Best L&d Business Alignment Podcasts (2025)

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One Approach to Designing Learning Videos That Avoid Cognitive Overload 13:30

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1h ago13:30

13:30

Have you ever watched a learning video and felt completely overwhelmed, even though the topic itself wasn't that complicated? That feeling of mental exhaustion is cognitive overload, and it's often the result of poor instructional design. Host Matt Pierce introduces Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), a framework that explains how our brains process infor…

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Building Learning Cultures: Aligning people, purpose and performance to make learning a habit with Melody Wong 17:40

1d ago17:40

17:40

What if learning wasn’t an event, but a habit? In this episode, Julia sits down with Melody Wong, APAC Head of Learning and Development at Seek, to explore the evolving role of Learning and Development (L&D) within organizations. No longer confined to induction and compliance training, L&D is positioned as a key enabler of strategic workforce plann…

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Breaking Free from Legacy Expectations: The Next Chapter for L&D Skills With Candice Mitchell 44:58

2h ago44:58

44:58

L&D has long carried the “hangover” of legacy expectations: delivering courses, creating content, and measuring completions. But in 2025, those skills won’t cut it - and they could even put the profession at risk of being replaced by AI. In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Candice Mitchell - consultant, f…

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The Rigor and Relevance of Assessment: Blending Learning Science with AI 44:54

5d ago44:54

44:54

Traditional assessments are often rigid, resource-heavy, and fail to fully capture on-the-job impact. In this session, Garima Gupta, founder of Artha Learning and creator of AIReady, shares a practical blueprint for modernizing assessments without losing scientific rigor. Drawing from her experience designing AI-enabled assessment systems for enter…

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Steal Ideas from Short-Form Video Creators for Learning 21:26

12d ago21:26

21:26

Lo-fi and authentic works. Just look at the best short-form creators, they’ve figured out engagement. They know how to be authentic, intentional, and drop hooks that make people actually want to watch. No matter what kind of video’s you make, what can you learn from how short-form creators do it? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pier…

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The Race for Impact With Egle Vinauskaite 44:28

14d ago44:28

44:28

In this episode, Egle Vinauskaite joins David to discuss the very latest AI in L&D report, The Race for Impact, and why L&D is at a pivotal moment. They explore the shift from AI experimentation to implementation, the barriers holding teams back, and the new models of impact outlined in her “Transformation Triangle.” With case studies from Leyton a…

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Ep. 29: Showing Up Authentically in a Noisy World with Connie Malamed 51:54

16d ago51:54

51:54

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya speaks with Connie about what it really means to be visible in today’s professional world. Together, they unpack why visibility is no longer vanity but service, and how consistency, authenticity, and self-awareness shape lasting credibility. Connie shares practical ways to overcome imposter thoughts, …

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Rethinking Microlearning: Moving Beyond 'Short and Cheap' 46:16

19d ago46:16

46:16

Stop treating microlearning as "just short training" — and start tackling the misconceptions that kill most implementations. Robyn A. Defelice cuts through the hype to reveal what L&D leaders consistently miss when rolling out microlearning initiatives. Robyn will arm you with the critical questions that expose whether your organization is truly re…

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Getting to the Point: Video Best Practices from Techsmith’s Customer Education Manager 49:53

20d ago49:53

49:53

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Avoiding AI Slop: Best Practices from the Human Framework 17:51

27d ago17:51

17:51

AI is transforming how we create content, but there’s also a growing problem: AI slop. It’s the flood of auto-generated videos, images, and text that takes up space without adding value; and we’re seeing it everywhere. So how do you use AI to enhance your work without the noise? Host Matt Pierce introduces TechSmith’s HUMAN Framework, a practical a…

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Building Thriving HR & L&D Careers in the Age of AI with Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR 24:02

29d ago24:02

24:02

How are L&D and HR careers evolving in the age of AI? In this episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR, to discuss. Dieter shares his global perspective on the future of HR, the skill shifts leaders must prioritize today, and why we need to move from a career “ladder” to a “lattice” if we want…

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L&D Order Taker No More with Jess Almlie 53:31

30d ago53:31

53:31

Too often, Learning and Development professionals find themselves reacting to requests, churning out courses, and struggling to prove their value. In this episode, Jess Almlie—L&D leader and author of L&D Order Taker No More—shares how L&D teams can stop spinning their wheels and start stepping into a more strategic, credible role. Drawing from her…

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Ep. 28: All Thinking Is Feeling: A New Lens on Learning with Nick Shackleton-Jones 54:13

29d ago54:13

54:13

What if learning isn’t about knowledge at all, but about what people care about? In this episode, Vidya speaks with Nick Shackleton-Jones, author of How People Learn and one of L&D’s most provocative voices. Nick argues that learning is an affective process - memory and behavior are shaped by emotion, not logic. They explore why compliance training…

