In S4E5 of the @MAGICademy Podcast, my guest is Andrew Cohen. He is the founder of Brainscape, which is a programmed and adaptive flashcard app to learn and practice new skills and keep information fresh. We talk about his adventure and exploration of optimizing memorization, from learning a new language to optimizing skill and performance development; as well as how new technologies can support this optimization by helping us overcome the forgetting curve. Andrew shares his views on the newest educational models presenting a more holistic approach, challenging their effectiveness, and advocating for a more traditional way of learning while still leaning on new technologies, algorithms, and feedback. He sees a way in which these new techniques can impact how we digest knowledge and how we can apply it to our personal and professional lives. Conversation Outline 00:40 Andrew introduces himself 01:41 Brainscape and the reason behind it 03:05 Andrew’s background and personal motivations 06:25 The algorithm to help people remember things 12:45 Feedback mechanisms 15:05 Ways to understand when we’re wrong 18:30 Handling cognitive dissonance and keeping things realistic 19:20 Andrew’s own learning experiences 22:10 Different motivational strategies 24:52 Points and leaderboards  27:20 The role of childlike wonder in Brainscape and for Andrew 30:15 Andrew’s view on the future 33:40 Challenges and struggles when looking into the future 34:40 Corporate uses for Brainscape 37:15 Andrew’s magic #MAGICademyPodcast #education #brainscape #andrewcohen #flashcards #learning #skills #educationalmodels #spacedrepetition #activerecall #study #talent #technology #feedback #algorithms