The Learning Geeks Podcast - podcast cover

The Learning Geeks Podcast

The Learning Geeksthelearninggeeks.podbean.com
The Learning Geeks podcast is dedicated to those that passionately support the world in experiencing better learning. The podcast is hosted by three learning professionals - Bob Gerard, Dana Koch, and Jake Gittleson. In each episode, we dedicate time to talk about the things impacting the learning world including new science, approaches, technologies, and ideas. Guests will appear, popular games and movies may be discussed, and geeks will laugh.
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Episodes

Jake’s Favorite: Bringing Learning Science to Life

In Jake's favorite episode from the show, we learn from Tessa Forshaw (originally recorded in Season 4) co-founder of Harvard University’s Next Level Lab. Tessa joined the show to discuss how to bring learning sciences to life. This is a goal of the Next Level Lab, specifically in workforce development and workforce career readiness. Tessa shares five focus areas and we dive into each including transfer, adaptive expertise, intelligence augmentation, agency, and disposition. We also discuss chal...

Dec 14, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 6

Dana’s Favorite: Mentorship and Learning’s Role in Employee Retention

In Dana's favorite episode from the show, we learn from Clint Pulver (originally recorded in Season 3) and his insights from interviews of over 10,000 employees in 180 organizations. Clint learned why mentorship and learning were reasons why organizations retain their employees. This work was part of his "Undercover Millennial" research which led to his book "I Love it Here". Throughout the show, Clint shares his insights from the research, and his experience as an author, leadership speaker, an...

Dec 06, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 6

Preview of Our Favorite Picks - December 2022

Jake previews our plan for the month of December and what we will be doing with our "favorite picks". CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com . DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own. AUDIO CREDIT "Seagulls Stop it Now" by Bad Lip Reading. Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/user/BadLipReading...

Dec 06, 202249 secSeason 5Ep. 6

S5 E05: The Neurological State of Immersion

Dr. Paul Zak returns to the show to discuss his continued work on the neurological state of Immersion. We discuss the latest research insights from 50,000+ brains, how immersion may affect how someone learns, proven and practical learning design strategies, and why cats can still give you an oxytocin boost despite common misconception. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at lea...

Nov 02, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 5

S5 E04: Playable Learning Revisited

Two experts in the field of games join the show to discuss learning games. Guests include Tad Leckman, Director of Learning and Development at Activision Blizzard, and Micah Sawyer, Games-based learning, simulations, and immersive experience designer at Root. We discuss various types of learning games, why gamification is not fun, marrying game mechanics to reinforce learning, testing games, pro tips, and more. CONNECT WITH US --------------------- If you have any feedback or want to join in on ...

Oct 18, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 4

S5 E03: The Benefits of Scaffolding and Why it Matters

Lisa Christensen returns to the show to discuss a simple, yet extremely effective learning support technique that more people beyond the learning profession should learn and master: scaffolding. We discuss what scaffolding is, why it’s important, why it matters to your organization, and practical examples of scaffolding in our everyday lives. CONNECT WITH US --------------------- If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywo...

Sep 28, 202228 minSeason 5Ep. 3

S5 E2: Why It’s a Great Time To Be a L&D Professional

With many people moving into the L&D field, pondering a change, or questioning if they should stay, the three of us each share why it’s a great time to be an L&D professional. We share why we love it so much, what you can learn, and why it continues to grow. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com . DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our ...

Sep 06, 202222 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Star Wars Aftershow: Bob’s Voyage on the Galactic Starcruiser

The guys stuck around from their last recording to hear how Bob saved his pennies and bought a round trip ticket on the new Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World. Bob shares the details of the experience, the immersive elements, and how it links to learning and development. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com . DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are ...

Sep 06, 202212 minSeason 5Ep. 1

S5 E1: What the Data Tells Us About Trusted Leaders

Joe Folkman, psychometrician, author and expert in leadership assessments joins the show to discuss what years’ worth of data tells us about creating and maintaining trust in an organization, with leaders, and with people. He also shares how he measures trust, his ‘trifecta of trust”, trust in the pandemic, the relationship of feedback and trust, and much more. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood)...

Aug 17, 202226 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Season 5 Preview - Releasing August 16th!

Summer is almost over - which means we are back with a new season of the Learning Geeks. Jake shares a preview of what you can expect in the upcoming season which premiers on August 16th. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com . DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own. AUDIO CREDIT "Seagulls Stop it Now" by Bad Lip Reading. Check them out at ...

Aug 02, 20223 min

S4 E13: Teaching as a Work of Art

Simon Allardice, full-time author at Pluralsight, is a master at teaching through video. Simon is known for teaching technical training but approaches the medium much differently than what you typically expect. Simon shares his teaching and recording process and explains ways in which you can develop in this art form to effectively educate and entertain your audience. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhol...

