The Gaming Persona

Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology
  • 5.0 (13)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Gaming Persona, a unique podcast that traverses the exciting crossroads of gaming and mental health. With your host, Dr. Gameology, peel back the layers of the gaming world to discover its profound impact on our cognitive and emotional health. You'll understand how video games, far from being mere entertainment, can act as powerful tools for personal growth, stress relief, and mental resilience. Join fellow gamers and enthusiasts in thought-provoking discussions, unraveling the intricacies of game design, the psychology of gaming, and the surprising ways in which these elements influence our well-being. Immerse yourself in The Gaming Persona, the one-of-a-kind podcast that seamlessly blends the worlds of video gaming and mental health. Guided by our resident (but not evil) expert, Dr. Gameology, we endeavor to unlock the untapped potential of gaming as a catalyst for enhancing our mental resilience, stimulating personal growth, and promoting stress relief. The Gaming Persona is fascinated by the intricacies of game design, exploring the careful balance of challenges, rewards, narratives, and immersion that makes video games captivating experiences. Through engaging discussions, we illuminate the psychological aspects of gaming – the motivations, the emotional connections, and the gratification that players derive from their virtual adventures. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We also examine the transformative potential of video games on our mental landscapes. Drawing from a wide swath of research, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences, we highlight how gaming helps shape cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and social skills. The Gaming Persona is more than just a podcast. It's a platform for gamers and non-gamers alike to gain a new perspective on gaming - not as a mere hobby or a form of escapism, but as a powerful medium of self-improvement and well-being.  Each episode of our show is meticulously crafted to provide a balanced blend of immersive storytelling, engaging discussions, and knowledge-packed content. We delve into the heart of game design, unraveling the intricate weave of elements that make video games a compelling form of entertainment and a profound tool for personal development.But we're not just about games. We're about you, the gamer. The Gaming Persona aims to cast a fresh light on the psychological facets of gaming that resonate with players. We decode the motivations, the emotional bonds, and the sense of fulfillment that gamers derive from their digital exploits. And it doesn't end there. As you tune in week after week, you'll discover the transformative power of gaming on cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and social connections. You'll hear from researchers, mental health professionals, game developers, and fellow gamers who share their insights, experiences, and personal anecdotes.Imagine a podcast that can simultaneously entertain, educate, inspire, and challenge your perspectives. That's The Gaming Persona for you. By making us a part of your weekly routine, you're embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, all while indulging in your love for video games.So, if you're ready to challenge the status quo and explore the intersection of gaming and mental health, join Dr. Gameology and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on this enlightening journey. So, why wait? Subscribe to The Gaming Persona today. Challenge your perspectives, enrich your mind, and game your way to mental resilience. With each episode, you won't just be playing; you'll be growing, learning, and evolving. Subscribe to The Gaming Persona now, and game your way to a healthier mind.#gaming #mentalhealth #thegamersjourney #wellbeing #gameology #gamingpersona #podcast #gamerlife #gamingcommunity #healthygaming #healthygamer #psychologyofgaming #continuethejourney 

