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The Fun Question

The Fun Question

Written by: David Thomas
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About this listen

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.

2026 David Thomas Art Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Drew Davidson - Scholarship

    Drew Davidson - Scholarship
    Apr 24 2026

    This episode explores how play shapes creativity, culture, and scholarship through Drew Davidson’s new publication Ludic Narrans. Drawing on 175 interviews with play makers, thinkers, producers and facilitators, it examines play as storytelling, social practice, and a vital force for innovation, connection, and reimagining how we live and work.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Dan Hamann - Music

    Dan Hamann - Music
    Apr 17 2026

    Dan Hamann is songwriter, composer, performer, musical appreciator. His most recent project is Between the Notes: An Attunement Night. What is it, how does it work and will it be any fun? We’re about to find out.

    Show Summary

    David talks with musician Dan Hamann about why music is fun, exploring how listening, performing, and practicing create playful experiences. Through intimate live music listening sessions and stories from Hamman's COVID_era album Lumbering Grace, they examine music as emotional play, social connection, shared attention, and a uniquely time-based art.

    Resources

    Lumbering Grace on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/1xxxQH2DNJ8dUD6h2f9MOz)

    Lawrence Welk Show

    (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvj7IdRiOIU

    Lawrence Welk, Linger Awhile

    (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jduZltQnJPQ)
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • What is Fun?

    What is Fun?
    Apr 12 2026

    What is fun? If fun is important, why do we talk about fun as if it gets in the way of serious work? Can you even define fun? These are some of the key questions we will explore in this background episode. The Fun Question: Answered
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    27 mins
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