Jane McGonigal on How Video Games Can Make Us SuperBetter

with Guest

Episode Details

Show Notes

Gamers rejoice! Bestselling author, video game designer, and TED talk superstar Jane McGonigal stops by to discuss her research on the positive effects of gaming. Jane is a goldmine of science-backed information on how games can fight depression and PTSD, encourage creativity and help to achieve real-world goals. We get personal as Jane shares the struggle with a traumatic brain injury that led her to create the sensationally popular video game and book SuperBetter, which have helped over 500k people live healthier and happier lives. We also cover topics like post-ecstatic growth, finding your passion, turning your life into a game, the importance of struggle, and well-being.

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“Jane McGonigal, PhD is a world-renowned designer of alternate reality games — or, games that are designed to improve real lives and solve real problems. She believes game designers are on a humanitarian mission — and her #1 goal in life is to see a game developer win a Nobel Peace Prize. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World (Penguin Press, 2011) — and is the inventor and co-founder of SuperBetter, a game that has helped nearly half a million players tackle real-life health challenges such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injury.” – Blurb taken from http://janemcgonigal.com/meet-me/

Seven core insights

What 11 years of conversation
revealed

01
Being over DoingThe richness of presence and inner life over constant productivity.
02
Creativity over EfficiencyMaking space for imagination and originality in a world that prizes optimization.
03
Self-Actualization over AchievementBecoming the fullest version of yourself, not just reaching the next milestone.
04
Deep Fulfillment over HappinessPursuing meaning and depth rather than fleeting positive feelings.
05
Self-TranscendenceGoing beyond the self to serve something larger — the highest expression of human potential.
06
Meaning & CompassionThe threads that run through every great conversation — purpose, connection, and care.
07
Human PossibilityThe unwavering belief that every mind is capable of far more than we’ve been told.

Jane McGonigal on How Video Games Can Make Us SuperBetter

Show Notes

What 11 years of conversationrevealed

Guest

11 years ofhuman possibility

What 11 years of conversation
revealed

11 years of
human possibility