  1. 1D AGO

    How Gamified Training Tackles Gambling Harm In Modern Gaming

    Send a text What happens when gambling leaves the casino and slips into our favorite games, our phones, and even our goals? We pull back the curtain on how chance-based mechanics shape behavior, from WWE 2K card packs and loot boxes to trophy-hunting grinds that quietly mimic slot machines. Along the way, we share a rare look at a two-year project brought to life: a 60-CEU, fully gamified clinical training that turns counseling concepts into interactive minigames, including a Super Nintendo–style “Casino Escape” and a prevention planner that forces tough tradeoffs to win funding. We talk candidly about being gambling neutral—centering what works for the individual, not blanket judgments. That means helping people set limits that stick, interrupt chasing losses, and understand why a “win” on a pack often feels huge even though it only returns pixels. We map the new terrain of smartphone betting, fantasy platforms, and prediction markets, and how economic pressure and side hustles can nudge rational people toward irrational risks. If you’ve ever told yourself “one last pull,” this conversation gives you language and tools to regain control. It’s not all heavy. We trade Baldur’s Gate wipe stories, dip into SWOTOR events, celebrate a Royal Rumble prediction streak, and reflect on how practice and precision—hello, Resident Evil S-ranks—build real skills like patience, aim, and focus. The through line is simple: games can enrich our lives when we choose the terms. Set your budget before you start, pick a stop time while calm, celebrate early wins by walking away, and swap luck-loops for skill goals that give lasting satisfaction. If this resonates, subscribe and share with a friend who loves games as much as you do. Drop a rating and tell us your best strategy for stopping after “one last pull”—we’ll feature our favorites next week. Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    52 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Are We The Heroes Or The Villains When Games Become Our Path?

    Send a text A world where most people log in to feel alive doesn’t sound so distant anymore, and we start by asking what happens when VR stops being a novelty and becomes the neighborhood. Ready Player One gives us a map of desire and danger: ads funding escape, avatars replacing identity, and corporations writing the rules of our second lives. We connect that to gear you can buy right now—haptic vests, VR headsets—and the unsettling ease with which pixels begin to stand in for presence. From there, we dig into the NPC idea from both sides. In MMOs, looking like an NPC is a brilliant hide‑and‑seek trick. Offline, calling someone an NPC turns a human into background art. We talk about language that flattens people, why real leadership sometimes makes you the “villain,” and how to hold a line without losing your compass. That flows into the craft of turning gameplay into learning: Overwatch kill-cams that finally explain odds, a Baldur’s Gate nat‑20 that still “fails” illustrating near‑miss psychology, and why a tight edit can teach risk better than a whitepaper. If you care about game design, mental health, or how streaming can be pedagogy, this stretch is for you. We also make space for play. Final Fantasy VII Remake’s new assist toggles—max HP, max MP, max damage—let anyone tear through hard mode without blocking trophies. It’s accessible and also a little blasphemous, raising a rich design question: when does help become hollow? We argue for “cozy hard,” the sweet spot where bosses bruise, not break. And because no show is complete without party planning, we chart a Baldur’s Gate 3 run: barbarian thunder, sorcerer control, multiclass mischief, and a fragile pact to avoid side quests that will definitely be broken. Along the way we trade Star Wars lore takes, celebrate small wins, and remember why games are our modern myths—places to test courage, kindness, and consequence with a safety net. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who games (or counsels gamers), and leave a quick review to help more curious players find us. Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    48 min

  3. FEB 5

    When Unlocking a Roster Becomes A Life Philosophy

    Send us a text A blizzard on the radar, a snowblower on life support, and a birthday synced to the Royal Rumble—sometimes life scripts its own main event. We kick things off with the storm chatter and slide into family rituals: homemade banners, dish-duty bets, and a living room that morphs into an arena. From there, we dig into the heart of wrestling fandom—nostalgia, surprise returns, and the art of long-term booking. We trade predictions for both Rumbles, debate whether WWE can resist repeating its favorite arcs, and celebrate the enduring appeal of Drew McIntyre as a symbol of grit and second chances. Then the controller lights up. WWE 2K25 becomes our lens on game design: when unlock systems feel empowering, when monetization crosses a line, and why forcing players into disliked modes breaks the flow. We explore the grind psychology that makes a five-star match or a fresh roster slot feel like a trophy, and we tackle the big question: is time spent the problem, or is it about life context and responsibilities? That thread leads us into real life—turning an all-nighter into a final boss, chunking work into quest steps, and using game loops to push major projects over the finish line. We round things out with comfort zones and skill building: trying an indie ARPG that revives 16-bit charm, first steps in Hytale, teaching kids the keyboard, and the educational power of scaffolding. Along the way we swap odd keybinds, celebrate MMO mice, and reflect on the gap between cinematic trailers and actual gameplay. If you love pro wrestling, video games, or the way both teach perseverance, this one’s for you. Enjoyed the show? Follow, share with a friend who loves the Rumble, and leave a quick review so more fans can find us. Your picks for the winners this year—who you got? Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    54 min

