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

1
Parrying Life's Challenges: From Expedition 33 to Writing Books 47:12

7d 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…

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

14d 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…

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

21d 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…

1
Offices and Controllers: Finding Our Home in Gaming 47:59

28d 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…

1
WrestleMania Week Gets the Gaming Persona Treatment 53:28

1M 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…

1
Gaming Backlogs & Broken Chains 1:02:28

1M 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 …

1
Finding Your Gaming Time Is Just as Important as Finding Your Professional Time 56:34

2M 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 …

1
The Struggles and Joys of Navigating Virtual Worlds 52:25

2M 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

2M 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…

1
Wrestling with Digital Identities: Moral Storytelling & WWE 2K25 46:42

3M 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…

1
What Happens When Your Channel Hits the Front Page? 40:43

3M 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

3M 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…

1
A Nostalgic Journey through Fighting Games and Life Lessons 43:02

3M 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…

1
Doc is a Twitch Partner!!!! - A Gamer's Path to Community and Success 58:09

3M 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…

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

4M 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…

1
Rediscovering Final Fantasy Through Personal Adventures 1:00:53

4M 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…

1
A Journey Through Genres and Consoles 56:42

5M 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…

1
The Fallout Series: From Pixels to TV Screens 41:49

12M 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 …

1
Powering Through Life's Quests with Lessons from the Gaming Universe 25:24

1y 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…

1
More Final Fantasy Talk (part 3) 49:18

1y 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…

1
Final Fantasy VII: Why This Game Matters So Much 58:40

1y 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 …

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

1+ y 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…

1
Cherishing our Virtual Companions: The Emotional Bond with In-Game Pets 35:36

1+ y 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

1+ y 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…

1
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Trailer Reaction: Metaphysics and Pursuing the Right Timeline 55:22

1+ y 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…

1
Me or the PS5: Gaming, Relationships, and the Quest for Harmony 44:27

1+ y 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…

1
Unveiling the Impact of Call of Duty and Video Game Violence on Society 52:15

1+ y 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

1+ y 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…

1
Exploring the Modern Gaming Landscape: AI, eSports, and Mental Health 45:46

1+ y 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…

1
Reviving Classic Games for the Modern Generation (featuring Robin Lavallée) 59:09

1+ y 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…

1
Confronting the Shadow Self: A Journey through Video Games and Personal Discovery 45:36

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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…

1
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…

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Life Lessons and Lasting Memories: The Hidden Power of Video Games 52:26

2y ago52:26

52:26

Send us a text Ever wondered how our gaming memories can influence our lifespan? Tune in as we take you on a journey through the riveting world of video games. We discuss our recent encounters like Overwatch 2, Legends of Runeterra, Darkest Dungeon 2, and Diablo 4, and ponder the crucial factors of a successful game experience. Reflecting on our ga…

1
Why Don't Games Work: Crashing Games and Navigating Disappointment 44:25

2y ago44:25

44:25

Send us a text Why don't games work when we're most excited to play them, and how do gaming communities recover from this disappointment? Those are the burning questions we tackle in this week's Gaming Persona podcast, where we share our experiences with the latest Lord of the Rings game, Gollum, and reminisce about the nostalgic 90's X-Wings from …

1
Tears of the Kingdom Stole My Friends 49:32

2y ago49:32

49:32

Send us a text This week, we're discussing the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We'll be taking a deep dive into Hyrule and what we expect for this new edition of the BotW formula. Plus, we'll hear from Dr. Gameology about what it was like to restart playing both BotW and FFXIV games at the same time. Join us this week as we di…

1
A Link to Mindfulness 49:28

2y ago49:28

49:28

Send us a text The latest episode of The Gaming Persona will discuss the positive mental health experience of playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. We'll be talking about how this game encourages players to explore a wide-open world full of surprises and secrets, to take time away from the pressure of a linear narrative, and to appreciat…

1
Self-Determination Theory for Gaming 45:17

2y ago45:17

45:17

Send us a text This week, we talk about the basic concepts which form Self-Determination Theory and apply them to video games. Motivation, competence, belonging, autonomy, mastery. What do video games do for you? Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this…

1
Random Topic Generator 3 52:29

2y ago52:29

52:29

Send us a text This week, Dr. Gameology and crew return to the recording studio to talk about any random thing that comes to their mind. They go everywhere from Star Wars to Resident Evil, and end up some how on Space Mountain. Come listen to the chaos and support the show! Support the show If you would like to support the show and help us unlock a…

1
Guilds Help Create the Gaming Experience 55:29

2y ago55:29

55:29

Send us a text On this episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of guilds in gaming and how they can help create an engaging play experience. Important concepts like forming groups, conquering bigger challenges, or connecting with the social opportunities of endless virtual worlds, guilds can add something to the experience of any gamer and moti…

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Episode 100 of The Gaming Persona Podcast - Reflections and Projections 1:18:50

2y ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Send us a text We have made it to Episode 100 of The Gaming Persona podcast! Join us while we celebrate the show's past success and future potential. The three hosts - Dr. Gameology / Dr. Daniel Kaufmann, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong - reflect on where the show started and where it is headed in the future. It’s a special edition of The Gaming Person…

1
Casual & Hardcore Player Types 1:06:28

2y ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Send us a text This week, we’re talking about the three types of video game players: Casual, Mid-Core, and Hardcore. We explore the differences between these types of gamers, how it impacts their experience and more. Join Doc and Gene while they dive into the exciting world of video gaming! Support the show If you would like to support the show and…

1
Nerd Nite and Superhero Critique (feat. Ricardo Williams) 1:06:09

2y ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Send us a text Come join us on The Gaming Persona podcast as we interview Ricardo Williams, the leader of Orlando Nerd Nite. We'll discuss what it takes to put on a show every month and get his take on some of the latest superhero movies. Ricardo will share his insider perspective on what goes into putting together an event like Nerd Nite, from org…

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Beating Video Games - Winning, Finishing, and Prolonging 48:47

2y ago48:47

48:47

Send us a text The Gaming Persona podcast dives deep into the many ways players beat video games, with an in-depth look at the three main paths to success – Winning, Finishing, and Prolonging. We'll discuss how players can achieve victory in a game by winning; what it takes to complete a game, from initial steps to finishing touches; and how prolon…

1
Solo Gaming & Psychological Effects 58:48

2+ y ago58:48

58:48

Send us a text Join us this week on The Gaming Persona podcast as we dive deep into a new research study on solo gaming and the various psychological effects of game playing. We are joined by doc student from Mount Mary University, Tyler Secor, to review the most important gaming experiences in his journey to starting as a counselor educator and ga…

1
Music & Video Games 53:59

2+ y ago53:59

53:59

Send us a text In this episode of The Gaming Persona, we discuss how music is used in video games. We take a look at some classic titles and explore how the music helped to define the game's atmosphere and narrative. We also dive into the role of licensed soundtracks, composers, and sound designers in creating unique audio experiences that leave an…

1
Dead Space Remake is Out...And It's Terrifying 51:57

2+ y ago51:57

51:57

Send us a text The horror survival game Dead Space has been a fan favorite since its release in 2008. Players take on the role of engineer Isaac Clarke, who must survive an intergalactic mining ship infested with alien creatures known as Necromorphs. This third-person shooter combines gore and jump scares with intense psychological elements, creati…

1
How Persona Games Play with Psychology 52:42

2+ y ago52:42

52:42

Send us a text The Persona franchise has released on the current console generation, and now everyone can play Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal with greater access than ever before! This week, the podcast explores what these different games have to say about life, relationships, and growing up. What does Persona get really …

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Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology Podcasts

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