Meghan Gardner on Gamification for Emotional Engagement

Meghan Gardner on Gamification for Emotional EngagementThis episode of Experience Points features transformative design expert Meghan Gardner, who shares how gamification can create emotionally engaging, healing, and educational experiences. Meghan explains how structured play and role-playing; using techniques like “alibi” and safety signals—help learners explore tough topics while feeling safe and in control. She highlights the importance of session zero and post-game debriefs in turning gameplay into meaningful, lasting transformation. Meghan also unpacks how emotional engagement boosts memory and behavior change, sharing a moving example of a game that led young adults to initiate real-life end-of-life conversations with their families. Drawing on her work with the Smithsonian, Royal Caribbean, and Harvard, Meghan offers practical strategies for educators and designers looking to use games as tools for empathy, connection, and growth.If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!I live to lift others with learning.  So, if you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit.Also make sure to visit University XP online at www.universityxp.comUniversity XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook and LinkedIn as University XPAlso, feel free to email me anytime at [email protected] on!Get the full transcript and references for this episode here: https://www.universityxp.com/podcast/158Support the show