Professor Game Podcast

If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

🎤 What do a trivia show, a fake country, and a war against Crocs have in common? You'll find out in this hilariously high-energy episode of the Professor Game Podcast with Rob and the unforgettable Mark Corona! From founding the micro-nation of Slowjamistan (where Crocs are banned by law 😆) to designing and hosting a national trivia game show unlike any other, Mark shares the wild ride of combining entertainment with meaningful engagement. He dives into stories of tech failures turned learning moments, how games build community and retention in corporate settings, and why persistence is the real superpower behind success. It's an episode packed with laughs, lessons, and a whole lot of game show magic! 🎮🎙️

Mark Corona is a national trivia host, high-energy speaker, and the founder of his own country. Known for engaging audiences with interactive trivia and unforgettable experiences, he blends entertainment with business insights to engage and retain.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: markcorona.com
• Instagram: @PorderBatrol
• TikTok: @theporderbatrol

Links to episode mentions:

• Recommended book: Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Favorite game: Super Mario Bros and The Price is Right

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What if the characters we play in games reveal more about who we truly are? 🎭🎲 Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) offer more than just entertainment—they create powerful opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth, and deeper engagement. This conversation dives into how the roles we play in games often reflect real-life struggles, aspirations, and identities—sometimes without us even realizing it. Through immersive storytelling and emergent gameplay, TTRPGs become tools for building emotional intelligence, confidence, and connection. Whether you're designing learning experiences, digital communities, or gamified products, this episode uncovers how role-play can drive transformation and long-term engagement.

Ryan Alan Jones is a transformational coach, mindfulness practitioner, and advocate for the power of storytelling in personal development. Currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership and coaching, Ryan's academic work complements his unique approach, which integrates tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) to help individuals uncover new facets of themselves, build social and emotional intelligence, and foster beautiful and satisfying lives. His work bridges the creative and the practical, drawing on his experiences as a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, actor, and director. Through his innovative approach, Ryan bridges the worlds of imagination and reality, helping others discover their potential and redefine their personal narratives.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: raj.coach
• LinkedIn: Ryan Alan Jones
• Instagram: @drjones.coach
• TikTok: @drjones.coach

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guest: Anthony Kurza
• Recommended book: Transformative Role-Playing Game Design (free PDF!)
• Favorite game: Venture Society

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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

What if playing pretend could unlock real-world skills? 🎭🎲 We explore how Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) are transforming education and therapy. Through structured yet creative gameplay, Kathrin helps students and therapy patients develop communication, teamwork, and confidence—while having fun. She shares how even short, one-hour sessions can lead to long-term behavioral changes, deeper engagement, and transferable skills that go beyond the game table. Whether you're an educator, a product designer, or a community builder, this episode will inspire you to harness the power of play to boost retention, motivation, and meaningful learning experiences.

Kathrin Fischer is a teacher and learning therapist from Germany who focuses on applied ttrpg (tabletop roleplaying game) as a method in learning since 2019. With her Company EduTale she provides workshops and material for educators and therapists. She also works at the Bonn Lab for Analog Games and Imaginative Play of the University of Bonn.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: edutale.de
• LinkedIn: Kathrin Fischer
• Instagram: @edutale2020
• Facebook: EduTale

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guest:
  • Michael Low
  • Dr. Laura Lewald Romahn
• Recommended book: Role-Playing Game Studies: Transmedia Foundations
• Favorite game: For The Queen by Alex Roberts

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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

What if your favorite video game could teach you more about life and career success than any classroom? 🎮🎙️ We explore the surprising connections between gaming, motivation, and professional growth. From mastering Starcraft strategies to navigating the world of voice acting, Chris shares how the principles of grit, iteration, and engagement in games helped him transition from corporate marketing to a thriving career behind the mic. They discuss the power of storytelling in games, how to design experiences that keep people engaged naturally, and why the best retention strategies mirror the mechanics of great games. Whether you're an educator, community builder, or product designer, this episode is packed with actionable insights on gamification, engagement, and building loyalty—all inspired by the world of video games. 🚀

