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. 1D AGO

    207 Learner Journey as My Quest - Edan Kertis PART 1

    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 emotional power of gamification, the future of AI-driven skill development, and why learning should feel more like becoming the hero of your own story than completing a corporate checklist. This episode blends entrepreneurship, philosophy, education, and human motivation into a wide-ranging conversation about what it truly means to grow. --- #Description What if learning felt less like training… and more like an adventure? In this episode, David Kolmer talks with Edan Kertis, founder of MyQuest, about building a platform designed to transform learning into meaningful personal journeys. Edan shares how his background in computer science, psychology, startups, and gaming inspired him to rethink corporate learning from the ground up. Together they explore: * Why traditional training often feels “heartless” * How gamification can unlock human motivation * The role of AI in coaching and skill development * The importance of failure in learning and entrepreneurship * Building “practice journeys” instead of static courses * Why future learning systems may operate more like gyms for skills * The psychology behind motivation, feedback, and progress This conversation moves beyond technology into deeper reflections on identity, growth, curiosity, and what it means to pursue a meaningful quest in life. If you’re interested in learning design, AI, startups, psychology, gamification, or personal development — this episode is for you. --- # Alternate Reality Podcast Titles * The Future of Learning Is a Quest * Turning Training Into Transformation * Building the “Gym for Skills” * Why Learning Needs More Play * From LMS to Life Quest * AI, Gamification, and Human Growth * Reinventing Learning Through Play * The Psychology Behind Meaningful Learning * Becoming the Hero of Your Own Quest * Play, Purpose, and Artificial Intelligence * The Quest to Make Learning Human Again * Training Lost Its Heart * What Games Teach Us About Being Human * Learning Through Failure and Play * The Hero’s Journey of Learning * Side Quests and Super Intelligence * Why Play Might Save Education --- Section Titles / Chapters Opening & Origins 1. Meeting Edan Kertis 2. From Israel to Innovation 3. The TED Talk That Changed Everything Building MyQuest 4. Why Traditional LMS Platforms Fail 5. Learning Should Feel Like a Journey 6. Becoming the Hero of Your Own Growth 7. The Psychology of Motivation and Play 8. Why Training Lost Its Heart AI & The Future of Learning 9. AI Beyond Content Creation 10. Building a “Gym for Skills” 11. Simulating Real-World Practice with AI 12. Instant Feedback and Gamification Entrepreneurship & Failure 13. The Biggest Startup Lessons 14. Why Focus Matters 15. The Failure of the “Quest Store” 16. Learning Through Mistakes Philosophy & Human Nature 17. The Wisdom of Crowds 18. Why People Think They’re Experts 19. Play as a State of Mind 20. Becoming the Hero of Your Story Closing Reflections 21. Why Small Ideas Matter 22. The Future of MyQuest 23. The Fox and the Little Prince --- Keywords / Tags #Gamification #AIlearning #EdanKertis #MyQuest #learningmanagementsystems #LMS #learningdesign #instructionaldesign #artificialintelligence #corporatetraining #skilldevelopment #coaching #startupfounder #entrepreneurship #psychologyoflearning #gamifiedlearning #futureofeducation #personalgrowth #humanmotivation #workplacelearning

    40 min
  2. From Content Creation to Community Impact: Tepra Wells' Story

    3D AGO ·  BONUS

    From Content Creation to Community Impact: Tepra Wells' Story

    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 uses, notably her smartphone and the CapCut app, which allow her to produce high-quality video content efficiently. Tepra also addresses the common challenges her clients face, such as the lack of time and resources to capture and edit content for their events. By alleviating this stress, she enables her clients to focus on their core missions. The conversation highlights Tepra's commitment to community impact, exemplified by her collaboration with her mother’s nonprofit, which aids individuals with criminal records in expunging their records, thus providing them with a second chance. This episode not only showcases Tepra's professional journey but also her dedication to making a difference in her community. TEPRA MARKETING https://www.linkedin.com/company/tepra-marketing/ https://www.instagram.com/tepramarketing/ 3 DAUGHTERS AND 1000 SONS https://3daughtersand1000sons.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-kay-keely-9080831a4/ Keywords Tepra Marketing, social media, content creation, marketing agency, community impact, video editing, CapCut, branding, entrepreneurship, nonprofit Takeaways "I love working with clients firsthand." "There's this very strange spirit inside of me that does not allow me to quit." "Social media is a huge part of people knowing about things." "I want to make sure that the people who deserve to know about these things do." "You don't just start off expert; you have to start off beginner." Alternate Reality Titles Elevating Brands: The Tepra Marketing Journey Sound Bites "I love working with clients firsthand." "There's this very strange spirit inside of me that does not allow me to quit." "Social media is a huge part of people knowing about things." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tepra Marketing 01:27 The Creative Process and Tools 02:26 Identifying Client Needs 03:34 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 04:33 Community Impact and Personal Stories 06:49 Lessons from Gaming: Starting from the Bottom

    10 min
  3. 205 ALIVE Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for First-Time Content Creators | Casandra McCottrell Channel Design LLC

    APR 3 ·  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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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

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".