Professor Game Podcast
#1 Gamification Podcast | Insights and Real-World Strategies to Boost Engagement, Loyalty & Retention. Professor Game helps innovators, product leaders, and educators use gamification and game thinking to create engagement that lasts. 🎙️ Hosted by Rob Alvarez — TEDx Speaker, consultant, and host of the #1 Gamification Podcast — each week brings you practical insights, case studies, and frameworks from 400+ global experts and proven real-world examples. Expect interviews with top practitioners in gamification, game design, and behavioral strategy, plus solo episodes where Rob breaks down practical frameworks you can apply in your team, classroom, or product. Join the movement to make engagement, motivation, and loyalty truly meaningful — with stories and strategies that transform the way people learn, work, and play. 💡 Listen. Learn. Apply Play to Your Strategy.
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8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast | Episode 419
11/17/2025
8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast | Episode 419
Aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): Eight years, 420 episodes, and countless insights later: we celebrate the incredible journey of the Professor Game Podcast. From humble beginnings to becoming the #1 gamification podcast in the world, this episode dives into consistency, growth, and what’s next for the Engagers community. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches and gamification at top institutions including , , and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Episodes mentioned: ! , winner of the Educational Gamification Project of the Year 2016 Professor Game, the world’s #1 gamification podcast, is recognized by independent rankings such as , , , and others like . , this is the most official reference still online I could find! Community Building Resources: Social Media and Contact Information: Lets's do stuff together!
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Design With Audiences: Mister and Mischief’s Playful Guide to Engagement | Episode 418
11/10/2025
Design With Audiences: Mister and Mischief’s Playful Guide to Engagement | Episode 418
Build a thriving, loyal community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free: 🏡 From theme parks to zines, Andy & Jeff Crocker reveal how analog thinking powers modern engagement. We explore Infinite Right Answers, designing for collaboration, embracing imperfection over performance, and a field-tested model (confidence + generosity) that boosts motivation, loyalty, and community value. With roots firmly planted in the worlds of theatre and themed entertainment, Mister & Mischief (a.k.a. Jeff and Andy Crocker) create fun-forward journeys beyond the fourth wall. With an unexpected blend of storytelling and real-world engagement, the husband-and-wife team help foster curiosity and connection through immersive experiences that encourage participants to revisit an opportunity to play pretend. Think of them as your extroverted friends that allow anyone a safe place to step out of their shell and explore in places they’d otherwise never go. have created experiences for clients including Universal Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering and their award-winning work has been praised by The New York Times, Broadway World and No Proscenium. They were recently named in Blooloop’s International list of Top 50 Immersive Influencers Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches and gamification at top institutions including , , and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Lets's do stuff together!
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The Secret Framework That Keeps Users Coming Back | Episode 417
11/03/2025
The Secret Framework That Keeps Users Coming Back | Episode 417
Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let’s chat → We dive into the fascinating overlap between product thinking and gamification. By bridging Marty Cagan’s product discovery mindset with the Octalysis framework, we uncover how to build not just functional products — but ones users love coming back to. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches and gamification at top institutions including , , and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Some public references to the Octalysis Framework and the process discussed: References to Marty Cagan and his works and principles through Silicon Valley's Product Group (SVPG): Lets's do stuff together!
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From Viral Spike to Sticky Play: Doug Weitzbuch on Building Housle | Episode 416
10/27/2025
From Viral Spike to Sticky Play: Doug Weitzbuch on Building Housle | Episode 416
Want your members to actually stick around and engage without burning out or guessing what works? Join our free community of retention-focused leaders: 👥 What happens after “going viral”? Doug Weitzbuch (Housel) breaks down the Wordle-style mechanics, player feedback he wishes he’d acted on sooner, and the roadmap to localized, high-intent engagement. Practical lessons on PR, streaks, and turning play into business outcomes. Doug Weitzbuch is a television producer with credits on hit series including Hell’s Kitchen, World of Dance, Lip Sync Battle, and Duck Dynasty. After producing Netflix’s Buy My House, a Shark Tank–style real estate series, he created HOU$LE, the viral daily house-price guessing game often described as “Wordle for Real Estate.” He currently produces FOX’s The 1% Club, hosted by Joel McHale. Doug lives in Los Angeles with his wife (a real estate agent, naturally) and their two kids. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including , , and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: A16Z Speedrun Recommended book: Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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Epic Fight? Here's What Really Happened | Episode 415
10/20/2025
Epic Fight? Here's What Really Happened | Episode 415
Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let’s chat → No, there was no epic showdown, just a powerful new alliance. Rob joins The Octalysis Group and reveals how this new chapter amplifies his mission to make gamification practical, ethical, and impactful. Plus, what stays the same on Professor Game. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and , he founded and hosts , the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including , , and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: by Rob Lets's do stuff together!
