Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong

Shownotes Summary In this episode, Andrew speaks with Dr William Bird MBE, GP, health innovator, and the creator of Health Walks, the Green Gym, and Beat the Street. They explore how true health is built through belonging, safety, and feeling valued, and why community connection and a sense of place matter more than ticking boxes on exercise guidelines. William shares his journey from pioneering s...

In this really thoughtful conversation, Andrew Telfer speaks with writer and movement educator Todd Hargrove, whose books and blog have helped thousands rethink how they move, feel, and learn. They explore somatic traditions like Feldenkrais and Rolfing, ecological dynamics, affordances, pain perception, and the limitations of top-down movement instruction. Todd also shares insights from his new b...

In this new episode of the  Playful Nature Podcast , we’re joined by  Dom Higgins , to talk about green social prescribing and what it really means to build a  Natural Health Service . Dom Higgins  is Head of Health and Education at The Wildlife Trusts and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health. Over the past 20 years, he has worked to integrate nature into education, health services, and...

Biomechanist, bestselling author, and parent Katy Bowman joins Andrew Telfer to talk about how modern culture has stripped movement of its context, and how we can get it back. In this conversation, Katy shares her frameworks for “nutritious movement,” behavioural stretching, and parenting with physical variability in mind. Katy and Andrew explore how movement habits shape not only our bodies but o...

Clif Harski has been at the heart of fitness education for over a decade, teaching for  MovNat ,  Animal Flow , and  Spartan , running a seven-location boutique gym business in California, and now leading the  Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC)  as COO. So while he’s been deep inside the fitness world, and part of many of its most influential movements, he’s also uniquely placed...

This week’s guest is Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a GP who’s challenging the way primary care approaches health, ageing, and behaviour change. This episode is not about tips or techniques, it’s about rethinking how we structure support. Andrew and Hussain explore what happens when we stop asking people to ‘try harder’ and start changing the environments around them. They talk about the limits of the 10-...

Charlotte Blake, parkour coach, researcher,  and founder of Free Your Instinct (now Esprit Concrete) joins Andrew Telfer to unpack how parkour can support mental health, especially in people often left out of traditional fitness or therapy models. From the urban environment’s role in wellbeing to ecological dynamics, movement as non- verbal communication, and parenting through risk, this conversat...

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Sean Longhurst – a coach developer and play advocate whose career has spanned academia, elite football, and grassroots community sport. Sean is a programme director at ParkPlay, as well as a coach development consultant across the sports and physical activity sector. Sean’s work focuses on developing those who develop others, and using the power of play to do it...

In this conversation, Andrew Telfer (WildStrong) speaks with Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, about the state of play in the UK and beyond. From free-range childhoods to the rise of 'No Ball Games' signs, they explore how societal shifts and adult fears have squeezed play out of children's lives. Eugene shares personal insights, policy changes, and practical actions...

In this episode, Andrew Telfer chats with Tom Morrison, known for his playful, relatable approach to mobility and strength. Tom shares his personal journey from chronic pain and immobility to becoming a coach who helps others rediscover what their bodies can do. They explore cultural ideas around pain, how strength and flexibility can co-exist, and why the fitness industry often gets it wrong and...

In this episode Andrew speaks with Rafe Kelley, the founder of Evolve Move Play. Rafe shares his journey from parkour and martial arts into developing a movement practice deeply rooted in evolutionary biology, nature, and play. They discuss the tension between structured fitness models and natural movement, the role of meaning in physical practice, and how modern fitness and social structures ofte...

In this episode, Andrew speaks to physiotherapist, Joanna Myers,  about working with individuals in chronic pain management.  They talk about how the definition of pain has evolved, the critical role of neurophysiology in chronic pain, and how resilience-building through movement can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with pain.  Whether you're experiencing pain yoursel...

In this episode of the Playful Nature Podcast , Andrew sits down with Cormac Russell , a social explorer, author, and global expert in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) . Cormac is the founder of Nurture Development and a faculty member of the ABCD Institute at DePaul University . His work has impacted communities in over 35 countries , helping people reclaim their power, build local resili...

How do you make movement a natural part of community life? Today, I chat with  Matt Donnelly , a fitness coach and movement advocate leading the  Active Villages  project in Ribble Valley. Matt has taken a fresh approach to rural activity: instead of relying on gyms, he’s built  Play Libraries , started  community rounders games , and partnered with  Park Play  to create sustainable movement oppor...

In this episode Andrew Telfer speaks with Elaine McNish, co-director of Move Consulting, about the critical intersections of policy, behaviour change, and practical interventions in physical activity.  With over 35 years of experience spanning roles in public health, sports councils, and national policy advising, Elaine provides an in-depth perspective on how to bridge the gap between evidence and...

In this episode, Andrew Telfer speaks with Rick Jenner, the driving force behind Park Play, an initiative transforming parks across the UK into vibrant spaces for play and connection. Rick shares how play breaks barriers, fosters inclusivity, and creates happier, healthier communities. Discover how ParkPlay empowers local leaders, adapts to unique communities, and brings people of all ages togethe...

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Erin Eleuterio, the creator of the  Second Act Fit Pros  podcast and community, to discuss innovative approaches to physical activity for older adults. Erin shares insights into her work with senior living communities, the importance of autonomy and agency in fitness, and how reshaping language and expectations can empower individuals to stay active and resil...

In this conversation, Andrew and Dr. Callum Lease chat about the importance of community in health, the impact of individualism, and the challenges posed by inequality in health interventions. They discuss the role of social media, the significance of physical activity, and how to create inclusive communities. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and engagement at the c...

In this conversation, Andrew and Shelby explore the intersection of fitness, chronic pain, and personal growth. Shelby shares her journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming a movement coach, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community in fitness. They discuss the challenges of navigating chronic pain and how it has shaped Shelby's approach to training and coaching. The conversation hig...

Such a pleasure to have Dan Edwardes on the podcast this month! We’ve followed Dan for years. As the founder and CEO of Parkour Generations, the multi-award-winning organisation for parkour, Dan has dedicated his life to practical movement, functional skills, and physical fitness. With an extensive background in fighting arts before he found parkour, his journey is fascinating and inspiring. What’...

“The premise is simple, but the impact is profound.” – Ginny Yurich, Founder of 1000 Hours Outside The concept at the core of this movement is simple - the amount of time kids spend outside ‘actually matters’, though you may not hear this very often. A childhood flooded with nature time benefits kids (and adults) in untold ways. In this episode, we chat with one of Gill’s long-term inspirations, G...

What are the movements we need to keep doing as we age so we can keep joining in? Episode 2 is here and it’s all about: In-between strength. Gill & Andrew talk about the jigsaw piece, the glue that helps keep the show on the road. It’s the little wiggles and wobbles in-between movements. If you’re picking up a bag of grain from the ground, the in-between strength is what allows you to get into...

The number one comment we hear when we introduce women to lifting heavy, odd objects is a fear that you will hurt your back or that you are doing it wrong. Sound familiar? As a society, we've done a good job of instilling this fear from a young age. As we get older, we often become more cautious, and the fear grows bigger. In this episode we (Andrew and Gill) talk about the most common fears and m...