26. TALKING TELETUBBIES WITH NIKKI SMEDLY (Laa-Laa)

26. TALKING TELETUBBIES WITH NIKKI SMEDLY (Laa-Laa)

Author: Exploring the power of play in contemporary culture January 10, 2025 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 experiences of imaginative play and independence.

* The connection between her early leadership in play and her later career in creating stories for performance.

* From Dancer to Teletubby

* Nikki's journey from running her own dance company to auditioning for Teletubbies.

* Insight into how dance discipline and humor influenced her comedic approach to performance.

* Creating the Magic of Teletubbies

* Behind-the-scenes details on the intentional design of Teletubbyland and the characters.

* The importance of consistency, safety, and playfulness in connecting with young audiences.

* Challenges of Fame and the Media Frenzy

* Nikki’s experience with intense media scrutiny and how the press targeted the cast.

* The emotional toll and unexpected challenges of being part of a cultural phenomenon.

* Impact on Children, Including Neurodivergent Audiences

* How Teletubbies became a safe and calming presence for autistic children.

* Nikki’s reflections on the long-term positive effects of the show.

* The Importance of Storytelling and Play

* A broader discussion on how storytelling and play are essential for human connection and creativity.

* Nikki’s views on the decline of live-action children’s entertainment and the cultural impact of storytelling.

* Confessions of a Teletubby

* Nikki’s one-woman show and how it brings humor and humanity to her Teletubby experience.

* Encouragement to support the arts and reflect on the role of stories in our lives.

*

Follow Nikki Smedley here to stay up to date with upcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/realtubbylaa/?hl=en



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
06. STRONG IS THE NEW PRETTY WITH KATE T. PARKER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:17
Emma and Ben are back! Emma interviews author and photographer Kate T Parker discussing her cult followed books Strong is the New Pretty and Heart of Boy. They discuss photography and the benefits of sport and team play…
05. FAMILY RAVE PLAY WITH HANNAH SAUNDERS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:09
Emma and Ben are back discussing their new domestic dilemma - fridge stink. This weeks guest is Hannah Saunders founder of Big Fish Little Fish - a family rave experience. Hannah describes her personal experience of bein…
04. FINDING YOUR FUNNY WITH CHRISTOPHER HALL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:05
Strap in for a silly-fuelled episode as Ben and Ems spiral into madness as they work through their 'domestic dilemmas'. How will Emma win her war on ants? Will Ben be able to cope with the new bleach-free cleaning produc…
03. ANNA JACKSON: DOPAMINE DRESSING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
Emma speaks to Bristol’s Anna Jackson, a style consultant who challenges clients with her mantra, “Don’t be scared of how you look!”.Anna offers services in colour analysis, wardrobe consultation and personal shopping as…
02. WHY YOU SHOULD TRY LAUGHTER YOGA WITH AMY ANGELILLI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:47
In this episode Emma and Ben go deep on their woes with domestic appliances. Emma has invented a new drink suitable for WWE wrestlers. Amy from The Adventure Project joins the pod to talk about 'adult recess' and how she…
01. COULD YOU BE A MUM GAMER? WITH ELLIE GIBSON [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:50
In this episode Emma interviews Ellie Gibson, video game journalist and one half of the comedy duo Scummy Mummies. They discuss why so many parents are fearful of gaming and how having some hands on experience of gaming…