Explore the playful life of plants. Discover how gardening can be a source of fun, healing, and connection in this lively conversation with Maddie Cryer, a licensed clinical social worker and horticultural therapist. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of gardening, how to start small, and how nurturing plants may be the most fun you have this week.

• What is horticultural therapy?
• The history of horticultural therapy and its roots in post-WWI veteran care.
• Physiological and social-emotional benefits of spending time with plants and nature.
• Practical tips for beginners: start with houseplants or quick-turnover crops like radishes.
• The relational and playful aspects of caring for plants—plants as personalities, conversation partners, and mirrors.
• Why plants are fun!

Resrouces

Radicle Joy https://www.radiclejoy.com/

Colorado State Extension Gardening https://extension.colostate.edu/topic/garden-landscape/

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Danielle Scroggs, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and founder of Adaptive Gaming Consulting. Discover how adaptive gaming is transforming lives by making play inclusive and meaningful, and why fun is a vital part of recovery, identity, and social connection.

• What is adaptive gaming and who is it for?
• Why fun is essential in health, rehabilitation, and quality of life
• Common misconceptions about disabled gamers and their capabilities
• How gaming fosters social connection and community
• The significance of enjoying play competitively or leisurely, on your own terms

Resources

Adaptive Gaming Consulting - https://adaptivegamingconsulting.com/

Able Gamers - https://www.ablegamers.org/

Xbox Accessibility Resources -https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/03/01/introducing-xbox-accessibility-team/

Warfighter Engage Controllers - https://warriorengage.com/

Evil Controllers - https://evilcontrollers.com/

Join Dr. David Thomas, aka the Professor of Fun, as he takes you on a playful journey through some of the most imaginative and engaging architectural marvels. Discover how certain spaces are designed to invite play, spark curiosity, and allow visitors to craft their own meanings.

Resources & Links

Neuschwanstein Castle - https://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/index.htm

City Museum, St. Louis - https://citymuseum.org/

House on the Rock - https://www.thehouseontherock.com/

Disney Parks Official Site - https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/

Meow Wolf - https://meowwolf.com/

Museum of Jurassic Technology - https://www.mjt.org/

Connect with Dr. David Thomas david@thefunquestion.com