Ep 2 | Who the Heck is Rusty Keeler?!

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