Best Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology Podcasts (2025)

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Morning Grind, Midnight Games 49:39

Play Pause

2d ago49:39

49:39

Send us a text What happens when your morning routine is harder than a raid boss and your alarm is literally a mini-game? We pull back the curtain on how we protect time for play, work, and creation—sometimes by snoozing five times, sometimes by grabbing coffee at 4 a.m. You’ll hear how we gamify wake-ups, why stable tech beats flashy plugins, and …

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We Become More When We Play Together 16:36

16d ago16:36

16:36

Send us a text What if the clearest path to better teamwork starts with a boss fight? We dive into the worlds of MMORPGs and squad shooters to show how tanks, healers, and DPS reveal a practical framework for collaboration you can use at work, in school, and at home. Choosing a role in a game is more than a loadout; it’s a promise to your group abo…

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Skins, Swords, and Buyer’s Remorse (But Mostly Skins) 56:43

26d ago56:43

56:43

By Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology

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Modern Mythology, Real Therapy: Rewriting the Hero’s Journey with a Controller 20:05

1M ago20:05

20:05

Send us a text What if the controller in your hands is more than entertainment—what if it’s a clinical tool? We dive into how video games create a safe, structured space for growth, where failure is feedback, flow builds focus, and stories teach the mindset shifts therapy aims to unlock. From the fog-drenched tension of Silent Hill F to the classro…

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Video Games Are Education in Disguise 21:00

1M ago21:00

21:00

Send us a text The boundaries between education and entertainment blur as Dr. Daniel Kaufmann (Dr. Gameology) takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the cognitive benefits of gaming in this premiere episode of Solo Quest. Drawing from his extensive background as a clinical psychologist and passionate gamer, Dr. Kaufmann introduces us to th…

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How Small Studios Deliver Big Experiences: The Hollow Knight Phenomenon 51:32

1M ago51:32

51:32

Send us a text The Gaming Persona crew explores the stark contrast between $20 indie games like Hollow Knight Silksong breaking Steam records while many $70 AAA titles struggle to deliver comparable experiences. Marcus shares his unexpected journey from organizing pickup hockey games to being offered a position managing ice rinks, highlighting how …

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Digital Journeys That Changed Us Forever 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

Send us a text MarcusB814 and Dr. Gameology discuss how certain video games can profoundly impact players psychologically, creating lasting emotional impressions and sometimes even changing how we view the world. • Hollow Knight: Silksong release briefly crashed Steam, sparking a discussion about "2D Dark Souls" games and gaming settings • Marcus u…

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Triscuits and Destiny: Sampling Everything Games Can Be 43:27

2M ago43:27

43:27

Send us a text Dr. Gamology, Doritos, and Marcus explore the psychological motivations behind gaming and how our digital personas reflect our real-world needs and desires. • Why we play games: socialization, escapism, stress relief, and validation • The concept of psychological flow and how it explains gaming enjoyment • How content vaulting and fr…

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Gaming Identities & Character Creation 33:14

2M ago33:14

33:14

Send us a text We explore the fascinating psychology behind who we become when playing games, from character creation choices to gameplay styles and completionist tendencies. • Character creation preferences vary significantly between players – some create mirror images of themselves while others prefer to play as characters completely different fr…

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Why We Still Pay for Games That Don't Exist Yet 33:23

3M ago33:23

33:23

Send us a text We dive into the evolving landscape of video game pre-orders and whether they still make sense in 2025 when digital downloads have replaced physical copies and day-one patches have become standard. • Discussion of nostalgic midnight release events at GameStop versus today's digital pre-order incentives • Exploration of cosmetic pre-o…

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The Sacrifice of Play 46:15

3M ago46:15

46:15

Send us a text Gaming becomes a reflection of who we are as we explore the digital personas we adopt in different games. We dive into the games currently captivating us and why they hold such personal significance. • The Nintendo Wii as possibly the most revolutionary gaming system ever created • How the Wii changed the way people interact with gam…

