GAMELAYER

In this episode, Jamie Thomson and David Kolmer discuss the future of instructional design, the impact of AI, and how to leverage tools like QuikAuthor to create effective microlearning experiences. They explore how instructional designers can stay relevant and add value in a rapidly evolving industry. Jamie Thomson, an AI consultant with 25 years' experience in HR and L&D. Thomson led the des...

Navigating a Career as a Creative Kerris shares her journey from studying game design to working in immersive technology and educational games, discussing the challenges of turning passion into a career, the impact of AI, and the future of gaming and immersive experiences. There is a particular excitement in finding work connected to something you already love. You arrive with curiosity, experienc...

Most conversations about careers focus on finding the right job. This conversation is about something much bigger: becoming the person you want to be . In this episode of GAMELAYER Radio , David Kolmer sits down with experiential learning strategist Chris Federer for a wide-ranging conversation that explores what happens when you stop reacting to life and begin designing it with intention. Chris s...

In this episode of GAMELAYER Radio, David Kolmer talks with Sarah Filman about improv, play, people leadership, and the surprising ways creative practice can change how we experience ourselves. Sarah began her career in applied mathematics, computer science, and technology at Microsoft. Over time, though, she kept returning to the same questions: How do people work well together? How do teams crea...

Most learning fails because it stops at information. ChrisFederer makes the case for something far more powerful: designing experiences that help people learn faster, remember more, and actually change. Chris and host David Kolmer unpack why experiential learning works, how backwards design turns a vague activity into a clear transformation, and why the best communities are built around one questi...

War games can be about more than conflict. They can be laboratories for understanding humanity. In this episode, David Kolmer sits down with Eleanor Ross - Creative Director @ExpertTheory to explore a different side of simulations and war gaming—one centered on people, perspective, empathy, and understanding. Eleanor works in simulation and war-game design, creating immersive role-playing experien...

214 Please Stay Human: Writing, AI, and the Magic of the Unscripted | Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD The Art and Science of Writing, Creativity, and Entrepreneurial Risk In this episode, Nicole Papiano shares her unique journey from aspiring horse trainer to PhD in English, and then to a successful entrepreneur and instructional designer. We explore how genuine care influences writing and learning...

What can the outdoors teach us about leadership,communication, and being present? In this episode of GAMELAYER Radio , David Kolmer speaks with Mike Dowell, Outdoor Education and Recreation Supervisor for Parkway-Rockwood Community Education and supervisor of the Babler Outdoor Education Center. Mike shares how outdoor activities such as archery, geocaching, fishing, survival skills, and team-buil...

Unlocking Creativity and Personal Growth with Dr. Kevin Thorn Join us as Dr. Kevin Thorn shares his journey from military service to a multi-faceted career in training, art, and community engagement. Discover his unique approaches to creativity, stress management, and innovative teaching methods that challenge traditional thinking. This episode delves into the importance of play, the power of visu...

Mo Ash shares his journey with David Kolmer, from a UN  Model United Nations participant, “MUN” or “MUN-er”  [ https://www.un.org/en/mun ] to a learning designer/ Instructional Designer. Discussing the evolution of instructional design in Egypt, the Penta framework that he developed for assisting in the design of game-based learning, and the importance of community and science based choices in pro...

Guest: Dave Smiderle www.scentreservices.com In this episode of GAMELAYER, David Kolmer talks with DaveSmiderle about game-enhanced learning, entrepreneurship, attention, creativity, and why life may be best understood as a series of side quests. Dave brings experience as a former associate dean,consultant, recording artist, micro-farmer, and industrial-organizational psychology expert. The conver...

summary In this engaging interview, Marnie Kunz shares her journey from a childhood filled with creative activities to founding Run Street, a vibrant community that combines running, street art, and music. Discover how her passions for art, fitness, and community building have shaped her unique brand and inspired others to enjoy active, creative lifestyles.   keywords Run Street, street art, commu...

