The Relationship of Play and High Performance with Michael Allison | Polyvagal Theory & Mental Wellness

In a compelling episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John is joined by Michael Allison from the PlayZone, diving deep into the nuanced relationship between competition and play. Michael sheds light on the physiological underpinnings that differentiate our approach to these states, offering insights into why we might gravitate towards one over the other. This conversation unpacks the importance of fostering a safe physiological state for play, the journey from a competitive to a playful mindset, and how we can navigate the discomfort associated with embracing playfulness.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding Competition vs. Play: Michael Allison illuminates the physiological and psychological differences between competitive and playful states, emphasizing the role of safety in embracing play.

• Transitioning from Competition to Play: Strategies for shifting mindset and physiological state from competitive to playful, acknowledging the challenges and potential discomfort involved.

• Fostering a Safe Space for Play: The critical importance of creating environments where individuals feel secure enough to engage in play, and how such environments facilitate learning, growth, and healing.

• Personal Journey and Insights: Michael and Debi share anecdotes from their work and personal experiences, illustrating the transformative power of understanding and applying these concepts in real-life scenarios.

• Practical Advice for Embracing Playfulness: Tips and exercises for individuals looking to incorporate more play into their lives, regardless of their starting point.

About Michael Allison:

Michael Allison is the visionary behind the PlayZone, where he explores and teaches the intricate balance between play and competition through a physiological lens. With a background in coaching and a deep understanding of the polyvagal theory, Michael is passionate about helping people rediscover the joy and healing potential of play. His work emphasizes the significance of creating safe physiological states that encourage playfulness, aiming to enrich lives by fostering deeper connections with ourselves and others.

www.theplayzone.com

About Debi John:

Debi John, the host of the Play Healing Podcast, is an advocate for the therapeutic power of play in personal and community healing. With expertise in play therapy, Debi curates conversations that highlight the role of play in overcoming life’s challenges and enhancing relationships. Through her podcast, she seeks to inspire her listeners by sharing stories, insights, and practical strategies for incorporating her PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Philosophy into daily life, emphasizing its importance for emotional and psychological well-being.

www.playhealing.com

Join us in this enlightening conversation that not only delves into the complexities of competition and play but also provides valuable insights and practical tips for nurturing a playful spirit in all areas of life.

How Pausing accelerates business growth and builds deeper connections between clients and our kids 

In this episode of the Play Healing Podcast, Debi John engages in an insightful conversation with Jamie Sarah, exploring the parallels between parenting, business, and personal growth. They delve into how foundational principles like forthrightness, the joy of play in work, and the significance of safe spaces for emotional expression can transform personal and professional lives. Jamie shares her journey from a playful child enchanted by the narratives of toys to a successful business mentor, emphasizing the power of play in fostering creativity and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Play and Professionalism: Jamie illustrates how her passion for playing with ideas and words seamlessly integrates into her professional life, offering a fresh perspective on work as an enjoyable, creative process.

• Embracing Vulnerability: Both Jamie and Debi highlight the importance of vulnerability in building genuine connections, whether in parenting, business, or personal relationships.

• Navigating Life Transitions: Through personal stories, they discuss navigating significant life changes, such as divorces and career shifts, with grace (most of the time!) and resilience, focusing on the well-being of children and personal growth.

• Valuing Safe Emotional Spaces: The conversation underscores creating environments where individuals, especially children, feel safe to express emotions, fostering healthy development and strong family bonds.

• Seeking Internal Validation: Jamie advocates for seeking validation from within and from her Christian faith, rather than external sources, fostering a grounded and peaceful existence amidst life's chaos.

• Integrating Play into Daily Routines: Practical advice is offered on integrating play and mindfulness into daily routines, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being for effective parenting and business management.

About Jamie Sarah:

Jamie Sarah is a visionary business mentor known for helping entrepreneurs harness their unique magic to create impactful, fulfilling careers. With a rich background in marketing and a profound understanding of human behavior, Jamie blends playfulness with professionalism to guide her clients toward success. Her approach, deeply rooted in authenticity and creativity, challenges conventional business wisdom, advocating for a world where work feels like play.

https://jaimiesarah.com

About Debi John:

Debi John, host of the Play Healing Podcast, is a trailblazer in integrating play into therapeutic practices for healing and personal growth. With her expertise in play therapy, Debi creates a platform where experts from various fields share insights on using play to overcome life's challenges, fostering a community where learning and growth are driven by joy and curiosity based on her PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Ⓡ philosophy.

https://www.playhealing.com/

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to enrich their parenting style, elevate their business, or simply lead a more joyful, authentic life.

