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.
Episodes

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
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 into practical tips for onboarding, team settings, and creating brain-friendly learning experiences.
CONTACT JESSICA
Contact Jessica on LinkedIN at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabilliet/ or through email at jessica.billiet@excelsiorranch.com. You can also visit https://excelsiorranch.com
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 Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
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 takeaways on the benefits and challenges of building and sustaining impactful learning communities for your organization.
More about Ben and the Talent and Leadership Club
See https://www.talentandleadership.co.uk/founder
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.

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
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 and strategies for effectively applying these concepts in both educational and corporate settings.
REFERENCES
- Huberman Lab Podcast: Optimal Protocols for Studying and Learning https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110?i=1000666617926
- Teach Students How to Learn - Saundra Yancy McGuire, Thomas Angelo, et al.
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 Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
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 business acumen, performing stakeholder analysis, and using effective questioning techniques.
🎧 LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE AND SPOTIFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100
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 Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
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 today to prepare.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.
CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE
We now publish to YouTube so please subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast
DISCLAIMER
All thoughts and views are of our own.

Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
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 discuss each, share examples, and reflect on the meaning for you as listeners.
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.

Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
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 continuous change in the workplace. We also end the conversation with a review of Pixar's 'Inside Out 2' and its successful portrayal of emotions.
MORE FROM BRITT
https://www.brittandreatta.com
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.

Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
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 industries. We share all eight and discuss what each of them mean for us moving forward.
MORE FROM MCKINSEY’S LEARNING LAB
Article: The most fundamental skill: Intentional learning and the career advantage
Article: Reviving the art of apprenticeship to unlock continuous skill development
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.

Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
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 mean by “skill", and how to shift from knowledge to application when partnering with business leaders.
MORE FROM BOB
- Are We Really “Skilling Up” Our Employees?: https://www.applysynergies.com/blog/are-we-really-skilling-up-our-employees-2/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmosher/
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.

Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
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 exciting innovations heard by her cohorts. Any type of inspiring leader will benefit from Cathy’s expertise.
MORE FROM CATHY HOY
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhoy/
CLO100: https://clo100.co.uk
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.