Can a card game make you a better communicator? John Cooper thinks so. A retired NASA engineer turned game designer, John created The Gang, a cooperative twist on poker that reveals how we think, trust, and strategize under pressure. In this episode, we break down the psychology behind the game—how reading subtle cues can sharpen decision-making, why teamwork trumps individual genius, and what games teach us about real-life collaboration.
If you want to think faster, connect better, and spot patterns others miss, this conversation is for you. Join me, Izolda Trakhtenberg, as we explore creativity, curiosity, and the power of play in shaping how we work and interact. Tune in and get inspired to approach life with a sharper mind and a more open perspective.
Connect with Johnhttps://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/411567/the-gang
https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/the-gang
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10996/zarcana
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/123/john-cooper
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14634/homeworlds
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/225/icehouse
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner |
Popular Podcasts
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.