Powered by Play

Ever feel like breaking the rules? Putting on a costume and pretending to be naughty? Join Avery and Drew as they discover when and where playful misbehavior is accepted, maybe even expected. From Mardi Gras to drag shows to the musical Hadestown, when do players get to color outside the lines? When are small acts of rebellion enough, and when do they lead to larger movements? Demand candy, throw tea in the water, and draw a lipstick V on your friend’s head as we make like Firefly and aim to

We all need a little bit of care sometimes! This month, Avery and Drew explore the ways we play to feel better, healthier, and calmer. We visit cat cafes and listen to soothing ASMR videos. We explore cozy games and appreciate cleaning and refreshing footage. Come and take a relaxing and playful break with us! You can now support our podcast on Ko-Fi! ko-fi.com/poweredbyplay

State fairs, monster trucks, and fantasy football! What does it mean to play as Americans? Who are we as a nation and how does it define the ways we play? How does our play reflect both a coherent national identity and regional or community identities? What is our history with play and how does it relate to the American Dream–or the American reality? You can now support our podcast on Ko-Fi! ko-fi.com/poweredbyplay

In the first episode, Drew and Avery discuss the definition of play and what makes something "playful." What divides play and the rest of life? What games did we grow up playing, and which ones do we play now? You can now support our podcast on Ko-Fi! ko-fi.com/poweredbyplay

This podcast explores the ways that play teaches us about ourselves as individuals and members of society. We look at forms of play through games, sports, celebrations, performances, toys, and everyday “fun!” As researchers and fans, we go out and play, meet our fellow players, and then discuss what we learned. Along the way, we seek to understand: Why do we play? How does it change us? When does playing connect or divide us? And what can it show us about building better lives for ourselves and each