The Engagement Architect Podcast

Playing the Long Game with Jon Harrison

In this episode of The Engagement Architect Podcast, host Chris Bennett speaks with Jon Harrison, organizational development expert, author, and TEDx speaker, about what video games quietly teach us about learning, motivation, and human skill development, and why those lessons matter more than ever in an age of AI. Jon shares why the most valuable skills games develop aren’t technical, but human: persistence, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and the ability to learn through failure. We explore why these skills often don’t transfer automatically to work or school, and what it actually takes to make that transfer happen. The conversation digs into why games are such powerful learning environments, how good challenge design sustains motivation, and what parents, educators, and leaders often misunderstand about play. We also examine the limits of gamification, the difference between engagement and manipulation, and why AI tools amplify—not replace—human skills. This episode is not about becoming a gamer. It’s about understanding how people learn best, why practice beats instruction, and how to design environments—at work, at school, and in life—where learning actually sticks. Purchase Jon's new book here: https://a.co/d/6PJcYGZ Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.

The Ambiguity Advantage with Tessa Forshaw

In this episode of The Engagement Architect Podcast, host Chris Bennett talks with Tessa Forshaw, a cognitive scientist learning how we work, learn, and innovate. Tessa shares why innovation isn’t a lightning bolt—it’s a practiced, cognitive discipline—and how embracing ambiguity can actually make us more creative, not less. We talk about the neuroscience behind divergent and convergent thinking, the underrated role of executive function, and why metacognition may be the single most powerful tool for navigating uncertainty. Tessa’s work bridges cognitive science, design, and adult learning. After teaching innovation at Stanford’s d.school and co-founding the Next Level Lab at Harvard, she’s spent years studying how people think, adapt, and create in complex environments. Her new book, Innovation-ish, reframes creativity as a set of mindsets every adult can cultivate. Join us as we explore how to build an innovation practice, why diverse teams generate richer ideas, and what it really takes to think more boldly in a rapidly changing world. Purchase Tessa's book Innovation-ish at Amazon: https://a.co/d/3Ngz4bV Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.

Design for Action with Sparky Witte

In this episode of The Engagement Architect Podcast, host Chris Bennett talks with Sparky Witte, a behavior designer at Live Neuron Labs, where he helps organizations create products and experiences that drive real-world action. Sparky shares why engagement alone isn’t enough , and how designers can move from keeping people’s attention to inspiring meaningful behavior change. We talk about breaking down hidden barriers, reducing overwhelm with “next best actions,” and why lowering friction often matters more than trying to boost motivation. Sparky began his career in advertising before discovering behavioral design through work with the American Heart Association and other mission-driven organizations. For the past eight years, he’s helped teams in healthcare and beyond design experiences that empower people to act. Join us as we explore what it really means to design for action, and how these lessons apply to education, health, and any field where motivation and engagement matter. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.

Watch Me Learn with Skyler Scarlett

In this second episode of The Engagement Architect Podcast, host Chris Bennett talks with Skyler Scarlett, a two-time Shark Tank TV show entrepreneur and the founder of GameClass, a global EdTech platform that transforms popular video games into powerful learning tools to solve learning engagement.   Skyler shares insights from his experiences as an entrepreneur, how he identified a critical gap in the classroom around games and learning, and how he created GameClass to fill that gap in a fun and engaging way for students.   Join us as we explore alternate ways of using video games for learning in and out of the classroom, and what that means for engagement and motivation of our young students.   You can learn more about GameClass at https://www.gameclass.net/ [https://www.gameclass.net/].   Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.

Fictional Engagement with Dr. Sonia Tiwari

In this very first episode of The Engagement Architect Podcast, host Chris Bennett talks with Dr. Sonia Tiwari, a children’s media researcher and designer exploring how fictional and AI-powered characters shape learning, creativity, and connection. Sonia shares insights from her research on animated chatbots, social robots, and intelligent tutors — and why context matters when designing AI characters for kids. We dive into her “dual empathy timeline,” the role of emotions in engagement, and what parents and educators should know about balancing the potential and risks of emerging technologies. Sonia has worked at the intersection of animation, learning sciences, and human-computer interaction, and is currently part of the prestigious Falling Walls Foundation “Female Science Talents Intensive Track" program. Join us as we explore how characters — both fictional and digital — can spark imagination, motivate learning, and create meaningful engagement. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.