179 episodes

Get the joke of the week along with ideas, information, and instigation to be a more playful human! If you need a little more fun, flow, and fulfillment in your life, we transform the burned-out and bored into energized and engaged Playful Humans. Rediscover the power of play, find out who is playing for a living, and learn how they pull it off to have the most fun possible in their life and career. Adulting is hard, and it’s easy to lose your way. But, you can beat burnout, quiet quitting, and avoid a mid-life crisis. Your imagination, creativity, humor, spontaneity, sociability, and sense of playfulness are still there! They just need to be found and awakened. Each week, Mike Montague interviews a professional who is living the life of their dreams and getting paid to play! Join the club at PlayfulHumans.com.

Playful Humans - People Who Play for a Living Mike Montague

    • Leisure
    • 5.0 • 11 Ratings

Get the joke of the week along with ideas, information, and instigation to be a more playful human! If you need a little more fun, flow, and fulfillment in your life, we transform the burned-out and bored into energized and engaged Playful Humans. Rediscover the power of play, find out who is playing for a living, and learn how they pull it off to have the most fun possible in their life and career. Adulting is hard, and it’s easy to lose your way. But, you can beat burnout, quiet quitting, and avoid a mid-life crisis. Your imagination, creativity, humor, spontaneity, sociability, and sense of playfulness are still there! They just need to be found and awakened. Each week, Mike Montague interviews a professional who is living the life of their dreams and getting paid to play! Join the club at PlayfulHumans.com.

    Becoming a Song Writer Instantly with Angus Clark from Song Division

    Becoming a Song Writer Instantly with Angus Clark from Song Division

    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, even for those without a musical bone in their body.

    As we riff with Angus, you'll learn how music is an inclusive language that invites all personality types to the creative process. Our discussion harmonizes the elements of crafting a song with the dynamics of group collaboration. We also explore how a structured approach to creativity can lead to unexpected and impactful outcomes, and why sometimes, a touch of competition in a 'song slam' can bring out the best in a team's collective anthem.

    Angus doesn't skip a beat as he walks us through his eclectic career, from his academic pursuits to electrifying stages with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Broadway's "Rock of Ages". His experiences with SongDivision reveal how one can orchestrate a career that blends the zest of the arts with the rhythm of the corporate world. So plug in, and let the symphony of ideas, laughter, and practical advice inspire your own creative journey in music or beyond.

    (00:15) Unleashing Creativity Through Music and Play
    Angus Clark from Song Division talks about improvisational music, gig performance, 'exposure bucks', and SongDivision's role in team building.

    (09:45) Creative Problem Solving Through Songwriting
    Nature's workshops use music and activities like Lego building to foster problem-solving and team building in a global context.

    (21:25) Song Division Collaboration and Process
    Collaborative songwriting, structured approach, clear rules, song slam, career insights, sustaining passion in music.

    (26:04) Diverse Career Paths and Problem Solving
    Versatile guitarist's journey from academia to touring, Broadway, and corporate work, showcasing the power of diverse skill sets in the arts industry.



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    • 36 min
    Irish Wit and Wisdom From Marketing to Motivational Speaking with Conor Cunneen

    Irish Wit and Wisdom From Marketing to Motivational Speaking with Conor Cunneen

    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 playful and productive journey. As we erupt into laughter and a few good-natured jokes, you'll learn firsthand how an Irishman's charm is not just for captivating an audience, but also for inspiring a positive transformation in any career path.

    But our conversation doesn't stop at chuckles and career changes; we also unpack the savvy behind personal branding with a twist of humor that stands out in a crowded market. Connor's 'Gift of GAB' framework isn't just clever branding—it's a lesson in crafting an image that captivates and endears. And for those who believe adulthood means an end to play, think again. We introduce you to another playful human, Connor Cunneen. Find him at www.irishmanspeaks.com.

    (00:13) Irishman Speaks on Motivation and Career
    Connor Cunneen shares his journey from corporate executive to motivational speaker, emphasizing humor and motivation in personal and professional growth.

