Shows
Play Saves the WorldThe Benefits of Gaming for Aging Adults, with Kristen HiltyIn this episode of "Play Saves the World," hosts Daniel Hilty and Kevin Taylor are joined by special guest Kristen Hilty to explore the benefits of board games for aging adults. Kristen, a clinical social worker, shares her insights on how games can enhance cognitive stimulation, boost confidence, and provide therapeutic benefits for older adults. The conversation delves into the importance of accessibility in games and how they can be adapted to suit the needs of senior players.
Support us on Patreon – we deeply appreciate it!
Takeaways
Games can enhance cognitive stimulation in ol...
2025-11-0255 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Joy of 2 Player Games, with Our Top 5 FavoritesWe’re diving into the fascinating world of two-player games, uncovering what makes them so special and why they’re so much fun. We’ll chat about how these games create strong connections between players, how board games have changed from just two players to multiplayer, and how playing competitively can help you grow. We’ll wrap things up with a lively discussion of our favorite five two-player games, highlighting the happiness and connection that gaming brings. Daniel and Kevin will take us on a tour of different two-player games, breaking down how they work, sharing their favorite games, and show...
2025-10-051h 07Play Saves the WorldThe Joy of Solo Tabletop GamesIn this episode of "Play Saves the World," hosts Daniel Hilty and Kevin Taylor dive into the captivating world of solo tabletop games. Discover the unique joys and challenges of playing games designed for one, from the strategic depth of solo modes in multiplayer games to the meditative experience of solo-only titles. Whether you're a seasoned solo gamer or curious about exploring this niche, Daniel and Kevin share their favorite games, personal insights, and the unexpected benefits of solo play. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how solo gaming can enhance your skills, provide a peaceful escape, and...
2025-08-171h 13Play Saves the WorldThe Top 5 Games of GeekwayIn this episode of Play Saves the World, hosts Daniel and Kevin discuss their experiences at Geekway 2025, a board game convention in St. Louis, Missouri. They explore the significance of play in human flourishing and share their top five games from the convention, along with honorable mentions. The conversation highlights the importance of community, social interaction, and the joy of discovering new games. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the gaming community and share their own experiences.
Takeaways
Geekway is a board game convention held annually in St. Louis, Missouri.
The convention allows players to try...
2025-06-2951 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Joy of Bullet JournalingIn this episode we explore the transformative practice of bullet journaling. We discuss its purpose as a tool for self-reflection, mental clarity, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the historical context of journaling as a spiritual practice, the importance of naming emotions, and the balance between productivity and playfulness. Kevin shares his personal experiences with bullet journaling, including its mechanics and the joy of tracking daily accomplishments. The episode emphasizes the significance of gratitude and reflection in enhancing one's life narrative.
Takeaways
Bullet journaling serves as a mirror for the soul.
Naming emotions...
2025-06-0153 minPlay Saves the WorldPlay Is the Mother of InventionWe dive into Steven Johnson's book 'Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World,' which shows how play has been a catalyst for invention, the interconnectedness of ideas, and the impact of play on technology and culture. How can we create spaces for play that fosters change?
Takeaways
Play is essential for human flourishing and creativity.
Steven Johnson's 'Wonderland' explores the role of play in invention.
Fashion and consumer culture emerged from playful pursuits.
Play leads to unforeseen discoveries in various fields.
The spice trade significantly influenced global commerce and exploration.
2025-04-1358 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Joy of Theater, with Caleb CabinessDaniel Hilty and Kevin Taylor welcome Caleb Cabiness, an actor and theater practitioner, to discuss the joy of theater and its significance in human flourishing. They explore Caleb's journey in theater, the vibrant theater scene in the Twin Cities, and delve into the lives of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, highlighting the connections between theater, play, and creativity. They delve into the nature of acting, exploring the concept of hypocrisy in performance and the philosophical implications of play. They discuss the creation of a musical inspired by Bob Ross, highlighting themes of positivity and personal growth...
2025-03-3058 minPlay Saves the WorldHosting A Game Night At A ShelterIn this episode of Play Saves the World, hosts Daniel and Kevin celebrate the third anniversary of their podcast while discussing the significance of play in human flourishing. Daniel shares his experience hosting a game night at a local shelter for unhoused individuals, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the role of play in stressful situations. The conversation highlights the thoughtful selection of games that promote inclusivity and ease of learning, ensuring a positive experience for all participants. In this conversation, Kevin and Daniel explore the themes of connection, creativity, and the power of play through board games...
2025-03-1634 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Joy of Board Game ConventionsIn this episode we explore the vibrant world of board game conventions through our personal experiences, what newcomers can expect, and the reasons why attending these conventions can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. From the joy of playing games with friends to the opportunity to try new games without the commitment of purchase, the conversation emphasizes the community and fun that board game conventions foster. In this conversation, Kevin and Daniel explore the enriching experience of board game conventions, discussing the concept of the 'magic circle' where players step into an alternate reality. They highlight the sense of...
2025-03-0244 minPlay Saves the WorldTop 10 Board Games for a Casual Game GroupTakeaways
Casual gaming should be accessible to all skill levels.
Games should have a low barrier to entry and quick setup.
