GAMELAYER

David Kolmer

GAMELAYER explores the intersection of art, games, and education, targeting creative individuals who seek to reignite their sense of play and curiosity. It aims to inspire listeners 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 their inner child and adopt a playful approach to learning and creativity. Each episode invites listeners to embark on a journey of discovery, emphasizing the importance of "learning-by-doing"

  1. 205 ALIVE Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for First-Time Content Creators | Casandra McCottrell Channel Design LLC

    1D AGO ·  BONUS

    205 ALIVE Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for First-Time Content Creators | Casandra McCottrell Channel Design LLC

    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 addressing these invisible barriers to empower creators to share their stories and connect with their audience effectively. Cassandra elaborates on the concept of imposter syndrome, explaining how it manifests in creators who feel unworthy of their achievements. She shares her insights on how to shift the focus from vanity metrics, such as likes and views, to the value of the content being created and the impact it can have on viewers. The conversation wraps up with Cassandra's metaphor of "getting stuck out the water," highlighting the need for creators to overcome their fears and take the plunge into content creation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/casandramccottrell/ Keywords first-time creators, imposter syndrome, content creation, Channel Design, overcoming fear, vanity metrics, self-doubt, launch service, creator support, YouTube, Instagram Takeaways "The first-time creator has invisible barriers that..." "Imposter syndrome is when someone doesn't feel cut out for what they claim to be." "It's so much more than just press and start." "We try to address the issue before you even get to the likes." "Success is about who you're trying to serve." "Vanity metrics can make someone give up too soon." "Getting stuck out in the water means overcoming your fears." "You don't know what you don't know." "It's about delivering value, not just metrics." "We got to get you out of that mud, that water, whatever it is." Alternate Reality Titles Navigating the Waters of Digital Content Creation: Insights from Channel Design LLC sound bites ""The first-time creator has invisible barriers."" ""Imposter syndrome is when someone doesn't feel cut out."" ""Vanity metrics can make someone give up too soon."" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup 01:51 Introducing Channel Design 02:50 Understanding Imposter Syndrome 04:58 Real-World Challenges for Creators 06:54 Identifying Barriers to Success 08:19 Addressing Fear and Self-Doubt 09:31 Redefining Success Beyond Metrics 12:02 The Shift in Advertising Metrics 13:20 Getting Unstuck and Moving Forward

    11 min
  2. 204 Empowering the Next Generation Through Dance |Cynn Marie Anderson

    MAR 27 ·  BONUS

    204 Empowering the Next Generation Through Dance |Cynn Marie Anderson

    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 importance of community and word-of-mouth referrals in connecting with those who need her services. The discussion also delves into the challenges of launching a business, where Cinmarie reflects on her initial misconceptions about funding and the scale of her operations. She draws parallels between her entrepreneurial journey and the process of learning a new dance style, highlighting the significance of understanding fundamentals and staying grounded in her purpose. The conversation concludes with Cynn Marie sharing her contact information for those interested in her work, reinforcing her commitment to the next generation of dancers. https://www.instagram.com/iam.cynnmarie/ https://www.instagram.com/dosagelife/ Keywords dance facilitator, Influential Impact, Doja Cat, SZA, student empowerment, community engagement, arts education, entrepreneurship, confidence building, self-esteem Takeaways "We meet students where they are." "It's all about community, honestly." "The why is bigger than me." "I'm not going to be great at salsa if I don't understand what I need to bring to the table." "Every experience is different. I love that." Alternate Reality Title From Dance Floors to Classrooms: Cynn Marie's Journey sound bites "The why is bigger than me." "It's all about community, honestly." "Every experience is different. I love that." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cynn Marie and Influential Impact 01:02 Working with Notable Artists 02:19 Understanding Business Funding 03:12 Connecting with the Community 04:48 Staying Grounded Under Pressure 05:01 How to Reach Cynn Marie

    7 min
  3. 203 Leveling Up in Catering: The Soul Food Experience | Harriet Walker Harriet's House of Soul