Parenting through a divorce the play-fuelled way

In this heartfelt episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John collaborates with Sue Atkins to tackle the complex journey of parenting through a divorce. They delve into the significance of incorporating the "Pause, Play, Connect" model to navigate the challenges of divorce, offering listeners a blend of personal insights and expert advice on maintaining a nurturing environment for children amidst change. Sue shares her own experiences and the transformative role of play in healing and connection, providing a beacon of hope and guidance for parents in similar situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Childhood and Play: Sue reminisces about the joys of childhood play and how it shaped her understanding of the world, underscoring the power of play in fostering creativity and resilience.

• Play in Adulthood: Highlighting the continuation of play into adult life, Sue discusses the importance of maintaining a playful spirit through social interactions, self-care, and even pet companionship.

• Pause, Play, Connect Model: The conversation explores the application of this model in the context of divorce, emphasizing the need to pause and reflect, find joy in play, and connect deeply with oneself and loved ones during times of transition.

• Supporting Children Through Divorce: Sue provides valuable insights into communicating with children about divorce, ensuring they feel loved, heard, and secure despite the changes in their family structure.

• Personal Well-being and Self-care: Recognising the emotional toll of divorce on parents, Sue advocates for self-care practices and seeking support to navigate the emotional landscape of ending a marriage.

About Sue Atkins:

Sue Atkins is a renowned parenting expert, author, and media personality who has dedicated her career to supporting families through the challenges of parenting. With a rich background in education and a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of children and parents alike, Sue brings compassion, wisdom, and practical advice to those navigating the complexities of divorce and family dynamics.

https://sueatkinsparentingcoach.com/

About Debi John:

Debi John is the host of the Play Healing Podcast, dedicated to exploring the therapeutic benefits of play in personal growth and family wellness. With expertise in play therapy, Debi's passion lies in uncovering and sharing the healing potential of play, providing listeners with the tools and inspiration to embrace playfulness in all aspects of life, especially during challenging times.

www.playhealing.com

Join Debi and Sue in this inspiring episode as they share strategies for harnessing the power of play and connection to support children and parents alike through the journey of divorce, offering hope and practical advice for building a stronger, more connected future.

Fostering Healthy Connection the Play-Fueled Way with Maha Gazelle & Debi John 

In this enriching episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John welcomes Maha Gazelle, a distinguished play therapist and advocate for nurturing through play. Together, they embark on a profound discussion that unveils the transformative power of play in healing and fostering healthy connections, especially amidst challenges and crises.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Healing Power of Play: Insights into how play therapy facilitates emotional and psychological healing, with a spotlight on Maha's innovative approaches and her collaboration with communities in crisis.

• The Role of Attunement in Play: Exploring the critical importance of attunement between adults and children during play, highlighting how this connection promotes mental health and resilience.

• Impact of Trauma on Children: Maha and Debi delve into the effects of trauma on children and how play therapy can offer a pathway to recovery, using examples from recent global crises.

• Educational Insights: Discussion on the integration of play and learning, emphasizing the need for a balance between academic demands and the child’s emotional well-being.

• Empowering Families and Communities: Strategies for empowering families and communities to incorporate play as a tool for healing and building stronger bonds, even in the face of adversity.

• Advocacy for Change: A call to action for integrating play therapy principles in educational systems and wider community practices to support children's overall development.

About Maha Gazelle:

Maha Gazelle is a renowned play therapist with a passion for using play as a medium to enhance mental health and foster meaningful connections. Her work, especially in crisis-affected regions, has demonstrated the universal language of play in healing and hope.

Find her work here: https://mahaghazale.com/

About Debi John:

Debi John is a dedicated advocate for the therapeutic power of play and the host of the Play Healing Podcast. Debi explores how integrating play into daily life can foster emotional growth, healing, and strong family connections. Through her engaging interviews, she provides listeners with insightful strategies for overcoming challenges and enhancing relationships through play using her PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Ⓡ philosophy.

www.playhealing.com

Join us in this heartfelt conversation that not only sheds light on the transformative power of play but also inspires action towards fostering environments where children and families can thrive through the joyful and healing aspects of play.

Play-fuelled Leadership: Balancing AI and Education with Geoff Stead

Commenting about the PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Ⓡ philosophy

'What is widely established is a good thing for those busy professionals with manically stressed out lives as you were describing is to find a way of partitioning your day up or having a time when you sort of reflect and plan on what’s coming.

It’s really bad practice to rush into the next day and it is important to stop and pause and reflect a little bit - which is the pause. Lots of people, I know who succeed at senior levels in the workplace meditate and have other practices like breath holding practices, yoga, which is perhaps not quite play, but creates a moment when you disassociate from the work you need to do. I think my takeaway I’m having is that I need to have more active time to be more playful in my day-to-day.

