PODCAST · education
The Play Base
by PodPopuli Media
Welcome to The Play Date - a podcast where heart meets science, play meets purpose, and conversations build connection. I’m your host, Frances Fishman, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, educator, mom of three, and founder of The Play Base. Each week, we invite you to pull up a chair and join us for real conversations with experts, parents, therapists, and educators who are passionate about helping children thrive. From mental health to ABA, from the classroom to the therapy room—we’re here to learn, laugh, and grow together. Whether you're a parent, professional, or just someone who cares deeply about kids, this podcast is your invitation to explore, understand, and support the beautiful complexity of childhood. So grab your coffee... and let’s have a play date.
Episodes
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Ep. 41 - You Don't Need Fixing: Finding Strength Through Self-Acceptance
What if movement isn't about changing your body—but about coming home to yourself? In this deeply moving episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Brooke Bayliss, yoga and fitness instructor at Yoga Joint, for a conversation that goes far beyond exercise. What began as Frances...
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Ep. 40 - Creativity, Possibility & Bringing a Child’s Imagination to Life with Scott of Budsies
What happens when a child's imagination becomes something they can actually hold in their hands? In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Scott from Budsies, a company that turns children's original artwork into one-of-a-kind stuffed animals. Frances first discovered…
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Ep. 39 - The Healing Power of Play: Why Children Heal When They're Allowed to Simply Be with Dr. Edan Alcalay
Play is often seen as just fun for kids—but what if it's actually one of the most powerful paths to healing? In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, host Frances Fishman talks with clinical psychologist and Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist Dr. Edan Alcalay about the science and heart...
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Ep. 38 - From Despair to Purpose: A Mother's Journey Through Autism, Hope & Healing with Jennifer Leonard
IIn this deeply moving episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances Fishman sits down with Behavioral Consultant Jennifer Leonard for one of the most personal conversations ever shared on the show. Jennifer's journey into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) didn't begin in a classroom — it began as a...
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Ep. 37 - Beyond Self-Defense: How Martial Arts Builds Confidence, Resilience & Character with Sensei Caio
In this inspiring episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances Fishman sits down with Sensei Caio—founder of True Kombat Training—to explore how martial arts can transform far more than physical ability. Together, they discuss the profound impact martial arts has on confidence, emotional regulation,...
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Ep. 36 - From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Finding Community, Purpose & Joy with Lauren Stewart
In this heartfelt episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances Fishman sits down with Lauren Stewart—founder of The Sweet Spectrum and Proud Autism Moms Club—to talk about parenting, neurodiversity, entrepreneurship, community, and the transformative power of understanding. Lauren shares her…
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Ep. 35 - Beyond the Behavior: The Heart, Humanity, and Healing Behind The Play Base
In this deeply personal team episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances Fishman sits down with five members of The Play Base senior team: Jennifer Leonard, Danielle Goodman, Katrina Abutog-Manon, Wendy Dominguez, and Diana Puentes. What begins as a conversation about how each clinician found the...
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Ep. 34 - The Heart Behind The Play Base: Frances Fishman on ABA, Motherhood, Purpose, and Healing
In this special solo episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances Fishman shares the heart behind her work, the story behind The Play Base, and the mission that continues to guide her every day. Frances reflects on her journey into ABA, the children who changed her life, and how play became the...
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Ep. 33 - Finding the Right Path: Education, Creativity, College Counseling, and Parenting with Bekka Goldberg
In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Bekka Goldberg—educator, college counselor, mom, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Blade & Stitch. After first connecting through the South Florida hockey community, Frances and Bekka quickly bonded over their shared passion for...
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Ep. 32 - Understanding the Nervous System from the Inside Out with Dr. Ally Durrieu
In this episode, Frances sits down with Dr. Ally Durrieu, owner of Nature Nurture Chiropractic, for an eye-opening conversation about chiropractic care through a neurological and nervous-system-based lens. Dr. Ally specializes in supporting children and adults with neurodiverse needs, sensory...
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Ep. 31 - One Connection Away: Growth, Purpose, and Leaning In with Liat Horovitz
The Playbase Podcast | Episode with Liat Horovitz, Results Coach & Retreat Facilitator Frances sits down with Liat Horovitz, a results coach, retreat facilitator, and creator of transformational spaces for women, entrepreneurs, and leaders standing on the edge of change. Frances and Liat reflect…
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Ep. 30 - Raising Confident Kids Through Mentorship with Jasmine Eingen
In this inspiring episode, Frances sits down with Jasmine Eingen, founder of Mentorio, a mentorship and personal development brand supporting children's confidence, emotional growth, and mental fitness. Jasmine joins from London to share how Mentorio began in Toronto and has grown into a global...
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Ep. 29 - Finding Alignment, Intimacy, and Joy with Dr. Fay Gersh
In this deeply honest and empowering conversation, Frances sits down with occupational therapist Dr. Fay Gersh to explore motherhood, burnout, intimacy, self-love, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and what it truly means to live in alignment. From immigrating between countries and building...