Replayability is important for maintaining interest in games.
A mix of cooperative and competitive games is ideal.
Games should accommodate different group sizes.
Consider the time commitment for each game.
Games like Telestrations generate deep laughter and connection.
Incorporating themes can enhance the gaming experience.
Games can be a great way to engage in community settings.
The joy of gaming often comes from the shared experience rather...
2025-01-121h 04Play Saves the WorldNotes of Rest with Julian Davis ReidIn this episode of 'Play Saves the World', Daniel Hilty interviews Julian Davis Reed, an artist theologian who explores the intersection of black music and spirituality through his project 'Notes of Rest'. Julian discusses the importance of rest in the context of faith, the role of black music in understanding scripture, and the challenges of integrating his artistic and theological pursuits. The conversation delves into the cultural significance of rest, the pushback against the Protestant work ethic, and the transformative power of music in spiritual formation. In this conversation, Julian Davis and Daniel explore the complexities of being a...
2024-12-0140 minPlay Saves the WorldDo Animals Play?Takeaways
Animals exhibit playful behaviors that may not align with human definitions of play.
The evolutionary purpose of play is debated, with some arguing it serves no clear function.
Play can be seen as a reflection of the soul, contributing to joy and meaning in life.
Understanding play in animals challenges our perception of their consciousness and dignity.
Humans often impose unnecessary obstacles in play, unlike animals who play spontaneously.
The act of play can be a way to explore deeper philosophical and theological questions.
Playfulness is a universal trait that transcends species and cultures.
The inner life...
2024-11-1042 minPlay Saves the WorldIt's All A Game - Book Vibes!In this episode of Play Saves the World, hosts Daniel and Kevin explore the significance of play in human flourishing through the lens of the book 'It's All a Game' by Tristan Donovan. They discuss the history of board games, the cultural reflections within them, and how games can help manage fears. The conversation also touches on the evolution of popular games like The Game of Life and Monopoly, and how modern board games are shaped by societal changes. The hosts share personal recommendations for games they are currently enjoying, emphasizing the joy and connection that play brings to...
2024-10-2051 minPlay Saves the WorldHuman Flourishing in Digital SpaceIn this episode of 'Play Saves the World', Daniel and Kevin engage with Dr. Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist specializing in the intersection of digital games and mental health. They explore the impact of digital games on human flourishing, the moral panic surrounding gaming, and the benefits of play for social skills and mood management. Dr. Kowert shares her journey into the field of gaming research, the misconceptions about video games, and the importance of understanding the underlying issues that may lead to problematic gaming behavior. The conversation culminates in a fun game segment, 'Game or Box', where they...
2024-09-2952 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Joy of Homing PigeonsIn this episode of Play Saves the World, the hosts Daniel and Kevin are joined by Thomas Jones, also known as the Birdman, to discuss the love of homing pigeons. They talk about the different types of pigeons, the special abilities of homing pigeons, and the bond between humans and these birds. Thomas shares his personal journey with pigeons and how they saved his life by keeping him away from negative influences. The conversation also touches on the intelligence of crows and the role of nature in providing a sense of freedom and calm. Thomas shares how he got...
2024-08-2551 minPlay Saves the WorldTo Play Is HumanIn this episode, Daniel and Kevin discuss the necessary and unnecessary aspects of play. They explore how play helps us focus on the present moment and be more present to the realities in front of us. They also discuss how play reflects the values of God and is a core element of our humanity. Playfulness allows us to be fully engaged in the present and brings joy and fulfillment to our lives. Play allows us to be present and free from the burden of seriousness. It is a way to engage in lightness and self-forgetfulness. Playfulness is a mark...
2024-08-041h 03Play Saves the WorldWired for PlayPreviously, We Discussed How Play is Non-Instrumental, Voluntary, and Unnecessary. And yet, as will discover this episode, it is a necessity for human flourishing. It is the "necessary unnecessity."
Playfulness is ubiquitous for animal life
Playfulness in Ubiquitous to Human Experience Since the Beginning - For Adults Too
Royal Game of Ur (2500 BC)
Barbara Ehrenreich - Dancing in the Streets - A History of Collective Joy
Herodotus - Games invented in Lydia (450 BC)
Chess, Go, Backgammon, Mancala - Africa, Asia, Middle East
Alfonso's Book of Games (1283)
Playfulness is Behind Creativity and Cultural Advancement
2024-07-1458 minPlay Saves the WorldWhat is Play?In this episode, Daniel and Kevin explore the concept of play and its distinction from work. They discuss how play is fundamentally non-instrumental, meaning it is not a means to an end. Play can generate its own purpose and goals, which are often short-lived and inconsequential but deeply meaningful. They reference the work of philosopher Bernard Suits, who argues that our true human identity is as the grasshopper, a playful creature, despite societal pressures to be like the ant, focused on work. Play and games are interconnected, as play requires some structure or rules to create a sense of...
2024-06-301h 03Play Saves the WorldWhat Is Work?To define what play is, we have to define what work is.
(This isn’t all that unusual – scholars do it with secular vs. religious, or prose vs. poetry.)
Work or labor is intentional human activity to support our needs and wants, or those of others or our larger group.
