Note: in the second half of the conversation, Michael asks Terence about play in the "Black community." We want to acknowledge that the somewhat sloppy wording of Michael's question could imply an assumption of a monolithic and universal expression of Black play, when there are an endless myriad of ways play takes shape in diverse Black, African-American, and African cultures and sub-cultures across the world.

What makes you feel alive? What makes you feel like a kid again? For David, the answer to both is "stoke," the secret ingredient to adventure. David embodies "work hard, play hard" in every area of his life, and invites others into the surprising joys of challenging play. His definition of play will motivate and mobilize you regardless of experience level.

David Hardin is the Co-Founder and COO of Lendrose, as well as a small business consultant and exit advisor with Cultivate Advisors, and a TACFIT personal trainer. He also juggles multiple extreme sports as an Arc’teryx athlete and trainer, including ice climbing and surfing. David is based in Chicago, his lifelong home.

Listen to David's playlist of songs that inspire him to play: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19I1Pw8UZ1ksynZjRnwWtS?si=300beda087134891

David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidhardinfit

David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhard

See the climbing video referenced: https://youtu.be/yMAqxEodxh0?si=IhUA7Wp7RVIy40zw

Hosting and creative direction by Michael Mirza. Video, lighting, sound, and editing by Roberto Flores. Learn more about them and the show: https://www.defineplay.com

#iceclimbing #coldwatersurfing #hikingcommunity #smallbusinessideas #smallbusinessgrowth #disneyworld #arcteryx #chicagobusiness #consultingservices #consultinglife #extremesports #getuncomfortable #coldweatherfun #getoutside #adventureawaits #onewheel #onewheelnation #dogdad #chicagolife #fintechstartup #tacfit #workhardprayhard #inspiration #grindset #workandplay #adventureready

Rev. Meghan DeJong is a Chicago-born athlete, activist, and mother, as well as the Executive Pastor of Adult Discipleship at Highrock Church in the Greater Boston Area.

Hosting and creative direction by Michael Mirza. Video, lighting, sound, and editing by Roberto Flores (except for the outro, which Michael sloppily did himself).

Learn more: https://www.defineplay.com

Timm Bloem is Principal at TB, a creative strategy studio: https://timmbloem.com

Timm on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmbloem

Books mentioned:
- "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield
- "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin

"Play our way into meaning" is an idea coined by Dan Dowman: https://www.anthem.ooo

Sources for comment on children receiving toys in the war in Ukraine:

- https://www.unicef.org.au/stories/where-do-children-play-in-a-war-zone

- https://plan-international.org/blog/2024/06/11/power-play-building-resilience-children-affected-war-ukraine/