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Ep. 28 - Building the Foundation First with Paulette Cormier
In this episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with Paulette Cormier to explore the powerful connection between the body, the brain, reflex integration, movement, hearing, regulation, and learning. Paulette shares her journey from teacher and mother to practitioner, beginning with her...
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Ep. 27 - All the World Is a Classroom with Thabatta Mizrahi
In this heart-centered episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with Thabatta Mizrahi, educator, consultant, university lecturer, and strategic educational partnership builder. Thabatta shares how growing up as the oldest sibling in an immigrant family, with two siblings with different...
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Ep. 26 - Finding the Light: Leadership, Resilience, and the Bagpipe Story with Chris D’Angelo
In this powerful episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with Chris D’Angelo, a student leader, athlete, musician, and deeply inspiring young man whose story is a reminder that purpose can be found even in life’s hardest moments. Chris shares the story of tearing his ACL and meniscus...
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Ep. 25 - Raising Little Learners with Melissa Markus, The Kindergarten Mom
In this heartfelt and practical episode, Frances sits down with educator, creator, and content powerhouse Melissa Markus, known online as The Kindergarten Mom. A former dance friend turned inspiring voice for parents and teachers, Melissa shares how her platform began, what continues to drive…
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Ep. 24 - Stop Treating Kids in a Bubble: The Power of Whole-Family Support with Dr. Ryan Seidman
In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Dr. Ryan Seidman- licensed clinical psychologist, clinical director of The Children’s Center, and a true champion for collaborative care. Together, they unpack one of the biggest problems in child treatment today: support happening…
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Ep. 23 - More Than the Game: Coaching, Identity, and Finding Your Purpose with Nikita Krivokrasov
In this deeply moving episode, Frances sits down with hockey coach Nikita Krivokrasov for a conversation that goes far beyond the ice. Together, they explore identity, resilience, failure, purpose, and what it truly means to impact others. Nikita shares his personal journey through the highs and...
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Ep. 22 - From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How to Navigate Your Child’s Needs
In this honest and empowering conversation, Frances sits down with Yael Samuel of Kid Quest Consulting to talk about ADHD, assessments, early intervention, and the emotional journey parents go through when trying to understand what their child needs. Yael shares her personal experience parenting...
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Ep. 21 - Strip It All Away: Identity, Healing, and Humanity with Rev Anava
In this deeply human, soul-stirring episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Revital (Rev) Anava- a gifted designer, a grounded truth-teller, and one of those rare people who feels like home the moment you meet them. What begins as a “how have we never met?” story becomes…
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Ep. 20 - Roots to Rise: Whole-Child Speech Therapy with Marina Aronin
In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Marina Aronin, a powerhouse speech-language pathologist and practice owner who brings a whole-child, root-cause approach to therapy. Marina shares how her work goes far beyond “speech sounds” and into the real-life foundations that...
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Ep. 19 - No Mud, No Lotus: Raising Resilient Kids with Joy Badler
In this episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with longtime friend and educator Joy Badler—a passionate advocate for children (especially within the ADHD community) who has spent years building what many schools are only now realizing kids desperately need: regulation skills before...
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Ep. 18 - From New York to South Florida: Dana Weiss on Building an SLP Practice, Connection Before Progress, and Intrinsic Motivation
In this episode, Frances sits down with Dana Weiss, an incredible Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who recently made the transition from New York City to South Florida and quickly realized: the pace, the culture, and the clinical landscape are a whole different world. Dana shares what it was…
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Ep. 17 - The Space Is Speaking: Sensory Design & the Nervous System with Lauren Henry
In this episode of The Play Base Podcast, host Frances Fishman is joined by Lauren Henry, a sensory design consultant whose work challenges how we think about interior design, regulation, and well-being. What begins as a conversation about “sensory rooms” quickly expands into a deeper exploration...
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Ep. 16 - "Coby Shark: Self-Control, Heart, and the Game He Loves "
In this heartfelt episode of The Play Base, Frances is joined by her middle child and sweet “angel boy,” Coby Fishman - an eight-year-old who lives and breathes sports (especially hockey). Coby shares what he loves most about the game - the speed, intensity, and the joy of scoring, but also opens...
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Ep. 15 - Kindness Is My Superpower: A Gentle Conversation with My Youngest, Jojo
In this deeply heartfelt and gentle episode of The Play Base, Frances is joined by her youngest daughter, Jojo (Jordyn), a seven-year-old old soul with a powerful heart and an extraordinary capacity for kindness. What unfolds is a slow, meaningful conversation about love, bravery, emotions,...