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The New ISO Standard for L&D and Goal-Based Learning 49:46

1M ago49:46

49:46

Join Dave Vance, architect of the groundbreaking ISO 30437 standard for L&D metrics, as he reveals why the first comprehensive measurement framework is a game-changer for L&D leaders. Dave shares his take on today's obsession with role/skills-based learning — and why this tunnel vision could be sabotaging your L&D impact. As an industry thought lea…

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The Art and Frustration of AI Video 37:20

1M ago37:20

37:20

What if pro-level video creation didn't require a film crew, expensive equipment, or weeks of production time? Imagine literally describing what you want and having it appear on screen. We're living through a moment where AI video generation has gone from science fiction to "just about usable" reality. The technology is still rough around the edges…

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L&D Detective Kit For Investigating Performance Impact With Kevin M Yates 42:17

1M ago42:17

42:17

In this episode, Kevin Yates - widely known as the L&D Detective® - joins David to explore why measuring impact remains one of the most persistent challenges in Learning & Development, and how L&D can finally start getting it right. Together, they unpack why reporting on learning activity isn’t enough, what it really means to uncover evidence of pe…

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Beyond Engagement Theater: What Drives L&D Performance 47:28

2M ago47:28

47:28

What if everything you think you know about learner engagement is wrong? Clark Quinn, renowned learning scientist and author of "Make It Meaningful," joins IDIODC to challenge conventional L&D wisdom. He reveals the research-backed approach to creating learning experiences that actually drive business results. We'll explore the critical difference …

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GIFS & Videos for Effective Customer Learning 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

Customer education is a must-have for a lot of businesses these days, especially software companies. But reading thick manuals and wordy passages of jargon is no one’s idea of a good time. So what’s the key to great customer education? For this episode, we look back at an older conversation we had with Greg Mead. Back then, he was Senior Instructio…

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Effective marketing strategies for L&D Leaders with co-authors Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor 23:09

2M ago23:09

23:09

How can L&D implement marketing strategies to improve their learning outcomes? In this episode, Julia sits down with co-authors of the book “Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro” to discuss. They discuss understanding audience behavior, using emotional design and the importance of learner personas. --------- Key Quotes: “ Oftentimes we ass…

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Ep. 27: Rethinking Training Through a Performance Lens with Guy Wallace 1:04:48

2M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Guy Wallace, a pioneer who has been championing performance-first thinking in L&D for over four decades. Guy shares why most performance problems aren’t training problems, why only 5-15% of people can learn out of context, and why pilot testing should be designed to break your training,…

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Beyond Instructional Design: Building Agile, Business-Aligned L&D Functions 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

What if we had to rebuild L&D from scratch? What could we do differently? There have been rumblings in the L&D world that roles are gradually going to be replaced by AI. While we don’t predict an L&D apocalypse coming our way, maybe it’s time to start thinking differently about the role of L&D in broader business terms. Joining this episode is Trac…

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Taking the Pain Out of Compliance with Nick Taylor 47:59

2M ago47:59

47:59

For many L&D teams, compliance training is a necessary burden—dominated by tick-box exercises, clunky e-learning, and endless chasing. But it doesn’t have to be this way - even in highly regulated industries! In this episode, Nick Taylor, Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, shares how his team has reimagined compliance as a practical, performance-or…

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Visual Design for Learning Performance and Accessibility 45:36

2M ago45:36

45:36

What if better visual design could simultaneously boost learning outcomes and meet accessibility requirements? Visual design expert Connie Malamed, author of "Visual Design Solutions," reveals how strategic visual choices enhance learning for everyone — then shows how to make those same visuals accessible without compromising effectiveness. We'll e…

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Ep. 26: From Credibility to Impact in L&D with Mark Sheppard 1:03:46

2M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya sits down with Mark Sheppard, senior learning advisor and respected voice in the L&D community. Mark brings sharp insights into why L&D so often becomes a band-aid for broken systems - and what it takes to break free of that cycle. From the danger of chasing credibility over impact, to the emotional l…

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Why Your Visuals Aren’t Working Anymore (And What to Do Instead) with Andy Crestodina on Video, AI, and Content That Connects 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

The internet’s relationship with visuals and video has been a rocky ship over the past few years, constantly pivoting and evolving. And most creators are either playing catch up or are stuck playing by the same old rules with limited success. But luckily, we have Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder and CMO of Orbit Media Studios, on the show to share his c…

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Stronger Together: The Intersection of L&D and Enablement with Devon McDermott, Enablement Leader 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

How can L&D and enablement maximize their impact through alignment and collaboration? In this episode, Julia sits down with Devon McDermott, Enablement Leader. Devon shares the ways that L&D and enablement overlap and the opportunities they have to support each other's objectives and initiatives to drive impact. --------- Key Quotes: “ The stronges…

