More PlayFull Than Ever, Ep.2: Recess for Grownups: Spark Play for the Adults in Your Life (and Your Organization) & Change Everything
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts | Pocketcasts | RSS | RadioPublic | I Heart Radio
More PlayFull Than Ever, Ep.2: Recess for Grownups: Spark Play for the Adults in Your Life (and Your Organization) & Change Everything
Join Kristine Michie as she dives into the world of play with Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks. Together, they explore how play can transform schools, workplaces, and communities by fostering joy, resilience, and connection. From adapting play for virtual platforms during the pandemic to partnering with nonprofits nationwide, this episode offers an inspiring look at how small, playful changes can create big, meaningful impacts. And don’t miss our chat about how scaling requires sharing – another thing we learned in learned in kindergarten.
Key Takeaways:
Play fosters belonging, creativity, and socialization, benefiting individuals of all ages and helping to build stronger communities.
Sharing tools and methodologies with partner organizations can amplify the reach and impact of any initiative, proving that collaboration often yields better results than competition.
Embedding playful practices in professional settings, such as team-building games and creative icebreakers, humanizes interactions and strengthens organizational culture.
There is a rising recognition of play's essential role in mental health, socialization, and creativity, particularly in helping individuals and communities recover from prolonged isolation or stress.
Play is a natural, instinctive behavior across all ages, offering a powerful way to build relationships and foster community.
Shared playful experiences dissolve formal barriers, enabling individuals to connect as equals rather than through rigid roles or titles.
Openly sharing resources and innovative practices encourages collective success, rather than protecting ideas for individual or organizational gain.
"Play is a way to build relationships and connections. It's a way to see each other as humans, as opposed to titles in an org chart." — Elizabeth Cushing
"We know that when we play well with others, good things happen." — Elizabeth Cushing
"We have a motto: 'Play works for every kid,' and that has a double meaning. It means that it does work for every kid, but also that we stand for every kid getting to play [regardless of who’s providing the tools or toys]." — Elizabeth Cushing
More about Elizabeth Cushing:
Elizabeth Cushing is the CEO of Playworks, a national organization leveraging the power of play to transform children’s well-being. Recognizing that play is vital in learning to relate to each other, Cushing works to ensure all kids have equitable access to a safe and healthy recess experience at school every day.
Connect with Elizabeth Cushing:
Website: https://www.playworks.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playworksrecess
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cushing-7945b68
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeRecessCount
Twitter: https://x.com/Playworks
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/playworksorg
Connect with Kristine:
Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/
Sources from this episode:
[Article] Share Your Secret Sauce by Elizabeth Cushing: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/share_your_secret_sauce
Golden State Valkyries: https://valkyries.wnba.com/
Learn Your Play Personalities Quiz: https://nifplay.org/what-is-play/play-personalities/
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