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From Fan to Creator: Jaime Schwarz on the IP Economy | Episode 414
10/13/2025
From Fan to Creator: Jaime Schwarz on the IP Economy | Episode 414
Want your members to actually stick around and engage without burning out or guessing what works? Join our free community of retention-focused leaders: 👥 What if your game character could earn you royalties? Jaime Schwarz unpacks co-creation, interactive media, and why the next frontier of engagement lives in the IP economy. A must-listen for future-focused creators! After an award winning 15 years as a copywriter and creative director for NYC agencies, Jaime Schwarz dove into Web3, first by filing the worlds first NFT patent in 2017 and then by founding brand therapy teaching brands to speak for themselves. After co-founding 7 startups from then till 2022, Jaime co-founded the Team Flow Institute using employee intelligence and Parallel Worlds, the first spatial transformation company. With his patent granted he is now also the founder of MRKD.dj ensuring DRRM (digital rights and royalties management) by smart contracting the samples themselves for infinite drops. On the roadmap is MRKD.worlds which expands stories across media using the same name chain as MRKD.dj to ensure interoperability and equitable co-creation across an open spatial web. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Other Webs: Lets's do stuff together!
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The One Choice That Will Determine Your Online Success | Episode 413
10/06/2025
The One Choice That Will Determine Your Online Success | Episode 413
Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free: 🏡 Thinking of trying Skool? Use my link to get the 14-day free trial (same as direct)—and you’ll also be supporting my work: 👉 Content is not king. In this episode, we unpack the 3 key “engines” that turn passive followers into engaged community members. If you’re tired of content burnout and ready to build something meaningful, this one's for you. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links and Info Free Resources to try this out: Try Skool for free: Lets's do stuff together!
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Why Careers Need a Game Loop, with Unity's Jessica Lindl | Episode 412
09/29/2025
Why Careers Need a Game Loop, with Unity's Jessica Lindl | Episode 412
Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free: 🏡 Vice President at Unity and author of The Career Game Loop, Jessica Lindl shares how game-based strategies build better communities, improve retention, and drive real impact. Jessica Lindl is the Vice President of Ecosystem Growth at Unity Technologies, where she leads global efforts to empower creators, learners, and professionals through transformative, game-inspired solutions. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of gaming, education, and workforce development, Jessica has helped millions of learners build meaningful careers. She is also the author of The Career Game Loop: Learn to Earn in the New Economy, a groundbreaking book that applies game design thinking to real-world career growth. Jessica is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow and serves on advisory boards for GSV Ventures and Jobs for the Future. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Websites: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Recommended book: by Jane McGonigal Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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How To Grow Your Community! Without Paying For Ads | Episode 411
09/22/2025
How To Grow Your Community! Without Paying For Ads | Episode 411
Your next viral title is already written. Get the free sheet: 👉 Curious about Skool? Grab the 14-day free trial through my link (and it helps me keep creating resources for you): 👉 Think ads are the only way to grow your community? Think again. Rob reveals how he grew his community to 140+ members with $0 in ad spend—using three powerful, game-inspired strategies you can start today. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: YouTube Titles Spreadsheet: Start your community on Skool: Lets's do stuff together!
