The Outside The Box Podcast

EP 35: 5 Ways to Reignite If You're Burning Out in the Classroom

Feeling burned out in the classroom—even though you still love the work? In this episode, Ade shares five practical ways to reignite joy, connection, and creativity when teaching starts to feel heavy. From putting the phone down and stepping back into play, to taking your cohort beyond the fence line and introducing collaborative storytelling, these simple shifts can breathe fresh life into your days without overhauling your whole program. Whether you’re a founder, director, or teacher wearing all the hats, this episode is a reminder that burnout does not always mean it’s time to quit—sometimes it means something needs to shift. In this episode, we cover: How constant documentation may be draining your presence Why collaborative projects can reset group energy The power of changing your environment when routines feel stale How modeling restful connection impacts children and educators alike Why storytelling can transform confidence, creativity, and cohort dynamics What burnout may actually be trying to tell you as a leader If you’re in a season of depletion, this one is for you.

EP 34: Hard Decisions in Nature-Based Programs: Policies, Families, and Leadership Boundaries

Running a nature- and play-based program comes with beautiful, meaningful work—but also incredibly hard, often invisible decisions. In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to lead when things feel uncertain, emotional, and high-stakes. From questioning whether a family is the right fit mid-year, to navigating weather cancellations and running out of snow days, to holding firm to policies when your heart wants to bend—this is the side of leadership no one prepares you for. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing decisions, people-pleasing, or quietly holding the weight of your program alone, this episode will remind you that you’re not doing it wrong—you’re doing the real work of leadership.

33. Why Play Is the Most Rigorous Standard in Education

Is play really rigorous? In this episode, Ade unpacks why play is not a break from learning—but the deepest, most demanding form of it. If you’re leading a nature- and play-based program and ever feel pressure to prove that “real learning” is happening, this conversation will reframe everything. We explore what rigor actually means, why adults struggle to trust play, and how protecting play transforms your leadership, confidence, and daily rhythms outdoors.

EP 31: 3 Things Every Nature-Based Program Needs to Thrive

Show Notes & Links: Referenced in this episode: Episode 25: Three Steps to Launching Your Nature-Based Program from Scratch The Nature Play Blueprint: 4-Week Intensive Mentorship 1:1 Mentorship with Ade — individualized support for directors, founders, and facilitators Topics covered: Defining and refining your vision Creating systems that support your energy and growth The importance of mentorship and community Why sustainability is more than just funding Ideal for: Nature-based educators, directors, and founders looking to strengthen their foundation and prevent burnout.

EP 30: The Top 5 Misconceptions About Nature and Play-Based Programs (and the Truth Behind Them)

🪶 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: The 5 biggest misconceptions about nature and play-based programs How to respond when someone says, “It’s just play” Why academics thrive outdoors (and how to show parents that) The real difference between risk and danger How to make nature-based education more accessible and inclusive Why this approach isn’t a trend—it’s a return to how children have always learned Mentioned in this episode: The Nature Play Blueprint Intensive — 4 weeks of guided mentorship, 2 live calls, and unlimited voice/text support to help you lead your program with confidence. Mentorship Programs — personalized support for directors, founders, and educators growing their vision. 🔍 SEO Keywords: nature and play-based education, forest school myths, outdoor classroom, risky play, nature play programs, outdoor learning misconceptions, child-led learning, emergent curriculum, nature play pedagogy, play-based learning outdoors, nature education benefits, early childhood outdoor education Would you like me to make a short social media caption (Instag