Play Happens Podcast

Jessica Degenhardt - Host of Play Happens
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What if the best kind of learning looked a whole lot like play? Welcome to Play Happens - the podcast for parents, educators and caregivers who want to understand why play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental. Hosted by Jess - a teacher, play advocate and mum - each episode explores the messy, joyful and sometimes unexpected ways children grow through play. You’ll get practical tips, myth-busting insights and encouragement to trust the power of play. Because the best kind of learning? It happens every day, through play.

  1. 3H AGO

    S2 EP 15:Bedtime Battles And How Play Can Help

    Bedtime can feel like the longest part of the day - especially when you’re already running on empty. In this episode, I explore why bedtime is such a big transition, and how play, routine and realistic expectations can support both children and parents. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who needs both practical ideas and reassurance. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season? Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    7 min

  2. APR 21

    S2 EP 14:Making Transitions Easier (Using Play)

    Why do simple moments like leaving the house, turning off screens or getting dressed feel so hard? In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on during transitions and how play can help reduce resistance, support regulation and make everyday routines feel smoother. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who dreads the “turn it off” or “time to go” moments. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season? Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    7 min

  3. APR 14

    S2 EP 13:Living with Screens

    Setting boundaries around screens can feel impossible - especially when parents are exhausted.In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I bring the conversation into real family life, exploring how to make intentional choices around technology without guilt. From algorithm-driven platforms to everyday survival moments, this episode offers practical ways to protect play while still honouring the realities of parenting. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who wants practical ideas, not perfect rules. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    7 min

  4. APR 7

    S2 EP 12:Technology, Play & the Developing Brain

    Technology is everywhere and parenting in a digital world can feel overwhelming.In this episode of Play Happens Podcast, I explore how different types of technology interact with children’s developing brains, what current research is showing and why play is such a critical protective factor. This episode isn’t about rules or guilt - it’s about awareness, balance and understanding what children need most. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who is raising young children in a very digital world. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    6 min

  5. MAR 31

    S2 EP 11:Letting Go of the Lesson Plan - Play, Purpose & Parental Leave

    Parental leave can feel like a complete identity shift.In this episode, I share my personal experience of moving from a structured, purpose-driven career into the unpredictable world of caring for a baby - and the pressure I felt to do more, teach more and get it right. Through this reflection, I explore how my relationship with play evolved, why curated activities aren’t the gold standard we think they are, and how slowing down helped me trust that what me - and my children - were doing was already enough. A gentle, reassuring listen for anyone on parental leave wondering if they’re doing it “right”. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who needs permission to slow down, simplify and trust play. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    8 min

  6. MAR 24

    S2 EP 10:When Helping Is Actually Play

    When children want to help - sweep the floor, wipe the bench, carry the groceries - we often see it as a disruption. In this episode, I explore how those everyday moments can actually be play and why letting kids help (imperfectly and on their own terms) supports skill development, confidence and a sense of belonging. A gentle reframe for parents who feel torn between getting things done and letting kids be part of it. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who needs permission to let kids help - imperfectly. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    8 min

  7. MAR 17

    S2 EP 9:When Play Feels Hard

    Play is meant to be simple - so why does it feel so hard sometimes? In this episode, I explore why many parents struggle with play, especially unstructured play, and why that discomfort is completely normal. From feeling unsure of your role to being wired for outcomes, this episode offers reassurance, perspective and practical ways to take the pressure off. If play feels awkward, draining or harder than you expected - you’re not alone. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who feels guilty for not always wanting to play. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    6 min

  8. MAR 10

    S2 EP 8:Toys - Are We Being Sold a Lie?

    Have you ever felt pressured to buy the “right” toy, hoping it will keep your child entertained or make them smarter? In this episode, I explore why toys alone don’t make play magical, how kids often surprise us with what they actually engage with, and simple ways to encourage creativity, imagination and real play at home. ✨ Play Happens is hosted by Jessica Degenhardt - Primary Educator, Masters in Special & Inclusive Education and passionate play advocate. Follow Jess on Instagram: ⁠@playhappensau⁠ 🎧 Follow Play Happens Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💌 Share this episode with someone who has a living room full of half-played-with toys. Have a question, story or topic you’d love covered this season?Send a message or DM - this podcast is shaped by real families and real childhoods.

    6 min
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About

What if the best kind of learning looked a whole lot like play? Welcome to Play Happens - the podcast for parents, educators and caregivers who want to understand why play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental. Hosted by Jess - a teacher, play advocate and mum - each episode explores the messy, joyful and sometimes unexpected ways children grow through play. You’ll get practical tips, myth-busting insights and encouragement to trust the power of play. Because the best kind of learning? It happens every day, through play.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Degenhardt - Host of Play Happens
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jessica Degenhardt - Host of Play Happens
  • Show Website
    Play Happens Podcast