    MAR 20 ·  BONUS

    203 Leveling Up in Catering: The Soul Food Experience | Harriet Walker Harriet's House of Soul

    🎱 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 creating a sense of community. Harriet reflects on her experiences working in various kitchens and how they inspired her to create a menu that resonates with her cultural roots and personal preferences. As the conversation unfolds, Harriet describes the emotional connection she feels towards her work, especially as her business gains traction. She likens the process of launching her catering service to leveling up in a video game, where each successful event allows her to grow and take on new challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of food as a cultural phenomenon and the joy it brings to both the cook and the diners, making it clear that Harriet's passion for soul food is deeply intertwined with her identity and community. Keywords soul food, catering, Harriet Walker, community, food culture, entrepreneurship, cooking, comfort food, business journey, food service Takeaways Soul food is about bringing families together. Cooking is not just about the dishes, but the love put into them. Launching a business feels like leveling up in a video game. Each event is a new challenge that helps me grow. Food creates a sense of community and connection. Alternate Reality Title Soul Food and Community: Harriet Walker's Culinary Journey sound bites "Soul food is about bringing families together." "It's a different emotion because it's really happening." "Launching a business feels like leveling up in a video game." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Harriet and Her Business 00:56 The Essence of Soul Food 02:36 Community and Connection Through Food 03:06 The Emotional Journey of Launching a Business 03:55 Leveling Up: Business Growth and Challenges

    7 min
  4. 202 ALIVE From Charcuterie Carts to Culinary Classes: A Journey Ja'net Renee Morgan Graze in Grace Charcuterie LLC

    MAR 13 ·  BONUS

    202 ALIVE From Charcuterie Carts to Culinary Classes: A Journey Ja'net Renee Morgan Graze in Grace Charcuterie LLC

    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 business and leveling up in a video game, emphasizing the importance of gathering the right resources and validation before advancing. Her background in human resources and training plays a significant role in her approach to both her business and her upcoming workshops, where she aims to blend her passion for teaching with her culinary skills. Throughout the conversation, Ja'net highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and validating her business concept before diving in. She reflects on her initial focus on charcuterie carts and how that evolved into offering charcuterie boards and boxes, catering to the growing demand for convenient, high-quality food options. The discussion also touches on her plans for future events and collaborations, showcasing her commitment to community engagement and service. https://grazeingracecharcuterie.com/mobile https://www.instagram.com/grazeingrace_charcuterie Keywords charcuterie, mobile service, business launch, training, validation, event catering, entrepreneurship, workshops, community engagement Takeaways "You need to collect all those coins before you advance." "Validation is having a better understanding of the need." "Understanding who your company is and what your why is, is all the pieces that you need to be successful." "It's really important to validate your business, learning who needs your product." "Breaking bread and being a service to others is at the heart of what I do." Alternate Reality Titles Leveling Up Your Business: Lessons from Charcuterie From Charcuterie Carts to Culinary Classes: A Journey sound bites "You need to collect all those coins before you advance." "Validation is having a better understanding of the need." "Breaking bread and being a service to others." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Graze and Gray Charcuterie 00:49 Transitioning into Teaching Workshops 02:19 Launching the Business: A Video Game Analogy 03:01 The Importance of Validation in Business 03:54 Evolution of the Charcuterie Business

    6 min
  5. 201 ALIVE- Meeting the Need: Ronda Meriweather on Caregiving and Entrepreneurship | Ronda Meriweather Transport-U

    MAR 6 ·  BONUS

    201 ALIVE- Meeting the Need: Ronda Meriweather on Caregiving and Entrepreneurship | Ronda Meriweather Transport-U

    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 seniors and disabled individuals, highlighting the challenges she faced in finding dependable services for her loved ones. Rhonda discusses the growth of her business, which has expanded to include three vans and a team of contracted drivers, and her commitment to providing a much-needed service in the community. Rhonda also touches on the operational aspects of her business, explaining that it operates on a private pay model and does not accept Medicaid or Medicare. She shares insights into her hiring practices, aiming to employ retired individuals who understand the unique needs of the clientele. The conversation underscores the significance of addressing gaps in healthcare transportation and the personal motivation behind Rhonda's entrepreneurial journey, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in small business development and community service. https://transport-u.com/ Keywords non-emergency medical transportation, caregiver, small business, healthcare, seniors, disabled transportation, entrepreneurship, community service, Rhonda Merriweather, Transport ULLC Takeaways "I saw the need and the need was for me personally." "It's not an emergency. We're not 911." "I'm trying to hire veterans, somebody that's retired that just doesn't want to make a lot of money." "When you miss an appointment, it's not like you can get the appointment tomorrow." "I want to be able to help somebody to do this because this is a need." Alternate Reality Title Transforming Care: Rhonda Merriweather's Journey in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Sound bites "It's not an emergency. We're not 911." "I saw the need, and the need was for me personally." "I'm trying to hire veterans, somebody that's retired." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transport ULLC 01:43 Rhonda's Journey as a Caregiver 03:33 The Need for Reliable Transportation 04:33 Building a Business from Personal Experience

