Waldorfy artwork

Waldorfy

76 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 144 ratings

Waldorfy serves to explore and explain Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy. In most episodes, I discuss topics with a Waldorf teacher, or someone with knowledge about anthroposophy, to deliver accurate, simple, interesting, information and explanations. When possible we’ll bring to attention any research or studies surrounding the topics we are exploring. My main aim is to reach parents, perspective parents, and alumni to engage them with the meaning and purpose of Waldorf Education and it’s connection with anthroposophy.

Courses Education Kids & Family waldorf education steiner education education anthroposophy early childhood education holistic parenting natural parenting
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Episodes

Healthy Eating and Sleeping

May 31, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MB

 Exploring how healthy eating and sleeping relate to the Waldorf approach.  In this episode I'm speaking to my own experience growing up attending a Waldorf school and how it came across that healthy eating and sleeping were related to the Waldorf philosophy. I'm also hosting returning guest, anthroposophical doctor, Dr. Adam Blanning, to speak with me about the relationship between Waldorf and healthy eating and sleeping. In addition, towards the end of this episode, I wrap up this final ...

Simplicity

May 17, 2022 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Simplicity, "Simplicity Parenting", how do these concepts tie into the Waldorf approach? Listener favorite Meagan Rose Wilson is back to explore these topics and speak to how one can begin to implement these ideas into life with young children. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/simplicity Thank you to Waldorfy podcast partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to all of you. Big thanks to our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters! Theme...

Screens

May 10, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

 Exploring how to navigate allowing and limiting "screens" and the use of digital technologies for young children.  Extra special thanks to guest, Eloise Rickman, author of  "Extraordinary Parenting",  for speaking with me for this episode. If you'd like to learn more about Eloise and all she offers click here. For additional show notes and resources that accompany this episode (and there are some good ones) please visit: https://waldorfy.com/screens Special thanks to our Waldorfy season...

Waldorf, Reading, and Books

May 03, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

 Meredith Floyd-Preston of the Waldorf Journey podcast is back! I love speaking with Meredith, she's such a joy to host. I really love here ability to be concise and light hearted. Her passion for Waldorf truly shines in everything she does. In the episode we're exploring what makes the Waldorf approach to reading and writing unique and effective.  Meredith speaks to her experience with this in the Waldorf classroom, and I speak to my own Waldorf experience and how I'm going about approac...

Reverence and Ritual

April 26, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

Returning guest Chinyelu is back! We're exploring the concepts of reverence and ritual in the life of the young child, and how they tie into the Waldorf approach. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: http://waldorfy.com/reverenceandritual Special thanks to our Waldorfy season podcast partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to all of you! Super Special thank to our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters! Theme music for this episode was ...

Storytelling

April 19, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MB

Guest David Sewell McCann of Sparkle Stories is back to speak with me all about Waldorf and storytelling! To me storytelling. especially learning through story, is a memory that's at the center of my own Waldorf experience as a child. How storytelling is brought through the Waldorf approach, how we can incorporate story telling into life with young children, in addition to how I approach storytelling in my home with my little ones, are just some of the things we explore in this episode. Ad...

Wonder and Awe

April 12, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

In this episode we're exploring what we mean when we talk about "wonder and awe" for young children, and how this relates to the Waldorf approach. I was so fortunate to get to host Waldorf teacher, Meredith Floyd-Preston, as my guest for this episode. Meredith hosts a podcast about Waldorf education from her perspective as an experienced Waldorf teacher called the Waldorf Journey podcast. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/wonderandawe Speci...

Play

April 05, 2022 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

Play. It's such a simple topic, but one I really felt had to be highlighted in this season due to how integral it is to the Waldorf approach. In this episode, returning guest and listener favorite, Tim Bennett is back, to speak with me all about play. Together we explore why play is such a big part of the Waldorf approach, how play supports a child's natural development, how we as parents carers can create plenty of space for play, and so much more! Show notes and resources for this episode...

Warmth

March 29, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

It's a simple thing that can add so much, in this episode I'm speaking about the benefits of inner and outer warmth., AND hosting one of my favorite guests, Meagan Rose Wilson! Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/warmth Special thanks to all of our generous Patreon supporters for helping me to bring this content to all of you. Learn more about becoming a Patreon supporter. Big thanks to Waldorfy season seven podcast partner Sparkle Stories! ...

Rhythm

March 22, 2022 08:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

This episode is all Ashley speaking all about daily rhythm! Why a daily rhythm? Plus how to work in a daily rhythm with young children is discussed. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/rhythm For a more in depth discussion on Rhythm with guest, Waldorfy listener favorite, Meagan Rose Wilson, visit: waldorfy.com/dailyrhythm Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennsion. Special thanks to Waldorfy season seven podca...

