Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Cas Holman (on being playful)
Oct 29, 2025
Cas Holman, a pioneering play designer and author of 'Playful', shares her insights on the profound role of play in both children and adults. She discusses the twelve play types, highlighting how deep play helps us process fears and drives innovation. Cas also delves into the importance of creating open-ended play systems that foster identity exploration, and how being playful is a form of resistance against societal pressures. Tune in for her practical tips on reconnecting with playfulness and the power it holds in our lives.
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Galápagos To Cranbrook Shaped Her Path
- Cass left college, lived in the Galápagos studying iguanas, then returned to finish in fine art and feminist theory.
- That nontraditional path led her toward design and a craft-based graduate program at Cranbrook.
Maury, Drag, And Finding Workplace Acceptance
- Cas worked as a drag performer and appeared on Maury Povich while holding a corporate job.
- Her office celebrated her appearance, proving she could be both a businessperson and her full self.
Big Blue Blocks Let Kids Rebuild Playgrounds
- Cas described creating big blue foam blocks so kids could redesign the playground daily.
- She used industrial-scarred beams in the pop-up to keep texture while allowing child-led construction.
