PODCAST · education
The Learning Geeks Podcast
by 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
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S8 E15: The Role of the Learner (Durable Learning Camp P4)
In the final episode of Durable Learning Camp, we focus on the learner’s role in making learning stick, framing it as preparation, learning in the moment, and consolidation. We break each of these three areas down and provide practical techniques (e.g., bias awareness, generative note-taking,...
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S8 E14: The Facilitator’s and Teacher’s Role (Durable Learning Camp P3)
Part 3 of Durable Learning camp, we discuss what facilitators, or teachers of others, need to know about durable learning principles and how those principles may be challenged in a world of agentic AI. We explore how facilitation choices can unintentionally compromise durable learning and share...
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S8 E13: The 8 Principles - Deep Dive (Durable Learning Camp P2)
In Part 2 of Durable Learning Camp, we dive into all eight durable learning principles by reading their original definitions from the ancient scripture, which was dug up from an archeological dig of Jake's closet. We unpack what each one means, why it matters, and how they connect, plus a quick...
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S8 E12: The Fundamentals (Durable Learning Camp P1)
We kick off a multi-episode our "durable learning camp". Today's episode focuses on the fundamentals of durable learning. We share personal learning examples from pinball, woodworking, and journaling to show durability in action, plus how AI tools intersect with metacognition and role-play...
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S8 E11: What Gets in the Way of Curiosity (Part 2)
In part two, Dr. Megan Cuzzolino, Dr. Lauren Hodges, and Jessica Billiet dig into what prevents curiosity in our kids, our workplaces, and ourselves. From the neuroscience of dopamine and threat response, to how schools and organizations are designed for speed over exploration, the conversation...
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S8 E10: Awe, Wonder, and Curiosity (Part 1)
What's the difference between curiosity, awe, and wonder and why does it matter for learning? In this episode, we welcome back three friends of the podcast: Dr. Megan Cuzzolino, researcher and educator at Harvard's Next Level Lab, Dr. Lauren Hodges, human performance researcher, and Jessica...
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S8 E9: How to Think When Machines Think Faster (Live from SXSW EDU)
Recorded live at SXSW EDU 2026, Jake and Bob sit down with Dr. Tessa Forshaw from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to explore metacognition in an AI-driven world. Tessa unpacks why our brains naturally offload thinking to AI, the power of productive friction, and what it takes to keep our...
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S8 E8: The Learner Never Retires
Dan Bielenberg was one of the original learning geeks who spent 25 years in adult learning at Accenture. After retiring, he only deepened that curiosity. His learning path took him through seminary studies, becoming a hospice chaplain, and now coaching faculty in higher education. Dan shares how...
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S8 E7: Three Geeks Walk Into a Bar…
We're guest-free this week, so we pulled up some bar stools and went the unscripted happy hour route. We talk Bob’s move back to Chicago, the L&D pendulum swinging (again), AI hype, why hot takes suck and why you should teach instead. Plus, we discuss social media anxiety and a few other topics...
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S8 E6: This Isn’t the AI You’re Looking For
David Chestnut joins us to rethink one of the biggest assumptions about AI enablement. We explore why AI isn’t a replacement for expertise, what AI is great at, what it’s terrible at, what ever happened to prompt engineering, and how context and delegation are becoming critical leadership...
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Holiday Special 2025: Becoming Better Versions of Ourselves
It’s our yearly holiday special and a chance to pause, reflect, and look ahead. We reflect on the personal and professional lessons of 2025, including how AI, feedback loops, and immersive experiences are shaping learning. We also discuss the most important lesson – that at the end of the day,...
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S8 E5: Why Building Tech Skills Unlock Human Potential (with Brooke Weddle and Heather Stefanski)
In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke Weddle and Heather Stefanski from McKinsey to unpack why building tech skills is about unlocking human potential — not replacing it. We explore real client success stories and challenges with AI upskilling, the danger of ignoring human skills, why…
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S8 E4: Building your Learning Posse (with Deidra Busbee)
Longtime friend Deidra Busbee (Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase) joins us to unpack the power of your “learning posse”, or the group of people who challenge you, support you, connect you, and help you learn faster. We discuss how to build this crew intentionally, why it reduces stress and...
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S8 E3: Skills, Data, and the Future of Talent (with Craig Friedman)
We’ve been talking about skills for years — but how do you make them work? In this episode, we chat with Craig Friedman about his new book, Enterprise Skills Unlocked, and explore how to move beyond common misconceptions to connect learning, data, and business strategy. Craig shares practical...
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Big News for the Show!
Jake shares some exciting news for the show - and provides a quick sneak peak behind the curtain on some upcoming episodes. LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184 Spotify:...
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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...
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S8 E1: New Beginnings (Allison's Version)
In our Season 8 opener, we welcome Allison Horn, Head of Talent Transformation at JP Morgan Chase as our guest host for the show. We quickly reflect on eight years together and discuss the origins of the podcast. Allison leads us through a series of questions to get our perspectives on a variety…
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Season 7 Finale: How to Start a Career in Learning and Development
In our season finale, we’re tackling a question we hear all the time: How do you break into the Learning & Development field? We sit down with L&D veteran Trina Wellendorf and Lauren, a college junior exploring a future in L&D, to answer her biggest questions about: Different career paths within...
