Épisodes

  • Episode 118: The Joy of Afrofuturism at the House of Afros, Capes, and Curls

    Episode 118: The Joy of Afrofuturism at the House of Afros, Capes, and Curls
    Aug 31 2025
    We explore Afrofuturism and the mission of the House of Afros, Capes, and Curls with its founder Jade Rogers.The organization exists to create a community for Black nerds, the concept of Afrofuturism, and the importance of rest and self-care in community engagement. Jade shares her experiences in Omaha, the impact of her church upbringing on her leadership skills, and the innovative youth programs that connect history with personal identity. The episode concludes with a discussion on current gaming interests and the significance of creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. Support our work on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld) Takeaways The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls promotes community through sci-fi and fantasy. Nap Nights were created to encourage rest and self-care. Afrofuturism centers Black narratives in futuristic contexts. Community engagement events foster connections among Black nerds. The importance of recognizing historical contributions of Black communities. Creating safe spaces allows individuals to express their nerdiness without fear. Church experiences can provide valuable skills for community leadership. Youth programs focus on researching local Black history. Gaming can be a bridge for community connection and engagement. The House operates as an independent non-profit organization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the House of Afros, Capes, and Curls 02:35 Community Engagement and Nap Nights 07:32 Understanding Afrofuturism 14:14 The Growth of Nerd Culture Among African Americans 23:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Black Nerds 25:33 Navigating Spaces as a Black Nerd 29:48 The Importance of Representation in Nerd Culture 34:59 The Intersection of Personal Experience and Community Engagement 43:43 Gaming Interests and the Evolution of Nerd Identity 48:52 The Role of Church in Shaping Skills and Community Leadership
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    52 min
  • Episode 117: The Joy of Solo Tabletop Games

    Episode 117: The Joy of Solo Tabletop Games
    Aug 17 2025
    In this episode of "Play Saves the World," hosts Daniel Hilty and Kevin Taylor dive into the captivating world of solo tabletop games. Discover the unique joys and challenges of playing games designed for one, from the strategic depth of solo modes in multiplayer games to the meditative experience of solo-only titles. Whether you're a seasoned solo gamer or curious about exploring this niche, Daniel and Kevin share their favorite games, personal insights, and the unexpected benefits of solo play. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how solo gaming can enhance your skills, provide a peaceful escape, and even help you enjoy your own company. Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld)!
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    1 h et 14 min
  • Episode 116: The Top 5 Games of Geekway

    Episode 116: The Top 5 Games of Geekway
    Jun 29 2025
    In this episode of Play Saves the World, hosts Daniel and Kevin discuss their experiences at Geekway 2025, a board game convention in St. Louis, Missouri. They explore the significance of play in human flourishing and share their top five games from the convention, along with honorable mentions. The conversation highlights the importance of community, social interaction, and the joy of discovering new games. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the gaming community and share their own experiences. Takeaways Geekway is a board game convention held annually in St. Louis, Missouri. The convention allows players to try new games and meet fellow gamers. Top games discussed include Captain Flip, Flip 7, and Twilight Imperium. Honorable mentions include Come Sail Away, FinSpan, and Nekojima. The importance of social interaction and community in gaming is emphasized. Games can be both fun and educational, promoting human flourishing. The hosts share personal experiences and memories from the convention. The variety of games available caters to different tastes and preferences. Cooperative games like Wilmots Warehouse encourage teamwork and creativity. Listeners are encouraged to explore board games and share their experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Geekway 2025 03:11 Understanding Geekway: The Board Game Convention 05:42 Top Games Played at Geekway 08:11 Honorable Mentions: Games That Almost Made the Cut 15:44 Top Five Games: Personal Favorites from Geekway 23:55 The Joy of Cooperative Games 26:38 Exploring Flip 7: A Card Game Delight 29:36 Wilmot's Warehouse: A Fun Challenge 37:04 Rebirth: A Beautiful Game Experience 38:30 Twilight Imperium: The Ultimate Strategy Game CALL TO ACTION Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld)
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    51 min
  • Episode 115: The Joy of Bullet Journaling

