The Good Leadership Podcast Practical Insights from Brown, Roediger, & McDaniel’s "Make it Stick” with Charles Good | TGLP #237
Today, we unpack the book "Make It Stick" by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel.
In this book profile, we explore the science-backed strategies that transform how we learn and retain information effectively.
Charles breaks down the counterintuitive research that reveals why our most common study methods don't work and what actually does. From debunking the fluency illusion to mastering retrieval practice, the episode uncovers evidence-based techniques used by top performers across business, sports, and entertainment to make learning truly stick.
Key topics include:
The fluency illusion - why feeling smart during learning doesn't mean you've actually mastered the material
Retrieval practice - how pulling information from memory strengthens long-term retention and transfer abilities
Spacing and interleaving - why breaking up learning sessions and mixing topics creates more durable knowledge
The power of reflection and learning from mistakes - how processing experiences deepens understanding and builds resilience
Calibration and avoiding overconfidence - keeping your self-assessment honest through feedback and practice testing
Learn from Charles's breakdown how to implement a practical learning routine that incorporates these research-proven strategies. Discover why embracing difficulty and mistakes accelerates growth, and gain actionable techniques for leading teams through effective training and development. Transform your approach to learning from passive absorption to active, spaced, and reflective practice that builds expertise over time.
Make It Stick Book: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Stick-Science-Successful-Learning/dp/0674729013
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Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com
Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/
Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:05) Tip: The Fluency Illusion - Why Easy Doesn't Equal Learned
(02:51) Technique: Retrieval Practice - CrossFit for Your Brain
(04:40) Tool: Spacing and Interleaving - Smart Learning Timing
(07:03) Tip: The Power of Reflection in Learning
(08:26) Technique: Learning from Mistakes as Fuel for Growth
(10:48) Tip: Calibration - Keeping Confidence in Check
(12:15) Tool: A Practical Learning Framework
(13:30) Tip: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Continuous Learning
(14:47) Conclusion
Keywords:
Charles Good, The Good Leadership Podcast, IMS, IMS Online, Make It Stick, learning science, retrieval practice, spacing effect, interleaving, fluency illusion, cognitive psychology, educational research, skill development, training effectiveness, learning retention, deliberate practice, growth mindset, team development, professional learning, evidence-based learning