Episodes

  • Gamification Where You Least Expect It with David Dand | Episode 430

    Gamification Where You Least Expect It with David Dand | Episode 430
    Feb 2 2026
    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 | CoreusLinkedIn: Personal: David Dand | LinkedInCompany: Coreus Instagram: @coreus_talentacquisition Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: Hiring Success by Jerome TernynckFavorite game: Chess and Football Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification projectStart Your Community on Skool for FreeYouTubeLinkedInInstagramFacebookAsk a question
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    30 mins
  • Tom Vorselen On Why Effort Isn't the Problem (Your Learning Systems Are) | Episode 429

    Tom Vorselen On Why Effort Isn't the Problem (Your Learning Systems Are) | Episode 429
    Jan 26 2026
    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 PROFESSORWebsite: tomsteam.nlLinkedIn: Tom VorselenInstagram: @the_studycoachTikTok: @the_studycoachFacebook: tom.vorselenYouTube: youtube.com/@the_studycoach Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Dan (A Team Member)Recommended book: Level Up by Rob DialFavorite game: Call of Duty seriesFifa (FC nowadays) Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification projectStart Your Community on Skool for FreeYouTubeLinkedInInstagramFacebookAsk a question
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    37 mins
  • From Theater to Gamification: Lessons I Learned from My Dad | Episode 428

    From Theater to Gamification: Lessons I Learned from My Dad | Episode 428
    Jan 19 2026

    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
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    23 mins
  • When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn't Win | Episode 427

    When the Game Is Rigged: Why Venezuela Couldn't Win | Episode 427
    Jan 12 2026

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

    Beyond Points & Badges: How James Portnow Designs Intrinsic Engagement | Episode 426
    Jan 5 2026
    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.comLinkedIn: James PortnowInstagram: @night.crew.games@extracredits TikTok: @night.crew.gamesFacebook: nightcrewgamesExtraCredits Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/nightcrewgames.bsky.socialYouTube: Extra CreditsExtra History Other links: kickstarter.com/projects/cyberpunklegends/cyberpunk-legends-into-the-night Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Richard Garfield of Magic The GatheringDesigner on Candy Crush - Perhaps David Darabian?Jonathan BlowThe Slay the Spire guys - Mega Crit Recommended book: Poetics by Aristotle Understanding Comics by Scott McCloudThe Design of Everyday Things by Don NormanSimulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard Favorite game: Magic The Gathering
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    42 mins
  • The Magic Doesn't Start Where You Think It Does | Episode 425

    The Magic Doesn't Start Where You Think It Does | Episode 425
    Dec 29 2025

    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
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    14 mins
  • Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur | Episode 424

    Your Bio as an Origin Story: Gamifying the Job Hunt with Jade Arthur | Episode 424
    Dec 22 2025

    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
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    • Facebook
    • Ask a question
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    29 mins
  • You're Using Streaks Wrong - Here's What Actually Works | Episode 423

    You're Using Streaks Wrong - Here's What Actually Works | Episode 423
    Dec 15 2025

    Exploring useful streaks for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat

    Why do streaks motivate users at first but eventually push them away? Rob explores the psychology behind collapses, the dangers of existing habit metrics, and practical ways to redesign streaks so they support, not sabotage, long-term engagement. Perfect for product leads, community builders, and behavior designers.

    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:

    • Duolingo (language learning & streak mechanics)
    • Happier Meditation (formerly 10% Happier)
    • Streaks (habit-tracking app)
    • Finch (self-care & habit-tracking app)
    • Octalysis Framework (gamification & Core Drives)
    • Abstinence Violation Effect (psychology of lapses)

    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
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    17 mins