Shows
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#16 Sean Longhurst: Coaching through playIn this episode, Andrew speaks with Sean Longhurst – a coach developer and play advocate whose career has spanned academia, elite football, and grassroots community sport. Sean is a programme director at ParkPlay, as well as a coach development consultant across the sports and physical activity sector. Sean’s work focuses on developing those who develop others, and using the power of play to do it. Sean reflects on how his early academic work helped shape the way we think about play and movement learning – including his role in Nonlinear Pedagogy in Skill Acquisition – and what happens whe...2025-05-011h 17
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#15 Eugene Minogue. The Right to Play: Childhood, Risk, and the Public SpaceIn this conversation, Andrew Telfer (WildStrong) speaks with Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, about the state of play in the UK and beyond. From free-range childhoods to the rise of 'No Ball Games' signs, they explore how societal shifts and adult fears have squeezed play out of children's lives. Eugene shares personal insights, policy changes, and practical actions we can all take to restore play as a right for both children and adults. Expect reflections on parkour, digital play, physical literacy, public policy, and why your childhood memories might be the...2025-04-101h 08
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#14 Tom Morrison. Pain & Progress: Wiggling Through The WorstIn this episode, Andrew Telfer chats with Tom Morrison, known for his playful, relatable approach to mobility and strength. Tom shares his personal journey from chronic pain and immobility to becoming a coach who helps others rediscover what their bodies can do. They explore cultural ideas around pain, how strength and flexibility can co-exist, and why the fitness industry often gets it wrong and what it means to feel capable again.Whether you're working through back pain or just tired of rigid fitness rules, this conversation offers practical guidance and hope....2025-03-2857 min
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#13 Rafe Kelley: Movement, Play & MeaningIn this episode Andrew speaks with Rafe Kelley, the founder of Evolve Move Play. Rafe shares his journey from parkour and martial arts into developing a movement practice deeply rooted in evolutionary biology, nature, and play. They discuss the tension between structured fitness models and natural movement, the role of meaning in physical practice, and how modern fitness and social structures often strip people of their innate playfulness and movement capabilities. The conversation also touches on the evolution of fitness culture, the importance of community, and the challenges of maintaining movement longevity as we age.Evolve Move...2025-03-111h 13
Second Act Fit ProsWildStrong: Creating Community and Movement in the OutdoorsAndrew Telfer and Gill Erskine, are the founders of WildStrong bring fun, play, and human connection into outdoor physical activities.They’re tackling a huge gap in the fitness industry is not engaging, the 85% of adults who don’t want to step into a gym or engage in traditional fitness programs. Instead, they offer a refreshing, non-competitive way for people to explore movement, build confidence, and adapt to life’s physical challenges.In this episode, we dive into: Andrew’s shift from personal training and a background in CrossFit to public health Jill’s journey fr...2025-03-0255 min
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#12 Joanna Myers. Understanding Pain: The Importance of Resilience and Holistic CareIn this episode, Andrew speaks to physiotherapist, Joanna Myers, about working with individuals in chronic pain management. They talk about how the definition of pain has evolved, the critical role of neurophysiology in chronic pain, and how resilience-building through movement can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with pain. Whether you're experiencing pain yourself or want to understand how to help others, this episode offers valuable insights.Joanna shares practical tools for managing pain, her holistic approach to patient care, and the importance of community and support in the healing pro...2025-02-261h 01
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#11 Cormac Russell. It Takes a Village: Why Health Starts with ConnectionIn this episode of thePlayful Nature Podcast, Andrew sits down withCormac Russell, a social explorer, author, and global expert inAsset-Based Community Development (ABCD). Cormac is the founder ofNurture Development and a faculty member of theABCD Institute at DePaul University.His work has impacted communities inover 35 countries, helping people reclaim their power, build local resilience, and redefine what health and well-being truly mean.Together, Andrew and Cormac talk about:🌿Why health isn’t just about medicine—it’s about community🏡How modern life has pulled us apart—and what we can do about it2025-02-131h 03
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#10 Matt Donnelly. How to build an active villageHow do you make movement a natural part of community life? Today, I chat with Matt Donnelly, a fitness coach and movement advocate leading the Active Villages project in Ribble Valley.
Matt has taken a fresh approach to rural activity: instead of relying on gyms, he’s built Play Libraries, started community rounders games, and partnered with Park Play to create sustainable movement opportunities.