    7 min
  6. 135 ALIVE | Learning Design Between Vision and Constraints | Destery Hildenbrand

    JAN 20 ·  BONUS

    135 ALIVE | Learning Design Between Vision and Constraints | Destery Hildenbrand

    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 insights on how the vision for a project can sometimes clash with technical limitations, leading to a struggle between creativity and practicality. The dialogue also touches on the importance of adaptability and the willingness to learn from failures in order to achieve a successful outcome in design projects. As the conversation progresses, they delve into the impact of AI on content creation and the democratization of technology, exploring how new tools can enhance creativity while also raising concerns about authenticity and acceptance within professional circles. Destery emphasizes the need for a balance between maintaining a creative vision and navigating the realities of project constraints, ultimately advocating for a mindset that embraces innovation and collaboration in the learning technology space. Alternate Reality Titles Navigating the Creative Process in Learning Technology Balancing Vision and Reality in Design Sound bites "That's a good question, Kolmer." "You're either all in or you're not." "What's the big deal with being all in on AI?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:25 Creative Process and Design Approach 02:40 Challenges in Design and Technology 07:40 Balancing Vision and Technical Constraints 14:42 The Role of Autonomy in Creative Work 17:35 The Impact of AI on Content Creation 26:08 Embracing New Tools and Overcoming Judgment 28:24 GAMELAYER CLOSER Keywords learning technology, design process, emerging technology, AI in education, creative process, coding challenges, instructional design, project management, technology consultant GAMELAYER Alive Gameified 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 organized through a card game that promotes conversations through self-hugging. Self-hugging is the aspect or tendency of a designer to create learning environments or artifacts that they themselves would enjoy consuming. This is seen as a negative practice in the game-learning industry. However, for a discussion, self-hugging is actually pretty useful. In this game, practitioners will identify with one of five cards. The cards are laid out on a spectrum of potential personas. Starting with the scientist on one and the Mystic on the other, after selecting their persona card, the speaker will be guided to choose one of three topic cards. The topic of building, the topic of measuring out outcomes, or the topic of the future of the L&D industry. CREDITS GAMELAYER RADIO is found wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts and swag at Gamelayer.fm Theme Music by Caleb Willitz. calebwillitz.com/ calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/music PODCAST APP LINKS ♥️ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gamelayer/id1804386590 ♣️ Pocket Casts https://pca.st/ch0fdeon ♦️ Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gamelayer ♠️ Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a617d81-2f96-43a3-9938-7f0b2ad7e49d/gamelayer 🎱 YOUTUBE Podcast www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERPOD SOCIAL MEDIA INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/gamelayer.fm/ LINKED IN! https://linkedin.com/company/gamelayerfm FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/gamelayer.fm/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERfm #GAMICON, #GAMELAYER, #Game, #Gamified, #Kolmer, #DAVIDKOLMER, #GAMIFICATION, #GAMELEARNING, #IMPROVEMENTDAVE

    30 min
  7. 134 ALIVE | Alchemy and Witnessing - What Feels True | Carriann Lane & Josh "Doc" Yavelberg

    JAN 19 ·  BONUS

    134 ALIVE | Alchemy and Witnessing - What Feels True | Carriann Lane & Josh "Doc" Yavelberg

    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 into the disruption of traditional perspectives in art and data analysis, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of various viewpoints. The THEY also highlight the significance of agility in design, stressing the need for innovation while managing risks effectively. Takeaways Intuition and data must be balanced in decision-making. Personal experiences can challenge data interpretations. Correlation does not imply causation; context matters. Diverse perspectives enhance understanding of data. Art history is shaped by who defines the canon. AI can perpetuate biases present in historical data. Human-centered design prioritizes user experience. Agility in design helps navigate risks and uncertainties. Efficiency should not overshadow meaningful outcomes. Innovation requires questioning established narratives. Alternate-Reality Titles That Idea that Carriann Lane had in the shower about Alchemy and Witnessing The Existentialism around what feels true When the Elephant and the Rider make up and then make a baby. Navigating the Intersection of Intuition and Data The Power of Perspective in Data Analysis Sound bites "Data comes in different forms." "Correlation does not equal causation." "Efficiency is not always the outcome." Chapters 00:00 Intuition vs. Data: The Paradox 07:41 The Role of Perspective in Understanding 16:09 Human-Centered Design and AI 17:59 Efficiency vs. Humanity in Design Keywords intuition, data, craft, ritual, perspective, art, disruption, design, innovation, human-centered design GAMELAYER Alive Gameified 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 organized through a card game that promotes conversations through self-hugging. Self-hugging is the aspect or tendency of a designer to create learning environments or artifacts that they themselves would enjoy consuming. This is seen as a negative practice in the game-learning industry. However, for a discussion, self-hugging is actually pretty useful. In this game, practitioners will identify with one of five cards. The cards are laid out on a spectrum of potential personas. Starting with the scientist on one and the Mystic on the other, after selecting their persona card, the speaker will be guided to choose one of three topic cards. The topic of building, the topic of measuring out outcomes, or the topic of the future of the L&D industry. CREDITS GAMELAYER RADIO is found wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts and swag at Gamelayer.fm Theme Music by Caleb Willitz. calebwillitz.com/ calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/music PODCAST APP LINKS ♥️ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gamelayer/id1804386590 ♣️ Pocket Casts https://pca.st/ch0fdeon ♦️ Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gamelayer ♠️ Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a617d81-2f96-43a3-9938-7f0b2ad7e49d/gamelayer 🎱 YOUTUBE Podcast www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERPOD SOCIAL MEDIA INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/gamelayer.fm/ LINKED IN! https://linkedin.com/company/gamelayerfm FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/gamelayer.fm/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERfm #GAMICON, #GAMELAYER, #Game, #Gamified, #Kolmer, #DAVIDKOLMER, #GAMIFICATION, #GAMELEARNING, #IMPROVEMENTDAVE