What's Waldorf?

March 15, 2022 08:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

I figured we'd better start this seventh season of the show by revisiting  one of the show's most commonly asked questions.  In this episode I'm speaking with returning guest Chinyelu Kunz of the We Nurture podcast. Her many years of experience with Waldorf give her an incredible perspective and ability to explain clearly  what the Waldorf approach is and what it aims to achieve. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/whatswaldorf Theme music for...

SEASON SEVEN TRAILER

February 15, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

Ashley introduces the theme for the seventh season of the show! Show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/season7trailer Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. Special thanks to our season podcast partner, Sparkle Stories!

The Waldorf Kindergartener

January 11, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MB

VERY experienced Waldorf kindergarten teacher Tim Bennett speaks with me in this episode all about the Waldorf kindergarten.  We discuss what's going on for the five/six year child developmentally, what the average day looks like in the Waldorf kindergarten, what drew Tim to become a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher, and a bit about how to bring the Waldorf kindergarten environment into the home. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/waldorfkinderga...

Waldorf Birthdays

November 30, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

Chinyelu of the We Nurture podcast is back! In this episode we're exploring the Waldorf birthday celebration. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/waldorfbirthdays Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. Special Thanks to the following Waldorfy podcast partners: Palumba Sparkle Stories Toy Making Magic

Waldorf And Navigating What Friends, Family, and Community May Think

November 16, 2021 09:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB

A conversation on navigating what friends, family and community may think of the Waldorf approach. I speak with my own Waldorf mama, Jeni Ogilvy, in this episode. We also explore dealing with feelings of "I'm Waldorfy enough". Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/chatwithmymom Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. Special thanks to all or of generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters and the following Waldorfy po...

Bringing Stories and Songs to Young Children

November 02, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MB

For the first time on the show I'm hosting TWO GUESTS! Returning guests, Ashley J. May, and Meagan Wilson join me for a discussion centered on being critically conscious in bringing stories and songs to young children. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/storiesandsongs Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

The Mood of the Fifth, Songs, and Music for Young Children

October 19, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.8 MB

My guest, Chinyelu of the We Nurture podcast, and I discuss what exactly the mood of the fifth is and why it is used in Waldorf Early Childhood Education. Chinyelu gives us a few examples of songs in the mood of the fifth in addition to chatting with me about songs and music in general for young children. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/moodofthefifth Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.

Waldorf and Chest and Breastfeeding with guest Judy Fayre, RN, IBCLC

October 05, 2021 08:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

Is there a connection? In this episode the incredibly loving and wise Waldorf mama and IBCLC Judy Fayre speaks with me about wither or not Waldorf does or does not have anything to do with the "Waldorf approach".  Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/chestandbreastfeeding Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Waldorf Early Childhood

September 21, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MB

As always I love my conversations with listener favorite and returning guest, Meagan Rose Wilson of Whole Family Rhythms. In this episode we're discussing all things "Waldorf Early Childhood". What happens in a Waldorf early childhood, pre-school, or childcare setting? What does a typical day look like? How can we bring these ideas into our home life with young children? What about potty training? Is there a "Waldorf approach", and many more topics are explored in this episode. Additional s...

Supporting Children Through Toddlerhood

September 07, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

In this episode I speak with author of, "Joyful Toddlers and Preschoolers", Faith Collins all about how to navigate the joys and challenges  of toddlerhood. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/toddlers Special thanks to Waldorfy podcast supporters: Sakura Bloom Sparkle Stories Palumba Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison 

The "Waldorf" Baby

August 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 53 MB

Is there such a thing as a "Waldorf baby"? Did Steiner give indications for children under one? Why is it a "Waldorf thing" to support your baby's development by keeping them warm? I explore this and more in this episode featuring returning guest, listener favorite, Rahima Baldwin Dancy. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/waldorfbabies Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. Special thanks to our Patreon s...

SEASON SIX TRAILER!

August 17, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

In this introduction for the sixth season of the show I'm discussing some of the details of upcoming episodes. I also speak a bit about guests and topics for the season, in addition to getting into the details of the Waldorfy podcast Patreon drive coming up this September 2021! Theme music for this episode was performed and composed by Book Kennison.  Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: www.waldorfy.com/seasonsixtrailer You can learn more about becoming a Patreon suppo...

