The Learner Lab

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Each episode we'll dive into a topic that can us become better learners. We're going to keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

Trevor Ragan, Alex Belser - The Learner Lab


    • Apr 27, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Learner Lab

    Bonus episode - The Culture Playbook with Daniel Coyle

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 41:04


    Daniel Coyle joins the podcast to discuss his new book: The Culture PlaybookDaniel Coyle is the New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code, which was named Best Business Book of the Year by Bloomberg, BookPal, and Business Insider. Coyle has served as an advisor to many high-performing organizations, including the Navy SEALs, Microsoft, Google, and the Cleveland Guardians.Quick Links:Daniel Coyle's websiteThe Learner Lab website

    Learner: Chapters 17-18 Taking Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 32:34


    Learning is the most important skill. Great learners are agile, resilient, and adaptable. Great learners can acquire new skills when new demands arise. In times of change, learners will thrive.The best news: learning is a skill – one that anyone can get better at.This book will provide the tools and science to help you do just that.Learner Lab WebsiteTrevor RaganLearner the AudiobookEpisode 5 Overview:- How to become a better learner- Learner action plan- Learning more efficiently - Better PracticeTopics: purposeful practice, desirable difficulties, contextual interferenceGuests: Elizabeth Bjork, Robert Bjork, Michael MerzenichTable of ContentsEpisode 1 – Jungle TigerChapter 1 – RudyChapter 2 – Why LearningChapter 3 – TigersChapter 4 – Why We Zoo TigerEpisode 2 – Growth MindsetChapter 5 – Mindsets & LearningChapter 6 – Mindsets & ActionChapter 7 – MisconceptionsChapter 8 – How to Build a Growth MindsetEpisode 3 – Overcoming FearChapter 9 – Fear, Discomfort & LearningChapter 10 – How to Overcome FearChapter 11 – Flaws of FearlessChapter 12 – Putting Emotions in the BackseatEpisode 4 – ResilienceChapter 13 – Finding Opportunities within ChallengesChapter 14 – Turning Resilience on its HeadChapter 15 – Learning like a ScientistChapter 16 – Into the WildEpisode 5 – Taking ActionChapter 17 – Taking ActionChapter 18 – Better Practice

    Learner: Chapters 13-16 Resilience

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 47:45


    Learning is the most important skill. Great learners are agile, resilient, and adaptable. Great learners can acquire new skills when new demands arise. In times of change, learners will thrive.The best news: learning is a skill – one that anyone can get better at.This book will provide the tools and science to help you do just that.Learner Lab WebsiteTrevor RaganLearner the AudiobookThe End of Trauma by George BonannoChapters & Release Schedule:Episode 1 – Oct 19Chapter 1 – RudyChapter 2 – Why LearningChapter 3 – TigersChapter 4 – Why We Zoo TigerEpisode 2 – Oct 26Chapter 5 - Mindsets & LearningChapter 6  - Mindsets & ActionChapter 7 - MisconceptionsChapter 8 - How to Build a Growth MindsetEpisode 3 – Nov 1Chapter 9 - Fear, Emotions & LearningChapter 10 - How to Overcome FearChapter 11  - Flaws of FearlessChapter 12 - Putting Emotions in the Backseat Episode 4 – Nov 22Chapter 13 - Finding Opportunities within ChallengesChapter 14 - Turning Resilience on its HeadChapter 15 - Learning like a ScientistChapter 16 - Into the WildEpisode 5 – Coming SoonChapter 17 Chapter 18Chapter 19

    Learner: Chapters 9-12 Overcoming Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 46:48


