Best L&d Business Alignment Podcasts (2025)

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

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6d 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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The Art and Frustration of AI Video 37:20

28m 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

2h 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

8d 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

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

3d 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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Taking the Pain Out of Compliance with Nick Taylor 47:59

7d 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

22d 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

25d 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

1M 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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Organising L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen 38:06

23d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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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Driving Business Impact with Talent Development at Scale With Martha Soehren 44:25

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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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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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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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Systems, Support, and Simplicity: Key Lessons in Effective Visual Learning Design | Abbey Cooke, Jeff Weaver, & Robyn Defelice 18:19

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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…

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AI, Feedback, and Repurposing Like a Pro | Multiple Guests 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

We like to ask anyone who joins The Visual Lounge, what’s your one take you want to give our audience? It’s an open-ended question so we always get a good variety of unique answers and love hearing the advice, life lessons, and mindset changes we can apply to using video and images in our work. To celebrate our 250th episode milestone, we bring tog…

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Rethinking L&D: Why Accomplishments Matter More Than Behaviours With Carl Binder 41:20

3M ago41:20

41:20

L&D has long been focused on behaviour change—but what if that’s the wrong goal? In this episode, Carl Binder challenges conventional wisdom and makes the case for shifting our focus from behaviours to work outputs—the measurable accomplishments that drive business results. Carl explains why this approach is more effective, how L&D teams can correc…

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Ep. 21: The Quiet Power of Community with Erin Chancellor 1:06:37

3M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

What does it really take to build a thriving learning community - one where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow? In this episode, Erin Chancellor joins Vidya to share how she co-manages the Useful L&D Community with care, clarity, and intentional structure. They explore what “lurker love” looks like in action, why creating space matte…

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The Performance Paradox: Solving L&D’s $100 Billion Waste Problem 44:29

4M ago44:29

44:29

Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist at Beyond the Sky, merges decades of corporate marketing expertise with cutting-edge L&D innovation to tackle the crisis of ineffective training. In this episode, she dismantles why traditional content-heavy approaches fail to drive real-world performance, revealing how AI-powered role-plays, immersive sc…

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Harnessing Video for Enhanced Learning (Revisited) 35:55

4M ago35:55

35:55

Is video always the best way to teach something? Video has transformed the world of workplace learning and still makes up a huge part of it today. Just about any workplace, big or small, can create training videos with minimal cost. But it doesn’t always make it the right tool for the job. In this throwback episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt P…

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Hope Isn’t a Plan: Building a Progressive L&D Strategy with Dani Johnson 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

Traditional L&D strategies rely too much on hope. Hope that training will stick, hope that stakeholders will engage, and hope that impact will follow. But as Dani Johnson of RedThread Research explains in this episode, hope isn’t a plan. Drawing on insights from the latest report, Dani outlines why L&D’s influence in strategic business discussions …

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Ep. 20: Experiment First, Design Later with Tom McDowall 1:12:30

4M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

In this episode, Tom McDowall joins us for a deep dive into learner autonomy, performance-focused design, and the real role of L&D in a fast-changing world. We unpack what it means to give learners control, how to balance autonomy with compliance, and why experimentation - not training - is often the better answer. From Dungeons & Dragons to chatbo…

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Neuroscience and AI: Enhancing Learning and Performance 57:38

4M ago57:38

57:38

Join us for a captivating conversation with Margie Meacham, famously known as "The Brain Lady," a pioneer in applying AI to learning and talent development since 2013. Drawing from her hands-on experience developing educational chatbots, Margie will take us on a journey through the powerful intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. …

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The Evolving Future of Video: AI, Authenticity, and Connection in the Workplace (Revisited) 27:59

4M ago27:59

27:59

In just a few short years, AI usage has boomed in the content creation world. Not just that, it’s also changed a LOT, and in ways many of us never predicted. In this episode, Matt Pierce takes us back to 2023 when many of us were still experimenting with AI and had bold predictions about its future. He asked the audience on LinkedIn for predictions…

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The L&D Maturity Model: David James in the Hot Seat 49:48

4M ago49:48

49:48

In this special episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, we’re turning the tables! Host of The Learning Hack podcast, John Helmer, takes over the mic to interview our very own David James about 360Learning’s new L&D Maturity Model. With a wealth of experience in the learning industry, John brings a sharp, inquisitive lens to this conversation…

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Creating Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences, By the Book 51:24

4M ago51:24

51:24

Training content can only help create true change if it can help everyone in your organization. There is a whole range of reasons and circumstances why learners might find content inaccessible or exclusive, and it can seem very daunting to try and solve accessibility and inclusivity for all possibilities. In this session of IDIODC, we’re talking wi…

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Ep. 19: Improving Value, Not Just Proving It with Michelle Ockers 1:12:32

4M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

What does it really take to build a learning strategy that sticks? In this episode, Michelle Ockers helps unpack the difference between tactical execution and strategic clarity. From shifting the conversation from skills to capability, to evaluating learning as a tool for improvement, and not just as proof, Michelle shares practical, grounded advic…

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Practical AI Applications for Video Production 16:16

5M ago16:16

16:16

Have you ever felt a little out of your depth when making an extra complex or brand new video type? Maybe AI could help. Host Matt Pierce shares his experience as someone used to creating training content, adapting to creating content for a commercial. We hear about the script drafting process, the challenges of balancing feasibility, including bud…

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The Real Barriers to Effective Learning: Organization, Learner, and L&D Missteps 38:17

5M ago38:17

38:17

What’s really holding your learners back from absorbing the information they need? We’ve all been through training at some point that’s either confusing or too broad, or perhaps the kind that puts you to sleep. The truth is that training and learning design are complicated. It’s a balancing act between the learners themselves (how they learn, their…

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Live from New York: Leading L&D for Impact with Julianne Gill 49:04

5M ago49:04

49:04

For the first time ever, The Learning & Development Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience in New York! In this special episode, I sit down with Julianne Gill, Director of Learning & Development at Smile Brands, to explore what it truly takes to build an L&D function that delivers measurable impact. Julianne shares insights from her caree…

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Ep. 18: Building Service Cultures That Power Organizations with Ron Kaufman 53:12

5M ago53:12

53:12

What if service wasn’t just a department, but a way of thinking across your entire organization? In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Ron Kaufman - global expert on service culture and best-selling author of Uplifting Service - joins us to break down what it really takes to build a culture of continuous service improvement. We explore why mind…

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Beyond Vanity Metrics: Driving Growth with Learner Engagement 42:07

5M ago42:07

42:07

L&D teams face mounting pressure to prove engagement isn’t just a vanity metric. Join Becky Willis, learning strategist and co-founder of Tractus Learning, as she reveals how to transform engagement from abstract concept to measurable business driver. Discover practical frameworks for connecting learning maturity to engagement strategies, including…

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Ep. 17: Creating Impactful Practice Scenarios 9:26

5M ago9:26

9:26

In this solo episode, Srividya Kumar explores the power of practice in learning and why it's a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of effective training. She discusses how focusing too much on theory can hinder learners from applying their knowledge. Drawing on real-world examples, Srividya shares how practice scenarios can help learners gain confi…

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If You’re Not Hooking Viewers in 5 Seconds… You’ve Already Lost Them 11:08

5M ago11:08

11:08

You have just five seconds. So hook ‘em in, keep them watching, and make those seconds count. Starting with a clear hook isn’t just for YouTubers looking to make it big. Even if you’re creating instructional videos that people have to watch for their job, you have just a few seconds to grab attention. If you don’t, the video might still play but th…