131. Why Podcasts Are Becoming a Powerful Learning Tool (Andrew Jacobs)

My guest in this episode is Andrew Jacobs, founder of the first-ever Podcast Learning Festival, which took place in London this February. The event brought together podcasters, learning professionals, and people interested in how podcasts can support learning. Andrew is the founder of Llarn and an award-winning learning professional, speaker, writer, and podcaster. Over the past two decades, he has helped organizations rethink how people learn. His work has been recognized across the industry, including receiving the Jay Cross Memorial Award for innovation in informal learning. He's also a regular contributor to conferences, publications, podcasts, and industry events around the world, and he produces the Women Talking About Learning podcast. In this conversation, Andrew shares what inspired him to launch the Podcast Learning Festival, what he learned from bringing together voices from across the learning community, and why podcasts continue to be such a powerful medium for sharing ideas and knowledge. Four key themes emerged from our discussion. First, learning doesn't always have to happen in formal settings. Podcasts create opportunities for people to learn continuously in ways that fit naturally into their lives. Second, learning podcasts are about more than simply reading information or having conversations. They need to be designed in a way that helps listeners understand concepts, make connections, and apply what they've learned. Third, podcasts are about more than content, they can build communities. Andrew talks about the connections, conversations, and relationships that emerge when people gather around shared interests and ideas. And fourth, innovation often starts with taking the first step. As the creator of the first Podcast Learning Festival, Andrew shares both the opportunities and challenges of turning an idea into reality. If you're interested in learning, podcasting, or bringing new ideas to life, I think you'll find a lot of value in this conversation. Links: Andrew Jacobs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjacobslnd/ The Podcast Learning Festival 2026: https://www.podcastlearningfest.live Blog: https://lostanddesperate.com Llarn: https://llarn.com