Welcome to Experience Points by University XP hosted by Dr. Dave Eng. On Experience Points we explore different ways we can learn from games. Find out more at www.universityxp.com I hope you find this show useful. If you’d like to learn more about games-based learning then a great place to start is my blog at universityxp.com/blog. University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook as University XP. Feel free to email me anytime at [email protected] Game on!
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It takes more than great code to be a great engineer. Soft Skills Engineering is a weekly advice podcast for software developers about the non-technical stuff that goes into being a great software developer.
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Are we ready for the future of work? 1Huddle’s original podcast series tackles all things jobs, innovation, and future of work. Hear from CEOs, coaches, educators, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and startups as they share their experiences, perspective, and advice for today's workforce. Ready to get to work?
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Each Tuesday members of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee come together at the War Memorial Center for lunch to listen and learn about the key issues affecting our community--the largest weekly gathering in the metro Milwaukee area.
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Episode 460: Losing autonomy and I got skipped for a promotion even though I'm awesome
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33:07In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I have managed a product for some months now. My previous manager split their team in to mini-teams of 2-3 people. They gave me a small team and plenty of autonomy to own the product and go crazy on it. I had the time of my life as the team lead. I learned a ton and was really developing man…
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Rotarian Dr. Doug Davis Shares an Update from the Frontline of Ukraine
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42:20Yesterday in Memorial Hall, Rotarian Dr. Doug Davis provided an update from the frontlines of Ukraine as he shared stories from his recent international work to support the acute care needs and address the physical and mental trauma resulting from the war in Ukraine.
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Episode 459: Am I cutting edge and how to compliment someone who went from super jerk to super nice
22:44
22:44
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22:44In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I work for a B2C fintech startup as a senior engineer. Our onboarding funnel has a lot of moving parts due to regulatory compliance and a litany of requirements from various parts of the business. As a startup, we also live and die by optimizing for and demonstrating growth, so we need to ga…
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AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game
1:30:08
1:30:08
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1:30:08AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game In this special End Game Mega Episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng break down six key mechanics that define how board games conclude. They explore Elapsed Real-Time Ending, where a timer dictates the game's duration; Sudden Death Ending, where a triggering event abruptly ends play; and Finale Ending…
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Rich Eng, Founder of Voters First Wisconsin
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45:54This week at Rotary, Rich Eng, Founder of Voters First Wisconsin, provided an update on the progress of Final Five Voting in Wisconsin. Rich highlighted its success in Alaska, and provided an honest appraisal of its potential for empowering voters and countering political divisiveness. The program also included a demonstration of the Final Five Vot…
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Episode 458: Infinite tech debt hack and figuring out what is going on
34:00
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34:00In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Nearly every time certain developers on the team want to address technical debt, they end up just adding more technical debt. Of course, after one round of addressing technical debt, the developers in question believe that yet another round of redesigning and refactoring is in order. This st…
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Dominic Ceci, Chief Investment Officer for Johnson Financial Group
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45:03
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45:03From Tariffs to Tax Rates: Navigating the Markets Reaction to the New Administrations Economic Policies. This week at Rotary, Dominic Ceci provided an economic and market overview from his perspective as Chief Investment Officer for Johnson Financial Group.
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Harry Kraemer, Professor at Northwestern's Kellogg School and Author
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53:51Yesterday, Rotarians and alumni of the Kellogg School of Management heard from Kellogg Professor Harry Kraemer as he shared insight into his recently released fourth book: "Your Values-Based Legacy: Making a Difference at Every Age and Phase of Life." Harry also shared his journey as a values-based leader by sharing life experiences and the advice …
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Episode 457: How do I get off the on-call rotation and "big tech" == "big leagues"?
