The Fun Question

David Thomas
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What is fun? What are the different ways people have fun? How can you have more fun? THE FUN QUESTION? explores the art and science, the sociology and psychology, the design and practice of all things fun. This is a show about the strange and powerful ways people engage in a life of meaning, play and fun. Come have fun with Dr. David Thomas, the professor of fun, as he explores, tests, and teases out playful ideas and experiences from a roster of experts, adventurers, entrepreneurs, and playmakers.

  1. 6d ago

    Lisa and David Spira - Escape Rooms

    Dive into the immersive world of escape rooms with experts David and Lisa Spira as they explore what makes these experiences captivating, from embodied storytelling to innovative design. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the genre, discover why escape rooms continue to thrill and inspire. Key Topics: Origins of escape roomsThe core of a good escape room: embodied story and player immersionShift from lock-and-key to creative narrative-driven experiencesThe importance of collaboration over competition in escape room designThe blending of immersive theater, video games, and storytelling techniquesRegional variations and genre classifications within escape roomsElements of quality: set design, signposting, player onboarding, and Chekhov's propsThe role of time constraints and adaptive difficulty for player retentionThe appeal of escape rooms: fantasy adventure, social bonding, and real-world adventurePractical tips for newcomers: how to choose the right escape room and have a memorable experience Resources: Room Escape Artists https://roomescapeartist.com/ The Reality Escape Convention (Recon) https://realityescapecon.com/ Morty App https://morty.app/ Live Cinema: Zone 51 https://livecinema.fr/en/#/ Top Escape Rooms Project https://terpeca.com/2025/ Lisa and David on Marriage Therapy Radio https://marriagetherapyradio.com/2026/01/27/ep-409-no-one-wins-alone-lessons-in-partnership-from-escape-room-experts-david-and-lisa-spira/ Chekhov's gun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun

  2. Jul 16

    Paul Hamann - Baseball Parks

    What makes baseball parks special? Hear it from the man who has visited every major league park in America and hundreds of other parks as well. Step up to the plate with Paul Hamann, an avid fan, author, and expert on ballparks. Discover the stories, features, and cultural elements that make these parks special and how they can inspire you to have even more fun with the sport of baseball. Main Topics: Why baseball parks are called parks instead of stadiumsPaul's personal quest to visit all major league and minor league ballparksWhat makes a ballpark memorable: architecture, location, stories, and communityThe importance of place in creating fun and meaningful sports experiencesFeatures that define great ballparks: views, history, unique design elementsThe potential for sports stadiums to borrow storytelling and heritage strategies from baseballThe debate: spectacle versus tradition in sports venues Resources & Links: Paul’s Ballparks - A Substack documenting Paul’s views and reviews of baseball parks https://paulsballparks.substack.com/ Fenway Park — Iconic stadium with the Green Monster https://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark Target Field — Example of modern stadium design blending tradition and fun https://www.mlb.com/twins/ballpark Banana Ball — A new world of entertaining of baseball https://thesavannahbananas.com/ Amy Mann's Super Ball — Paul’s walk-up song  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJB-P9TuWE&t=5s

  3. Jul 1

    Laurie Singer - Recreational Therapy

    Laurie Singer explains how recreation therapy taps into the innate human need to play, offering healing, joy, and connection regardless of age or ability. Can you have a full life without play? Find out how she connects the dots between well-being and fun! Summary • Laurie explains recreation therapy as a legitimate modality aligning with clinical outcomes • Success stories of recreation helping individuals with severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, regain hope and purpose • The vital role of recreation in mental health, reducing stress, and strengthening human connections • Addressing barriers, including societal perceptions, lack of accessibility, and personal constraints • The importance of integrating universal design in outdoor and recreational spaces • Challenging the notion of leisure as something earned, emphasizing recreation as a fundamental human right Resources & Links Laurie Singer Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-singerctrs/ High Fives - Organization helping injured adventurers return to activity https://highfives.org/ Universal Design in Recreation - Principles for Inclusive Outdoor Spaces https://universaldesign.org/ American Disabilities Act (ADA) - Accessibility legislation and guidelines https://www.ada.gov/

  4. Jun 19

    Patti Cryer - Noticing

    Explore the simple yet profound act of noticing with Patti Cryer, yoga therapist, joy seeker, storyteller, people gatherer, life observer, and sharer of small moments of attention and delight. Discover how collecting the small details around you can become a playful practice that enhances well-being, mindfulness, and connection. Resources & Links Patti Cryer on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patti.cryer/ The Art of Noticing, by Rob Walker https://draw-down.com/products/the-art-of-noticing Kama: The Joy and Pleasure of Life – Sanskrit concept about finding joy in everyday moments https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama

