About the show
Daniel and Kevin explore the meaning of play for human flourishing – what it is, what it means, and how people create and maintain playful lives. We explore books, people, places, and ideas committed to engendering play in the midst of busy, working lives.
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Episodes
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Episode 106: Human Flourishing in Digital Space
September 29th, 2024 | 52 mins 47 secs
In this episode of 'Play Saves the World', Daniel and Kevin engage with Dr. Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist specializing in the intersection of digital games and mental health. Dr. Kowert shares her journey into the field of gaming research, the misconceptions about video games, and the importance of understanding the underlying issues that may lead to problematic gaming behavior.
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Episode 105: The Joy of Homing Pigeons
August 25th, 2024 | 51 mins 30 secs
Thomas "The Birdman" Jones joins us to discuss his love of homing pigeons – how they saved his life and continue to bring him great joy today.
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Episode 104: To Play Is Human
August 4th, 2024 | 1 hr 3 mins
Play is where we discovery our deepest humanity. It is where we are present in the moment, engaged with others, and free from the burden of seriousness. Our playfulness reflects the playfulness of God.
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Episode 103: Wired for Play
July 14th, 2024 | 58 mins 36 secs
In this episode, Daniel and Kevin discuss the concept of being wired for play and how play is an essential and universal part of the human experience. They explore the historical and cultural significance of play, from ancient games like the royal game of Ur to modern-day fashion and coding. They also touch on the playful nature of animals and the role of play in human creativity and cultural achievements. Play is a universal and essential part of the human experience. It drives creativity, culture, and human development. Play is not just for children, but for people of all ages. It is a human right and denying it to others is cruel. Bringing elements of play into other areas of life, such as work and problem-solving, can lead to increased creativity, team building, and enjoyment. Games can also be used to crowdsource solutions to complex problems.
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Episode 102: What is Play?
June 30th, 2024 | 1 hr 3 mins
In this episode we explore the concept of play and its distinction from work. We discuss how play is fundamentally non-instrumental, meaning it is not a means to an end but something valuable in and of itself. Play can generate its own purpose and goals, and while those things may seem inconsequential to others they are, in reality, deeply meaningful.
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Episode 101: What Is Work?
June 16th, 2024 | 1 hr 37 secs
definition, work
To answer what is play we have to do something a bit odd. We have to ask, what is work? Because by defining work we will have a better sense of what play is, and what its role can be.
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Episode 55: Live from the Geekway Gaming Convention!
May 26th, 2024 | 18 mins 1 sec
convention
Daniel and Kevin attended Geekway to the West in St. Charles, Missouri, and bring you this special episode filmed live with their 3,500 best friends. Some special guests join us, and then we share some favorite convention moments and games, along with some special announcements.
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Episode 54: Sam Macdonald on Game Design and Faith
May 5th, 2024 | 1 hr 5 mins
Sam Macdonald of Garphill Games discusses his religious journey and board game philosophy. Sam explores the connections between board game design and religious faith, especially in the areas of community, self-expression, rules, fun, and the joy of discovery. We also take a stab at potential games based on Biblical stories.
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Episode 53: The Spirit of Play
April 21st, 2024 | 57 mins 3 secs
book club
The Spirit of God works through play and games to bring about freedom. The conversation touches on the article 'Play and Freedom, Patterns of Life and the Spirit' by Simeon Zahl. It highlights the need to understand the freedom that comes with the Spirit and the danger of idolizing past patterns of faith.
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Episode 52: Stages in Board Game Collecting
April 7th, 2024 | 58 mins 59 secs
game collecting, game theory, stages of faith
We explore the concept of seasons in the context of board gaming and life, our evolving gaming preferences, and the stages of faith. We also draw parallels between stages of faith and stages of gaming, reflecting on the journey from zealousness to a holistic approach, and conclude with a discussion on the continued enjoyment of games and the avoidance of jadedness.
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Episode 51: Life Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club)
March 24th, 2024 | 56 mins 4 secs
a/v club, peoplemakegames, roleplaying, violence
In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of roleplay both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others.
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Episode 50: Why Pastors Need to Play, with Casey Sigmon
March 10th, 2024 | 59 mins 47 secs
clergy, interview, preaching
In this episode, Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon, Professor of Preaching and Worship at St. Paul School of Theology, discusses the importance of play and imagination in combating burnout and enhancing preaching. The Pause/Play Center for Clergy Renewal focuses on providing rest and healing for pastors. The conversation highlights the power of well-preached sermons and the need for pastors to prioritize their own well-being, the importance of taking a leap of faith in preaching, and the connection between imagination and play. The conversation explores the resistance to play and the counter-cultural nature of play.