Professor Game Podcast

Have a product challenge around retention? Quick intro chat → professorgame.com/chat

Leif Sorensen reveals why most corporate learning games fail. We discuss the "magic powder" fallacy, where companies try to cram too many behavioral frameworks into a single experience. Leif breaks down his process for building AI-generated learning games at Actee and explains why focusing on the transfer of learning is the real secret to changing ...

If you're implementing AI and want to realize that promised ROI, let's see if Octalysis fits → professorgame.com/chat

Breaking down why most AI projects fail despite being technically flawless. The problem isn't the code; it's the lack of behavioral design. By applying the Octalysis Framework, we see how to move away from "Black Hat" implementations that trigger resistance and identity threats. Instead, we shares how to design AI a...

I've interviewed hundreds of experts and now lead Engagement Strategy (EU) at TOG.
If you want help applying this, start here: professorgame.com/chat

Can a leader truly be effective without ever presenting a single slide? Clark Aldrich returns to the show to dismantle the "expert-led" model of management and education. He introduces Socratic Cards: a physical tool designed to replace passive consumption with active, high-stakes inq...

Have a product challenge around retention? Quick intro chat → professorgame.com/chat

Stop feeling like you're grinding without a progress bar. In this episode, we explore the behavioral science of "leveling up" in real life to combat burnout and invisible growth. By applying the Octalysis Framework we discusse how to map your career as an evolving skill tree. Whether you are a product leader looking to build meaningful user progres...

Recently funded and aiming for sustainable retention?
Intro chat (no sales pitch): professorgame.com/chat

What if your research team worked like a raid party? Raul Mora shares how bringing gamer language and MMORPG structures into academia boosted clarity, motivation, and long-term commitment. This conversation explores community design, role-based engagement, and why listening to gamers is the most underrated retention strategy in...

I've interviewed hundreds of experts and now lead Engagement Strategy (EU) at The Octalysis Group.
If you want help applying this, start here: professorgame.com/chat

Why do people ignore things they know are good for them and obsess over games instead? In this episode, we introduce the Octalysis Framework, unpacking the eight core drives of human motivation and explain how human-focused design leads to stronger engagement, higher r...

If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat

The biggest impact of gamification often happens in the least obvious places. In this episode, Rob Alvarez talks with David Dand about using game-inspired strategies in recruitment, leadership, and employee experience to attract better-fit talent, reduce churn, and build stronger, more human organi...

You'll get the same 14-day free trial either way—but if you use my link, you'll also be supporting Professor Game: 👉 professorgame.com/openyourskool

What if learning felt less like burnout and more like leveling up? We welcome Tom Vorselen, founder of The Study Coach, to explore how active learning, mindset shifts, and gamified structures help students and professionals overcome procrastination, manage time better, and achieve res...

In this heartfelt episode, Rob reflects on the profound impact his father, Mariano Alvarez, had on his life, particularly as a prominent actor in Venezuela. As he commemorates the 25th anniversary of his father's passing, Rob shares personal anecdotes that highlight the lessons he learned from Mariano, including the importance of believability in storytelling, the value of physical fitness, and the significance of generosity. Throu...

In this rare and deeply personal episode, Rob steps away from the traditional gamification conversation to speak as a Venezuelan. Blending lived experience, political involvement, and game-thinking principles, Rob reflects on the cost of doing everything "by the rules," the exhaustion of democratic paths, and why this moment matters so deeply to millions of Venezuelans around the world.

Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, E...

If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat

What if gamification isn't about rewards at all? James Portnow joins the Professor Game Podcast to explain why intrinsic engagement, thoughtful iteration, and strong design goals matter more than mechanics. From YouTube education to tabletop games, this conversation is packed with insights on build...

Want to run away from destroying an experience? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat

A magical Christmas experience in Madrid almost collapsed because of one overlooked detail. We break down a real-world holiday experience through the stages of gamification, and reveal where confusion can destroy even the most beautiful experience.

Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading ga...

If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat

What if your bio was more than a skills list and your job hunt felt like a well-designed game? We explore with our guest Jade Arthur how to gamify the job search for the games industry, creating stories, systems and mindsets that boost confidence, visibility and long-term career engagement.

Jade is...

Exploring useful streaks for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat

Why do streaks motivate users at first but eventually push them away? Rob explores the psychology behind collapses, the dangers of existing habit metrics, and practical ways to redesign streaks so they support, not sabotage, long-term engagement. Perfect for product leads, community builders, and behavior designers.

Rob Alvarez is Head of Engageme...

Retention or loyalty on your roadmap? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat

We unpack the "tell the cab driver where to go" strategy, health quests, and the eight magic words that shift self-talk from guilt and shame to possibility and lasting change on this chat with Stamina Lab CEO Glen Lubbert. We discuss how to turn health and well-being into a game you can actually win.

Glen is the co-founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, a h...

Exploring behavioral design without shaming? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat

In this episode, we break down the wild world of "confirm shaming": manipulative, guilt-driven prompts apps use to push you into saying yes. From hilarious to downright unethical examples, we unpack why these dark patterns harm long-term loyalty and how to use motivation ethically to build real engagement and retention.

Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagemen...

Build a thriving, monetized community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7.

Join us for free: 🏡 professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

When is failure the first step to real success? In this episode, Matt Dalio, founder of Endless Studios, shares how a dream project collapsed—and sparked a breakthrough. Discover how building games, not just play...

Aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): professorgame.com/chat

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 The O...

Build a thriving, loyal community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7.

Join us for free: 🏡 professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

From theme parks to zines, Andy & Jeff Crocker reveal how analog thinking powers modern engagement. We explore Infinite Right Answers, designing for collaboration, embracing im...