#15-Sondheim: Ace Human Hacker, or Sondheim & Parlor Games

You are formally invited to my Sondheim game night party, already underway. Join previous guests David Spira, Kellian Adams, and James McCusker as we tackle and explore Sondheim's intricate world of parlor games, such as Running Charades, The Listening Game, Bartletts, Camouflage, Hostilities, and The Murder Game. Discussions touch on game history, clever designs, and the emotional nuances Sondheim orchestrated. Learn why Kellian calls Sondheim an “Ace Human Hacker” and why this is my favorite episode to date!  Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:57 Welcome to the Halloween Party 02:06 First Guests Arrive 04:58 Discussing Parlor Games 08:33 Exploring the Listening Game 14:23 Running Charades: Sondheim's Twist 18:26 Playing Bartletts: A Creative Challenge 27:23 Camouflage: Hidden in Plain Sight 33:57 Introducing the Game 'Hostilities' 34:38 Rules and Mechanics of 'Hostilities' 38:05 Reflecting on the Brutality of 'Hostilities' 47:11 Exploring the Murder Game 58:00 Sondheim's Approach to Game Design 01:03:24 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Club Drosselmeyer Melissa Errico Sondheim In the City The American Girl's Handy Book Stephen Schiff  Richard Maltby, Jr. Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along.  And please welcome our new line producer, Dennis Caouki. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices