Gaming--and the communities we meet through gaming--can have a profound impact on mental health and social development. Some can even say that gaming literally saved their lives. Tune in to hear Missa Dawson, manager of the retail store The Gaming Goat in Mason, Ohio, share stories about how gaming has given her the courage to seek the help she needs, how RPGs helped her cope with social anxiety, and how Critical Role saved her life.

CW: talk of suicide and suicidal ideation.

01:14 -- Meet Missa!

06:45 -- Gaming is life

14:00 -- First experience with true acceptance

24:43 -- Coping with mental health challenges

29:32: -- How Critical Role saved Missa’s life

42:39 -- Fostering positive communities

As an affiliate, Victor Media Group may earn from qualifying purchases.

Magic: The Gathering -- https://magic.wizards.com/

Dungeons and Dragons, 5th Edition -- https://amzn.to/32sfVhh

Critical Role -- https://critrole.com/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -- 800-273-8255 (available 24/7)

Guest -- Missa Dawson

Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/

Original Music by Byson -- https://spoti.fi/3eoC47l

Creator / Host -- Clara Mount

Executive Producers -- J.B. Adams and Gerard Mitchell

Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka