name shape the way we connect with nature through education? On this episode of Raising Wildlings, we are joined by the insightful (and soon-to-be Dr) Amanda England, as we unpack the nuances behind terms such "Forest School," "Nature Play," and "Bush Kinder," and discuss how these names reflect the unique environments and philosophies they represent.Amanda shares her rich experiences from Europe, offering a global perspective on how these programs are practiced differently. We also delve into the importance of place-responsiveness, especially within the diverse landscapes of Australia, and debate the necessity of a unified term for nature-based education.We also explore the essential elements of a shared Nature Play philosophy and the strides made towards unifying various nature play bodies in Australia, and touch on the challenges of maintaining a genuine commitment to child-directed play, beyond just marketing allure.We encourage our listeners to join us in this lively debate over terminology and contribute your thoughts and innovative ideas. Get ready to rethink how we name and perceive Nature Play!

Send us a textAre you grappling with the fear of cease and desist letters or the anxiety of operating your nature play business in legal grey zones? Get ready to arm yourself with essential insights and practical advice that can help you stay compliant and successful in this challenging landscape. We'll help you understand where your business fits within outdoor recreation, education, and environmental education and clarify how these definitions impact your regulatory obligations. By focusing on the purpose, age group, and structure of your programs, you’ll learn how to navigate the often complex regulatory landscape effectively and ensure your nature play business thrives without legal hurdles.

Send us a textHave you ever felt crushed by criticism from a parent, especially when you're pouring your heart into your business? We've been there. This week, we share our emotional journey as nature play program facilitators, discussing how initially taking negative feedback to heart, evolved into seeing it as a critical avenue for growth. By reframing criticism and using it to reaffirm our beliefs and improve communication, we’ve developed a more resilient mindset that empowers us to turn critiques into valuable learning experiences.We also dive into the significance of clearly articulating the value and philosophy behind our nature programs to parents. Discover how emphasizing the intangible benefits—like fostering deep flow states and promoting non-traditional learning—can help parents appreciate the true impact on their children. Balancing feedback while staying true to our mission is key, and we explain why being explicit about our program’s offerings attracts the right participants. Join us for an insightful conversation on navigating feedback, maintaining authenticity, and ensuring that those who genuinely align with our goals thrive within our program.

Send us a textThis is part one of a two part episode! You can find Part one over at The Forest School Podcast - we suggest you jump over and start there if you haven't listened to part one yet!⁠⁠And don't forget to give them a follow on their socials here:The Forest School Podcast InstagramThe Forest School Podcast FacebookChildren of the Forest UK InstagramWhat happens when educators step out of their comfort zones and embrace diverse perspectives? Get ready for an insightful and playful conversation with Lewis Ames and Gemma Southerden of the Forest School Podcast as we explore the journey of lifelong learning in education. We dive into the benefits and challenges of continuous professional development and reveal the importance of breaking free from our echo chambers. By engaging with diverse cultures we uncover how these experiences enrich our understanding and teaching practices. Navigating discomfort and fostering meaningful conversations is a crucial part of professional growth. Together, we address the complexities of Australia's history and the fear of making mistakes due to white fragility. By promoting transparency and the willingness to ask questions, we discuss how educators and business owners can support those with less capacity for continual learning. Creating accessible content like podcasts and handouts is just one way to facilitate these challenging yet necessary conversations, paving the way for significant change and understanding.Balancing business partnerships with personal values can be a tightrope walk, but it doesn't have to be daunting. Inspired by principles from Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication," we delve into the art of navigating difficult conversations and the concept of shadow values. Reflecting on the dual nature of personal strengths, we discuss how self-care, validation, and community support are vital in maintaining our passion for business and family. Join us for a heartfelt reflection on reenergizing our entrepreneurial spirits through mutual support, creativity, and a shared commitment to lifelong learning.