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From Pixels to People: How Nostalgia Shapes Our Gaming Identity 50:21

3M ago50:21

50:21

Send us a text Dr. Gamology, Marcus, and Doritos explore the powerful nostalgia of the games that shaped them and reflect on dramatic graphical evolution from early pixels to modern photorealism. They examine how gaming experiences from childhood created lasting preferences and identities. • Marcus shares how NHL hockey games on Super Nintendo fost…

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Game Mechanics or Shopping Mall? The Fortnite Conundrum 59:11

4M ago59:11

59:11

Send us a text Three gaming enthusiasts dive deep into what makes certain games addiction machines while leaving others abandoned after mere hours of play. We explore the psychology behind our gaming habits and debate whether microtransactions should be considered legitimate game mechanics or just economic exploitation. • Fortnite as a "shopping ma…

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Rage Quits and Refunds: When Games Just Aren't Worth It (Nightreign Edition) 55:56

4M ago55:56

55:56

Send us a text Breaking free from the constraints of desk-bound gaming, this episode explores how the Steam Deck is revolutionizing gaming accessibility for busy adults. Marcus details his journey selecting the perfect portable gaming device, ultimately choosing the Steam Deck for its impressive library compatibility and performance. The freedom to…

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Through Victory, My Gaming Chains Are Broken 45:36

5M ago45:36

45:36

Send us a text Dr. Gamology and Marcus explore the struggle of maintaining gaming backlogs as busy adults with competing priorities, reflecting on how they've adapted their gaming habits to fit limited available time. • Discussing the tension between wanting new games and having no time to play them • Finding that most adult gaming happens during s…

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Parrying Life's Challenges: From Expedition 33 to Writing Books 47:12

5M ago47:12

47:12

Send us a text Dr. Gamology and Marcus explore how gaming challenges parallel real-life growth, examining what our digital personas reveal about psychological development and personal identity. • Comparing the difficulty of Expedition 33's perfect parry system to the challenge of writing and editing a book • The psychology behind the "I've got this…

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Behind Every Victory Screen: The Emotional Journey of Mastering Difficult Games 1:02:48

6M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Send us a text MarcusB814 and Dr. Gameology dive deep into the emotional highs of conquering difficult games, specifically the journey to becoming Elden Lord after two years. They explore how different game styles create unique psychological experiences and why certain victories feel so meaningful. • MarcusB814 shares his emotional reaction to fina…

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When Difficult Games Teach Us About Life's Challenges 1:17:13

6M ago1:17:13

1:17:13

Send us a text The Gaming Persona podcast explores the intersection of gaming difficulty, life lessons, and personal growth through a wide-ranging conversation about current gaming experiences and wrestling entertainment. •The Gamer's Journey is the WINNER of the Psychology Category at the International Impact Book Awards for April 2025!!! •Reflect…

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Offices and Controllers: Finding Our Home in Gaming 47:59

6M ago47:59

47:59

Send us a text MarcusB814 and Dr. Gameology explore the connections between gaming interfaces, personal spaces, and what motivates us as gamers during their most introspective episode yet. Their conversation weaves through controller preferences, creating ideal gaming environments, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. • Marcus tries Fortni…

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WrestleMania Week Gets the Gaming Persona Treatment 53:28

6M ago53:28

53:28

Send us a text Dr. Gamology and Marcus dive into the intersection of gaming and wrestling during WrestleMania week, exploring how wrestling has shaped their gaming mindsets and personal growth journeys. • Dr. Gamology reveals how he subtly incorporated Triple H's entrance theme philosophy into his book "The Gamer's Journey" • Both hosts share forma…

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Gaming Backlogs & Broken Chains 1:02:28

