Play Saves the World

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.

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.

Episode 49: Book Club: 4,000 Weeks

February 25th, 2024  |  1 hr 2 mins

book club, happiness, mortality

Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks argues that human flourishing is rooted in our relationship to time. True happiness is found not in completing tasks but living with incompletion, a sense of our mortality, and a healthy place for obsessions, hobbies, and … play.

Episode 48: Death in Gaming

February 11th, 2024  |  58 mins 3 secs

game theory, legacy games

This episode explores how death is represented in games – through abstraction, themes, stories, characters, and legacy games. As humans we grieve the loss of particular, detailed humans and (and some animals), and we mourn characters in games that are particular or we have seen them grow and develop with time. We name some games that explore this theme and think through how memory, death, and grief can function in games and human experience.

Episode 47: A/V Club: Roleplaying the End of the World

January 25th, 2024  |  56 mins 16 secs

a/v club

We discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community.

Episode 46: The Enneagram and Board Games part 2

January 14th, 2024  |  1 hr 1 min

game recommendations, game theory

What does the Enneagram reveal about you as a board gamer, and what does it reveal about others? Are you an investigator, loyalist, enthusiast, or challenger? We discuss types 5-8, with some game recommendations.

Episode 45: Holidays and Games!

December 17th, 2023  |  47 mins 28 secs

game recommendations

Holidays and games are great together – they provide an opportunity for social interaction and enjoyment. Board games can be a great addition to holiday celebrations, offering a break from work and a chance to connect with loved ones. Games can also serve as a reminder of the grace and unnecessary gifts in life. We discuss some recommended games for the holidays.

BONUS: Christmas Funsongtime

December 17th, 2023  |  5 mins 53 secs

We have a bit of parody fun by singing a fun song written by Daniel, just to say, thanks to you!

Episode 44: The Enneagram, for Board Gamers!

December 3rd, 2023  |  1 hr 4 mins

enneagram, spirituality

We trek to new frontiers as we connect up the Enneagram (a typology of personalities) to game types and mechanics. What do your game interests say about you as a person? What motivates you, and what repels you, in life and in games?

Episode 43: Moltmann's A Theology of Play (part 3) – Christ the New Creation

November 19th, 2023  |  1 hr 5 mins

book club, moltmann, resurrection, theology

We continue to discuss the seminal work A Theology of Play by Moltmann, who argues that play and games celebrate Christ's resurrection and God's new promised reality. Play is therefore not a distraction from suffering or a trivializing of life but a living out of our true identity.

Episode 42: Faith, religion and board game design with Shem Phillips

November 5th, 2023  |  46 mins 13 secs

design, garphill, guest

Shem Phillips of Garphill Games discusses his use of trilogies in game design, the place of music and lyrics, facing personal tragedies, game design, and his religious faith.

Episode 41: Board Game Rulebooks, with Jordan Ault

October 22nd, 2023  |  1 hr 10 mins

board games, rules, special guest

BGF contest winner Jordan Ault joins us for this special episode to discuss game rulebooks and rules in general, and how rules in games and religion can enlighten one another. Jordan brings his lawyerly acumen to the conversation. Plus … the return of the skit??