  5. Jun 16

    Robin Schwartzman & Tom Loftus - Mini Golf

    Discover why mini golf isn’t just a casual pastime but a vibrant culture full of design, storytelling, and community. Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus, aka Mr. T and the Pink Putter, share their love for the game that combines whimsy, nostalgia, and strategic play—bringing light to its accessibility and magic. Resources & Links Robin Schwartzmann & Tom Loftus: A Couple of Puts - https://acoupleofputts.com/ Puttcast - https://acoupleofputts.com/puttcast/ A Couple of Putts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coupleputts/ A Couple of Putts on Atlas Obscura - https://www.atlasobscura.com/itineraries/unique-mini-golf-courses-world-tour A Couple of Putts on Holey Moley - https://acoupleofputts.com/2019/08/30/even-the-losers/ A Couple of Putts Mini Golf Design - https://www.minigolfdesigners.com/ Putt-Putt Golf: A Historic Mini Golf Brand - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putt-Putt_Fun_Center

  6. Jun 10

    John Sharp - Fun, Taste and Games

    Dr. John Sharp explores the true meaning of fun, its role in perception, culture, and society, and how embracing vulnerability and play can transform our lives. John shares his insights on game design, aesthetics, social change, and the importance of play as a humanistic act. Discover fun as a mode of experience that engages and connects. The relationship of fun and taste to gamesThe conceptualization of fun as an aesthetic and cultural experienceHow fun compares and contrasts with beauty in art and designThe role of vulnerability in playful experiencesMisconceptions and resistance to the idea that fun is serious and valuableThe importance of recognizing failure and uncertainty in play Resources John Sharp Parsons Profile - https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/faculty/john-sharp/ Fun, Taste, & Games: An Aesthetics for the Idle, Unproductive, and Otherwise Playful - https://ftgbook.com/ Works of Game: On the Aesthetics of Games and Art - https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262029070/works-of-game/ Games, Design, and Play: A Detailed Approach to Iterative Game Design - http://www.gamesdesignandplay.com/ Iterate: Ten Lessons on Design and Failure  - https://direct.mit.edu/books/book/4324/IterateTen-Lessons-in-Design-and-Failure Bernie DeKoven - https://www.deepfun.com/ Raph Koster, A Theory of Fun - https://www.theoryoffun.com/

  7. Jun 1

    Mattie Cryer - Plants

    Explore the playful life of plants. Discover how gardening can be a source of fun, healing, and connection in this lively conversation with Maddie Cryer, a licensed clinical social worker and horticultural therapist. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of gardening, how to start small, and how nurturing plants may be the most fun you have this week. What is horticultural therapy? The history of horticultural therapy and its roots in post-WWI veteran care.Physiological and social-emotional benefits of spending time with plants and nature.Practical tips for beginners: start with houseplants or quick-turnover crops like radishes.The relational and playful aspects of caring for plants—plants as personalities, conversation partners, and mirrors.Why plants are fun! Resrouces Radicle Joy https://www.radiclejoy.com/ Colorado State Extension Gardening https://extension.colostate.edu/topic/garden-landscape/

  8. May 26

    Danielle Scroggs - Adaptive Gaming

    Join us for an enlightening conversation with Danielle Scroggs, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and founder of Adaptive Gaming Consulting. Discover how adaptive gaming is transforming lives by making play inclusive and meaningful, and why fun is a vital part of recovery, identity, and social connection. What is adaptive gaming and who is it for?Why fun is essential in health, rehabilitation, and quality of lifeCommon misconceptions about disabled gamers and their capabilitiesHow gaming fosters social connection and communityThe significance of enjoying play competitively or leisurely, on your own terms Resources Adaptive Gaming Consulting - https://adaptivegamingconsulting.com/ Able Gamers - https://www.ablegamers.org/ Xbox Accessibility Resources -https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/03/01/introducing-xbox-accessibility-team/ Warfighter Engage Controllers - https://warriorengage.com/ Evil Controllers - https://evilcontrollers.com/

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About

What is fun? What are the different ways people have fun? How can you have more fun? THE FUN QUESTION? explores the art and science, the sociology and psychology, the design and practice of all things fun. This is a show about the strange and powerful ways people engage in a life of meaning, play and fun. Come have fun with Dr. David Thomas, the professor of fun, as he explores, tests, and teases out playful ideas and experiences from a roster of experts, adventurers, entrepreneurs, and playmakers.

Information

  • Creator
    David Thomas
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 David Thomas