

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

Feb 24, 2022 • 33min
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, 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
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, including lands like Galaxy’s Edge, and truly immerse ourselves into the worlds and environments and reflect on how we can apply this in our learning experiences. This would be a trip covered at your expense, so if you’re interested, start booking! Please reach out to Dana, Jake, and/or Bob directly or on LinkedIN for any questions.

Feb 8, 2022 • 29min
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 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
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Trailer III Music Cover | The Force Theme" by Parademics at https://youtu.be/iop__6nlNJE
LEARNING GEEKS “EXPERIENCE DESIGN WORKSHOP AT DISNEYLAND”
We are seeking interested participants to join us at Disneyland sometime in Summer 2022 (targeting June) for a unique Experience Design Workshop. We would all visit Disneyland, including lands like Galaxy’s Edge, and truly immerse ourselves into the worlds and environments and reflect on how we can apply this in our learning experiences. For those interested, please reach out to Dana, Jake, and/or Bob on LinkedIN.

Jan 20, 2022 • 33min
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 “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, including lands like Galaxy’s Edge, and truly immerse ourselves into the worlds and environments and reflect on how we can apply this in our learning experiences. This would be a trip covered at your expense, so if you’re interested, start booking! Please reach out to Dana, Jake, and/or Bob directly or on LinkedIN for any questions.
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 20, 2021 • 33min
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, including lands like Galaxy’s Edge, and truly immerse ourselves into the worlds and environments and reflect on how we can apply this in our learning experiences. This would be a trip covered at your expense, so if you’re interested, start booking! Please reach out to Dana, Jake, and/or Bob directly or on LinkedIN for any questions.
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

Nov 28, 2021 • 30min
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 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.
BOOK REFERENCE
Things that Make Us Smart – Don Norman at https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/don-norman/things-that-make-us-smart/9780201626957/
AUDIO CREDIT
"Seagulls Stop it Now" by Bad Lip Reading. Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/user/BadLipReading

Nov 4, 2021 • 31min
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 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

Oct 14, 2021 • 31min
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, and how you get started.
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

Sep 21, 2021 • 29min
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-norman-pcc-a102b25
Podcast: https://www.clarenormancoachingassociates.com/library/podcasts/
Book: Mentor Coaching: A Practical Guide https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0335248799?pf_rd_p=f20e70b1-67f9-48d1-8c78-ba616030b420&&pf_rd_r=XTQ1RRK4Y6SXP75STHA7
LEARNING GEEKS “EXPERIENCE DESIGN WORKSHOP AT DISNEYLAND”
We are seeking interested participants to join us at Disneyland sometime in early 2022 for a unique Experience Design Workshop. We would all visit Disneyland, including lands like Galaxy’s Edge, and truly immerse ourselves into the worlds and environments and reflect on how we can apply this in our learning experiences. For those interested, please reach out to Dana, Jake, and/or Bob on LinkedIN.
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
R2D2 Loop at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR8Y5TIKxKM

Jul 20, 2021 • 33min
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 a New Preface by the Authors: Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money
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

Jun 30, 2021 • 35min
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 our own.
BOOK REFERENCES
“Learning Science for Instructional Designers - From Cognition to Application” by Clark N. Quinn
“Evidence-Informed Learning Design: Creating Training to Improve Performance” by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner
AUDIO CREDIT
"Seagulls Stop it Now" by Bad Lip Reading. Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/user/BadLipReading