Playful Humans - People Who Play for a Living

A heartfelt conversation with Andrew Matthews, a best-selling author and happiness coach known for his unique blend of cartoons and self-help. Andrew's journey to happiness began with the realization that those who overcome life's biggest challenges often find the deepest joy. This insight inspired his first book, "Being Happy," which combines wisdom and humor to make personal growth more accessible. Hear how Andrew transformed rejection into worldwide success, with millions of copies sold in 48 languages, and learn how his passion for cartooning has powered his career in public speaking and inspiring others.

Our discussion with Andrew highlights the profound impact of resilience and creativity on personal growth. Embracing failure, envisioning a brighter future, and tackling life's difficulties one day at a time are key themes in his book "Bouncing Back." Andrew shares how art and humor can be powerful tools for storytelling and reflection, illustrating that what challenges us today might be what shapes us for tomorrow's success. Through humor and visual storytelling, Andrew's work encourages us all to pursue what we love with enthusiasm and creativity, reminding us that happiness is often found on the other side of adversity.
(02:18) The Pursuit of Happiness
(06:02) Understanding the Value of Uniqueness
(16:55) The Power of Cartooning and Humor
(20:01) Exploring Artistic Mediums and Techniques

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Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
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Don't you just love when play and work meld seamlessly? That's exactly what Marlene Sharp, our vivacious guest and the dynamo behind Pink Poodle Productions, gets to do every day! Join us as we venture into the fascinating world of stand-up comedy and merchandise-driven entertainment in LA, illuminating the highs, lows, and a few hilarious anecdotes along the way.
Ever pondered how toys, movies, and life in Hollywood blend? Well, it's not all glitz and glamour, as Marlene candidly shares. She spills the beans on her experience with a toy consultancy, revealing the stark reality compared to the childlike wonder we often associate with toys. From her exciting trip to the UK for Postman Pat the movie to the challenge of finding that perfect toy and toy movie, Marlene gives us an insider's tour of the toy industry.
What does the power of play look like for adults, and how vital is humor in our lives? Marlene, a true crime podcast enthusiast, explores these questions and shares her dreams of producing her own podcast. She also salutes the courage of investigative journalists, whose relentless pursuit of truth often leads them into perilous paths. As we wrap up, we touch upon the importance of self-care for entrepreneurs and the magic of a well-earned five-star review. Be ready for an episode packed with laughter, lessons, and a few surprises!
(0:00:17) - Playful Humans Podcast With Marlene Sharp
Marlene Sharp shares her experience of standup comedy and merchandise-driven entertainment and the importance of finding the right audience for humor.
(0:12:39) - Imagination, Toys, and True Crime Podcasts
Marlene Sharp discusses the importance of play for adults, the qualities of a good toy movie, and the power of true crime podcasts.
(0:19:32) - Humor and Playfulness in Adulthood
Marlene and I discuss humor, risk, toxic positivity, and play as an adult.
(0:28:10) - Pink Poodle Productions
We discussed the play's importance, creating a true crime podcast, and encouraged listeners to take our quiz and leave a review.

Buy the Playful Humans Book on Amazon!
Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
Get your copy now!

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

Get the best-selling book on Amazon!

Prepare to meet Little Ginger, the charismatic co-founder of Culture Puppets, as he shares his delightful journey of using puppets to transform workplace culture. Little Ginger's insights reveal how puppets can add humor and surprise to mundane Zoom calls, creating engaging and interactive experiences that capture attention. Discover how these charming characters serve as a refreshing alternative to human hosts, minimizing Zoom fatigue and promoting active participation through their playful yet slightly challenging dynamics.
David Minze, the other co-founder, joins us as we explore the evolution of puppetry and comedy, uncovering how a simple gift of meeting Little Ginger turned into an essential part of corporate meetings and initiatives. Our conversation includes anecdotes about stand-up comedy backgrounds and personal connections, highlighting how creative passions can blossom into professional success. This narrative underscores the power of playfulness and creativity, illustrating how these elements can enhance both personal fulfillment and workplace environments.
We cap off our exploration of playfulness with a whimsical dive into voice impressions and the joys they bring. Discover the magic of keeping playfulness alive through celebrity impersonations and entertaining young audiences. Alongside Little Ginger's lively antics, we encourage listeners to embrace their playful side and incorporate fun into their professional lives. Be inspired to explore emotional resilience through humor and play, and don't miss out on our playful survey question about parking lot etiquette, featuring Little Ginger's lively dance moves.
(00:12) Culture Puppets
(12:40) Evolution of Puppetry and Comedy
(17:46) Embracing Emotional Resilience Through Play
(22:20) Playful Puppetry and Voice Impersonations
(31:14) Playful Encouragement and Funadvice
(00:12) Culture Puppets
Puppets in workplace culture and meetings can reduce Zoom fatigue and spark curiosity, creating a fun and effective environment.
(12:40) Evolution of Puppetry and Comedy
Little Ginger, a puppet, became a beloved character in meetings and events, showcasing the host's background in comedy and turning creativity into a career.
(17:46) Embracing Emotional Resilience Through Play
Embracing all emotions, resilience in challenging environments, humor and play, and fostering resilience in children.
(22:20) Playful Puppetry and Voice Impersonations
Puppetry, voice impressions, and turning passions into careers are discussed, along with a playful game segment and parking lot etiquette.
(31:14) Playful Encouragement and Funadvice
Embrace your playful side, take the Playful Humans quiz, and share the joyful message with others.