27:25
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27:25In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I am a senior software engineer in a big tech/faang company and this week is my first ever on call rotation. My team is doing a lot of CI work, monitoring pipelines and support queues during on call. It is probably not as much of a hassle as on call for product teams, but for me personally o…
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Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning In this episode, we’ll explore the practical applications of GBL, key design principles, and strategies for motivating learners. Now, let’s explore the potential of games to create dynamic, outcome-focused learning experiences. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subs…
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Episode 456: Will I look bad on the job market if I'm a crypto developer and struggling to go from management back to dev work
31:39
31:39
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31:39In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hey, I am a web developer getting bored of the regular development work. I am interested in finance and the monetary system and due to the overlap of finance and engineering I feel down the Bitcoin rabbit hole and even spiked interest in crypto like Solana and Sui. I am pretty sure most of c…
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Michelle Thaller, Former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA
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46:37Enthralled Rotarians filled Memorial Hall on Tuesday to hear from Michelle Thaller, former Assistant Director at NASA, as she took us on a journey through the birth of stars and galaxies and explained how the materials that make up the cosmos are more connected to us than we might think.
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Episode 455: UX designer without a mentor and I get bored too easily and stressed too easily
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33:00
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33:00In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Dakota asks, I’m a UX designer, and I’m constantly looking for growth opportunities. I’m having trouble finding mentors to help challenge me, as every time my boss/senior designer leaves the company, I assume their work and we don’t backfill their spot or my old position. Th…
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Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning
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29:25Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ryan Schaaf, an award-winning professor and author, about the transformative role of digital games-based learning in education. Dr. Schaaf shares his journey as a gamer and educator, highlighting how games foster skills like problem-solvin…
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This week in Memorial Hall, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman provided an update on crime trends, public safety developments, and efforts to strengthen community relationships. He also engaged Rotarians in an extensive Q&A session for an insightful discussion on policing and Milwaukee partnerships.…
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Episode 454: Tracking productivity? and my CTO is ChatGPT
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28:11
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28:11In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’m a manager on a Product team. I’ve been asked by upper management to measure “story points completed per developer per sprint” and display the results publicly each sprint to motivate lower-performing employees. I explained why, according to Scrum, I don’t think this is a good idea. But I…
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Brittany Kinser, Candidate for State Superintendent
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56:45
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56:45Brittany Kinser, candidate for State Superintendent, spoke yesterday at a joint program hosted by the Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. After making her opening remarks, Kinser sat down for an interview with Jeff Mayers, WisPolitics.com president, and answered questions from the audience. Incumbent State Superi…
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Episode 453: Why did my company build an internal LinkedIn and how do I not get stagnant in my skills?
31:34
31:34
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31:34In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Greetings! I work at a research company with ~500 engineers and scientists. My company started promoting this new portal they setup that is like a private linkedin. You can fill up the profile they setup for you and apply for positions within the company. Why is my company doing this? They e…
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What are Educational Games? In this episode, we’re unpacking the concept of educational games. What are they? How do they differ from other types of games? And how can they be leveraged effectively in games-based learning? If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that…
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Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Judge Brad Schimel
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56:58
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56:58Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel, who is seeking election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, spoke yesterday at a joint program hosted by the Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. Judge Schimel answered questions from the audience and from a panel of journalists that included Alison Dirr - Milwaukee Journal …
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Episode 452: Consulting refactor and extra work, extra scrutiny
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25:12
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25:12In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’ve been a developer for about 1.5 years. I work for a large consultancy. we provide services to big clients. I’m working on a front-end codebase that has been through three consulting companies already. Tired of just moving tickets and fixing bugs, I decided to refactor the front end of th…
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Dan Bice, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Dave Haynes, WisAct
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52:40Journalism has undergone a revolution in the past decade or two. Reporters are younger, media outlets are more integrated, and newsrooms are gathering information in novel ways. This week, in Memorial Hall Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Dan Bice, a political reporter since 1987, addressed what these changes mean for consumers of today's news …
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Episode 451: Un-collaborative architect and who is my boss?