    Learning is the most important skill. Great learners are agile, resilient, and adaptable. Great learners can acquire new skills when new demands arise. In times of change, learners will thrive.The best news: learning is a skill – one that anyone can get better at.This book will provide the tools and science to help you do just that.Learner Lab WebsiteTrevor RaganLearner the AudiobookEpisode Overview:- How fear impacts learning- How our default approach to dealing with fear and discomfort usually makes it worse- How to overcome fear & discomfortTopics: stress reappraisal, stress mindsetGuests: Jeremy Jamieson, Susan David, Marc Brackett, Seth GodinAlso mentioned: Alison Wood-Brooks, Alia Crum, Liz GilbertChapters & Release Schedule:Episode 1 – Oct 19Chapter 1 – RudyChapter 2 – Why LearningChapter 3 – TigersChapter 4 – Why We Zoo TigerEpisode 2 – Oct 26Chapter 5 - Mindsets & LearningChapter 6  - Mindsets & ActionChapter 7 - MisconceptionsChapter 8 - How to Build a Growth MindsetEpisode 3 – Nov 1Chapter 9 - Fear, Emotions & LearningChapter 10 - How to Overcome FearChapter 11  - Flaws of FearlessChapter 12 - Putting Emotions in the Backseat Episode 4 – Nov 16Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Episode 5 – Nov 23Chapter 16 Chapter 17Chapter 18 

    Learner: Chapters 5-8 Growth Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2021 45:51


    Learning is the most important skill. Great learners are agile, resilient, and adaptable. Great learners can acquire new skills when new demands arise. In times of change, learners will thrive.The best news: learning is a skill – one that anyone can get better at.This book will provide the tools and science to help you do just that.LarryWilkins.comLearner Lab WebsiteTrevor RaganLearner the AudiobookChapters & Release Schedule:Episode 1 – Oct 19Chapter 1 – RudyChapter 2 – Why LearningChapter 3 – TigersChapter 4 – Why We Zoo TigerEpisode 2 – Oct 26Chapter 5 - Mindsets & LearningChapter 6  - Mindsets & ActionChapter 7 - MisconceptionsChapter 8 - How to Build a Growth MindsetEpisode 3 – Nov 2Chapter 9Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Episode 4 – Nov 9Chapter 12 Chapter 13Chapter 14Episode 5 – Nov 16Chapter 15 Chapter 16Chapter 17 

    Learner: Chapters 1-4

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2021 27:47


    Learning is the most important skill. Great learners are agile, resilient, and adaptable. Great learners can acquire new skills when new demands arise. In times of change, learners will thrive.The best news: learning is a skill – one that anyone can get better at.This book will provide the tools and science to help you do just that.Learner Lab WebsiteTrevor RaganLearner the AudiobookChapters & Release Schedule:Episode 1 – Oct 19Chapter 1 – RudyChapter 2 – Why LearningChapter 3 – TigersChapter 4 – Why We Zoo TigerEpisode 2 – Oct 26Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7Episode 3 – Nov 2Chapter 8Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Episode 4 – Nov 9Chapter 11 Chapter 12Episode 5 – Nov 16Chapter 13 Chapter 14 

    Season 3 Trailer - Learner the Audiobook

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2021 1:15


    We wrote a book. But instead of selling it to you, we're going to present the whole thing, right here, in an audiobook format, for free.We'll drop a few chapters each week!For contact information + more free learning resources visit:www.thelearnerlab.com

    Emotions, Learning, and Resilience with Susan David & Marc Brackett

    Play Episode Play 39 sec Highlight Listen Later May 12, 2020 44:38


    The way we traditionally look at emotions can hurt our capacity to grow. To become a better learner we need to change our perceptions of emotions, learn to feel them, understand them, and to work with them rather than against them.Featuring:Susan David - Psychologist: Harvard Medical SchoolMarc Brackett - Director: Yale Center for Emotional IntelligenceFull show notesQuick Links:Susan DavidEmotional Agility by Susan DavidChecking with Susan David (podcast)Marc BrackettPermission to Feel by Marc BrackettMarc Brackett and Brene Brown (podcast)Alex BelserTrevor Ragan

    How to Improve the Learning Environment Through Modeling w/ Karch Kiraly & Ceci Craft

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 27:30


    Our actions have more of an impact on the learning environment than we realize. If we understand the power of modeling, upgrade the way we think about it, and become more intentional about it - we can all improve the learning environment for the people around us.Special guests:Karch Kiraly - Head Coach: USA Women's VolleyballCeci Craft - All Terrain ProjectFull Show NotesQuick Links:Ceci CraftKarch KiralyAll Terrain ProjectImitation StudyImitation Who What StudyPsychological Safety EpisodeAlex BelserTrevor Ragan

