The Science behind PlayIn this episode, Founder and CEO Lauren Dennis sits down with Mia and Lauren Sundstrom, the CEO and COO of the National Institute for Play to discuss the Science of Play, Play Styles, and the true definition of Play. What is Play and why does it matter? Learn that Play elevates not only our connectivity to the world, but our creativity, learning, relationships, wellbeing and more. What happens if play disappears from your life? The statistics are astounding. It’s a conversation that will invite you to pause and look at your life just a little differently, no matter your age or life stage. #earlychildhoodeducation #thescienceofPlay #play #freeplay #productivity

In this episode, Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Claudia Botero shares the story behind her journey—from her early days earning her degree in journalism to becoming a renowned news anchor to building her own fashion and accessory company. Claudia has quite the story to share. What started as a career in storytelling grew into a new way of telling stories. Claudia shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her career and what inspired her to make the big transition to launching her own company workingwithextremely talented and gifted women in Mexico and Colombia. You will be inspired by her passion for culture, creativity, and community and how it continues to shape what she does today.It’s a conversation about listening to your calling, embracing a new path, finding meaningful ways to make an impact, finding your courage and purpose and turning what you love into something that inspires others and makes a difference.

Join Lauren Dennis, host of The Art Box Academy Podcast, for an inspiring conversation about healing, hope, the incredible resilience of children and the power of play and creativity.

In this heartfelt episode, Lauren sits down with Sandie Sternberg, M.Ed., CCLS, CPE, a Certified Child Life Specialist with over 40 years of experience supporting children and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.

Listen and hear firsthand how Sandie, Director of Student Engagement & Outreach for Child Life Connection, dedicated her career to helping pediatric patients navigate illness, hospitalization, stress, and uncertainty through the power of play, creativity, and emotional connection. Learn why play is far more than entertainment, especially in a pediatric setting—and its essential role in healing, child development, and emotional expression.

Sandie shares powerful insights on how children process fear, trauma, and big emotions, and why art, imagination, and safe relationships can make all the difference in helping a child feel seen and supported.

#pediatrichealthcare #childrenshospitals #childlifespecialist #healingthroughplay #theartboxacademypodcast