Why Play Matters in Work — and Life with Brandi Heather

Why Play Might Be the Missing Piece in How We Work and Live

Most of us don’t think of play as something that belongs in adult life — especially at work. Somewhere along the way, play got labeled as childish, indulgent, or something we’re supposed to grow out of once life gets serious.

And yet… many of us are tired. Disconnected. Burned out. Grinding through days that are full but not particularly nourishing.

In this episode of Late Bloomer Living, I’m joined by Brandi Heather — a playful changemaker whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, resilience, and work culture. Our conversation gently challenges the idea that play is frivolous and invites a different question altogether: What if play is actually essential to how we stay human, creative, and connected as adults?

Rather than talking about play as an activity, this episode explores play as a state of being — one that affects how we show up at work, how we relate to others, and how we respond to stress and uncertainty. We talk about why the word play can trigger resistance in adults, especially high-functioning, responsible ones, and what that resistance might be trying to tell us.

This conversation is for you: 

• If you’ve ever felt a disconnect between who you are at work and who you are everywhere else…
• If you’ve noticed yourself performing adulthood more than inhabiting it…
• If you’re curious whether there’s another way to approach your work without blowing up your life…

I especially encourage you to listen all the way to the end. Brandi offers a simple invitation — not a big lifestyle change, not a productivity hack — but a way of noticing that can quietly shift how you experience your days. It’s one of those ideas that seems small at first… and then keeps echoing.

• You don’t need to add anything else to your calendar or to-do list.
• You don’t even need to like the word play.
• You just need a little curiosity.

Want to learn more about Brandi Heather and her work?

You can explore her work and offerings at https://www.brandiheather.com/ , connect with her on LinkedIn, or follow her on Instagram for insights on play, resilience, and creativity in work—and life.

You can also watch the full video version of this conversation on YouTube 

Curious to explore playfulness for yourself?

Join the PLAYshop waitlist — available as a self-paced video or a live experience — and discover your own key to feeling more playful, even while you’re working.