Why Your Brain Needs Play: Creativity, Confidence & Connection with Rachael Renae
What if one of the most powerful tools for your brain health has been sitting on the shelf since childhood — and you just forgot to pick it back up?
In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA sits down with Rachael Renae— artist, play enthusiast, creative educator, and debut author of Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection — for a conversation that will change the way you think about play, creativity, connection, and what it truly means to care for your brain.
We often hear brain health advice centered on movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management. But how often are we told to write a haiku between meetings, make a seasonal play playlist, or simply follow the fun — just for the brain-building benefit of it? The science says we should be.
A former engineer with over a decade in her field, Rachael discovered that what was missing from her life wasn't a career change — it was play. This conversation is for anyone who has ever said "I'm not creative," "I don't have time for play," or quietly wondered why life feels a little gray lately.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
🧠 Why play is not frivolous — it is a brain-building practice backed by science
🧠 What play actually is and the key ingredients that make something truly playful for adults
🧠 Why every single person is creative, whether they believe it or not
🧠 What the brain loses across creativity, confidence, and connection when play disappears
🧠 How play supports stress reduction, emotional processing, neuroplasticity, and social bonding
🧠 How to find time for play using things you are already doing every day
🧠 Practical 5-minute play challenges — no equipment, no budget, no free afternoon required
🧠 What the "Friend File" is and how it addresses loneliness and social isolation
🧠 How to rewire your brain to seek wonder in everyday routines
🧠 The power of the seasonal "playlist" — a to-do list made up entirely of play activities
Key Takeaways
✔ Play belongs on your to-do list right next to the groceries and the bills
✔ Creativity is not a talent reserved for artists — it is a built-in human need
✔ Small, consistent, intentional moments of play rewire the brain toward curiosity and connection
✔ Non-zero play days are enough — one small playful moment today is a powerful place to start
Earn FREE CEs
This podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA Category 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode!
Resources
- Explore Rachael’s work and resources on her website
- Check out her new book, “Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection”
- Learn more about Rachael’s creative community, the Juice Box
- Listen to the “Chaotic Creatives” podcast on Apple & Spotify
- Connect with Rachael on Social media @RachaelRenae on Instagram
Learn more about our “A Kids Book About Brain Health” on our website and download our free coloring pages– fun for all ages!
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:
- Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast
- Leave a rating or review
- Share this episode with a friend, colleague, caregiver, or fellow brain health advocate
Explore Previous Episodes Related to the Topic of Play:
Episode 7: The Creative Path to Optimal Brain Health with Ty Hagler
Episode 27: The Fun Habit: Exploring the Science of Fun for Brain Health with Dr. Mike Rucker, Ph.D.
Thank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Rachael Renae for reminding us all that a more joyful, connected, and fulfilling life is only one playful moment away.