Board games are so hot right now, but that doesn’t mean their only purpose is to entertain us. I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Jon Freeman, neuroscientist turned store owner, about how his passion for learning and games created fascinating avenues for skill development through his store’s after-school programs. Dr. Freeman explains how using neuroscience and patterns of play in common games has led to some interesting gains, and how programs like these might benefit our learning. Plus, Rob just chats about favorite board games for a bit!

Interested in seeing some programs in action? Check out Dr. Freeman’s store The Brooklyn Strategist in Brooklyn, New York.

Works discussed this episode:

Donovan, T. (2017). It’s all a game: The history of board games from Monopoly to Settlers of Catan. Thomas Dunne Books.