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Are You Burnt Out? Learn How To PLAY Again!
Play isn’t something we grow out of — it’s something we desperately need to return to.
When was the last time you truly played — without trying to be productive, impressive, or good at it? This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down with toy designer and author Cas Holman to help us learn the value of a little playtime! From designing iconic toys to studying how people of all ages learn through play, Cas breaks down how play shapes creativity, problem-solving, and even how we relate to joy.
They dig into how gender norms influence the toys we’re given, why play can feel harder than ever in a productivity-obsessed culture, and what happens when we detach play from outcomes altogether. Cas also shares insights from her new book Playful, including the different types of play, what “free play” actually means, and how bringing fun into everyday moments can change how we work, learn, and live.
If you’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck, or disconnected from joy — this episode is your permission slip to loosen the rules, have some fun, and remember that play isn’t frivolous. It’s foundational!
Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.
Follow Cas Holman on Instagram @casholman
Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn
Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn
Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn
Senior Producer, Chris McClure
Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure
Production support: Chad Hall
Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.
Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
View all episodes
By Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness
4.9
1903319,033 ratings
Play isn’t something we grow out of — it’s something we desperately need to return to.
When was the last time you truly played — without trying to be productive, impressive, or good at it? This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down with toy designer and author Cas Holman to help us learn the value of a little playtime! From designing iconic toys to studying how people of all ages learn through play, Cas breaks down how play shapes creativity, problem-solving, and even how we relate to joy.
They dig into how gender norms influence the toys we’re given, why play can feel harder than ever in a productivity-obsessed culture, and what happens when we detach play from outcomes altogether. Cas also shares insights from her new book Playful, including the different types of play, what “free play” actually means, and how bringing fun into everyday moments can change how we work, learn, and live.
If you’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck, or disconnected from joy — this episode is your permission slip to loosen the rules, have some fun, and remember that play isn’t frivolous. It’s foundational!
Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.
Follow Cas Holman on Instagram @casholman
Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn
Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn
Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn
Senior Producer, Chris McClure
Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure
Production support: Chad Hall
Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.
Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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