Best Wem Southerden Podcasts (2025)

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228 - Creating Play Taxonomies with Max Alexander 43:23

Play Pause

2d ago43:23

43:23

In this calm, reflective conversation, Lewis and Wem sit down with play worker and artist Max Alexander of Play Radical to explore autistic play as a joyful, valid, and richly varied landscape. Max shares how one to one playwork can reconnect isolated young people to authentic play, why reflection habits from nursing training shaped their practice,…

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Ep 227 - Inconvenient Resilience 52:35

26d ago52:35

52:35

In this warm, idea-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem move from personal updates to a deep dive on resilience. Using Looby McNamara’s Cultural Emergence and Chris Johnstone’s framing, they explore recovery, adaptive, transformative, and spreading resilience. They challenge the “just power through” myth, contrast perseverance…

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Ep 226 - Bog Fashion at Forest School with Nicole DeRushie 1:08:51

1M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

In this warm and curious episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma sit down with historian and fibre artist Nicole DeRushie to explore her new book, Bog Fashion: Recreating Bronze and Iron Age Clothes. The conversation traces Nicole’s path from Forest School leader to public historian, then dives into experimental archaeology, everyday …

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Ep 225 - What defines 'Ready for School'? w/ Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg 59:37

1M ago59:37

59:37

In this lively and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg for a passionate conversation about early years education, authentic child development, and how political targets can squeeze the joy out of childhood. From the UK government’s 75% ‘good level of development’ goal to the cultura…

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Ep 224 - Green Burials and Forest School Farewells w/ The Modern Mortician 1:03:43

2M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

In this thought-provoking episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis speaks with Melissa, widely known as The Modern Mortician, to explore the deep intersections between death care, nature connection, and community learning. Beginning with light-hearted bug encounters and moving into meaningful reflections, the conversation spans Melissa’s career …

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Ep 223 - Combating Ash Dieback w/Dr Richard Buggs from Kew Gardens 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

In this wonder-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem speak with Dr Richard Buggs—geneticist at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Queen Mary University London—about ash dieback, DNA sequencing, and the unseen resilience of trees. With clarity and warmth, Richard explains how genome research is unlocking crucial answers about pest …

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Ep 222 - The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

In this warm and wonderfully meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem dive into The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander. Nestled among tangents about shouting sparrowhawks, jewel-encrusted slugs, and beloved sticks, they explore how Max's taxonomy of autistic play shapes offers both validation and practical insig…

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Ep 221 - Post-Humanism in the Woods: With Dr Jo Hume 1:00:26

2M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

In this deep-dive episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by Dr Jo Hume to explore the rich and expanding world of Forest School research. Starting with nettle seeds and caffeine journeys, the conversation quickly flows into Jo’s unique academic path—from early years teaching to leading-edge post-humanist research. Together, …

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Ep 220 - Is 'Leave No Trace' denying us a place in nature? with Danny English 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

In this deep and meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis, Wem, and storyteller Danny English explore the layered meanings behind the phrase “Leave No Trace.” What begins as a discussion on outdoor ethics soon becomes a rich meditation on ecological grief, language, pedagogy, woodland relationships, and what it means to belong to a pl…

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Ep 219 - Giants and Beasts with Ruth Webb: Part 2 58:27

3M ago58:27

58:27

In this richly reflective and gently irreverent episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined once again by artist and activist Ruth Webb of The Lost Giants. From slug cohabitation to giant curlews, this episode weaves together humour, art, neurodivergence, community ritual, and the slippery intersections between protest and play. …

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Ep 218 - Giants and Beasts with Ruth Webb 49:18

3M ago49:18

49:18

In this joyful and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem sit down with artist, activist and Forest School leader Ruth Webb. Known for her giant puppets, folk beasts and street processions, Ruth shares the rich history and creative power of giant-making in the UK. The conversation explores how these large-scale creations c…

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Ep 217 - Tangents, Shrews and Robin Ince 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

In this lively and tangential episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma reflect on an evening spent seeing Robin Ince speak about neurodivergence, ADHD, and the importance of passion. From rogue pygmy shrews to ultraviolet birds and eccentric geniuses, the conversation weaves in and out of the evening’s takeaways, unravelling what it me…

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Ep 216 - Ecology and Wildlife Legal Protections with Tilly Tilbrook 1:02:41

3M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

In this jam-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by ecologist Tilly Tilbrook to unpack the truth behind the controversial Planning and Infrastructure Bill and its implications for UK wildlife. Tilly brings decades of ecological fieldwork, policy experience, and field stories—from dormice in torpor to Pringles-tube w…

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Ep 215 - Culture Soup and a Catch-Up 50:02