Chris Dattoli is an NJ-based voice actor who has been a part of various video games, audiobooks, anime's, cartoons, & commercials, such as "Kon" in the fighter game Konsui Fighter, "Kuroki Maeba" in ReBite: The Psychopathic Chef, "Rower" in the animated series Handaria, Arthur, Marty, and all the male roles in the physiological video game IMAGO: Beyond the Nightmare, & in the video game Brigandine Grand Edition as Zemeckis, Cador & Paternus. He's also voiced numerous commercials for brands like the NFL Network, Disney, Microsoft, Lowes, and more! In addition to his voice resume, Chris is also an On Camera actor and model. In 2024, Chris won a Voice Arts Award from the Society of Voice Arts & Sciences! Chris is a long-time fan of anime (back when they were on LaserDisc!) and video games and loves to keep up to date on the newest titles.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: dattolivoiceovers.com
• LinkedIn: Chris Dattoli
• Instagram: @chrisdattolivo
• TikTok: @chrisdattolivo
• Facebook: Chris Dattoli
• X/Twitter: @chrisdattolivo

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guest:
  • Simon Gato of Beyond The Nightmares
  • James Kline
• Recommended book:
  • The Gift of Giftology by John Ruhlin
  • The Console: 50 Years of Home Video Gaming by Mike Diver
• Favorite game: Final Fantasy VII
• Other top games for Chris
  • Blaster Master
  • Zombies ate my neighbors
  • Monster Party
  • Megaman X

If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

What if games could be more than just fun—what if they could transform learning itself? Our guest Dr. Mark Harvey brings a wealth of experience in integrating games into educational settings to this ongoing conversation on gamification. This conversation delves into practical strategies for enhancing classroom engagement and sharing stories that reveal the transformative potential of playfulness in education.

Dr. Mark Harvey is an Associate Professor and Director of the MBA program at the University of Saint Mary. He is a co-editor of the volume Simulations in the Political Science Classroom: Games without Frontiers and the forthcoming book, Beating the Clock: The Power of Short Games and Active Learning. In addition to doing research on active learning and deploying games and simulations in his own classrooms, he has also assisted in simulations at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth. He is also the author of Celebrity Influence: Politics, Persuasion, and Issue-Based Advocacy.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: stmary.edu/_faculty_import_11-5/mark_harvey
• LinkedIn: Mark Harvey, Ph.D.
• TikTok: @drmaharvey
• Facebook: Mark Harvey
• X/Twitter: @DrMAHarvey
• Other: beyondprofit.weebly.com

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guest:
  • Ryan Gibb (Extended Diplomacy simulations)
  • Derek Glasgow (Game on John Locke)
  • John Lahey
  • Jim Gasperini
• Recommended book:
  • The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  • The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
• Favorite games:
  • Hidden Agenda
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • Red Empire

Lets's do stuff together!

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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

Unlock the secrets behind truly captivating game design and community-building. We have this conversation with Dhiraj Jujare, the force heading Warpverse X. Armed with a visionary outlook, Dhiraj demystifies the paths less traveled that bridge gamers and creators under one roof. Set your imagination free; here awaits thought-provoking discourse on harmonizing fine art with technology, built upon enduring design principles. If you have ever wondered what's at the heart of winning players' loyalty through compelling narratives and expressive visuals, this is your podcast episode!

Dhiraj Jujare is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the CEO of Warpverse X, a cutting-edge gaming platform revolutionizing the digital gaming ecosystem. Known for his innovative mindset and deep passion for technology, Dhiraj has positioned Warpverse X as a central hub for gamers, developers, content creators, and brands alike. His leadership emphasizes fostering vibrant communities, leveraging advanced tools for game development, and driving forward-thinking solutions in esports and digital marketplaces.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: warpverse-x.com
• LinkedIn: Warpverse X
• Discord: discord.gg/g7D6DAhpKG

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guest:
  • GameTout
  • John Carmack (of Doom)
  • Nikhil Malankar
• Recommended book: Takaiko Inue's Musashi
• Favorite game: Pokemon originals

Lets's do stuff together!

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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

Discover the intersection of AI and gamification in education to enhance creativity and efficiency. We're joined by Dr. Victoria "Tori" Mondelli, a pioneer in the field of educational game design and the founding director of the University of Missouri's Teaching for Learning Center. This episode dives deep into the world of gamification, exploring how games can be used as powerful educational tools to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

Dr. Mondelli serves as the Founding Director of the University of Missouri's Teaching for Learning Center. She is an affiliated faculty member in Adroit Studios Gaming Lab in the College of Education & Human Development and the History Department in the College of Arts and Science. She holds a Ph.D. in early modern European history. Her training as a historian led her to prize writing across the curriculum and writing in the disciplines' pedagogies. From there, she became an expert in coaching faculty and other educators to incorporate the full gamut of evidence-based and creative practices to maximize student engagement and deepen learning.

