PODCAST · kids
Raising Wildlings
by Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell
Welcome to Raising Wildlings, a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. Each week, we’ll be interviewing experts that truly inspire us, to answer your parenting and education questions. We’ll also be sharing stories from some incredible families that took the leap, and are taking the road less travelled. Whether you’re a parent looking for tips on how to better handle those sibling squabbles and tantrums, a couple searching for ways to create more freedom within your family’s lifestyle, an educator keen to explore alternative schooling models and how children learn, a father keen to delve into respectful parenting philosophies, or a mother wanting to learn more about why play is so important and how to get children outdoors safely, then this is the podcast for you. Each week you’ll get tried and tested tactics from parenting, play and education experts to help you on your journey towards creating the happies
Episodes
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From Australia to Tuscany: Embracing a Boundless Life of World Schooling with Denise Georges
Send us Fan Mail How does a single mum from Australia's Sunshine Coast end up world schooling in Tuscany? Denise Georges shares her courageous leap from skepticism about homeschooling to embracing world schooling in the beautiful countryside of Italy. After losing her job during the pandemic,...
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From Science to Business: A Nature Play Adventure with Courtney Sullivan of WildPlay Co
Send us Fan Mail Courtney Sullivan, the founder of Wild Play Co., joins us to share her journey from academia to entrepreneurship. Inspired by her background in exercise science and concern over youth's sedentary lifestyles, she embarked on creating a nature play business, WildPlay Co, in…
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What is Forest School?
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to foster a deeper connection between children and the natural world? On this episode of Raising Wildlings, we sit down with soon-to-be Dr. Amanda England, an expert in nature play philosophy and pedagogy, currently pursuing her PhD in Australia. Amanda...
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Fostering Family Connections and Resilience Through Outdoor Education with Kristi Bryant
Send us Fan Mail What does it take to create meaningful outdoor experiences for families? Join us as we sit down with Kristi Bryant, passionate outdoor and environmental educator behind Bushwalking Mama. Kristi opens up about her journey in documenting and inspiring family-friendly outdoor...
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Big Hearted Education: Creating Connections Through Family Daycare with Victoria Edmond
Send us Fan Mail Curious about the world of Family Day Care and how it might be the perfect fit for your child? Join us as we sit down with Victoria Edmond of Big Hearted Education and Rainbow Bridge Family Daycare Service. Victoria takes us through her inspiring journey from long daycare...
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The Software Programs We Recommend for Wild Businesses at Start-Up
Send us Fan Mail What if you could launch a thriving nature play business without breaking the bank? Most of you listening are nature loving hands-on type people. So when you’re thinking about starting a Nature Play business of your own, you might feel really confident in the Nature Play side of...
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What's in a Name? Forest School, Nature Play or Bush Kindy? Insights from Amanda England
Send us Fan Mail Can a name shape the way we connect with nature through education? On this episode of Raising Wildlings, we are joined by the insightful (and soon-to-be Dr) Amanda England, as we unpack the nuances behind terms such "Forest School," "Nature Play," and "Bush Kinder," and discuss…
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Thriving in the Legal Landscape of Nature Play
Send us Fan Mail Are you grappling with the fear of cease and desist letters or the anxiety of operating your nature play business in legal grey zones? Get ready to arm yourself with essential insights and practical advice that can help you stay compliant and successful in this challenging...
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Turning Criticism into Growth: Navigating Feedback and Articulating Value in Nature Play Programs
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt crushed by criticism from a parent, especially when you're pouring your heart into your business? We've been there. This week, we share our emotional journey as nature play program facilitators, discussing how initially taking negative feedback to heart…
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Lifelong Learning, Challenging Conversations, and Reenergizing Business: Insights from the Forest School Podcast
Send us Fan Mail This is part one of a two part episode! You can find Part one over at The Forest School Podcast - we suggest you jump over and start there if you haven't listened to part one yet! And don't forget to give them a follow on their socials here: The Forest School Podcast Instagram...
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Unmasking Neurodiversity: Jane McFadden's Journey Through ADHD, Autism, and Parenting
Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative journey of Jane McFadden, a former psychologist and founder of ADHD Mums, as she shares her late ADHD and autism diagnoses. Jane's candid recollection of the challenges she faced as a mother of three, and the realization of her neurodivergence when her...
