Shows
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidDream Big Kisha and Tiffany discuss Tiffany's Journey as a non profit program owner
2025-12-1831 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidReimagining Early Childhood Education Kisha Reid and Trisha Dean discuss how we can and have reimagined early childhood education to align with the latest research.
2025-11-1742 min
Play Nature PodcastEp 18 | Climb the Slide: Kisha Reid on How Risk, Play, and Wonder Shape Authentic ChildhoodsThe magic of an authentic childhood comes from the wonder of the experiences, not the walls they take place in. The best classrooms are fields, forests, and slides climbed from the “wrong” side.
In this joyful chat on Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler and Kisha Reid are talking all about the spirit of authentic play. Where children lead, adults listen, and the magic of discovery unfolds in every muddy footprint.
Kisha, founder of Discovery Natural Learning Center and Play, has spent 30 years helping children grow through connection, curiosity, and courage. From her home base on a...
2025-10-2840 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 33: Nature Everywhere for Everyone Kisha and Monica discuss the importance of providing the time, space, and permission for nature play and exploration. And advocating for nature education access for all.
2025-10-1630 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 32: Play for More Play Kisha Reid speaks with Marc Armitage about his evolution as a playworker, the goal of play for more play, tips for responding to licensing, and addressing safety concerns.
2025-09-1631 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 31: Why Play?Rae Pica joins Kisha Reid as they tackle the question Why Play? Pica draws from her work with early childhood educators, time in the field, and the latest research in her new book, which digs deep into the why.
2025-08-2029 min
That Early Childhood NerdNERD_0376 Live from the 2025 Play Empowers Teacher Retreat!Live from the lobby of the Claggett Retreat Center, listen in as attendees and presenters debrief the day’s events–what resonated, what challenged them, and dreams for what happens next. The Play Empowers Teacher Retreat is truly one of a kind.
Because it was a live recording of a large group, the volume levels vary a bit from person to person–this may not be an ear bud episode!
Thank you to Kisha Reid for bringing us all together!
Want to order my book Using Schema Play Theory to
Advocate for Free...
2025-08-2047 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 30: From Surviving to Thriving 2025 PLAY EMPOWERS RETREAT In this episode, Kisha hosts a debrief live from Day 3 of the 2025 PEP Retreat in Adamstown, Maryland.
2025-08-0536 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 29: Start Your Adventure with a YES! In this episode, Kisha chats with Rusty Keeler about his unique journey to adventurous play. Rusty offers practical advice on incorporating adventure play into your home or program.
2025-06-1842 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP:28 Naturally Emergent LearningIn this episode, Kisha chats with Megan about her work as a nature-based curriculum specialist.
2025-05-2130 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 27: Educated by PlayIn this episode Carly Bedard shares her work as a play facilitator for adult early educators and how self-active play can transform your practice.
2025-04-1629 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEp 26: Starting with Yourself First In this episode, Denisha Jones talks about the new DEY framework, Fostering Healthy Identity in Young Children. Supporting positive identity development in the early years begins with important self-work and unpacking your fears.
2025-03-1818 min
Teacher Tom's Podcast: Taking Play SeriouslyThe Power of Play (Kisha Reid)Welcome to Teacher Tom’s Podcast, which is all about taking play seriously. In each episode, Teacher Tom inspires early childhood educators, parents, and other listeners with information, techniques, and best practices to provide children an authentic play-filled childhood.Kisha Reid is an educational consultant and advocate of developmentally appropriate play-based education for young children.“I don’t want you thinking your child’s gonna sit down and do worksheets all day. I don’t want you thinking you’re gonna get report cards or anything that looks like what our school system looks like.” — Kisha Reid
2024-04-2933 min
Schoolutions: Teaching Strategies to Strengthen School Culture, Empower Educators, & Inspire Student GrowthS3 E27: A New Adventure in Taking Play Seriously: Teacher Tom’s Podcast with Tom HobsonThe infamous and endearing Teacher Tom Hobson released a podcast: Teacher Tom’s Podcast! This episode focuses on what matters most to Teacher Tom - that “Community is absolutely essential. Learning to get your own needs met while also creating space and opportunities for others to get their needs met. That is one of the greatest skills any of us can have.”Listeners will be inspired by Tom’s early childhood beliefs and practices, and thankfully, Tom reminds us of that with his words, “The secret to success in life is working well with others and being self-motiv...
