GAMELAYER

David Kolmer records a personal message about the learnings from the process he designed around Gamified Podcast recording at the end of this scheduled time. Little does he know that others from the conference will approach him to record what end up being longer, deeper conversations around Design, Learning, and Play. SCRIPT: All right, so that's about all she wrote. I'm running out of tim...

Summary In this conversation, David Kolmer speaks with Vaughan O'Leary from KPMG about the role of gamification in learning and engagement. They discuss how player reactions during testing can indicate successful design, the importance of customization in learning experiences, and the benefits of community involvement through tournaments. Vaughan shares insights on how to implement gamification st...

Summary In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews Betty Danowitz, a learning solutions architect and podcaster, who drops the "F" bomb. They discuss the role of FUN in the workplace 🫢, the importance of treating design as a practice rather than a checklist, and how shared experiences can enhance team collaboration. Betty also shares insights about her upcoming sessions at T...

Summary In this conversation, David Kolmer interviews Christian Gossan from Sharpen Advisory, discussing the evolving landscape of building and design in the context of AI. They explore the shifting roles in digital project development, the importance of quality assurance, and the necessity of risk management in digital projects. Christian emphasizes the need for a solid architectural foundation i...

Summary In this conversation, Ashlin Parker, a trumpet player and educator, discusses the creative process, the importance of constraints in fostering creativity, and the significance of mentorship in music education. He shares insights on building a community of musicians through the 'trumpet mafia' and emphasizes the value of experience for aspiring musicians. The conversation concludes with lig...

Summary In this conversation, David Kolmer and Frank Parker discuss the ethical implications of game learning, focusing on player autonomy and the importance of consent. They explore the boundaries of player manipulation and the necessity of inviting players to engage freely in the gaming experience. The discussion emphasizes the need for ethical practices in game design, particularly in education...

Summary In this conversation, Phil Cowcill shares insights from his 42 years in the field of design, focusing on the creative process and how constraints can lead to innovative solutions. He discusses the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges and emphasizes the value of exploring bad ideas to spark creativity. Phil also reflects on his journey from Canada to the conference, highlighting...

Summary In this conversation, Mosam Amin, a pharmacist, discusses the interplay between intuition and logic in decision-making, using personal experiences and analogies. He explores the concept of life through the lens of a video game, emphasizing the soul's journey and the impermanence of the physical body. Mumin also delves into the significance of intentions behind actions, particularly in the...

Summary In this conversation, Jazmin Webster discusses the importance of the creative process in game design, emphasizing the need to understand audience motivation. She shares insights on how designers can enhance their creativity by exploring games outside their comfort zone and incorporating audience feedback into their design process. The discussion highlights the significance of game-learning...

Summary In this conversation, Aaron Huffman discusses his journey in the creative process of learning design, focusing on the importance of gamification in making learning more engaging. He shares insights from his experiences in both small tech companies and corporate environments, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to traditional learning methods. Huffman also provides practical advi...

Keywords learning, training, biases, engagement, content, context, rituals, coaching, development, education Summary In this conversation, Sherry Prindle discusses her extensive experience in the training world, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and content of learning. She highlights the role of biases and beliefs in shaping the learning experience and advocates for engaging...

Keywords cybersecurity, behavior change, mindfulness, learning and development, playtesting, human behavior, email security, awareness training, personal security, team rituals Summary In this conversation, David Kolmer discusses the intersection of cybersecurity and human behavior, emphasizing the importance of playtesting and understanding user experiences. He highlights the need for behavior ch...

Summary In this conversation, Shona Sushnoff discusses the importance of the creative process in instructional design, particularly in the context of game-enhanced learning. She emphasizes the role of instructional designers in engaging learners and the need for innovative approaches in education. The discussion also covers practical strategies for enhancing engagement and the importance of collab...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Moad, the manager of documentation and training at Docuvera, discusses the complexities of managing e-learning and training for pharmaceutical software. He highlights the challenges of customizing training for different software releases and the design choices made to enhance user engagement. The conversation also touches on the balance between creativity and tim...