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Embracing the Magic of Stick Play with Wildlings Forest School
Send us Fan Mail Ever reminisced about the simple joys of childhood when a stick wasn't just a stick but a sword, a wand, or a companion on countless adventures? In today's episode, Nicki and Vicci will unravel the hidden developmental treasures found in stick play and how adults can prioritise...
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Navigating Sex Education As Parents with Cath Hakanson
Send us Fan Mail It's time to gain the confidence to flex your 'uncomfortable muscles' and become an agent of positive change in your family's life – because when it comes to sex education, silence is not an option. This week we're chatting with Cath Hakanson, mother, sex educator, and founder of...
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Why Communities Need Creativity with Rosie Ricketson
Send us Fan Mail Rosie Ricketson is a mother and award-winning creative producer passionate about maternal well-being. With a background in the arts, Rosie curates community-led experiences and projects with a vision for a more connected world. In this episode, Rosie shares: 🌱Her Thoughts...
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2023 End of Year Wrap Up
Send us Fan Mail As we close the chapter on an incredible year of growth and connection, our latest podcast episode takes you through a heartfelt journey of our key milestones, mistakes and goals for the new year. Somehow during this time, we have hit an astonishing 420,000 downloads and…
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Respecting the Wild Heart of Child Development with Gill Howarth
Send us Fan Mail We're back, baby! Kicking off the 2024 season of the Raising Wildlings Podcast with our friend and fellow business owner Gill Howarth from Born Wise Education. Gill always brings her wisdom to the table and it's great to have her back for an in-depth discussion on what raising...
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Breaking Educational Boundaries with Dr. Naomi Fisher
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever questioned the traditional education system and its one-size-fits-all approach? If so, this episode is a must-listen as clinical psychologist and education advocate Dr. Naomi Fisher embarks on a deep discussion about alternative pathways to learning. Dr Naomi Fisher...
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Honouring Land and First Nations Traditions with Tiffany Gesler from Sow & Nurtured
Send us Fan Mail Are you curious about how to reconnect with your inner wisdom and that of the land, seasons, and cycles? Today we are in conversation with the wonderful Tiffany Gesler, a proud Gunggari woman passionate about connecting people to their own nature. Tiffany is a seasoned early…
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Stepping Out Of The Classroom With Leanne Webster From Wild Gully
Send us Fan Mail Stepping out of the mainstream education system and into the business world is equal parts daunting and exhilarating. In today's episode, we are talking with one of our founding Your Wild Business students Leanne Webster who has created a community and connection in Bundaberg QLD...
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Unveiling the Truth About Natural Play Spaces
Send us Fan Mail Ever thought you couldn't run a Nature Play program because your site isn't postcard-worthy? Newsflash: Picturesque beaches, a bubbling creek, or a lush rainforest are pretty but they are not essential for your Nature Play program. We repeat they are not essential. Today we are...
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Navigating The Muddy Waters Of Insurance with Nicki Farrell & Vicci Oliver
Send us Fan Mail "If nature is free and play is free... Then why would I need to pay $ to insure my Nature Play session? " 😱 - Us Yes, that was our actual faces when we heard someone was running a Nature Play session WITHOUT insurance. Not only does this kind of dodgy practice risk people's...
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'Not This': Leaving Discontent Behind - Nicki's Moment of Change
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're screaming internally, "Not this!"? You're not alone. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's empowering post, this episode delves into Nicki's process of courageously saying ,'Not this,' and stepping away from situations that no...
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Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood: Gill Howarth's Journey to Redefining "Success"
Send us Fan Mail How do you define success as a mother and business owner? What does it mean to find your threshold of "enoughness"? We are back this week with Gill Howarth, owner of Bornwise Education, as she uncovers her journey through the peaks and valleys of motherhood and entrepreneurship....
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Trusting Instincts in Teaching and Business: A Conversation with Gill Howarth
Send us Fan Mail Do you ever wonder what it takes to start a business while wrestling with the complexities of parenting young children? Join us as we delve deep into the journey of Gill Howarth, the founder of Born Wise Education, who remarkably embarked on her entrepreneurial expedition during...
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Carving Your Niche: Untapped Potentials in the Nature Play Industry
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to package your passion for nature into a profitable venture? This week we're uncovering the untapped potentials in the Nature Play industry and translating your unique gifts into a viable business. We'll walk you through the diverse niches in the industry, from...
