Podcast
The Fun Question
Hosted by David Thomas · EN
What is fun? What are the different ways people have fun? How can you have more fun?
THE FUN QUESTION? explores the art and science, the sociology and psychology, the design and practice of all things fun.
This is a show about the strange and powerful ways people engage in a life of meaning, play and fun.
Come have fun with Dr. David Thomas, the professor of fun, as he explores, tests, and teases out playful ideas and experiences from a roster of experts, adventurers, entrepreneurs, and playmakers.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Mattie Cryer - Plants
1w ago00:37:46Tap to summarizeExplore the playful life of plants. Discover how gardening can be a source of fun, healing, and connection in this lively conversation with Maddie Cryer, a licensed clinical social worker and horticultural therapist. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of gardening, how to start small, and how nurturing plants may be the most fun you have this week.What is horticultural therapy? The history of horticultural therapy and its roots in post-WWI veteran care.Physiological and social-emotional benefits of spending time with plants and nature.Practical tips for beginners: start with houseplants or quick-turnover crops like radishes.The relational and playful aspects of caring for plants—plants as personalities, conversation partners, and mirrors.Why plants are fun!ResroucesRadicle Joy https://www.radiclejoy.com/Colorado State Extension Gardening https://extension.colostate.edu/topic/garden-landscape/
Transcribe →Danielle Scroggs - Adaptive Gaming
2w ago00:35:22Tap to summarizeJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Danielle Scroggs, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and founder of Adaptive Gaming Consulting. Discover how adaptive gaming is transforming lives by making play inclusive and meaningful, and why fun is a vital part of recovery, identity, and social connection.What is adaptive gaming and who is it for?Why fun is essential in health, rehabilitation, and quality of lifeCommon misconceptions about disabled gamers and their capabilitiesHow gaming fosters social connection and communityThe significance of enjoying play competitively or leisurely, on your own termsResourcesAdaptive Gaming Consulting - https://adaptivegamingconsulting.com/Able Gamers - https://www.ablegamers.org/Xbox Accessibility Resources -https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/03/01/introducing-xbox-accessibility-team/Warfighter Engage Controllers - https://warriorengage.com/Evil Controllers - https://evilcontrollers.com/
Transcribe →David Thomas - Architecture
2w ago00:31:18Tap to summarizeJoin Dr. David Thomas, aka the Professor of Fun, as he takes you on a playful journey through some of the most imaginative and engaging architectural marvels. Discover how certain spaces are designed to invite play, spark curiosity, and allow visitors to craft their own meanings.Resources & LinksNeuschwanstein Castle - https://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/index.htmCity Museum, St. Louis - https://citymuseum.org/House on the Rock - https://www.thehouseontherock.com/Disney Parks Official Site - https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/Meow Wolf - https://meowwolf.com/Museum of Jurassic Technology - https://www.mjt.org/Connect with Dr. David Thomas david@thefunquestion.com
Transcribe →Lonnie Hanzon - Immmersive Art and Entertainment
4w ago00:38:18Tap to summarizeExplore the fascinating world of immersive art and entertainment with Lonnie Hanzon, a legendary creator whose work transforms ordinary experiences into magical, playful adventures. From Neiman Marcus displays to whimsical Christmas events, discover how immersive experiences engage our senses, evoke joy, and inspire curiosity.Lonnie’s WorkLonnie Hanzon’s Website - https://lonniehanzon.comCabinet of Curiosities at Denver's Museum of Outdoor Arts - https://moaonline.orgCamp Christmas Denver - https://campchristmas.comImmersive Art and EntertainmentHouse on the Rock - https://www.thehouseontherock.com/Meow Wolf - https://meowwolf.comCity Museum - https://citymuseum.org/Neuschwanstein Castle - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuschwanstein_CastleCatamounts - https://www.thecatamounts.orgControl Group - https://www.controlgroupproductions.org/
Transcribe →Paul Pethick - Power of Play
