Playful Humans - People Who Play for a Living
Get the joke of the week along with ideas, information, and instigation to be a more playful human! If you need a little more fun, flow, and fulfillment in your life, we transform the burned-out and bored into energized and engaged Playful Humans. Rediscover the power of play, find out who is playing for a living, and learn how they pull it off to have the most fun possible in their life and career. Each week, Mike Montague interviews a professional who is living the life of their dreams and getting paid to play! Get the book featuring 52 Playful Humans and the lessons learned from over 4 years of play research: https://amzn.to/3Zuqv5E
Episodes
What if you could transform your life by simply changing the way you see challenges? Join us for an episode bursting with humor and insights as we chat with Eric Farewell, the bold author of "Farewell to Normal." We kick things off with a playful exchange and dive into Eric's intriguing journey from feeling like an imposter to becoming a confident writer and adventurer. Discover how Eric's teenage escapades in a...
What if you could unlock your good mood superpowers and break free from the chains of generational trauma? Join us as we sit down with Matt O'Neill from Good Mood Revolution, who shares his inspiring journey from personal unhappiness to becoming a happiness coach. Matt dives into the fascinating dynamics of generational pain and how it shapes our views on happiness today. Despite the challenges we face, Matt offers fresh persp...
For the launch of my new book, I was concerned about doing an episode where I talk about myself and my work in the book. So, instead I thought I would let some playful AI robots review the book and tell you all about it.
Check out the new book on paperback and Kindle here: Playful Humans: 52 Reasons to Rediscover the Power of Play in Your Life and Career https://a.co/d/bRJp8fn
Are you feeling burnt out, bored, or...
Have you ever wondered how spirituality and creativity are related? This week, we welcome Rabbi Alon C. Ferency, the Eclectic Cleric who guides us through a whimsical exploration of this fusion. Starting with a beard joke and a tale of divine luck at a blackjack table, Rabbi Alan takes us on his personal journey from the pulpit to the podcast. We explore his reflections on missing the community connections of his past life but cele...
A heartfelt conversation with Andrew Matthews, a best-selling author and happiness coach known for his unique blend of cartoons and self-help. Andrew's journey to happiness began with the realization that those who overcome life's biggest challenges often find the deepest joy. This insight inspired his first book, "Being Happy," which combines wisdom and humor to make personal growth more accessible. Hear how An...
After years of struggling with the paralyzing fear of public speaking, Linda Ugelow discovered techniques that transformed her anxiety into joy and confidence. Imagine stepping onto a stage feeling excited rather than terrified; Linda shares the tools and insights that helped her—and can help you—find delight in the limelight. Join us as we explore how even the most daunting fears can be managed, and how understanding your audience...
Ready to uncover the untold stories behind your favorite personalities? Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Small, the brilliant mind behind the "Write About Now" podcast and book. Jonathan takes us on his unexpected journey from a temp job at a parenting magazine, where he scored an interview with the legendary George Carlin, to becoming a celebrated writer and podcast host. Gain exclusive insights into the fascinating ...
Unlock the secrets to achieving lasting personal transformation with Dan Storey as he shares insights from his book, "The Personal Transformation Blueprint." Dan, a motivational athlete on the verge of competing in the natural Mr. Olympian competition, reveals how to cultivate a playful mindset to enhance your journey through life. Discover how to find fun, flow, and fulfillment in your life and career along the way.
Step ...
What if a chance encounter could completely alter your life's trajectory? Bonnie Garvin's journey from public relations to storytelling in TV and Movies was anything but planned. In this episode, she shares how a playwriting class she nearly skipped transformed her career. Bonnie, a remarkable storyteller and educator at USC's School of Cinema Arts, opens up about embracing unexpected turns and the incredible power o...
Prepare to meet Little Ginger, the charismatic co-founder of Culture Puppets, as he shares his delightful journey of using puppets to transform workplace culture. Little Ginger's insights reveal how puppets can add humor and surprise to mundane Zoom calls, creating engaging and interactive experiences that capture attention. Discover how these charming characters serve as a refreshing alternative to human hosts, minimizing Zoo...
Colin A. Borden brings his infectious enthusiasm and creative insights to our latest episode, sharing his unique journey through the entertainment world. From his spontaneous introduction to acting at a childhood play audition to gracing screens with his dynamic performances, Colin's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion. As a seasoned actor and director, he offers a lighthearted look at balancing a...
Are you ready to be inspired by a story of resilience and boundless creativity? This week, we’re thrilled to have Aisha Makara, an extraordinary artist and world traveler, join us on the Playful Humans podcast. Aisha’s transformative journey from being an orphan in Russia to becoming a global artist is nothing short of remarkable. Her experiences navigating an unsupportive environment, moving to America, and daring to send her art ...
Ever wonder what it’s like to be fired via telegram or how you could possibly win your wife in a radio station contest? Join my conversation with Randy Miller, the iconic radio personality who influenced my early career and became a cornerstone of Kansas City's airwaves. We reminisce about my debut during the "Last DJ on the Planet" contest, and Randy opens up about his initial spark for radio, ignited by Frank Murph...
Join us for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Sarah Walkenbach from Freckle Face Foodie, where we reminisce about our school days together and uncover Sarah's journey into the world of food blogging. Starting with her early experiences in a bakery deli at 15, Sarah's passion for food quickly blossomed. Discover how she transitioned from making indulgent treats to crafting healthier recipes still bursting wit...
Ever wondered how to jump from a Target warehouse job to a full-time a creative career? This week, we sit down with R.Y. Givens, the innovative founder of Metamauic Entertainment, who shares his fascinating journey from the freedom and camaraderie of warehouse work to the structured confines of corporate life—and how it all led to his passion for video editing and storytelling. We reminisce about early career experiences, sprinkle ...
What happens when you mix Lego, business strategies, and playful creativity? Join us as we uncover the secrets with Tim Kroll, a seasoned business strategist and team-building expert who gained fame from season two of Lego Masters. Tim recounts his unique journey to the show, highlighting the special bond and collaborative spirit he shared with his son. Discover how Tim masterfully incorporates Lego into his workshops to break down...
Ready to hear how being playful can supercharge your creativity? Our latest episode features the incredibly versatile Juan Punchy Gonzalez, an artist, musician, and producer, who shares his unique take on living a creatively playful life. We warm things up with some light-hearted jokes before Punchy dives into his solo musical project, "Cosmic Punch," and the intricate production process behind the standout track "Wo...
Get ready to explore the world of stand up and improv with the multifaceted Steven Morgan! You'll be hooked from the get-go with our password-themed dad joke, before diving into the delightful juggle that Steven masters daily—balancing a conventional day job with his night-time escapades in stand-up comedy and improv. His financial stability doesn't chain down his creative charisma, allowing him to handpick only those pro...
Could the secret to peak performance lie in embracing imperfection and playfulness? Find out as I join forces with Jordana Confino in a revelatory discussion that promises to dismantle your drive for perfection and rewire your approach to success. Jordana, a former type A legal eagle turned positive psychology guru, shares her personal awakening to a life beyond the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. Her insights shed light on the...
Ever wondered how a symphony of ideas can emerge from the chaos of creativity? Angus Clark from SongDivision joins me to share the melody of innovation that resonates through improvisational music and playful songwriting. Tune in as we strike a chord with musician humor, discuss the true worth of a performance, and unveil how songwriting can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and team building, even for those without a musical ...
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