Work is something we do for another purpose – it is 2-eyed, 1 eye to the activity itself and 1 to its outside result (payment, food, etc.).
It is a means to an end.
Work isn’t inherently bad. In the Bible it is implied...
2024-06-161h 00Play Saves the WorldLive from the Geekway Gaming Convention!Daniel and Kevin attended Geekway to the West in St. Charles, Missouri, and bring you this special episode filmed live with their 3,500 best friends. Some special guests join us, and then we share some favorite convention moments and games, along with some special announcements.
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2024-05-2618 min
Kevin and TaylorTeen Boys Are Collecting What? + Kevin & Taylor's Phone ConfessionalKevin explains why teen boys are collecting cologne. Plus, have you ever judged someone else for being on their phone?
2024-05-2325 minPlay Saves the WorldSam Macdonald on Game Design and FaithSam Macdonald of Garphill Games discusses his religious journey and board game philosophy. Sam explores the connections between board game design and religious faith, especially in the areas of community, self-expression, rules, fun, and the joy of discovery. We also take a stab at potential games based on Biblical stories.
Takeaways
Game design can reflect the heart of God by promoting fellowship, agency, following rules, and having fun.
The Art of Discovery in games, with hidden gems and Easter eggs, can create a sense of enjoyment and excitement for players.
Game design can...
2024-05-051h 05Play Saves the WorldThe Spirit of PlayThe conversation explores the idea that faith is often associated with restrictions and limitations, but it should actually set us free. The Spirit of God works through play and games to bring about freedom. The conversation also touches on the article 'Play and Freedom, Patterns of Life and the Spirit' by Simeon Zahl, which discusses the tension between law and grace in Protestant Christianity. It highlights the need to understand the freedom that comes with the Spirit and the danger of idolizing past patterns of faith. The conversation also delves into the popular notion of destiny and how it...
2024-04-2157 minPlay Saves the WorldStages in Board Game CollectingWe explore the concept of seasons in the context of board gaming and life, and discuss the origins of the phrase "this too shall pass" and its relevance to the changing nature of emotions and experiences. Daniel and Kevin share their personal gaming stages and how their approach to board games has evolved over time. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of selectivity and finding contentment in the games we already own. We discuss their evolving gaming preferences and the stages of faith. We explore the enjoyment of lighter and quicker games, the appreciation for simple...
2024-04-0758 minPlay Saves the WorldLife Lessons from a Chinese Murder Mystery RPG (A/V Club)In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others.
In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and...
2024-03-2456 minPlay Saves the WorldWhy Pastors Need to Play, with Casey SigmonIn this episode, Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon, Professor of Preaching and Worship at St. Paul School of Theology, discusses the importance of play and imagination in combating burnout and enhancing preaching. She shares her background in film and theater and how it influenced her approach to worship. Casey also introduces the Pause/Play Center for Clergy Renewal, which focuses on providing rest and healing for pastors. The conversation highlights the power of well-preached sermons and the need for pastors to prioritize their own well-being, the importance of taking a leap of faith in preaching, and the connection between imagination...
2024-03-1059 minPlay Saves the WorldBook Club: 4,000 WeeksOliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (2022) is our pick for our monthly book club. We loved how it made us think about our modern drive to master time and efficiency, and how this debilitates human happiness. Rethinking our lives and our use of time means more time for flourishing, games, and play, even if we don't get everything done (because we never will).
We explore the concept of time and our relationship with it, highlighting the illusion of time management and the artificiality of modern time. We also discuss the idea of embracing our limits and...
2024-02-251h 02Play Saves the WorldDeath in GamingYou might think death and gaming are not connected. But loss is always a part of games as pieces and elements are lost. Some elements of games are fairly abstract (Uno cards or chess pieces), but other elements can be very personal, such as a character you've played for years in D&D or in a legacy type game such as Gloomhaven. Games also address death through theme and content: One Night Werewolf has players killing each other; Village has meeples age and die, to be moved to the graveyard; Endurance face nearly certain death even as a miraculous...
2024-02-1158 minPlay Saves the WorldA/V Club: Roleplaying the End of the WorldWe discuss the concept of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world and how it relates to games and life. YouTube's @PeopleMakeGames explored Wasteland Weekend, a unique event where thousands of people role-play life in a post-apocalyptic setting. We delve into the idea of playing the wrong game and the importance of being present in the moment, the point of a game, and the cost of community.
The conversation explores the themes of belonging in the family of God, the importance of vulnerability and shared burdens, earning the right to belong in a community, the logistics and planning of...
2024-01-2556 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Enneagram and Board Games part 2In this episode, Daniel and Kevin continue their exploration of the Enneagram and its connection to board games. They discuss the unique personalities of each Enneagram type and suggest games that may appeal to each type. The goal is to understanding and respecting others' differences, as well as understand ourselves. They reflect on the background of the Enneagram, its limitations, applying the Golden Rule to the Enneagram, the Enneagram types 5-8, and some game recommendations for each type!
Topics Explored
party games and fun recommendations
the value of embracing failure and learning from it
player elimination...
