When was the last time you truly played? You might be surprised to learn that play isn’t just for kids, it’s essential at every stage of life. In this conversation, Dr. Victoria Ranade sits down with actor, playwright, and somatic psychotherapist Nick Sholley to explore the power of play in life. Together they unpack how play is vital to our mental health and well being. It sparks creativity, sharpens critical thinking, strengthens problem-solving skills, and deepens your connections with others. Nick shares why play is relational, embodied, and creative, and how it reconnects us to our vitality, joy, and life force energy. They discuss the impact of technology on our ability to play, the healing role of creativity, and how saying “yes” to play—especially with children—brings us home to our truest selves. So the next time you see a dog drop into a playful bow, or a child invites you into their world of make-believe, remember: you’re not just doing it for them. You’re also nurturing the playful spirit that’s always been a part of you. :)

Find Nick here.

Find Dr. Victoria here.

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Chapters

00:00 - The Essence of Play

09:07 - Play in the Digital Age

18:41 - Reclaiming Play for Adults

28:15 - The Essence of Playfulness

30:00 - Connecting to Our True Selves

34:11 - The Impact of AI on Play

38:01 - Navigating Technology and Self-Identity

45:08 - The Importance of Struggle in Play

48:57 - Inviting Play Back into Our Lives

56:00 - Connecting with Feelings and Play

59:00 - The Impact of Technology on Vitality

59:49 - Exploring What Lights Us Up

01:00:58 - Creativity as Play

01:06:00 - The Mystical Nature of Play

01:10:10 - Engaging with Shadows through Play

01:18:08 - Play as a Homecoming

Keywords

#play, #vitality, #creativity, #healing, #digitalage, #embodiedplay, #connection, #mental health, #self-discovery

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