Why Play Matters in Work — and Life with Brandi Heather

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as playful — especially at work.

Play can feel awkward, indulgent, or like something we were supposed to outgrow. But what if that discomfort is actually pointing us toward something essential?

In this episode of Late Bloomer Living, Yvonne Marchese sits down with playful change maker Brandi Heather to explore why play feels so uncomfortable for adults — and why that resistance might be exactly the clue we’re missing.

For many of us, the word work no longer fits the shape of our lives — or it fits very differently than it once did. Careers change. Some end. Some slow down. But the work of living doesn’t stop. And neither does our need for creativity, connection, and a sense of aliveness.

Brandi spent over 20 years as a kinesiology and health sciences professor before bringing her work into organizations, helping teams use play (often without calling it that) to reduce stress, improve communication, and unlock creativity. This isn’t about ping-pong tables in the break room or forced fun. It’s about nervous system regulation, self-awareness, resilience, and creating environments — at work and beyond — where people feel confident, connected, and capable of doing their best work.

If you’ve ever thought, “Play sounds nice, but I have deadlines,” this conversation is for you.

This episode matters because play isn’t a luxury — it’s a missing piece in how we work, cope, and stay human as adults.