7M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Send us a text MarcusB814 and Dr. Gameology explore the psychological connections we form with video games and how our gaming habits reflect our personalities. • Gaming setups and workflow with discussion of Lenovo's Yoga Book laptop for mixing gaming and productivity • Trophy hunting in games like Journey, Heavy Rain, and Bioshock, and what these …

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Finding Your Gaming Time Is Just as Important as Finding Your Professional Time 56:34

7M ago56:34

56:34

Send us a text We dive into the pricing controversy of the Nintendo Switch 2 and debate whether $80 games are excessive or simply keeping up with inflation. Marcus shares his exciting progress in Elden Ring, reaching Crumbling Farum Azula after defeating the Fire Giant. • Nintendo Switch 2 announced at $450 standalone or $499 with Mario Kart World …

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The Struggles and Joys of Navigating Virtual Worlds 52:25

7M ago52:25

52:25

Send us a text Dr. Gamology and Marcus explore the profound relationship between our gaming habits and our authentic selves, revealing how the way we approach virtual challenges mirrors our approach to life itself. • Different gaming personalities: methodical completionists versus spontaneous explorers • Elden Ring boss battles as metaphors for per…

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When Games Were Just Games: The Lost Art of Play Without Pressure 52:14

7M ago52:14

52:14

Send us a text We explore why old games are being played more than new AAA titles, diving into nostalgia, content creation pressures, and the psychological appeal of returning to simpler gaming experiences. • The therapeutic effect of watching others play retro games like Tetris and Mega Man • How streaming transforms gaming from personal enjoyment…

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Wrestling with Digital Identities: Moral Storytelling & WWE 2K25 46:42

8M ago46:42

46:42

Send us a text Dr. Gamology and Marcus dive into the psychology of gaming personas, exploring how the characters we play reflect aspects of our true selves. They share excitement about WWE 2K25's new MMO-style island feature and discuss how professional wrestling storytelling mirrors character development in games. • WWE 2K25's innovative MMO-style…

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What Happens When Your Channel Hits the Front Page? 40:43

8M ago40:43

40:43

Send us a text An inspiring journey awaits as we explore the profound impact of gaming and streaming on personal growth with Dr. Gamology. He shares his exhilarating experience of appearing on the Twitch homepage and how it elevated his streaming career. - Dr. Gamology recounts his featured day on Twitch and its implications - Exploring the interpl…

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Elden Ring Tears: The Thrill of Defeat and Victory 1:02:22

8M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Send us a text Engaging in the emotional and psychological depths of gaming, this episode reflects on how titles like "Elden Ring" can transform our approach to resilience and personal growth. We share insights on the game's unique mechanics, character choices, and captivating quests that resonate deeply with players. • Exploring personal growth th…

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A Nostalgic Journey through Fighting Games and Life Lessons 43:02

9M ago43:02

43:02

Send us a text This episode explores the intersection of fighting games and personal growth, delving into the nostalgic experiences that shaped our understanding of skill and competition. Through discussions of iconic games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, we reflect on the valuable life lessons learned through gameplay and the significance o…

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Doc is a Twitch Partner!!!! - A Gamer's Path to Community and Success 58:09

9M ago58:09

58:09

Send us a text Our podcast dives deep into the world of gaming, focusing on how it shapes our identities and personal growth. We explore the connections between gameplay experiences and the life lessons that emerge, highlighting Doc’s journey to becoming a Twitch partner and Marcus's engagement with new gaming adventures. • Discussing Marcus' recen…

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Link's Legacy and Our Own Heroic Journeys 1:03:34

9M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Send us a text This episode explores the impact of 'The Legend of Zelda' on personal identity and societal themes such as courage, wisdom, and power, represented by the Triforce. The hosts delve into character evolution, psychological connections, and the franchise's cultural significance while also discussing gameplay experiences and the importanc…

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Rediscovering Final Fantasy Through Personal Adventures 1:00:53

