#78 - Beyond Jeopardy!: From Trivia Buff to Education Advocate, David Madden’s Chronicles

David Madden, renowned as a 19-time Jeopardy! champion and the Director of International Academic Competitions, joins us in this episode to discuss his journey from quiz team captain to a pioneering leader in academic quizzing on a global scale. With over a decade of experience in quizzing and a passion for lifelong learning, David reveals how a simple curiosity for knowledge turned into a mission that now reaches students worldwide. Today, his organization creates immersive, fun, and intellectually stimulating environments where students engage in competitions that range from history and geography to science and beyond. David’s path started with high school quiz tournaments, where his love for learning expanded into a broad knowledge base, ultimately preparing him for the rigorous challenges of Jeopardy!. One of David’s core beliefs is that students learn best when they’re enjoying themselves. In his words, "Learning should be exciting, not just another checkbox on a resume." He discusses how these academic competitions create a rare space where students get to explore different subjects in an enjoyable way, putting their knowledge to the test in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. He also emphasizes the importance of making competitions accessible to all students, whether they attend in person or online. Beyond linear growth, David envisions a future where his competitions expand into areas like foreign languages and Model United Nations, giving students even more avenues for intellectual discovery. By cultivating environments where learning and competition merge, David and his team have created not just an academic organization but a vibrant community where students form lifelong connections and build confidence in their knowledge. With a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from memory training and game show strategy to the joys of traveling and learning languages, this episode is a powerful reminder of how curiosity, discipline, and a bit of fun can unlock endless potential in young minds. David Madden’s story is not only a masterclass in quizzing but an inspiring call to make learning a lifelong adventure. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or quiz enthusiast, this conversation will leave you with new ways to think about knowledge, competition, and the power of intellectual passion. For anyone interested in educational innovation, memory training, or just the story behind a Jeopardy! legend, this episode is packed with inspiration. David’s vision is not only to make learning fun but to cultivate a global community of intellectually curious students. Offer: Email info@iacompetitions.com and mention the podcast and we'll provide you with a free entry into one of our competitions! Meet our Guest: David Madden is a 19-day champion on Jeopardy! (in 2005) and the co-champion of the Jeopardy! All Star Games tournament (in 2019). He is also the founder and Executive Director of International Academic Competitions (www.iacompetitions.com), an organization that runs quiz tournaments and other academic competitions for students ages 8-18 in over 40 countries. Among other events under the IAC aegis, David founded the National History Bee, National Science Bee, the International Environmental Science Olympiad, and the International Geography Championships. A magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University with a major in international relations, he also holds a master's degree in that subject from the Free University of Berlin in Germany. He is originally from Ridgewood, NJ though is currently living full-time on the road in support of IAC's operations. Connect with him: www.iacompetitions.com www.instagram.com/iacompetitions https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Madden_(Jeopardy!_contestant)