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S7 E15 Part 2: Learning Trends for 2025 and Beyond (with Jessica Glazer)
We continue our deep dive into McKinsey's latest Learning Trends Perspective Report with authors Jessica Glazer and our co-host Jake Gittleson. In Part 2, we take a closer look into the last two of the three macro trends: responsible AI adoption and developing resilient and adaptable individuals...
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S7 E14 Part 1: Learning Trends for 2025 and Beyond (with Jessica Glazer)
We dive deep into McKinsey's latest Learning Trends Perspective Report with authors Jessica Glazer and our co-host Jake Gittleson. The two share an overview of the report and their deep perspective on the three key macro trends, sub trends, implications on development, and how these forces will...
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S7 E13: Learning Practices to Put to Rest—or Resurrect
Inspired by a recent Star Wars-themed trip to Japan, Bob leads a discussion on learning and development practices that deserve to be put to rest—and those worth bringing back from the dead. Each of us shares one of each, along with our take on why. Have a listen to hear what made our list! 00:00...
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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...
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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...
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S7 E10: The Intersection of Emerging Tech and Cognitive Science (with Alex Kass)
We are joined by Alex Kass from Accenture Labs to delve into the future of learning and technology. We discuss various advancements such as neurosensing, artificial intelligence, extended reality, and their implications for educational experiences. Alex shares insights on how these technologies…
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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...
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S7 E08: The Skill Code – Experts, Novices, and the Future of Learning (with Matt Beane)
In this episode, we are joined by Matt Beane, assistant professor and author of 'The Skill Code.' We explore Matt’s research on the impact of AI and robotics on skill development between novices and experts. Matt also discusses the disruption of traditional learning methods, the effects of remote...
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S7 E07: The Pieces That Shape Us - The good, bad, and grey
In this episode, we discuss why it’s the pieces we collect over time that shape us into who we are today. The good, the bad, the grey. It’s the variety of those pieces that’s necessary for effective learning and growth. It also creates the uniqueness in each of us. We spend this episode sharing…
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S7 E06: Rethinking Education and EdTech (with Julia Stiglitz)
We’re joined by Julia Stiglitz, CEO and co-founder of Uplimit, to explore the transformative role of AI in education, edtech, and corporate skill development. Julia shares her journey as an edtech entrepreneur and her insights on using AI for cohort-based learning, tutoring, course management…
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Holiday Special: Reflections and Learnings from 2024
It's our yearly, end-of-year special where we reflect on personal and professional challenges, changes, and goals from 2024. We then pivot to look ahead to 2025, our goals, direction of podcast and more. LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE Apple Podcasts:...
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S7 E5: Your Brain Chemistry When Learning (with Jessica Billiet)
We are joined by Jessica Billiet to discuss the chemicals in the brain and how they influence learning. We dive into neurotransmitters like dopamine, glutamate, serotonin, and cortisol, explaining their roles and how learning professionals can harness them to improve development. We also dive…
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S7 E4: Creating a Learning Community (with Ben Chambers)
We explore the concept of learning communities with Ben Chambers, head of learning performance and talent. Ben shares insights on his own journey in creating and leading the Talent and Leadership Club, a global network of over 1,000 learning professionals. The conversation provides valuable...
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S7 E3: Testing the truth - Brain science and learning
We discuss the growing mainstream interest in durable learning by delving into key topics from Andrew Huberman's podcast on optimal learning methods, including neuroplasticity, the importance of testing, sleep, and the value of social and solitary study sessions. We discuss our personal examples...
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S7 E2: The Persistence of Ignorance (with Deb Arnold)
Deb Arnold joins the show and dives into effective strategies for engaging stakeholders, learning from them, and measuring the impact of training on business outcomes so you can tell effective impact stories. Deb shares valuable insights from her extensive experience, including tips on improving...
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Season 7 Premiere: Predicting the Future of L&D
In our Season 7 premiere, we explore the evolving landscape of learning and development, debating whether traditional L&D structures should be reimagined as performance-focused functions. We discuss new skills we may need, how we may work with other functions, the role of data, and what we can do...
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Season 6 Finale: Celebrating 100 Episodes & Our Essentials for Impactful Learning
Not only is it our 100th episode, it’s Dana’s retirement special! After 35+ years within the profession, Dana shares his key elements necessary for impactful learning experiences. We get into areas of biology, psychology, sociology, geography, “performanceology”, and content design. Bob and Jake...
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S6 E18: The Science of Change Fatigue and Burnout (with Britt Andreatta, PhD)
Britt Andreatta, PhD joins the show to discuss the pressing issue of change fatigue and burnout – something that is occurring so frequently given the events of the past year. We get into the brain science behind our resistance to change, symptoms of burnout, and practical strategies to manage...
