The Learning Geeks Podcast
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.
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Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
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 shape the future of people development. In Part 2, we will go deeper into each area such as identifying actions and meaning for individuals, managers, and leaders within organizations.
00:00 Cold Open
00:47 Banter
02:00 Jessica Glazer's Intro and Background
04:57 Methodology of Learning Trends Report
09:03 General themes from the research
13:11 Overview of the three macro trends
13:46 Fluid development ecosystems
26:33 Responsible AI Adoption
30:54 Resilient and adaptable individuals and organizations
35:32 Wrap up and previewing Part 2
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
The team provided an overview of the findings and a link to the full report (see bottom of post) at https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/reimagined-learning-and-development-in-the-future-of-work
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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.
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
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 Cold open
00:29 Banter – Japan trip and field trips
04:47 Panel Discussion that inspired the topic
07:36 Things we would put to rest
25:14 Things we’d bring back from the dead
40:06 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.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
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.
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
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.
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
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 can enhance user interaction, improve the design process, and create more personalized learning environments. We also discuss dynamic content that adapts in real-time to learners' needs and the ethical considerations of using these technologies.
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.
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
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.
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
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 work on apprenticeship, and the need for new metrics to balance productivity and skill growth.
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.
MORE FROM MATT BEANE
Check out and read the “Skill Code” at https://www.mattbeane.com/
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.
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
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 our three “pieces”… either moments, experiences, or people. We get a little more vulnerable than usual, but we had a lot of fun sharing these stories and we hope you enjoy them too!
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.
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
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, and practice. We also dive into the potential and challenges of AI in personalizing education and driving business outcomes.
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.
Saturday Dec 21, 2024
Saturday Dec 21, 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: 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.