

The Learning Geeks Podcast
The Learning Geeks
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2025 • 41min
S8 E2: The Future Belongs to Everyday Innovators
We welcome Dr. Tessa Forshaw (Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Rich Braden (founder of People Rocket LLC), co-authors of "Innovation-ish," to challenge the myth that innovation belongs only to Silicon Valley geniuses. After analyzing 80+ innovation frameworks, they discovered that most people don't recognize their own creative problem-solving abilities. We explore practical strategies for helping you see yourselves as innovators, overcoming cognitive caution, and fostering innovation even in traditional organizations. Learn more about the book at https://www.innovationish.com/.
00:00 Cold Open and banter
03:08 Introducing the Book 'Innovation-ish'
03:32 The Journey of Creativity and Innovation
05:56 Improv and Design Thinking
17:22 Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Organizations
19:58 The Challenge of Innovation in Organizations
21:34 Innovation Hesitation and Cognitive Caution
24:16 Balancing Risk and Innovation
26:24 Encouraging Metacognition in the Workplace
28:27 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration
33:05 Teaching Creative Problem Solving
38:17 Conclusion and Book Recommendations
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast
You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.
DISCLAIMER
All thoughts and views are of our own.

Sep 11, 2025 • 38min
S8 E1: New Beginnings (Allison's Version)
Allison Horn, Head of Talent Transformation at JP Morgan Chase and former managing director at Accenture, shares insights on navigating new beginnings. The conversation highlights the impact of AI tools like GPT-5 in daily tasks and education, emphasizing the need for critical engagement. They discuss balancing professional growth with technology amidst personal transitions and the evolving workplace culture. Additionally, Allison dives into stories of learning from the past eight years and how generational AI is reshaping creative processes.

Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Season 7 Finale: How to Start a Career in Learning and Development
Trina Wellendorf, an L&D veteran and leader at Accenture, shares her wealth of knowledge about embarking on a career in Learning and Development. She discusses various career paths and offers practical advice on landing internships. The conversation touches on whether grad school is worth it and emphasizes the importance of staying current with trends like AI in the field. Listen for tips on engaging learners effectively through storytelling and insights on finding companies that prioritize L&D.

9 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 36min
S7 E15 Part 2: Learning Trends for 2025 and Beyond (with Jessica Glazer)
Jessica Glazer, an author at McKinsey's Research and Innovation Learning Lab, shares insights from the Learning Trends Perspective Report. She explores the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding responsible AI adoption. The discussion emphasizes the importance of human skills like critical thinking in complementing technological advancements. Additionally, Glazer highlights the need for resilience and adaptability within organizations to navigate continuous change effectively, ensuring both individuals and teams thrive in the future workplace.

8 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 38min
S7 E14 Part 1: Learning Trends for 2025 and Beyond (with Jessica Glazer)
Jessica Glazer, a learning design expert at McKinsey with over 20 years in leadership development, joins the conversation to explore key insights from McKinsey's Learning Trends Perspective Report. They discuss three pivotal macro trends shaping the future: fluid development ecosystems that foster collaboration, the importance of responsible AI adoption for transparency and trust, and strategies for nurturing resilience within organizations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for supportive environments to enhance employee experience and effectiveness.

6 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 41min
S7 E13: Learning Practices to Put to Rest—or Resurrect
Dive into a lively discussion sparked by a Star Wars trip in Japan! The hosts explore outdated learning practices that should be put to rest and others worth resurrecting. They share insights from field trips, emphasizing hands-on learning through immersive experiences. The conversation critiques traditional e-learning and advocates for personalized approaches. Plus, hear about the resurgence of apprenticeship programs that meet the demands of a booming economy and the innovative use of technology to revive effective learning methods.

May 14, 2025 • 39min
S7 E12: The Creative Power of Ambiguity
What if uncertainty was actually a spark for creativity? In this episode, the three of us explore how reframing ambiguity can lead to innovation, not anxiety. Inspired by the book Navigating Ambiguity, we share personal stories, practical strategies, and a reminder that sometimes the messiest moments lead to the best ideas.
Referenced in this episode:
Navigating Ambiguity: Creating Opportunity in a World of Unknowns by Andrea Small and Kelly Schmutte
Chapters
00:00 Intro and banter
05:01 What is Ambiguity and Uncertainty
09:15 AI's Impact on Ambiguity and Uncertainty
13:33 Personal Experiences with Ambiguity
18:52 Dealing with Uncertainty and Stress
21:13 Practical Examples of Reframing Ambiguity
35:50 Final Thoughts
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast
You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN
DISCLAIMER
All thoughts and views are of our own.

Apr 16, 2025 • 34min
S7 E11: Professor + CLO: Bridging Academia and Corporate Learning (with Majd Sakr)
In this episode, we are joined by Majd Sakr, Computer Science Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and Chief Learning and Research Officer at Accenture. We learn about Majd’s transition from academia to corporate learning environments, key differences, how to measure ROI of training, the challenges of maintaining learner engagement in fast-paced environments, and experimenting with innovative learning modalities. Majd wraps up the pod with practical tips for those in academia looking to make the move into corporate.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast
You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.
DISCLAIMER
All thoughts and views are of our own.

5 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 37min
S7 E10: The Intersection of Emerging Tech and Cognitive Science (with Alex Kass)
Join the fascinating exploration of how emerging technologies like neurosensing and AI are reshaping the landscape of learning. Discover how personalized experiences can be created through real-time adaptive content and dynamic interactions. Delve into the innovative work merging cognitive science with technology for enhanced user engagement. The conversation also tackles the ethical considerations of these advancements, particularly in understanding human emotions and responses. Humor and personal anecdotes add a lighthearted touch to this deep dive into the future.

Mar 5, 2025 • 39min
S7 E09: Exploring Behavioral Economics in Learning (with Melina Palmer)
In this episode we are joined by Melina Palmer from The Brainy Business to discuss the intersection between behavioral economics and corporate learning. We dive into principles of behavioral economics and how they can influence training and learning strategies within organizations. We get into choice architecture, reward structures, decision-making, and application within education.
Chapters
00:00 Cold Open
00:29 Banter
05:16 Welcoming Melina Palmer
09:45 Melina's Journey into Behavioral Economics
13:18 Understanding Behavioral Economics
14:40 Applying Behavioral Economics in Adult Learning
18:06 Choice Architecture and Decision Making
26:42 Rewards and Incentives in Learning
36:33 Wrap up
ABOUT MELINA PALMER
Website: https://thebrainybusiness.com
Podcast: https://thebrainybusiness.com/podcast/
Listen and Subscribe to the Learning Geeks!
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast
You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.
DISCLAIMER
All thoughts and views are of our own.