Trust, Psychology, and the Power of Play—John Cooper on The Gang

2025-04-07

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 b...

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://linktr.ee/Cooperjohn

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

Comments (3)