

The Gaming Persona
Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology
Welcome to The Gaming Persona, a unique podcast that traverses the exciting crossroads of gaming and mental health. With your host, Dr. Gameology, peel back the layers of the gaming world to discover its profound impact on our cognitive and emotional health. You'll understand how video games, far from being mere entertainment, can act as powerful tools for personal growth, stress relief, and mental resilience. Join fellow gamers and enthusiasts in thought-provoking discussions, unraveling the intricacies of game design, the psychology of gaming, and the surprising ways in which these elements influence our well-being. Immerse yourself in The Gaming Persona, the one-of-a-kind podcast that seamlessly blends the worlds of video gaming and mental health. Guided by our resident (but not evil) expert, Dr. Gameology, we endeavor to unlock the untapped potential of gaming as a catalyst for enhancing our mental resilience, stimulating personal growth, and promoting stress relief. The Gaming Persona is fascinated by the intricacies of game design, exploring the careful balance of challenges, rewards, narratives, and immersion that makes video games captivating experiences. Through engaging discussions, we illuminate the psychological aspects of gaming – the motivations, the emotional connections, and the gratification that players derive from their virtual adventures. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We also examine the transformative potential of video games on our mental landscapes. Drawing from a wide swath of research, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences, we highlight how gaming helps shape cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and social skills. The Gaming Persona is more than just a podcast. It's a platform for gamers and non-gamers alike to gain a new perspective on gaming - not as a mere hobby or a form of escapism, but as a powerful medium of self-improvement and well-being. Each episode of our show is meticulously crafted to provide a balanced blend of immersive storytelling, engaging discussions, and knowledge-packed content. We delve into the heart of game design, unraveling the intricate weave of elements that make video games a compelling form of entertainment and a profound tool for personal development.But we're not just about games. We're about you, the gamer. The Gaming Persona aims to cast a fresh light on the psychological facets of gaming that resonate with players. We decode the motivations, the emotional bonds, and the sense of fulfillment that gamers derive from their digital exploits. And it doesn't end there. As you tune in week after week, you'll discover the transformative power of gaming on cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and social connections. You'll hear from researchers, mental health professionals, game developers, and fellow gamers who share their insights, experiences, and personal anecdotes.Imagine a podcast that can simultaneously entertain, educate, inspire, and challenge your perspectives. That's The Gaming Persona for you. By making us a part of your weekly routine, you're embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, all while indulging in your love for video games.So, if you're ready to challenge the status quo and explore the intersection of gaming and mental health, join Dr. Gameology and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on this enlightening journey. So, why wait? Subscribe to The Gaming Persona today. Challenge your perspectives, enrich your mind, and game your way to mental resilience. With each episode, you won't just be playing; you'll be growing, learning, and evolving. Subscribe to The Gaming Persona now, and game your way to a healthier mind.#gaming #mentalhealth #thegamersjourney #wellbeing #gameology #gamingpersona #podcast #gamerlife #gamingcommunity #healthygaming #healthygamer #psychologyofgaming #continuethejourney
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 5, 2021 • 46min
Random Topic Generator
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny have no plan in this episode except to answer the call, acknowledge the road of trials, ascend then return. The topics are random and we explore a heavy dose of Reddit / Wallstreetbets and gambling in video games. Gambling addiction is a serious mental health issue, and while there are some light-hearted comments in the episode bordering on humor, the information about gambling addiction and recovery is shared seriously. Thanks everyone, and Continue the Journey!Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Jan 27, 2021 • 1h 1min
Discovery Motivation
Send us a textDr. Gameology and returning co-host Jenny review a type of motivation they do not often tap into: Discovery Motivation! The exploration of maps and enjoyment of the games scenery and secrets can be enjoyable if you stop fighting everything to take notice. Player types from a 2020 GDC report are reviewed as the framework for play styles in the ensuing conversation.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Jan 20, 2021 • 1h 11min
Game Friends Becoming True Friends
Send us a textFor the Gaming Persona this week, Dr. Gameology and first time guest Marcus from Working Class Nerds podcast discuss the development of their friendship over the last two years. Research support includes exploration of casual gaming friendships and how these can transition into mutually supportive friendships that extend beyond gaming. Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Jan 13, 2021 • 1h 9min
The Podcasters Share Their Journey
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny review how the framework of the monomyth can be used to connect with our own human timelines to develop courage to "Cross the Threshold." Special attention is given to the Sith Warrior class story from Star Wars: The Old Republic and then a specific lesson from the game Journey developed by Thatgamecompany and Santa Monica Studio.Continue the JourneySupport the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Jan 6, 2021 • 1h 15min
Games Are The Hero's Journey
Send us a textThe Hero's Journey as the Monomyth discovered by Joseph Campbell is a pathway to helping narratives in our fiction speak to the deeper calling of our being to be unique and find our purpose. Dr. Gameology and Jenny use this episode to explain why the Hero's Journey became the foundation of The Gaming Persona podcast as they apply the basic structure of the journey to four video games: Kingdom Hearts, The Last of Us, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Dec 30, 2020 • 1h 1min
The Gaming Persona Review of 2020
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny are in a much different spot at the end of 2020 than they were at the beginning. They take the time this episode to review the ins and outs of how this year changed their lives, created the show, and started the conversation of "who we become when we play games."Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Dec 23, 2020 • 57min
Crossing the Threshold of Final Fantasy 14
Send us a textJenny has created a character in Final Fantasy XIV, and so they have a new virtual world to reflect on the psychology of playing games together. Research findings are connected to the process of creating a character, gender-swapping in MMO games, and coming to appreciate the structures in a game that make the play engaging and facilitate connectedness between gamers and their communities.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Dec 18, 2020 • 52min
Games & Awards
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny talk about the Video Game Awards and some of the winners from categories that captured their thoughts this week. A conversation about mental health resources for game players is included, and at the 48 minute point Jenny remembers that she won an award (so please be happy for her on Facebook and Instagram). Continue the Journey!!Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Dec 10, 2020 • 1h 2min
We Tip Our Hats to Character Creation
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny played a game together this week, and then decided to talk about character creation. The gender, look, behaviors, and types of in-game challenges a character is created for were discussed alongside the Five-Factor Inventory for more personality context. This conversation explores why we cannot wear Christmas Bell or Wizard Nazi hats on our in-game and physical world characters. As a result, a basic connection to fandom moralities also makes an appearance. Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!

Dec 3, 2020 • 1h 6min
Personality and Video Games
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny explore the research study (FINALLY) that completed Doc's terminal degree which focused on the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to identify significant changes in a person's motivation areas for MMO style games. Several of the specific personality types receive direct discussion across the episode, but with more room to continue connecting the ideas to future gaming topics.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!