Room Escape Artist

“ Apparently Kiki and Bouba is one of the few things that can pull us all together.”

If I showed you a sharp spikey object and a round blobby object and told you that one was named Kiki, and the other named was Bouba, which name would you assign to which object? In today’s episode, we explore the linguistic phenomenon of “Kiki and Bouba.” Almost universally, across many different cultures and languages, most people will associate these sounds to visual shapes the same way. Joining us today is seasoned improver and podcaster Adal Rifai, known for his podcasts Hey Riddle Riddle  and Gumshoes & Dragons that’s a bit like an investigative murder mystery in a D&D fantasy setting.

Today’s game is called Common Grounds, where players are given 4 phrases and must find the common word that connects them all.

Time Stamps

• 02:07 Game: Common Grounds
• 14:01 About Adal Rifai & Improv
• 21:52 Topic: Kiki & Bouba
• 27:58 Credits

Guest: Adal Rifai

Gumshoes & Dragons Website

Instagram: @adalrifai

X: @adalrifai

Adal Rifai is an improviser, podcaster, producer, and writer in Chicago. Adal teaches improv at University of Illinois at Chicago, is the creator and co-host of the podcast Hey Riddle Riddle, co-hosts the podcast Hello From the Magic Tavern as Chunt the shapeshifter and is the host of the Jackbox game Guesspionage. You can find him on social media @adalrifai

More Podcasts from Peih-Gee & David

If you enjoy PG’s Playhouse, check out Reality Escape Pod (REPOD), where your hosts David Spira & Peih-Gee Law explore immersive gaming from all angles, alongside guests with incredible experience in this realm.

And by supporting Room Escape Artist on Patreon, you’ll get access to the REPOD Bonus After Show ($5 per month and up) and the Spoilers Club ($15 per month and up) where we chat in depth with creators about iconic escape rooms… spoilers and all!

Production Credits

• Hosted by Peih-Gee Law & David Spira
• Puzzles by Peih-Gee Law
• Produced by Theresa Piazza
• Supported by Lisa Spira
• Edited by Peih-Gee Law
• Music by Matt Farthing
• Logo by Theresa Wagner