Exploring Truth or Fate: The Relationship Game with a Psychological Twist
In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Schreiner, an innovative game designer who has taken the realms of psychology and mysticism to create a groundbreaking relationship-building game called "Truth or Fate." Schreiner's game aims to unlock deeper, more authentic connections between individuals, whether they are romantic partners, friends, or family members. By blending psychological insights with the mystical elements of tarot, Schreiner has crafted a unique experience that encourages vulnerability and fosters meaningful interactions.
Dan Schreiner's journey into the relationship-building industry began with his fascination with the complexities of modern relationships. Drawing from over a hundred psychology books, Schreiner has distilled key insights into a game format that is both engaging and transformative. "Truth or Fate" is designed to help players explore their past, present, and future, using stages that foster introspection and personal revelations. The game includes beautifully designed cards, each with a white side for instructions and an artistic side for tarot-like prophecies. This unique combination of psychology and mysticism creates a safe space for players to connect on a deeper level.
One of the pressing societal trends addressed in this episode is the decline in emergency contacts and dating among younger generations. Schreiner discusses how "Truth or Fate" can help counteract growing social apathy by prioritizing vulnerability and compassion in its mechanics. The game provides a comfortable escape route for participants, ensuring that they feel safe and supported throughout the experience. By encouraging players to share personal stories and confront their unconscious motivations, "Truth or Fate" aims to reveal personal truths and strengthen the bonds that connect us all.
The therapeutic value of curiosity, active listening, and caring in relationships is another key theme explored in this episode. Schreiner emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and the surprising lack of effort people often put into them. He shares personal anecdotes about promoting "Truth or Fate" and how strangers, when given the chance, deeply connect and are reluctant to part ways. This underscores our innate human need for connection and the power of genuine curiosity in fostering meaningful interactions.
Influential thinkers like Carl Jung, Viktor Frankl, and Esther Perel are also discussed in this episode, highlighting the profound impact of shared struggles and vulnerable moments on human connections. Schreiner explains how "Truth or Fate" draws from their insights to create a game that encourages truth-telling and the exploration of unconscious beliefs. By combining elements of tarot and fortune-telling, the game offers players a fresh perspective on their relationships and personal growth.
The episode delves into the intricate relationship between truth-telling, unconscious beliefs, and the mystical elements of fortune-telling within "Truth or Fate." Schreiner introduces the four categories of cards—truth, fate, choice, and the four horsemen—each designed to provide life advice and uncover destructive unconscious beliefs. Inspired by John and Julie Gottman's research on relationship dynamics, these cards help players navigate their interactions with greater awareness and empathy.
Schreiner also shares his thoughts on the duality of tarot reading and psychic abilities, balancing skepticism with openness to possibilities. He discusses the psychological impact of confident predictions and the satisfaction of being analyzed, while acknowledging the potential for manipulation. Despite this, Schreiner celebrates the welcoming nature of the tarot community and its therapeutic value in providing a space for open, honest conversations about future decisions.
In the final chapter of the episode, Schreiner reflects on the importance of viewing oneself through the lens of others' perspectives and the immense value of criticism for personal growth. He shares insights from books like "101 Essays to Change the Way You Think" by Brianna Wiest and "Hacking American Minds," highlighting the significance of community and understanding our emotions. Schreiner also provides updates on his current and future projects, including the launch of "Truth or Fate" and its upcoming expansion.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at the importance of human connection and the potential for games like "Truth or Fate" to transform our relationships. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer in the mystical, Schreiner's insights provide valuable takeaways on how vulnerability, curiosity, and compassion can lead to more meaningful interactions and personal growth.
You can listen to the episode below:
You can find Dan Schreiner at