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Mastering the Art of Education and Community Involvement with Narelle Dawson
Send us Fan Mail Get ready to be inspired as we journey into the heart of an exceptional early childhood education center with Narelle Dawson, the esteemed Director of Bribe Island Community Kindy. Narelle offers rare insights into leading a team that's been rated excellent four times in a row, a...
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Unlocking the Power of Wild Business Partnerships With Nicki Farrell and Vicci Oliver
Send us Fan Mail Buckle up! We are spilling our secrets on how collaborations have been a game-changer in our Wild Play business and how they can be for you too! Ever wondered what makes a partnership thrive? Let us share our experience in business partnerships and what we'd do differently if we...
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Building Community through Education: Woodline Primary's Success Story
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how an educational institution could place well-being at the heart of its ethos and practice? Join us for an eye-opening talk with Claire Bartlett, the founding Principal of Woodline Primary, as we discuss its journey from ideation to a growing community of...
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Beyond the Playground: Insights With Dr Peter Gray (Part Two)
Send us Fan Mail While playtime might seem straightforward, it's fraught with challenges and nuances that parents often overlook. In this podcast, we are joined again by researcher, author, and Professor Dr Peter Gray and today we are unraveling the intricacies of play and its influence on a...
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Play, Learn, Grow: Insights from Dr. Peter Gray
Send us Fan Mail Prepare to be captivated by this deep dive into the world of childhood play. In our latest episode, we have the esteemed pleasure of welcoming back Dr Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. With an impressive track record of studying...
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The Power Of Loose Parts Play With Dr Carla Gull
Send us Fan Mail The transformative power of parenthood gives many of us a renewed passion for the importance of advocating for our children's play needs. Today’s guest is no different, Dr. Carla Gull is an academic researcher, speaker, and environmental education program facilitator at Goshen...
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From Boys To Men With Dr Arne Rubenstein
Send us Fan Mail Today, we are delighted to have Dr Arne Rubenstein back to answer your questions about the role of father figures and how to maintain meaningful connections during a boy's journey toward adulthood. Dr Arne is the CEO and Founder of the Rites of Passage Institute. He has over 30...
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Alone with Dr Kate Grarock
Send us Fan Mail Dr Kate Grarock is an Ecologist, Hiker, YouTube Creator, passionate storyteller, Mum and most recently, a participant on the incredibly popular SBS TV show, Alone Australia. Today, we’ll be talking all about her time on the survival show, the best and hardest parts, and her…
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Put on Your Sensory Goggles with Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill
Send us Fan Mail At forest school, we often talk about how nature play is so important for our sensory development, but did you know that many of the developmental and behavioural challenges we see in children stem from our nervous system? In today's episode we scratch the surface of sensory...
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Bringing Play into Schools with Sarah Aiono
Send us Fan Mail Today we’re chatting to Sarah Aiono, international speaker, coach, teacher, researcher, CEO of Longworth Education and one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading play pedagogy experts all about the biological need for all humans to play, the need for us as parents and educators to…
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Low Demand Parenting with Amanda Diekman
Send us Fan Mail If you’re anything like us, the title of today’s episode, “Low Demand Parenting”, made you take a hopeful gasp and wonder if low-demand parenting could actually work for your family and take some of the weight and pressure of parenting off of your chest. Well, after chatting with...
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How Biophilic Design Connects Us All - With Emma Healy & David Pratt
Send us Fan Mail What do you feel when you walk into a perfectly instagrammable Early Years setting, or when you see an education space wrapped in artificial turf? Today we’re chatting with husband and wife duo, architects and owners of Landings Studio, Emma Healy and David Pratt all about...
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It Takes A Village To Run A Forest School with Amanda England
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever been to one of our Brisbane Forest School sessions, you may have been lucky enough to meet today’s guest, Amanda England. Amanda is our Brisbane manager, friend, and business partner. On today’s podcast, Amanda is sharing her journey from preschool teacher to...
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The Journey Home With Nicki Farrell
Send us Fan Mail One of the biggest reasons for starting our own business was to be able to jump at opportunities when adventure called. It’s a great privilege to be able to do this and it’s not something we take for granted. This week on the podcast we are diving into Nicki’s recent unplanned...
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Are Your Kids Free Range? with Lenore Skenazy
Send us Fan Mail Imagine being labeled America’s worst mother just because you made the conscious decision to allow your child to experience some independence. If you haven’t heard Lenore Skenazy’s story or read her book Free Range Kids, today’s episode is a great introduction to the Free Range...
