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Listen "257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman"
Episode Synopsis
Do you think play is just for kids? When life feels serious and productive, play might be the furthest thing from your mind. But a more playful mindset is a science-backed way to boost resilience, problem-solving, and connection.
In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel less stressed, and do what matters with more joy.
Some of the things we talk about today are:
What “free play” actually is—and how it differs from structured games and competition
The research-backed benefits of play for adults
Three keys to re-learning play as an adult
Practical ways to make ordinary moments playful
How play strengthens relationships and dissolves unhelpful hierarchies at work and at home
Why boredom is not the enemy
How to tune into your “play voice” and quiet the self-critical “adult voice”
How to redefine success so you enjoy the experience, not just the outcome
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me.
Links & Resources
CasHolman.com
Playful
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
AquaTru - Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER
Uncommon Goods - Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel less stressed, and do what matters with more joy.
Some of the things we talk about today are:
What “free play” actually is—and how it differs from structured games and competition
The research-backed benefits of play for adults
Three keys to re-learning play as an adult
Practical ways to make ordinary moments playful
How play strengthens relationships and dissolves unhelpful hierarchies at work and at home
Why boredom is not the enemy
How to tune into your “play voice” and quiet the self-critical “adult voice”
How to redefine success so you enjoy the experience, not just the outcome
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me.
Links & Resources
CasHolman.com
Playful
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
AquaTru - Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER
Uncommon Goods - Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin
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265 — The Truth About Adult ADHD: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and What Works with Dr. Laura Knouse
17/11/2025
264 — Gratitude for Skeptics: What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Avoid Toxic Positivity
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