Professor Game Podcast

Rob Alvarez
  • 5.0 (91)
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#1 Gamification Podcast | Insights and Real-World Strategies to Boost Engagement, Loyalty & Retention. Professor Game helps innovators, product leaders, and educators use gamification and game thinking to create engagement that lasts. 🎙️ Hosted by Rob Alvarez — TEDx Speaker, consultant, and host of the #1 Gamification Podcast — each week brings you practical insights, case studies, and frameworks from 400+ global experts and proven real-world examples. Expect interviews with top practitioners in gamification, game design, and behavioral strategy, plus solo episodes where Rob breaks down practical frameworks you can apply in your team, classroom, or product. Join the movement to make engagement, motivation, and loyalty truly meaningful — with stories and strategies that transform the way people learn, work, and play. 💡 Listen. Learn. Apply Play to Your Strategy.

  1. Gamification Where You Least Expect It with David Dand

    3D AGO

    Gamification Where You Least Expect It with David Dand

    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 organizations, even in highly traditional sectors. David is the Founder and Managing Director of Coreus, a boutique hiring services provider based in Brighton. Coreus specialises in helping professional SMEs tackle critical talent challenges and is experienced in the complexities of recruiting in skilled, competitive, and often highly regulated markets. David is a CIPD-qualified HR and recruitment expert with a career spanning global firms such as EY, AXA, and Roche, with a focus on cultural fit, leadership assessment, and career coaching. He lives in the South Downs near Brighton, UK, with his wife and their three mischievous children. His interests include music, travel, and sport. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: Gamification in Recruitment | Coreus LinkedIn: Personal: David Dand | LinkedIn Company: Coreus Instagram: @coreus_talentacquisition   Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: Hiring Success by Jerome Ternynck Favorite game: Chess and Football   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    30 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

    3D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

    Introducing What Healthy Social Media Use Looks Like for Kids | Ash Brandin & Catherine Price | A Kids Co. from Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast. Follow the show: Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast Social media and screen time is becoming a bigger part of family life everyday – from how kids connect and learn, to how many parents manage busy schedules. To help define healthy social media habits, public school teacher and librarian Ash Brandin shares their best tips from recent book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Also, award winning health and science journalist Catherine Price provides advice about how kids are experiencing social media today. Both guests break down how social media can impact developing brains, how families can set and tackle realistic boundaries together, and why monitoring healthy habits with tech use matters. Key Takeaways Have confidence and courage to delay when your kids are introduced to social media. Relearn that age does not always equal readiness to be online. Consider alternative methods for your community to stay online and connected with one another, without use of social media. Reflect healthy habits and boundaries with your own social media and devices. Encourage conversations with all members of your family about their own relationships with their devices. ⏱️ Timestamps: Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/1d1aa9656f95dc45/8e073e0ac686a340 Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator Follow Catherine Price on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinepriceofficial New episodes every Tuesday: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG Or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 START HERE 📌 Get free weekly conversation kits: https://akidsco.com/pages/raising-us 📌 Browse A Kids Co. books that pair with episodes: https://akidsco.com 📌 Follow Elise Hu: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho ABOUT THE SHOW Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life. Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff. Follow on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG Or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you. Topics Covered on Raising Us: Parenting kids and tweens Mental health for kids Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion Screen time and social media Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings Building emotional intelligence in families Conscious and values-driven parenting Elise Hu parenting podcast A Kids Co. podcast series Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Tom Vorselen On Why Effort Isn't the Problem (Your Learning Systems Are)

    JAN 26

    Tom Vorselen On Why Effort Isn't the Problem (Your Learning Systems Are)

    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 results without overwhelm. Tom Vorselen is the founder of The Study Coach, a global coaching brand helping students and working professionals overcome procrastination, master time management, and study smarter with proven science-based methods. After struggling with poor grades and burnout during university, Tom transformed his own approach using evidence from cognitive psychology and neuroscience, eventually graduating with top marks and turning his system into a full-time mission. Today, The Study Coach supports learners in over 40 countries through personalized coaching, online programs, and workshops focused on efficiency, focus, and mindset. Tom's methods have helped thousands of students from medicine to business to engineering achieve higher results in less time and regain confidence in their ability to learn, grow, and perform at their best. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Study Breakthrough Bundle: Send a DM to @the_studycoach on IG and send the word PROFESSOR Website: tomsteam.nl LinkedIn: Tom Vorselen Instagram: @the_studycoach TikTok: @the_studycoach Facebook: tom.vorselen YouTube:  youtube.com/@the_studycoach   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Dan (A Team Member) Recommended book: Level Up by Rob Dial Favorite game: Call of Duty series Fifa (FC nowadays)   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    37 min
  4. From Theater to Gamification: Lessons I Learned from My Dad