  4. JAN 22

    We Turn Games Into Life Lessons And Refuse To Hit Game Over

    Send us a text A disco‑laced cold open gives way to a sharper question: why do some people drop the controller at Continue while others dig for one more quarter? We start with Mortal Kombat timers, Ninja Turtles heartbreak, and NBA Jam swagger, then map those lessons onto real deadlines, teaching, and the kind of crunch that keeps you up past 1 a.m. The throughline is simple and stubborn: games train resilience. They reward pattern learning, reframing failure, and trying again without drama. We switch gears and open our research vault on stream, walking through a 2010 paper on MMORPG psychology as a co‑working session. Instead of passive viewing, it becomes a study hall where theory meets the chat window. That same educator lens shows up in our counseling course: to protect privacy, we grade fictional clients, and a standout submission profiles Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3. The result is rigorous, ethical, and fun—proof that play is a safe sandbox for hard thinking. Gameplay talk hits both heart and head. We break down BG3 strategies, from burst melee builds to spell economy and the siren encounter that echoes The Odyssey. A new GPU turns vistas and hair physics into a reminder that craftsmanship matters, not just frame rates. A local WWE show delivers pure connection—wrestlers riff with the crowd, kids form core memories, and perseverance becomes more than a buzzword. We also return to Star Wars: The Old Republic with a fresh combat style mix, laugh our way into a viral reel about Force‑choking droids, and look ahead to Resident Evil’s next chapter with equal parts dread and delight. We close with practical choices: when to stream DLC, how to balance Steam Deck and console, and why Journey is best savored in a single two‑hour sitting. If you’re here for game psychology, MMO design, classroom craft, or just smart banter about builds and boss fights, you’ll feel at home. Press play, then tell us: what game taught you to keep going? And if this hit home, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more gamers find the show. Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    49 min

  5. JAN 8

    I Parried Once And My Bluetooth Laughed

    Send us a text New year, same chaos—plus a heavy dose of heart. We kick off 2026 by riding the emotional afterglow of the Stranger Things finale and pivot straight into game talk that actually matters: finishing Baldur’s Gate 3 live, redefining what “challenge” means, and building smarter paths through Expedition 33’s tight parry windows and tricksy bosses. The result is a conversation that blends celebration, strategy, and the real-life tweaks that keep our hobby fun when time and tech don’t cooperate. That BG3 finale stream stretched to 4.5 hours and proved how momentum multiplies once chat is rolling. We compare notes on difficulty philosophy—why some of us choose Grandmaster later and story first now, how Elden Ring’s world and aura outshine its pain, and when to drop the mods to chase trophies. Expedition 33 gets the deep-dive treatment: Lune, Ciel, and Mael synergy; Picto and Lumina progression; a late Act Two farming loop that accelerates builds; and the practical realities of parry timing across wired vs Bluetooth controllers. We also talk Steam Deck performance in dark zones, the surprising power of a bright-green mouse cursor, and why a solid cosmetic pack can be the nudge that keeps a game in rotation. There’s plenty of joy in the margins too: Steam sale hauls (Doomblade, Journey, FFX/X-2, Kingdom Come, Pathfinder, Blasphemous), a new GPU saga with too many cables, and the pull of SWTOR nostalgia powered by Twitch drops and old raid friends. Our goals for 2026 stay grounded—consistent streams, six hours of weekly play, and making space for the games that spark energy, not obligation. If you’re juggling story-first runs, min-max builds, or just carving out time to play, you’ll feel right at home. Enjoy the ride, then jump into the conversation: follow, subscribe, and leave a review to tell us whether you chase difficulty or chase vibes—and what you’re booting up next. Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    49 min

