Playful Humans - People Who Play for a Living

What if you could transform your life by simply changing the way you see challenges? Join us for an episode bursting with humor and insights as we chat with Eric Farewell, the bold author of "Farewell to Normal." We kick things off with a playful exchange and dive into Eric's intriguing journey from feeling like an imposter to becoming a confident writer and adventurer. Discover how...

What if you could unlock your good mood superpowers and break free from the chains of generational trauma? Join us as we sit down with Matt O'Neill from Good Mood Revolution, who shares his inspiring journey from personal unhappiness to becoming a happiness coach. Matt dives into the fascinating dynamics of generational pain and how it shapes our views on happiness today. Despite the challeng...

For the launch of my new book, I was concerned about doing an episode where I talk about myself and my work in the book. So, instead I thought I would let some playful AI robots review the book and tell you all about it. Check out the new book on paperback and Kindle here: Playful Humans: 52 Reasons to Rediscover the Power of Play in Your Life and Career https://a.co/d/bRJp8fn Are you feeling burn...

Have you ever wondered how spirituality and creativity are related? This week, we welcome Rabbi Alon C. Ferency, the Eclectic Cleric who guides us through a whimsical exploration of this fusion. Starting with a beard joke and a tale of divine luck at a blackjack table, Rabbi Alan takes us on his personal journey from the pulpit to the podcast. We explore his reflections on missing the community co...

A heartfelt conversation with Andrew Matthews, a best-selling author and happiness coach known for his unique blend of cartoons and self-help. Andrew's journey to happiness began with the realization that those who overcome life's biggest challenges often find the deepest joy. This insight inspired his first book, "Being Happy," which combines wisdom and humor to make personal...

After years of struggling with the paralyzing fear of public speaking, Linda Ugelow discovered techniques that transformed her anxiety into joy and confidence. Imagine stepping onto a stage feeling excited rather than terrified; Linda shares the tools and insights that helped her—and can help you—find delight in the limelight. Join us as we explore how even the most daunting fears can be managed,...

Ready to uncover the untold stories behind your favorite personalities? Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Small, the brilliant mind behind the "Write About Now" podcast and book. Jonathan takes us on his unexpected journey from a temp job at a parenting magazine, where he scored an interview with the legendary George Carlin, to becoming a celebrated writer and podcast host. Gain exclu...

Unlock the secrets to achieving lasting personal transformation with Dan Storey as he shares insights from his book, "The Personal Transformation Blueprint." Dan, a motivational athlete on the verge of competing in the natural Mr. Olympian competition, reveals how to cultivate a playful mindset to enhance your journey through life. Discover how to find fun, flow, and fulfillment in your...

What if a chance encounter could completely alter your life's trajectory? Bonnie Garvin's journey from public relations to storytelling in TV and Movies was anything but planned. In this episode, she shares how a playwriting class she nearly skipped transformed her career. Bonnie, a remarkable storyteller and educator at USC's School of Cinema Arts, opens up about embracing unexpect...

Prepare to meet Little Ginger, the charismatic co-founder of Culture Puppets, as he shares his delightful journey of using puppets to transform workplace culture. Little Ginger's insights reveal how puppets can add humor and surprise to mundane Zoom calls, creating engaging and interactive experiences that capture attention. Discover how these charming characters serve as a refreshing alterna...

Colin A. Borden brings his infectious enthusiasm and creative insights to our latest episode, sharing his unique journey through the entertainment world. From his spontaneous introduction to acting at a childhood play audition to gracing screens with his dynamic performances, Colin's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion. As a seasoned actor and director, he offers...

Are you ready to be inspired by a story of resilience and boundless creativity? This week, we’re thrilled to have Aisha Makara, an extraordinary artist and world traveler, join us on the Playful Humans podcast. Aisha’s transformative journey from being an orphan in Russia to becoming a global artist is nothing short of remarkable. Her experiences navigating an unsupportive environment, moving to A...