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Escape Rooms for Growth with Sarah Iverson | Episode 410
09/15/2025
Escape Rooms for Growth with Sarah Iverson | Episode 410
👉 Build a thriving, playful community—without chasing members or creating endless content. ✨ Get started free with our community The Game of Skool: Magic in the Mundane: Sarah Iverson on Gamifying Wellness Discover how Sarah Iverson transforms personal growth into playful adventures through wellness escape rooms, storytelling, and creative game design. Sarah Iverson is the founder of Curious Sunshine, a play-based wellness initiative that transforms personal growth into an imaginative adventure. A multidisciplinary artist, graphic designer, and holistic coach, Sarah fuses her love of puzzles, storytelling, and wellness to create experiences that spark joy, reflection, and real change. Backed by a B.A. in Art and a Master’s in Environmental Leadership, Sarah’s work lives at the intersection of creativity and consciousness. Through Curious Sunshine, she develops escape rooms, courses, and coaching programs that help people move from stuck to sparked—using play as the engine for transformation. Whether it’s decoding riddles or unblocking old patterns, Sarah invites you to explore the magic of your mind, one curious step at a time. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: YouTube: Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: by Anthony T. DeBenedet Favorite game: series Lets's do stuff together!
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I Tried VR Fire Training (and Failed to Find the Phone) with Ludus | Episode 409
09/08/2025
I Tried VR Fire Training (and Failed to Find the Phone) with Ludus | Episode 409
Health and Safety 🔥 training is a drag and ineffective or expensive and dangerous ☠️... Or is it? Check out what's possible with our sponsor Ludus and their Free Guide: Or just book a free VR demo. Warning: you might end up liking Health and Safety training... Hearing this only? Check out the video episode on or straight on On this sponsored episode, we dive into the world of VR-based health and safety training with Ludus. You'll get a behind-the-scenes peek into my home HQ as I test five of their standalone VR/AR simulations — from firefighting to CPR and even recycling! I share honest, hands-on impressions of how they look, feel, and function, including what works, what could be clearer, and how gamified experiences like these can truly enhance engagement and learning. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links and Info Free Demo with Ludus: Health and Safety Training with Ludus VR Free Guide: Lets's do stuff together!
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I Paid 5 Growth Experts To Create A Growth Playbook For The Same Community | Episode 408
09/01/2025
I Paid 5 Growth Experts To Create A Growth Playbook For The Same Community | Episode 408
Don’t guess your next title – get the proven ones for free: 👉 Want your content to actually get seen? I paid five growth experts to reverse-engineer how to grow a community—without spending a cent on ads. In this episode, I reveals the three biggest levers. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Want titles that actually earn clicks? Grab the ! by (and help Professor Game without paying anything) Lets's do stuff together!
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Civic Engagement Through Classroom Games with Kerry Flanagan-Owen | Episode 407
08/25/2025
Civic Engagement Through Classroom Games with Kerry Flanagan-Owen | Episode 407
Book a free 1:1 call to create your personalized gamification game plan: 🎯 Can games teach students to navigate politics and power? Kerry Flanagan-Owen from the Bill of Rights Institute says YES—and she’s showing us how playful learning is transforming civics education in classrooms across the U.S. Kerry Flanagan-Owen is the Senior Manager of Learning Design at the Bill of Rights Institute, where she leads the development of free K–12 civics, government, and U.S. history resources. With a background in teaching and instructional coaching, Kerry brings deep expertise in designing engaging, inquiry-driven experiences for classrooms nationwide. Most recently, she spearheaded the creation of a series of card-based games as part of the Institute's Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment curriculum, using play to bring abstract civics concepts to life for high school students. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: X/Twitter: YouTube: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Game Design and SEL Psychologist and GBL Recommended book: by David Elkind Favorite game: and Episode Lets's do stuff together!
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How to Win at the Game of Life (Without Playing by the Rules) | Episode 406
08/18/2025
How to Win at the Game of Life (Without Playing by the Rules) | Episode 406
If you feel like your inner explorer’s been benched for too long... you’re not alone. We’re rebuilding new learning quests inside a Skool group. Might be your next side quest. 🎯 Education wasn’t built to empower—it was built to control. In this episode, Rob Alvarez breaks down how education evolved into a grind loop and how we can flip the system using gamification. If you've ever felt like your inner explorer got benched, this one's for you. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Peter Gray's article: to rekindle curiosity, play and exploration Lets's do stuff together!