2024-01-141h 01Play Saves the WorldHolidays and Games!Holidays and games are great together – they provide an opportunity for social interaction and enjoyment. Board games can be a great addition to holiday celebrations, offering a break from work and a chance to connect with loved ones. Games can also serve as a reminder of the grace and unnecessary gifts in life.
00:00 Holidays and Games
02:12 Pax Unplugged Adventure
08:38 Games and Holidays
19:01 Theological Reasons for Games and Holidays
26:49 Game Recommendations for Holidays
boardgames #holidays #family #familygames #christmas #religion #spirituality #socializing #games #gamepicks
Some great games for the holidays include:...
2023-12-1747 min2023-12-1705 minPlay Saves the WorldThe Enneagram, for Board Gamers!Intro to & History of Enneagram
The origins of the enneagram are arcane and unclear.
Relation to 7 Deadly Sins, Sufi Islam
George Gurdjieff, Armenian spiritualist and teacher, 1865-1949
Oscar Ichazo (Bolivian) and Claudio Naranjo (Chilean) in 1970s developed it. It came into American practice through Naranjo in CA, and Catholics there, including Father Robert Ochs.
It is used in therapeutic and spiritual settings to discern who you are and who others are
The Types
Perfectionist: want it done right, highly moral, avoids blame
Helper: wants to be loved and needed, avoids own needs
Performer: wants...
2023-12-031h 04Play Saves the WorldMoltmann's A Theology of Play (part 3) – Christ the New CreationHow do Christian theology and play intersect? Moltmann's seminal book, A Theology of Play, explores this, and we discuss pages 25-36.
Christ Is More than a Remedy for Sin
Christ became a human being not just to be a remedy for sin, but to create a new reality or a re-creation of the world. This tells us something about the nature of God: abundance, joy, and newness.
“God's love goes beyond his mercy and beyond man's misery. So it reaches beyond the mere restoration of the sick to the healthy state of the new life” (26).
“Only those...
2023-11-191h 05Play Saves the WorldFaith, religion and board game design with Shem PhillipsIntroduction
Shem Phillips is a board game designer from New Zealand. He founded Garphill Games in 2009 and is known for his medium to medium-heavy Euros such as the medieval trilogies (North Sea, West Kingdom, South Tigris) and Ancient Anthology series. He often works with S. J. (Sam) Macdonald.
The use of trilogies in game design
In your sermon online, you mention how game testing is like prayer: “look for feelings not suggestions.”
How do you relate today to the loss of your father?
In Ezra & Nehemiah, you explore your first explicitly Biblical theme. What went...
2023-11-0546 minPlay Saves the WorldBoard Game Rulebooks, with Jordan AultWhat your Rulebooks Say About You
INTRODUCTIONS
RULEBOOKS ARE … COOL?
Roundtable vote:
intense pre-read
Read as you attempt to play
Watch YouTube
Have someone teach you
Dial 1-800-Rules-Lawyer
do you enjoy Rulebooks as a genre?
Any special Rulebooks of note?
KEVIN: Mage Knight is particularly loathed, even though it’s all in there
KEVIN: Frostpunk is a rulesbook work of art
DANIEL: Twilight Imperium 4 (steal from Kevin!), Gloomhaven - Jaws of the Lion
Do you have “house rules” to certain games or alter the rules based on who is playing? Why? Do you feel thi...
2023-10-221h 10
Kevin and TaylorThe WEDNESDAY Kevin And Taylor ShowKevin & Taylor Show for Wednesday October 18, 2023.
2023-10-2022 minKevin and TaylorTHURSDAY Kevin and Taylor ShowThe Kevin & Taylor Show for Thursday October 19, 2023.
2023-10-1920 minPlay Saves the WorldPersonal Growth through Solo Board Games, with Liz DavidsonIntroduction
We all know what it’s like to play games with other people. But did you know that more and more games every year give you the opportunity to play them by yourself? And we’re not just talking solitaire here. We’re talking multi-player games with a solo mode—as well as games that are designed to be played by only one person. They can be small games with boxes you can hide under a dinner roll, to epic sprawling experiences that you lay out on your table and leave there till Christmas.
So what...
2023-10-081h 07Play Saves the WorldThe 7 Deadly Sins of Board GamingDefining sin
What is sin in the Christian tradition?
What do we mean by “7 Deadly Sins”? 7 deadly sins: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. Developed in the 300s with the Desert Fathers, especially Evagrius Ponticus. The 7 capital virtues were chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. In Dante’s Inferno there are 8 categories of sin: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, Treachery.
The Sins of Board Gaming
1 - It’s All About Winning (Pride and Wrath)
Winning as ontological end and not functional end (trading seriousness for deli...
2023-09-241h 012023-09-1530 minKevin and TaylorThe MONDAY Kevin And Taylor ShowThe Kevin & Taylor Show for Monday September 11, 2023.
2023-09-1117 minPlay Saves the WorldImitating God By Playing Games (Moltmann part 2)Moltmann, A Theology of Play part 2
Pp 15-25
Did God create the world as an act of play?
God is a free creator - could have made the world or not, yet is still divine so it can’t be just random.
God did not have to create the world, but neither did God make something random.
