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Listen "Where Did Play Go? Reclaiming Your Joyful Self in a Serious World"
Episode Synopsis
Episode Summary:
Have you ever felt like a part of yourself got lost along the way? That lighter, playful version of you—the one who laughed without thinking, chased silly ideas, or turned a rainy day into an adventure—quietly slipped away amid responsibilities, deadlines, and endless to-do lists? When was the last time you played just for the joy of it? Not for productivity, not for output…just for YOU?
In this episode of Advancing Women Podcast, I explore the lost art of playfulness and why reclaiming it matters; not just for joy, but for creativity, resilience, connection, and well-being. Drawing inspiration from childhood stories, pop culture, and science-backed research, I’ll share practical strategies to invite play back into your life. #tunein
We’ll discuss:
Why productivity culture and societal pressures often push play aside, especially for ambitious women.
How play actually improves brain function, problem-solving, creativity, and relationships.
Micro-play rituals and imaginative practices you can start today.
How reconnecting with your playful self can reduce stress, spark joy, and strengthen community.
Key Takeaways:
Playfulness is not optional—it’s foundational to thriving.
Shared laughter and playful interactions enhance connection and trust.
Start small: 5 minutes of dancing, doodling, silly voice texts, or gamifying everyday tasks can reignite your playful spirit.
Revisit childhood joys and bring them into adult life intentionally.
Use micro-play rituals to make routine spaces and moments playful and alive.
Resources Mentioned:
Brown, Stuart. Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.Avery.
Ware, Bronnie. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.Hay House.
Apps / Tools: Habitica. Habitica, https://habitica.com/ and Epic Win. Redwood Games, https://www.redwoodgames.com/epicwin
Let’s Connect:
Instagram: @AdvancingWomenPodcast https://www.instagram.com/advancingwomenpodcast/?hl=en
Facebook: Advancing Women Podcast https://www.facebook.com/advancingwomenpodcast/
LinkedIn: Dr. Kimberly DeSimone https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-desimone-phd-mba-ba00b88/
Have you ever felt like a part of yourself got lost along the way? That lighter, playful version of you—the one who laughed without thinking, chased silly ideas, or turned a rainy day into an adventure—quietly slipped away amid responsibilities, deadlines, and endless to-do lists? When was the last time you played just for the joy of it? Not for productivity, not for output…just for YOU?
In this episode of Advancing Women Podcast, I explore the lost art of playfulness and why reclaiming it matters; not just for joy, but for creativity, resilience, connection, and well-being. Drawing inspiration from childhood stories, pop culture, and science-backed research, I’ll share practical strategies to invite play back into your life. #tunein
We’ll discuss:
Why productivity culture and societal pressures often push play aside, especially for ambitious women.
How play actually improves brain function, problem-solving, creativity, and relationships.
Micro-play rituals and imaginative practices you can start today.
How reconnecting with your playful self can reduce stress, spark joy, and strengthen community.
Key Takeaways:
Playfulness is not optional—it’s foundational to thriving.
Shared laughter and playful interactions enhance connection and trust.
Start small: 5 minutes of dancing, doodling, silly voice texts, or gamifying everyday tasks can reignite your playful spirit.
Revisit childhood joys and bring them into adult life intentionally.
Use micro-play rituals to make routine spaces and moments playful and alive.
Resources Mentioned:
Brown, Stuart. Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.Avery.
Ware, Bronnie. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.Hay House.
Apps / Tools: Habitica. Habitica, https://habitica.com/ and Epic Win. Redwood Games, https://www.redwoodgames.com/epicwin
Let’s Connect:
Instagram: @AdvancingWomenPodcast https://www.instagram.com/advancingwomenpodcast/?hl=en
Facebook: Advancing Women Podcast https://www.facebook.com/advancingwomenpodcast/
LinkedIn: Dr. Kimberly DeSimone https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-desimone-phd-mba-ba00b88/
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16/06/2025
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