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From Skeptics to Superstars: The Power of Play at Work with Alex Suchman | Episode 405
08/11/2025
From Skeptics to Superstars: The Power of Play at Work with Alex Suchman | Episode 405
🚀 Want your community buzzing and bringing in more revenue? Snag my free mini course with 3 killer gamification hacks: Forget trust falls and awkward icebreakers. Alex Suchman is redefining the workplace with intentional play. Tune in to find out how one game changed a manager’s mindset—and why play may be the missing ingredient in your team culture. Alex Suchman is the CEO and co-founder of Barometer XP, whose mission is to create cultures where people are excited about their work because they feel a strong sense of purpose and belonging. She uses games and play to strengthen interpersonal dynamics, such as trust, accountability, and psychological safety, into the workplace. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Play Concierge Platform: Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: by Les McKeown Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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Why Your Game Mechanic Is the Learning with Elisa Navarro Chinchilla | Episode 404
08/04/2025
Why Your Game Mechanic Is the Learning with Elisa Navarro Chinchilla | Episode 404
Get access to over $1,000 worth of retention and gamification strategies, templates, and live sessions—for free. All inside our Professor Game community: 🎁 What happens when a powerful game opens Pandora’s box? Elisa Navarro Chinchilla shares the highs, lows, and serious challenges of designing games for real-world impact—from schools in Mexico to reforestation efforts in Afghanistan. Elisa Navarro Chinchilla is the CEO and co-founder of Gold Bug Interactive and a veteran educational video game developer with more than 25 titles under her belt. Her most recent projects include Dino Dance for PBS Fred Rogers, Sabz, a reforestation game for Afghanistan; Protection, a tabletop game to teach Results Based Protection for InterAction; Chuka: Break the Silence, developed for the Education for Justice initiative of the UNODC, that leverages social and emotional learning to help prevent domestic violence, and consulting for Project 21, FES, to develop a game for youth participation, governance and citizenship in the MENA region. Convinced of the power of games to support underprivileged contexts through collaborative learning, she has received several national grants in Mexico (Fonca, Procine, Prosoft) to create educational experiences with networked technology, alternate reality games, and digital literacy workshops. Her games challenge players to develop resilience through problem solving, stimulate critical thinking, and practice transferable skills. Elisa has an MA from the Institute of Education at UCL, UK. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: Website: LinkedIn: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Recommended book: by James Paul Gee Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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Secrets to Building the Most Engaging Community Ever | Episode 403
07/28/2025
Secrets to Building the Most Engaging Community Ever | Episode 403
Click the link below to book a quick 10–15 minute chat with me. No sales, no pressure—just ideas and clarity on how to engage your community and grow revenue. 🗓 What do sticky communities and addictive games have in common? We break down two powerful design moves to build a community you love showing up to—and one your members will too. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links and Info Book your clarity call: Start your own community on Skool and take advantage of the perks of using this link: (let me know on a DM in Skool) Lets's do stuff together!
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From Boring to Brilliant: Rethinking Education with AI and Engagement | Episode 402
07/21/2025
From Boring to Brilliant: Rethinking Education with AI and Engagement | Episode 402
Build a thriving, loyal community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free: 🏡 Crushing churn in the classroom? It starts with embracing AI. Rob Alvarez is joined by Dr. Matt Metzger to explore how AI can revamp higher education—boosting motivation, retention, and engagement while staying human-centered. No tech expertise required, just a willingness to rethink learning. Dr. Matthew R. Metzgar, PhD, is a Clinical Professor of Economics at UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business and an award-winning teacher who develops and delivers undergraduate and MBA courses focused on real-world applications and innovative pedagogy. He is the author of a new book, "The Overnight AI Educator: Transform Your Course in 24 Hours". His research spans the effectiveness of teaching methods and the economics of obesity, and as a Gambrell Faculty Fellow he is leading a study on employee ownership’s impact on the racial wealth gap in the Charlotte region. He co-chairs the Heterodox Academy Campus Community, facilitates the Constructive Dialogue Faculty Learning Community, and has been interviewed on labor-market shortages at both local and national levels. Dr. Metzgar earned his PhD from the University of Tennessee, an MBA from Wheeling Jesuit University, and a BS from West Virginia University. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Lets's do stuff together!