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Organising L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

Many L&D teams are under pressure to deliver business impact—but are held back by disorganisation, unclear positioning, and a lack of strategic focus. In this episode, Guus van Deelen, author of Organising L&D for Results, shares a practical approach for transforming how L&D functions operate from the inside out. Drawing on his experience and resea…

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Fix the Meeting: Frameworks for High-Performance L&D Teams 55:18

3M ago55:18

55:18

Let's be honest — L&D teams are drowning in meetings that feel like productivity black holes. But what if those same meetings could become your secret weapon for driving real business results? Communication expert Mike Simmons has figured out how to transform meetings from time-wasting rituals into strategic performance engines, and joins our IDIOD…

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How Visual Aids Make or Break Learning: Design, Simplicity, and Accessibility (Revisited) 51:41

3M ago51:41

51:41

Need to create an e-learning presentation but don’t have an eye for good visuals? This episode is for you! We revisit a great past episode with Diane Elkins, instructional design pro and owner of Artisan Learning. There’s so much solid advice in this episode on what works, what to avoid, and how visuals impact the learning experience (probably more…

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Mastering Action First Learning: How to Boost Engagement and Outcomes 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

It’s time to ditch the lectures. The secret to creating powerful learning content that people actually pay attention to and use in their daily lives is all about action. Dr. Karl Kapp introduces us to action-based learning in this episode – his go-to tactic for making learning more engaging, useful, and practical. Karl is a Professor of Instruction…

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Making Sense of the Learning Technology Market with Becky Willis 49:47

3M ago49:47

49:47

In this episode, Becky Willis joins David to explore the increasingly crowded world of learning platforms—from the evolution of LXPs to the challenge of aligning stakeholders with vastly different needs. Together, they tackle what’s hot (and what’s not) in the market right now, why so many organisations are still unhappy with their chosen platforms…

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Ep. 25: From Resistance to Alignment: Navigating Stakeholders with Caner Akova 46:54

3M ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Caner Akova about what it really takes to drive performance in the workplace, and why delivering content isn't enough. They explore why L&D needs to design for friction, not just information, and how influence and stakeholder alignment can make or break learning efforts. From rethinking how we run pilots to tying …

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The Great Training Transformation: Adapt or Become Irrelevant 49:55

3M ago49:55

49:55

The future of workplace training is arriving faster than anyone predicted, and Donald H Taylor has a shocking forecast: traditional training courses have just 2-5 years left before they become extinct. Drawing from his latest Global Sentiment Survey and decades of L&D expertise, Donald will reveal how personalization, coaching/simulation and learne…

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Level Up Your Personal Brand: Consistency, Visuals, and Human Connection 23:33

3M ago23:33

23:33

How do some people just seem to command attention the moment they walk into a room? They’ve nailed their personal brand. Dr. Dustin York, who's worked with everyone from the Obama campaign to Nike, breaks down the science behind personal branding and shares actionable tips you can start using today. Today he’s a Professor at Maryville University of…

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The dos and don’ts of microlearning with Craig McFadyen, Co-founder and Director of LearningPlanet 22:28

3M ago22:28

22:28

How can L&D leaders make microlearning successful? In this episode, Julia sits down with Craig McFadyen, Co-founder and Director of LearningPlanet, to discuss in depth. Craig discusses the evolution of microlearning and dives into tactical advice for integrating microlearning into training strategies. --------- Key Quotes: “ The microlearning facto…

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Driving Business Impact with Talent Development at Scale With Martha Soehren 44:25

3M ago44:25

44:25

Traditional L&D teams often struggle to prove their value—but at Comcast, Martha Soehren built a Talent Development function that drove measurable business impact at scale. In this episode, Martha shares how her team aligned with strategic priorities, built trusted stakeholder relationships, and embedded governance to keep L&D at the heart of busin…

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Ep. 24: Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David James 1:03:38

3M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Making L&D Matter: A Maturity Model Conversation with David James What does real L&D maturity look like in 2025? In this episode, Vidya speaks with David James (CLO of 360Learning and host of the Learning & Development Podcast) about his L&D Maturity Model - and what it takes to move from reactive training to strategic, business-aligned learning. T…

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Make Learners Want It: Marketing 101 for L&D Rebels 48:42

3M ago48:42

48:42

L&D’s relevance crisis is here — and hope isn’t a strategy. Marketing expert Ashley Hinchcliffe flips the script on traditional learning functions with the People Impact Loop™, a bold framework to transform L&D from content factories to business-critical enablers. Discover why learner-centric buzzwords fall short, how to design initiatives employee…