At work I’m a bit playful, it’s common that we arrange hack days and include moments of creativity. Change the pace or mood in a meeting by getting everyone to stand up and move. Having levels of goofiness. Helps to lower levels of stress and get stuff done so I’d like to mix these things into the day, and it makes me feel more human.'

About Geoff:

Geoff is a digital product leader. He builds the teams and shapes the vision for the next generation of EdTech innovation. A technology optimist, he's a deep believer in the power of diverse, creative human teams. He's happiest working in the blend between humans and technology, adapting emerging tools like AI to find better ways to reach or teach learners across the globe. Geoff is CPO at MyTutor, the world's leading platform for near-peer learning. Prior to that he played the same role at Babbel, building learning tools that make a difference for millions of language learners. He's the proud author of 'Engines of Engagement ' A Curious Book About Generative AI'. Freshly printed, in Amazon's top 50 business books on AI (and available free as an ebook). He divides his time between working as a Chief Product Officer, advising emerging start-ups, and sharing insights that can increase the value and impact of learning technologies that make a meaningful difference in the world.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffstead

https://www.mytutor.co.uk/

Engines of Engagement Book link:

https://seasaltlearning.com/engines-of-engagement-generative-ai-book/

About Debi John:

Debi John is a dedicated advocate for the therapeutic power of play and the host of the Play Healing Podcast. With her expertise in play therapy and child psychology, Debi explores how integrating play into daily life can foster emotional growth, healing, and strong family connections. Through her engaging interviews, she provides listeners with insightful strategies for overcoming challenges and enhancing relationships through play.

https://www.playhealing.com

Play-fuelling the Next Generation: Namya Joshi's Journey with Minecraft Education 

In this inspiring episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John sits down with the remarkable 17-year-old Namya Joshi from India, a visionary who has been training teachers across the globe in the innovative use of Minecraft for education. Namya shares her journey from a playful child with boundless energy to becoming an official Minecraft Ambassador and an advocate for game-based learning. With her motto "Each One, Teach Ten," Namya has impacted over 15,000 educators and students, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and engagement through digital platforms.

Key Highlights:

• Early Influences: Namya recalls her energetic childhood, how her mother channeled her vivacity into constructive play, and her early fascination with sports and games. She describes how play and physical activity were integral to her upbringing.

• Discovery of Minecraft: Namya shares her serendipitous encounter with Minecraft on her mother's laptop and how it sparked a passion for game-based learning. She emphasizes the transformational effect of Minecraft in educational settings, enhancing engagement and understanding of complex subjects.

• Empowering Educators: At a young age, Namya began leading workshops for teachers, introducing them to the educational potential of Minecraft. She highlights the importance of teachers being learners too, open to exploring new and innovative teaching methods.

• Building Confidence and Leadership: Reflecting on her own growth, Namya attributes her confidence and leadership skills to the supportive environment created by her family and mentors. She emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, accepting constructive criticism, and the role of role models in shaping young minds.

• Designing a School for the Future: Namya shares her vision for an ideal school that embraces "learning by doing," where practical, immersive learning experiences go hand in hand with outdoor activities and digital education, fostering a well-rounded and engaging learning environment.

• Digital Citizenship and Inclusivity: Namya stresses the importance of digital citizenship, advocating for a balanced and informed approach to online engagement. She encourages everyone to contribute positively to digital spaces, promoting kindness, inclusivity, and active participation.

• Namya's Message to Parents and Educators: In a digital age, Namya urges parents and educators to encourage mindful online behavior, emphasizing the "Each One, Teach Ten" philosophy to spread knowledge and foster a globally educated and empathetic generation.

• Namya’s take on the Pause, Play, ConnectⓇ philosophy and how it resonates with her and reflects her journey so far. 

Join us as Namya Joshi shares her insightful journey and offers invaluable advice on harnessing the power of play and digital tools to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation.

About Namya Joshi:

Namya Joshi is a dynamic 17-year-old from India who has revolutionized the way educators and students interact with game-based learning. As an official Minecraft Ambassador, she has designed and led workshops for over 15,000 teachers and students globally, demonstrating the educational power of Minecraft. Namya’s innovative approach to learning has garnered international acclaim, establishing her as a leading voice in educational technology and digital citizenship.

https://namyajoshi.com/

About Debi John:

Debi John is a dedicated advocate for the therapeutic power of play and the host of the Play Healing Podcast. With her expertise in play therapy and child psychology, Debi explores how integrating play into daily life can foster emotional growth, healing, and strong family connections. Through her engaging interviews, she provides listeners with insightful strategies for overcoming challenges and enhancing relationships through play.

https://www.playhealing.com/

Join us as Namya Joshi shares her insightful journey and offers invaluable advice on harnessing the power of play and digital tools to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation.

