The Fun Question

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.

The Fun Question is a arts podcast hosted by David Thomas, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

David Thomas hosts The Fun Question, a arts show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #18

  Lara Pearson - Burning Man

  Aug 4, 202642 minS1

  If you spend 20 years going to Burning Man, you develop a perspective on this massive Labor Day spectacle. In this episode, Laura Pearson shares her insights into what keeps this extraordinary festival fun, alive, meaningful, and continually inspiring. Key topics The evolution of Burning Man from 35,000 to 70,000+ participants and its increasing scale of art and fire displays The core principles that maintain its community-focused, leave-no-trace philosophy The dynamic relationship between play, ritual, and the sacred at Burning Man How Burning Man fosters genuine human connections amidst harsh desert conditions The influence of regional burns and decompression events in spreading the culture Practical insights on experiencing Burning Man virtually and preparing for the adventure The role of brand protection and community governance in safeguarding the event's ethos Personal stories of transformative moments, including iconic art cars and temple releases How the principles of Burning Man can inspire civic engagement and community in everyday life Resources Brand Geek - Laura’s law firm https://brandgeek.net/ Burning Man 10 Principles - The guiding ideas of the festival https://burningman.org/about-us/10-principles/ Burning Man Survival Guide https://survival.burningman.org/ Fun Survey - An ongoing study of how peolpe play and have fun, sponsored by The Fun Question https://forms.gle/V3ZQqYie9BsMd5iF6

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  Episode #17

  Mark Brudenell - Silent Disco

  Jul 29, 202642 minS1

  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 social bonding, challenging our assumptions about typical nightlife. Key Topics The core appeal of silent disco: freedom, ambiguity, and choice How silent disco creates a safe space for uninhibited dancing The social magic: connecting strangers through shared music channels The culture of headphone LEDs and their role in social signaling The psychology behind feeling more free and intimate with headphones Practical uses: silent discos at festivals, weddings, and corporate events The future of silent disco, including potential renaissance and cultural shifts TWhy headphones reduce social anxiety and encourage boldness How silent discos challenge traditional notions of community and personal space Prankster moments and social experiments in silent disco settings Resources Totens, a town in England https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totnes Playposium https://www.playposium.com/ Emile Durkheim's Collective Effervescence - Explore social theories related to communal joy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_effervescence

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  Episode #16

  Lisa and David Spira - Escape Rooms

  Jul 22, 202648 minS1

  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. Key Topics: Origins of escape rooms The core of a good escape room: embodied story and player immersion Shift from lock-and-key to creative narrative-driven experiences The importance of collaboration over competition in escape room design The blending of immersive theater, video games, and storytelling techniques Regional variations and genre classifications within escape rooms Elements of quality: set design, signposting, player onboarding, and Chekhov's props The role of time constraints and adaptive difficulty for player retention The appeal of escape rooms: fantasy adventure, social bonding, and real-world adventure Practical tips for newcomers: how to choose the right escape room and have a memorable experience Resources: Room Escape Artists https://roomescapeartist.com/ The Reality Escape Convention (Recon) https://realityescapecon.com/ Morty App https://morty.app/ Live Cinema: Zone 51 https://livecinema.fr/en/#/ Top Escape Rooms Project https://terpeca.com/2025/ Lisa and David on Marriage Therapy Radio https://marriagetherapyradio.com/2026/01/27/ep-409-no-one-wins-alone-lessons-in-partnership-from-escape-room-experts-david-and-lisa-spira/ Chekhov's gun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun

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  Episode #15

  Paul Hamann - Baseball Parks

  Jul 16, 202643 minS1

  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 parks special and how they can inspire you to have even more fun with the sport of baseball. Main Topics: Why baseball parks are called parks instead of stadiums Paul's personal quest to visit all major league and minor league ballparks What makes a ballpark memorable: architecture, location, stories, and community The importance of place in creating fun and meaningful sports experiences Features that define great ballparks: views, history, unique design elements The potential for sports stadiums to borrow storytelling and heritage strategies from baseball The debate: spectacle versus tradition in sports venues Resources & Links: Paul’s Ballparks - A Substack documenting Paul’s views and reviews of baseball parks https://paulsballparks.substack.com/ Fenway Park — Iconic stadium with the Green Monster https://www.mlb.com/redsox/ballpark Target Field — Example of modern stadium design blending tradition and fun https://www.mlb.com/twins/ballpark Banana Ball — A new world of entertaining of baseball https://thesavannahbananas.com/ Amy Mann's Super Ball — Paul’s walk-up song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJB-P9TuWE&t=5s

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  Episode #14

  Laurie Singer - Recreational Therapy

  Jul 1, 202645 minS1

  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 therapy as a legitimate modality aligning with clinical outcomes • Success stories of recreation helping individuals with severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, regain hope and purpose • The vital role of recreation in mental health, reducing stress, and strengthening human connections • Addressing barriers, including societal perceptions, lack of accessibility, and personal constraints • The importance of integrating universal design in outdoor and recreational spaces • Challenging the notion of leisure as something earned, emphasizing recreation as a fundamental human right Resources & Links Laurie Singer Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-singerctrs/ High Fives - Organization helping injured adventurers return to activity https://highfives.org/ Universal Design in Recreation - Principles for Inclusive Outdoor Spaces https://universaldesign.org/ American Disabilities Act (ADA) - Accessibility legislation and guidelines https://www.ada.gov/

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