PODCAST · education
The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast
by Hosted by Holly Owens
Welcome to The EdUp Learning & Development Podcast—where learning is personal, practical, and built for the future.Each week, we bring you honest conversations with instructional designers, learning leaders, educators, and EdTech innovators who are shaping the future of workplace learning.🎙️ What you'll discover:Actionable strategies you can use right awayThe latest tools, technology, and AI transforming L&DReal stories, fresh ideas, and expert insights that help you create learning experiences that make an impactWhether you're an instructional designer, facilitator, learning le
Episodes
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196: HIRE THIS PERSON-Dr. Sydne Kasle: Empathy, Instructional Design, and Why Educators Matter
In Episode 195 of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens sits down with learning experience consultant Sydne Kasle for a special HIRE THIS PERSON episode highlighting the talent, experience, and perspective that hiring managers shouldn't overlook. With nearly four decades of teaching experience, Sydne brings a...
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195: AI, Business Acumen, and Building an L&D Career That Lasts
In this episode, Holly sits down with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, founder of Your Instructional Designer, to talk about the changing world of learning and development and what it takes to build a sustainable career in an industry that continues to evolve. From the rise of AI to the expanding role…
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194: How Instructional Designers Can Thrive in the World of A.I.
In this episode, Holly sits down with Dr. Panos Siozos, CEO and Co-Founder of LearnWorlds, to explore what the rise of AI means for instructional designers, L&D professionals, and the future of learning. Together, they unpack the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the field, and why the...
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193: Your Career, Your Blueprint
This episode was previously recorded as a LinkedIn Live on 9/23/26. Holly kicks off the live session with a little housekeeping before inviting listeners to reflect on their own career journeys. The conversation dives into what it really means to build a career around your strengths, and why the...
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192: Rethinking the Job Search with Dave Fano
Episode 192: Finding Work That Actually Excites You with Dave Fano What does it really mean to find a fulfilling career—and how do you navigate the job search when the market feels harder than ever? In this episode of EdUp L&D, I’m joined by Dave Fano, founder of Teal, a career platform designed…
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191: You Deserve a HAPPY Life
You Deserve a Happy Life Holly is finally back on the mic! After nearly a year away from podcasting, she’s catching listeners up on what’s been happening personally and professionally—from grief and family to leaving jobs, navigating the L&D job market, and figuring out what she actually wants...
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190: WCAG Without the Overwhelm: Practical Accessibility for L&D
In this episode, Holly Owens is joined by Nicole Poff (EDCARTA) and Nicole L’Etoile (L’Etoile Education) to break down WCAG 2.1 in plain English and talk about what actually works in real courses. NOTE: This was previously recorded as a LinkedIn Live session What We Talked About: No fluff—just...
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189: How I Landed 3 Jobs Without Even Applying
In this episode, Holly Owens breaks down how she landed multiple roles without submitting traditional job applications—by focusing on visibility, trust, and relationship-building instead of mass applying. Holly shares why the “spray and pray” approach to job searching is outdated and often...
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188: Navigating L&D Interviews: What Hiring Managers Are Asking Right Now
In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens and Chelsea Maude Avirett discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development, particularly focusing on the interview process and job searching strategies. Holly shares her journey from teaching to instructional design, highlighting the importance...
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187: Ask Holly: Where Do I Start?
In this “Ask Holly” edition of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, Holly Owens shares her personal journey and insights on navigating career transitions, particularly for those moving into learning and development roles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's direction…
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186: The 3 Things You Need to Break Into L&D with Ashley Lonie
In this episode, Holly Owens interviews Ashley Lonie, CEO and founder of Teamed. They discuss Ashley's journey from being a teacher to leading a platform that connects professionals in learning and development with job opportunities. The conversation covers the importance of understanding career...
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185: Stop Teaching Like It’s 1999: Rebecca Barnes on Preparing Learners for an AI World
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens speaks with Rebecca Barnes, the program director for the business management and leadership degree program at Bellevue University. They discuss Rebecca's transition from a business background to education, the integration of AI in learning, and the...
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184: How Do I Stand Out? — Be the Candidate They Remember in L&D
In this episode of Ask Holly, host Holly Owens dives deep into the essential strategies for standing out in the Learning and Development (L&D) field. She discusses the importance of crafting a compelling portfolio and resume, emphasizing storytelling and impact over mere tasks. Holly also shares...
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183: Ask Holly
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens introduces a new segment called 'Ask Holly,' where she addresses common questions about breaking into the learning and development field. She emphasizes the importance of standing out in a competitive job market and provides actionable advice on how to...
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182: “Smarter Than the Machines”: Andy Shean on AI Literacy, Human Ingenuity, and the Future of Learning
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews Andy Shean, the Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group. They discuss the transformative power of technology in education, the need for reimagining traditional educational pathways, and how Penn Foster is making education accessible and...
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181: From Stage to STEM: Dr. Jennifer Berry on Designing Delight, Doing Hard Things, and Driving Real-World Skills
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, who shares her inspiring journey from professional dance to leading a STEM education organization. Dr. Berry discusses the importance of STEM identity in learners, SmartLab's mission to create engaging...
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180: Disney World & Taylor Swift on L&D: How to Spark Magic, Build Community, and Turn Learners into Superfans
In this episode, Holly Owens explores the intersection of Learning and Development (L&D) with the engaging experiences offered by Disney and Taylor Swift. She emphasizes the importance of creating loyal learners by designing immersive and emotionally connected learning experiences. By drawing...
