Episode 008: Girl, Stay Inside! – Video Games and Gaming

In this episode we had a lot of fun getting into one of Hannah and Shanna's favorite subjects - video games! We know there are a lot of podcasts out there about gaming, but we hope you'll get a little something different from our conversation. We'll talk about what we love about gaming, how we got started, and what we look for in a game. We'll also share our thoughts about female characters and discuss how we take up space as women in the mostly male-dominated gaming culture. This is the sister to episode 2: "Girl, Get Outside!" which is all about how great it is to get a dose of nature for your self-care. On the flip side of that, sometimes you just want to stay inside and solve a complex puzzle, chase zombies, score a few touchdowns, build a civilization from the virtual ground up, or save a beautifully crafted alternate universe from impending doom, all from the comfort of your couch. We find gaming helps us recharge and take a sometimes-necessary break from thinking about school, work, and life, while still keeping our mind active. It can also be a great way to socialize in online communities (make sure you're being safe!) or spend time with friends and family playing multi-player games. Hannah and Shanna describe why they've always loved gaming and the important part it has played in their lives for relaxation, alone time, family time, and even development of critical thinking skills. We know there are girls out there who can relate! Even if you don't relate, it's fun to hear personal perspectives on a subject that most of us have probably had at least a little bit of experience with. And if this is all brand new to you, maybe give it a try! Our takeaways: You don't have to be perfect to call yourself a gamer, and there's no one way or right way to play. Video games can be more than just a way to pass the time— they can be meaningful experiences that transport you to another world, and can be a great way to connect with others or spend needed time alone to recharge. As always, stay tuned at the end for our segments Would You Rather and Girls Pick! Have an idea for an episode or wondering how you can be featured in Girls Pick? Connect with our podcast team at girltalk.girlscoutsrv.org/contact.