Buy the Playful Humans Book on Amazon!
Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
Get your copy now!

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

Get the best-selling book on Amazon!

Colin A. Borden brings his infectious enthusiasm and creative insights to our latest episode, sharing his unique journey through the entertainment world. From his spontaneous introduction to acting at a childhood play audition to gracing screens with his dynamic performances, Colin's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion. As a seasoned actor and director, he offers a lighthearted look at balancing a career in Hollywood while maintaining an unyielding sense of playfulness and creativity.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we chat about Colin's unconventional rise to fame through the popular YouTube series "Dhar Mann," and his experiences working on the sets of major productions like "Better Call Saul." With a special nod to family collaborations, Colin recounts the joy of co-creating "The Get Up Show," a morning podcast for kids that intertwines music, mindfulness, and laughter. His experiences highlight how online popularity can be a stepping stone to broader Hollywood horizons, offering insights into the evolving landscape for influencers in the entertainment industry.
We round off the episode by exploring the essence of playfulness in Colin's work, underscoring the significance of enjoying the creative process over seeking external affirmation. Whether it's producing a delightful children's show or adapting to the unique challenges of radio entertainment, Colin emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and embracing the whimsical side of life. We're inspired to chase joy and infuse a spark of fun into our daily routines, reminding us all to go out and play.
(00:13) Playful Humans Podcast With Colin Borden
(05:35) Navigating Playful Careers in Hollywood
(19:09) Silly and Playful Kids Podcast
(23:12) Creating Joy Through Playful Work

Buy the Playful Humans Book on Amazon!
Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
Get your copy now!

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

Get the best-selling book on Amazon!

Unlock the secrets to achieving lasting personal transformation with Dan Storey as he shares insights from his book, "The Personal Transformation Blueprint." Dan, a motivational athlete on the verge of competing in the natural Mr. Olympian competition, reveals how to cultivate a playful mindset to enhance your journey through life. Discover how to find fun, flow, and fulfillment in your life and career along the way.

Step into the world of functional fitness and creative cooking with us, where we discuss balancing indulgence and discipline. Get ready for personal anecdotes about overcoming knee injuries and the power of planning for personal growth. From experimenting with plantains in the kitchen to incorporating balance-focused exercises into your fitness routine, there's something for everyone. We promise to inspire you to set bigger dreams, overcome imposter syndrome, and embrace the challenges of everyday life with a smile.

(00:11) Jokes, Bodybuilding, and Personal Transformation
(12:21) Functional Fitness and Creative Cooking
(24:11) The Power of Planning and Balance
Jokes, Bodybuilding, and Personal Transformation
This chapter features a lively conversation with Dan Story, an author, trainer, and motivational athlete preparing for the natural Mr. Olympian competition. We explore the insights from his book, "The Personal Transformation Blueprint," which focuses on creating powerful and lasting change in life. The discussion includes themes such as adopting a playful mindset, living one's best life, and finding fun along the way. The chapter kicks off with a humorous segment, sharing jokes, including a lengthy and engaging story about a young boy named Timmy, highlighting Dan's flair for storytelling. Through humor and meaningful dialogue, we aim to inspire listeners to seek fun, flow, and fulfillment in their own lives.
Functional Fitness and Creative Cooking
This chapter explores the balance between indulgence and discipline in diet and exercise. We discuss the temptation of using fat and sugar as a "cheat code" in cooking and the joy of experimenting with new ingredients, like plantains, while avoiding the pitfalls of raw plantain consumption. I emphasize the importance of creativity in the kitchen to avoid relying on default flavors. On the fitness front, we highlight the value of consistency with core exercises like squats and pull-ups while also incorporating variety for flexibility and injury recovery. Sharing personal anecdotes, I recount a knee injury from a football game that led to incorporating balance-focused exercises like single-leg squats and Bulgarian split squats. By applying the 80-20 rule to fitness routines, we maintain consistency while allowing room for playful experimentation to keep workouts fresh and effective.
The Power of Planning and Balance
This chapter focuses on the importance of having a realistic and flexible plan for personal growth, especially in fitness and health. We discuss how many people struggle because they lack discipline and set unrealistic timelines, leading to inconsistency and discouragement. By preparing for good, bad, and average days and accepting moments of weakness without harsh self-judgment, one can maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to goals. We also touch on the concept of getting "unstuck" in life by setting bigger dreams and overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing the necessity of taking consistent action toward becoming the person you aspire t

Buy the Playful Humans Book on Amazon!
Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
Get your copy now!

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

Get the best-selling book on Amazon!