Powered by Play | Podcast on Podbay

Drew Chappell and Avery Tang

This podcast explores what we play, how we play, and why we play. We use a wide definition of play, from board and video games, to escape rooms, to cat cafes, to fantasy football, and much more! We believe that play is powerful and that it shapes us: It’s an opportunity to explore power dynamics, learn that we have agency, and discover how we might be able to use play to change the status quo. We as individuals feel fulfillment, learn, and connect through play. It powers us, and that’s what makes it powerful! Episodes released monthly.

Episodes

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?

Nov 14, 2023

56 min

What is play? Why do we play?

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?

Oct 17, 2023

1 hr 3 min

Trailer

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 other?

Sep 26, 2023

1 min