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Dizzy Heights & How To Help Children Down
Send us Fan Mail Issac Newton once said “What goes up must come down”, but what on Earth are we supposed to do when children climb up too high and call out for help? Recently, we’ve witnessed several occurrences where tiny climbers reach great heights only to get stuck when it comes to getting…
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Tree climbing, the forgotten playground.
Send us Fan Mail Tree climbing has always been a rite of passage. Whether it was the mango tree in the backyard or the massive jacaranda at the local park. Where there were trees…. there were children hanging from the branches. At least, that’s what is why like in our own childhood. But did you...
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If children’s work is play, what are the “right tools” for the job?
Send us Fan Mail ❌Newsflash: Risky Play isn’t as simple as giving children the old hammer from the rusty toolbox in the garage. In fact, doing that will probably cause more accidents and set everyone up for a negative experience. We used to think that ‘any’ hand tool was better than none....…
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Is Fashion Stifling Childhood?
Send us Fan Mail "Look, it has pockets!" said the child as they emptied the rocks, shells, and leaves from the pockets of their new skirt. And we have to admit, as grown women, we too have twirled in excitement when FINALLY finding a dress or skirt that can fit our wallets, phones, and car keys…
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Nature Education in Aotearoa with Celia Hogan
Send us Fan Mail Sometimes in life you meet people who’s experience and inspiration mirrors your own and that is what I feel about my guest today. Celia Hogan is the founder of Little Kiwis in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and we shared such a rich and inspiring chat today which I think you are going to...
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If You Don't Play with Fire, You WILL Get Burnt with Nicki and Vicci
Send us Fan Mail You’ve all heard the saying, ‘If you play with fire, you’re going to get burnt,' well we have another saying at Wildlings, and that’s, ‘If you don't play with fire you WILL get burnt.’ Today’s episode is all about why we must teach children fire safety. 👉 Nicki and Vicci Share:...
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Are You A 'Play Worker' Or 'Play Working' With Marc Armitage
Send us Fan Mail Imagine making play your life’s work. In today’s podcast, I talk with professional playworker and child advocate, Marc Armitage, who has done just that. We are chatting all about the role of adults and he asks us what is our agenda when it comes to providing play opportunities…
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The Nature School Revolution with Joanna Griffith
Send us Fan Mail Nature schools are on the rise here in Australia and around the world and I am not just talking about Forest Schools like Wildlings. These schools have to follow Australian Curriculum, but are prioritising getting kids outside! Today I want to introduce Joanna Griffith from...
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Your Mind on Music with Allison Davies - Part 2
Send us Fan Mail Honestly, our kids get a rough go. What we often expect of them at a young age can far outweigh what their brain can actually manage — and we don’t even realise we’re doing it! Today we’re finishing our chat with Allison Davies. Today we’re chatting about the importance of...
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Our Minds on Music with Allison Davies - PART 1
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat to former Neurologic Music Therapist Allison who stepped out of the allied health system after 16 years, and now focuses on enacting societal change by dismantling harmful musical myths. To get a sense of what Alli is all about, I thought I’d read one of...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Raising Wildlings, a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. Each week, we’ll be interviewing experts that truly inspire us, to answer your parenting and education questions. We’ll also be sharing stories from some incredible families that took the leap, and are taking the road less travelled. Whether you’re a parent looking for tips on how to better handle those sibling squabbles and tantrums, a couple searching for ways to create more freedom within your family’s lifestyle, an educator keen to explore alternative schooling models and how children learn, a father keen to delve into respectful parenting philosophies, or a mother wanting to learn more about why play is so important and how to get children outdoors safely, then this is the podcast for you. Each week you’ll get tried and tested tactics from parenting, play and education experts to help you on your journey towards creating the happies
HOSTED BY
Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Raising Wildlings have?
Raising Wildlings currently has 182 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Raising Wildlings about?
Welcome to Raising Wildlings, a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. Each week, we’ll be interviewing experts that truly inspire us, to answer your parenting and education questions. We’ll also be sharing stories from...
How often does Raising Wildlings release new episodes?
Raising Wildlings publishes regularly with 182 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Raising Wildlings?
You can listen to Raising Wildlings on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Raising Wildlings?
Raising Wildlings is created and hosted by Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell.
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