The world is meaningful but not necessary – and necessary labor will not save us. Work is productive and gainful but not play.
It is a game in the sense – God made t...
2023-09-1059 min2023-09-0819 minKevin and TaylorWhat We Learned In Uganda + Kevin's Parenting WinKevin & Taylor are back from their trip to Uganda and share some interesting things they learned while there. Plus, Kevin tells us about a recent parenting win.
2023-08-2222 minPlay Saves the WorldA Theology of Play RetreatContext
Held at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs, next to Garden of Gods
5 days and 4 nights
Sponsored by Office of Congregational Excellence of the Missouri Annual Conference of United Methodist Church
About 33 participants - mostly clergy, but some lay persons as well
The fourth of a series of spiritual formation retreats known as “Soul Connections” - this one was on the theme of “Enchantment”
Stayed in a lodge, ate meals in the castle, hiked through surrounding hills and mountains
Asked me to lead three 2-hour sessions on “Theology of Play”
Day 1 - Introduction to Play
Bernard Suits’ defin...
2023-08-2059 min2023-08-1825 min2023-08-1722 minKevin and TaylorThe WEDNESDAY Kevin & Taylor ShowThe Kevin & Taylor Show for Wednesday August 16, 2023.
2023-08-1622 min2023-08-1621 min2023-08-1123 minPlay Saves the WorldOur Top 10 Games of All Time – But With Bible Verses!Who doesn't like a list? Everyone has a top 10 list of best games of all time, right? So we get in on the action, but our list has SPIRITUAL TRUTHS and SCRIPTURE REFERENCES! Take that YouTube Influencers. And we announce the awesome winners to our #boardgamefaith contest on Instagram!
Remember to photograph yourself at your place of worship, with your favorite board game(s), and post it to instagram #boardgamefaith so we can recognize you in a future episode!
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2023-08-061h 05Kevin and TaylorFRIDAY Kevin And Taylor ShowThe entire Kevin & Taylor Show for Friday July 28, 2023.
2023-07-2829 minPlay Saves the WorldGames with Religious Themes, with Alice ConnorAlice is the author of several books. http://aliceconnor.com/#about-the-author. She also writes for Daily Worker Placement, including a series titled “Playing at Religion”, and co-hosts the podcast "Table Talk."
Defining a Religiously Themed Game
Your definition: “One whose theme is primarily but not exclusively exploring the practice, history, or theology of any religion or spiritual tradition.”
Some examples
The Settlers of Zarahemla
Ierusalem: Anno Domini
Ezra and Nehemiah (forthcoming)
Nicaea
What Makes a Great Religious-Themed Game?
It succeeds at what it’s trying to do.
It explores its theme comp...
2023-07-091h 11Play Saves the WorldMoltmann's Theology of Play Part 1REMINDER ABOUT OUR CONTEST “SHOW US YOUR BOARD GAME FAITH” # BOARDGAMEFAITH on IG, by June 30th 2023! Cool prizes!
Like us, subscribe to us, we are on YouTube and podcast networks, and check out our newsletter! And wash our cars and trim our hedges!
Jürgen Moltmann, born 1926, German Reformed theologian who is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the University of Tübingen and is known for his books such as the Theology of Hope, The Crucified God, God in Creation, and Theology of Play.
Drafted 1943 to fight for Nazi Germany, surrendered in 1945 and wa...
2023-06-251h 00Play Saves the WorldAmeritrash vs. Euro Board Games, which is better?Define Ameritrash and Euro, what is the experience like, how do they work?
The promise and problem of player elimination (Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Risk)
Direct versus indirect competition
Excitement of “dudes on a map”
Ameritrash risk and explosive moments, Interaction, luck, can be mean
War gaming is a variant (and how board games began) – Root! Root! Root!
Euro is more about resource management (Tapestry, Caracassonne, Wingspan, Feast for Odin)
How are they good for the soul?
Euro stresses planning, focus, no player elimination, safe t...
2023-06-1147 minPlay Saves the WorldUsing Games to Teach, with Mandi HutchinsonMandi Hutchinson of Salt and Sass Games is a teacher and educator, and she explores ways that board games have shaped her life and work. Games help the art of teaching whether it's a middle school classroom or adults in their workplaces.
We even take the time to dream of games that don't exist, and we learn more about Canada and especially Albertans.
Follow Mandi on Twitter and here.
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Links:SaltAndSass...
2023-05-2859 minPlay Saves the WorldSatanic Panic, with TheGeekPreacherDerek White is The Geek Preacher – a United Methodist pastor, D&D gamer, social media leader, and a major part of Satanic Panic documentary (streaming on TubiTV in the USA).
Is Star Wars a work of sci-fi fundamentalism?
What's so threatening about our imaginations to religious authorities?
Are there limits to the imagination, such as the level of violence in a Quentin Tarantino movie? Are there places where the imagination can corrupt or form us in bad ways, and how would you know those limits?
What are the secrets to a gr...
2023-05-141h 10Play Saves the WorldState of the Podcast: We Look Back and Look ForwardReports and Statistics!
Average downloads per episode
Downloads by country and US state
Progress
How we've grown and changed – yeah we miss the opening skit and clap but …
Priorities
The book!
