What Makes Kids Happiest? The Science of Free Play | With Robin Mann

In this episode, Sam puts on her educator’s hat, drawing from over 20 years of experience working in schools across New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, and the USA — including roles as Dean, Head of Business Department, sustainable living and outdoor education specialist, and working with at-risk youth.

Sam sits down with Robin Mann, founder of Grow Wild Education, an inspiring nature-based learning initiative. Grow Wild Education runs weekly nature school programs and summer holiday sessions that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Together, they explore practical ways to support children’s mental health, reduce anxiety, and nurture resilience by embracing the outdoors, fostering free play, and modeling healthy behaviors.

Useful Links from This Episode:

• Grow Wild Education — Robin Mann’s nature school and holiday programs website and her Facebook site.
• White Strawberries Podcast Instagram — Follow Sam’s journey in gardening, nature, and wellbeing
• Jonathan Haidt’s Anxious Generation Supplement with graphs discussed in this episode: https://jonathanhaidt.com/anxious-generation/supplement/
• Academic source on social media and adolescent mental health:
   Kelly Y, Zilanawala A, Booker C, Sacker A. (2019). Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study. EClinicalMedicine, 6, 59-68.
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2018.12.005
• Josephine Livinn on Instagram — advocate for wholesome living and body positivity: https://www.instagram.com/josephinelivinn/

If you enjoyed this episode:
Please take a screenshot and share it with a friend — it’s one of the best ways to bridge the generation gap and live more harmoniously with nature.

For more on gardening, outdoor play, and raising resilient kids, follow along at White Strawberries Podcast.

Happy gardening, beaching, and bush whacking!