    Episode 115: The Joy of Bullet Journaling
    Jun 1 2025
    In this episode we explore the transformative practice of bullet journaling. We discuss its purpose as a tool for self-reflection, mental clarity, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the historical context of journaling as a spiritual practice, the importance of naming emotions, and the balance between productivity and playfulness. Kevin shares his personal experiences with bullet journaling, including its mechanics and the joy of tracking daily accomplishments. The episode emphasizes the significance of gratitude and reflection in enhancing one's life narrative. Takeaways Bullet journaling serves as a mirror for the soul. Naming emotions helps in managing them effectively. Journaling can be a spiritual practice with historical roots. Reflection through journaling allows for personal growth. Worrying often leads to facing problems twice. Tracking daily accomplishments can enhance mental clarity. Gratitude journaling fosters a positive mindset. The act of writing by hand can improve memory retention. Creating titles for journal entries helps in recognizing patterns. Bullet journaling can be a playful and creative outlet. Chapters 00:00 The Joy of Bullet Journaling 04:03 Understanding the Purpose of Journaling 08:02 The Historical Context of Journaling 11:54 Journaling as a Tool for Reflection 15:59 Gratitude and Awareness in Journaling 19:57 The Narrative of Our Lives 24:01 Naming Emotions and Their Impact 26:41 Introduction to Bullet Journaling 28:09 The Process of Bullet Journaling 30:44 The Benefits of Writing by Hand 32:25 The Constraints of Physical Journaling 34:08 Daily Reflections and Monthly Reviews 36:30 The Flexibility of Bullet Journaling 39:11 Integrating Work and Personal Life 42:28 The Playful Nature of Bullet Journaling 45:43 Finding Time for Journaling 49:40 Conclusion and Resources CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/)
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    54 min
  • Episode 114: Play Is the Mother of Invention

    Episode 114: Play Is the Mother of Invention
    Apr 13 2025
    We dive into Steven Johnson's book 'Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World,' which shows how play has been a catalyst for invention, the interconnectedness of ideas, and the impact of play on technology and culture. How can we create spaces for play that fosters change? Takeaways Play is essential for human flourishing and creativity. Steven Johnson's 'Wonderland' explores the role of play in invention. Fashion and consumer culture emerged from playful pursuits. Play leads to unforeseen discoveries in various fields. The spice trade significantly influenced global commerce and exploration. Exploration has both positive and negative consequences. Ideas and fields of study are interconnected in surprising ways. We are products of generations of creative thought. Cultivating play can lead to positive change in the world. Play should be valued for its own sake, not just for its utility. Chapters 00:00 The Role of Play in Human Flourishing 05:11 Exploring 'Wonderland' by Steven Johnson 09:15 Play as a Catalyst for Invention 15:24 The Intersection of Play and Commerce 20:51 Exploration and Its Shadow Side 28:30 The Role of Public Spaces in Idea Formation 31:19 Interconnectedness of Ideas and Knowledge 34:38 The Illusion of Self-Made Success 40:52 The Power of Play in Innovation 44:50 Cultivating Virtue Through Play 49:36 Creating Space for Change Through Play CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ)
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    58 min
  • Episode 113: The Joy of Theater, with Caleb Cabiness