Jun 28, 202232 min

Star Wars Aftershow: Why Obi-Wan’s Show is Better than Boba Fett’s

It's been awhile, but with so many things happening in the Star Wars universe, we have a lot to talk about! In this aftershow, we discuss why the Obi-Wan Kenobi series is a better show than the Book of Boba Fett. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com . DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of our own. READ BOB’s BATUUAN RECCE BLOG https://therecce.su...

Jun 28, 202215 min

S4 E12: Metabolizing the Metaverse

Krista Taylor, Immersive Learning Lead at Accenture, joins the show to discuss the Metaverse and its current and potential impact on learning. Krista and Bob break it down for us, including why it’s here to stay, implications on learning, case examples, why content and design matter, and what it’s not good for. Dana also shares the best Dad joke of all time… CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), o...

Jun 08, 202233 min

S4 E11: Practical Lessons in Brain Engagement

Mike Vaughan, Managing Director and CEO at The Regis Company, joins the show to discuss how to make the process of learning more impactful by engaging the brain more effectively. Mike shares his expertise in the L&D field and passion in researching and applying cognitive and neuroscience. We then specifically discuss why science is difficult to apply both as a learner and professional, your brain on simulations and the metaverse, and common misconceptions CONNECT WITH US If you have any feed...

May 18, 202230 min

Special Announcement: Field Trip at Galaxy’s Edge on June 24th 2022

It's happening! We are officially running our special Learning Geeks Field Trip at Galaxy's Edge, in Disneyland California on June 24th, 2022! In this bonus episode, we share the logistics, a little on what we will do, how you can stay informed, and more! Please reach out to Dana, Jake, and/or Bob directly or on LinkedIN for any questions. Visit https://tinyurl.com/galaxygeek to let us know of your interests and likelihood of attending. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in...

Apr 14, 20229 min

S4 E10: Bringing Learning Science to Life

Tessa Forshaw, co-founder of Harvard University’s Next Level Lab joins the show to discuss how to bring learning sciences to life. This is a goal of the Next Level Lab, specifically in workforce development and workforce career readiness. Tessa shares five focus areas and we dive into each including transfer, adaptive expertise, intelligence augmentation, agency, and disposition. We also discuss challenges in reskilling and learning in relation to emotional states, including during stressful tim...

Apr 06, 202233 min

S4 E09: The Foraging Learner - A Case Study

How often do you learn without a curriculum? Are you a foraging learner who is skilled on finding what and how you need to learn? That is what we are talking about on this episode with special guest, Harrison Gerard. Harrison, Jake, Bob, and Dana each share their stories on how they are learning today without a curriculum, how they embrace the challenge, how they develop feedback loops, and more. To close the show, we share more details on our 2022 Experience Design Workshop in June. CONNECT WIT...

Mar 17, 202233 min

S4 E08: Embracing Learner Agency

Learning designer, Suzy Robertson, from McKinsey & Company, joins the show to share insights from her research on learner agency and why it was a major predictor of success for organizations and institutions during the pandemic. We also discuss how to empower agency, why establishing trust is so important, promoting inclusive social structures, moving away from our reliance on collision moments, and more. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connec...

Feb 24, 202233 min

S4 E07: Unforgettable Onboarding

Global Onboarding Lead at Accenture, Katy Geraghty, joins the show to discuss what it takes create an unforgettable onboarding experience. Katy first defines onboarding then shares the importance of making a good impression, making it immersive, and sustaining onboarding throughout first year. We go in depth on Accenture’s use of Virtual Reality in their onboarding experience and how to incorporate storytelling as well. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversat...

Feb 08, 202229 min

S4 E06: The Magic of Music in Learning

Composer and music director Kurt Heinecke joins the show to discuss the power and magic of music in learning. Kurt has spent most of his profession creating music for people to learn from. Kurt shares his work and experiences as a music director on Veggie Tales which is an animated show to entertain and teach lessons for kids, but also for families. We discuss why music can be a powerful learning tool, the process in creating songs, and ways music can be used for adults. LEARNING GEEKS “EXPERIEN...

Jan 20, 202233 min

S4 E05: 2021 in Four Easy Lessons

It is our yearly, end-of-year tradition to share the lessons we have learned, relearned, or improved upon from the past year. This year, Jake has a lesson on people development, Bob has a lesson on VR, and Dana has a lesson on personal connection and criticality of basics in our profession. LEARNING GEEKS “EXPERIENCE DESIGN WORKSHOP AT DISNEYLAND” We are seeking interested participants to join us at Disneyland on June 24th for a unique Experience Design Workshop. We would all visit Disneyland, i...