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EP. 14 - Sunshine Girl: Creativity, Courage & Big Feelings with My Daughter Chloe
In this incredibly special birthday episode of The Play Base, Frances is joined by her firstborn daughter, Chloe Fishman, for a heartfelt, funny, and deeply insightful conversation that only a child could lead. Chloe shares her many passions, from baking, comedy, music, dance, theater, and art…
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Ep. 13 - Kindness Matters: Building Emotional Strength, One Tool at a Time
Frances Fishman sits down with Laura Waldorf Reiss, founder of Kindness Matters, to explore how kindness, emotional awareness, and nervous system regulation can reshape the way we parent, lead, and live. Laura shares how Kindness Matters began, how the programming evolved, and why the work must…
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Ep 12 - Does It Feel Right? Reimagining ABA Beyond Autism (Part 2 with Jayme Teplin)
In Part 2 of Frances’ conversation with Jayme Teplin—former Clinical Director at The Play Base Toronto—this episode goes deeper into Jayme’s clinical journey and what shaped her into the kind of practitioner families and teams feel safe with: compassionate, flexible, and fiercely human-first.…
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Ep. 11 - Success Is the Best Revenge: Jayme Teplin on Neurodiversity, Self-Advocacy, and Becoming the Clinician You Needed (Part 1)
In this heartfelt Part 1 conversation, Frances sits down with Jayme Teplin, Clinical Director of The Play Base Toronto, for a powerful episode that blends lived experience with professional insight. Jayme shares her personal story of growing up neurodivergent in Toronto navigating early…
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Ep. 10 - Science Meets Soul: Reimagining ABA, Education, and Inclusion with Alley Dezenhouse
In this powerful Play Base episode, Frances sits down with the one-and-only Alley Dezenhouse, founder of Magnificent Minds (MagMinds)—for a conversation that feels equal parts validating, visionary, and deeply human. Frances shares how Alley’s voice helped her step out of imposter syndrome and…
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Ep 9 - The Work Beneath the Trigger with Rebecca Guez
In this deeply heartfelt episode of The Play Base Podcast, Frances sits down with Rebecca Guez, someone who entered her life at exactly the right moment and quickly became a grounding guide and trusted support. Rebecca shares how she began as a conscious parenting coach after realizing she didn’t...
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Ep. 8 - Rewriting Your Health Story: Behavior Change, Habits & Peptides with Nicole Pekerman
In this episode of The Play Base, host Frances Fishman is joined in person by Nicole Pekerman, founder of Health Collective and known by many as the “peptide princess.” Together, they dive into what it really takes to create lasting change, from the stories we repeat in our minds to the systems…
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Ep. 6 - "Reimagining Autism Support: Neurodiversity, Family Systems & Healing with D"
In this episode of The Play Base, host Frances Fishman sits down with Dr. Tay (Dr. Taylor Day), a licensed psychologist, educator, and leading voice in neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they explore how autism support must extend beyond the child to include the entire family system. Dr.…
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Ep. 5 - "Beyond OT: Reflex Integration, Nervous System Regulation & MNRI with Anastasia Baikova"
In this episode of The Play Base with Frances, host Frances Fishman sits down with Anastasiya Boikova, a pediatric occupational therapist and MNRI Core Specialist (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration). Frances shares how meeting Anastasyia in Florida introduced her to an entirely new...
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Ep. 4 - Supporting Child Development & Rewiring Relationships with Dr. Sharon Arbel
In this episode of The Play Base, host Frances Fishman is joined by Dr. Sharon Arbel, a clinical psychologist specializing in child development. Dr. Arbel shares insight into her practice, offers practical guidance for supporting children and families, and discusses her highly specialized…
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Ep. 3 - Neurodiversity, Nervous Systems & Parenting: A Conversation with Susana Castro
In this episode of Playdate with Frances, Frances welcomes Susana Castro - office manager of The Play Base, yoga teacher, coach, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Susanna shares her journey from Venezuela to the U.S., her experience raising a neurodivergent child, and how understanding...
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Ep. 2 - Choosing Courage: An Honest Conversation between husband and wife
In this short, powerful segment of The Play date with Frances, we explore the importance of parent alignment, parent training, and stepping into the unknown with intention and courage. Frances and her husband reflect on why choosing support that truly aligns with your values matters, how…
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Ep. 1 - Welcome to The Play Base!
A sneak peek at what's ahead... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Play Date - a podcast where heart meets science, play meets purpose, and conversations build connection. I’m your host, Frances Fishman, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, educator, mom of three, and founder of The Play Base.
Each week, we invite you to pull up a chair and join us for real conversations with experts, parents, therapists, and educators who are passionate about helping children thrive. From mental health to ABA, from the classroom to the therapy room—we’re here to learn, laugh, and grow together.
Whether you're a parent, professional, or just someone who cares deeply about kids, this podcast is your invitation to explore, understand, and support the beautiful complexity of childhood.
So grab your coffee... and let’s have a play date.
HOSTED BY
PodPopuli Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Play Base have?
The Play Base currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Play Base about?
Welcome to The Play Date - a podcast where heart meets science, play meets purpose, and conversations build connection. I’m your host, Frances Fishman, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, educator, mom of three, and founder of The Play Base. Each week, we invite you to pull up a chair and join us for...
How often does The Play Base release new episodes?
The Play Base has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Play Base?
You can listen to The Play Base 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 The Play Base?
The Play Base is created and hosted by PodPopuli Media.
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