This Meeting Could Have Been a Ritual Game

Mycelios

How can games transform the way we work and live? Join Zoë Ackerman as she investigates the intersection of immersive games, ritual, and real-world change. From the whimsical lessons of games for individuals and couples to the launch of Mycelios (an emerging digital play-based platform built on values of accessibility and autonomy) the podcast explores how transformative play can positively impact personal and collective challenges of all kinds. Podcast art: "Vertiefte Regung (Deepened Impulse)" by Wassily Kandinsky

Episodes

  1. Apr 15

    #4 Playing in the Underworld with Megan Quinn

    In this episode, Zoë and Megan Quinn dive into the practice of slowing down, playfulness, honesty, and paying attention to the sensations in the body. We explore the importance of naming and verbalizing thoughts and emotions as a ritual to connect with the subconscious. Follow Megan’s work on Instagram @mqmoveconnect or at https://mvmntconnection.com/.

  2. Jan 26

    #3 Play makes us ready with Lara Irene Vesta

    Zoë shares a conversation with her beloved teacher and friend, Lara Irene Vesta, exploring how a long-term commitment to daily practice (imbued with play) makes us ready to face life's challenges.    Learn more about Lara's work by subscribing to her Substack: https://laravesta.substack.com/

    #3 Play makes us ready with Lara Irene Vesta

  3. Jan 7

    #2 Is burnout a trickster?

    In the second episode of "This Meeting Should Have Been a Mycelial Game," host Zoë Ackerman explores the concept of "Burnout" as a mythic trickster figure, disrupting conventional norms to highlight systemic flaws in how we work and live. Zoë discusses the origins and characteristics of tricksters in mythology and draws parallels to the modern phenomenon of burnout.

    #2 Is burnout a trickster?

  4. 10/09/2025

    #1 Games for transforming life and work

    In this inaugural episode, host Zoë Ackerman introduces "Mycelial Games," which are immersive storytelling experiences designed to act as rehearsals for life. The episode explores how Zoë's organization, Runa, uses these games as a testing ground (or prototype) for better ways to live and work together. Helping communities practice solving real-world problems in a low-stakes, imaginative environment. Using play to bridge gaps and build trust between players. Experimenting with reciprocity—moving away from traditional transactions and toward sustainable, community-led exchange.

    #1 Games for transforming life and work
  • 4 Episodes

About

How can games transform the way we work and live? Join Zoë Ackerman as she investigates the intersection of immersive games, ritual, and real-world change. From the whimsical lessons of games for individuals and couples to the launch of Mycelios (an emerging digital play-based platform built on values of accessibility and autonomy) the podcast explores how transformative play can positively impact personal and collective challenges of all kinds. Podcast art: "Vertiefte Regung (Deepened Impulse)" by Wassily Kandinsky

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