In this episode, host Sarah sits down with Lenn Millbower to explore the power of learnertainment and Disney-inspired training techniques. With 25 years at Walt Disney World and a background in entertainment, Lenn shares how engaging the limbic system can make training more memorable and effective.
From sound oversight to creating harmonious learning environments, Lenn reveals practical tips trainers can use—no comedy skills required! Discover how props, music, and sensory details can transform training without overshadowing learning objectives.
📌 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Why entertainment enhances memory retention ✔️ Disney’s secrets to immersive learning environments ✔️ Simple ways to keep learners engaged
Chapters
00:00:01 – Introduction and Background Sarah introduced the HRDQU In-Review Podcast and welcomed Lenn Millbower to discuss Showbiz Basics and Disney-inspired training techniques. Lenn shared his journey from childhood entertainer to Disney trainer.
00:02:45 – The Connection Between Entertainment and Learning Lenn explained how his experience as a band performer influenced his training approach, highlighting how he learned to manipulate crowd energy through music selection.
00:04:12 – Common Training Mistakes and Solutions Lenn addressed the issue of "icebreaker phobia" and explained how activities should flow naturally within training sessions instead of feeling forced.
00:05:44 – The Power of Learnertainment Lenn discussed the importance of the limbic system in learning and shared how even firefighters engaged positively with creative activities when presented correctly.
00:13:00 – Disney-Inspired Training Techniques Lenn detailed Disney’s approach to creating harmonious environments and how these principles can be applied to training spaces, from sensory elements to room setup.
00:17:59 – Practical Implementation Tips Lenn shared practical strategies to make training more engaging, including how to use props effectively and balance entertainment with learning objectives.
Tune in for practical leadership insights and strategies to stay flexible and effective in today’s evolving workplace!
Resources & Links: Watch the webinar: Show Biz Basics: Learnertainment Infused, Disney-Inspired Techniques for Engaging Trainees
More from Lenn: Bundle Discounts on Lenn’s Most Popular Books and Resources
Are you enjoying the HRDQ-U In Review Podcast? We invite you to follow us, share with a colleague, and consider leaving a 5-star rating to support our podcast!
Episode Sponsors:
HRDQ-U: Unlock your potential with HRDQ-U memberships! Gain exclusive access to top-tier training resources, webinars, and tools that elevate your team's performance. Use code HRDQUSAVE10 at checkout for 10% off your first year of your annual membership. That’s Visit hrdqu.com to learn more and join the HRDQU community.
HRDQ: Providers of research based, soft skills, training resources since 1977. Assessments, online learning, experiential hands-on games, customizable course content. Over 200 resources to improve performance, increase job satisfaction, and cultivate essential skills in your organization. Use code HRDQUPOD10 for 10% off your purchase today at hrdqstore.com.
Leadership Potential: Leadership Potential collaborates with small to mid-sized HR and business leaders, providing tailored coaching, training, and consultation services to elevate their strategic approach. Explore their "Mastering Difficult Conversations: Developing Confident Communication Skills for Challenging Situations" course and save 10% with code HRDQU at leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to. Seize this opportunity to refine your skills, transcend obstacles, and propel your career to new heights.
Torrance Learning: Torrance Learning is a full stack learning services firm supporting workplace learning from strategy to custom design and development all the way through custom software, XAPI deployment and learning analytics. They do things differently. They thrive on adapting to changing n
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.