Trust, Psychology, and the Power of Play—John Cooper on The Gang
The Secret to Better Communication? Play More Games
Can a card game make you a better communicator? John Cooper thinks so. A retired NASA engineer turned game designer, John created The Gang, a cooperative twist on poker that reveals how we think, trust, and strategize under pressure. In this episode, we break down the psychology behind the game—how reading subtle cues can sharpen decision-making, why teamwork trumps individual genius, and what games teach us about real-life collaboration.
If you want to think faster, connect better, and spot patterns others miss, this conversation is for you. Join me, Izolda Trakhtenberg, as we explore creativity, curiosity, and the power of play in shaping how we work and interact. Tune in and get inspired to approach life with a sharper mind and a more open perspective.
Connect with John
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/411567/the-gang
https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/the-gang
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10996/zarcana
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/123/john-cooper
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14634/homeworlds
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/225/icehouse
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
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