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Issue 6

July - August 2025

Play

We often think of play as the territory of childhood — toys and bikes, playgrounds and sandboxes, endless imagination. But play is vital for human flourishing at every age. It reconnects us to our joy and curiosity. It helps us cope with stress. It supports deeper, richer bonds with others. And it’s fun! So why does play often slip away in midlife? And how do we get it back?

Read editor's note

Life without play is a life without books, without movies, art, music, jokes, dramatic stories. Imagine a world with no flirting, no daydreaming, no comedy, no irony. It would be a pretty grim place to live.

Stuart Brown quoted by Catherine Price

Excerpt from "The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again"

Profiles

Chip Conley on midlife, joy, and a return to play

Because growing older doesn’t mean growing dull.

Peter Reek

Prefer Audio?

This issue has a playlist of all articles you can listen to. You can also find an audio option on every article page.

Editor's Note

Play in midlife: It’s closer than you think

Play is vital at every age—fueling joy, easing stress, deepening bonds. So why does it often fade in midlife? And how do we bring it back?

Annie Brandner

Lifestyle

Game on: A grown-up’s guide to board games

From coffee-table contests to late-night strategy sessions, board games are smarter and more beautiful than ever. Here's your guide to games that spark wonder, creativity, and a little healthy competition.

Ben Oldham

Relationships

The language of wonder: Rediscovering play as a parent

A slightly exaggerated facial expression. A willingness to be the bumbling sidekick. This is how we relearn the language our children speak most fluently: play.

Mary Van Geffen

Well-being

Growing desire: The power of playfulness in sexual well-being

Sex therapist Cherie Katt offers practical wisdom for inviting more playfulness and pleasure in the bedroom and beyond.

Cherie Katt

Well-being

The serious business of being silly

It’s not indulgent to seek levity and joy. It’s essential — especially for those in care roles. Joy and play are what fill us back up.

Eric Strom

Meaning

Improv your life

Every week, I need a double dose of courage to attempt Dutch while leaping over imaginary lava. Improv Your Dutch—terrifying, hilarious, and irresistible.

Sheila Carroll

Meaning

The Bright Side of 60

From Netflix-inspired choreography to tequila toasts and giant balloons, this 60th birthday was a tribute to joy in the middle of uncertainty.

Peter Reek

MOney

This is

Relationships

All of my laughter

What my dear friend’s death taught me about grief, beauty, and letting go.

Vanessa Caruso

Relationships

The language of wonder: Rediscovering play as a parent

A slightly exaggerated facial expression. A willingness to be the bumbling sidekick. This is how we relearn the language our children speak most fluently: play.

Mary Van Geffen

Work

Flow: When work becomes play

What if the secret to doing your best work wasn’t grinding harder—but rediscovering how to play? In the AI age, joy might be your edge.

Cameron Uganec

Lifestyle

Chef Dominique Ansel - The playful architect of pastry

Chef Dominique Ansel, known for his inventive pastry techniques, has redefined New York’s dessert landscape – combining French precision with creativity in every sweet creation.

Tiffany Thornton