  6. JAN 1

    How Big Sales, Backlogs, And Time Limits Shape The Way We Game

    Send us a text We weigh what to buy in the Steam sale, why discounts only matter past a real threshold, and how limited time forces better choices. Along the way we celebrate story-rich games, debate difficulty, and savor a perfect wrestling farewell that felt like film-level mythmaking. • Steam sale strategy, price thresholds, and cart triage • Baldur’s Gate 3 value, builds, and hilarious quest chains • Nier Automata fit for short sessions and crossover notes • Jedi Survivor momentum, launch issues, and timing • SWTOR narrative pull versus other MMOs and time cost • Heavy Rain, Detroit, and why agency beats adaptation • Elden Ring difficulty, boss walls, and weapon fit • Family rituals, wrestling storytelling, and Cena’s exit • Free-to-play finds, two-hour test, and backlog sanity • Holiday scheduling, community night ideas, and gear wishlists “Hey everyone, did you know that Jeff Keeley invited me to be a official co-streamer of the game awards last week?”  “We were able to raise $307 for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.” Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    57 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    Stuck Between Games And Greatness

    Send us a text The strangest part of finishing a game that wrecked you emotionally is the silence that follows. We step into that quiet space after Claire Obscure Expedition 33 and unpack what it means to truly “beat” a game—why a 56 million damage nuke on the Simon fight popped trophies but missed the point, and why chasing a parry-perfect rematch matters more. That theme threads through a funny, very real parenting moment with Dispatch’s spicy cold open, the siren pull of Baldur’s Gate 3 for story-first play, and the “keep it simple” approach that finally made The Witcher 3 click without drowning in side quests or Gwent. We trade shortlists for greatest games of all time and explore how certain titles become part of who we are: Cloud and Tifa statues on the shelf, Claire’s lyrics whispering plot in French, art prints that sell out because the world on screen becomes the world on our walls. We also wrestle with budgets and priorities, from gymnastics fees to the wild disconnect between modern living costs and ancient poverty formulas, and how that shapes choices like waiting on a new game or dreaming about a living room-ready Steam Machine that just plays games well. What emerges is a conversation about mastery, meaning, and momentum. Some wins should be earned, not engineered. Some games are better when you narrow your focus and let the core story breathe. And sometimes the best part of gaming is the community—friends dropping into your campaign, listeners sharing Spotify Wrapped shout-outs, and a moment to celebrate new recognition for turning games into care and growth. Come for the boss talk and GOAT lists, stay for the human parts that make playing worth it. If you enjoyed this one, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review with your top three games of all time—we’ll read our favorites on the show. Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    52 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    Why A Steam Machine Could Change Console Gaming At Home

    Send us a text A burst of real life kicks things off—four straight nights of hockey, a surprise “you look incredible,” and the comfort of breakfast-for-dinner—before we veer straight into the question that fuels every gamer’s week: what should we play next, and why does it matter so much? We follow the breadcrumbs from YouTube Premium’s background audio to the way game soundtracks shape focus at work and wonder at home, then zoom in on the moment music turns pixels into memory: live orchestras for Final Fantasy VII and Star Wars, on-screen story beats lining up perfectly with strings and brass, goosebumps and all. From there, we break down why Claire Obscure Expedition 33 has us hooked: a brilliant turn-based combat loop, clever picto builds that double turns, and a soundtrack worth sitting still for. That sparks a friendly ambush—one host buys the game for a friend so he finally plays it—which sets up our ongoing debate: FFVII Remake and Rebirth’s kinetic, character-driven ride vs the classic charm of 2D JRPGs like Octopath Traveler II. We talk dynamic difficulty, party chemistry that actually matters, and how a trailer reaction once turned into a YouTube Partner milestone and a deeper love for the worlds we revisit. Then the living room future takes the stage. A Steam Machine that treats your library like a console, with family sharing and controller freedom, might be the bridge we’ve wanted—especially with RAM prices spiking, AI workloads squeezing components, and the pain of a lost-in-shipping GPU still fresh. Pair a Steam Deck with a TV-bound box and you get a Switch-like life without sacrificing the games you actually want to play. Along the way we argue about Kingdom Hearts 3’s Disney pivot, celebrate FFVII’s staying power, and admit something simple: sometimes solo nights beat the pressure to stream, and a gifted game is the nudge a friend needs. If that mix of life, music, and smart gaming talk is your vibe, hit play, share this with a friend who needs a new favorite, and drop us your pick: FFVII first, or keep it turn-based? Subscribe and leave a review to help more gamers find the show. Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com! More Links Here! Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

