The Power of Asking the Right Questions: Unlocking Stories and Gratitude - Allen Wolf (ep. 946)

Welcome back, Gratitude Seekers! In today’s episode we sit down with award‑winning filmmaker, novelist, and game creator Alan Wolf – the mind behind the wildly popular storytelling board game You’re Pulling My Leg. What started as a Christmas gift for two friends blossomed into a global hit, connecting hundreds of thousands of people through honest, hilarious, and sometimes surprising stories.

Alan shares how gratitude sparked the birth of his game, how asking the right questions can unlock hidden chapters of our lives, and why vulnerability is the secret ingredient to deeper connection. He also offers his timeless advice for younger listeners: “Things will change—keep moving, stay grateful, and trust the bigger picture.”

We’ll hear about the daily habits that keep Alan grounded—prayer, journaling, and a perspective that stretches beyond the self—plus practical tips for using his game to strengthen family bonds, friendships, and even virtual gatherings.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh way to spark conversation at the Thanksgiving table or a reminder that change is the only constant, this conversation will leave you inspired to see gratitude in every story you tell.

Grab your headphones, press play, and get ready to explore the power of gratitude, storytelling, and connection with Alan Wolf.

Resources:

Allen's book: https://allenwolf.com/

Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! 

What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!

Timestamps:

01:19 – Podcast intro & guest tease: Award‑winning filmmaker, novelist & game creator Alan Wolf.

02:19 – Alan’s quick intro & background.

03:34 – Story of creating “You’re Pulling My Leg” as a gratitude‑driven gift for friends.

04:46 – Realization that gratitude is at the heart of Alan’s creative journey.

05:43 – The power of asking the right questions to unlock life stories.

07:01 – Alan defines gratitude: thankfulness that goes beyond what we can see now.

08:11 – Seeing the bigger picture deepens gratitude.

09:29 – Origin of the game’s title “You’re Pulling My Leg” and its cultural equivalents.

11:27 – Game mechanics: coin flip decides true vs. made‑up story; players vote.

12:30 – Board games foster presence and genuine connection – a key to gratitude.

13:00 – A personal game anecdote reveals a friend’s hidden orphan‑adoption story, deepening appreciation.

14:14 – Using the game to explore family histories and personal identity.

15:16 – Why it’s hard to ask deep questions; the game provides over 600 prompts.

16:34 – Vulnerability in relationships creates deeper gratitude.

17:25 – Societal pressure to hide vulnerability vs. authentic connection.

18:44 – The game’s impact: even long‑married couples discover new facets of each other.

19:49 – Warning against digital distraction; real‑life relationships endure longer.

21:03 – Message to younger selves: Everything changes; stay the course and keep gratitude alive.

22:52 – Change is the only constant; it’ll move toward the better.

23:26 – Alan’s gratitude habits: morning prayer and journaling to reset perspective.

25:02 – Parenting perspective: kids lack the broader view we have; we must guide them.

26:22 – Balancing goal‑orientation with flexibility; trusting a larger perspective.

28:15 – Seeing people as gifts, not stepping stones; cherishing daily interactions.

30:11 – Game adapted for video calls – connecting even when physically apart.

31:01 – Where to find the game & Alan’s contact info (morningstargames.com, alanwolf.com, social media).

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