    Improving the Quality of Practice for Better Learning with Anders Ericsson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2020 21:56


    All practice is not created equally. To become a better learner we need to engage in more purposeful, deliberate practice. Anders Ericsson, one of the world's leading experts in learning, explains how we can use his research to get better at getting better.Full show notesQuick LinksAnders EricssonPeak by Anders EricssonAlex BelserTrevor Ragan

    Designing Your Environment for More Action and Better Learning

    Play Episode Play 41 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 27:43


    To build a skill or make a lasting change we have to get on the path of taking and sustaining action. Understanding a few core principles from the field of behavioral economics can help us stay on that path - helping groups and individuals take more action and become better learners.Full Show NotesQuick LinksPredictably Irrational by Dan ArielyAlex BelserTrevor Ragan

    Using the Power of Stories for Better Communication with Matthew Dicks

    Play Episode Play 58 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 23:48


    Research shows that communicating with stories can lead to more retention, action, and connection - which are all essential elements of learning. Today we're going to present the research that shows why stories are so powerful. And then Matthew Dicks (one of the world's best storytellers) will give us some tools and techniques to become better storytellers and communicators. Full Show NotesQuick LinksMatthew DicksStoryworthy by Matthew DicksRetention StudySimulation StudyBlood Pressure StudyEinstein StudyHow Stories Enhance Learning by Saga BriggsWhy Does the Brain Love Stories? by Saga BriggsAlex Belser's WebsiteTrevor Ragan

    Learning from Good and Bad Outcomes

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 31, 2020 29:54 Transcription Available


    Often times we judge our process and decisions by to the quality of the outcome. The research calls this outcome bias and the poker world calls it resulting. No matter what you call it, this can lead to a number of traps that hurt the learning process. The good news: once we understand how it works we can find ways to avoid resulting and become better learners.Full Show NotesQuick LinksOutcome Bias StudyThinking in Bets by Annie DukeCasey Yontz's TwitterAlex Belser's WebsiteTrevor Ragan

    Habits: How to Make Lasting Change with Wendy Wood

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 29:20


    If we want to make a lasting change we need to understand how to build our underlying habits. In this episode we call upon one of the world's leading researchers on habits, Wendy Wood, to show us how to do that.Full Show NotesQuick Links:Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy WoodWendy's TwitterAlex Belser's WebsiteTrevor Ragan

    Learner Lab: Season 2 Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 2:52


    Trevor and Alex are back for season 2! Each week we dig into useful tools that can help you and your people become better learners.

    Psychological Safety with Daniel Coyle and Amy Edmondson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2019 31:18 Transcription Available


    All groups are not created equally. Some over achieve, others under achieve, but why is that? What's the cause of that? A Harvard researcher, a bestselling author, and a tech company all asked that same question and discovered the same answer: psychological safety.Full Show NotesFeaturing:Daniel Coyle: NY Times Bestselling AuthorAmy Edmondson: Harvard Business School ProfessorEric Ragan: Grinnell College Women's Volleyball head coachNora Hill: Grinnell College Women's Volleyball co-captainQuick links:Project AristotleThe Culture CodeThe Fearless OrganizationAmy Edmondson's TEDx TalkGrinnell College Women's Volleyball

    Struggling on Purpose with Seth Godin

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2019 27:50 Transcription Available


    What can a college football program, a six year old, an auditing company, a HS basketball player, and Uber driving educator teach us about learning? They show us that the only way we can grow is if we're willing to step out of our comfort zone and struggle a bit.Featuring:The one and only, Seth GodinFull Show NotesQuick Links:Skateboarding VideoYale Comfort Zone ResearchAlex's VideosLearning Like a Jungle Tiger TEDx

    Sleep and Learning with Dr. Marcos Frank

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2019 22:18 Transcription Available


    Sleep is one of the most important, yet underrated components of the learning process. We brought in Dr. Marcos Frank - neuroscientist from Washington State University - to explain his research and show how sleep affects neuroplasticity and our capacity to grow. Full Show NotesQuick Links:Dr. Marcos FrankThe Cat StudyThe Rat StudySleep and Motor Skills StudyDr. Matthew WalkerWhy We Sleep by Matthew WalkerMatthew Walker interview

