Press Play : TED Radio Hour In this episode, TED speakers describe how all forms of amusement — from tossing a ball to video games — can make us smarter, saner and more collaborative. (Original broadcast date: March 27, 2015)

TED Radio HourTED Radio Hour

Life's biggest questions, explored.

What happens when we play? iStockphoto hide caption

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What happens when we play?

What happens when we play?

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In this episode, TED speakers describe how all forms of amusement — from tossing a ball to video games — can make us smarter, saner and more collaborative. (Original broadcast date: March 27, 2015)

Research finds playing a collaborative video game like Rock Band makes you more comfortable with strangers. Paul Sakuma/AP hide caption

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Paul Sakuma/AP

Jeff Mogil: How Can Playing A Game Make You More Empathetic?

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The group Improv Everywhere brings moments of spontaneous fun into the everyday. Courtesy of Charlie Todd hide caption

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Courtesy of Charlie Todd

Charlie Todd: Who's That Guy Riding The Subway In His Underwear?

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Dr. Stuart Brown says play is a "necessary part of being human." Courtesy of TED hide caption

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Courtesy of TED

Stuart Brown: How Does Play Shape Our Development?

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Primatologist Isabel Behncke Izquierdo says play helps to foster creativity, trust, and cooperation. James Duncan Davidson/Courtesy of TED hide caption

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James Duncan Davidson/Courtesy of TED

Isabel Behncke: What Can Bonobos Teach Us About Play?

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Game designer Jane McGonigal says we need to harness the beneficial aspects of video games. James Duncan Davidson/Courtesy of TED hide caption

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James Duncan Davidson/Courtesy of TED

Jane McGonigal: How Can Video Games Improve Our Real Lives?

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TED Radio HourTED Radio Hour

Life's biggest questions, explored.