ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗
What is fun? What are the different ways people have fun? How can you have more fun?
THE FUN QUESTION? explores the art and science, the sociology and psychology, the design and practice of all things fun.
This is a show about the strange and powerful ways people engage in a life of meaning, play and fun.
Come have fun with Dr. David Thomas, the professor of fun, as he explores, tests, and teases out playful ideas and experiences from a roster of experts, adventurers, entrepreneurs, and playmakers.
Hosts:
Update frequency:
weekly
Average audio length:
41 minutes
Guest interviews
English
United States
19 episodes
since April 3, 2026
episodic
LATEST EPISODE 🔗
Get silly with clown Alistair Aitcheson as he expands what’s possible in audience-centric theater. Dig into why clowns can feel both joyful and unsettling, and how curiosity, audience trust, and failure turn a show into a shared act of play. In this episode, Alistair shares how clown training resha…
SEARCH PAST EPISODES
Search past episodes of The Fun Question.
PREVIOUS EPISODES 🔗
If you spend 20 years going to Burning Man, you develop a perspective on this massive Labor Day spectacle. In this episode, Lara Pearson shares her insights into what keeps this extraordinary festival fun, alive, meaningful, and continually inspiring.
Key topics
The evolution of Burning Man from…
Discover the surprising social and psychological effects of silent discos, from creating safe spaces for uninhibited dancing to fostering unexpected connections in a world obsessed with loud music. DJ and silent disco owner Mark Brudenell discusses how headphones can enhance personal expression and…
Dive into the immersive world of escape rooms with experts David and Lisa Spira as they explore what makes these experiences captivating, from embodied storytelling to innovative design. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the genre, discover why escape rooms continue to thrill and inspire.
…
What makes baseball parks special? Hear it from the man who has visited every major league park in America and hundreds of other parks as well. Step up to the plate with Paul Hamann, an avid fan, author, and expert on ballparks. Discover the stories, features, and cultural elements that make these …
Laurie Singer explains how recreation therapy taps into the innate human need to play, offering healing, joy, and connection regardless of age or ability. Can you have a full life without play? Find out how she connects the dots between well-being and fun!
Summary
• Laurie explains recreation the…
Explore the simple yet profound act of noticing with Patti Cryer, yoga therapist, joy seeker, storyteller, people gatherer, life observer, and sharer of small moments of attention and delight. Discover how collecting the small details around you can become a playful practice that enhances well-bein…
Discover why mini golf isn’t just a casual pastime but a vibrant culture full of design, storytelling, and community. Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus, aka Mr. T and the Pink Putter, share their love for the game that combines whimsy, nostalgia, and strategic play—bringing light to its accessibilit…
Dr. John Sharp explores the true meaning of fun, its role in perception, culture, and society, and how embracing vulnerability and play can transform our lives. John shares his insights on game design, aesthetics, social change, and the importance of play as a humanistic act. Discover fun as a mode…
Explore the playful life of plants. Discover how gardening can be a source of fun, healing, and connection in this lively conversation with Maddie Cryer, a licensed clinical social worker and horticultural therapist. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of gardening, how to start small, and how nur…
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from David Thomas, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
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