SUMMARY In this conversation, Carrie Anne Lane discusses thecomplexities of reconciling personal beliefs with data-driven insights. She shares her experiences with neurodiversity in her family and how empirical evidence often challenges her initial perceptions. The dialogue transitions into the importance of integrating data into design processes, emphasizing the need for understanding user experi...

SUMMARY In this conversation, Jonathan Peters, PhD discusses the future of gaming, focusing on the importance of understanding player archetypes, the barriers to access in gaming technology, and the implications for game design with David Kolmer. The dialogue emphasizes the need for inclusivity in gaming experiences and the challenges faced by new players in adapting to advanced gaming technologie...

GAMELAYER Alive is a gameified process of podcast creation. Recorded live on site at GAMICON 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is a mini-series that highlights experts in the field of game learning, simple practitioners, and even those who are just curious, who happen to be at the conference. These high signal micro-episodes will be released daily, January 2026. This miniseries itself is organi...

Process Facilitation – Can we Make it Fun? In this engaging conversation, Michelle Zhang and David Kolmer explore the nuances of process facilitation, contrasting it with content facilitation. Michelle shares her journey from a project manager to a facilitator, emphasizing the importance of letting go of control and embracing flexibility. They discuss the role of games in learning, particularly fo...

🎃Happy Halloween🎃...Here is #13! 🚪THE DOOR IS OPEN 🚪 Episode 13  examines an  ARG  ( Alternate Reality Game ) proposed by a podcast, ‘Rabbits’, which is part of a largeruniverse created by Terry Miles. This universe also includes other podcasts: ‘ TANIS ” (not Tennis), ‘ The Black Tapes ,’ and  The Last Movie . The discussion delves into the mysterious and otherworldlynature of “THE GAME”, its...

🎃Happy Halloween🎃 ...Here is #13! 🚪THE DOOR IS OPEN 🚪 Episode 13  examines an  ARG  ( Alternate Reality Game ) proposed by a podcast, ‘Rabbits’, which is part of a larger universe created by Terry Miles. This universe also includes other podcasts: ‘ TANIS ” (not Tennis), ‘ The Black Tapes ,’ and  The Last Movie . The discussion delves into the mysterious and otherworldly nature of “THE GAME”,...

This discussion also explores the concepts of play and creativity, the role of nourishment in work, and the balance between technique and artistic freedom. In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews his old friend Caleb Willitz, exploring Caleb’s journey from a music student to a recording engineer and artist. They discuss Caleb’s transition from classical music to exploring various in...

Keywords podcasting, learning and development, gamification, augmented reality, storytelling, social connections, personal growth, fictional podcasts, community, engagement   Summary In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer and Betty Dannewitz explore the themes of purpose, podcasting, and the intersection of games, play, and learning. Betty shares her journey of discovering her glorious purpos...

Monica Cornetti shares her insights on game-enhancedlearning, emphasizing the role of activities and the importance of embracing failure as a learning tool.   Description:  In this engaging conversation, MonicaCornetti and David Kolmer explore the intricacies of game-enhanced learning, the importance of failure in education, and the personal journey of Monica from being an "activity goddess" to a...

In this conversation, Kassy LaBorie discusses her transition from virtual training guru to keynote speaking, emphasizing the importance of engagement, performance, and the role of play in learning. She shares insights on instructional design, personal growth, and creating safe environments for exploration. The discussion highlights innovative activities that enhance learner engagement and the sign...

In this episode of Gamelayer , we delve into the intersection of game design, user experience, and product development with special guest Brett Wardle . From his roots in gaming to his current work at the intersection of UX and gamification, Brett shares his unique journey and insights. We explore what makes games engaging, how game mechanics translate to product design, and why humility and conti...