Wait, Am I Saving the World? | Conversations on Childhood

Carrie of PlayMotion Kids

Conversations for the people that care about creating happier, healthier childhoods. Wait, Am I Saving the World? is a podcast about exploring childhood, wellbeing, and the everyday ways adults can support healthier, happier childhoods. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, director, social worker, caregiver, or child-focused professional, this show offers honest conversations, reflection, and practical ideas to help you navigate childhood and the grown-up work of caring for kids without losing yourself in the process. Hosted by Carrie Speed, social worker and founder of PlayMotion Kids, a movement, music, and mindfulness enrichment program for early childhood centers,  each episode explores what it truly takes to show up for kids today.   We explore topics like behavior, resilience, emotional well-being, trauma-informed care, sensory needs, play-based learning, mindfulness, movement, whole-child wellness, and the everyday science of connection. Carrie also certifies and licenses instructors who want to bring movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning to their own communities.  Because when more adults are supported, equipped, and encouraged, the impact for kids grows. If you care about kids, you belong here. Together, we’re exploring what it truly takes to support the next generation—one conversation at a time.

  1. Ep: 15 Motion Calms Emotions: Movement, Trauma, and Nervous System Regulation in Children with Tami Lysher

    JAN 30

    Ep: 15 Motion Calms Emotions: Movement, Trauma, and Nervous System Regulation in Children with Tami Lysher

    In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, host Carrie sits down with educator and movement specialist Tami Lysher, who brings over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, trauma-informed care, and nervous system integration. Tami shares how movement, breathwork, and connection play a critical role in helping children regulate their nervous systems—especially children impacted by trauma, sensory challenges, ADHD, and learning differences. Through her framework Move Into Calm, she explains why children are not meant to sit still, how stress and trauma show up in the body, and why regulation must come before learning. This conversation explores the powerful connection between parent and child regulation, practical ways adults can support co-regulation, and simple movement strategies that can be woven into everyday life at home or in the classroom. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers grounded, body-based insights to help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. In this episode, we cover: Why movement supports brain development and emotional regulationHow trauma and chronic stress affect children’s learning and behaviorThe role of parent and educator self-regulationSimple movement and breathwork tools for daily routinesWhy every behavior is an unmet need⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to movement and trauma-informed education  01:26 The importance of movement for children  04:35 Understanding dysregulation in children and parents  09:09 Strategies for self-regulation in adults  18:17 Practical movement techniques for educators  27:13 Creating safe spaces for children  35:59 The role of connection in learning and development  44:42 Final reflections and resources 🔗 Find Tami Lysher Website: https://www.moveintocalm.com Instagram: @studiotpilatesmi YouTube: Studio T Pilates Facebook: Tami Lysher | Studio T Pilates 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    47 min
  2. EP 14: Raising Readers in a Screen-Filled World with Literacy Expert Stephanie Affinito

    JAN 15

    EP 14: Raising Readers in a Screen-Filled World with Literacy Expert Stephanie Affinito