4M ago50:02

50:02

In this joyful, wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem reunite to reflect on everything from folk rituals and land access to academic shifts and experimental puppetry. They share stories of Devon’s eccentric festivals, the power of whimsy, and the Supreme Court decision that restored the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. The…

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Ep 214: Consistency is a Myth 50:18

4M ago50:18

50:18

In this episode, Lewis and Wem dig deep into the concept of consistency—a term often upheld as sacred in education and parenting, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? They explore the tension between consistency of routine vs consistency of relationship, how being overly consistent can lead to masking (for both adults and children), and why the pre…

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Ep 213: Is making kids tidy up a part of Forest School? 58:30

5M ago58:30

58:30

In this episode, Lewis and Wem are joined by Justine from Curious and Kind Nature Play in Florida. The conversation began when all three spoke at a webinar hosted by Peter Gray and quickly turned into a shared curiosity around the tensions of tidying up in play-based education. This is not a how-to guide. It is a rich exploration of roles, expectat…

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Ep 212: Does Forest School need more 'Clean' Language? 49:13

5M ago49:13

49:13

🌿 What Is Clean Language & Should You Use It Outdoors? In this introspective solo episode, Lewis reflects on Contempt to Curiosity by Caitlin Walker—an exploration of Clean Language, group metaphors, and truly non-judgemental communication. What begins as a quiet Friday morning in the woods becomes a deeply personal and practical unpacking of: What…

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Ep 211: 'Total Observation' isn't helping childhood 38:42

6M ago38:42

38:42

🌳 Forest School vs the Panopticon: Who’s Watching the Children? In this solo episode, Lewis dives deep into the haunting metaphor of the Panopticon—a 1700s prison designed for total surveillance—and how its legacy lives on in modern classrooms, school playgrounds, and even parenting styles. ⚖️ From architectural control to digital surveillance, Lew…

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Ep 210: 👥🧠Groups have memories, but communities have history. 🌲📚 42:19

6M ago42:19

42:19

This week, Lewis is solo in the woods reflecting on a big question: what makes a Forest School site feel alive with history? 🌿 He explores the difference between groups that share memories and communities that carry history, drawing on stories, objects, rituals, and routines from nearly a decade of outdoor learning. This episode is packed with prac…

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Ep 209: ‘Forecasting’ or being ‘Triggered’? How do you react to uncomfortable play? 35:38

6M ago35:38

35:38

🎭 Are You Triggered by Play? Why It Matters. Ever watched children playing and felt uneasy about what was happening? Whether it’s rough-and-tumble, rule-breaking, or risky play, adults have deep-seated responses to certain types of play—often without realising it. But is our discomfort helping or hindering children’s learning? 🌳 Key topics in this …

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Ep 208: 🌳A review of Sandi Toksvig’s Great British Woodland Project! 39:50

7M ago39:50

39:50

Ever dreamed of buying your own woodland? 🌲 In this episode, we dive into Sandi Toksvig’s Great British Woodland Revival and what it really takes to restore a forest. From unexpected costs (£500 for EVERYTHING?!) to the emotional connection of managing land, we break down what this show got right—and what it left out. 🎒 Key topics in this episode: …

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Ep 207: The Art Of Folk Traditions: A Conversation with Ben Edge 1:09:32

7M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

🎙️ Folklore, Ritual & Art: A Chat with Ben Edge This week, we're joined by the incredible Ben Edge, artist, filmmaker, and author of Folklore Rising, for a deep dive into British folklore, ritual, and the role of art in preserving tradition. 🌿🎭 From Morris dancing in trainers to building new traditions, we explore how folklore shapes identity, comm…

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Ep 206: Nature Saturation: Can You Have Too Much? 54:20

7M ago54:20

54:20

🌿 Nature Saturation: Can You Have TOO Much Nature? In this episode, we dive into the idea ofNature Saturation – can there betoo much nature in outdoor learning? 🤔 From Forest School names to nature-themed everything, when does immersive nature connection becometoo much of a good thing? 🌲Key topics in this episode: What isNature Saturation, and is i…

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Ep 205 - How Schools Push Kids to Burnout: A Conversation with Dr Naomi Fisher 1:01:36

8M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

This week, we sit down withDr Naomi Fisher, psychologist and co-author ofThe Teenager’s Guide to Burnout, to discuss how modern schooling, social media, and pressure to achieve are pushing teens towards burnout. 😰 🎒Key topics in this episode: What burnoutreally is & how it differs from anxiety or depression Why teenagers are more stressed than ever…

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Ep 204: Season 2 Begins: Lone Working, Weird Job Titles & Fart Consultancy 52:54

8M ago52:54

52:54

Welcome back to The Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the realities of lone working in outdoor education, the unexpected (and hilarious) responsibilities of a Forest School leader, and the importance of connection in a role that can often feel isolating. 🌲 Key topics in this episode: The highs and lows of returning to work after …

