Play is serious stuff. It’s how kids make sense of the world, grow their brains, build friendships, and show us their natural brilliance. When we step back and let play lead, magic happens. 

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, we’re celebrating the joy, wisdom, and wildness of children’s play, just as it is. Host Rusty Keeler sits down with Deb Curtis, a longtime champion of childhood and co-author of The Art of Awareness. With stories straight from the classroom and a heart full of curiosity, Deb reminds us that children are already wired for empathy, fairness, and deep learning—no adult scripts required.

Here are three big takeaways from the conversation with Deb:

Make sure to check out the YouTube video where Deb and Rusty discuss pictures of toddler play and playscapes from Deb's program over the years: youtube.com/watch?v=O2BG239oqYs

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Play is not just fun—it’s essential. It’s how children explore, create, stumble, and soar. It’s how they learn to be brave, solve problems, and build their world. 

In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, we dig into the deep roots of play and why letting kids run wild (in a good way!) may be the most important thing we do for their growing brains.

Rusty is joined by Dr. Peter Gray—play researcher, freedom fighter, and author of Free to Learn. Peter is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College, but he speaks fluent playground. He talks about what real play looks like, why it’s fading from childhood, and how that’s affecting kids everywhere. 

Spoiler: play isn’t optional. It’s nature’s secret weapon.

Top three takeaways from part one with Peter Gray:

Come back for part 2 with Peter Gray on an upcoming episode of the Play Nature Podcast! 

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Ready to splash, dig, and grow your way through summer? What if a simple water fight could bring more joy than screen time? And who says adults don’t need nature-play too?

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler with his feet in the creek, shares five favorite ways to get outside and feel the season. Think water play, plant love, melting ice, and loose parts. These aren't just kids' ideas—they’re for the whole family (yes, grown-ups included). There’s even a surprise bonus tip for the truly wild-hearted.

So gather your buckets, your sticks, and your curiosity. Whether you're growing basil or just growing memories, this episode will inspire you to turn off the screens and turn up the wonder. Dirt optional, joy guaranteed.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

“We have really strong relationships with our children and our families, and that's what allows the adventures to come.” --Cameron Sprauge, Head of Nurseries-Stramash Social Enterprise

What if the secret to raising resilient, creative, confident kids was… play? Real play. Outdoors. With sticks, mud, and a whole lot of autonomy. 

In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast host Rusty Keeler and his guest get curious about how wild play spaces help children build skills for life—and why a scraped knee might just be part of the plan.

Meet Cameron Sprague: nature play champion, outdoor educator, and all-around muddy-booted legend. From the forests of Scotland to the joyful chaos of Stramash Outdoor Nurseries, Cameron shares stories from his journey into nature-based education. Together they 

Rusty and Cameron talk about planting trees, trusting children, building with pallets, embracing risk, and growing outdoor play from the ground up. They share visions for a world where children belong outside—rain or shine.

Top 3 muddy gems from Episode 9:

Catch the conversation where Cameron and I look at some pictures of his original "field of dreams" on my YouTube channel @rustykeeler: youtube.com/watch?v=n0UFbz8Or-4

Links and Resources:

Balance and Barefoot by Angela J. Hanscom

Follow Cameron @cameronsprague on Facebook &  X | @Cameronsprague02 on IG

Puddle Patter with Stramash Outdoor Nurseries on Spotify

vimeo.com/stramashoutdoor

ISO 4980:2023(en)

Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment

20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul

Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step back and trust that children know exactly what they’re doing.”   --Phoebe Wyllyamz, Playworker 

What if someone told you the best way to build life skills isn’t through flashcards or structured schedules—but through play? Real, messy, child-led, joyful play. 

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler introduces us to Phoebe Wyllyamz––a play work advocate, early childhood educator, and all-around childhood champion from the Catskills of New York.

Together they explore playwork, risky play, children’s rights, farts, freedom, and why the best grownups in play spaces don’t manage––they listen. It’s time to trust kids with autonomy and a little bit of risk to help them grow into confident, resilient humans. Doesn’t that sound magical? It kind of is.

Phoebe brings years of experience from Woodland Playhouse and shares insights from her upcoming book, An Invitation to Play. She’s here to remind us that kids don’t need us to micromanage their play. They need us to trust them.

Top 3 Takeaways from Episode 8: 

Resources Mentioned:

Sword battle at Phoebe’s Play Pod video

Follow Phoebe @playphoebe

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

This episode of Play Nature Podcast is bringing Rusty’s motto “Dream Big, Start Small, Never Stop” to life. Rusty is once again out in nature––with birds chirping and leaves crunching, we dive into how his mantra can guide not just life choices, but the design of amazing outdoor play spaces too.

