October 20, 2025

257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman

46 minutes

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

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Links & Resources

CasHolman.com

Playful

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By Amy Morin

4.8

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