Send us Fan Mail

"Play takes you to a magical place. And it's where everyone learns the most."

In Conversation with Kate Kantor and Jack Nielsen – Educators at CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies)

In the final episode of For the Love of Play's third season, we head to the community gardens of CERES to chat with educators, Kate Kantor and Jack Nielsen.

Kate and Jack, who work with children in the centre's early education programme, talk to us about what makes nature play so unique and beneficial for everyone, but especially youngsters.

The conversation winds and twists like the paths at CERES. Kate talks about coming to CERES from a theatre background, while Jack discusses his move from music to early childhood learning.

Together, they discuss the importance of celebrating all the seasons and playing in different types of weather - even weather typically considered "inclement". Kate tells us how vital it is for adults to affirm the imaginary worlds of children and Jack mentions one of the best parts of play being the absence of "wrong" answers.

About CERES

Established on the site of a bluestone quarry that had been turned into a rubbish dump, CERES was transformed in 1982. A community-led campaign turned into an environmental revitalisation effort, and what had become a polluted place, devoid of plant and animal life, was quickly turned into a suburban oasis on the banks of the Merri Creek. Today, CERES is home to a nursery, bookstore, urban farms, a wood merchant and an education centre. It also runs a nature playgroup.

• The CERES website
• CERES' Nature Playgroup page

Show Links

• Website: For the Love of Play
• Listen to all episodes: Buzzsprout
• Follow us on Instagram: @fortheloveofplaypodcast

Learn More About Playgroup Victoria

• Website: playgroup.org.au
• Instagram: @playgroupvicofficial
• Facebook: Playgroup Victoria
• LinkedIn: Playgroup Victoria

Episode Credits

Hosted by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday.

Interview conducted by Sinead Halliday.

Edited by Jonathan Rivett.

Mastering by James North Productions.

Music by Selina Byrne.

And thanks to our little friends Laddy, Lucy, Toby, Andie and Adelaide for voicing the intro.

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a conversation. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with friends and family.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

"A good comedian speaks truth to power."

In Conversation with Nelly Thomas – Comedian, Author and Broadcaster

In the fourth episode of For the Love of Play's third season, we shoot the breeze with comedian Nelly Thomas.

She discusses being a BMX champion at a young age, the fact that boredom often acts as a catalyst for creativity, coming to Melbourne from Western Australia to pursue postgrad studies and the way her life changed after stumbling into the world of comedy.

Nelly also talks about being the first person in her family to go to university, and about becoming an author after growing up in a rural, working-class home without many books.

The conversation also covers neurodiversity, a subject that Nelly has thought about carefully and written about extensively.

About Our Guest

Nelly Thomas is a comedian, conversationalist and companion to many through her writing and broadcasting. She shares human experiences, seeking to find meaning in topics that challenge us and connect us: culture, equality, health, gender and neurodiversity. Through candid humour and stories, Nelly brings us together, highlighting that that understanding can be a bridge between people.

• Nelly's website
• Nelly 's Penguin Publishing profile

Show Links

• Website: For the Love of Play
• Listen to all episodes: Buzzsprout
• Follow us on Instagram: @fortheloveofplaypodcast

Learn More About Playgroup Victoria

• Website: playgroup.org.au
• Instagram: @playgroupvicofficial
• Facebook: Playgroup Victoria
• LinkedIn: Playgroup Victoria

Episode Credits

Hosted by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday.

Interview conducted by Sinead Halliday.

Edited by Jonathan Rivett.

Mastering by James North Productions.

Music by Selina Byrne.

And thanks to our little friends Laddy, Lucy, Toby, Andie and Adelaide for voicing the intro.

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a conversation. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with friends and family.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

"Our children have to hear our stories in our own voices."

In Conversation with Jay Laga'aia – Actor, Children's Entertainer and Singer

In the third episode of For the Love of Play's third season, we chat with actor and musician Jay Laga'aia.

Jay discusses the joy and fun of a large family, the lessons he's learnt as a parent and the bittersweet moment of pushing a child's 'canoe' out into the open sea.

Beloved for his hosting role on the legendary Australian children's show Play School, Jay tells us how performing for children has taught him valuable life lessons.

The conversation also covers the wisdom of older family members, the importance of local television programming, the universal nature of music and much more.

About Our Guest

Jay is a proud Polynesian man who spent his youth in New Zealand before crossing the Tasman to begin his career in Australia as a performer. He started out acting in the primetime television program Water Rats, before starring in Hollywood blockbuster Star Wars, as well as Australian TV classics Home and Away and Play School. Alongside his time performing for early years audiences, he has played Mufasa in The Lion King musical, Vince Fontaine in Grease the musical and Shrek in the popular stage show.

• Jay's Instagram
• Jay on Spotify

Show Links

• Website: For the Love of Play
• Listen to all episodes: Buzzsprout
• Follow us on Instagram: @fortheloveofplaypodcast

Learn More About Playgroup Victoria

• Website: playgroup.org.au
• Instagram: @playgroupvicofficial
• Facebook: Playgroup Victoria
• LinkedIn: Playgroup Victoria

Episode Credits

Hosted by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday.

Interview conducted by Sinead Halliday.

Edited by Jonathan Rivett.

Mastering by James North Productions.

Music by Selina Byrne.

And thanks to our little friends Laddy, Lucy, Toby, Andie and Adelaide for voicing the intro.

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a conversation. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with friends and family.

Support the show