    52 min
See All (167)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Gaming Persona, a unique podcast that traverses the exciting crossroads of gaming and mental health. With your host, Dr. Gameology, peel back the layers of the gaming world to discover its profound impact on our cognitive and emotional health. You'll understand how video games, far from being mere entertainment, can act as powerful tools for personal growth, stress relief, and mental resilience. Join fellow gamers and enthusiasts in thought-provoking discussions, unraveling the intricacies of game design, the psychology of gaming, and the surprising ways in which these elements influence our well-being. Immerse yourself in The Gaming Persona, the one-of-a-kind podcast that seamlessly blends the worlds of video gaming and mental health. Guided by our resident (but not evil) expert, Dr. Gameology, we endeavor to unlock the untapped potential of gaming as a catalyst for enhancing our mental resilience, stimulating personal growth, and promoting stress relief. The Gaming Persona is fascinated by the intricacies of game design, exploring the careful balance of challenges, rewards, narratives, and immersion that makes video games captivating experiences. Through engaging discussions, we illuminate the psychological aspects of gaming – the motivations, the emotional connections, and the gratification that players derive from their virtual adventures. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We also examine the transformative potential of video games on our mental landscapes. Drawing from a wide swath of research, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences, we highlight how gaming helps shape cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and social skills. The Gaming Persona is more than just a podcast. It's a platform for gamers and non-gamers alike to gain a new perspective on gaming - not as a mere hobby or a form of escapism, but as a powerful medium of self-improvement and well-being.  Each episode of our show is meticulously crafted to provide a balanced blend of immersive storytelling, engaging discussions, and knowledge-packed content. We delve into the heart of game design, unraveling the intricate weave of elements that make video games a compelling form of entertainment and a profound tool for personal development.But we're not just about games. We're about you, the gamer. The Gaming Persona aims to cast a fresh light on the psychological facets of gaming that resonate with players. We decode the motivations, the emotional bonds, and the sense of fulfillment that gamers derive from their digital exploits. And it doesn't end there. As you tune in week after week, you'll discover the transformative power of gaming on cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and social connections. You'll hear from researchers, mental health professionals, game developers, and fellow gamers who share their insights, experiences, and personal anecdotes.Imagine a podcast that can simultaneously entertain, educate, inspire, and challenge your perspectives. That's The Gaming Persona for you. By making us a part of your weekly routine, you're embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, all while indulging in your love for video games.So, if you're ready to challenge the status quo and explore the intersection of gaming and mental health, join Dr. Gameology and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on this enlightening journey. So, why wait? Subscribe to The Gaming Persona today. Challenge your perspectives, enrich your mind, and game your way to mental resilience. With each episode, you won't just be playing; you'll be growing, learning, and evolving. Subscribe to The Gaming Persona now, and game your way to a healthier mind.#gaming #mentalhealth #thegamersjourney #wellbeing #gameology #gamingpersona #podcast #gamerlife #gamingcommunity #healthygaming #healthygamer #psychologyofgaming #continuethejourney 

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Gaming Persona
  • Show Website
    The Gaming Persona