In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Mariana Brussoni—Professor at the University of British Columbia, Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership, and lead scientist of the Outside Play Lab at BC Children’s Hospital—to examine the critical role of risky play in schools. Grounded in decades of research, Dr. Brussoni explains what risky play truly means, how it differs from dangerous play, and why uncertainty, challenge, and even the possibility of minor injury are essential components of healthy child development.

Drawing from her co-authored book Embracing Risky Play at School, Dr. Brussoni unpacks the six categories of risky play, the importance of time, space, and freedom outdoors, and how educators can use dynamic risk–benefit assessment to create environments that are “as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible.” She offers practical insight into when teachers should step back versus intervene, how to design “Yes Spaces” for higher-risk play, and how schools can respond to injuries in ways that support learning rather than shut down opportunities.

Lauren and Dr. Brussoni also explore the connections between the decline of risky play and rising levels of anxiety and mental health challenges among children, as well as the rich cognitive, social, and emotional competencies developed when students climb, balance, build, and explore. The conversation ends with a compelling vision for the future of outdoor education—one where every child experiences meaningful, everyday opportunities for risky play as a fundamental part of their school day.

Embracing Risky Play at School Buy here!

Book Launch - February 5th, 2026. Join here!

UBC Outside Play Teacher Tool

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors Podcast, Lauren MacLean is joined by educator, writer, and author Carolyn Roberts, whose work centers on re-storying education through story, land-based learning, and relational ways of knowing.

Carolyn invites us to slow down and reconsider the stories that shape our classrooms, our relationships, and our responsibilities to land and community. Together, Lauren and Carolyn explore how story is not just something we teach, but something we live — and how children’s literature, particularly picture books by Indigenous authors, can open meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, and land.

This conversation gently supports educators who may feel unsure or fearful about “getting it wrong,” offering practical, grounded ways to begin engaging in decolonizing practices with humility, reflection, and care. From using picture books as entry points, to rethinking land acknowledgements, to honouring children as knowledge holders, this episode offers reassurance that this work doesn’t require perfection — only presence.

This is a reflective and hopeful conversation for educators at any stage of their journey.

Carolyn's Website

Carolyn's Journal Article

Thrive Outside is back this January for its second year! This 5-week online group coaching program helps teachers build confidence and clarity in outdoor learning—through routines, curriculum connections, planning support, and weekly collaborative sessions. Early bird pricing is open now at $127 until December 19, 2025, before increasing to $177. You can absolutely use Pro-D or PAC funds, and I’d love to have you join our 2026 cohort.

Click HERE to join!

Now onto today’s episode—one that so many teachers have been waiting for.

I’m joined by Paul Koberstein, award-winning investigative journalist, author, and founder of Cascadia Times. He’s also the co-author of Canopy of Titans, a finalist for the Oregon Book Award, which explores the ecological, cultural, and climate importance of the Pacific Northwest’s ancient forests. Paul’s work sits at the intersection of science, storytelling, and justice, making him the perfect guest to help us unpack today’s topic: climate literacy without fear.

In this conversation, Paul and I explore questions educators face every day, such as:

• How do we explain complex systems—like forests, carbon cycles, and climate change—in ways that build curiosity, wonder, and hope, rather than fear?
• What stories from Canopy of Titans can teachers bring into their classrooms to spark conversations about stewardship, ecosystems, and human impact?
• What signs of a healthy or stressed ecosystem should students learn to notice during forest walks or schoolyard explorations?
• How can we talk about logging, conservation, and land management honestly—especially in communities with strong ties to forestry—while staying respectful and balanced?
• How do forests and freshwater systems connect, and how do species like beavers and salmon actually help stabilize the climate?
• Why is simple noticing—curiosity, observation, attention—such a powerful foundation for environmental literacy?
• What are developmentally appropriate ways to introduce advocacy, decision-making, and environmental responsibility without overwhelming kids?
• And finally: What hopeful stories and emerging research keep Paul going, and how can we share that hope with our students?

Get in touch with Paul: paul.koberstein@gmail.com

Click HERE to buy Canopy of Titans

https://www.orbooks.com/catalog/canopy-of-titans/