2024-03-1842 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP025: Slowing Down with Kisha ReidIn this episode, Kisha Reid talks with Denisha Jones about her new nature-based discovery child care program, her visions for inspiring more teachers to choose the power of play, and her plans to slow down.
2024-02-2230 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP 024: The Children Will Always Show Us What to DoIn this episode, Jesse Coffino and Krystina Tapia shed light on the evolution of true play in Anji County. True play is not just about providing children with open-ended materials but also about creating a culture of love, risk, joy, engagement, and reflection.
2023-10-1953 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP023: Learning from Children and the Natural WorldIn this episode, Rukia shares her evolution to a nature-centered early childhood program that fosters young children's kinship with the earth and harmony with the land.
2023-09-2126 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP22: Community of CareIn this episode, Alya Stoffer Koloszyc shares how she builds community through her farm school program in New York.
2023-07-2636 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP21: Melinda Marshall - Growing Kids, not GrassMelinda Marshall shares the wonders of her unique family program.
2023-06-1427 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP020: Growing Up Co-opKisha Reid Talks with Jocelyn Robertson about her journey from Co-op kid to Co-op Director. Her Journey shines a light on the unique style of family engaged early childhood education.
2023-05-1031 min
2023-03-2829 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP018: The Wonderful Journey to PlayIn this episode, Kisha and Kisa talk about the wonderful journey to play. Through her story, Kisa shares how she has shifted her mindset and program as well as the minds and hearts of her parents and her community about what young children need to be doing with their time.
2023-02-2325 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidE017: Sylvan Taylor- BIG KIDS NEED PLAY TOO!In this episode, Kisha talks with Sylvan Taylor about her unique role as the Enrichment Teacher in a public school. Sylvan shares her unique perspective on how to leave space, time, permission, and materials for true play in public school with school-age children.
2023-01-2434 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP016: Spark a Revolution- Rae PicaIn this episode Kisha speaks with Rae Pica, asking WHAT IF? "What if Everybody Understood Child Development" and "What if We Taught The Way Children Learn." Rae Introduces her new book "Spark A Revolution In Early Childhood Education: Speaking up for Ourselves and the Children"
2022-12-2027 minThe DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP015: Jacky Howell- Rituals and TraditionsIn this episode, Kisha and Jacky reminisce about how they met many many years ago when Kisha was a young student and Jacky was her teacher. They go on to discuss Rituals and Traditions in Preschool classrooms and Jacky tells stories of how to create a sense of community within programs and classrooms.
2022-11-1529 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEp014: Denisha Jones and The Future of DEYDEY's Executive Director, Denisha Jones, joins Kisha Reid to discuss hew new role and plans for the future.
2022-10-1227 minThe DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP013: Really Seeing Children- Deb CurtisThis month, Kisha Reid interviews Deb Curtis, the co-author of many resourceful early childhood books, including "The Visionary Director", "Art of Awareness", and "Children's Lively Minds". Her forty years of experience working with young children informs her work with adult early educators and directors. Together we discuss The Art of really seeing children and the practice of helping them see each other. #reallyseeingchildren, #observation, #DebCurtis, #docuementation, #teacherrole #socialsupport #seeingeachother, #intentional, #SEL
2022-08-2451 minThe DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP012: Jane Elgin- Taking Play PublicJane Elgin joins Kisha Reid as they discuss play in public schools. Jane tells stories and gives practical advice about infusing play into your practice, even in a public elementary school.
2022-08-1733 minThe DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP011: Carol Garboden Murray- Illuminating CareIn this episode, Kisha is joined by Carol Garboden-Murray, a long-time early educator and the author of Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood. They share a lively discussion about the importance of keeping the CARE in child CARE.
