The Playful Den Podcast

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.* Follow Nikki Smedley here to stay up to date with upcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/realtubbylaa/?hl=en This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

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.comThis episode is perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of parenting, interested in child psychology, or simply curious about what helps children and families thrive. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

This episode is all about toys! What's the latest in the toy industry? Are today's toys increasing imagination or fuelling more and more mindless consumerism? Emma dives into these questions and more with Azhelle Wade aka the Toy Coach, a toy industry veteran who now helps inventors take their new ideas to market. This episode is sponsored by Whirli toys the UK's revolutionary toy swap service that challenges the way we purchase toys and sustainable consumerism. Azhelle Wade Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thetoycoach/?hl=en This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

In this episode Emma and Ben discuss a variety of pointlessly playful topics such as - is Nesquik still relevant? Is Stranger Things the best thing our eyes have ever seen? And Ben's hardest life challenge so far - building a playhouse. Emma talks to Racheal Jackson aka Banyan Bridges who shares her story of how her creativity came from a difficult period of post-natal depression and blossomed into something colourfully wonderful, literally spreading joy with her paintbrushes and ideas. https://shop.banyanbridges.com/ Follow Racheal on IG @banyanbridges Follow Playful Den on IG @playful_den Follow Emma on IG @emmaworrollo Follow Ben in IG @BenFlyingRetro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

On this guest episode, Emma is joined by Dr Peter Grey, a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College and author of internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook- Psychology, Worth Publishers, which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier,More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books). Dr Grey also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine and is one of the founders of the nonprofit Alliance for Self-Directed Education and of the nonprofit Let Grow, the mission of which is to renew children’s freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. Read Dr Grey's blog discussed in this episode Play Out, Don't Work Out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/202108/play-out-don-t-work-out This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

In this episode Emma chats to Greg Botrill, teacher, educational thought leader and early years expert. Greg explains how education is so deeply entrenched in politics and the gaps between where we’re at with education today and where kids are going. Greg is passionate about imagination and creativity and shares some of his approaches and introduces Emma to the ‘magic mustard tin’. Greg is the author of three books: Can I Go and Play now? The Magic of Children Love Letters to Play Follow Greg on IG and Twitter - @canigoandplaynow This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

In this episode Emma chats to Kirstie Beaven founder and editor of Sonshine magazine, a publication which focusses on raising boys for a more equal world, by raising a generation of boys who feel able to express their emotions and explore new versions of masculinity. Kirstie @sonshinemagazine This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

On a mission to change the narrative of Special Educational Needs by going right to the top of Government and legislative level; Jo supports children with additional needs, their Parents and Professionals to navigate the health and education systems. Self advocacy and acceptance lie right at the heart of it. Jo is an award winning Consultant Children’s Physiotherapist, Author of number 1 best seller, Equipping SEN Children for Life, and SEN Advocate. She has seen and experienced the barriers to support for SEN children first hand as Mum to Autistic, ADHD children. She runs a hugely successful and pioneering non profit organisation that provides fun, back to nature opportunities for therapy, play and learning. These take place in the great outdoors with a team of gorgeous therapy ponies to enrich children's experiences and enhance development. Jo is a seasoned public speaker featured on stage at national events such as EPOP Early Years Festival, Nursery World Exhibition, the global Bee Inspired event and through national charities such as the Riding For Disabled Association. Her book has supported hundreds of families and professionals to change their approach to the Special Educational Needs Narrative. Instagram: @jo_mc_sen_physio Get a free SEN Parent Toolkit here: https://www.senstorycic.com/opt-in-SEN-toolkit Buy the book: Equipping SEN Children for Life: Changing the Neurodiversity SENStory®️ : McMeechan, Jo: Amazon.co.uk: Books This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

Emma speaks to Canada based Kara Latta aka the Playful Warrior who works with groups, individuals and businesses to help heal perfectionism and self-doubt through play. Kara supports people in their return to play - something that can be a lot more difficult than it sounds - and shares tips for how to reconnect with your inner joyful child through play based activities. Follow Kara @theplayfulwarrior This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

Emma talks to Isobel Wolff, National Director at The Flying Seagulls, who for 15 years have been spreading laughter, play and silliness as far and wide as their net will cast.Isobel is an actor-musician and trained singer and works in both fields. She also works as a pro-bono musician and clown for the Children's Theatre charity and the The Flying Seagull Project, travelling and performing in the UK and internationally. As part of the Flying Seagulls Izzy has taken play into difficult environments and to vulnerable communities. She shares why play isn’t just for when we’re feeling in a good mood but is vital to protect and bring into the darkest of times.On this episode, Emma and Isobel discuss (with timestamps):00:00 - Intro01:17 - Taking play into ‘non-playful situations02:34 - The role of play in those situations05:12 - Play is a ‘right’ for children05:37 - Life before The Flying Seagulls06:44 - Style of play (clowning)08:21 - How is clowning different to acting?12:34 - Universal hypnotism15:02 - Duck duck goose18:57 - Expectation layering22:30 - Getting kids to play25:53 - Performance intimidation30:49 - The science and magic of play36:02 - Play in mainstream education40:20 - Izzy’s childhood playtime41:43 - Work play vs Down time play43:05 - Tips for integrating clowning into everyday lifeTo find out more about The Flying Seagulls and all the great work they do, use the link below:https://www.theflyingseagullproject.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com