Play Saves the World

Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor
  • 4.7 (13)
  • Games
  • Updated Biweekly

Daniel and Kevin explore the meaning of play for human flourishing – what it is, what it means, and how people create and maintain playful lives. We explore books, people, places, and ideas committed to engendering play in the midst of busy, working lives.

  1. 3d ago

    Top Board Game Accessories

    Discover the top board game accessories that enhance your gaming experience! From essential organizers to fun upgrades, we cover it all in this episode of Play Saves the World. Key takeaways: Learn about the best accessories to elevate your board game nights. Find out how to keep your games organized and easy to set up. Explore unique upgrades that can make your favorite games even better. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Top Board Game Accessories 02:00 Salsa Bowls 05:00 Self Adhesive Tape 08:00 Dice Trays 10:00 Card Holders 12:00 Board Game Geek 15:00 BG Stats App 18:00 Cloth Drawstring Bags 20:00 Neoprene Playmats 25:00 Upgraded Components 30:00 Board Game Inserts 35:00 Bonus Accessories What's your favorite board game accessory? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for more board game insights and tips! #BoardGames #GamingAccessories #PlaySavesTheWorld

    58 min

  2. Jun 15

    New Games Roundup

    Kevin discusses his experience at the 2026 Geekway to the West board game convention, highlighting new games he encountered and played. We both explore a variety of board games, from Welsh seaside village building to Japanese train games, television station management, and more. Support us on Patreon, and email us at playsavestheworld@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Games Roundup05:59 New Games at Geekway11:12 Networks Primetime: Running a Television Station17:26 Up or Down: Building Elevators22:28 Orloge: Building the Clock in Prague

    49 min

  3. May 3

    Top 10 Animal Games

    We discuss our top 10 animal-themed board games, including a shadow animal game list and the real animal game list. Will your favorite game make the cut? What did we miss? You can help us by liking, subscribing, and supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld The games offer educational and thematic values. Some focus on animal rescue, set collection, card management, area control, and ecosystem simulation. Chapters 00:00 Opening Mayhem26:49 Introduction to Animal-Themed Games33:07 Gloomhaven and Animal Characters38:28 Wingspan and Bird Collection46:22 Cascadia and Pacific Northwest Wildlife

    58 min

  4. Apr 12

    Top 5 Surprising Games

    We offer our top 5 lists of games that surprised us the most. You can support us by liking, subscribing, and supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld Daniel and Kevin discuss the unexpected elements and experiences of these games, highlighting their unique features and gameplay. The conversation explores surprising and transformative board games that have defied expectations, leading to a shift in perspective and a newfound appreciation for the gaming experience. There are personal stories and insights about each game, highlighting the unexpected elements that made them stand out.

    54 min

  5. Mar 15

    Jump Rope or Double Dutch, with Lakisha Lockhart

    The conversation explores the intersection of play, theology, and womanism, highlighting the role of play in Lakisha's life and its connection to her theological journey. Lakisha shares her definition of play as an embodied aesthetic experience and a cultural expression, and discusses womanism as an expansive and inclusive approach to feminism. The chapters cover Lakisha's background, her journey with play and theology, the intersection of play and theology, and an introduction to womanism. The conversation delves into the metaphorical use of double dutch in theological exploration, emphasizing the historical context and practical application of play practices. It also addresses the theological significance of play, the benefits of play in self-care and community care, and the pushback against play in theological and pastoral contexts. Takeaways Play as an embodied aesthetic experience and a cultural expressionWomanism as an expansive and inclusive approach to feminism Embracing play as a lens for theological explorationThe importance of play in self-care and community care Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast05:15 Lakisha's Journey with Play and Theology11:16 Finding God and Self in Play16:39 Defining Play and Womanism21:46 Introduction to Womanism26:49 Double Dutch as a Metaphor37:28 Pushback Against Play

    51 min

  6. Mar 2

    Games in the Bible

    We discuss the absence of tabletop games in the Bible (eeeek!) – and the presence of randomization and game-like elements. You can help us by liking, subscribing, and supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld We talk about the Biblical, game-like practices of casting lots, the significance of Urim and Thummim, and the game-like nature of the parable of the talents. There is a playfulness in the Bible, and the idea of control and randomization in religious and secular contexts. We note the parallels between games, war strategy, and life, as well as the gamification of life and the playfulness in ritualized meals. We also touch on the themes of order from chaos, playing a different game, and the game of being born again. Chapters 00:00 Game-Like Elements in the Bible26:12 Gamification of Life32:10 Children and Playful Rule-Breaking40:20 Order from Chaos

    46 min

  7. Feb 8

    Board Games as Devotion, with Dan Thurot

    How do board games become acts of devotion? We delve into the intersection of spirituality, identity, and agency within the context of gaming. Games facilitate introspection, connection, and exploration of different identities. The conversation explores the role-playing aspect of board games and its impact on personal experiences and connections. board games and religion include symbolism with emotional and transformative power. You can help us by liking, subscribing, and supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld Takeaways Board games and role-playing games offer opportunities for introspection, connection, and exploration of different identities.Gaming experiences provide a space for encountering chance, agency, and systemic understanding, contributing to devotional-style experiences. Role-playing in board games goes beyond game mechanics, allowing players to inhabit roles and evoke powerful emotions.Board games serve as a platform for exploring personal experiences, connecting with others, and engaging with symbolism and religious themes.

    57 min

  8. Jan 25

    6 Spiritual Realities of Board Games

    In this episode of Play Saves the World, Daniel and Kevin explore the intersection of spirituality and board games, discussing six spiritual realities that emerge from play. They delve into the definitions of play, its importance in fostering community, grace, agency, education, freedom, and presence, and how these elements contribute to a life-giving spirituality. The conversation reflects on the evolving understanding of play over three and a half years of podcasting, emphasizing the joy and connection that board games can bring to individuals and communities. Support us on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld) Takeaways Play is a voluntary activity that fosters community. Engaging in play nurtures a sense of belonging. Grace is an essential aspect of play, emphasizing self-worth. Play encourages agency and the ability to make choices. Educational elements in games can shape our understanding of history and society. Freedom in play allows for exploration and creativity. Presence in play helps us focus on the moment and connect with others. Play is inherently rewarding and provides joy. The act of play can serve as a meditative practice. Board games can bridge generational gaps and foster interconnection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Realities of Board Games 02:12 Defining Play and Its Importance 13:54 Spiritual Realities of Play 18:44 Sense of Belonging and Community 19:18 Grace and Self-Worth in Play 24:47 The Divine Nature of Play 26:59 Agency and Choice in Spirituality 29:47 The Educational Value of Play 35:53 Freedom Through Play 42:23 The Importance of Presence in Play

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Daniel and Kevin explore the meaning of play for human flourishing – what it is, what it means, and how people create and maintain playful lives. We explore books, people, places, and ideas committed to engendering play in the midst of busy, working lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor
  • Show Website
    Play Saves the World