We Made THE List!

Instructional Design Episodes

July 28, 2025

168: Smarter, Faster, More Human: Fred Thompson on Designing the Futu…

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens interviews Fred Thompson, founder of Thirst.io. They discuss the intersection of technology, innovation, and learning, exploring the challenges faced by L&D professionals, the importance of personalization in learning, and how AI is…

Listen to the Episode
July 23, 2025

167: How to Stop Losing Great People: Taresa Scott’s "Bleuprint" for …

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes back Taresa Scott, founder of Bleuprint, to discuss the critical aspects of onboarding, employee retention, and the role of middle management in organizational success. Taresa emphasizes the importance of effective onboarding experiences, the n…

Listen to the Episode
July 21, 2025

166: The Future Isn’t Flashier—It’s Smarter: Christy Tucker on Buildi…

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens welcomes back Christy Tucker, a seasoned expert in instructional design and scenario-based learning. They discuss Christy's journey from K-12 education to corporate training, the nuances of scenario-based learning, common pitfalls in instructional design, an…

Listen to the Episode
July 16, 2025

165: From “Not Yet” to “Now”: Ben Erwin on Turning Rejection Into Rei…

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Ben Erwin shares his journey from being a writing instructor to becoming an instructional designer at Purdue University. He discusses the challenges of burnout in education, the importance of community and networking, and how LinkedIn played a cruci…

Listen to the Episode
July 14, 2025

164: Create What’s Missing: Cedric Scott, Jr. on Representation, Rein…

In this episode of Ed Up Learning and Development, host Holly Owens speaks with Cedric Scott Jr., an educator and edtech influencer, about his journey from a background in chemistry to becoming a leader in the education space. They discuss Cedric's mission to improve STEM education for underserved …

Listen to the Episode
July 9, 2025

163: Transforming Doubt into Drive: Whitney Kilgore’s Path from Educa…

In this episode, Whitney Kilgore shares her inspiring journey from being a first-grade teacher to co-founding iDesign, a leading organization in instructional design. She discusses the importance of recognizing educators' ski...

Listen to the Episode
July 7, 2025

162: Action First, Always: Karl Kapp’s Blueprint for Engaged Learning

In this episode of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Karl Kapp, a prominent figure in the learning space. They discuss Karl's journey from an instructional design intern to a respected...

Listen to the Episode
June 25, 2025

161: The Résumé That Gets You Hired in L&D

In this packed and practical episode, Holly Owens guides transitioning educators, aspiring instructional designers, and L&D professionals through the strategies and insights behind crafting a résumé that gets you noticed by both humans and ATS bots.

Listen to the Episode
June 10, 2025

159: Teach, Design, Market: A Journey Fueled by Mentorship

In this conversation, Holly Owens shares her extensive journey through education and instructional design, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and confidence in professional growth. She discusses her transition from teaching to various roles in instructional design, highlighting …

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 25, 2025

157: Talking All about Jobs with Chelsea Maude Averitt, Founder, Skip

In this episode, I was so excited to reconnect with one of my favorite people, Chelsea Maude Avirett, founder of Skip. In this tip-packed episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) careers, focusing on job opportunities, salary transparency, and the transition from…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 19, 2024

Episode 2: The Digging in Series - The Human Element in AI Learning w…

In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the transformative role of AI in education, exploring its evolution, implications for learning, and the importance of maintaining human connections. They delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including data security and the need f…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 14, 2024

155: Essential Tools for Being an Effective L&D Professional with L&D…

In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens moderates a discussion with L&D experts Tom and Heidi, exploring the latest trends, tools, and strategies in Learning and Development. They delve into effective communication tools, task management, project management, instructional design, and graphic des…

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 26, 2024

153: Instructional Design Interview Questions and How to Answer Them …

In this engaging webinar, Holly Owens shares her extensive experience in instructional design and offers valuable insights into the interview process for aspiring instructional designers. The discussion covers key strategies for preparing for interviews, the importance of showcasing a compelling po…

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 11, 2024

151: From IBM to Dean: Isaac Herskowitz's Journey in Instructional Te…

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens interviews Isaac Herskowitz, the Dean of the Graduate School of Technology at Touro University. Isaac shares his journey from working at IBM to becoming the Dean and highlights the importance of practical education in the field of instru…

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 11, 2024

150: Learning & Development Demystified: L&D Across Sectors and Conte…

Some might ask... What is L&D? In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers…

Listen to the Episode