Unlocking Nature, Wellness, and Solopreneurship: An Interview with Sarah Garner In this episode, Sarah Garner shares how she built a life and business rooted in nature, wellness, and authenticity—showing it’s never too late to begin. She reflects on starting her entrepreneurial journey later in life, embracing imperfection, and letting her nomadic lifestyle shape a brand that feels true to her. Sh...

In this deeply thoughtful conversation, David Kolmer sits down with Edan Kertis, founder of MyQuest, to explore the intersection of learning, play, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Edan shares how a TED Talk about gaming sparked the vision for a platform that transforms traditional training into meaningful personal quests. Together, they discuss the failures and pivots of startup life, the...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Tepra Wells, founder of Tepra Marketing LLC, shares insights into her marketing agency that specializes in enhancing brands' social media presence through content creation. Tepra emphasizes the importance of collaboration with clients, ensuring they are involved in the creative process to authentically represent their brand. She discusses the tools she us...

GAMELAYER Radio explores the intersection of art, games, and education, targeting creative individuals who seek to reignite their sense of play and curiosity. The program aims to inspire learnerss to embrace the power of action, novel experiences, and playfulness in pursuit of a fulfilling life. By fostering a mindset of continuous wonder and exploration, the show encourages adults to nurture thei...

In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews Casandra McCottrell, the founder of Channel Design LLC, a service aimed at helping first-time Digital Content creators launch their channels without feeling overwhelmed. Cassandra discusses the unique challenges faced by new creators, including imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fear of negative feedback. She emphasizes the importance of a...

In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews Cynn Marie Anderson, the owner of Influential Impact, who shares her journey as a dance facilitator and her experiences working with notable artists like Doja Cat and SZA. Cynn Marie discusses her role in empowering students, particularly in underserved communities, by building their confidence and self-esteem through dance. She emphasizes the...

🎱 Please follow this show wherever you found us! 👾 ✨ Summary In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews Harriet Walker, the owner of Harriet's House of Soul Food and Catering, LLC. Harriet shares her journey of transforming her passion for cooking into a thriving catering business. She discusses the essence of soul food, emphasizing its role in bringing families together and cre...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Ja'net Renee Morgan, the owner of Graze in Grace Charcuterie LLC, shares her journey of launching a mobile charcuterie service. She discusses the various events her business caters to, from birthday parties to corporate gatherings, and expresses her excitement about expanding into teaching charcuterie workshops. Jaynet draws parallels between launching her bu...

Summary In this episode, David Kolmer interviews Ronda Meriweather, the founder of Transport-U LLC, a non-emergency medical transportation service. Rhonda shares her journey of starting the business, which was inspired by her personal experiences as a caregiver for her family members who required transportation to medical appointments. She emphasizes the importance of reliable transportation for s...

Summary In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews Destery Hildenbrand, a learning technology consultant, about the intricacies of design and technology in the context of educational tools. In this, the final episode of season 1, they discuss the challenges faced when working with emerging technologies, particularly the frustrations of coding and the creative process. Destery shares in...

Summary In this conversation, David Kolmer turns both mics over. Doc Yavelberger and Carriann Laner explore the intricate relationship between intuition and data, emphasizing the importance of balancing both in decision-making processes. The THEY discusse the challenges of interpreting data sets, particularly in the context of personal experiences and societal narratives. The conversation delves i...

Summary This conversation explores the complex relationship between intuition and data, emphasizing the importance of perspective in understanding various narratives. It discusses the role of human-centered design in the age of AI, highlighting the need to keep the human element in design processes. The dialogue also addresses the balance between efficiency and humanity in design, advocating for a...

Summary In this conversation, David Kolmer and Josh Penzel delve into the intersection of creative processes, instructional design, and the role of AI in augmenting human performance. They draw parallels between theater and instructional design, emphasizing the importance of engagement and coaching in facilitating learning. The discussion also touches on the variability of AI and its implications...