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.
Cross stitching is often stereotyped as an ‘old lady’ hobby, but Jamie, the tattooed ‘gangster of cross stitching’, is here to challenge those assumptions. He’s not just about breaking the mold, Jamie is also about promoting and expanding this art form, and he’s doing it in his own unique way. He even dabbled in playing Santa Claus, overcoming his initial discomfort to spread holiday magic. His story is about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding joy in the unexpected.
Mike’s vibrant discussion with Meg delves into the potential harms of taking life too seriously, sharing compelling anecdotes that illustrate the damaging effects of a rigid, binary approach to life. We underline the benefits of incorporating fun and play into our daily routines, challenging societal norms, and encouraging listeners to foster an environment of authenticity and acceptance through playfulness. We even tackle the complex relationship between self-care, consumerism, and the pursuit of happiness. We highlight Mike’s dedicated mission to spark joy in people’s lives and share his personal journey of growing up in a family that championed play and self-expression.