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Ep 203: How Transparent Should You Be With Your Planning? With Lily Horseman 1:03:26

9M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Episode Summary In this lively and wide-ranging episode, Lewis sits down with Lily Horseman (Kindling Playwork) to explore how transparent you should be when planning Forest School sessions. They discuss the balance between being honest with children, parents, and fellow educators while preserving the magic of play and spontaneity. You’ll hear fasc…

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Ep 202: Can Rory Sutherland's 'Alchemy' Transform your Forest School Business? 41:49

10M ago41:49

41:49

Welcome back to the Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the intriguing ideas from Rory Sutherland's book Alchemy and explore how they can transform your Forest School practice. From the power of creative chaos to the impact of trust and training, this episode offers fresh perspectives for Forest School leaders, educators, and natur…

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Ep 201: Should YOU Know A Tree As An Individual Or A Species? w/ Casey and Alex from Completely Arbortrary 1:04:22

10M ago1:04:22

1:04:22

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓ www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop What does it mean to truly know a tree? In this episode of the Forest School Podcast, we’re joined by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson, hosts of the Completely Arbortrary podcast, to explore the fascinating tension between knowing trees a…

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Ep 200 BONUS: Oops, All Song Wars! 48:06

10M ago48:06

48:06

Dive into the chaos, creativity, and comedy that is Song Wars! In this special episode, we’ve compiled all the musical gems from past episodes, including the hilariously self-indulgent chats that led to their creation. From heartfelt ballads about tagging games to unexpectedly funky anthems about bin juice and wet ropes, this is a Forest School Pod…

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Ep 200: Listener Questions and looking back over 6 years and 200 episodes. 51:51

10M ago51:51

51:51

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓ www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop Summary: In this milestone 200th episode, hosts Lewis and Wem reflect on their podcasting journey, discussing the evolution of their content, memorable guest interviews, and the growth of the Forest School movement. They explore the i…

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Ep 199: How to Handle Unsafe Play in Your Sessions 43:16

10M ago43:16

43:16

When is it okay to step into a child's play? In this episode, we explore the delicate art of intervening in play cycles, discussing when to annihilate or contain play, how to navigate safety concerns, and ways to maintain emotional and physical balance. Join us for actionable insights, real-life scenarios, and strategies for reflective practice tha…

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Ep 198: Is YOUR Outdoor Provision just résumé building for children? 40:55

11M ago40:55

40:55

Summary: In this episode, we explore the purpose of Forest School as a space for children to engage in free play, build social connections, and experience the joy of childhood without the pressures of traditional, outcome-driven education. Discover why Forest School stands as a community resource, supports mental health, and challenges the idea of …

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Ep 197: Is Verbal Language Bias Shaping Your Forest School? 43:34

11M ago43:34

43:34

Summary In this episode, Lewis explores the biases surrounding verbal and nonverbal communication within the context of forest school training. He discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing these biases to create a more inclusive environment for participants. The conversation delves into various aspects of communication, including play …

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196: Why YOUR School Needs More Stories Like Jojo & Gran Gran with Laura Henry-Allain 47:28

11M ago47:28

47:28

Summary: In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, host Lewis Ames sits down with Laura Henry-Allain MBE, author, consultant, and creator of the beloved children’s show Jojo & Gran Gran. They explore the importance of representation in early years education, how to create inclusive learning environments, and why conversations about diversity sh…

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Ep 195: How Scripts Can Transform Your Toughest Parenting Moments With Kirk Martin 1:02:38

11M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

In this enlightening conversation, Lewis Ames is joined by Kirk Martin from the Calm Parenting Podcast to delve into the powerful tool of scripting in parenting—especially when dealing with strong-willed children. They explore how pre-planned scripts can offer parents practical phrases to navigate emotionally charged situations, while helping kids …

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Ep 194: How YOU Can Run Intergenerational Projects That Work with Kendra McWilliam 1:00:06

12M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Episode Summary: In this episode, we chat with Kendra McWilliam about making Forest School accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Kendra shares her insights on adapting sessions for diverse needs, running intergenerational projects, and securing funding for community-driven outdoor projects. You’ll learn actionable strategies…

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Ep 193: 10 Hacks to learn bushcraft faster than I did! 46:17

12M ago46:17

46:17

Summary In this episode of the Forest School Podcast, Lewis discusses various aspects of outdoor education, focusing on cooking, bushcraft skills, and the importance of continuous learning. He shares insights from his books, 'Forest School Cooking' and 'The Myths of Outdoor Play and Learning', and offers practical tips for engaging children in outd…

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Ep 192: Unconventional Essentials for Mud Kitchens 1:02:41

