What If School Worked Like a Video Game? Nolan Bushnell and Dr. Leah Hanes of ExoDexa Explain

Send us Fan MailNolan Bushnell is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese and is widely known as the father of the video game industry. Dr. Leah Hanes is the CEO of ExoDexa, co-author of the ExoDexa Manifesto, and leads the Two Bit Circus Foundation, where she has impacted over 460,000 students through game-based and project-based learning.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why traditional schooling fails students who don’t learn at the “right” paceHow game design principles like flow and mastery can transform learningThe role AI can play in personalized, no-grades educationWhy gamification efforts led by academics often fall shortWhat a “perfect school day” could look like in an AI-driven future✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:00] Nolan Bushnell on the throughline from Atari to education reform[00:05:10] Dr. Leah Hanes on why learning by doing leads to deeper retention[00:07:52] How AI enables true individualized learning inside ExoDexa[00:12:16] Nolan on eliminating grades and batch-processing in education[00:16:58] Why homeschoolers may lead the next wave of education innovation[00:21:33] The science of “flow” and what makes learning feel addictive[00:27:51] Leah’s vision for AI tutors, physical activity, and student agency[00:29:30] Nolan’s radical take on VR, exercise, naps, and brain science in school😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.