The Playful Den Podcast (Exploring the power of play in contemporary culture )

In this episode Emma interviews Ellie Gibson, video game journalist and one half of the comedy duo Scummy Mummies. They discuss why so many parents are fearful of gaming and how having some hands on experience of gaming can help parents understand their kids' gaming habits in more depth. Emma and #producerhusband Ben also discuss Ben's big purchase of a leaf blower and consider starting 'couples gaming' evenings.

In this episode Emma and Ben go deep on their woes with domestic appliances. Emma has invented a new drink suitable for WWE wrestlers. Amy from The Adventure Project joins the pod to talk about 'adult recess' and how she uses laughter yoga as a tool of self discovery and learning.

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

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

Strap in for a silly-fuelled episode as Ben and Ems spiral into madness as they work through their 'domestic dilemmas'. How will Emma win her war on ants? Will Ben be able to cope with the new bleach-free cleaning products? To continue the lols and laughter Emma interviews social media comedian Chris Hall as they unpick when and why he started to put comedic pieces online and how social media has made comedy more democratic. And finally the fax machine beeps again as Emma and Ben discuss a listener question about kids and super hero play. Christopher Hall TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@chrxstopherhall? Christopher Hall Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chrxstopher.hall/?hl=en

Emma and Ben are back discussing their new domestic dilemma - fridge stink. This weeks guest is Hannah Saunders founder of Big Fish Little Fish - a family rave experience. Hannah describes her personal experience of being in the 'playground' of the rave scene and how she's switched career to bring the magic and freedom of rave culture into the family space. Emma and Ben also answer some new faxes and discuss why dad's do/don't make play dates and go deep on how their parenting style has changed with a 10 year age gap. Go to a Big Fish Little Fish rave - https://www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com/

Emma and Ben are back! Emma interviews author and photographer Kate T Parker discussing her cult followed books Strong is the New Pretty and Heart of Boy. They discuss photography and the benefits of sport and team play in childhood. Follow Kate on IG @katetparker Follow Emma on IG @playful_den Follow Ben in IG @BenFlyingRetro

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Adam Lewis is a social entrepreneur and changemaker focused on using play and sport to drive social justice and build equitable communities around the United States. Adam is currently serving a 3-year term as an Appointed Advisor to the Portland, OR Parks and Recreation Bureau Board. Prior to that he founded and served as the Managing Director of Street Soccer USA-Portland, oversaw strategy at the USA’s largest athletic club, led the social impact legacy strategy for INEOS at the World Athletics Championships OR22 and was selected as a Fellow with the New Leaders Council. As an advocate for the power of play, Adam has ‘talked’ about play and empathy at TEDx, delivered a Keynote Address at the 2022 NLC Convention, was the Major League Soccer Portland Timbers Community MVP Award winner, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation Impact Award winner, and has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today and the Oregonian. Website: https://www.adam-lewis.co/ Insta: @adamisador

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

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

Emma dives headlong into some playful chat, this week focusing on something that the whole world seems to have gone crazy for right now.…nostalgia!

In a bid to understand more about this fascinating topic, Emma talks to Clay Routledge, PhD, who is the Vice President of Research and Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute. Clay is also the co-editor of Profectus (a periodic magazine on human progress and flourishing), and the co-host of The Profectus Podcast. Clay shares insights from his new book Past Forward which explores compelling science and valuable practices for mindfully using nostalgia to live a more grounded, connected, and purposeful life

In this episode, Emma and Clay discuss (with timestamps):

00:00 - Introductions

03:05 - Being a ‘latch key’ kid

07.35 - The free range parenting movement

12:35 - Are some generations more infatuated with nostalgia?

18:43 - What do we get from nostalgia?

20:50 - The use of nostalgia as a way to make you feel younger

24:40 - The difference between memory and nostalgia

28:35 - Portals for nostalgia (attaching meaning)

35:19 - Aesthetic nostalgia (is the world too sterile now?)

39:21 - Historial nostalgia vs personal nostalgia

43:42 - Savouring moments

47:04 - Stimuli that encourage nostalgia

53:15 - Looking to the past for ideas

55:14 - How does nostalgia help us to live a meaningful life?

You can find more of Clay’s work by checking out the following links:

www.archbridgeinstitute.org

www.clayroutledge.com

X - @clayroutledge

We have a change of pace for you today. We’re going somewhat technical (don’t worry, it’s all understandable!) as Emma invites onto the show, Dr Hilary Marusak to talk about the brain and how it can relate to play or more specifically in movement based activity. We’re peeling back the layers and brain science of the ‘runners high’ how it happens and how to get it (not just from running!)

Dr. Marusak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine in Detroit Michigan where she directs the WSU THINK Lab, which focuses on characterising the impact of stress and trauma during childhood on brain development in children and adolescents.

In this episode, Emma and Hilary discuss (with timestamps):

00:00 - Introductions

03:03 - Losing childhood curiosity / keeping playfulness

05:35 - The Cannabinoid system

12:24 - What impact does exercise have on this system?

14:01 - The runner’s ‘high’

14:54 - Endorphins vs Cannabinoids

16:38 - Emma explains her definition of play

19:24 - Does play have an impact on the brain?

21:12 - Playful movement & Freedom play

26:03 - Matching movement to psychological benefits

29:43 - Natural high vs Drug induced high

35:04 - Exercise as a tool for helping with trauma exposure

37:06 - Is movement undervalued in everyday life?

38:38 - Free play vs Structured exercise

42:14 - Tips for natural movement based highs

To find out more about Hilary, check out the links below:

https://psychiatry.med.wayne.edu/profile/eq0200

X - @hmarusak

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 - Intro

01:17 - Taking play into ‘non-playful situations

02:34 - The role of play in those situations

05:12 - Play is a ‘right’ for children

05:37 - Life before The Flying Seagulls

06:44 - Style of play (clowning)

08:21 - How is clowning different to acting?

12:34 - Universal hypnotism

15:02 - Duck duck goose

18:57 - Expectation layering

22:30 - Getting kids to play

25:53 - Performance intimidation

30:49 - The science and magic of play

36:02 - Play in mainstream education

40:20 - Izzy’s childhood playtime

41:43 - Work play vs Down time play

43:05 - Tips for integrating clowning into everyday life

To find out more about The Flying Seagulls and all the great work they do, use the link below:

https://www.theflyingseagullproject.com

Emma speaks to Bristol’s Anna Jackson, a style consultant who challenges clients with her mantra, “Don’t be scared of how you look!”.

Anna offers services in colour analysis, wardrobe consultation and personal shopping as well as organising fashion shows whilst remembering that life is always a fashion parade! This episode is about having fun with clothes and how life is too short not to wear the things!

In this episode, Emma and Anna discuss (with timestamps):

00:00 - Introductions

07:00 - Dopamine dressing & making others feel happy

10:00 - Not being scared of how you look

12:00 - Colouring outside your box

15:20 - Colour analysis

18:28 - Confidence in dressing

19:30 - What a stylist does

23:24 - Lockdown loungewear

24:36 - Thoughts on trends

28:52 - Rediscovering style during motherhood

Follow Anna on Instagram:

@alwaysafashionparade

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

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.