10M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Send us a text Imagine facing a seemingly insurmountable gaming challenge, only to find victory through a fresh perspective. That's exactly what happened to MarcusB814 in our latest episode of the Gaming Persona Podcast, where he takes us on his triumphant journey back into Elden Ring. Meanwhile, Dr. Gameology finds himself engrossed in the mesmeri…

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A Journey Through Genres and Consoles 56:42

10M ago56:42

56:42

Send us a text This episode explores the psychological significance of game genres, revealing how our preferences mirror our identities as gamers. From the endless adventures of MMOs to the leveling experiences in RPGs, we discover how gaming cultivates both social connections and personal growth. • Introduction of the Gaming Persona Podcast and ho…

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The Fallout Series: From Pixels to TV Screens 41:49

1+ y ago41:49

41:49

Send us a text How do video game adaptations shape our identities and serve as modern-day myths? Join Dr. Gameology and Jenny LeBron on the Gaming Persona Podcast as we unravel the impact of gaming on who we become. This episode kicks off with updates from our recent gaming escapades. Jenny dives deep into her thrilling adventures with "Legends of …

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Powering Through Life's Quests with Lessons from the Gaming Universe 25:24

1+ y ago25:24

25:24

Send us a text Life's a game, and we're all players—sometimes leveling up, sometimes facing the final boss in the form of daily challenges. That's the essence we're exploring today, as I recount the rollercoaster of moving into a new home, creating a sanctuary for my gaming passion, and grappling with the bittersweet symphony of Final Fantasy VII's…

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More Final Fantasy Talk (part 3) 49:18

1+ y ago49:18

49:18

Send us a text Ever wondered how the virtual worlds we immerse ourselves in can shape our minds and behaviors? Join us this as week while we navigate the labyrinthine connections between psychology and gaming. We're returning from a hiatus with renewed vigor, and despite a few production snags, we're here to unpack the psychological intricacies tha…

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Final Fantasy VII: Why This Game Matters So Much 58:40

1+ y ago58:40

58:40

Send us a text Discover the profound legacy of Final Fantasy VII as we journey into the heart of its groundbreaking narrative and innovations that shaped the gaming industry. This week on the Gaming Persona podcast, we dissect the complex themes and emotional depth of a game that goes beyond entertainment, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by its …

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What is Final Fantasy? (Part 1): Entering Realms and Heroic Journeys 58:22

2y ago58:22

58:22

Send us a text This week, we're uncovering the layers of Final Fantasy, the iconic gaming series, revealing not just its influence on the industry but also its psychological tapestry that weaves into the fabric of our daily lives. Navigating the rich history of Japanese RPGs, we stroll down memory lane with Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, reminisci…

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Cherishing our Virtual Companions: The Emotional Bond with In-Game Pets 35:36

2y ago35:36

35:36

Send us a text The loss of a pet can pierce the heart with a sorrow as deep and raw as any we experience in our lives. Today, we dedicate our heartfelt episode to Gene's cat, Illyria, and embark on an emotional exploration of the profound connections we forge with our video game pets. We open up about our own experiences of pet loss, sharing those …

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Epic 2023 Gaming Memories and the Road Ahead 45:35

2y ago45:35

45:35

Send us a text This episode is a heartfelt journey through personal updates and gaming triumphs, as we review our "gaming persona" for a candid review of 2023. We're thanking listeners and Patreon supporters like you for your incredible support, and we're thrilled to reinvest that back into the podcast, bringing you richer and more engaging content…

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Trailer Reaction: Metaphysics and Pursuing the Right Timeline 55:22

2y ago55:22

55:22

Send us a text Ever grappled with your conscience during a game? This episode sees Gene and Doc recounting our latest gaming escapades, from the moral crossroads of "Abomination" to the celebrated "Baldur's Gate 3." Discover how board games can make you question your values and witness the transformation of a video game from its humble beginnings t…

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Me or the PS5: Gaming, Relationships, and the Quest for Harmony 44:27