Eighth Grade and the Eighth Grader

August 03, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MB

As a culmination of the fifth season of episodes, my guest Simone and I discuss all things about the Waldorf eighth grade year in addition to how she's expanded on the "traditional Waldorf cannon" through all the grades. Content warning, we do speak briefly about sexual education in this episode, it may not be suitable for all ears. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/eighthgrade The theme music for this episode is composed and performed by...

Seventh Grade and the Seventh Grader

July 20, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

Returning guest Anne Clair Goodman speaks with me in this episode all about seventh grade and the seventh grader. Similar to the other episodes in this season, we spend most of our discussion focused on how the curriculum of the seventh grade meets the twelve and thirteen year old where they're at. We also continued our discussion on media and screen time that we begun in our conversation about the sixth grade. Webpage for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/seventhgrade Theme music...

Sixth Grade and the Sixth Grader

April 13, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 42 MB

For this episode I was so fortunate to get to speak with incredible guest, Anne Clair Goodman all about sixth grade and the sixth grader. The experience for the sixth grader is so different than any age or grade we've talked about this season. The twelve year change, which we discuss in this episode, is a challenging developmental shift that may be just beginning in the sixth grade but generally continues into the teenage years. In addition to speaking about the blocks in the sixth grade cur...

Fifth Grade and the Fifth Grader

March 23, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

In this episode I'm speaking with experienced Waldorf teacher, Jen Kershaw, all about fifth grade and the fifth grader. What does fifth grade curriculum include? How does Waldorf education uniquely meet the needs of the fifth grader?  Listen in to hear us discuss these topics and much more! The webpage and show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/fifthgrade Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Fourth Grade and the Fourth Grader

March 09, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

In this episode we discuss the needs of the developing fourth grader, according to the Waldorf approach, as well as dive into what's taught in the Waldorf fourth grade curriculum that works meets those needs. My guest in this episode is the wonderful Angela Lindstrom.  Webpage and show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/fourthgrade Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Third Grade and the Third Grader

February 23, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

In this episode experienced Waldorf teacher Kris Ritz and I discuss the Waldorf third grade year with a focus on the developing third grader. What is the nine/ten year old experiencing? How can we the adults in their lives can be most supportive of their experience at this time of transition? These are the sorts of questions we dive into in this episode. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be. found at: waldorfy.com/thirdgrade Theme music for this episode was composed ...

Second Grade and the Second Grader

February 09, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

In this episode I’m speaking with experienced Waldorf teacher Michael Gannon all about the Waldorf approach to second grade. We explore what the needs of the developing seven and eight year old are, and then how the Waldorf second grade curriculum works to meet those needs.  Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at the episode webpage: waldorfy.com/secondgrade Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

First Grade and the First Grader

January 26, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

How do you know a child is ready for first grade within a Waldorf school? What happens on the first day of first grade in a Waldorf school? What does a Waldorf first grader learn through the first grade year? These are all things we dive into in this episode featuring my guest, experienced Waldorf teacher, Lori Kran. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/firstgrade Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.

Season 5 Trailer: Introducing, "Waldorf Through the Grades"

January 12, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

In this special trailer episode I'm introducing the theme for the fifth season of the show: "Waldorf Through the Grades".   Throughout this season I'll be hosting seasoned Waldorf teachers to talk to me about each grade on it's own starting with grade one continuing though grade eight. we'll be discussing the different developmental stages of the child as they pass through each grade and dive deeper into the Waldorf curriculum and how it works to meet the needs of that developing child.  I...

Inclusion and Belonging with Ashley May

December 29, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

Educational researcher and ethnographer Ashley May speaks with me in this finale episode of the fourth season of the show. Ashley shares her incredible wisdom surrounding the episode and this season's topic of inclusion and belonging. We discuss the beauty that Waldorf has to offer, but also how it needs to improve to serve all children and families within diverse communities.  Additional resources and show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/ashleymay Theme music for this...

Sabine's Waldorf Experience

October 27, 2020 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

This episode is about discovering and exploring Waldorf education from the perspective of a Black mother, Sabine Josephs. Sabine is the founder of All of Us Crayons, natural beeswax crayons that honor our diverse world. Sabine also talks about her experience pursing becoming a Waldorf teacher and starting Waldorf teacher training.  Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/sabine .  Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kenni...

