empathy — Experience Points Podcast

Episode 149 Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng interviews Josefine Schwarzer, a German occupational therapist exploring how tabletop RPGs and LARPs support mental health. Josefine shares how role-play creates safe, expressive spaces that boost self-esteem and break from anxiety. She recounts clients using fantasy roles to assert themselves and even physical rehab sessions transformed into Minecraft sword battles. Together, they discuss “bleed,” storytelling’s power to build empathy, and how shared narratives deepen therapeutic bonds. Josefine highlights the inclusive LARP community and encourages playful approaches in therapy. The episode reveals games’ unique ability to connect, heal, and inspire personal growth.

Josefine Schwarzer, Therapy, TTRPGs, Self-Esteem, Connection, PlayfulnessDave EngOctober 19, 2025josefine schwarzer, therapy, roleplay, ttrpgs, empathy, self-esteem, connection, playfulnessComment

Episode 78 Applied Games-Based Learning

On today’s episode we’ll cover Applied Games-Based Learning. Games-based learning can be a powerful tool for educators. That’s because it allows them to use established games for teaching, learning, training, and education. But how exactly do you apply games-based learning? What specific learning outcomes can you target? What games are specifically available to meet the needs of your students?

games-based learningDave EngJanuary 29, 2023games-based learning, student centered design, gameful approach, empathy, chemistry, biology, physics, government, civics, arithmetic, numbers, sustainability, knowledge domainsComment