Today, we are joined by Dr. Henry Roediger and Dr. Mark McDaniel.
Henry L. Roediger III is one of the world’s foremost experts on human memory and learning. Currently a distinguished professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Roediger has spent his career unlocking the mysteries of how we remember—and forget—what matters most. His pioneering experiments have revealed the surprising power of retrieval practice, the perils of false memories, and the counterintuitive strategies that lead to lasting learning. He is the co-author of the bestselling book Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning, which has transformed classrooms and workplaces worldwide. Known both for his experimental rigor and his gift for making science practical, Roediger’s insights help learners and leaders everywhere confidently apply what science now knows about how memory really works.
Mark A. McDaniel is a leading authority on how people learn, age, and remember to act on their intentions. A professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, McDaniel’s research has deepened our understanding of prospective memory, cognitive aging, and the real-world factors that help—or hinder—lasting knowledge. As co-author of Make It Stick, he brings evidence-based, classroom-tested recommendations to students, teachers, and organizations alike. McDaniel is celebrated not only for his breakthrough research, but also for his ability to translate science into actionable strategies—empowering learners to overcome distractions, boost recall, and build habits that stick for a lifetime.
In this continuation of our conversation, we dive deep into practical strategies for transforming how teams and individuals actually remember, act and perform. The doctors share evidence-based techniques for conquering cramming, building actionable cues, and using interleaving, elaboration and reflection to make knowledge truly stick.
Key topics include:
Optimal spacing intervals for retrieval practice and how to calibrate forgetting for maximum retention
Prospective memory and creating environmental cues for remembering future intentions
Real-world applications in sports, medical training, and business environments
The difference between rule learners and example learners in developing expertise
The curse of knowledge and why experts struggle to teach beginners effectively
Elaboration strategies for creating meaningful connections and retrieval cues
The critical importance of reflection in learning and why we avoid this powerful strategy
Success stories from Navy SEALS, Harvard Medical School, and business applications
Whether you're designing training programs, leading teams, or optimizing your own learning, this conversation provides research-backed strategies that move beyond theory into actionable practices that deliver measurable results in real-world settings.
Dr. Roediger and Dr. McDaniel's Book: Make It Stick - https://www.amazon.com/Make-Stick-Science-Successful-Learning/dp/0674729013
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Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.com
Blog: https://blog.ims-online.com/
Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) Tool: Optimal Spacing Intervals for Retrieval Practice
(05:00) Technique: Prospective Memory and Environmental Cues for Future Intentions
(11:00) Tip: Interleaving Practice for Better Discrimination and Transfer
(20:00) Tool: Rule vs Example Learners and Developing Expertise
(25:00) Technique: The Curse of Knowledge and Teaching Beginners Effectively
(30:00) Tip: Priming and Testing Yourself Before Learning
(33:00) Tool: Elaboration Strategies for Creating Meaningful Connections
(37:00) Technique: The Critical Importance of Reflection in Learning
(42:00) Tip: Real-World Success Stories and Business Application
(44:44) Conclusion