Kenya's Waldorf Experience

September 22, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MB

Kenya Strong speaks with me about her experience with Waldorf education from her perspective as a Black Waldorf teacher. Kenya has a master's in education, a Waldorf certification, and has over twenty years experience in teaching, seven of those years in a Waldorf classroom. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/kenya Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Kenya's Waldorf Experience

September 22, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MB

Kenya Strong speaks with me about her experience with Waldorf education from her perspective as a Black Waldorf teacher. Kenya has a master's in education, a Waldorf certification, and has over twenty years experience in teaching, seven of those years in a Waldorf classroom. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/kenya Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Joanis's Waldorf Experience

August 25, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode I'm speaking with Joanis a Black Waldorf alumna all about her experience attending a Waldorf school. She speaks about the things she enjoyed, in addition to the challenges she encountered.  More on this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/joanis Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Joanis's Waldorf Experience

August 25, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode I'm speaking with Joanis a Black Waldorf alumna all about her experience attending a Waldorf school. She speaks about the things she enjoyed, in addition to the challenges she encountered.  More on this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/joanis Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Emely's Waldorf Experience

August 25, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Emely, a Black Waldorf alumna, shares her experience and perspective with me in this episode. We talked about what she liked about her Waldorf school experience as well as discuss the struggles she faced. More on this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/emely Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Emely's Waldorf Experience

August 25, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

Emely, a Black Waldorf alumna, shares her experience and perspective with me in this episode. We talked about what she liked about her Waldorf school experience as well as discuss the struggles she faced. More on this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/emely Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Genevieve Dagobert ~ On Race, Waldorf Education, Anthroposophy, and Steiner

August 04, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

Genevieve Dagobet is a brilliant, strong, courageous woman. After migrating to the US from Hatii in 1992, Genevieve eventually found Waldorf Education and knew she couldn't look back. She has over thirty years experience in education including time as a passionate Waldorf class teacher. In this episode Genevieve and I are discussing Waldorf Education, Rudolf Steiner, comments he made about race, and much more. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/genevieve T...

Inclusion and Belonging: The Trailer for Season 4

July 22, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

In this trailer I'm introducing the theme for season four of Waldorfy: Inclusion and Belonging for the Black Community in Waldorf Education. I'm speaking about how this season has evolved from just one planned episode into a whole season, the guests that will be featured, and various themes that reapear throughout the series. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/seasonfourtrailer Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book K...

Relating to Anthroposophy

July 07, 2020 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

In this episode I am interviewed by the lovely Laura Scappaticci of the Anthroposopher podcast. We talk about why I started Waldorfy, my interest in anthroposophy and how I relate to it, as well as Rudolf Steiner's statements on race. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/relatingtoanthroposophy Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennision. 

Relating to Anthroposophy

July 07, 2020 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

In this episode I am interviewed by the lovely Laura Scappaticci of the Anthroposopher podcast. We talk about why I started Waldorfy, my interest in anthroposophy and how I relate to it, as well as Rudolf Steiner's statements on race. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/relatingtoanthroposophy Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennision. 

All about anthroposophy with Laura Scappaticci of the Anthroposopher Podcast

June 23, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Laura Scappaticci, host of the Anthroposopher podcast is my featured guest in this episode. We talk all about how Laura discovered anthroposophy and how her relationship with it has evolved over time. Laura also works with the Anthroposophical Society in America and she talks about her work with that as well. Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/anthroposopher.  Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.  

The Camphill Movement

June 09, 2020 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

What is the Camphill movement? In this episode my guest Ben Davis and I discuss the history and intent of Camphill communities, the three fold human being, three fold social order, and how Camphill communities serve individuals with and without disabilities. 

Anthroposophic Medicine

May 26, 2020 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

In this episode I'm diving into anthroposophic medicine. My guest Dr. Adam Blanning and I speak all about what anthroposophic medicine is and how it's practiced.  Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/anthroposophicmedicine. Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.

Waldorf Walls: Color and the Lazure Technique

May 12, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MB

Why are the walls of Waldorf classrooms painted using the same technique? Why is each grade in a Waldorf school painted a specific color? In this episode I get to discuss the answers to these questions and more with my guest master lazure artist, Charles Andrade.  Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/lazure Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison. 

Anthroposophy, Architecture, and Design

April 28, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MB

Why do Waldorf schools look the way they do? In this episode I host guest, Elizabeth Seward as we explore all things anthroposophy, architecture and design.

An Introduction to Eurythmy

April 14, 2020 08:00 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MB

An introduction to eurythmy! My lovely mother-in-law and eurythmist, Carol Renwick, joins me as my guest in this episode. We discuss what eurythmy is, what it's intended uses are, why it's taught in Waldorf schools, and much more!  Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/eurythmyintroduction  Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.   

Wisdom of a Biodynamic Farmer

March 31, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 153 MB

A much longer episode than I usually put out there, this episode is more of a story than one packed with questions and info. I think you'll enjoy hearing how my guest, Lincoln Geiger, became involved in the biodynamic movement and about the unique ups and downs he's experienced over the course of his farming career. Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/biodynamicfarmer Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.