2022-08-0340 minThe DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP010: Nicolette Sowder- Wilder ChildKisha Reid is in conversation with Nicolette Sowder about the wonderful story behind her journey to creating "Wilder Child" and "Wild Schooling". They discuss how her observations of her child's needs for movement and connection along with her need to reconnect with the land inspired her to create these nature-based communities she so passionately calls Village-led.
2022-07-2037 min
Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury UnruffledDon't Let Your Kids Miss Out on Play (with Kisha Reid)Early childhood expert Kisha Reid joins Janet in a lively conversation about the often overlooked and underestimated benefits of play-driven learning and how we can nurture these lifelong gifts for our children. Kisha and Janet discuss the magic of trusting children to discover and develop their passions and how our fears, misperceptions, and impatience as parents can get in their way. Reid weighs in on how to balance free play with lessons, sports, and other extracurriculars and whether parents should be concerned about summer learning loss. She also shares how in the early stages of her career she went against...
2022-06-2840 min
Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury UnruffledDon't Let Your Kids Miss Out on Play (with Kisha Reid)
Early childhood expert Kisha Reid joins Janet in a lively conversation about the often overlooked and underestimated benefits of play-driven learning and how we can nurture these lifelong gifts for our children. Kisha and Janet discuss the magic of trusting children to discover and develop their passions and how our fears, misperceptions, and impatience as parents can get in their way. Reid weighs in on how to balance free play with lessons, sports, and other extracurriculars and whether parents should be concerned about summer learning loss. She also shares how in the early stages of her career she went...
2022-06-2842 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP009: Alissa Mwenelupembwe- Advocating from Within Part 2Alissa Mwenelupembe has worked in early childhood education for the past twenty years. She began her career as a classroom educator working with toddlers and over time transitioned into center leadership roles. Alissa holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently working on her doctorate. Her dissertation focuses on the experiences of Black women navigating the career ladder in the early childhood profession.
2022-06-0824 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP008: Alissa Mwenelupembwe- Advocating from Within Part 1Alissa Mwenelupembe has worked in early childhood education for the past twenty years. She began her career as a classroom educator working with toddlers and over time transitioned into center leadership roles. Alissa holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently working on her doctorate. Her dissertation focuses on the experiences of Black women navigating the career ladder in the early childhood profession.
2022-05-1824 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP007: Leigh Ann Yuen: Creating Community With and For ChildrenLeigh Ann Yuen is the Co-founder, director, and lead teacher at Garden Gate Child Development Center on Martha's Vineyard, providing children with opportunities to be seen and heard through creative exploration and expression for more than 25 years. She has been teaching and advocating for children during this time. She and Kisha are going talk about her experiences in workshops and retreats for educators wishing to deepen their practice.
2022-05-0434 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP006: Becky Gamache- Equitable Access to Play and Nature Kisha Reid is joined by Becky Gamache, an education coordinator for Duluth Public Schools. Becky has been an early childhood educator for the past 25-years and is a fierce advocate for play-based learning and play equity. She and her team have recently been focused on implementing play-based practices and increased outdoor experiences for Head Start and the universal preschool programs in her school district. She is an advocate for developmentally appropriate experiences for young children and believes that children learn best through hands on experiences and are motivated through their own interests and ideas. She and Kisha...
2022-04-2025 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP005: Renee Dinnerstein- Investigating Choice Time Renee is known for her work as an early childhood educator. She has over 50 years of experience, having taught both in Italy and the United States. She and Kisha talk about her work around "Choice Time" and supporting NYC public school teachers as they design play conducive classrooms for school-aged children.
2022-04-0625 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP004: Mr. Chazz - Healing Generational TraumaHis mission is to help adults truly See, Guide and Trust children. He is pushing the needle a little closer toward world peace. He goes by, "Mr.Chazz" and he even has a song to prove it. He has been a teacher of teachers and parents for a decade. He has worked with many schools, thousands of teachers and thousands of children as an Educational Specialist. He earned his Master's in Executive Leadership at American University. His specialty is self-regulation, and he has found inspiring ways to teach his techniques to teachers and parents. Join us to learn more.
2022-03-1650 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP003: Peter Gray- Defining PlayIn this episode Kisha Reid is in conversation with Dr. Peter Gray as he breaks down the definition of the word Play. Through the five characteristics Peter Gray clarifies the meaning and scope of true play and it's importance for young children's healthy development.
