216 Experiential Learning [PART 1] | Christopher Federer

Most learning fails because it stops at information. ChrisFederer makes the case for something far more powerful: designing experiences that help people learn faster, remember more, and actually change. Chris and host David Kolmer unpack why experiential learning works, how backwards design turns a vague activity into a clear transformation, and why the best communities are built around one question - what outcome are people gettinghere that they could not get alone? Chris draws on a career that spans student travel, facilitation, business strategy, community building, and experiential education, showing how intention and reflection connect every chapter. Davidbrings his own lens from instructional design and backward design, pushing the conversation into what makes learning environments actually effective instead of merely engaging. You'll discover: - Why a great experience has to be designed around a specific learner need, not just a clever format - How Chris built a design thinking community in Salt Lake City and used it to learn the field while helping otherspractice real skills - Why live, interactive spaces create more value than passive lectures or content dumps - How facilitators can use chat, moderation, and social engagement to make a learning experience feel alive - Why reps, reflection, and clear transformation objectives matter more than theory alone Chris also shares the lessons that came from teachingskiing, leading student travel in Argentina, and working across cultures in Thailand, where he learned firsthand that immersion, feedback, and meaningful stakes can accelerate growth in ways textbooks never do. If you care aboutlearning design, community building, training, podcasting, or creating experiences people actually want to return to, this conversation is packed with practical insight and sharp takeaways. Essential listening if you're trying toturn attention into transformation. PODCAST APP LINKS ♥️ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gamelayer/id1804386590 ♣️ Pocket Casts https://pca.st/ch0fdeon ♦️ Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/gamelayer ♠️ Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a617d81-2f96-43a3-9938-7f0b2ad7e49d/gamelayer 🎲 YOUTUBE PODCAST https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-gamelayer-271190065/ SOCIAL MEDIA INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/gamelayer.fm/ @gamelayer.fm LINKED IN! https://linkedin.com/company/gamelayerfm FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/gamelayer.fm/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@GAMELAYERfm GAMELAYER Radio explores the intersection of art, games, and education, targeting creative individuals who seek to reignite their sense of play and curiosity. The program aims to inspire learners 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 learners to embark on a journey of discovery, emphasizing the importance of "learning-by-doing".CREDITS GAMELAYER RADIO is found wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts and swag at Gamelayer.fm Theme Music by Caleb Willitz. calebwillitz.com/ calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/music Found Sound on the "domain of play" borrowed from ⁠⁠Balance in the Spiritual Life Dharma talk by Sr. Trai Nghiem⁠⁠ ⁠https://youtu.be/yZag9LOp7uc?si=T2Qyfc-4y-XJoSOz&t=3301⁠