32:47
32:47
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32:47In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Scot asks, A new architect was hired at my company 6 months ago. I’m an engineer one rung lower on the hierarchy and have been here for 3.5 years. He hasn’t done much to learn about any of us who have been here for a while, so he is constantly undermining my skills and sugge…
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AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian Eng and Dave Eng explore the versatile world of Multi-Use Cards in board games. They dive into defining the mechanic, discussing how it forces players to make meaningful trade-offs by using cards for one of several possible actions. Highlighting games like Risk: Star Wars …
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Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Judge Susan Crawford
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52:47Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, who is seeking election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, spoke yesterday at a joint program hosted by the Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. Judge Crawford answered questions from the audience and from a panel of journalists that included Alison Dirr - Milwaukee Journal S…
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Episode 450: I'm terrible at behavioral interviews and time zonessssssss
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34:04In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I struggle with behavioral interviews. I’ve gotten a little bit better as I’ve done more interviews, but it’s still a major pain point for me. I have some common behavioral question answers written out in a spreadsheet in SAR format, but I feel that not all of them are good examples for a mi…
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Fr. Michael Simone, S.J., PhD, Pastor at Gesu Parish
48:08
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48:08Over time, Fr. Michael Simone, S.J., PhD, Pastor at Gesu, has identified several "keys to understanding" that help people in a polarized society apprehend and respect differing worldviews. This week Fr. Michael shared with Rotarians attitudes towards values of hierarchy and consensus, tradition and progress, and unity and diversity that underlie ma…
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Episode 449: My tech lead ignored my warnings and I don't know what my leadership style is
29:54
29:54
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29:54In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hello, long time listener first time question asker. I work for a medium sized tech company and I recently moved teams. Right now my old team is attempting to refactor a bunch of code I wrote to use a library that’ll make life easier. I don’t blame them, I tried to do the same thing. It does…
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Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification
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28:21Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng welcomes gamification expert Rob Alvarez to discuss gamification and games-based solutions. Rob, known as Professor Game, shares his journey into gamification, emphasizing the importance of meaningful learning experiences tailored to spec…
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A Conversation with Former Mayor and Ambassador, Tom Barrett
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48:13On this chilly Tuesday, Rotarians welcomed back former Milwaukee Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, Tom Barrett. Tom joined Joel Brennan, President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee in conversation about his journey from mayor to ambassador, the issues that shaped his time in the small European country, and some interesting stories from his …
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Episode 448: Title over salary and from figure skater to software developer
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28:01
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28:01In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Steven says, Long-time listener of the podcast here—it always brings me so much joy! Should I prioritize title over salary? I’m currently based in Europe, working as a Senior Engineer at a big company that pays really well. The problem is, there’s almost no chance for promot…
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Episode 447: Overleveled at FAANG and accidental draft feedback
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30:11
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30:11In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I am a mid level engineer overleveled as a senior engineer in a FAANG company. I got super lucky landing this high paying remote job, but dang… I did underestimate the expectations for my senior level. I had no FAANG experience before, just working at startups, flat hierarchies, just doing t…
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What is a Game? In this episode, we’ll tackle that question head-on. We’ll explore the philosophies, definitions, and key characteristics that make games so unique. Whether you’re a designer, a player, or just someone curious about the deeper meaning of games, this episode is for you. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, a…
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Dr. Jeremy Kedziora, Endowed Chair of Artificial Intelligence at MSOE
49:22
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49:22Rotarians heard from Dr. Jeremy Kedziora, Endowed Chair of Artificial Intelligence at MSOE, for a data-driven exploration of three key AI trends shaping 2025. This insightful talk will covered the plateauing of large language model performance, the rise of agentic systems, and AI’s evolving impact on the labor market. He also highlighted how MSOE i…
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Episode 446: Wading through AI slop and they don't get git
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33:19
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33:19In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Matthias (mah-TEA-as) asks, In episode 444 you’re talking about the problems when hiring in the age of AI. I’m a manager who’s trying to hire right now and frankly I’m at a loss. If feels like I’m wading through a sea of AI slop. What tips do you have to cut through the slop…
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The Future of Local and Community Radio in Milwaukee
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36:27Our region has several award winning public and community radio stations broadcasting from Milwaukee. At a time when listeners have unlimited information and entertainment choices on air and online, the stations are working hard to retain current listeners and attract new audiences. Rotarians heard from leaders of local radio with Sarah Ashworth, W…
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Episode 445: Staying at my first job and my coworker is insulting other departments
26:23
26:23
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26:23In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Kevin asks, Hey, found the show and really enjoy it! Been listening from the beginning and have noticed that one of the pieces of advice given is that you should not stay at your first job for too long, because it’s more likely that you’ve not found the best job for you. I t…
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Christopher Stuart on Applied TTPRGs In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Christopher Stuart, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at UNC Wilmington, delves into the transformative role of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in education and facilitation. Christopher shares insights from his research on game dynamics, player engagemen…
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Michael Antonelli, Baird Private Wealth Management
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46:17
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46:17Rotarians ventured into the cold this week to hear Michael Antonelli, Market Strategist and Managing Director at Baird Private Wealth Management, for an economic outlook in 2025. Michael, a frequent speaker and the author of the Bull and Baird blog, discussed the strong year that the stock market had in 2024 and the potential impact that the new ad…
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Episode 444: Surrounded by apathetic coworkers and put it on my resume?