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Failed Game Becomes a Hit — 8 Years Later with Dain Saint | Episode 401
07/14/2025
Failed Game Becomes a Hit — 8 Years Later with Dain Saint | Episode 401
🚀 Want your community buzzing and bringing in more revenue? Snag my free mini course with 3 killer gamification hacks: “Sometimes your idea isn’t broken — it’s just not ready yet.” In this immersive episode, Dain joins Rob to explore how interactive storytelling can drive real-world impact, from failed game prototypes that resurrected years later to transforming news stories into joyful community games. Tune in for deep insights on designing for emotion, embracing iteration, and why sometimes a pamphlet beats an app. dain saint (he/they) is a Philly-based storyteller, designer, and creative director making beautiful immersive experiences. They run Reckless Magic, an interactive storytelling label, and curate Futurefull, an interfuturist storytelling collective. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: by Margaret (Imagineering) by Adrienne Maree Brown Favorite game: Football / Soccer Lets's do stuff together!
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Level Up IRL: Designing Your Purpose with Yu-kai Chou | Episode 400
07/07/2025
Level Up IRL: Designing Your Purpose with Yu-kai Chou | Episode 400
🚀 Want your community buzzing and bringing in more revenue? Snag my free mini course with 3 killer gamification hacks: What if your life was a game—and you had the playbook to win? In this episode, gamification expert Yu-kai Chou returns to share his new framework, , and how aligning your purpose, role, and daily actions can unlock real-life legendary success. 🎮💥 Previous episodes with Yu-kai: Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Yu-kai's new book! Lets's do stuff together!
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They Made $300k Per Month With Skool (Just Copy Them) | Episode 399
06/30/2025
They Made $300k Per Month With Skool (Just Copy Them) | Episode 399
Want help creating online revenue—without needing like a thousand different tools? Book a free 1:1 call to create your single platform revenue-creating online community: 🎯 Tired of juggling tools to run your online business? We break down why Skool is a game-changing platform for building and scaling online communities and offer a tour of its features, benefits, and real earning potential. Plus, learn how to go beyond tech and design for retention and revenue with the right strategy. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Lets's do stuff together!
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When Computers Taught You to Create, Not Just Consume with Jesper Juul | Episode 398
06/23/2025
When Computers Taught You to Create, Not Just Consume with Jesper Juul | Episode 398
If you're struggling to make more money with your online community, check out my FREE resources to learn how to do just that: What can a 40-year-old machine teach us about loyalty, engagement, and creative freedom? In this episode, Jesper Juul returns to the Professor Game Podcast to talk about his new book Too Much Fun, diving deep into the legacy of the Commodore 64. From hacking and game development to subculture and hardware design, Jesper unpacks the "five lives" of the C64 and what they reveal about user retention, tinkering, and systems that last. If you're designing for engagement today, this is a nostalgia-fueled masterclass in getting it right—and where we started getting it wrong. Jesper Juul is a video game theorist and occasional developer working at the Royal Danish Academy. He has previously taught at MIT and New York University. His books include Half-Real, and recently “Too much Fun” about the Commodore 64, his first computer, on which he wrote games and demos. Here's his first episode on the podcast: Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: X/Twitter: BlueSky: Links to episode mentions: Jesper's new book: Lets's do stuff together!
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AI + Game Thinking = Retention Breakthrough | Episode 397
06/16/2025
AI + Game Thinking = Retention Breakthrough | Episode 397
Click the link below to book a quick 10–15 minute chat with me. No sales, no pressure—just ideas and clarity on how to engage your community and grow revenue. 🗓 Strategy Meets AI Game design + AI = game changer. In this episode, Amy Jo Kim returns to share how she’s combining decades of design wisdom with cutting-edge AI to build smarter, faster onboarding and retention systems. If you're struggling with churn, this conversation is your blueprint to better systems, better questions, and better engagement. Previous episodes with Amy Jo Kim: Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Lets's do stuff together!
