Why Play Matters at Every Age: The Legacy of Dr. Stuart Brown with Mia & Lauren Sundstrom
The Playful LensShow Notes
✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨
Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play.
Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing).
In this insightful conversation Mia & Lauren Sundstrom, the CEO & COO of The National Institute for Play, unpack the power of play across childhood and adulthood — the science, the healing potential, the impact on learning and the small playful habits that enrich adult life. From Dr. Brown’s legacy to everyday playful moments, this episode explores how play shapes our wellbeing, our classrooms and our lives.
National Institute for Play: https://nifplay.org/
Recess, Stress, and Cortisol Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40723058/
Chamber of Connection Report: https://www.chamberofconnection.org/the-six-points-of-connection-2026
Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen!
We hope you enjoy Gillian and Helena
More from The Playful Lens
✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨ Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. In this weeks episode, Cathy O Byrne discusses the significance of play in parenting and therapy, emphasizing its role in fostering connection between parents and children. She shares insights on how to reconnect with playfulness, trust children, and the importance of being present in playful interactions. Cathy offers online Circle of Security Training and parenting support. You can find out more about her work here www.theswallowstrail.com Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing ), each episode explores how play shapes who we are: in classrooms, communities and beyond. Expect thoughtful chats, laughter and plenty of playful inspiration. Follow the conversation on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen. We hope you enjoy. Gillian and Helena [email protected]
✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨
Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all. Welcome to The Playful Lens - the podcast where curiosity, creativity and coffee fuel big conversations about learning, wellbeing and play. Hosted by Gillian (@the_glitter_and_coffee_teacher) and Helena (@experiential.wellbeing). In this episode, Dr. David Coleman shares his insights on the importance of play in children’s development, the role of risky play in building resilience and how parents and teachers can support children’s natural curiosity and growth. You can learn more about Dr. Coleman on his website https://davidcoleman.ie/ and follow him on Instagram @davidcoleman.ie Tickets for his upcoming theatre tour Ready For Anything are available at https://davidcoleman.ie/tour/ Follow the conversations on Instagram @the_playful_lens_podcast and subscribe wherever you listen! We hope you enjoy Gillian and Helena [email protected]
✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨
✨Shaping minds, connections and creativity through play, playfulness and playful learning for all✨