31:10
31:10
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31:10In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: After a decade as a Senior front-end engineer in companies stuck in legacy ways of working—paying lip service to true agility while clinging to control-heavy, waterfall practices—I’m frustrated and exhausted by meetings and largely apathetic, outsourced teams who don’t match my enthusiasm fo…
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Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
41:44
41:44
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41:44This week at Rotary, Kevin Shafer, the Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District addressed MMSD’s 2035 Vision for a cleaner water environment through short term projects and collaborations.
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Episode 443: Does my PM hate me? and My coworker has anxiety when I help
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36:26
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36:26In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I think my team’s PM might hate me. Hate is exaggerating, but they often will give public praise to other members of my team on work they’ve done, and seem to be pretty friendly with others, but I have never gotten the same treatment. I have also not gotten negative feedback from them in the…
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Scott Nicholson on EscapeIF In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Scott Nicholson, professor and director of the Game Design and Development Program at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Nicholson discusses EscapeIF, a system designed for low-resource classrooms to integrate storytelling and interactive fiction into educat…
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Micaela Bomhack, President and CEO of Rite-Hite
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43:40Rotarians returned to Memorial Hall for the first meeting of the new year to hear from Micaela Bomhack, President and CEO of Rite-Hite. Micaela shared the story of how Rite-Hite came to be, and how their move to downtown Milwaukee fits into the company’s long term plans to better serve customers, increase innovation, attract and develop key talent,…
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Episode 442: Improving communication skills and how to break my job hopping habit
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31:45In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I would like your advice on how I can improve my communication skills. I realize that practicing is usually the best way, but I am interested in taking online courses or learning more on becoming a better communicator. However, I am currently taking courses in CS and would like to primarily …
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Episode 441: Will working in healthcare hurt my reputation and precious wisdom
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22:53
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22:53In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’m currently in the interviewing pipeline for an engineering position at a fairly large healthcare company. In light of the recent events surrounding UnitedHealthcare, there’s been renewed criticism towards the insurance industry as whole. I was interested in this position and the work cult…
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Thorsten Kodalle on Strategic Wargaming In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng speaks with Thorsten Kodalle, head of Innovation Laboratory at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College and an expert in Strategic Wargaming, Gamification, and Serious Games. Thorsten shares insights into integrating Gamification into Strate…
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Episode 440: How do I help my boss not burn out and should I tell people I'm older than I am?
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37:24In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Stefan Help! Most of the time people ask questions about issues that already happened. I however, would like to prevent one. I am a young Tech Lead and really love my responsibilities, team and especially my manager. With the help of your podcast I could even resolve my last issue regarding …
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Episode 439: Harried VP of Eng and first startup job
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23:20
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23:20In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: What advice would you give for working with an ineffective leader whose input is crucial to your work? I’m a senior developer for a mid-sized non-tech company with probably 60-80 devs, and in the past year I’ve been working more with a VP of software who seems to still be involved in code de…
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AP Table Talk: Follow In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of the follow mechanic in board games. They begin by relating the concept to platformer games and how follow mechanics let players perform or adjust actions chosen by others. They review games like Tiny Towns and Puerto Rico, recalling their experiences w…
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