May 700:37:50Tap to summarizeThe Power of Play: Creativity, Culture, and How Play Shapes LifeExplore how play isn't just for kids—it's a fundamental, transformative force that influences creativity, innovation, and culture at every level. Join David and Paul Pethick as they delve into the science, philosophy, and practical applications of play, revealing how embracing play can revolutionize personal, professional, and societal outcomes.Main Topics:Play as the foundational operating system of culture and civilizationThe relationship between play, imagination, and creativityPractical ways to integrate play into daily routines and work environmentsThe role of play in fostering innovation and social connectionMisconceptions about play being childish or trivialKey Insights:Play extends beyond leisure to drive innovation, scientific discovery, and cultural evolutionBrian Eno endorses the book, highlighting the importance of play for adults and leadersThe "stick" as a primordial object symbolizes the limitless potential of imagination in playPlay involves a balance of pleasure, effort, and meaningful engagementThe "exploratory sense" in humans has built everything from tools to technologyIncorporating playful strategies—like alternative routes, improvisation, and whimsy—enhances creativity and vitalityPlay can be mindful and serious, influencing everything from education to corporate strategyOvercoming societal stereotypes about play's childishness can unlock innovation and well-beingResources & Links:The Power of Play by Paul Pethick (https://powerofplay.shop/)Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies (https://stoney.sb.org/eno/oblique.html)Homo Ludens by Johan Huizinga (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_Ludens)The Strong National Museum of Play (https://www.museumofplay.org/)Connect with Paul:https://paulpethick.com/Embrace play not just as recreation but as the fundamental operation system of culture, fostering creativity, innovation, and joy in everyday life.
Transcribe →Andrew Orvedahl - Roleplaying Games
Apr 3000:38:08Tap to summarizeThis episode explores how comedian and game designer Andrew Orvedahl creates fun through role-playing games, discussing creativity, game design systems, and the joy of imaginative play, while highlighting how games provide escape, storytelling, and meaningful social experiences.ResourcesOccupied Hex (https://www.occupiedhex.com/)The Grawlix (https://thegrawlix.com/)Lasers+Feelings (https://johnharper.itch.io/lasers-feelings)
Transcribe →Drew Davidson - Scholarship
Apr 2400:38:24Tap to summarizeThis episode explores how play shapes creativity, culture, and scholarship through Drew Davidson’s new publication Ludic Narrans. Drawing on 175 interviews with play makers, thinkers, producers and facilitators, it examines play as storytelling, social practice, and a vital force for innovation, connection, and reimagining how we live and work.
Transcribe →Dan Hamann - Music
Apr 1700:38:10Tap to summarizeDan Hamann is songwriter, composer, performer, musical appreciator. His most recent project is Between the Notes: An Attunement Night. What is it, how does it work and will it be any fun? We’re about to find out.Show SummaryDavid talks with musician Dan Hamann about why music is fun, exploring how listening, performing, and practicing create playful experiences. Through intimate live music listening sessions and stories from Hamman's COVID_era album Lumbering Grace, they examine music as emotional play, social connection, shared attention, and a uniquely time-based art.ResourcesLumbering Grace on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/1xxxQH2DNJ8dUD6h2f9MOz)Lawrence Welk Show (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvj7IdRiOIULawrence Welk, Linger Awhile(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jduZltQnJPQ)
Transcribe →What is Fun?
Apr 1200:27:14Tap to summarizeWhat is fun? If fun is important, why do we talk about fun as if it gets in the way of serious work? Can you even define fun? These are some of the key questions we will explore in this background episode. The Fun Question: Answered
Transcribe →James Lopez - Magic
Apr 300:36:29Tap to summarizeWhat makes magic fun? Join Denver-based magician, experience designer and immersive producer as we discuss the relationship (or not) between magic and the fine arts, how to enjoy magic more and talk about some of the best working magicians.https://jameslopezmagic.com/https://www.exposureprojectinc.org/
Transcribe →