    The Science of Making Better Decisions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2019 25:24 Transcription Available


    Understanding some simple principles of behavioral economics can help us make better decisions in the short run to achieve our long term goals. This can help us take and sustain action on any learning pursuit. Full Show NotesQuick Links:Predictably Irrational by Dan ArielyPayoff by Dan Ariely Alex's Behavioral Econ VideosTrainUgly.com

    Neuroplasticity: How to Build a Growth Mindset with Dr. Michael Merzenich

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2019 24:39 Transcription Available


    Limiting beliefs get in the way of learning. We can all work to overcome these by building a true growth mindset (the belief that we can grow our skills). The most effective way to build a growth mindset is to dig into the research of neuroplasticity and really work to understand how our brain learns.Featuring:Dr. Michael Merzenich Neuroscientist at The University of California, San Francisco. Known as “The father of brain plasticity”Full Show NotesQuick Links:Soft-wired by Michael MerzenichHow to Build a Growth Mindset (video)The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman DoidgeLondon Cab Driver Study

    The Science of Being Better When You're Nervous with Ceci Clark and Jeremy Jamieson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 23:04 Transcription Available


    When the performance matters we're going to feel some pressure, nerves, and stress. Whether it's a big presentation, a test, or even a date - most people think the most effective way to prepare for these situations is to try and calm down. In this episode, we dig into research that shows why this is a poor approach and the look at how we can do better. We learn how Ceci Clark, Mental Performance Coach for the Cleveland Indians, helps major leaguers perform better under pressure. We also bring in Jeremy Jamieson, Director of University of Rochester's Social Stress Lab, to help explain the science behind stress and how changing our perception of it can lead to better performance.Full Show NotesQuick Links:GRE StudyReappraisal Research by Allison Wood BrooksJeremy Jamieson - Director of the Social Stress Lab: University of RochesterCeci Clark - Mental Performance Coach: Cleveland IndiansTrainUgly.comQuestion hotline: 805-635-8459

    Taking Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2019 28:36 Transcription Available


    Action is the most important step of the learning process. It can also be one of the most difficult.In order to grow we have to take and sustain action - today we unpack two frameworks that will help provide the fuel.Full Show NotesQuick LinksCreativity Inc by Ed CatmullThe Culture Code by Dan CoyleWorkLife Podcast by Adam Grant

    Learning Like a Startup with Shaan Puri

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2019 26:49 Transcription Available


    The tech world is constantly pushing the limits of innovation, problem solving, and product development. This week we brought in the CEO of Bebo, Shaan Puri, to explain some of these systems and how we can all use them to become more effective learners.Question Hotline: 805-635-8459Full Show NotesQuick Links:The Learn Startup OverviewThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesShaan PuriIntrinsic Motivation - TED talk by Dan PinkTrainUgly.com

    Boosting Learning with Desirable Difficulties with Dr. Elizabeth Bjork and Dr. Robert Bjork

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2019 26:03 Transcription Available


    There's a huge gap between what the science says about how we should study, practice, and learn vs how we actually do it. We met with learning experts and UCLA Psychologists Dr. Elizabeth Bjork and Dr. Robert Bjork to figure out how to close that gap.Full show notesQuick Links:Made to StickElizabeth BjorkRobert BjorkBjork Learning and Forgetting Lab

    The Pygmalion Effect with Dr. Robert Rosenthal

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2019 21:44 Transcription Available


    Our expectations can have a huge impact on the performance and development of our people. Trev and Alex sit down with one of the most influential psychologists in the world, Robert Rosenthal, to learn more.Full show notesQuick Links:Pygmalion in the Classroom by Robert RosenthalPygmalion in the Classroom Pygmalion in Prison Classrooms Pygmalion in Management Israel Defense Forces TrainUgly.com

    Learner Lab Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2019 2:44


    Each week we'll cover a topic that will help us become better learners. We're going to keep it short, sweet, and to the point.There will be a 15 minute Q&A sesh at the end of each episode. Call 805-635-8459 (UGLY) to leave a question. 

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