    What if reading wasn’t just about academics but about health, emotional regulation, connection, and joy? In this episode, Carrie sits down with Stephanie Affinito, literacy teacher educator, author of Leading Literate Lives, and host of the KidLit Love podcast, to talk about how books truly shape childhood. Stephanie shares why reading helps children feel seen and understood, how strong reading identities are formed, and what families can do to support reluctant readers without pressure or power struggles. You’ll also learn how journaling and notebooking can deepen a child’s emotional processing, why reading is an underrated wellness tool, and how adults can reconnect with reading for themselves, even in busy seasons of life. This conversation is full of practical insight, gentle mindset shifts, and permission to make reading feel inviting instead of forced. In this episode, we cover: Why books help children make sense of their worldHow reading builds empathy, resilience, and emotional healthWhat to do when a child says “I hate reading”Simple ways to create meaningful reading rituals at homeHow journaling supports both literacy and nervous-system regulationThe role of audiobooks — and when they’re most helpfulWhat gives Stephanie hope for the future of literacy⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – The Power of Reading in Childhood  03:27 – Books as Portals to Understanding  06:49 – Building Strong Reading Identities  09:34 – Encouraging Reluctant Readers  12:26 – Creating a Reading Ritual at Home  15:37 – Common Missteps in Promoting Reading  18:40 – The Benefits of Journaling with Reading  21:42 – Reconnecting Adults with Reading  24:34 – The Role of Audiobooks  27:34 – Challenges and Hopes for Literacy  30:46 – Connecting with Stephanie Affinito 🔗 Connect with Stephanie Website: https://www.alitlife.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit Podcast: KidLit LoveBook: Leading Literate Lives✨ Special Project: Stephanie also offers 365 Book Postcards — a free, handwritten book recommendation sent by mail based on your (or your child’s) reading interests. It’s a fun way to connect readers with the books they need most. 🌱 Create Impact in Your Own Community If you’re inspired by this conversation and feel called to support children through movement, mindfulness, and whole-child wellness, you can learn more about becoming a PlayMotion Kids Certified Instructor. 👉 Visit https://www.playmotionkids.com to explore training opportunities and bring joyful, purpose-driven movement to kids in your community. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    40 min
  3. Ep 13-Kids Can’t Focus for a Reason: The Biology Behind Behavior with Katie Barngrover

    JAN 1

    Ep 13-Kids Can’t Focus for a Reason: The Biology Behind Behavior with Katie Barngrover

    In this conversation, Carrie and Katie Barngrover explore the principles of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, emphasizing the importance of understanding food sensitivities and their impact on health and behavior. Katie shares her personal health journey and experiences with her family, highlighting how dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in well-being. They discuss the importance of food sensitivity testing, navigating dietary changes, and the role of nutrition education for both parents and teachers. The conversation also addresses common myths about healthy fats and the future of nutrition for children, encouraging families to adopt healthier eating habits. You can find Katie at https://www.angelwinghealth.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Functional Diagnostic Nutrition 01:44 Katie's Journey from Teaching to Nutrition 04:10 Personal Health Challenges and Discoveries 06:56 Understanding Food Sensitivities 10:39 Identifying Body Signals and Symptoms 14:31 Navigating Nutrition in a Complex World 17:52 Food Sensitivity Testing Explained 22:58 Advice for Teachers on Nutrition and Behavior 25:36 Understanding Individual Nutritional Needs 26:18 Healthy Eating Habits for Families 31:20 Debunking Myths About Healthy Fats 35:13 Teaching Kids Healthy Eating for Longevity 37:02 Hope for the Future of Kids' Nutrition 38:01 Support and Resources for Nutritional Guidance 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    48 min
  4. EP 12: Why Play Matters: Healing Anxiety and Building Safety for Kids with Stacy Schaffer, MA, LPC

    12/31/2025

    EP 12: Why Play Matters: Healing Anxiety and Building Safety for Kids with Stacy Schaffer, MA, LPC

    In this conversation, Carrie sits down with Stacy Schaffer, MA, LPC — a children’s therapist, author, and advocate for emotional healing — to explore how play can become a bridge to safety, connection, and resilience. Stacy shares her insights from over 20 years of experience in child and adolescent therapy, explaining how play therapy helps kids process big emotions, and why understanding anxiety through a child’s eyes is so powerful. Together, they discuss how adults can help kids look for signs of safety, how to heal shame, and what happens when we don’t tend to our own emotional “cuts.” This conversation serves as a reminder that play isn’t just for children; it’s a pathway for all of us to heal. 💛 Topics include:  • The therapeutic power of play  • Helping kids understand anxiety  • Healing shame in adults and children  • The importance of therapist self-care and secondhand trauma  • Creating safety through connection 🎙️ Learn more about Stacy at authorstacyschaffer.com  and follow her on Instagram @hoperestored. 🌿 Hosted by Carrie Speed — Social Worker & Founder of PlayMotion Kids 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    29 min

  5. 11/22/2025

    Ep 11 Holiday Traditions Matter (But not for the reason that you think)