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Why Most Community Building Fails (And HOW TO WIN) | Episode 396
06/09/2025
Why Most Community Building Fails (And HOW TO WIN) | Episode 396
🚀 Want your community buzzing and bringing in more revenue? Snag my free mini course with 3 killer gamification hacks: Why are your members disappearing—even when you’re doing everything “right”? Rob breaks down the real reasons communities lose members, even when packed with great content. Drawing from what successful games do to keep players hooked, you'll learn the 3 invisible traps that quietly destroy retention—and what to do instead. No gimmicks. No burnout. Just practical, game-inspired strategies to re-engage your members and boost community revenue. Grab the free above to start implementing today! Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in community building and education. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Lets's do stuff together!
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Coaching Leadership Through Role-Playing Games with Joe Lasley | Episode 395
06/02/2025
Coaching Leadership Through Role-Playing Games with Joe Lasley | Episode 395
🚀 Want your community buzzing and bringing in more revenue? Snag my free mini course with 3 killer gamification hacks: What happens when role-playing games become a leadership development tool? In this episode we interview Joe, founder of GameNamic Leadership, to explore how tabletop RPGs can unlock transformational learning, reshape team dynamics, and deliver lasting cultural change. From piloting immersive retreats to coaching teams in real time, Joe shares how combining leadership coaching with roleplay doesn't just gamify learning—it changes how people show up at work. Dr. Joe Lasley is an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Organizational Studies at the University of Southern Maine and the Founder of Gamenamic Leadership, where he merges academic rigor with the imaginative power of tabletop role-playing games to transform how individuals and teams learn to lead in the real world. He is an International Coaching Federation certified Leadership Coach, has a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, and degrees in Organizational Psychology, Higher Education Administration, and Organizational Communication. In academia, Joe designs and teaches courses on leadership development, systems thinking, organizational and group dynamics, with a focus on experiential and transformational learning. He has published peer-reviewed aresearch on leadership development through role-playing games, led action research projects, and regularly presents at national and international conferences including International Leadership Association, National Communication Association, and North American Simulation And Gaming Association. As a consultant, Dr. Joe created LeadRPG, an innovative method that blends leadership development with tabletop role-playing games to build emotionally intelligent, adaptive leaders and creative teams. With the LeadRPG Team, he has developed immersive retreats, facilitated custom programs for mission-driven organizations and tech leaders, and produced game-based toolkits used for leadership coaching, team development, and reflective practice. With expertise spanning group dynamics, adaptive leadership, and game-based learning, Dr. Joe is committed to helping people unlock their potential, co-design shared experiences, and navigate complexity with creativity, purpose, and play. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: Retreats: LinkedIn: LinkedIn: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Recommended book: by D.W. Winnicott Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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The Great Gambit: Teaching Peace Through Play with Anders Kjellberg | Episode 394
05/26/2025
The Great Gambit: Teaching Peace Through Play with Anders Kjellberg | Episode 394
🔥 Losing users? Get free, expert-backed resources to boost retention with gamification: What happens when a teacher turns history into a simulation? We interview Swedish educator Anders Kjellberg, who co-created The Great Gambit, a role-playing simulation designed to help students understand the driving forces behind conflict—and how to prevent war. From sweaty failures to empowering classroom dynamics, Anders shares what worked, what didn’t, and how learning through games can activate students like never before. Anders works as a teacher in Swedish upper secondary school. His main subjects are History and Swedish but he is also part of the school's educational steering group and takes part in a collaborational project with other Nordic upper secondary shools. Apart from being a teacher, Anders is a musician, playing mostly bass, guitars and syntheizsers in several of bands and records a lot of music in his house up in the Swedish forests. Together with his friend Zhenya Luchaninau, he has created an educational tool/simulation to be used in history class in upper secondary school, called "The Great Gambit". The scene is a tumultous transitional period in Europes history, dealing with the years between 1871 and 1914: the build up to World War One. The purpose of the game is, to put it short: make the students understand the driving forces behind conflicts and wars and, hopefully, teach them to understand how a society can avoid such things. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Facebook: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Recommended book: (In Swedish) Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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Bram Wulteputte Gamifies Education With Minecraft and NASA | Episode 393
