Cadre
Amy Makice, LCSW, and Kevin Makice explore concepts from Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT). The current theme is Playful Connections, an examination of play as a creative process of transformative connection and a key component of growth, resiliency, and joy.
Amy Makice, LCSW, and Kevin Makice explore concepts from Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT). The current theme is Playful Connections, an examination of play as a creative process of transformative connection and a key component of growth, resiliency, and joy.
Episodes

Feb 19, 2024
s01e02: Worldbuilding
Feb 19, 2024
Feb 19, 2024
20 min
Amy and Kevin dive into the first topic in the Playful Connections theme for 2024 ... Worldbuilding: Co-creating Context.
We use worldbuilding to connect in many ways, from our pretend play as kids or adults to conversations with friends in which we imagine our futures together and apart. Worldbuilding is a symbolic creation for healing and growth.
The scope and process of constructing an imaginary world varies greatly and often includes consideration of how we might be impacted by geographies, lore, sociopolitical structures, cultures, and technology. It's a fundamental aspect of many creative endeavors such as literature, film, video games, and tabletop role-playing games. It is also a crucial part of play that allows people to co-create imaginary and possible worlds together.
Some resources on this topic include:
Imaginary Worlds (podcast)https://www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org/ Sand Tray Therapy (article)https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/sand-tray-sand-play-therapy (1590 words) Build stronger D&D parties with The Session Zero System, a novel tarot-based game (article)https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/23399310/dnd-session-zero-system-gabe-hicks-ttrpg-kickstarter-release-date-price (850 words) How Afrofuturism Can Help the World Mend (article)https://www.wired.com/story/how-afrofuturism-can-help-the-world-mend/ (2975 words) Surprising benefits of worldbuilding, for your brain and your pocket! (article)https://blog.worldanvil.com/worldbuilding/surprising-benefits-of-worldbuilding-for-your-brain-and-your-pocket/ (1450 words)
Cadre is a podcast that explores concepts from Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), a psychological theory that started with Jean Baker Miller, and grew through collaboration and connection in places like the Stone Center at Wellesley College. RCT is built on the idea that people grow through and towards relationships, and that those relationships shape and are shaped by the cultures we co-create. Culture often creates challenges to connection through inequity and hierarchies.
Each year, the Bloomington Center for Connection selects a guiding theme for monthly small-group discussions of RCT concepts.
Amy Makice is the founder of Bloomington Center for Connection and a licensed psychotherapist based in Bloomington, Indiana. Amy offers individual therapy and parent support for people in the Bloomington area, workshops for parents and caregivers, and training on Relational Cultural theory.
Kevin Makice is a user experience designer and enthusiastic gamer who has been steeping in RCT for three decades.
Theme music created by Vlad Gluschenko ("Positive Thinking" and "Serpantine") and downloaded from Soundcloud through Creative Commons Attribution 3.0.
https://soundcloud.com/vgl9/positive-thinkinghttps://soundcloud.com/vgl9/serpantinehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en
Feb 19, 2024
20 min

Feb 8, 2024
s01e01: What is Play?
Feb 8, 2024
Feb 8, 2024
19 min
Amy and Kevin introduce the theme for the 2024 Relational Cadre and Summit hosted by the Bloomington Center For Connection. Playful Connections is an examination of play as a creative process of transformative connection. Play includes engaging in activities out of curiosity, and helps us develop clarity about ourselves and others and build stronger, more authentic relationships. It's a key component of growth, resiliency, and joy.
This episode reflects on some of the ideas that came from the first Cadre session in January 2024.
"The Fun Habit" by Mike Ruckerhttps://michaelrucker.com/
"Wired to Connect" by Amy Bankshttps://amybanksmd.com/
"Connected Teaching" by Harriet Schwartzhttps://harrietschwartz.com/
Register for the 2024 Relational Cadre https://www.bloomingtoncenterforconnection.org/advancing-rct/relational-cadre/
Cadre is a podcast that explores concepts from Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), a psychological theory developed by Jean Baker Miller and her colleagues at the Stone Center at Wellesley College. RCT is built on the premise that, throughout our lifespans, human beings grow through and toward connection, and that those relationships shape and are shaped by the cultures we co-create.
Each year, the Bloomington Center for Connection selects a guiding theme for monthly small-group discussions of RCT concepts.
Amy Makice is the founder of Bloomington Center for Connection and a licensed psychotherapist based in Bloomington, Indiana. Amy offers individual therapy and parent support for people in the Bloomington area, workshops for parents and caregivers, and training on Relational Cultural theory.
Kevin Makice is a user experience designer and enthusiastic gamer who has been steeping in RCT for three decades.
Theme music created by Vlad Gluschenko ("Positive Thinking" and "Serpantine") and downloaded from Soundcloud through Creative Commons Attribution 3.0.
https://soundcloud.com/vgl9/positive-thinking https://soundcloud.com/vgl9/serpantine https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en
Feb 8, 2024
19 min
About Cadre
Amy Makice, LCSW, and Kevin Makice explore concepts from Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), a psychological theory that started with Jean Baker Miller, and grew through collaboration and connection in places like the Stone Center at Wellesley College. RCT is built on the idea that people grow through and towards relationships, and that those relationships shape and are shaped by the cultures we co-create. Culture often creates challenges to connection through inequity and hierarchies.
Each year, the Bloomington Center for Connection selects a guiding theme for monthly small-group discussions of RCT concepts. The current theme is Playful Connections, an examination of play as a creative process of transformative connection. Play includes engaging in activities out of curiosity, and helps us develop clarity about ourselves and others and build stronger, more authentic relationships. It’s a key component of growth, resiliency, and joy.






