Professor Game Podcast — Episode 419

8 Years Building the Global Leading Gamification Podcast
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Rob Alvarez

Episode Overview

This special solo episode celebrates the 8th anniversary of the Professor Game Podcast. Host Rob Alvarez reflects on the journey from uncertain beginnings to becoming the #1 gamification podcast in the world. He shares key milestones, personal and show-wide achievements, lessons in consistency, changes in content, and his gratitude for the community of “Engagers.” Rob offers behind-the-scenes insights, discusses the growth and evolution of the show, key strategies for building engagement, and paints an exciting picture for the future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Looking Back: Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

• Start of the Podcast:

  • Rob recalls his nervousness at launching the show and the overwhelming advice about how to start, particularly around consistency.
  • Quote: “Consistency has been a big driver for us. We are 419 episodes in. Well, actually, if you count the Professor Game initial episode, episode zero, this is 420, so almost 400 different guests that we’ve had already.” (02:06)

• Episode Zero and Early Guests:

  • The launch included episode zero, an intro, and two diverse guests:
    • Yukai Chou, now a coworker at The Octalysis Group (founder).
    • Scott Reinke and his winning educational project at Gamification World Congress 2016.
  • Quote: “I got the chance to meet Yukai Chow. I got a chance to meet Andrzej Marczewski. I got to see in person many of the big figures in gamification back in the day and establish those first connections that allowed me then to launch the podcast.” (04:56)

• Facing Naysayers and the Niche Doubt:

  • Early doubts from friends and family, including his mom, about finding enough guests or sustaining interest.
  • 400 guests later, Rob emphasizes he’s “never struggled to find a guest,” highlighting the vibrancy of the gamification space.
  • Quote: “Some people never responding back... but that is now the exception. Nowadays, many people reach out to us and they come to the podcast and we’re excited to have them.” (07:02)

Consistency as the Key to Success

• Unwavering Commitment:

  • Weekly episodes for eight years, with very few exceptions due to major life events (daughter’s birth, COVID).
  • Personal Touch: Recorded quick updates even from the hospital to stay connected with listeners.
  • Quote: “I remember when my daughter was born... recorded something very silently because I think my daughter was sleeping at that point. Just letting you guys, the engagers, know.” (11:09)

• Standing Out by Outlasting:

  • Rob’s strategy was to “out-consistency” the competition in a niche space.
  • Quote: “I was convinced... that I could outwork in that sense, out consistency my potential competitors in the space.” (09:31)

Growth, Milestones, and Impact

• Major Achievements:

  • Rob announces, with pride, that they are recognized as the #1 gamification podcast globally—by leaderboards and AI, and references on professorgame.com.
  • Quote: “If you ask AI, right, if you say, well, overall in gamification in 2025, which is the number one gamification focused podcast... it says that it is our very own Professor Game podcast.” (08:10)

• Expansion of Content and Platforms:

  • Introduction of video podcasts, a growing YouTube channel, and a focus on community building.
  • Notably, the first fully sponsored episode was about VR, which became one of the most popular via audience feedback.

• Personal Growth:

  • Rob credits the podcast for professional opportunities—joining The Octalysis Group, speaking, consulting, and teaching.
  • Quote: “There’s a lot that I’ve learned. There’s a lot of status that I’ve gained as well thanks to doing this podcast and having all those people.” (10:01)

Ongoing Evolution and Listening to the Community

• Changing and Adapting:
  • More episodes around “community building.”
  • Launch of the Professor Game community hosted on the “School” platform.
  • Openness to feedback and new topics from listeners—Rob emphasizes how much he values communication and suggestions from the “Engagers.”
  • Call to Action: “If you are seeing this on any platform... please reach out. I always love when engagers reach out and just say whatever is on your mind.” (12:24)

Deep Community Connection

• Gratitude to Listeners:

  • Rob reiterates repeatedly how important the audience ("Engagers") is—seeing, hearing, and actively including them from day one.
  • Quote: “I love email to get to know about you and it’s another one of the strong forces that keeps Professor Game going forward. So engagers, I love you to death.” (13:36)

• Vision for the Future:

  • Commitment to keeping the show free and accessible.
  • Optimism looking forward: “Here’s to 8 more, 20 more... but plenty more that will remain that have been and will continue to be free for you, to view, to listen, to take value out of.” (13:51)

Invitation for Direct Engagement

• Support for Businesses:
  • Rob invites businesses struggling with engagement, retention, or loyalty to reach out and have a free conversation about behavioral strategy and gamification tools.
  • Quote: “If you have any interest in getting help for retention, loyalty for community building, using behavioral strategy that gets you out of that rut... please go ahead and reach out.” (14:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Consistency has been a big driver for us... almost 400 different guests that we’ve had already.” — Rob Alvarez (02:06)
• “Some people never responded back... but that is now the exception. Nowadays, many people reach out to us and they come to the podcast.” (07:02)
• “I was convinced... that I could outwork in that sense, out consistency my potential competitors in the space.” (09:31)
• “If you ask AI... it says that it is our very own Professor Game podcast.” (08:10)
• “There’s a lot that I’ve learned. There’s a lot of status that I’ve gained as well thanks to doing this podcast.” (10:01)
• “I love email to get to know about you and it’s another one of the strong forces that keeps Professor Game going forward. So engagers, I love you to death.” (13:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:27–02:06 — Episode Opening & Launch Story
• 04:56 — Meeting Gamification Leaders & Early Guests
• 07:02 — Overcoming Naysayers and Guest Pipeline
• 08:10 — Claiming the #1 Podcast Spot
• 09:31 — Outlasting the Competition
• 10:01 — Personal and Professional Opportunities
• 11:09 — Consistency through Life Events
• 12:24 — Community Feedback and Adaptation
• 13:36 — Audience Appreciation
• 14:13 — Direct Invitation for Business Support
• 13:51–14:59 — Closing Vision and Call-to-Action

Episode Tone and Style

Rob is candid, celebratory, and deeply appreciative. There’s an authentic, heartfelt note throughout as he reflects on personal challenges, professional evolution, and the vital role of the community. The episode is as much a thank you to the listeners as it is an examination of the show’s history and future.

Final Thoughts

This 8th anniversary episode acts as both a celebratory retrospective and a re-commitment to the Professor Game community. Rob distills the podcast’s longevity down to consistency, adaptability, and genuine engagement with its audience—leaving Engagers excited for what the future holds and feeling directly included in the journey ahead.