    (14:40) Personal Branding and Humor in Marketing
    Leverage personal uniqueness, build a strong brand, use YouTube/Instagram, address cultural stereotypes, challenge/opportunity of Irish culture.

    (26:19) Exploring Business Humor
    Connor Cunneen's irishmanspeaks.com celebrates humor and playfulness, while playfulhumans.com offers a quiz to discover your playful personality.
    Support the showSupport the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:
    Subscribe to the YouTube channel Subscribe to the Podcast Book a playshop for your team Support our sponsors

    • 26 min
    The Art of Playful Education with Music Maestro Rebecca Sue Fegan

    The Art of Playful Education with Music Maestro Rebecca Sue Fegan

    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 exchange to the rhythmic world of music education. Rebecca's story is a symphony of playful anecdotes, teaching triumphs, and the undeniable proof that it's never too late to chase a crescendo in life.

    Striking the right note isn't just for the young; it's a melody that can be learned at any age. Tune in as we break down the myth that adults can't master musical instruments, and explore the various pathways to become fluent in the universal language of music. Whether you're drawn to the keys of a piano or the strings of a guitar, we chat about the balance between the intuitive joy of playing by ear and the structured discipline of reading notes. Rebecca's firsthand experiences with adult learners offer encouragement and practical insights for those yearning to let their inner musicians out to play.

    The crescendo of our conversation leads to the innovative Fegan Method, an approach to learning that's as versatile as it is effective. It's not just about music; this method can help anyone master new skills, from improving your jump shot to understanding quantum physics. We wrap up the episode with a lively trivia challenge that's sure to tickle your funny bone and reawaken your playful spirit.

    Find Rebecca at https://thefeganmethod.com/.

    (00:11) The Power of Playing Music With Rebecca Sue Fegan
    (11:22) Getting Started in Music
    (22:10) The Fegan Method
    Support the showSupport the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:
    Subscribe to the YouTube channel Subscribe to the Podcast Book a playshop for your team Support our sponsors

    • 30 min
    Exploring Live Virtual Comedy with Leanne Linsky from Plauzzable

    Exploring Live Virtual Comedy with Leanne Linsky from Plauzzable

    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 exploration into the craft of comedy in the digital age, where timing is everything, and a live reaction can make or break a performance.

    Listen in as we unwrap virtual shows' incredible impact on making comedy accessible far beyond the bright lights of New York and California. We touch on the heartfelt connections formed in these intimate online spaces, where age and health are no barriers to participation, and safety and convenience take center stage. Creativity abounds as comedians blend the boundaries of podcasts, live shows, and more, all while crafting sustainable business models that bring laughter directly to a dispersed fan base.

    Hear about the personal and often winding roads taken by those in the comedic world, including my own journey of juggling a day job with night-time aspirations. In this conversation, we reveal the secret sauce of successful online event promotion and the transformative power of improv and play, proving that sometimes, success in comedy isn't about fame but about the joy and enrichment it brings into our lives. So, whether you're in it for the giggles or the insights, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten.

    Find Leanne Linsky and online comedy at https://plauzzable.com/

    (01:12) Online Comedy Shows and Virtual Events
    (09:35) Virtual Shows' Impact on Comedy Accessibility
    (15:10) Building a Comedy Career
    (21:49) The Power of Play and Improv
    Support the showSupport the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:
    Subscribe to the YouTube channel Subscribe to the Podcast Book a playshop for your team Support our sponsors

    • 27 min
    From Baseball to Broadcasting with Ryan Ripken

    From Baseball to Broadcasting with Ryan Ripken

    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 professional baseball career, and how his family's legacy has influenced his journey.

    The conversation also takes a swing at the mental game of baseball and how it prepares you for life's curveballs. We talk about the similarities between stepping up to the plate and facing challenges in everyday life, drawing parallels between the discipline in sports and personal development. Ryan reflects on his transition from the batter's box to the broadcasting booth, shedding light on the importance of making complex baseball knowledge engaging and relatable while navigating the ever-changing landscape of media.

