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The Brain Blown PodcastAuthor: The Brain Blown Podcast
Were Laine and Cherys, two licensed clinicians here to talk about why our brains do the things they do and how to use our minds to become happier & healthier people through the power of knowing more. Language: en-us Genres: Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Neuroscience of Play
Episode 3
Wednesday, 25 March, 2026
Most of us stopped playing long before we realized it — and it turns out, that might be costing us more than we know. In this episode, we're diving into the neuroscience of play: what it actually is (hint: it's not about the activity), why it's as fundamental to our biology as sleep and food, and what happens to our brains — and our lives — when we don't get enough of it. From dopamine and neuroplasticity to why boredom might actually be good for your kids, we're making the case that play isn't just for children. It's one of the most powerful tools we have for resilience, joy, and mental wellness — at any age.>> Support the Brain Blown on Patreon>> Have questions, stories, or topics you want us to cover? Email us at info@brainblownpodcast.com.>> Learn more at www.brainblownpodcast.comResources:The Importance of Pleasure in Play — Bruce PerrySelected Principles of Pankseppian Affective Neuroscience — Kenneth L. Davis & Christian MontagYes, We Need a Neuroscience of Play — Phillip Stevens Jr.Neuroscience and the Magic of Play Therapy — Anne L. Stewart, Thomas A. Field & Lennis G. EchterlingNeuroscience, Early Childhood Education and Play: We Are Doing It Right! — Stephen RushtonNeuroscience and Learning Through Play: A Review of the Evidence — Liu, Solis, Jensen, Hopkins, Neale, Zosh, Pasek & WhitebreadAdult Play: A Neuroscientific and Psychoanalytic Perspective — Ellen Park Psy.D.In Search of the Neurobiological Substrates for Social Playfulness in Mammalian Brains — Stephen M. Siviy & Jaak PankseppThe Playful Mediator, Moderator, or Outcome? — Shen & MasekRisky Play in Children's Emotion Regulation, Social Functioning, and Physical Health — Sandseter, Kleppe & KennairNational Institute for Play — Dr. Stuart Brown
