Remember the days when play was an essential part of life, not a guilty pleasure squeezed between meetings? Mike Montague, author and host of Playful Humans, is on a mission to remind adults why play isn’t just for kids – it’s a necessity for our well-being. In his recent podcast appearance, Mike unpacked the science and personal experiences that led him to champion the power of play for adults.
Why Do We Stop Playing?
Mike suggests several culprits behind the “seriousness epidemic”:
- The Hustle Culture – Society often equates adult success with grinding harder and faster. Words like “grind,” “hustle,” and “rise and grind” have become badges of honor. But as Mike points out, there’s no medal for burnout.
- Education’s Focus on Right Answers – From an early age, school teaches us to chase the “right” answer, leaving little room for creativity or silliness. That whimsical, playful spark? Often dimmed in favor of checklists and deadlines.
- Survival Mode – Our brains are wired to avoid risk, and play can feel frivolous or even dangerous when life gets tough. But Mike reminds us that avoiding play leaves us disconnected and, ironically, less resilient.
The Power of Creative Nerdery
Mike’s lifelong playfulness was inspired by his grandmother, who fostered “creative nerdery.” From fake radio shows to offbeat TV classics like Monty Python, his childhood was a playground of imagination. This eventually led him to a career in radio and podcasting – a job that often feels like play.
His takeaway? Nurture the playful spirit around you. A little creative chaos can lead to beautiful things.
Life Lessons Through Play
In his book Playful Humans: 52 Ways to Rediscover the Power of Play, Mike distills lessons from his podcast and personal journey. One standout?
“We All Speak Ball.”
Kevin Carroll, a previous guest, explains that every mammal finds joy in a simple ball. It’s the perfect balance of order and chaos – when the ball is in your hands, you’re in control. Once you toss it, anything can happen. This mirrors life. Too much order? Boredom. Too much chaos? Overwhelm. The sweet spot is dancing between the two.
Practical Play: How to Start Now
Feeling burned out or creatively stuck? Mike suggests these quick play injections:
- Revisit Childhood Hobbies – Dust off that guitar or Lego set.
- Micro-Adventures – Take a different route home or try a new café.
- Add Play to Work – Brainstorm standing up, throw ideas around (literally), or introduce playful rituals at meetings.
Play isn’t about abandoning responsibility – it’s about recharging your creativity and spirit.
Ready to Play?
Mike’s Playful Humans book is your guide to infusing life with laughter, curiosity, and energy. Each chapter offers practical tips, inspiring stories, and reminders that it’s never too late to play.
👉 Ready to rediscover the joy of play? Grab Mike Montague’s book Playful Humans on Amazon or tune into the Playful Humans Podcast for weekly doses of fun!
Challenge – This week, find one way to add play into your day. Whether it’s doodling, dancing in the kitchen, or cracking a joke at work, rediscover the magic of play.
Who knows? You might just find that playing leads to your next big breakthrough.
