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.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Lisa and David Spira - Escape Rooms
6d ago00:48:11Tap to summarizeDive into the immersive world of escape rooms with experts David and Lisa Spira as they explore what makes these experiences captivating, from embodied storytelling to innovative design. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the genre, discover why escape rooms continue to thrill and inspire.Key Topics:Origins of escape roomsThe core of a good escape room: embodied story and player immersionShift from lock-and-key to creative narrative-driven experiencesThe importance of collaboration over competition in escape room designThe blending of immersive theater, video games, and storytelling techniquesRegional variations and genre classifications within escape roomsElements of quality: set design, signposting, player onboarding, and Chekhov's propsThe role of time constraints and adaptive difficulty for player retentionThe appeal of escape rooms: fantasy adventure, social bonding, and real-world adventurePractical tips for newcomers: how to choose the right escape room and have a memorable experienceResources:Room Escape Artistshttps://roomescapeartist.com/The Reality Escape Convention (Recon)https://realityescapecon.com/Morty Apphttps://morty.app/Live Cinema: Zone 51https://livecinema.fr/en/#/Top Escape Rooms Projecthttps://terpeca.com/2025/Lisa and David on Marriage Therapy Radiohttps://marriagetherapyradio.com/2026/01/27/ep-409-no-one-wins-alone-lessons-in-partnership-from-escape-room-experts-david-and-lisa-spira/Chekhov's gunhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun
Transcribe →Paul Hamann - Baseball Parks
2w ago00:42:50Tap to summarizeWhat makes baseball parks special? Hear it from the man who has visited every major league park in America and hundreds of other parks as well. Step up to the plate with Paul Hamann, an avid fan, author, and expert on ballparks. Discover the stories, features, and cultural elements that make these parks special and how they can inspire you to have even more fun with the sport of baseball.Main Topics:Why baseball parks are called parks instead of stadiumsPaul's personal quest to visit all major league and minor league ballparksWhat makes a ballpark memorable: architecture, location, stories, and communityThe importance of place in creating fun and meaningful sports experiencesFeatures that define great ballparks: views, history, unique design elementsThe potential for sports stadiums to borrow storytelling and heritage strategies from baseballThe debate: spectacle versus tradition in sports venuesResources & Links:Paul’s Ballparks - A Substack documenting Paul’s views and reviews of baseball parkshttps://paulsballparks.substack.com/Fenway Park — Iconic stadium with the Green Monsterhttps://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballparkTarget Field — Example of modern stadium design blending tradition and funhttps://www.mlb.com/twins/ballparkBanana Ball — A new world of entertaining of baseballhttps://thesavannahbananas.com/Amy Mann's Super Ball — Paul’s walk-up song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJB-P9TuWE&t=5s
Transcribe →Laurie Singer - Recreational Therapy
4w ago00:45:10Tap to summarizeLaurie Singer explains how recreation therapy taps into the innate human need to play, offering healing, joy, and connection regardless of age or ability. Can you have a full life without play? Find out how she connects the dots between well-being and fun!Summary • Laurie explains recreation therapy as a legitimate modality aligning with clinical outcomes • Success stories of recreation helping individuals with severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, regain hope and purpose • The vital role of recreation in mental health, reducing stress, and strengthening human connections • Addressing barriers, including societal perceptions, lack of accessibility, and personal constraints • The importance of integrating universal design in outdoor and recreational spaces • Challenging the notion of leisure as something earned, emphasizing recreation as a fundamental human rightResources & LinksLaurie Singer Linked Inhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-singerctrs/High Fives - Organization helping injured adventurers return to activityhttps://highfives.org/Universal Design in Recreation - Principles for Inclusive Outdoor Spaceshttps://universaldesign.org/American Disabilities Act (ADA) - Accessibility legislation and guidelineshttps://www.ada.gov/
Transcribe →Patti Cryer - Noticing
Jun 1900:36:21Tap to summarizeExplore the simple yet profound act of noticing with Patti Cryer, yoga therapist, joy seeker, storyteller, people gatherer, life observer, and sharer of small moments of attention and delight. Discover how collecting the small details around you can become a playful practice that enhances well-being, mindfulness, and connection.Resources & LinksPatti Cryer on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/patti.cryer/The Art of Noticing, by Rob Walkerhttps://draw-down.com/products/the-art-of-noticingKama: The Joy and Pleasure of Life – Sanskrit concept about finding joy in everyday momentshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama
Transcribe →Robin Schwartzman & Tom Loftus - Mini Golf
Jun 1600:59:50Tap to summarizeDiscover why mini golf isn’t just a casual pastime but a vibrant culture full of design, storytelling, and community. Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus, aka Mr. T and the Pink Putter, share their love for the game that combines whimsy, nostalgia, and strategic play—bringing light to its accessibility and magic.Resources & LinksRobin Schwartzmann & Tom Loftus: A Couple of Puts - https://acoupleofputts.com/Puttcast - https://acoupleofputts.com/puttcast/A Couple of Putts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coupleputts/A Couple of Putts on Atlas Obscura - https://www.atlasobscura.com/itineraries/unique-mini-golf-courses-world-tourA Couple of Putts on Holey Moley - https://acoupleofputts.com/2019/08/30/even-the-losers/A Couple of Putts Mini Golf Design - https://www.minigolfdesigners.com/Putt-Putt Golf: A Historic Mini Golf Brand - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putt-Putt_Fun_Center
Transcribe →John Sharp - Fun, Taste and Games
Jun 1000:55:33Tap to summarizeDr. John Sharp explores the true meaning of fun, its role in perception, culture, and society, and how embracing vulnerability and play can transform our lives. John shares his insights on game design, aesthetics, social change, and the importance of play as a humanistic act. Discover fun as a mode of experience that engages and connects.The relationship of fun and taste to gamesThe conceptualization of fun as an aesthetic and cultural experienceHow fun compares and contrasts with beauty in art and designThe role of vulnerability in playful experiencesMisconceptions and resistance to the idea that fun is serious and valuableThe importance of recognizing failure and uncertainty in playResourcesJohn Sharp Parsons Profile - https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/faculty/john-sharp/Fun, Taste, & Games: An Aesthetics for the Idle, Unproductive, and Otherwise Playful - https://ftgbook.com/Works of Game: On the Aesthetics of Games and Art - https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262029070/works-of-game/Games, Design, and Play: A Detailed Approach to Iterative Game Design - http://www.gamesdesignandplay.com/Iterate: Ten Lessons on Design and Failure - https://direct.mit.edu/books/book/4324/IterateTen-Lessons-in-Design-and-FailureBernie DeKoven - https://www.deepfun.com/Raph Koster, A Theory of Fun - https://www.theoryoffun.com/
Transcribe →Mattie Cryer - Plants
Jun 100:37:46Tap 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
May 2600:35:22Tap 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
May 2300:31:18Tap 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
May 1500:38:18Tap 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/
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