Dec 20, 202133 min

S4 E04: Nudge Theory and Cognitive Artifacts (feat. Susan Franzen)

On today’s episode, we are joined by Susan Franzen, VP of Strategy for Axiom Learning Solution, to discuss Nudge Theory – which is a shift in our thinking and environment that causes us to make better choices. Susan goes into detail on what it is, why it’s useful for learning and yourself, why it should not be used to manipulate, the role of cognitive artifacts, and best practices for your learning programs and strategy. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversa...

Nov 28, 202130 min

S4 E03: How to Learn Like an Intern (feat. Arya Bedi and Jackson Gerard)

We've talked a lot about the other 'ships' of learning, including mentorships and apprenticeships, but have yet to explore internships. We're joined by Jackson Gerard and Arya Bedi who have taken up an internship within L&D. While sharing their experiences, the learning techniques used by both are an inspiring lesson on how to apply the same tactics within our current roles, regardless of tenure. In essence, how might we always act like an intern? CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or ...

Nov 04, 202131 min

S4 E02: Responsible Assessments (feat. John Kessler)

When you hear assessments, you may think of that bad college exam or immediately stress at being judged, however, assessments can be essential for the learning process when used responsibly. John Kessler, Certification and Assessment Lead at Accenture, joins the show to discuss responsible assessments, what it means, the various ways to assess (e.g., learning checks, cognitive abilities, personality traits, skills), the art and the science of assessments writing, content validity/reliability, an...

Oct 14, 202131 min

S4 E01: Unlearn what you have learned (??)

Was Master Yoda wrong this entire time? Can you really unlearn what you have learned? We discuss this very question with special guest Clare Norman, Professional Certified Coach. We discuss the science of unlearning, why it’s something you can’t do, how you recognize that the old way of thinking is no longer useful, and how you have the courage to develop the new learning. MORE ABOUT CLARE NORMAN Website: https://www.clarenormancoachingassociates.com/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-...

Sep 21, 202129 min

S3 E16: L&D’s Role in Employee Experiences (feat. Joe Pine)

Joe Pine, co-author of “The Experience Economy” and co-founder of Strategic Horizons, joins the show to discuss the importance of Learning and Development and the role in employee experiences. In our chat with Joe, he explains the definition of experience, what L&D gets wrong with employee experiences, how the pandemic has impacted the types of experiences we expect, and more. MORE ABOUT JOE PINE Bio: https://strategichorizons.com/pine-and-gilmore/joe-pine/ Book: The Experience Economy, With...

Jul 20, 202133 min

S3 E15: Learning Technology and Science Trends in 2021 (feat. Alexandria Clapp)

Alexandria Clapp, content manager for Learning Technologies and Sciences at ATD, joins the show to share her top trends across the L&D and Talent industry. We discuss the meaning and potential impact for the industry and ways we can become catalysts for these trends. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeekspod@gmail.com . DISCLAIMER All thoughts and views are of...

Jun 30, 202135 min

S3 E14: Immersive Play, Brain Hacks, and Why We Love This Profession

On a beautiful spring afternoon, each of us came into the show with a topic to discuss for our version of an NPR open table discussion. Bob shares his return to Galaxy’s Edge and how it relates to immersive play. Dana and Bob share the story of Brain hacks and how we can teach our friends and family how to use them. And Jake shares why he feels privileged to be in this profession and why it has created some of the best learning opportunities for all three of us. CONNECT WITH US If you have any f...

Jun 03, 202137 min

S3 E13: The Journey from Knowing to Doing (feat. Bob Mosher)

Chief Learning Evangelist Bob Mosher joins the show to discuss the importance of bringing learning closer to work and how L&D can bring the most impact to the learner. Bob breaks down the 5 Moments of Needs, defining the meaning of ‘apply’, tips on finding the best subject matter expert, how to get started, and much more. CONNECT WITH US If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN, Twitter (@bobbyhollywood), or email our show at learninggeeks...

May 12, 202139 min

S3 E12: Why Cognitive Apprenticeship is New Again (feat. Lisa Christensen)

What was once old is new again – which is why we are discussing Cognitive Apprenticeship with Lisa Christensen, Director of Learning and Development at McKinsey & Company. Jake and Lisa completed a study last year to learn how Covid-19 has impacted learning through apprenticeship. As a result, Lisa went deeper into the field of Cognitive Apprentice to determine how it can make us more efficient and effective (both as the apprentice and teacher) in our everyday interactions. In addition, we d...

Apr 22, 202132 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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