In this episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John converses with Coach Trevor Rocca, exploring the transformative power of the "Pause, Play, ConnectⓇ" model and polyvagal theory in high-performance lifestyles. Trevor shares his holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for individuals to explore their vulnerabilities and harness the healing potential of nature and connection.

Key Highlights:

Holistic Healing: 

Trevor discusses his intensive program designed to help individuals from a place of dissociation or struggle, integrating EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems) to facilitate deeper healing.

The Power of Nature:

Reflecting on his childhood in Gibraltar, Trevor underscores the therapeutic role of nature in his life and practice, advocating for physical therapy and outdoor activities as tools for co-regulation and emotional healing.

Pause, Play, Connect Model:

The discussion delves into the significance of pausing to listen to one's body, playing to rediscover joy and pleasure from simple activities, and connecting with oneself and others to foster genuine relationships.

Polyvagal Theory in Practice:

Trevor offers insights into applying polyvagal theory to understand the nervous system's response to stress and trauma, emphasizing the need for safety and compassion in therapeutic relationships.

Healing Through Connection: 

Both Trevor and Debi advocate for a compassionate and empathetic approach to therapy, stressing the importance of human connection, vulnerability, and the therapist's role in facilitating a safe space for clients.

About Trevor Rocca:

Trevor Rocca is a visionary coach who blends polyvagal theory and the "Pause, Play, ConnectⓇ" model with other therapeutic modalities into his practice, focusing on holistic healing and high-performance living. His unique approach involves intensive, personalized programs that incorporate nature, movement, and cutting-edge therapy techniques to help clients navigate life's challenges, achieve personal growth, and embrace the healing journey.

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-rocca-016216173/

About Debi John:

Debi John, the host of the Play Healing Podcast, is a passionate advocate for integrating play and therapeutic practices to promote healing and personal development. Through her insightful conversations with experts like Trevor Rocca, Debi explores innovative approaches to therapy, emphasizing the power of play, connection, and understanding the human nervous system for comprehensive well-being.

https://www.playhealing.com

Join Trevor and Debi in this thought-provoking episode as they discuss the critical role of safety, compassion, and connection in overcoming trauma, enhancing personal growth, and living a fulfilled, high-performance life.

Transforming Mental Health with Video Games the Play-Fuelled Way with Ryan Douglass

In this innovative episode of the Play Healing Podcast, Debi John delves into the digital realm with Ryan Douglas of Deepwell Inc., exploring how video games can revolutionize mental fitness through the "Pause, Play, Connect" model and the principles of polyvagal theory. Ryan shares his profound insights on the therapeutic potential of games, discussing the unique ability of digital environments to facilitate healing, promote mental well-being, and foster deep connections.

Key Highlights:

• Video Games as Therapeutic Tools: Ryan introduces the concept of video game therapy, highlighting how games like Minecraft serve as powerful platforms for emotional expression, learning, and healing.

• The "Pause, Play, Connect" Model Applied: The conversation explores how pausing to engage with video games, playing to explore and solve problems, and connecting within digital worlds can support mental health in unique ways.

• Polyvagal Theory in Digital Spaces: Ryan touches on the application of polyvagal theory to understand the safety and connection video games can provide, creating a space where players can experience vulnerability and healing.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity in Gaming: They discuss the importance of making therapeutic gaming experiences accessible to diverse populations, emphasizing inclusivity and the need for games that cater to a wide range of mental health needs.

• Future of Therapeutic Gaming: Ryan shares his vision for the future, where games are widely recognized and utilized as a legitimate tool for mental health support, highlighting ongoing research and development in therapeutic gaming.

About Ryan Douglas:

Ryan Douglas is the visionary force behind Deepwell Inc., where he combines his expertise in game development, medical device design, and a profound understanding of human psychology to pioneer therapeutic video game applications. Ryan's work is dedicated to unlocking the therapeutic potentials of play, leveraging gaming as a medium to address and alleviate mental health challenges, and promoting mental fitness on a global scale.

https://www.deepwelldtx.com

About Debi John:

Debi John, the host of the Play Healing Podcast, is a dedicated advocate for the transformative power of play in healing and personal development. With her expertise in play therapy and a passion for exploring innovative approaches to mental wellness, Debi curates conversations that inspire and empower listeners to integrate play into their lives for enhanced well-being and happiness.

www.playhealing.com

Join Ryan and Debi in this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between play, technology, and mental health, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights for harnessing the power of games to nurture mental fitness and well-being.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Play Healing Podcast, Debi John engages in a stimulating conversation with Sabrina Chevannes, exploring the fusion of the "Pause, Play, ConnectⓇ" model with entrepreneurship. Sabrina, a dynamic force as a successful business owner and chess coach, shares her journey and the lessons learned about fostering genuine connections, embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of incorporating real-life skills into our educational frameworks.

Key Takeaways:

• Genuine Connections in Entrepreneurship: Sabrina discusses her approach to building deep, meaningful connections within the entrepreneurial community, emphasizing the value of authenticity over superficial networking.

• The "Pause, Play, Connect" Philosophy: The conversation delves into how pausing to reflect, playing to explore new ideas, and connecting with others on a genuine level can enhance personal and professional growth.

• Incorporating Real-Life Skills into Education: Sabrina advocates for an educational overhaul that prioritizes real-life skills, resilience, and self-love, highlighting the gaps in the current system that focuses too narrowly on academic achievements.

• Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: They explore the importance of diversity in thought and the critical role it plays in fostering innovation and growth within teams and the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

• Navigating Perfectionism: Sabrina shares her personal struggle with perfectionism and how adopting a more flexible, play-fueled approach has opened up new avenues for creativity and success.

About Sabrina Chevannes:

Sabrina Chevannes is a multifaceted entrepreneur, founder of the creative agency Complex Creative, and a passionate chess coach. With her innovative venture, the No Bullshit networking events agency, Sabrina is on a mission to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem into a space where authentic relationships flourish. Her unique approach combines her diverse cultural background and extensive teaching experience, offering fresh perspectives on business, education, and personal development.

https://sabrinachevannes.com

About Debi John:

Debi John, the host of the Play Healing Podcast, is an advocate for integrating the "Pause, Play, Connect" model into all aspects of life. Through her insightful conversations with change-makers like Sabrina Chevannes, Debi explores innovative approaches to therapy, entrepreneurship, and education, emphasizing the transformative power of play and genuine connections in achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

https://www.playhealing.com/

Join Sabrina and Debi in this enriching dialogue that not only sheds light on the intersections between play, entrepreneurship, and education but also offers practical insights for navigating the complexities of modern life with authenticity and purpose.

In this enlightening episode of the Play Healing Podcast, host Debi John is joined by Dr. Amanda Gummer, an esteemed child development expert and the brain behind the Good Play Guide. This discussion delves into the transformative power of play, exploring the profound impact toys and play have on child development and how they can contribute to making the world a better place.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Childhood Memories and Play: Dr. Gummer shares cherished playtime memories, setting the stage for a deep dive into how these early experiences sparked her career path and passion for play.

• The Balanced Play Diet: Introduction to the Balanced Play Pyramid model – a comprehensive framework that emphasizes the what, where, and who of play. Dr. Gummer explains how a balanced play diet is crucial for healthy development, akin to a balanced nutritional diet for physical health.

• Addressing Modern Challenges: Examination of contemporary obstacles to play, including over-scheduling and the rise of digital play, offering insights into achieving a healthier balance of activities for children.

• Parent-Led Play and Learning: Strategies for parents to facilitate enriching play experiences without succumbing to the pressure of constant entertainment. The conversation highlights the importance of letting children lead play and discover their interests.

• Play-Based Learning in Education: Advocacy for extending play-based learning beyond early years into key educational stages. Dr. Gummer discusses research on play in education and its dwindling presence, proposing methods to integrate play throughout the educational journey.

• The Role of Adults in Play: Exploration of how adults can model playfulness and create an environment conducive to play. This segment provides practical tips for parents to engage with their children in play, enhancing family connections and fostering a playful household.

• Empowering Children Through Play: Encouragement for parents to allow children the freedom to lead their play experiences, fostering independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

• The Universal Importance of Play: A call to recognize play as a fundamental component of child development and well-being, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.

About Dr. Amanda Gummer: With a career dedicated to understanding and promoting the role of play in child development, Dr. Gummer is a leading figure in the field. Her work with the Good Play Guide aims to support parents and educators in selecting toys and activities that offer meaningful play experiences, contributing to the holistic development of children.

www.thegoodplayguide.com

About Debi John: As the host of the Play Healing Podcast, Debi John champions the integration of play into every aspect of life. Through her discussions with experts and advocates, she illuminates the critical role of play in health, education, and personal development.

www.playhealing.com

Join us as Dr. Gummer and Debi John unfold the layers of play, offering valuable insights and practical advice to nurture the next generation through the timeless and essential act of play.