How DJ Raphi Uses Music & Movement to Support Kids’ Emotional Health
In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha Cieslinski sits down with DJ Raphi (Raphael Nathan), a global kids DJ, performer, and content creator whose music and movement-based videos have reached millions of families worldwide.DJ Raphi shares his powerful journey from Johannesburg to Jerusalem — and now to stages across the U.S. — including his 2026 U.S. Tour with an upcoming Philadelphia stop. Together, they explore how dance became his universal language, why creative play is essential for kids’ emotional health, and how becoming a father of twins changed the way he creates content for children.This conversation goes beyond entertainment, touching on grief, resilience, parenting, mental health, bullying, and the behind-the-scenes reality of being a family-focused content creator. DJ Raphi opens up about loss, motivation, discipline, and why movement helps kids (and adults) release anxiety and reconnect with joy.If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver looking for meaningful screen-friendly content — or someone who believes play is a powerful emotional tool — this episode is for you.In This Episode, We Cover:
- DJ Raphi’s journey from South Africa to Israel to global stages
- How dance and movement act as a universal language
- Why kids absorb joy and learning differently than adults
- The role of music and movement in kids’ emotional regulation
- Parenting twins while building a global brand
- Preparing physically and mentally for a live tour
- Grief, resilience, and honoring his mother’s legacy
- Misconceptions about being a content creator for kids
- Why creative play isn’t extra — it’s essential
- DJ Raphi Official Website: https://djraphi.com
- DJ Raphi Tour Dates (including Philadelphia): https://djraphi.com/tour
- DJ Raphi on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJRaphi
- DJ Raphi on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6n9tX2DJRaphi
- Follow Samantha: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_