Curriculum!
The movie!
The Broadway play!
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Links:Cobra Island | Joepedia | FandomSerpentor - Wikipedia
2023-04-3043 minPlay Saves the WorldSpiritual Lessons of Negotiation GamesSpiritual Lessons of Negotiation Games
Healthy Rules and Freedom Existing Side-by-Side Helps Us to Be Creative and Joyful. The best part of negotiation games for me (Daniel) is the free for all, the creativity, especially in contrast to the rules. Think about the Apostle Paul writing about the joy of freedom against the backdrop of the law.
Learn about others – when you play with the same people you know their style and bluffing
Negotiating a Conflict is a Short Cut to Identifying the Core Values Beneath the Conflict. 1 Kings 3:16-28 - King Solomon & Baby
There Can be More Im...
2023-04-1654 minPlay Saves the WorldColonialism in Board Games (AV Club #2)Listener Spotlight
"Kary" is a teacher from North Carolina
She found out about Board Game Faith through Facebook!
Game she's digging: Played "Sequence" for the first time and really enjoyed it.
What is awesome about her? Waking up at 5 AM!
Why do you listen to BGF? The awesome hosts. 🙂
Terra Nullius – a null land, or "nobody's land"
TOPIC: Playing Colonialism – Board Game Ethics on the Homo Ludens YouTube Channel
OVERVIEW OF VIDEO
Hosts: Fred Serval & Luis Aguasvivas
Mary Flanagan, co author of the book, "Playing Oppression"
Brian Train - War game designer
Cole Wehrle...
2023-04-0258 minPlay Saves the WorldBoard Games and Buddhism, with Takuya OnoBoard Games and Buddhism, with Takuya Ono
00:00 Introduction
01:23 How I became a Buddhist priest and jushoku
03:52 Duties of a Buddhist temple master in Japan
06:06 Board Gaming in Japan, and the Okuma Disaster
08:13 How I became a board game fan
12:32 Religion in Japan
15:39 Buddhism and games
21:06 My favorite board games
26:55 Buddhism practices compassion
33:32 Connect with Ono-san
CALL TO ACTION:
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Follow Takuya Ono on Board Game Geek, at https://boardgamegeek...
2023-03-1935 minPlay Saves the WorldReflections on Teaching a College Class on Board GamingIdeas behind the class
What are board games, what is their history, how do they work, and why do they matter?
Structuring the class
I revisited some of our previous episodes – defining a game, Bernard Suits, Jane McGonigal
Defining a board game
history of board games
mechanisms of board games (card drafting, worker placement, Euro, Ameritrash, bluffing, player elimination, trading, set collection)
Games that teach history or lessons
Games that are roleplaying and open-ended (TTRPG like D&D)
Games and life, such as McGonigal Reality is Broken
Magic circles: games and religion
...
2023-03-0552 minPlay Saves the World5 Spiritual Lessons from Cooperative Board GamesLISTENER HIGHLIGHT!
Jim from Pennsylvania
MAIL BAG!
Episode 21 feedback - So grateful to @CampingMeeple's response to episode 21 - how to start a board game group: "We are trying to keep a Board game day happening more often at our church, but it was actually interesting listening to your last episode because it’s generally hobby people at ours and you were talking about card games and stuff a lot. I am a relatively newer convert to hobby games, but my addiction started at one of these events. Interestingly, I attended one a few years prior and it...
2023-02-1953 minPlay Saves the WorldBoard Games as Devotion, with Daniel ThurotDaniel Thurot of the Space-Biff! newsletter and podcast discusses board games as devotion and religious exploration, Mormonism, and religious identity. What does it mean for board games to explore religious division, change, and history?
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Links:SPACE-BIFF! | Fiercely Independent. Independant? Crap.The Mission: Early Christianity from the Crucifixion to the Crusades | Board Game | BoardGameGeekThe Acts of the Evangelists | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNicaea | Board Game | BoardGameGeek
2023-02-051h 02Play Saves the WorldThe Medieval Book of GamesWe examine the medieval Book of Games, King Alfonso of Spain's 1283 book about chess, dice games, and board games like Backgammon. There are rich insights here into medieval and modern board games – their types, challenges, wisdom, and benefits. Yay for history!
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Links:SU&SD Present: British Board Games 1800-1920, by Holly Nielsen - YouTube
2023-01-2255 minPlay Saves the WorldHow To Start a Board Game Group at Your House of WorshipA regular board game group is a powerful way to build inter-generational relationships and community at your house of worship. But how and where to start? Daniel and Kevin share their experiences: what worked, what didn't, and what to watch out for.
For a one-sheet on this process, subscribe to our newsletter here or email us at info@boardgamefaith.com.
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2023-01-0856 minPlay Saves the WorldA Muslim Perspective on Representation in Gaming, and on Jesus ChristThis thoughtful conversation moves from traveling, gaming with parents, representation in board games, the stereotypes of Muslims as either extremists or as hijab enforcers, the common sense decency of Muslims that is rarely reported in the media, questions of Islamic theology and interpretation, and the place of Jesus Christ as a prophet of Islam.