    This week, we’re talking about holiday traditions — and why your kids won’t remember the perfect schedule, the fancy crafts, or the ten thousand activities you’re juggling. They remember the feeling. In this episode, we explore what actually makes holidays meaningful for kids: warmth, presence, and a few small traditions done with intention, not pressure. If you’re feeling stretched thin this season, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to do it all.  You can choose one simple tradition, let go of the rest, and your kids will still remember this season with so much joy. We’ll talk about: how kids store emotion, not perfectionhow even tiny traditions anchor childrenwhy scaling back is sometimes the best thing you can doa simple reflection to help you decide what matters most this yearIf you care about childhood, wellbeing, and showing up for the kids in your life — this one’s for you. Share this episode with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who needs a breath of peace today. And if you feel called to create real impact for kids in your community through movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning, learn more about becoming a certified PlayMotion Kids instructor at PlayMotionKids.com. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    11 min

  6. 11/15/2025

    EP 10-What Childhood Has to Do with… Well, Everything

    Season 2 officially launches on January 1st, but I’ll be dropping a few mini solo episodes between now and then just because I can’t wait that long to start talking about the good stuff. In this minisode, I’m digging into something that sits at the center of everything I do: childhood. Not in a dramatic way, not in a “fix the kids” way, just a real conversation about why those early years matter for all of us, even as adults. If you care deeply about kids, work with kids, or you’re just trying to understand yourself a little better… this one’s for you. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    10 min

  7. SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    09-Trailer | Welcome to Wait, Am I Saving the World?

    Wait, Am I Saving the World? is a podcast for the people shaping childhood: parents, teachers, caregivers, and anyone trying to show up for kids without losing themselves in the process. Hosted by Carrie Speed, social worker and founder of PlayMotion Kids, this show blends real conversations with practical insight on child development, mindfulness, movement, and what it takes to support kids and the adults caring for them. Whether you’re managing a classroom, running a child-centered business, or parenting in the wild, you’re not alone. Season 2 drops January 1. 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    1 min

  8. 01/21/2025

    08-Season 1 | Burnout to Balance: Mental Health Insights for Women in Helping Professions with Bethany Jenkins

    [Season 1] This episode is from our original season, where we explored broader themes around burnout, purpose, and meaningful work.  In this episode pf Wait, Am I Saving the World, Carrie of Joyful Rising is joined by Bethany Jenkins, a Licensed Professional Counselor and the creator of the Psych Screen Podcast. Bethany brings her expertise as a Supervisor for School-Based Clinicians in Virginia, where she helps children and adolescents navigate mental health challenges. Together, we unpack the unique mental health struggles faced by women in social services and nonprofits, including burnout, secondary trauma, and the guilt associated with self-care. Bethany shares practical strategies for emotional resilience, setting boundaries, and finding joy in both work and personal life. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for tools to support your well-being, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you thrive in your meaningful work. You can find Bethany on the following platforms: Social handles: Psych Screen Podcast (Facebook and Instagram)  Podcast: Psych Screen  Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2421007?  Audio Note: Please excuse the occasional audio quality variations during the episode. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to bringing you valuable content! 💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode. FB & IG: playmotionkids Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners IG: better.childhood.project

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Conversations for the people that care about creating happier, healthier childhoods. Wait, Am I Saving the World? is a podcast about exploring childhood, wellbeing, and the everyday ways adults can support healthier, happier childhoods. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, director, social worker, caregiver, or child-focused professional, this show offers honest conversations, reflection, and practical ideas to help you navigate childhood and the grown-up work of caring for kids without losing yourself in the process. Hosted by Carrie Speed, social worker and founder of PlayMotion Kids, a movement, music, and mindfulness enrichment program for early childhood centers,  each episode explores what it truly takes to show up for kids today.   We explore topics like behavior, resilience, emotional well-being, trauma-informed care, sensory needs, play-based learning, mindfulness, movement, whole-child wellness, and the everyday science of connection. Carrie also certifies and licenses instructors who want to bring movement, mindfulness, and whole-child learning to their own communities.  Because when more adults are supported, equipped, and encouraged, the impact for kids grows. If you care about kids, you belong here. Together, we’re exploring what it truly takes to support the next generation—one conversation at a time.

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