Leaning into Nostalgia to Create Effective Learning Activites

Thursday, September 10, 2026

1:00 pm EST (10:00 am PST)

Leaning into Nostalgia to Create Effective Learning Activities

The evidence-based case for nostalgic learning activities. 

Ever notice how a familiar theme song, toy, or game can instantly transport a room full of adults back to childhood? That’s not just a fun icebreaker moment; it’s your brain’s memory and emotion systems doing exactly what makes learning stick. 

In this free online webinar, we’ll explore the research behind why emotional connection boosts retention and then get honest about the pitfalls of assuming everyone shares the same nostalgic touchstones. You’ll leave with a practical, inclusive training activity of your own, built on nostalgia and grounded in the evidence-based principles of how people actually learn and remember. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you will:

  • Explain the importance of establishing an emotional connection to the content to boost the potential for learner retention
  • Navigate the tempting pitfalls of applying a one-size-fits-all approach to using nostalgic references in the training room
  • Develop an inclusive learning activity rooted in nostalgia (and proven principles of how people learn and remember information)

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About Endurance Learning

In addition to offering free webinars to help training and instructional designers create better learning activities, Endurance Learning is a full-service training development partner specializing in elearning, instructor-led training, and train-the-trainer programs. Since 2015, our team of expert instructional designers and developers has helped professionals with deep subject matter expertise design and develop training that delivers real impact.

The team at Endurance Learning helps organizations of all sizes build instructor-led training and elearning solutions that are tailored to their needs. Set up a call to learn more.

This series of free L&D webinars is just one way that Endurance Learning gives back to the community. We also have a variety of free resources available, including the Endurance Learning Activity Cookbook, loaded with free learning activities you can add to your sessions today!

About Brian Washburn

Brian Washburn has over 20 years of experience helping subject matter experts become confident, engaging facilitators. His Train-the-Trainer sessions focus on practical tools, tailored guidance, and hands-on practice, equipping teams to design and deliver clear, effective training that sticks.

Brian has facilitated workshops on presentation skills and instructional design across North America, South America, Asia, and Africa for international NGOs, nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. These experiences have helped him identify and refine certain training and facilitation principles that have proven effective across geographic borders, cultures, types of organizations, age groups, and languages.

Trainers can experience these sessions in:

In addition to his practical experience, Brian is the author of two books. What’s Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training (2021) and Instructional Design on a Shoestring (2024). He has also contributed chapters to several publications by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), including “ATD’s Handbook for Consultants” and “ATD’s Handbook for Training and Talent Development.”

Brian holds an MA in Organizational Psychology, is a past President of ATD Puget Sound, and serves as a Commissioner for the International Accreditors for Continuing Education & Training (IACET).

Endurance Learning has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. Each free webinar for trainers and L&D professionals qualifies for a maximum of 1 point.

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