Every episode of the Professor Game podcast, hosted by Rob Alvarez of The Octalysis Group. Honest breakdowns of gamification, behavioral design, and the Octalysis Framework, applied to real products, retention, and engagement. New episodes weekly, plus interviews with leading experts.
Tom Vorselen On Why Effort Isn’t the Problem (Your Learning Systems Are) | Episode 429
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 Episode Summary Tom Vorselen, founder of The Study Coach, argues that academic and professional learners fail not from lack of effort but […]
From Theater to Gamification: Lessons I Learned from My Dad | Episode 428
Episode Summary Marking the 25th anniversary of his father’s death, Rob reflects on what Venezuelan actor Mariano Alvarez taught him about believability, performance, and audience connection: and traces those lessons directly into his gamification practice. He recounts how his father’s portrayal of saint José […]
When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn’t Win | Episode 427
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. […]
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 Episode Summary James Portnow argues that point systems and leveling bars are “the path to abject failure” in gamification, and that real engagement comes from intrinsic design […]
The Magic Doesn’t Start Where You Think It Does | Episode 425
Want to run away from destroying an experience? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat Episode Summary Rob walks through a real Christmas experience at Madrid’s Manantial de los Sueños, using it to demonstrate how a beautifully executed gamified experience nearly collapsed at onboarding. He […]