    Episode 113: The Joy of Theater, with Caleb Cabiness
    Mar 30 2025
    Daniel Hilty and Kevin Taylor welcome Caleb Cabiness, an actor and theater practitioner, to discuss the joy of theater and its significance in human flourishing. They explore Caleb's journey in theater, the vibrant theater scene in the Twin Cities, and delve into the lives of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, highlighting the connections between theater, play, and creativity. They delve into the nature of acting, exploring the concept of hypocrisy in performance and the philosophical implications of play. They discuss the creation of a musical inspired by Bob Ross, highlighting themes of positivity and personal growth. The dialogue shifts to the friendship between C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, examining their differing views on faith and evangelism. The intersection of theater and spirituality is explored, emphasizing storytelling as a means of expressing faith. Finally, the conversation wraps up with a shared passion for board games, showcasing the joy of cooperative play. Takeaways The Twin Cities have a supportive theater community. Theater allows for a unique connection with live audiences. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had a significant friendship. The joy of theater is in the collaborative experience. Theater can be a source of joy and fulfillment. Caleb's experiences in church plays shaped his acting career. The concept of play is integral to the theater experience. St. Augustine viewed acting as a form of hypocrisy. The term 'hypocrite' originates from the Latin word for actor. The magic circle of play creates a temporary reality. Theater can serve as a lens for interpreting life. Bob Ross's teachings inspire positivity and creativity. C.S. Lewis and Tolkien had a complex friendship. Faith and theater intersect through storytelling. Acting can be a form of worship and expression of faith. Board games foster community and shared experiences. Cooperative games emphasize teamwork and strategy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Joy of Theater 06:13 Caleb Cabaniss: A Journey in Theater 10:30 Theater Scene in the Twin Cities 11:38 Exploring C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien 22:21 The Connection of Theater and Play 29:22 The Nature of Acting and Hypocrisy 31:47 The Magic Circle: Play and Reality 32:38 Creating 'The Joy of Painting' Musical 38:18 Exploring C.S. Lewis and Tolkien's Friendship 42:31 The Intersection of Theater and Faith 48:08 Board Games: A Shared Passion Support and Interact Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/)
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    58 min
  • Episode 112: Hosting A Game Night At A Shelter

    Episode 112: Hosting A Game Night At A Shelter
    Mar 16 2025
    In this episode of Play Saves the World, hosts Daniel and Kevin celebrate the third anniversary of their podcast while discussing the significance of play in human flourishing. Daniel shares his experience hosting a game night at a local shelter for unhoused individuals, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the role of play in stressful situations. The conversation highlights the thoughtful selection of games that promote inclusivity and ease of learning, ensuring a positive experience for all participants. In this conversation, Kevin and Daniel explore the themes of connection, creativity, and the power of play through board games and community interactions. They discuss various cooperative games, the joy of building relationships through play, and the inspiring story of a man who, despite his challenges, expresses his creativity through writing. The conversation highlights the importance of play in fostering community and resilience. Takeaways Play is essential for human flourishing. Hosting a game night can foster community connections. Sensitivity to participants' circumstances is crucial. Cooperative games are ideal for stressful environments. Engaging with the arts can address social issues. Celebrating milestones can strengthen community bonds. The importance of play as a human right. Creative approaches can enhance outreach efforts. Games should be easy to learn and inclusive. Community support can enhance event planning. The joy of playing games is in building relationships. Cooperative games foster teamwork and connection. Creativity can thrive even in challenging circumstances. Play provides an escape from the stresses of life. Engaging with others through play can create meaningful connections. The power of storytelling is evident in games and literature. Community interactions can lead to unexpected friendships. Play can be a form of resilience in tough times. Theater and play share a deep connection in their essence. Encouraging play in various forms can enrich lives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Play Saves the World Podcast 03:04 Celebrating Three Years of Podcasting 05:59 Game Night at the Shelter: A New Experience 09:09 The Importance of Play in Human Experience 12:04 Community Engagement and Board Game Night 15:01 Choosing the Right Games for the Audience 18:00 Exploring Cooperative Board Games 20:55 The Joy of Connection Through Play 25:53 Creativity and Resilience in Challenging Times 29:58 The Power of Play in Community 31:02 Looking Ahead: The Role of Play in Theater Join Us! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/ Interact with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/
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    34 min
  • Episode 111: The Joy of Board Game Conventions

    Episode 111: The Joy of Board Game Conventions
    Mar 2 2025
    In this episode we explore the vibrant world of board game conventions through our personal experiences, what newcomers can expect, and the reasons why attending these conventions can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. From the joy of playing games with friends to the opportunity to try new games without the commitment of purchase, the conversation emphasizes the community and fun that board game conventions foster. In this conversation, Kevin and Daniel explore the enriching experience of board game conventions, discussing the concept of the 'magic circle' where players step into an alternate reality. They highlight the sense of community found at these events, the joy of shared experiences, and the increasing diversity within the gaming culture. The discussion also includes practical tips for attendees to enhance their convention experience, emphasizing the importance of connection and enjoyment in the gaming world.
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    44 min