The Learning Geeks Podcast S8 E7: Three Geeks Walk Into a Bar…
Feb 20, 2026
Casual happy hour chat about a big move and life logistics. A debate on the swing between in-person and virtual learning and when to bring social learning back. A frank take on AI hype, content quality, and being transparent about AI use. Conversation about social media anxiety and why hot takes fail compared with teaching. Pop culture and theme-park leadership make brief appearances.
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Bob Moving Back To Chicago
- Bob Gerard is moving back to Chicago and will split time between a corporate apartment and his son Harrison's Oak Park apartment.
- He plans to room with Harrison, pay most rent, and they scoped nearby high-rise options to move into when a lease frees up in September.
Pendulum Back To Purposeful In-Person Learning
- The L&D pendulum swung too far to all-online but is now shifting back toward in-person for social and experiential value.
- Jake recommends using in-person sessions to amplify social learning and combine them with AI-enabled simulations to reduce design time.
Birth Of The Phenomenal Learning Model
- Bob recounted Accenture's shift after 9/11: CEO insisted on restoring core curriculum and Jill Smart insisted it be "phenomenal."
- They designed for learning plus acculturation, networking, and a guest experience at St. Charles training center.