2022-03-0247 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP002: Atiya Wells- Backyard Basecamp/BLISS MeadowsKisha is in conversation with Atiya Wells, a nurse and a mother of two, who developed a community resource with the mission of reconnecting Black, Indigenous, and People of color to land and nature. Atiya shares her story and offers concrete tips and advice for others who are interested in creating a sense of community around nature.
2022-02-0124 min
The DEY Podcast with Kisha ReidEP001: Suzanne Axelsson- Interaction Imagination. Original Learning ApproachDefending the Early Years' first podcast episode. Kisha Reid, our host, chats with Suzanne Axelsson. Suzanne is a pedagogical consultant working on the EY Program at the Department of Child and Youth Studies, Stockholm University. She and Kisha will discuss the ways she uses listening and philosophy with children as tools to improve democratic learning and play spaces in early childhood education.
2021-12-2730 min
Mary & Martha PodcastThe Joyful WarriorAre you going through a battle and you feel drained? In this episode, Kisha and Christina talk about what it means to still have peace and joy even in a battle.
Scripture: Colossians 3:22-25; Nehemiah 8:10
Reid Temple Dream Innovation Brunch - June 15, 2019
Tickets $25.00 Get tickets here: bit.ly/RTHubBrunch (case sensitive)
The Circle Women's Conference (Zion Church) August 3, 2019 Early bird tickets: $49
http://zionchurchonline.com/aspire
2019-06-1326 min
Mary & Martha PodcastWho do you say I am?How would you respond if Jesus asked you right now, "Who am I to you?" In this episode, Kisha and Christina explore that very question that Jesus asked His disciples in the book of Luke.
Scripture: Luke 9:18-20
Reid Temple Dream Innovation Brunch - June 15, 2019
Tickets $25.00 Get tickets here: bit.ly/RTHubBrunch (case sensitive)
The Circle Women's Conference (Zion Church) August 3, 2019 Early bird tickets: $49
http://zionchurchonline.com/aspire
2019-06-0725 min
Mary & Martha PodcastWaiting to exhaleDo you know how to wait without getting disappointed or frustrated? Your strength and courage are directly tied to your ability to wait on the promises of God. In this episode, Kisha and Christina talk about how to actively wait on the Lord.
Scripture: Psalms 27: 7-14 MSG
Reid Temple Dream Innovation Brunch - June 15, 2019
Tickets $25.00 Get tickets here: bit.ly/RTHubBrunch (case sensitive)
The Circle Women's Conference (Zion Church) August 3, 2019 Early bird tickets: $49
http://zionchurchonline.com/aspire
2019-05-3028 min
Mary & Martha PodcastThe God who seesHave you ever gotten yourself in a bad situation and you were ready to run away? Do you feel like you are in a season where God doesn't see you because of what you have done? Come hang out with Christina and Kisha as they discuss the story of Hagar.
Reid Temple Dream Innovation Brunch - June 15, 2019
Tickets $25.00 Get tickets here: bit.ly/RTHubBrunch (case sensitive)
The Circle Women's Conference (Zion Church) August 3, 2019 Early bird tickets: $49
http://zionchurchonline.com/aspire
2019-05-2325 min
The Creative JungleThe Mane Attraction: Video Campaigns That SparkleSwarovski is a global brand known to millions. From fabulous jewelry and relationships with celebrity designers to adorning Broadway or The Academy Awards stage with their brilliant crystals, Swarovski is everywhere in the fashion/entertainment landscape. Senior Account Manager Tina Gosselin and Head of Trade Marketing Kisha Reid join us to share Swarovski's brand and marketing tips, along with some of their favorite video campaigns that makes this global juggernaut sparkle. www.thevideojungle.com
2018-07-3142 min
94.3 WYBCElectric Drum 9/2/17 Felicia Hunter, Kisha Reid & Kayana ReidJuan Castillo interviews Felicia Hunter, Dori Dumas and in a different segment, Kisha Reid and Kayana Reid.
2017-09-1243 min