    JAN 19

    From Theater to Gamification: Lessons I Learned from My Dad

    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. Through his father's legacy, Rob connects these lessons to his work in gamification, emphasizing how immersive experiences can evoke empathy and engagement in audiences. Rob also reminisces about their shared love for superheroes and video games, illustrating how these interests were nurtured by his father. He discusses the influence of Mariano's career in theater and film, and how it shaped his understanding of performance and audience connection. Ultimately, this episode serves as a tribute to Mariano's life and the enduring lessons that continue to inspire Rob in both his personal and professional endeavors. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links and Info Mariano Alvarez Wikipedia Mariano Alvarez IMDb Homenaje a Mariano Alvarez - Detrás de las Cámaras Jose Gregorio Hernandez (one of the characters he represented)   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    23 min
  5. When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn't Win

    JAN 12

    When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn't Win

    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, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

    23 min
  6. Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426

    JAN 5

    Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426

    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 building experiences people truly care about. James Portnow is a Game Designer by trade, who's worked on games ranging from the Call of Duty Series to League of Legends to Farmville. His latest project, Cyberpunk Legends (the official Cyberpunk co-op card game), Kickstarted for over a million dollars, putting it in the top 1% of kickstarters ever created. He is also the creator of one of the most popular YouTube channels on history, Extra History. He's spoken at universities and corporations around the world and at conferences ranging from GDC to PAX to SXSW. He's been quoted in the New York Times and Time Magazine, published by Oxford University Press and has taught at the Masters and Bachelor's level. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: nightcrewgames.com LinkedIn: James Portnow Instagram: @night.crew.games @extracredits TikTok: @night.crew.games Facebook: nightcrewgames ExtraCredits Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/nightcrewgames.bsky.social YouTube: Extra Credits Extra History Other links: kickstarter.com/projects/cyberpunklegends/cyberpunk-legends-into-the-night   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Richard Garfield of Magic The Gathering Designer on Candy Crush - Perhaps David Darabian? Jonathan Blow The Slay the Spire guys - Mega Crit Recommended book: Poetics by Aristotle Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard Favorite game: Magic The Gathering

    42 min
  7. The Magic Doesn't Start Where You Think It Does

    12/29/2025

    The Magic Doesn't Start Where You Think It Does

    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 gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Links to episode mentions: El Manantial de los Sueños 4 Phases of a Player Journey   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    14 min
  8. Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur

    12/22/2025

    Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur

    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 a language and mindset coach for job seekers in gaming. She helps job seekers take down the villains in their job search like the "Cover Letter Crusher" and the "Interview Assassin." Her mission is to give job seekers the knowledge to authentically express their value and vision while finding joy in the process. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.   Guest Links and Info Website: make-the-grade-with-jade.lovable.app LinkedIn: Jade Arthur Instagram: @makethegradewithjade   Links to episode mentions: Proposed guests: Bruno Frasca Recommended book: Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath Favorite game: Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen   Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question

    29 min
See All (432)

5
out of 5
91 Ratings

About

#1 Gamification Podcast | Insights and Real-World Strategies to Boost Engagement, Loyalty & Retention. Professor Game helps innovators, product leaders, and educators use gamification and game thinking to create engagement that lasts. 🎙️ Hosted by Rob Alvarez — TEDx Speaker, consultant, and host of the #1 Gamification Podcast — each week brings you practical insights, case studies, and frameworks from 400+ global experts and proven real-world examples. Expect interviews with top practitioners in gamification, game design, and behavioral strategy, plus solo episodes where Rob breaks down practical frameworks you can apply in your team, classroom, or product. Join the movement to make engagement, motivation, and loyalty truly meaningful — with stories and strategies that transform the way people learn, work, and play. 💡 Listen. Learn. Apply Play to Your Strategy.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Alvarez
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    432
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    professorgame.com © 2025
  • Show Website
    Professor Game Podcast

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