Find your side quest

August 3, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Find your side quest

When's the last time you skipped? Not metaphorically—actually skipped, like a kid. At a rest stop, Sahara Monet, curator of a community play group called Let's Play NYC, found herself doing squats, jumping jacks, and lunges to the door, then wondered if she'd even remember how to skip. Her partner carries a rubber ball in his backpack when they travel, and they'll toss it around in train stations. "Why aren't we skipping more?" she asks. The question is the point.

This episode of Life Kit, hosted by Mariel Segata alongside NPR's Brittany Luce, explores the concept of the "side quest"—borrowed from video games, where it's a mission that deviates from the main storyline. You don't need it to finish the game, but it adds flavor, depth, and world-building. The central argument, developed with ethnomusicologist Kira Gaunt and play curator Sahara Monet, is that side quests are a form of adult play that matters precisely because they have no required outcome.

Side quests as practice in not knowing

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What you'll learn

1 (01:27) **Introduction: What is a Side Quest?** - Host Mariel Segata and Brittany Luce (NPR's *It's Been a Minute*) introduce the concept of a side quest, borrowed from video games, as a deviation from the main storyline that adds flavor and depth.
2 (05:27) **Why Side Quests Are Trending** - Kira Gaunt explains that side quests function as "play as practice for adults," centered on not knowing and releasing attachment to outcomes.
3 (08:12) **Takeaway 1: Side Quests as Play** - The first key takeaway: side quests are a way to practice play, embrace a beginner's mindset, and be okay with not knowing.
4 (10:25) **How to Brainstorm a Side Quest** - Advice on finding the right side quest by tapping into your inner child and past play preferences.
5 (12:22) **Takeaway 2: Think Like a Kid** - The second key takeaway: when brainstorming side quests, think about how you liked to play as a child and tap into that sense of curiosity.
6 (13:00) **When to Start a Side Quest** - The experts discuss the signs that it's time for a side quest, often triggered by life transitions or feelings of being stuck.
7 (14:47) **Takeaway 3: Signs You Need a Side Quest** - The third key takeaway: anecdotal signs include feeling like work is your life, venting constantly, feeling stuck, or experiencing physical tension and restlessness.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Kira Gaunt Sahara Monet

Show Notes

In gaming, a side quest is a mission outside the main narrative or goal that players can take for fun. In life, it functions similarly. It's a hobby or activity that doesn't have any purpose other than bringing more whimsy, sparkle and exploration into your life. In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra and Brittany Luse of NPR's It's Been a Minute talk to experts about how to find a side quest that builds your world's lore and brings you back to life.

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