Rolling for Change - Geek Therapy's Transformative Gaming Podcast

Exploring How Games Can Be Transformational

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Gaming in the Star Wars Universe

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After a break in February, Rolling for Change returns with a new episode. This time we are geeking out over Star Wars gaming and Star Wars in general. We wanted to act while the fever is alive. However, whether you like the new episodes, or just want to stick to the classics, we discuss the value of being in the Star Wars universe and what it means as a gamer. We did not discuss video game adaptations unfortunately, but you can also find a number of opportunities to explore a galaxy far, far away, online and on home consoles. This episode we are joined by our new friend Dave Johnson who comes to us with a wealth of experience in Star Wars gaming and a solid understanding of the lore and mythology of the Star Wars universe.

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Gaming, Identity, and Loss

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In 100 years, none of this will matter. At Geek Therapy we are fond of saying media matters, and it does, but it is perhaps a temporary state of being that finds meaning in those things we consume. We self identify often with what we own. We say; This is me! This is who I am! But then when we discard those self identifying consumables; ‘the things’ we are easily thrown back on the question of who am I if not my clothes, my musical taste, my games, etc. In Hindu texts they talk of neti neti which means ‘not this, not that’. The direction is to ask yourself the question ‘who am I?’ over and over again in a sort of spiral towards identification of the true self as we strip off the layers of things and identities that we have taken on. There is really no end to the progression as we keep coming to the conclusion that I am not this, and I am not that.

Moving has placed me in a very visceral Neti Neti experience. This podcast is a direct expression of that. I doubt that we answer any burning questions herein. More likely its about a spiral of identity loss that I was feeling as I began to discard stuff and reset my life in a new home. I hope that the discussion has some resonance for you, or at least that we provide some momentary entertainment.

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Self talk and self esteem in gaming

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In this episode of Rolling for Change, Brian, Ginger, Suzi and Woody discuss the nature of self talk in gaming and the role it can play in sapping our energy and bringing down our gaming experience. They also suggest ways to mitigate this experience, and ways to combat negative self talk, both at the table and in your daily life.

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Games in Media

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Have you ever noticed how many times games show up in the media we watch. Its actually overwhelming. After recording this episode I became hyper aware of all of the times games are presented in media. As a culture we rarely talk about why they are there? What purpose do they serve? This episode is an exploration of that topic, along with the 3 of us geeking out about games that were created by media, as well as the intersection between media and gaming. It was a fun discussion and I think we all walked away with a new appreciation for the place games hold. I hope that is your experience as well.

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Games that change our lives

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The subject of games that change our lives is really the subject of nearly every episode of Rolling for Change, but in this case we talk about our own life changing experiences with gaming as well as stories from other amazing gamers who have shared their personal narratives with us. Games can and do sit at the intersection of pivotal life turns. Join us for this discussion into how those dynamics have played out for each of us personally.

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