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
Aug 8, 2022 • 57min
Stray - the Psychology of Playing a Cat
Send us a textThe Gaming Persona talks about Stray! This game has been sweeping across the gaming world as one of our first best opportunities to run around the post-apocalyptic streets as a cat. The charm and mental shifts of playing as a cat definitely have an impact on the player. The TGP hosts all review their interactions with animals in games, and reveal the specific ways animals are used to create the gaming experience.Gaming Library:Stray, Final Fantasy XIV Online, The Last Spell, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Prince of Persia, It Takes Two, Journey, The Last of Us, Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Monster Hunter, Sea of Thieves, Persona 5 Royal, Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto, Uncharted, God of War, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Last of Us: Part 2, Dark Souls, God of War: Ragnarok, Fall Guys, Alien Isolation, World of Warcraft, Tokyo Jungle, SporeSupport 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!
Aug 1, 2022 • 57min
Resident Evil and Survival Horror
Send us a textDr. Gameology reviews the Resident Evil franchise with Jenny and Gene. Research on problem solving and decision making is introduced to further the discussion of positive elements, even in games where players are running for their lives more than they are choosing to fight. Gaming Library:Resident Evil, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Nier: Automata, Phasmaphobia, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil Zero, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Fatal Frame, Resident Evil 5, Bioshock, Half-Life 2, Tetris, Dr. Mario, Medal of Honor, Everquest, World of Warcraft, Remission, Danganronpa, Assassin's Creed: Unity, God of War (PS2), God of War (PS4)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!
Jul 25, 2022 • 1h 2min
Understanding the Video Game Grind
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny review some of the games most notorious in the current gaming landscape for deploying grinding mechanics to extend gameplay interactions for their player base. The discussion extends to labeling different kinds of grinds, and each host shares their experiences being drawn in by these styles of game design.Gaming Library:Disgaea, Man of Medan, Until Dawn, Little Hope, Elden Ring, Sea of Thieves, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Nier: Automata, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Valorant, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, League of Legends, Street Fighter 5, Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, Final Fantasy VII, Farmville, EvonySupport 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!
Jul 18, 2022 • 1h 6min
Life Skills We Learn In Video Games
Send us a textWe use so many life skills to conquer the many problems we face each day. Some of these skills are actually taught to us by video games. Each time we practice a new skill, we potentially level up in our abilities to handle new situations more effectively. This episode, The Gaming Persona welcomes in a new cohost to join the weekly discussion - Gene Wong! Now as a three person panel, the TGP hosts seek to expand the catalog of games and bring in new motivation perspectives to the ever expanding discussion 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!
Jul 11, 2022 • 48min
Persona - The Psychology Of The Phantom Thieves
Send us a textThe Persona games are a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei JRPG series, and this game centers on the Phantom Thieves. The games focus on the journey of these high school students as they use their personas, creatures born from their minds, to explore the depths of their psyches. Along the way, they must face their demons and prevent impending doom. While the tone of these games can be dark, they also contain plenty of humor and lighthearted moments. They create a perfect blend of anime storytelling with psychology approaching mythological styles of conflict. In this episode, Dr. Gameology brings back his friend from many games, Gene, to explore the impacts and insights to be found from playing this beloved franchise. They explore the societal lessons, psychological themes, and the personal impact these games have had on their journey through their college years and life challenges.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!
Jul 4, 2022 • 50min
Ninja Player Types And Street Fighter
Send us a textNinjas prefer difficult challenges, but they also desire fast-paced decision making and competition. For them, video games are regarded as a testing ground for their abilities and intellect. In-game progression isn’t as important to ninjas as it is to most other player types. It is all about skill-based mastery, not in-game advancement. They're quick and nimble, and they like games that let them put their reflexes to the test. Games such as Street Fighter and League of Legends are perfect for the ninja player type. This episode of The Gaming Persona features Dr. Gameology and Jenny reviewing what it was like playing Street Fighter V head-to-head for their new Patreon bonuses. They run down what it takes to be a serious contender and make a mark on a worldwide game community. Tune in!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!
Jun 27, 2022 • 1h 12min
The Quarry - Player Choice & Games With Multiple Endings
Send us a textThe Quarry has been released this month! This decision-based video game with multiple endings features teenagers in a spooky campground trying to survive until the end of the night. Our guest host for the week, Gene Wong, joins Dr. Gameology to review some of their most memorable gaming memories with stories we play using our choices on the screen. Since Gene and Dr. Kaufmann have an extensive background in playing games together, they review how these games have given them goals to fulfill and leaderboards to climb. Player types continue to be a constant force on the show as well, as we explore Gene's Bard/Acrobat tendencies. Research on how game choices are structured gets covered to identify the many different ways player choice and multiple endings shape some of the most exciting narratives in the past two decades of video game storytelling.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!
Jun 20, 2022 • 52min
Black Mage Spells for Powerful Mental Health
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny discuss some of the most powerful mental health spells they have learned form their time in Final Fantasy XIV Online. This episode shares a tribute specifically to the Black Mage class, and how the metaphorical lessons in how we play fit into our daily lives.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!
Jun 13, 2022 • 60min
Streaming Games, Online Harassment & Mental Health With Dr. Michelle Fynan
Send us a textFemale gamers often report experiencing harassment during their times of playing video games online. For this episode, the Gaming Persona welcomes Dr. Michelle Fynan and her expertise on sex therapy issues to explore insights from recent research findings on why people watch streamers, and why it feels acceptable to behave poorly on the internet.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!
Jun 6, 2022 • 1h 8min
Welcome To The Psychology Of The Lands Between
Send us a textThere is a new game in town, and this year, it has become one of the most popular games released so far. Elden Ring is a Souls Style game published by From Software that gives the players a vast open world, the opportunity to build characters of various classes, weapon choices, and stat selection, and an intense difficulty curve to master en route to becoming Elden Lord. In this episode, Dr. Gameology and Jenny welcome their friend Wes also known as Baron von Dank, from the Alea Iacta Est Guild (AIE) to talk about how to have a healthy gaming persona in The Lands Between while recounting some of their memories of playing Final Fantasy XIV and Elden Ring. They dive deep into psychology, discussing the importance of having good mental health while existing in this space, as well as the challenges they faced and the strengths they gained from playing the game that shone through in others. Plus, they explore with us the characters and the storyline of Elden Ring, sharing their discoveries and insights on the gaming world as a whole. 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!