🔥 In this episode, we cover:✅ Why rural areas face unique movement challenges—and how to solve them✅ The power of Play Libraries and making equipment freely available✅ How to build movement-friend...2025-02-061h 09
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#9 Elaine McNish. From Barriers to Bridges: Rethinking Movement for EveryoneIn this episode Andrew Telfer speaks with Elaine McNish, co-director of Move Consulting, about the critical intersections of policy, behaviour change, and practical interventions in physical activity.
With over 35 years of experience spanning roles in public health, sports councils, and national policy advising, Elaine provides an in-depth perspective on how to bridge the gap between evidence and practice.
Join us as we discuss:
Why exercise referral needs to evolve into physical activity referral.
The concept of pathways: how to build seamless systems for increasing physical activity.
The role of b...2025-01-2957 min
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#8 Rick Jenner: Building happier, healthier communities through playIn this episode, Andrew Telfer speaks with Rick Jenner, the driving force behind Park Play, an initiative transforming parks across the UK into vibrant spaces for play and connection.
Rick shares how play breaks barriers, fosters inclusivity, and creates happier, healthier communities. Discover how ParkPlay empowers local leaders, adapts to unique communities, and brings people of all ages together through movement.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
Why play is a natural instinct for all ages.
How Park Play creates inclusive spaces for movement and connection.
Practical tips to start your own community play sessions.
You ca...2025-01-2253 min
The Movement PrescriptionWildStrong: An Inclusive Community of Movement with Andrew TelferJoin host Callum and Andrew Telfer, co-founder of WildStrong. They discuss community-focused movement in nature, challenging traditional fitness norms and promoting a playful, inclusive approach to health.Produced with support from the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.Find us at https://themovementprescription.co.uk/ and join the conversation!2025-01-2251 min
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#7 Erin Eleuterio: Embracing Active AgingIn this episode, Andrew sits down with Erin Eleuterio, the creator of the Second Act Fit Pros podcast and community, to discuss innovative approaches to physical activity for older adults. Erin shares insights into her work with senior living communities, the importance of autonomy and agency in fitness, and how reshaping language and expectations can empower individuals to stay active and resilient as they age.
Topics covered include:
The role of language in breaking down barriers to movement, including the shift from "fall prevention" to "fall resiliency."
How Erin gamifies movement to make it accessible, enjoyable, an...2025-01-0756 min
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#6 Dr Callum Leese: Thinking about Health at a Community LevelIn this conversation, Andrew and Dr. Callum Lease chat about the importance of community in health, the impact of individualism, and the challenges posed by inequality in health interventions. They discuss the role of social media, the significance of physical activity, and how to create inclusive communities. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and engagement at the community level to foster better health outcomes.Takeaways
Callum Leese:
This episode is with Dr Callum Leese. Callum medically qualified at the University of Edinburgh, now training in general practice in Aberfeldy, whilst working part-time...2024-12-1057 min
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#5 Shelby Copeland: Finding Strength Through PlayIn this conversation, Andrew and Shelby explore the intersection of fitness, chronic pain, and personal growth. Shelby shares her journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming a movement coach, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community in fitness. They discuss the challenges of navigating chronic pain and how it has shaped Shelby's approach to training and coaching. The conversation highlights the significance of finding joy in movement and creating inclusive spaces for all individuals to engage in physical activity. In this conversation, Shelby Copeland and Andrew discuss the importance of community in movement and fitness, emphasizing the need for...2024-11-281h 04
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#4 Dan Edwardes: Learning to solve movement problemsSuch a pleasure to have Dan Edwardes on the podcast this month!
We’ve followed Dan for years. As the founder and CEO of Parkour Generations, the multi-award-winning organisation for parkour, Dan has dedicated his life to practical movement, functional skills, and physical fitness. With an extensive background in fighting arts before he found parkour, his journey is fascinating and inspiring.
