GAMELAYER

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...

This episode explores the intersection of creativity and mortality. Ben Gardner discusses his artistic journey, the philosophy of aesthetics, and the value of embracing slow, intentional living through play and self-reflection. Benjamin Gardner is an artist with a unique vision of what success looks like. Go slow, do less, and focus on quality, not quantity. His work resembles vibrant medieval man...

In episode 6, Jazmin Webster takes listeners on a captivating journey through gamification, spirituality, and personal growth. The conversation opens with Jazmin’s introduction and her unique path into gamification, quickly segueing into the intriguing intersections between fortune telling, spirituality, and the cultural significance of playing cards. As Jazmin unpacks the symbolism behind differe...

Jade Arthur is an educator who uses fun and games to level up her learners. Listen in as she shares how she uses joy to sweeten the job search, games to take the bite out of learning, and Pokémon to enrich her life. Jade runs "Make the Grade,” a gamer's one-stop shop for job search coaching, English instruction, and self-paced digital courses. Episode Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Jade Arthur and...

In this episode, Dellyn Lee digs into his process of gamifying the process of looking for employment. He shares personal stories around his “trifecta” of experience after getting gut-punched on Halloween and getting laid off. Then goes on to share that this was one of the best experiences he has had because it opened his mind to existing paths he never would have considered or even noticed. This l...

Caitlin Johnson, a seasoned gamification consultant and performance coach, dives deep into the art of gamifying business strategies. In this episode, she shares her journey from overcoming personal challenges to founding Bold Bird Consulting. Explore how she designs projects, aligns client needs, and integrates game mechanics into corporate strategy. Caitlin also discusses her vision for the futur...

Listen in as Jonathan Peters PhD, illuminates Johan Huizinga's "The Circle of Play," connecting magic 🔮 with science 🧪 on GAMELAYER.fm 🎲 David Kolmer takes the liberty of connecting Dr. Peters insights to his own experience training and working in the theatre world. Gamemaster Kolmer layers on the ideas of "the given circumstances" and the "Magic WHAT IF," as a means to pave forward into the do...

Welcome to the first episode of GAMELAYER. Paul Smith is from Edinburgh, Scotland, and resides in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In this episode, Paul and David Kolmer discuss a case study of a project he designed for AtkinsRéalis in Montreal, QC. There is also discussion around Chess, original games, Gamification, teaching ESL (English as a Second Language), representation of gender, age, race, religi...

Welcome to GAMELAYER RADIO where we discuss the science of play and the quest of learning. Join David Kolmer as he guides you through engaging discussions and inspiring stories, reminding you to stay present and never postpone joy. Subscribe now and explore the transcendental potential of play in your life. Transcripts and more available at GAMELAYER.FMTheme Music by: Caleb Willitz https://calebwi...