You’ll hear stories from the field—both personal and professional—as we explore what it really means to start small. Think: tiny hills, cozy sand pits, and simple additions that spark BIG joy. It's all about planning with heart, taking the first (sometimes muddy) step, and sticking with it—even when the weeds grow faster than the dreams.

If your dreams involve plotting a backyard makeover or dreaming of a community wonderland, you’ll find tools, tips, and a whole lot of encouragement to get started. 

Let’s play!

Resources Mentioned:

20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul FREE Download

Nature Play Design Masterclass

10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Get ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of loose parts! Loose parts include the simplest stuff––think hula hoops to plastic dinos, boards to bottle caps. 

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler takes us outside and into the magic of child-led creativity. Rusty shows us how all the stuff thats just laying around can spark the biggest adventures.

Rusty includes his “a-ha” moment about loose parts and explains how loose parts boost everything from wiggly muscles to big imaginations. We're talking brain growth, body movement, teamwork, and feelings—all powered by a pile of "junk" (aka treasure). It’s development disguised as fun!

What will it cost to incorporate loose parts? Almost nothing! Rusty shares smart, budget-friendly tips to gather loose parts without spending a dime. 

Plus, stay tuned to the end to hear answers to real listener questions like “Where do I start?” and “Is this gonna break the bank?”

FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Outdoor Loose Parts Course

10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]

Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Get ready to tumble, climb, and maybe even take a little leap! In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty talks all about risky play. What is it? Why does it matter? And how can a scraped knee actually be a win? 

Rusty introduces the six types of risky play and explores our role as adults in letting it happen organically and free of hazards. He leads us to balance freedom with safety and find the line between letting go and stepping in. 

Rusty includes real-life examples and thoughtful insights to help us see how risky play builds resilience, sharpens decision-making, and boosts confidence—without tossing caution completely to the wind.

Stay tuned through the end to hear listener questions centered around Risky Play. Rusty tackles the tricky topic of setting boundaries, knowing when to say no. And he answers a question about how to chat with licensing bodies who might raise an eyebrow at all this free-range fun. 

Bottom line? Kids need room to roam, and it’s up to us grownups to create that space—safely, smartly, and with a whole lot of heart.

Resources Mentioned:

ellenbeatehansensandseter.com

10 Ways to Support Risky Play FREE Download

Risky Play Roundtable Online Course

10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Play is serious business! In this episode, Rusty Keeler takes us on a delightful stroll to explore why play matters so much for kids. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty explains the ultimate question, what is play?

He talks all about how play should be wild, wonderful, and a little muddy. No instructions needed—just curiosity, imagination, and maybe a hot bowl of “soup” from the mud kitchen.

Rusty shares thoughts on how play is freely chosen, personally directed, and fueled by that irresistible spark of joy. He talks about why it’s crucial for kids of all ages to experience both unstructured play and a little bit of chaos. Forget the rigid academic expectations—turns out, digging in the dirt and building forts might just be what lays the groundwork for future learning. 

Stay tuned to the end to hear listener questions answered. Today’s questions cover hill slides and tree cookies. 

This episode is your gentle reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for kids is stand back and let them play. Listen, share, and play on!

Are you enjoying the Play Nature Podcast with Rusty Keeler? Help others find the simple answer of play by rating, reviewing, and sharing an episode with a fellow parent, educator, or lover of mud puddles.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Want to ditch the plastic jungle gyms and bring a little wild back to playtime? Good news--it’s easier than you think!

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler shares his passion for natural playscapes — think trees to climb, logs to balance on, and mud to squish. It’s all about giving kids the freedom to explore, take risks, and spark their imaginations.

Rusty describes the magic of nature play, risky play, and loose parts play. He’s got tips on how to design spaces that celebrate your local environment, whether that’s a backyard adventure zone or a school playground makeover. He even gives tips for safety concerns and licensing hurdles.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Rusty’s got easy projects to try, from planting a tree to building a garden bed. So, grab the kiddos, head outside, and start creating a space where nature and play go hand in hand. 

Why? Because the best playgrounds are the ones Mother Nature designed.

Rusty’s motto is Dream big. Start small. Never stop. Share this episode with someone else that has a backyard waiting to be adventure-fied.

At the end of this episode Rusty answers questions about making natural playscapes in the desert, how to store all those loose parts, and what you could say a licensor about pea gravel. Don’t miss it!

Links:

Roxaboxen by Alice McClerran

20 Ways to Create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul

Rusty’s Nature Play Design Masterclass

10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide