19. PLAY AND NEURODIVERSITY WITH JO McMEECHAN

19. PLAY AND NEURODIVERSITY WITH JO McMEECHAN

Author: Exploring the power of play in contemporary culture January 10, 2025 Duration: 1:01:57

On a mission to change the narrative of Special Educational Needs by going right to the top of Government and legislative level; Jo supports children with additional needs, their Parents and Professionals to navigate the health and education systems. Self advocacy and acceptance lie right at the heart of it. Jo is an award winning Consultant Children’s Physiotherapist, Author of number 1 best seller, Equipping SEN Children for Life, and SEN Advocate. She has seen and experienced the barriers to support for SEN children first hand as Mum to Autistic, ADHD children. She runs a hugely successful and pioneering non profit organisation that provides fun, back to nature opportunities for therapy, play and learning. These take place in the great outdoors with a team of gorgeous therapy ponies to enrich children's experiences and enhance development. Jo is a seasoned public speaker featured on stage at national events such as EPOP Early Years Festival, Nursery World Exhibition, the global Bee Inspired event and through national charities such as the Riding For Disabled Association. Her book has supported hundreds of families and professionals to change their approach to the Special Educational Needs Narrative. Instagram: @jo_mc_sen_physio Get a free SEN Parent Toolkit here: https://www.senstorycic.com/opt-in-SEN-toolkit Buy the book: Equipping SEN Children for Life: Changing the Neurodiversity SENStory®️ : McMeechan, Jo: Amazon.co.uk: Books



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playfulden.substack.com

The Playful Den Podcast digs into the serious business of having fun. It’s a space where curiosity meets conversation, examining how a playful approach influences everything from scientific innovation and educational methods to personal growth and social bonds. Each episode unpacks a different facet of this core idea, moving beyond theory to find the practical applications in our daily lives. You’ll hear from researchers, artists, parents, and community organizers who are actively integrating play into their work and homes, sharing stories that reveal its profound impact on creativity, resilience, and connection. This isn’t about nostalgia for childhood games, but rather an investigation into a fundamental human drive and how we can harness it. The discussions are thoughtful yet accessible, blending evidence from various fields with relatable anecdotes. Whether the topic is designing better learning environments, fostering mental well-being through imaginative practices, or understanding how play shapes cultural trends, the aim is to offer tangible insights. The goal of this podcast is to provide a consistent, engaging exploration that encourages listeners to reconsider their own routines and perspectives, finding opportunities for lightness and invention where they might not expect them. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration that makes the case for incorporating more spontaneity and joy into the fabric of contemporary life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 27

The Playful Den Podcast
Podcast Episodes
26. TALKING TELETUBBIES WITH NIKKI SMEDLY (Laa-Laa) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:27
In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with author, performance artist, and original Laa-Laa, Nikki Smedley (@realtubbylaa). Episode notes: * The Role of Play in Childhood and Beyond* Nikki shares her childhood experienc…
25. THE LINK BETWEEN PLAY AND PARENTING WITH DR MARTHA DEIROS COLLADO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:04
In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with Dr. Martha Deiros Collado (@dr.marthapsychologist), a clinical psychologist specializing in parenting and child development. Episode notes: Guest Introduction:* Meet Marta, a c…
24. HOW TOYS GET MADE WITH AZHELLE WADE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:15
This episode is all about toys! What's the latest in the toy industry? Are today's toys increasing imagination or fuelling more and more mindless consumerism? Emma dives into these questions and more with Azhelle Wade ak…
23. LIFE IS TOO SHORT NOT TO DISCOVER COLOUR WITH RACHEAL JACKSON [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:17
In this episode Emma and Ben discuss a variety of pointlessly playful topics such as - is Nesquik still relevant? Is Stranger Things the best thing our eyes have ever seen? And Ben's hardest life challenge so far - build…
22. PROTECTING THE FREEDOM TO PLAY WITH DR PETER GREY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:21
On this guest episode, Emma is joined by Dr Peter Grey, a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College and author of internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook- Psychology, Worth Pu…
21. WHY SCHOOLS NEED MORE PLAY WITH GREG BOTTRILL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:55
In this episode Emma chats to Greg Botrill, teacher, educational thought leader and early years expert. Greg explains how education is so deeply entrenched in politics and the gaps between where we’re at with education t…
20. RAISING BOYS FOR A MORE EQUAL WORLD WITH KIRSTIE BEAVEN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:13
In this episode Emma chats to Kirstie Beaven founder and editor of Sonshine magazine, a publication which focusses on raising boys for a more equal world, by raising a generation of boys who feel able to express their em…
18. THE PLAYFUL WARRIOR WITH KARA LATTA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:30
Emma speaks to Canada based Kara Latta aka the Playful Warrior who works with groups, individuals and businesses to help heal perfectionism and self-doubt through play. Kara supports people in their return to play - some…
17. ISOBEL WOLFF: PROTECTING PLAY IN CHALLENGING TIMES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:02
Emma talks to Isobel Wolff, National Director at The Flying Seagulls, who for 15 years have been spreading laughter, play and silliness as far and wide as their net will cast.Isobel is an actor-musician and trained singe…
16. GETTING IN TUNE WITH YOUR CREATIVITY WITH MURUGIAH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:03
Emma and Ben share their opposing strategies to coping with the common cold and why they don't get on when they're ill. Interview with artist Murugiah who discusses the importance of creative freedom in childhood and how…