Embracing Playfulness: Unlocking the Power of Social Interaction and Connection with Dr Maarten Koeners & Adam Lusby | Episode 14

“Play is more than an activity; it is a feeling.” 

In today's episode we are joined by special guests Adam Lusby and Dr Maarten Koeners. Both experts and advocates of the transformative power of play, the conversation illustrates how playfulness can be used to create ‘prosocial environments’, be that in classrooms, competitive sports or the workplace. We discuss the crucial link between play and social connection, the transformative effects of incorporating play into educational and professional settings, and the importance of embracing a playful approach for resilience and engagement. 

Adam has spent the past decade dedicated to exploring the intersections of innovation, technology, and the idea of a regenerative circular economy. He enjoys creating engaging workshops that challenge participants to acquire and apply new knowledge through hands-on experiences. 

Maarten has a PhD in medical biology and is passionate about strengthening the link between learning and joy through integrating insights from design thinking and the neuroscience of play into learning experiences.

Join us as we uncover the science and practical applications of play, and learn how to infuse our lives with more joy, connection, and bouncebackability.

In this episode:

05:56 Play is essential for complex social connections in all mammals, especially humans.

06:57 Culture and interaction; social beings need genuine connections to avoid loneliness in non-social spaces.

18:54 How to make your space more social and playful, regardless of its challenges.

22:54 Why flexible, prosocial environments foster better resilience and improved creativity. 

37:49 Resistance to change will hold organisations back and dampen innovation.

57:19 How scheduling time for daydreaming may improve your productivity.

Connect with our guests here:

Dr Maarten Koeners

Adam Lusby

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