Shows
The Examined LifePeter Gray - What do children need to develop psychologically?Send us a textIf you’re a parent or a teacher, you’ve probably wondered about what the best conditions are for psychological development in children, and where we might have gone so wrong as a society. This week, we talk with psychologist Peter Gray about the developmental needs of children, and why long school days, risk free environments, and too much supervision are wreaking havoc with their psychological development.Other episodes on parenting/teaching:Michaeleen Doucleff on the universals of childhood - https://examined-life.com/interviews/michaeleen-doucleffe/Links:Pe...2025-05-0755 min
OuttaDeeBox PodcastRecruiting Revolution: Peter Gray's Journey from Wall Street to Social ImpactSend us a textPeter Gray didn't set out to become an executive recruiter. Still, his journey from Wall Street to Madison, Wisconsin, reveals how powerful it can be when professional expertise aligns with personal values. As a Harvard graduate who still admits to feeling imposter syndrome ("Everyone thinks they're the one who got in by mistake—including me," he laughs), Peter brings refreshing authenticity to the often mysterious world of executive hiring.What makes Peter's perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about recruitment. He coined the term "round peg bias" to...2025-04-1029 min
THRIVING MINDS PODCASTEpisode #192. Free to Learn: How Embracing Play Makes Children Happier, Self-Reliant, and Lifelong Learners. Professor Peter Gray, Boston CollegeIn this episode, we dive into the revolutionary ideas of developmental psychologist Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray challenges conventional education by making a bold case for self-directed, play-based learning – or "unschooling" – as the best path to prepare kids for a rapidly changing world.Drawing on insights from anthropology, psychology, and history, Gray argues that unstructured play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social competence. We’ll explore how freeing children from rigid educational system...2025-03-271h 23
Self Directed103: Peter Gray | Rethinking Education: The Power of Play and Self-Directed LearningSend us a textTogether with Peter Gray, we explored the concept of self-directed education. Peter Gray emphasizes the importance of play and independence in children's learning. The discussion highlights the shortcomings of the traditional school system and encourages parents to embrace unconventional educational approaches that foster curiosity and resilience in their children.Subjects we. cover:• Education is more than just formal schooling • Children naturally possess curiosity and a desire to learn • Historical contexts of education involved broader community engagement • Modern parenting often restricts children's independ...2025-01-161h 31
PapatriarcatREDIFF#127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray🎙️🇫🇷 REDIFF#127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray Episode disponible en VO et en VF. Dans cet épisode, nous allons aborder un article co-écrit par Peter Gray qui explore l'effet inhibiteur des parents sur leurs enfants, même en l'absence d'instructions explicites. Nous discuterons également des effets néfastes de la surveillance constante et du manque de liberté dans le développement des enfants. Peter Gray est un psychologue du développement, directeur de recherche au Boston College.Après avoir obtenu son doctorat en biologi...2025-01-0955 min
PapatriarcatREBROADCAST#127 - Let kids play alone - Peter Gray🎙️🇺🇸 REBROADCAST#127 - Let kids play alone - Peter Gray Episode available in original version and french version. In this episode, we'll discuss an article co-authored by Peter Gray that explores the inhibiting effect of parents on their children, even in the absence of explicit instructions. We will also discuss the harmful effects of constant surveillance and lack of freedom in children's development. Peter Gray is a developmental psychologist and director of research at Boston College.After receiving his doctorate in biology from Rockefeller University in 1972, he was a profe...2025-01-091h 02
PapatriarcatBANDE ANNONCE REDIFF#127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray🎙️ BANDE ANNONCE REDIFF#127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray Quelques extraits de l'épisode à paraitre le demain à 18h.Déjà disponible sur Papatriarcat+ !Peter Gray est un psychologue du développement, directeur de recherche au Boston College.Après avoir obtenu son doctorat en biologie à l'Université Rockefeller en 1972, il a été professeur au Département de Psychologie de Boston College de 1972 à 2002.Il est connu pour ses critiques du système éducatif traditionnel et est invité régulièrement à intervenir auprès de groupes de parents, d'éducateurs ou...2025-01-0804 min
Pathways to Family WellnessFree to Play with Peter Gray, PhDIn this episode we have the honor of speaking once again with Peter Gray, PhD about the instinctive drive of children to learn through play and how many of the rules and regulations set to govern children stifle their development. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience who for many years has been studying play. Among other things, he is the author of an introductory psychology textbook, now in its 8th edition (with David Bjorklund as co-author of editions 7 & 8), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. He is also author of Free to...2025-01-0849 min
Set Point PodcastSet Point #30 | Robert Gray, PHDIn today’s episode of the Set Point Podcast, Peter welcomes Robert Gray, PhD, Professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University and host of The Perception and Action Podcast. Dr. Gray, an expert in ecological dynamics and the constraint-led approach, discusses how this methodology offers a more effective alternative to traditional, technicist, and mechanistic coaching methods that are deeply ingrained in sports culture. Drawing on insights from his four books, Dr. Gray explains how the constraint-led approach helps athletes learn and adapt more effectively.Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and share th...2024-11-111h 00
The Child Psych PodcastThe Power of Play with Peter Gray, Episode #105In this riveting podcast, we interview Dr. Peter Gray, one of the world's top experts on play and learning, on how play deprivation harms our children and why we need to make space for more child-led, free play! This podcast will inspire you to get out of the way and allow your child to flourish with LESS adult involvement, significantly benefiting both parent's and children's mental health.Peter Gray, Ph.D., is a research professor at Boston College specializing in psychology and neuroscience. He is renowned for his research on the role of play in human...2024-11-061h 01
Ben Yeoh ChatsPeter Gray: Transforming Education, Play, Parenting and Self-Directed LearningPeter Gray is a psychologist and author of Free to Learn. For many years, he has been studying the importance of play.