05/19/2025
Bram Wulteputte Gamifies Education With Minecraft and NASA | Episode 393
🔥 Losing users? Get free, expert-backed resources to boost retention with gamification: How do you gamify learning without losing the learning? We talk with Bram about designing Minecraft-powered learning experiences that actually work. From working with NASA to teaching democracy through play, he reveals how chunking content, building tutorials, and collaborating with subject matter experts creates game-based learning that sticks. Bram Wulteputte is a Co-founder and the Head of Education at Shapescape, a company merging education with the immersive world of . With years of experience in games and gamification, Bram has built educational experiences that don’t just engage—they inspire. Through Shapescape’s partnership with Minecraft Education, he’s been shaping unique content that bridges fun and learning, resonating with audiences around the globe. From guiding strategy to developing immersive curriculums, Bram has hands-on insights into how gamification can unlock new dimensions in both education and business. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: X/Twitter: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: (from ) Recommended book: by Jonathan Haidt by Simon Sinek Favorite game: Lets's do stuff together!
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Why Aldi Agaj Builds Games With Scientists AND Teachers | Episode 392
05/12/2025
Why Aldi Agaj Builds Games With Scientists AND Teachers | Episode 392
🔥 Losing users? Get free, expert-backed resources to boost retention with gamification: What if learning felt like playing — and retention was built into the design? In this episode, Rob interviews Aldi Agaj, CEO of Alter Learning, who shares how his team builds educational video games in collaboration with scientists, educators, and developers. From failures to scaling 40+ games, Aldi reveals how passion, teamwork, and gamification fuel long-term engagement and real-world impact in education. Chief Executive Officer of AAK Tele-Science , And CEO of Alter-Learning Educational Platform from since 2020. He's an Entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer, experienced in founding companies in domestic and international marketplaces. Facilitator and builder of world-class technology. Provides technical and visionary leadership for technology company offering a Cloud-Based Platform as a Service (SaaS) for Scientific Research. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: by J.R.R. Tolkien Favorite game: Volleyball Lets's do stuff together!
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3 Customer Retention Strategies That Keep Customers Coming Back | Episode 391
05/05/2025
3 Customer Retention Strategies That Keep Customers Coming Back | Episode 391
🚀 Want your community buzzing and bringing in more revenue? Snag my free mini course with 3 killer gamification hacks: Tired of watching great customers walk away? We reveal how gamification can transform retention, skyrocket engagement, and massively increase your customer lifetime value—without resorting to gimmicky rewards. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Episode Links: Lets's do stuff together!
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Role-Playing for Real Learning with Anthony Kurza | Episode 390
04/28/2025
Role-Playing for Real Learning with Anthony Kurza | Episode 390
🔥 Losing users? Get free, expert-backed resources to boost retention with gamification: From clueless to collaborative in one session? That’s the power of a well-designed Tabletop RPG. Rob Alvarez sits down with Anthony Kurza, creator of the SAN model and higher ed coach, to explore how role-playing games can unlock retention, connection, and deep learning—both inside and outside the classroom. Anthony Kurza is a game designer specializing in tabletop role-playing games and an educator in higher education. His work bridges storytelling, game mechanics, and immersive learning, creating experiences that foster social-emotional learning and critical thinking. As an adjunct professor and College Life Coach and Florida State University, he helps students explore the power of collaborative storytelling, while his research focuses on how TTRPGs can be used as educational tools. He has also developed his own TTRPG system and is eager to share it with the world—whether through publishing, workshops, or partnerships that bring games into new spaces. His goal is to make storytelling and role-playing more accessible, engaging, and transformative for players and educators alike. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: LinkedIn: Links to episode mentions: Proposed guests: Recommended books: by Sarah Bowman (and its free!) by Stu Horvath Favorite games: Lets's do stuff together!
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