Find Ali Karar on the internet!
https://linktr.ee/karar2k
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Links:Karar's Story Mode Campaigns for...
2023-01-011h 15Play Saves the WorldEnemies of Board Gaming (A/V Club)Here is the original Dice Tower's "Top 10 Enemies of Gaming" Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUUQhKdzL0
Mechthild of Magdeburg (13 century German mystic poet and writer), “Clothe yourself with yourself."
Rodney Smith (Watch It Played on YouTube): "I come to this table as a flawed human being.… The gift of this hobby is to learn to be better people – note that video games don’t do this."
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2022-12-111h 11Play Saves the WorldReality Is Broken! So let's play games that promote positive psychology and collaboration
2022-11-131h 07Play Saves the WorldInterview with Adrian AdamescuAdrian Adamescu is a chemist (with a PhD in Chemistry) and board game designer (Sagrada, Dice Theme Park, 7 Summits, Speakeasy Blues, Creatures & Cupcakes). We interview him about growing up in Romania and Germany, an important family friend, and his faith experiences that have shaped him today as a father and board game designer.
CALL TO ACTION:
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Links:Mistwind: Gen Con 2022 Preview | Video | BoardGameGeekGames | Profile | aadrian13 | BoardGameGeekSagrada | Board Game | BoardGameGeekSagrada | Board Games | Miniature Market
2022-10-301h 06Play Saves the World5 Spiritual Lessons from Action Selection GamesOPENING GAME - Rock-Paper-Scissors/Roshambo
CELEBRATION - Had first newsletter this week!
INTRO TO MAIN TOPIC - what is an action selection game?
GrenadierBG on Discord recommends Adam in Wales video
MAIN TOPIC - Spiritual Lessons from Action Selection Games
Taking initiative can be important.
Taking actions can deny resources to others.
Taking actions can also provide opportunities for others.
You cannot control what others do. You can only control yourself.
You must do what is urgent and important in action selection...
2022-10-161h 07Play Saves the WorldHow Reality Is Broken and We Need More GamesINTRO IMPROV GAME: Characters in a classic Spaghetti Western film play the game Lord of the Rings: Journey in Middle Earth (currently #97 on Board Game Geek). Apologies for our ridicuous accents!
Jane McGonigal's book Reality is Broken describes what we learn about human happiness through understanding the impact of games on human neurology and psychology. Human enjoy goals, rules, obstacles, a feedback system, and voluntary participation. The point of a game isn't always to win but to establish flow.
"The opposite of play isn't work. It's depression" (p. 28, quoting Brian Sutton-Smith).
GAME BREAK...
2022-10-021h 09Play Saves the WorldJudaism and Board Games, with Alex RadcliffeHow do board games intersect with Orthodox Jewish religious and family life? We discuss how Sabbath observance impacts Alex's work, family life, and board game hobby, and how the Sabbath is defined and practiced for him and his synagogue. Be sure to check out Alex's excellent YouTube channel, BoardGameCo.
NEXT EPISODE: We discuss Jane McGonagal's Reality is Broken chapters 1 and 2. We're glad to have you read along with us, but this homework is totally optional and can be ignored!
What do you think? Post your thoughts, responses, and questions on Instagram and Discord.
...
2022-09-1846 minPlay Saves the WorldHow Board Games Can Be TranscendentCold Opening: Through the Ages on a Doomed Spaceship
OPENING GAME - Location: A doomed spaceship (from “www.can-i-get-a.com”). Game: Through the Ages - A New Story of Civilization – (#12 on BGG!)
main topic
Defining magic circles and liminal spaces, and how they relate to religious practice and faith.
scriptures referenced
Genesis 28:10-16
NEXT EPISODE: Interview with Alex Radcliffe of BoardGameCo on Youtube, and now Chief Marketing Officer at GameFound. Also, if you are interested, start reading McGonagal's Reality is Broken for our upcoming discussion!
What d...
2022-09-041h 012022-08-2500 minPlay Saves the World5 Spiritual Lessons from Push Your Luck GamesKevin torments Daniel with a homebrewed Push Your Luck game based on Star Wars and Weird Al trivia (NOTE WE HAVE CHAPTER MARKERS NOW!). We then define push your luck games and glean some wisdom from these games:
learning to take risks is good (and even Biblical, see Matthew 25:14-30); we can better understand ourselves and our comfort level with risk; we can learn to take smart risks instead of reckless ones; luck can be inclusive because everyone has a chance to win; we can't take luck personally; luck can build community.
What do you think...
2022-08-211h 07Play Saves the WorldCan Board Games Save the World? With Dave BindewaldThe goal of the Center for Play and Exploration is to encourage adults to be more curious, more divergent in their thinking, and empowered to fail. Dave argues that curiosity and imagination are ways to dismantle anxiety and fear. We respond to listener feedback and speculate whether God does indeed play dice with the universe, because creation is God's joyful act of play.