Ever wonder what it’s like to be fired via telegram or how you could possibly win your wife in a radio station contest? Join my conversation with Randy Miller, the iconic radio personality who influenced my early career and became a cornerstone of Kansas City's airwaves. We reminisce about my debut during the "Last DJ on the Planet" contest, and Randy opens up about his initial spar...

Join us for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Sarah Walkenbach from Freckle Face Foodie, where we reminisce about our school days together and uncover Sarah's journey into the world of food blogging. Starting with her early experiences in a bakery deli at 15, Sarah's passion for food quickly blossomed. Discover how she transitioned from making indulgent treats to crafting h...

Ever wondered how to jump from a Target warehouse job to a full-time a creative career? This week, we sit down with R.Y. Givens, the innovative founder of Metamauic Entertainment, who shares his fascinating journey from the freedom and camaraderie of warehouse work to the structured confines of corporate life—and how it all led to his passion for video editing and storytelling. We reminisce about...

What happens when you mix Lego, business strategies, and playful creativity? Join us as we uncover the secrets with Tim Kroll, a seasoned business strategist and team-building expert who gained fame from season two of Lego Masters. Tim recounts his unique journey to the show, highlighting the special bond and collaborative spirit he shared with his son. Discover how Tim masterfully incorporates Le...

Ready to hear how being playful can supercharge your creativity? Our latest episode features the incredibly versatile Juan Punchy Gonzalez, an artist, musician, and producer, who shares his unique take on living a creatively playful life. We warm things up with some light-hearted jokes before Punchy dives into his solo musical project, "Cosmic Punch," and the intricate production process...

Get ready to explore the world of stand up and improv with the multifaceted Steven Morgan! You'll be hooked from the get-go with our password-themed dad joke, before diving into the delightful juggle that Steven masters daily—balancing a conventional day job with his night-time escapades in stand-up comedy and improv. His financial stability doesn't chain down his creative charisma, allo...

Could the secret to peak performance lie in embracing imperfection and playfulness? Find out as I join forces with Jordana Confino in a revelatory discussion that promises to dismantle your drive for perfection and rewire your approach to success. Jordana, a former type A legal eagle turned positive psychology guru, shares her personal awakening to a life beyond the relentless pursuit of flawlessn...

Ever wondered how a symphony of ideas can emerge from the chaos of creativity? Angus Clark from SongDivision joins me to share the melody of innovation that resonates through improvisational music and playful songwriting. Tune in as we strike a chord with musician humor, discuss the true worth of a performance, and unveil how songwriting can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and team building...

How can laughter be the secret ingredient to a life of fulfillment and success? That's exactly what Connor Canine of Irishman Speaks brings to the table as he joins us to share his remarkable shift from corporate executive to motivational speaker. With the vibrancy of the Emerald Isle, Connor weaves tales of joy and the art of humor that have the power to transform our daily grind into a more...

Have you ever wondered what could happen if a stockbroker traded in their spreadsheets for sheet music? That's exactly what Rebecca Sue Fegan did, and the harmonious results speak—or rather, sing—for themselves. We're joined by the multitalented education professional, certified coach, and passionate musician, who shares her extraordinary journey from the bustling floor of the stock exch...

Join us as we kick off the new year with a little laughter and the vibrant energy of Leanne Linksy, a comic genius with two decades in the game, who has innovatively tackled the world of online comedy. Discover the nuances of virtual laughter with Plauzzable, her bespoke live comedy platform designed to eliminate the dreaded audio lag and elevate audience interaction. This chat is a deep explorati...

We kick off year 4 with Ryan Ripken, former baseball player turned broadcaster and host of the Offscript with Rip podcast and the Ryan Ripken Show on YouTube. Ryan shares his unique experience growing up in a legendary baseball family and carving out his own path in the shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Cal Ripken Jr. He opens up about the realities of the minor leagues, the evolution of a profes...

Experience a rejuvenating take on conquering burnout as Jennifer Tibidow joins us to share her expertise on this year-round challenge. Our conversation kicks off with humor and wit, yet quickly delves into the serious impacts of burnout and how embracing playfulness can be your secret weapon against stress. Jennifer, a seasoned attorney, opens up about her personal battle with burnout and how she...