“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

Get ready to get to know the one and only Rusty Keeler—podcast host, playground designer, and lover of all things play and nature!

Rusty’s not just about swings and slides; he’s on a mission to bring kids closer to the great outdoors. From his early days in industrial design to becoming a champion for natural play spaces, Rusty’s journey is packed with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of dirt (the good kind!).

As you get to know Rusty in this episode, he takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of playgrounds around the world! He’s seen it all—lush green spaces, buzzing bees, and kids laughing their way through nature-filled fun.

He shares why play is universal, why nature is the best playground of all, and how we can make outdoor spaces both safe and adventurous.

Feeling inspired? That’s exactly what Rusty hopes for! He’s here to encourage YOU: parents, educators, and communities to rethink play spaces and embrace the beauty of natural environments.

So grab a cup of coffee (or step outside for a breath of fresh air!), and let’s dive into the magic of outdoor play!

**Stick around to the end of the episode to hear Rusty answer listener questions! He’s covering bees (Spoiler alert: Kids and bees can totally coexist!), grass vs. turf, and tools for your mud kitchen.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

In a world where children are indoors and on screens more than ever, Rusty’s encouraging words that “it doesn’t take huge things to make a huge difference” make creating meaningful outdoor experiences feel attainable.

As a seasoned playscape designer, Rusty discusses the importance of free play, risky play, and natural experiences in fostering creativity and resilience in children. This episode lays the foundation for future conversations about practical design ideas, inspiring stories, and the philosophy of play. Join Rusty as he invites parents, educators, and designers to rethink childhood and prioritize nature in kids' lives.

Get ready to be inspired and start transforming play—one outdoor play experience at a time!

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs 

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Welcome to the Play Nature Podcast!

Hosted by Rusty Keeler, this is your guide for supporting outdoor play, protecting childhood, and letting kids be kids.

Join Rusty to uncover the wonders of outdoor play and learn what tools you already have to create joyful, natural play experiences for all seasons, all weather, and all children.

Let’s make the world a better place by saying “Yes!” to play.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs