If you feel like adult life is just full of responsibilities, to-dos, meetings, and seriousness, you’re not alone. With busy schedules and the weight of the world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. In this episode of But For Real, Valerie and Emerson explore the relationship we have as play as adults, why it’s actually integral to your well-being and how to start inviting in joy again 🫶

This episode covers:

• 03:17 - Tea & Crumpets: Freaky Friday + Freakier Friday and Emerson’s screen free sauna/steam Sunday routine
• 07:08 - Step Into My Office: How can I get over the fear of looking stupid so that I can find fun?
• 12:57 - The DSM: The Serious Person’s Guide To Getting Silly Again
• 36:33 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAY!
• 38:11 - Em Pick: "Girl of Your Dreams" by Eli
• 39:19 - Val Pick: "H.Y.C.Y.BH?" by Tom Cardy
• 39:37 - Wait...What? - WTF does 67 mean?
• 42:52 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Tiffany Haddish’s She Ready Foundation + Henry the 1200 lb polar bear eating a giant pumpkin

Resources + Stuff  Mentioned in This Episode:

• Why We Play 
• Jack Panksepp
• Eli, pop’s new stage girl, is living her teenage dream | The FADER
• "Girl of Your Dreams" by Eli
• "H.Y.C.Y.BH?" by Tom Cardy
• Tiffany Haddish’s She Ready Foundation
• Henry the 1200 lb polar bear

Connect with Us:

• Send a story or ask for advice: [email protected] 
• But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
• Now That's What I Call... OKAAAAY Playlist
• The Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenter
• Val on IG: @valkaymartin
• The Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co 

DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.