What’s truly impressive about Dan is his ability to synthesise ideas across the movement space. He has a real knack for turning concepts into practical, tangible tools, and his thoughtful blog is essential read...2024-11-121h 16
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast1KHO 368: Rebuilding Tiny Support Networks | Gill Erskine and Andrew Telfer, Wildstrong UKIn this engaging episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich chats with Gill Erskine and Andrew Telfer from Wildstrong UK. They share how their innovative approach to fitness merges movement, play, and community, particularly through outdoor activities that foster connection across all ages. From teaching adults how to fall safely to creating playful movement games, Wildstrong challenges traditional exercise norms. Gill and Andrew discuss the benefits of bringing exercise outdoors, building community support, and reclaiming the joy of movement. Tune in to explore how playful engagement can transform your approach to fitness, friendships, and overall well-being.**2024-10-231h 05
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#3 Ginny Yurich: How to Keep You and the Kids Outside, All Year Round“The premise is simple, but the impact is profound.”
– Ginny Yurich, Founder of 1000 Hours Outside
The concept at the core of this movement is simple - the amount of time kids spend outside ‘actually matters’, though you may not hear this very often. A childhood flooded with nature time benefits kids (and adults) in untold ways.
In this episode, we chat with one of Gill’s long-term inspirations, Ginny Yurich.
If you’re not familiar with 1000 Hours Outside, do check it out. We found it to be a great tool for thinking creatively abo...2024-10-091h 02Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#2: In-Between Strength, the glue that holds us togetherWhat are the movements we need to keep doing as we age so we can keep joining in?
Episode 2 is here and it’s all about: In-between strength.
Gill & Andrew talk about the jigsaw piece, the glue that helps keep the show on the road.
It’s the little wiggles and wobbles in-between movements.
If you’re picking up a bag of grain from the ground, the in-between strength is what allows you to get into an awkward position and mo...2024-09-2543 min
The Forest School PodcastEp 187: Unleashing Nature's Gym: Movement Reimagined with Andrew and Gill from WildstrongWhat 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 episode is packed with insights for educators, parents, and anyone looking to bring more playful, natural movement into their lives.
Chapter Titles & Timing:
00:00 - Introduction to Wild Strong
05:34 - Breaking the Gym Mold: Nature as Your Playground
10:41 - The Power...2024-08-241h 03
Playful Nature Podcast by WildStrong#1: Why we all need to be strongerThe number one comment we hear when we introduce women to lifting heavy, odd objects is a fear that you will hurt your back or that you are doing it wrong. Sound familiar?
As a society, we've done a good job of instilling this fear from a young age. As we get older, we often become more cautious, and the fear grows bigger.
In this episode we (Andrew and Gill) talk about the most common fears and misconceptions women have about strength training.
We discuss how the removal of some movement opportunities has...2024-07-2452 min
Make Movement Matter with Wendy Welpton#15. Building Community & Well-being by Embracing Outdoor Movement At Every Age with Gill Erskine & Andrew Telfer of WildstrongGetting outdoors, meeting and moving in a wide range of ways, with a wide range of people and learning about yourself in the process, is a really special combination. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this week’s podcast guests; Gill Erskine & Andrew Telfer, for a while now. I’ve even been fortunate enough to experience some of their magic, at a Wildstrong certification weekend. I came away having had my knowledge challenged, movement and coaching skills improved and having had warm conversations and made lovely connections. I wished there was a Wildstrong nearer me! Gill & Andrew are a gr...2024-05-2853 min
Make Movement Matter with Wendy Welpton#15. Building Community & Well-being by Embracing Outdoor Movement At Every Age with Gill Erskine & Andrew Telfer of WildstrongGetting outdoors, meeting and moving in a wide range of ways, with a wide range of people and learning about yourself in the process, is a really special combination.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this week’s podcast guests; Gill Erskine & Andrew Telfer, for a while now. I’ve even been fortunate enough to experience some of their magic, at a Wildstrong certification weekend. I came away having had my knowledge challenged, movement and coaching skills improved and having had warm conversations and made lovely connections. I wished there was a Wildstrong nearer m...2024-05-2853 min
The Happy Pear PodcastTransforming Health Through Local Connections with WildStrong“I think the fitness industry took a wrong turn when it adopted a top down model of fitness education. I also feel there is too much emphasis on working out alone and the collection of arbitrary data. WildStrong is the opportunity to embed movement in a community setting, with tangible benefits, creating a peer-lead, distributed model of health practice.”In this week’s episode, we delve into the world of community-based health and fitness with guests Andrew Telfer and Gill Erskine, co-founders of WildStrong. Andrew, a public health professional with over 15 years of experience in strength and co...2024-05-221h 09