    Ryan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at @RyanRipkenMedia and the exciting content he's bringing to the airwaves. As we round the bases of our chat, we highlight the pressures of living up to a successful parent's legacy, the importance of managing expectations, and the growth that comes from taking risks. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or simply looking for inspiration to play to your strengths, this episode is a home run for anyone aiming to embrace their playful side. 

    Don't forget to subscribe to Playful Humans to discover how to inject more fun into your life. Find Ryan @RyanRipkenMedia on YouTube or subscribe to the Off Script with Rip podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.
    (00:15) - Ryan Ripken's Baseball Career and Broadcasting(09:39) - Baseball and Life(14:42) - Transitioning and Evolving in Broadcasting(17:55) - The Ever-Changing Journey of Broadcasting(22:47) - Baseball and Podcasting(29:57) - Ryan Ripken Show(00:15) Ryan Ripken's Baseball Career and Broadcasting

    Ryan Ripken, former baseball player and host of Offscript with Rip, shares insights on his journey, family legacy, and the changing dynamics of professional baseball.

    (09:39) Baseball and Life

    Baseball's mental challenges, parallels to sales, and transition to broadcasting, emphasizing discipline and adaptability in life.

    (14:42) Transitioning and Evolving in Broadcasting

    Transitioning from professional baseball to broadcasting and other opportunities to stay connected to the sport, emphasizing the need to evolve and adapt.

    (17:55) The Ever-Changing Journey of Broadcasting

    Embracing growth in broadcasting, finding authenticity, adapting to media changes, and parallels with baseball and high expectations.

    (22:47) Baseball and Podcasting

    Managing expectations and learning from failures in the shadow of a successful parent's legacy, taking risks and starting from the bottom.

    (29:57) Ryan Ripken Show

    Ryan Ripken Show covers Maryland sports with special guests!
    Support the showSupport the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:
    Subscribe to the YouTube channel Subscribe to the Podcast Book a playshop for your team Support our sponsors

    • 30 min
    Extinguishing Burnout with Jennifer Thibodaux

    Extinguishing Burnout with Jennifer Thibodaux

    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 discovered that integrating fun into the daily grind not only fuels recovery but also drives productivity. This episode promises to shift your perspective on the connection between mind, body, and spirit, offering strategies to infuse more joy into your life.

    Release the tension between your professional hustle and personal peace as we explore the art of balancing life's many demands. I share illuminating anecdotes about 'unwinding' to ignite creativity, akin to harnessing the power of your subconscious mind for fresh ideas. Discover how remote work, morning routines, and the empowering word 'no' construct boundaries that safeguard your well-being. For the parents out there, we navigate the complex task of guiding children toward becoming high achievers without sacrificing their rounded development, stressing the imperative of fostering sustainable habits and a balanced lifestyle.

    Let Jennifer Moreno-Tibodeaux guide you through the importance of authenticity and storytelling in carving out a meaningful existence. I get candid about my own struggles with work overload and the continual fight to stay productive without succumbing to burnout. Jennifer offers insights from her newsletter, packed with personal stories and reviews that enrich your journey of self-improvement. For a dash of inspiration, follow Jennifer's trail across LinkedIn and Instagram, and remember to visit PlayfulHumans.com to discover the playful human in you. This episode is an invitation to not only gain wisdom but to also equip yourself with the playful tools to live a more authentic life.
    Support the showSupport the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:
    Subscribe to the YouTube channel Subscribe to the Podcast Book a playshop for your team Support our sponsors

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

Cowgirl Mimi ,

Yes! Mike Has Figured This Out!

Great concept, and Mike executes flawlessly. It’s a unique show that stands out in a crowded field, for all the right reasons. He makes his guests feel completely at home, and brings them along for a super fun ride!

Choreographer2016 ,

So much fun!

Mike and his guests are awesome! It’s a good reminder in many different ways to have FUN.

Spfld Guy ,

Awesome!

This is fun and motivational! Must listen!

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