Her passion for game-based learning was ignited while at the City University of New York and led her to facilitate workshops nationally, often with her co-author, Dr. Joe Bisz. Their collaborative, highly interactive pedagogy was in need of a scholarly design method to leverage research-based principles known to improve learning. After years of research and praxis, Mondelli and Bisz released their book in 2023, The Educator's Guide to Designing Games and Creative Active-Learning Exercises: The Allure of Play.

When not playing games, Dr. Mondelli can be found leading strategic teaching initiatives to enhance support for faculty members and graduate instructors. Lately, she has been in the thick or pedagogical and ethical discussions and policy-making for Gen AI at her institution. In short, tech or no tech, she aims to increase the prevalence of learning environments that intentionally build a sense of belonging for ALL learners, while structuring active learning and transparent assessment.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• • Websites:
    • victoriamondelli.com
    • allureofplay.com
  • LinkedIn: Victoria Tori Mondelli

Links to episode mentions:

• • Proposed guest: Dr Robert Duncan
  • Recommended book: Reality is Broken by Jane McGonigal
  • Favorite game: Snake Oil

Lets's do stuff together!

• • Get started in Gamification for FREE!
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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

"I'm better than almost anyone at making complex subjects easy to understand for anybody." – Jerry Kolber. On this episode Jerry shares his journey in revolutionizing edutainment with popular shows like "Brain Games" and his podcast Who Smarted. Dive into the fascinating world of gamifying education, learn about the intricacies behind creating engaging content, and gather insights on building a successful podcast.

Jerry Kolber is a creator and producer of children's educational content. Revolutionizing Edutainment with National Geographic's Number 1 Series "Brain Games", Netflix's "Brainchild" and now his podcast Who Smarted. Jerry uses games and storytelling to make kids and parents laugh as they discover a love for learning.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: atomicentertainment.com
• LinkedIn: Jerry Kolber
• Instagram: @whosmarted
• Brain Games
• Brainchild
• Who Smarted

Links to episode mentions:

• Recommended books:
  • Influence by Robert B. Cialdini Ph.D
  • Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Favorite game: Settlers of Catan

Lets's do stuff together!

• Get started in Gamification for FREE!
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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: professorgame.com/freecommunity-web

"Life is a game, and we get to wake up and play it every day." – Bobby Donohue on the Professor Game podcast. Bobby Donohue, the founder of Planet Bonehead, an innovative educational platform designed to empower teachers and inspire students to address climate change through gamification and storytelling. With over 15 years of experience, Bobby shares his journey of using game-inspired solutions to facilitate interactive learning. Throughout the conversation, Bobby highlights both the challenges and successes of his initiatives, while also sharing valuable insights into the world of educational gamification.

Bobby Donohue is the founder of Planet Bonehead, an educational platform that empowers teachers and inspires students to tackle climate change with optimism and creativity. With over 15 years of experience in educational content development, Bobby specializes in blending storytelling, gamification, and interactive learning to make complex environmental topics accessible and engaging. His work focuses on creating innovative tools and resources that encourage action and critical thinking, including the use of gamified strategies to teach kids about recycling, conservation, and sustainable living.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Website: planetbonehead.com
• LinkedIn: Bobby Donohue
• TikTok: @planetbonehead
• Facebook: Bobby Donohue
• Bluesky: @planetbonehead.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@PlanetBonehead

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guests:
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson
  • Landon (Bobby's friend)
• Recommended book: Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
• Favorite game: Mario Bros

Lets's do stuff together!

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If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web

"Questify Your Life" system that also works alongside disabilities. We sit with Sierra Grandy to discuss how she gamifies life using her unique "Questify Your Life" system. They explore Sierra's approach to living life as a series of quests and how gamification can drive engagement and personal growth.

Sierra Grandy is a recent lawyer, disability advocate, and business owner. She plays her life as if it were a quest and teaches others to do the same by using her "Questify Your Life" system.

Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia.

Guest Links and Info

• Websites:
  • SierraGrandy.com
  • QuestifyYourLife.com (website in progress-soon to launch)
• LinkedIn: Sierra Grandy
• Instagram: @sierramgrandy
• TikTok: @questifyyourlifesierra
• Substack: questifyyourlife.substack.com

Links to episode mentions:

• Proposed guest: Brennan Lee Mulligan
• Recommended book:
  • The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
  • Mindset by Carol Dweck
• Favorite game:
  • Tabletop: Dungeons & Dragons
  • Party Game: Business Walrus
  • Video Game: Dark Cloud 2

Lets's do stuff together!

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