The Science of Play: Live at Your Event
National Institute for Play speakers combine the science of play with immersive experiences to spark transformation in leadership, learning, culture, and well-being. Whether you’re hosting a conference, retreat, meeting or workshop, our speakers deliver dynamic events grounded in neuroscience, rich in interaction, and tailored to your goals.
Our Speakers
Dr. Stuart Brown, M.D.
Founder, National Institute for Play
Dr. Stuart Brown is a pioneer in the field of play science and the founder of the National Institute for Play. Though Dr. Brown has largely retired from public speaking, he occasionally participates in select high-level events, interviews, or virtual engagements. More on Dr. Brown. Please inquire for availability and rates.
Mia Sundstrom
Director of Play Transformation, National Institute for Play
Mia is a former Division 1 assistant coach and student-athlete at the University of Denver, where she has also developed and delivered a robust character and play education program for all undergraduate students at the University of Denver. Granddaughter of Dr. Stuart Brown, Mia is an experienced speaker for the National Institute for Play. She brings research, powerful storytelling, and charisma to every stage. Her sessions are interactive, neuroscience-backed, and tailored for impact. Check out Mia’s website to learn more.
Dr. Bowen White, M.D.
Board of Directors, National Institute for Play
Physician, clown, and sought-after speaker, Bowen helps audiences reconnect with their humanity through laughter, insight, and play. He is the author of Why Normal Isn’t Healthy, and coauthor of A Clinician’s Guide to Spirituality. His sessions invite healing, well-being, and authentic connection. More on Dr. White
Lauren Sundstrom
Board of Directors, National Institute for Play
Lauren Sundstrom is dedicated to carrying forward the legacy of her father, Dr. Stuart Brown. With a deep personal and the lived experience of the power of play, she is committed to our work. Lauren brings both heartfelt conviction and strategic insight to her role. She has participated in numerous events and interviews alongside her father and her daughter, representing three generations united by a shared belief in the science and necessity of play. Most recently, she served as a panelist at the 2024 Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City.
Lisa Forbes, PhD, LPC, RPT™
Associate Clinical Professor, Counseling, University of Colorado Denver
Lisa is a counselor, professor, play therapist, and author who hopes to redefine what play means in adulthood. She co-founded Professors at Play, a global faculty movement helping educators, therapists, and leaders use play to foster deeper connection, creativity, and resilience. Her upcoming book uncovers how cultural norms quietly steal play from our lives and why reclaiming it is an act of freedom and resistance. As a speaker, Lisa blends research, humor, and storytelling to invite audiences to see play not as frivolous, but as essential for thriving. Her sessions are engaging, thought-provoking, and designed to spark both laughter and lasting change.
Speaker Topics
- The Neuroscience of Play
Dive into what happens in the brain when we play, the consequences of play deprivation, and the benefits of prioritizing play in daily life. - Play for Innovation
Play ignites creativity and forges resilience. Discover how to leverage these strengths for your competitive advantage. - Play for Leadership
Play builds trust and empathy. Learn how to harness play to cultivate strengths of character and forge enduring, impactful leadership qualities. - Play for Community
Play helps dissolve our differences and reminds us how to work together. Learn how to use play to build culture and community. - Play for Well-being
Play supports emotional regulation, stress reduction, social connection, identity, and vitality. Learn to extract the health benefits of play.
Workshops
- Discover Your Play Style
Examine your unique play style and discover how to cultivate it authentically and meaningfully within your life and relationships. - Playful Pedagogy
Master techniques to leverage play as a powerful tool for teaching and coaching. - The Playful Culture
Dare to outthink your competitors by integrating play into your culture, operations, and brand identity through innovative workshopping. - Leading with Play
Become a values-driven leader by using play to build trust and adapt with agility in complex environments.
Book Us
Interested in bringing the powerful science of play to your next event? Email us with a little about your event (audience size, date, location) and how play fits into the overall agenda. Be sure to include your phone number; we’ll get back to you in short order.
