On the NPR TED Radio Hour, Sunday 13th September, Newstalk FM

'Press Play' 

Does something serious happen when we play? 

Play-acting: 

Comedian Charlie Todd choreographs bizarre, hilarious, and unexpected public scenes. His group, 'Improv Everywhere', creates these moments of urban whimsy to bring people together. 

"Play is doing an activity that has no end goal other than the fact that it's fun" and that's what 'Improv Everywhere' is about. Charlie has gone to great lengths to discover the magic that happens when public play is initiated, including riding a subway in his underwear. 

Murderers don't Play

Dr. Stuart Brown is a leading expert on play. He says humor, games, roughhousing, and fantasy are more than just fun. He came to this conclusion after conducting some somber research about the stark childhoods of murderers.

Stuart, inspired by the life and times of mass murderer Charles Whitman, met 26 convicted murders in the notorious Huntsville prison to research whether play, or lack of it, can contribute to the development of a murder. 

Monkeying Around 

Primatologist Isabel Behncke explains how bonobo apes learn by constantly playing. She says play isn't frivolous; it appears to be a critical way to solve problems and avoid conflict.

Her research has extended beyond bonobos to include how adult humans play 'in the wild.'

When Jane McGonigal was bedridden after a concussion, she gave herself a prescription: play a game. She says games helped her get better; and for many of us, virtual games can improve our real lives.

Neuroscientist Jeff Mogil says the reason why is it so hard to feel empathy for strangers is because we're stressed by them. His research suggests one way to reduce that stress: play Rock Band together.

The TED Radio Hour, Sunday's from 6pm on Newstalk 106-108 FM.