Post your thoughts, responses, and questions on Instagram and Discord.Links:Theology of play - Google BooksCPE
2022-08-071h 02Play Saves the WorldThe Game of LifeWhat would it mean to think of life as a game? Are games merely pastimes between serious endeavors, or is it an approach to life oriented around unnecessary obstacles and enjoyment? We touch on ideas about the meaning of life, happiness, and life as something useful versus life as something to be enjoyed. Human flourishing is ultimately found in graceful abundance, in which all we can ever really do is pursue meaningful activities (and play games). Perhaps God does indeed play dice with the universe.
Join us our Discord here.
2022-07-241h 03Play Saves the WorldIs Winning the Point?Daniel and Kevin tackle the obvious question: is wining the point of playing games? How does a desire to win relate to the desire to have an enjoyable gaming experience, and what spiritual realities are present when we strive to be humble and gracious at a gaming table where the object is to win the game?
We consider that games might be training us to win over other people, instead of being more loving and kind. Does love exclude winning? Yet much of life is about improvement, and even heaven must include aspects of winning and loss...
2022-07-1057 minPlay Saves the WorldAccessibility, Community, and Neurodiversity, with Chelsey HillyerRev. Chelsey Hillyer joins us to chat about creating accessibility around board games so everyone is welcome to be themselves, find satisfaction with their game play, and empowered to have fun. How do board games and play in general create accessibility so everyone is welcome to be themselves? Games are partly about winning, but also about being satisfied with your game play and everyone being able to have a good time. We discuss ADHD-Inattentive and neurodiversity, play as protest, and games that create deep presence and community. We share thoughts on parenting, Geoff Englestein's book GameTek, play as a...
2022-06-261h 12Play Saves the WorldBook Club! The Grasshopper ch. 3 and Defining GamesWe make a new attempt at an episode opening – an improv skit with pirates playing Carcassone! We discuss Carcassone a bit, lionize the word "eschew" and life points in general, and wrestle with Bernard Suits' definition of a game: "the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles" (p. 43). Games require buy-in from participants who must agree to its rules, desire to best their competitors, and strive to be efficient within the games required inefficiencies. So how appropriate is it to conceive of God engaging in play and games? Kevin attempts to quote the Quran in thinking through God's delight in ob...
2022-06-1255 minPlay Saves the WorldBoard Games that TeachWhat can, and should, board teach us? We explore didactic board games that have a message, and what sort of indirect messages board games can also give us. We discuss Caverna, Bibleopoly, the forgotten didactic orgins of Monopoly, magic circles, and the controversial game Train.
Join us on Instagram and Patreon.Links:The surprising history behind the board game "Monopoly" - YouTubeBibleopoly | Board Game | BoardGameGeekGalaxy Quest - WikipediaGarphill GamesHow to Use Tabletop Simulator - Shut Up & Sit Down - YouTubeHome | Tabletop SimulatorMagic circle (virtual worlds) - WikipediaBrenda Romero: Gaming for understanding - YouTube
2022-05-291h 04Play Saves the WorldBoard Games and IslamOur very first guest! Ali Karar (@karar2k) joins us to discuss hobby board gaming as a Muslim in Saudi Arabia. We discuss board games as a catalyst for socializing, religious limits to board games, and the role of board games in families. Ali discusses his transition from video games to board gaming, board gaming cafes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Islam's traditional prohibition aginst dice because of its association with gambling. We cap it all off by listing our most beloved games and praising Clap On technology.Links:Ali Karar (@karar2k) • Instagram ph...
2022-05-151h 01Play Saves the WorldBook Club! The Grasshopper by Bernard Suits ch. 1Toothsome questions abound. Are $5K board gaming tables worth it? Are there deeper implications of Clap-On technology? And what do we make of Bernard Suits' book The Grasshopper ch. 1, where the Grasshopper gladly dies in the winter for having played too many games? Can one game on the Sabbath, and why aren't there more games in the Bible?
2022-05-0152 minPlay Saves the WorldIs Play Essential to the Human Experience?After naming some recently revisited games, Daniel discusses some lessons learned at a recent conference on play. Is play essential to the human experience? How can we games be more inclusive? How does play shape our early childhood in important ways, and can this include Minecraft? The discussion moves into play as a means of grace, and that play according to rules might be an analogy of grace and law. Pop culture jokes include the clap-on lamp from the 80s, and dad jokes include a can of diced tomatoes that secretly contains bookoo dice. Next episode: the book The...
2022-04-1755 minPlay Saves the WorldSix reasons board games are spiritualDaniel & Kevin have … a list show! We trade our top 3 ways that board games can be spiritual and authentically human. Our lists are different, but not completely, and then there's a bonus round for a bit of hilarity. Let's hear it for new board game burps. (Also, the game Kevin cannot think of during the podcast is This War of Mine.) Many thanks to Eljiah Hilty for our theme music.
2022-04-0358 minPlay Saves the WorldInitial ThoughtsTo what extent does entering the magic circle of a game, where humans play games and temporarily care about bits and bobs, define our humanity? How do games impact people of religious faith?
2022-03-1146 min
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2013-05-1700 minKevin and Taylor PodcastNational Spelling Bee Vocab QuizOrganizers of the Scripps National Spelling Bee announced a major change to the format, adding multiple-choice vocabulary tests to the annual competition that crowns the English language's spelling champ. Kevin & Taylor decided to take the quiz for themselves. Here's how it turned out...
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