Gray discusses his perspective on the ideal education system, which he believes should be a bottom-up movement rather than a top-down imposition. He emphasizes the importance of self-directed education where children have the freedom to follow their curiosity and interests. Gray explains how traditional schooling stifles curiosity and playfulness, and traces the historical roots of the current education system. He also highlights the sociopolitical factors that have contributed to the decline of...2024-11-011h 15
The Vegan ReportThe Case For Homeschooling. With Dr. Peter Gray | ReuploadIn last week's episode, our guest Adam shared that he wanted to homeschool his son.A few years ago, I would have frowned at the idea of homeschooling. I would have thought of it as something very marginal, cultish and detrimental to the future prospects of any kids.But not anymore.Today, I think that the institution of school is detrimental to kids, to our mental health, to social cohesion and even to democracy. And homeschooling, or any other alternative to schools, should be seriously considered by any responsible parent.Our...2024-10-291h 05
De Kinderopvang PodcastDe Kinderopvangpodcast 55 - Peter GrayIn deze aflevering van de Kinderopvang Podcast is de Amerikaanse Peter Gray te gast. Gray is professor en onderzoeker in de psychologie en neurowetenschappen en dé expert op het gebied van spelen en vrij leren. In zijn boek Free to Learn bewijst hij dat vrij spel van levensbelang is én zet hij vraagtekens bij het huidige schoolsysteem waar steeds minder ruimte is voor vrij spel. Waarom vertrouwen we onze kinderen niet meer? Wat tonen de onderzoeken aan? Waarom hoeven de smartphones volgens hem niet de deur uit en waarom is hij ondanks de schrijnende ontwikkelingen niet pessimistisch? In deze af...2024-10-0851 min
The Unschooling Lifestyle PodcastWhy Play Matters with Dr. Peter GrayIn this episode, we engage in a lively conversation with Dr. Peter Gray about the significance of play and the importance of maintaining a playful attitude towards life. We explore the barriers that prevent children from learning through play and discuss the organizations advocating for children's right to play. As an unschooling family, we share how play has been crucial in our journey, reflecting on how my own conditioning focused too much on outcomes, leading me to forget how to embrace playfulness with the little ones I cherish most. If Dr. Gray's message resonates with you, we...2024-08-2547 min
Renegade Health Boss: Healing Uncovered: Chronic Illness, Lyme, Mold, Mental Health & Biohacking for Holistic WellnessGluten or Mold? The Shocking Truth Revealed with Dr Peter Osborne and Heather Gray FDN-PIn episode 116, Heather Gray FDN-P welcomes Dr. Peter Osborne, a leading expert in functional medicine and gluten-free living. He shares his journey from a frustrated intern at the VA hospital to founding Gluten-Free Society, advocating for holistic approaches to autoimmune diseases. Listen in as Dr. Osborne discusses the importance of identifying triggers for autoimmune diseases, his experience with a life-changing patient case, and his dedication to educating others on the benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle.In this podcast you will discover 02:10 - The reasons behind adopting a gluten-free lifestyle. 05:15 - D...2024-07-1751 min
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast1KHO 312: Don't Even Look at Your Child's Report Card | Dr. Peter Gray, Evidence That Self-Directed Education WorksIn his third appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Dr. Peter Gray joins host Ginny Yurich to explore the benefits of self-directed education.Dr. Gray shares personal anecdotes about his son’s and brother’s educational journeys, highlighting the success of alternative learning environments like the Sudbury Valley School. They delve into the natural ways children learn, the critical role of play and curiosity, and the challenges parents face when breaking away from societal norms. Dr. Gray emphasizes some of the harmful effects of conventional schooling, including increased anxiety and depression, and advocates for an educational paradigm that...2024-07-151h 06
Apogee StrongPeter Gray: Child Development, Free Play, and Self-Directed Education - Rethinking Modern Schooling and ParentingAre you worried that more kids today feel scared or sad? Do you think how we raise and teach kids might be part of the problem? It's not just phones or computers that might be hurting kids. Being too protective or having too many rules can also cause trouble. When kids don't get to play freely or do things on their own, it can slow down how they learn to think and feel. If we change how we think about raising and teaching kids, we might find better ways to help them. This could help kids become stronger, braver...2024-07-071h 16
Emotional BadassHow Self-Directed Play Enhances Children's Mental Health and Emotional Growth: Dr. Peter GrayEver wondered why play is crucial for children's mental health and early childhood development? Self directed play, driven by intrinsic motivation, is a natural way for children to learn, boundaries, creativity, and resilience. It teaches them to manage emotions, develop social skills, and handle stress effectively. In this episode, we explore how play fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, helping children become well-rounded individuals. With expert insights from Dr. Peter Gray and Nikki Eisenhauer, we discuss the profound impact of play on children's mental health. Discover the essential role of play in nurturing emotional and psychological growth and early...2024-07-071h 33
The NatLifePodIs play the answer to breaking through the broken educational mould? - A conversation with Peter GrayWelcome back to The NatLifePod. I am thrilled to bring you today's episode with someone who has been a huge inspiration for our family dynamic.