12M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Have you ever wondered what small changes could make a huge impact in your mud kitchen setup? In this episode, Lewis and Wem dive into their quirky, practical, and unconventional tips for transforming your mud kitchen into a space of creativity, independence, and fun! Timestamps: [00:02] – Jangly energy and funny rain stories. [03:00] – Talking abo…

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Ep 191: What Neurodivergent Kids Gain from Nature with Dr Sam Friedman 1:13:25

1y ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Do traditional school structures harm neurodivergent students? Can nature-based learning be the solution? In this episode, we dive deep into how Forest Schools can create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent learners. Our guest shares groundbreaking research on the benefits of nature for autistic students, challenges the romanticization o…

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Ep 190: The Art of Saying No at Forest School 44:46

1y ago44:46

44:46

Are we doing our children a disservice by always saying "yes"? In this thought-provoking episode of The Forest School Podcast, hosts Lewis and Wem dive deep into the complexities of creating a balanced learning environment in outdoor education. They explore the concept of a "yes environment" and its potential pitfalls, drawing inspiration from Suza…

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Ep 189: A Conversation with Emma Brockes 37:31

1y ago37:31

37:31

Support the podcast at www.patreon.om/theforestschoolpodcastCan Forest Schools deliver on their promises in urban environments?Guest Info: https://emmabrockes.com/Join hosts Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden as they dive into a thought-provoking conversation with journalist Emma Brockes about her recent Guardian article on Forest Schools. Explore the c…

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Ep 188: An Owl Based Info-Dump 30:18

1y ago30:18

30:18

Support the podcast, get in touch and find more episodes at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Summary In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis Ames explores the fascinating world of owls. He shares interesting facts about owl sizes, adaptability, legs, silent flight, vision, hearing, vocalizations, intelligence, family dynamics, hunting beh…

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Ep 187: Unleashing Nature's Gym: Movement Reimagined with Andrew and Gill from Wildstrong 1:03:30

1y ago1:03:30

1:03:30

What if the great outdoors was your ultimate fitness playground? Join hosts Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden as they explore the world of outdoor movement and fitness with Andrew and Gill from Wild Strong. Discover how reconnecting with nature can transform our approach to exercise, build community, and challenge traditional fitness norms. This episod…

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Ep 186: Can false memories actually enhance our connection to nature? 40:26

1y ago40:26

40:26

Join hosts Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden as they explore the fascinating world of "muddy memories" in outdoor education. Discover how these not-quite-accurate recollections might play a crucial role in fostering deep connections with nature. Learn practical strategies for educators and parents to navigate and nurture these magical moments. For more…

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Ep 185: Creating Non-Judgmental Spaces in Forest School 40:18

1y ago40:18

40:18

How can we foster a truly non-judgmental environment in Forest School without compromising on safety and boundaries? Description:Join Lewis and Wem as they dive deep into the complexities of creating and maintaining non-judgmental spaces in Forest School settings. From handling personal biases to addressing challenging behaviors, this episode explo…

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Ep 184: How do you make adults be friends? 38:07

1y ago38:07

38:07

Join Lewis and Wem as they explore the challenges and strategies of facilitating adult relationships in forest school settings. From icebreaker questions to creating non-judgmental spaces, this episode dives into the complexities of fostering community among grown-ups in nature-based education. Chapter Titles and Timing: Potato-Based Introductions …

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Ep 183: The positive and pitfalls of being lifelong learners as leaders with Nicki Farell from Raising Wildlings PART 1 38:10

1y ago38:10

38:10

Support the podcast and get bonus content today at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast Find part 2 at https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/raisingwildlingsAnd give them a follow on their socials:- https://www.facebook.com/share/317yVGUXFPSJPwTb/- https://www.instagram.com/wildlings_forestschool?igsh=MTlxeDN6ZnVzdXFudw== In this episode, The For…

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Ep 182: Is Encouragement Ableist? 44:03

1y ago44:03

44:03

Support The ForestSchool Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠ www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠ 🌲🎧. Leave this episode a review on yourpodcast player! Find out about our sessions andForest School Leader Training in Devon, UK atwww.children-of-the-forest.com Summary In this conversation, Wem and Lewis discuss the con…

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Ep 181: I wasn't Finished With That Yet 41:19

1y ago41:19

41:19

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠ www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠ 🌲🎧. Leave this episode a review on your podcast player! Find out about our sessions and Forest School Leader Training in Devon, UK at www.children-of-the-forest.com Summary In this conversation, Lewis and Wem discuss the…

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Ep 179: Queer Planet with Lizzie Wild 1:08:33

1y ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Support The ForestSchool Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠ www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠ 🌲🎧. Leave this episode a review on yourpodcast player! Find out about our sessions andForest School Leader Training in Devon, UK atwww.children-of-the-forest.com — Guest Info: https://www.muddypuddleclub.co.uk/ instagram:…