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Skip the Classroom: Rethinking Education and How Videos & Skills May Turn into College Credit 14:26

4M ago14:26

14:26

What if all that time you spent learning Python on YouTube or mastering Photoshop through online tutorials could actually count toward formal education credits? For this episode, we’re at the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) latest conference, to talk with Dr. Joe Sallustio, veteran higher ed expert and Co-Founder and Host of The EdUp E…

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How to Ruin a Good Video and Other Mistakes We've All Made 47:05

4M ago47:05

47:05

What makes you click away immediately from a video vs. stay glued to the screen? Maybe it’s overwhelming background music or cursor movements that make you feel seasick. We’ve all seen videos that don’t quite click for us (and perhaps made a few of them ourselves). So, in this episode, we look at common instructional video mistakes to avoid to keep…

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Engaging teams in ongoing learning with Jackie Goldberg, Executive Coach & Facilitator 21:27

4M ago21:27

21:27

How can L&D make learning sticky and engage teams throughout their learning journey? In this episode, Julia sits down with Jackie Goldberg, Executive Coach & Facilitator. Jackie shares her insights into microlearning moments, aligning learning objectives and the importance of having common language within teams. --------- Key Quotes: “ One of the m…

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The L&D Podcast Experience, Live! – Rethinking L&D, Performance, and the Power of AI With Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson 52:14

4M ago52:14

52:14

In this special live episode recorded with a virtual audience, host David James is joined by an all-star panel of Learning & Development leaders - Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson - for a dynamic conversation on the future of workplace learning. Together, they explore: Whether "Learning & Development" is the wrong name for the profes…

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Ep. 23: Rediscovering Curiosity and Connection in Learning with Goutham Yegappan 1:06:48

4M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this episode of Learning+, Vidya speaks with Goutham Yegappan - educator, data scientist, and question-asker - about reimagining education beyond systems, silos, and standardization. They explore why curiosity fades, how the teacher-student divide holds us back, and why passion isn’t something to find, but a way of seeing. This isn’t a conversat…

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Immersive by Design: Making Mixed Reality Part of the Blend 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

Immersive tech isn't just cool. It's useful. And more importantly, it fits right into the blended learning you're already building. In this IDIODC session, Destery Hildenbrand, a Learning Technology Consultant and Immersive Technology Evangelist, will walk you through integrating mixed reality, such as AR and MR, into your learning experiences. We'…

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The Evolving Role of L&D: Embracing Visuals, AI, and Workforce Participation 31:33

4M ago31:33

31:33

Learning and development isn’t just up to the folks in the L&D department anymore. In this episode, we hear how modern workplace communication and learning extend to the wider organization, thanks to technology breaking down barriers in visual communication. Host Matt Pierce sits down with David Kelly, former Chairman and CEO of The Learning Guild,…

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Show Trailer - L&D in 20 1:01

4M ago1:01

1:01

For L&D leaders, every minute matters. You’re spending your work days upskilling teams, boosting retention, and improving employee engagement. But what about you and your growth? That’s where L&D in 20 comes in! We’re the go-to podcast for learning and development leaders who are short on time, but full of motivation. I’m Julia Nieradka, Manager of…

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Systems, Support, and Simplicity: Key Lessons in Effective Visual Learning Design | Abbey Cooke, Jeff Weaver, & Robyn Defelice 18:19

4M ago18:19

18:19

Want to know the secrets of the L&D content pros? Become an even better visual designer today with these simple, quick tips for improving your approach to creating content. We hear from three visual design and learning strategy experts in part two of our special 250th episode celebration. Hear how to escape the “curse of knowledge” from Abbey Cooke…

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Reinventing L&D for Long-Term Impact with Avinash Chandarana 42:43

4M ago42:43

42:43

How do you continuously reinvent L&D while working with the same stakeholders and navigating constant change? In this episode, Avinash Chadarana, Global Learning & Development Director at MCI Group, shares the realities of leading L&D over the long haul—building from scratch, overcoming challenges like budget cuts and COVID, and evolving with a geo…

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Ep. 22: Behavior, Motivation, and the Role of Learning with Julie Dirksen 1:17:15

4M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

Why doesn’t learning always lead to action? In this episode, Vidya sits down with Julie Dirksen - author, designer, and one of the clearest thinkers on behavior change in L&D. They explore why systems thinking can sometimes overwhelm us, how to design for motivation dips, what to do when learners don’t see themselves as part of the problem, and why…

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The Quality Stack: Building Fail-Safes into L&D Pipelines 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

How do you move beyond endless checklists to bake quality into every layer of learning design? In this actionable conversation, Hadiya Nuriddin tackles this challenge head-on, drawing from her Quality Management in Learning and Development playbook and frontline experience. We’ll explore why “quality theater” fails, how to align standards with orga…