2y ago44:27

44:27

Send us a text When the world of gaming collides with the delicate dance of relationships, where do you stand? That's the question Jenny Lebron and Dr. Gameology tackle as we dissect the "Me or the PS5" trend sweeping through TikTok in 2023. This episode isn't just about the memes; it's an eye-opener on how gaming fits into our lives and relationsh…

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Unveiling the Impact of Call of Duty and Video Game Violence on Society 52:15

2y ago52:15

52:15

Send us a text Is violence in video games, especially Call of Duty, instigating aggression in real life? Your hosts Dr. Gameology, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong unwrap this age-old debate in an absolutely thrilling episode of The Gaming Persona podcast. We'll be sharing our personal encounters with not just Call of Duty, but also our gaming adventure…

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Exploring the Power of Three in the Gaming Universe: 3rd Anniversary Celebration 57:57

2y ago57:57

57:57

Send us a text The magic number is three, as we explore the significance of threes in the gaming universe! Join us, your hosts Dr. Gameology, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong, as we mark our triumphant third anniversary with a vibrant discussion about our gaming journeys, the power of the number three in video games, and our top picks for the third inst…

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Exploring the Modern Gaming Landscape: AI, eSports, and Mental Health 45:46

2y ago45:46

45:46

Send us a text Are you ready to venture into the hero's journey of the modern gamer? This week, Dr. Gameology is joined by both cohosts, Jenny Lebron and Gene Wong, as they navigate through the exhilarating world of gaming. We tackle the fascinating role of AI in creating immersive gaming experiences and the concept of decision fatigue in gaming. N…

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Reviving Classic Games for the Modern Generation (featuring Robin Lavallée) 59:09

2y ago59:09

59:09

Send us a text Picture this: you're playing a classic video game on your new console, the familiar worlds and characters rendered in stunning modern graphics, the original gameplay intact. But how do these old games come to life in our modern systems? Robin Lavallée, CEO of Implicit Conversions, takes us behind the scenes of game preservation and p…

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Confronting the Shadow Self: A Journey through Video Games and Personal Discovery 45:36

2y ago45:36

45:36

Send us a text Ready for an adventure through the digital realms of video games with a psychological twist? Join us as we unveil the concept of the Shadow Self lurking in our favorite games, and we promise it won't be your typical podcast episode. We're bringing our personal experiences to the table, with Jenny sharing how she navigated the terrors…

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Gaming Through the Night: A Look at Sleep and Wellness 1:01:02

2y ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Send us a text Strap on your headsets and grab your controllers, we're venturing into the fascinating realm of gamer sleep cycles! Have you ever wondered why we gamers are stereotypically associated with late-night marathons? Or how that impacts our brain's reward system? This week, we're turning off our screens and delving into this intriguing sub…

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Exploring the Impact and Influence of Video Games with Stanley Pierre-Louis 48:49

2y ago48:49

48:49

Send us a text Uncover the extraordinary influence of video games on our lives, relationships, and even our culture with Stanley Pierre-Louis, CEO and President of the Entertainment Software Association. Stanley brings us exclusive insights from the ESA’s 2023 report, revealing fascinating data on video gaming trends and their impact on business an…

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Unraveling Perfectionism in the Gaming World 1:01:21

2y ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Send us a text Can your gaming experience be affected by your personal insecurities? Have you ever pondered the psychological implications behind your in-game choices? This episode addresses the impact of perfectionism and imposter syndrome on gamers, probing deep psychological layers of personal quests, from the gallant worlds of Magic the Gatheri…

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The Ultimate Return: The Profound Impact of Gaming on Personal Growth 48:06

2y ago48:06

48:06

Send us a text Brace yourselves for another thrilling journey into the world of gaming as Jenny, Gene, and Dr. Gameology make a grand return to The Gaming Persona! We spill the beans on our latest escapades - Jenny's transition to a new home, exhilarating gaming sessions, mastering Lord of the Rings, Magic the Gathering, and the Alien board game. N…