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S6 E17: Eight Learning Trends for 2024 and Beyond
Lisa Christensen and Verónica Gómez from McKinsey & Company, join the show to share eight learning and people development trends that really matter for our profession. These trends were identified following an extensive analysis by looking at 40 plus major trend reports of various disciplines and...
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S6 E16: An Honest Dialogue About the Skills-First Era (with Bob Mosher)
Bob Mosher, Chief Learning Evangelist at Apply Synergies, joins the show to have an honest dialogue about the current skills-first, upskilling, and/or reskilling investments in organizations. We discuss how we can learn from similar moments in history (especially the failures), define what we…
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S6 E15: The Next Gen Learning Leader (with Cathy Hoy)
Cathy Hoy, former CLO and now CEO and co-founder of CLO100, joins the show to share what skills and capabilities are required for the next generation of learning leaders. She also leads a twelve-month Learning Leaders program and shares common struggles, what L&D will look like in future, and...
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S6 E14: Legos for Learning and Innovation (with Col. Jason Trew)
Col. Jason “Toga” Trew, PhD joins the show to discuss the benefits of strategic play at work and how it can be used for learning, development, creativity and innovation. Jason also live demos a portion of his workshop that requires Dana, Jake and Bob to build and tell creative stories using a…
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S6 E13: How we Overcome Creative Slumps
The three of us discuss our techniques to increase creativity during our many lulls and slumps. We discuss what we feel like during these times, techniques we use, and how we deal with ambiguity. Bob also shares his favorite creative story involving an eureka moment when he was a kid at camp –...
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S6 E12: How to be a Trusted Learning Advisor (with Dr. Keith Keating)
In this episode, Dr. Keith Keating, CLO and author, joins the show to discuss his book “The Trusted Learning Advisor” and shares what it means to be one, practical examples, and tips on how to be one regardless of your role. We also discuss how L&D can create the table vs finding a seat, and the...
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S6 E11: Three Unresolved Problems Facing L&D and CLO's
We are joined by Noah Rabinowitz, CLO at Commonwealth Fusion Systems and contributor in CLO Lift. Noah shares three unresolved problems facing the learning and development industry over multiple decades, despite meaningful activity and investment to solve them. Noah and group of about 40 CLO’s…
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S6 E10: Data-Driven Experiential Learning (with Declan Dagger, PhD)
Declan Dagger (PhD), Co-founder of ETU, joins the show to share insights from his applied research in the field of educational psychology, soft skills verification, development, and experiential learning (simulations, practice). Declan shares what it takes to design data-driven immersive…
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S6 E9: The Emotion of Awe at Work (with Dr. Megan Cuzzolino)
Dr. Megan Cuzzolino from Harvard University's "The Next Level Lab", joins the show to discuss her research on the emotion of awe and how it can make learning happen. Megan explains what awe is, elicitors of awe, how it helps with meaning at work, and how awe impacts learning and motivation. We…
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S6 E8: Learning and Wellness Accelerators (with Dr. Lauren Hodges)
We are joined by a good friend of the show, Dr. Lauren Hodges, well-being, human performance, and learning expert. We discuss the latest research into how nutrition, exercise/movement, sleep, and stress management can optimize and accelerate your learning throughout your day. MORE FROM LAUREN...
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S6 E7: Conor Grennan’s Learning story with GenAI
In late 2022, Conor Grennan never knew of GenAI. Now – he’s teaching companies and thousands of his followers on how to use it. This all started because he was completely fascinated by the potential. In this episode, Conor Grennan – NYU Stern Dean of Students, NY Times bestselling author…
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Holiday Special: Traditions and a season of learning
Lisa Christensen, Director of the Learning Design COE at McKinsey, joins us as guest co-host to assist a jet-lagged Bob who recently returned from France. We get together and share our favorite learning moments and traditions from the holidays and what we learned. Stories such as Bob learning...
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S6 E6: What we learned in 2023 and what’s next?
We continue our yearly tradition to recap things we learned in 2023. This year, we open up and share some of the struggles and fears we experienced while learning. We also discuss major changes that forced us to learn new things. Dana also shares major news! CONNECT WITH US If you have any…
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S6 E5: Breaking down silos in Talent and L&D (with Heather Stefanski)
Heather Stefanski, CLO from McKinsey, joins the show to discuss why we need more People, Talent, and L&D professionals working together to achieve business outcomes. Heather shares new skills we will need, how her teams are evolving, and how other CHRO’s and CLO’s are responding. CONNECT WITH US…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
The Learning Geeks
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Learning Geeks Podcast have?
The Learning Geeks Podcast currently has 150 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Learning Geeks Podcast about?
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...
How often does The Learning Geeks Podcast release new episodes?
The Learning Geeks Podcast publishes regularly with 150 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Learning Geeks Podcast?
You can listen to The Learning Geeks Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Learning Geeks Podcast?
The Learning Geeks Podcast is created and hosted by The Learning Geeks.
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