In this episode, I have the honour of interviewing Peter Gray, acclaimed author of "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life."
Peter's groundbreaking work challenges our western world templates of education and advocates for a more natural and self-directed approach to learning.
As parents, caregivers and educators, we often find ourselves caught in a...2024-06-181h 13
The Hannah Frankman PodcastPeter Gray: The Psychology of PlayThis week we have Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist who studies the important of play in childhood. His book Free to Learn covers the importance of play as a form of education in
Expect to learn why childhood play was an area of interest in his research, Peter’s experience raising a son who was rebellious to the traditional education system, and his thoughts on Sudbury Schools, Unschooling, and other alternative education models. You’ll also hear Peter’s take on video games and using play in the digital world.
This...2024-06-131h 38
Agentic SchoolsPeter Gray, Co-founder of Let Grow and Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE) S2E09Guest: Peter Gray, Co-founder of Let Grow and Alliance for Self-Directed Education (ASDE)
Agentic Schools Vodcast with Don Berg
Peter Gray related resources:
https://letgrow.org
https://www.self-directed.org
https://petergray.substack.com
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn
https://www.petergray.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/peter.gray.3572
Don Berg related resources:
Info Site: https://www.HolisticEquity.org
Advocacy Site: https://www.DLAdvocates.org
Services Site: https://www...2024-06-071h 05
The Chris Geisler Podcast#120 - The Play Epidemic: What Have We Done To Our Children? - Peter GraySupport & Join Podcast Community: https://www.patreon.com/thechrisgeisler
Sign Up To My Newsletter: https://www.thechrisgeisler.com
Peter Gray is a researcher and professor at Boston College, in Psychology and Neuroscience, whose recent work focuses primarily on children's natural ways of learning and the value of play from an evolutionary perspective.
Peter defines play as an independent and unsupervised activity initiated by the players themselves.
We discuss the significance of differentiating play from other activities, why prioritising happiness in children's development is overlooked. The long-term benefits of play in promoting...2024-04-031h 20
Oh Crap with Jamie169: The Importance of Play with Peter GrayDiscover why play is essential for your child's growth, from enhancing cognitive development to fostering social skills. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College specializing in psychology and neuroscience, who has dedicated his career to understanding the value of play in children's lives. He is a founding member of the board of Let Grow and author of the acclaimed book "Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life."