    20 min
  8. 133 ALIVE | The Measure of Meaning - Who Gets to Define the Canon? | JOSH "DOC" YAVELBERG

    JAN 18 ·  BONUS

    133 ALIVE | The Measure of Meaning - Who Gets to Define the Canon? | JOSH "DOC" YAVELBERG

    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 thoughtful approach to innovation and accurate research methodologies. Takeaways Intuition and data can often present conflicting narratives. Personal experiences can shape our understanding of data. Correlation does not imply causation; context matters. Diversity of perspectives enhances understanding and reduces bias. Human-centered design is crucial in technology and AI. AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them. Efficiency should not overshadow the human experience in design. Research methodologies vary widely and should be chosen thoughtfully. Disrupting established patterns can lead to new insights. The canon of knowledge is constantly evolving and should include diverse voices. Alternate Reality Titles Navigating the Intuition-Data Paradox When the Rider yells at the Elephant, and the Elephant shrugs Understanding Through Diverse Perspectives Why do Old White Guys Declare what Art is, and is NOT? Sound bites "Correlation does not equal causation." "How do you define the canon?" "It's happening; tools are in play." Chapters 00:00 Intuition vs. Data: The Paradox 09:46 The Role of Perspective in Understanding 19:20 Human-Centered Design and AI 21:22 Efficiency vs. Humanity in Design Keywords intuition, data, human-centered design, AI, efficiency, perspective, research methodologies, creativity, bias, narrative GAMELAYER Alive Gameified 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 organized through a card game that promotes conversations through self-hugging. Self-hugging is the aspect or tendency of a designer to create learning environments or artifacts that they themselves would enjoy consuming. This is seen as a negative practice in the game-learning industry. However, for a discussion, self-hugging is actually pretty useful. In this game, practitioners will identify with one of five cards. The cards are laid out on a spectrum of potential personas. Starting with the scientist on one and the Mystic on the other, after selecting their persona card, the speaker will be guided to choose one of three topic cards. The topic of building, the topic of measuring out outcomes, or the topic of the future of the L&D industry. CREDITS GAMELAYER RADIO is found wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts and swag at Gamelayer.fm Theme Music by Caleb Willitz. calebwillitz.com/ calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/music PODCAST APP LINKS ♥️ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gamelayer/id1804386590 ♣️ Pocket Casts https://pca.st/ch0fdeon ♦️ Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gamelayer ♠️ Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a617d81-2f96-43a3-9938-7f0b2ad7e49d/gamelayer 🎱 YOUTUBE Podcast www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERPOD SOCIAL MEDIA INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/gamelayer.fm/ LINKED IN! https://linkedin.com/company/gamelayerfm FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/gamelayer.fm/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERfm #GAMICON, #GAMELAYER, #Game, #Gamified, #Kolmer, #DAVIDKOLMER, #GAMIFICATION, #GAMELEARNING, #IMPROVEMENTDAVE

    18 min

About

GAMELAYER explores the intersection of art, games, and education, targeting creative individuals who seek to reignite their sense of play and curiosity. It aims to inspire listeners 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 their inner child and adopt a playful approach to learning and creativity. Each episode invites listeners to embark on a journey of discovery, emphasizing the importance of "learning-by-doing"

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