Dr. Gray shares insights into how play promotes creativity...2024-02-151h 13
KindlEDEpisode 34: Free to Learn. A Conversation with Peter Gray.This week, Kaity and Adriane chat with Peter Gray, research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College and renowned author of "Free to Learn." This episode is all about the power of play in learning, shedding light on how self-directed exploration can ignite children's natural curiosity and shape their futures. Peter shares his journey into the field of education and his personal experience with his son's struggles in traditional schooling. He discusses the pivotal moment that led him to discover Sudbury Valley School, an alternative school focused on self-directed education. Peter also talks about his study o...2024-02-131h 08
Lars og PålEpisode 138 Peter Gray on reconsidering what we know about schooling and learningIn this podcast episode returning guest Peter Gray, retired professor of psychology at Boston College, makes an argument for why we should consider other ways of understanding and structuring learning in and outside of school. We talk about college and access to working life, possible alternative ways of learning an occupation, David Geary’s evolutionary theory of biologically primary and secondary abilities, what we need to learn and when we need to learn it, what we can observe in kids who aren’t taught in the conventional ways, kids who learn to read on their own or who learn the...2024-01-311h 37
School to Homeschool25. Interview with World Renowned, Dr. Peter GrayEver wondered about the transformative power of free play in a child's life? Prepare for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Peter Gray, an evolutionary psychologist and child development expert, as we journey through his research on self-directed learning and the crucial role of play in development and learning. Drawing from his personal experiences and groundbreaking research, Dr. Gray offers insights into the Sudbury Valley School's self-directed learning model and its potential to shape fulfilling lives. We dig deep into how self-directed education morphs the lines between work and play, and its ripple effects on children's lives. The...2023-12-111h 05
Changemaker ED“U”A Conversation with Peter Gray: Play, Child Development & EducationPeter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. His recent research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine and a Substack series entitled Play Makes Us Human. He is one of the f...2023-12-061h 09
Golf Podcast: next on the teeGolfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion with Author Peter GrayPeter Gray and Gary Lisbon have put together a fantastic book titled, Golfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion. In it, we learn about the rich history of many of the legendary courses along the British Isles like, The Old Course, Royal Portrush, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Prestwick, and Old Head to name just a few. The photos taken by Gary Lisbon are breathtaking, ones you'd love to have framed in your den or office. The whole book from cover to cover is spectacular. Have a listen as Peter Gray takes us on a journey to some of the greatest...2023-10-2854 min
Golf Podcast: next on the teeGolfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion with Author Peter GrayPeter Gray and Gary Lisbon have put together a fantastic book titled, Golfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion. In it, we learn about the rich history of many of the legendary courses along the British Isles like, The Old Course, Royal Portrush, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Prestwick, and Old Head to name just a few. The photos taken by Gary Lisbon are breathtaking, ones you'd love to have framed in your den or office. The whole book from cover to cover is spectacular. Have a listen as Peter Gray takes us on a journey to some of the greatest...2023-10-2854 min
next on the teeGolfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion with Author Peter GrayPeter Gray and Gary Lisbon have put together a fantastic book titled, Golfing the British Isles, The Weekend Warrior's Companion. In it, we learn about the rich history of many of the legendary courses along the British Isles like, The Old Course, Royal Portrush, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Prestwick, and Old Head to name just a few. The book is 171 pages of WOW and Gary Lisbon's photography is image after image of Oh My! The whole book from cover to cover is spectacular. Have a listen as Peter Gray takes us on a journey to some of the greatest courses in...2023-10-2854 min
Papatriarcat🇫🇷 #127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray🎙️🇫🇷 #127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray Episode disponible en VO et en VF. Dans cet épisode, nous allons aborder un article co-écrit par Peter Gray qui explore l'effet inhibiteur des parents sur leurs enfants, même en l'absence d'instructions explicites. Nous discuterons également des effets néfastes de la surveillance constante et du manque de liberté dans le développement des enfants. Peter Gray est un psychologue du développement, directeur de recherche au Boston College.Après avoir obtenu son doctorat en biologie à...2023-10-2655 min
Papatriarcat🇺🇸 #127 - Let kids play alone - Peter Gray🎙️🇺🇸 #127 - Let kids play alone - Peter Gray Episode available in original version and french version. In this episode, we'll discuss an article co-authored by Peter Gray that explores the inhibiting effect of parents on their children, even in the absence of explicit instructions. We will also discuss the harmful effects of constant surveillance and lack of freedom in children's development. Peter Gray is a developmental psychologist and director of research at Boston College.After receiving his doctorate in biology from Rockefeller University in 1972, he was a professo...2023-10-261h 02
PapatriarcatBANDE ANNONCE #127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray🎙️ BANDE ANNONCE #127 - Laissons jouer les enfants seuls - Peter Gray Quelques extraits de l'épisode à paraitre le 26 octobre 2023 à 18h.Déjà disponible sur Papatriarcat+ !Peter Gray est un psychologue du développement, directeur de recherche au Boston College.Après avoir obtenu son doctorat en biologie à l'Université Rockefeller en 1972, il a été professeur au Département de Psychologie de Boston College de 1972 à 2002.Il est connu pour ses critiques du système éducatif traditionnel et est invité régulièrement à intervenir auprès de groupes de parents, d'éducateurs ou de...2023-10-2504 min
Raising WildlingsPlay, Learn, Grow: Insights from Dr. Peter GraySend us a textPrepare to be captivated by this deep dive into the world of childhood play. In our latest episode, we have the esteemed pleasure of welcoming back Dr Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. With an impressive track record of studying play's importance, Dr Gray’s insights are sure to fascinate you as he unveils how play shapes children into responsible, creative, and socially adept individuals.Full Show Notes 👉 https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/Play-Learn-Grow-With-Dr-Peter-Gray Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Natur...2023-09-1136 min