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179: Democratizing Content Creation: Shivali Goyal on Trupeer’s AI-Powered Magic for L&D
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Shivali Goyal, founder of Trupeer.ai, a platform that revolutionizes content creation for learning and development professionals. Shivali shares her journey from working at Boston Consulting Group to launching her own AI-powered startup.…
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178: Teachers, You Already Have What It Takes: Kim Scott on Navigating the Transition from Classroom to L&D
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Kim Scott, a former teacher who transitioned into the Learning and Development (L&D) field. Kim shares her inspiring journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of identifying transferable skills, building a...
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177: Lead It Like Lasso, Live It Like You: Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio on Becoming Your Own CEO
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio discuss the transformative journey from education to entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from the popular show Ted Lasso. They explore the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and creating value in one's career. Marnie…
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176: Audit Your Life: Leena Saleh on Turning Teacher Skills into Strengths for Corporate, EdTech, and Beyond
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes back Leena Saleh, a former teacher and current content strategist at Canva. They discuss the emotional journey of transitioning from teaching to corporate roles, the importance of networking, and actionable tips for educators considering a...
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175: Visible, Valuable, Hired: Stephanie Yesil on Career Pivots, Growth, and Why Your Next Job Won’t Be Your Last
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Stephanie Yesil, founder of Elevated Careers, who shares her journey from education to corporate learning and development. Stephanie discusses the importance of building visibility in a competitive job market, the resources she offers to…
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174: Making the Invisible Visible: Nicole L’Etoile on Building Inclusive Futures—Starting Now
In this episode, Holly Owens and Nicole L'Etoile discuss the critical importance of accessibility in education and corporate environments. They explore the need for proactive approaches to accessibility, the challenges faced by organizations, and the upcoming federal regulations that will impact...
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173: Stop Selling Yourself Short: Quantify Your Impact and Land Your Next Role with Josh Czupryk
In this episode of Ed Up L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Josh Czupryk, the creator of the K-12 job board blast. They discuss Josh's journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, the challenges educators face when transitioning careers, and the importance of quantifying experiences in resumes. Josh...
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172: The Future Is Built, Not Found: Dr. Jarrett Carter on Designing Equitable Careers with Purpose
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens welcomes back Dr. Jarrett Carter to discuss his journey since their last conversation, including his experiences with burnout, redefining success, and launching his own business, Collaboratix. They explore the importance of authentic leadership…
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171: Stop Waiting for Permission—Start Leading with Joy: James Gilchrist on Finding Work That Fits You
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews James Gilchrist, an influential figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) space. James shares his unique journey from theater to L&D, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the transformative role of AI…
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170: Don’t Just Apply—Align: What’s Actually Hiring Now (And Why Clarity Matters) with Chelsea Maude Avirett
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens and Chelsea Maude Avirett discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&D), focusing on career transitions, job market saturation, the impact of AI, and strategies for standing out in job applications. They emphasize…
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169: You’re Not Just a Teacher: Lisa Harding’s Blueprint for Career Reinvention
In this episode, Holly Owens interviews Lisa Harding, co-founder of the Teacher Career Transition Academy. They discuss Lisa's journey from the EdTech world to helping teachers transition into new careers. The conversation covers the importance of clarity before action, the emotional challenges...
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168: Smarter, Faster, More Human: Fred Thompson on Designing the Future of Learning
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…
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167: How to Stop Losing Great People: Taresa Scott’s "Bleuprint" for Onboarding, Culture, and Manager Growth
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...
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166: The Future Isn’t Flashier—It’s Smarter: Christy Tucker on Building Learning That Sticks
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,...
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165: From “Not Yet” to “Now”: Ben Erwin on Turning Rejection Into Reinvention
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...
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164: Create What’s Missing: Cedric Scott, Jr. on Representation, Reinvention, and STEM
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…
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163: Transforming Doubt into Drive: Whitney Kilgore’s Path from Educator to Entrepreneur
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' skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the evolution of online…
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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 educator and consultant. The conversation delves into the concept of...
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161: The Résumé That Gets You Hired in L&D
📅 Originally Recorded: June 19, 2025Live iSpring Webinar 🎧 Listen to Learn: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...
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160: L&D Career Options Beyond Instructional Design
In this session, Holly Owens discusses the transition from teaching to various roles in Learning and Development (L&D). She emphasizes that instructional design is just one of many paths available in L&D, highlighting the growth of the industry and the importance of transferable skills from...
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159: Teach, Design, Market: A Journey Fueled by Mentorship
Note: This episode was previously recorded LIVE on Linkedin. 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...
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158: Empowering Yourself: The Importance of Knowing Your Worth
Summary In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens dives into the critical topic of salary transparency, discussing its importance in the job market and how it affects individuals in learning and development. She shares personal experiences and actionable tips on negotiating salaries, advocating…
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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…
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Episode 4: The Digging in Series - Beyond the Lecture: Building Community & Empathy in Learning with Bob Ertischek
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens and guest Bob Ertischek discuss the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the need for a shift from traditional teaching methods to more engaging and community-focused approaches. They explore the importance of empathy, community building, and...
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156: 5 Things YOU Should Be Doing to Land a Role in Learning and Development
Overivew In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, I share my personal journey and five key strategies for transitioning into a career in learning and development. I emphasize the importance of building a strong personal brand, leveraging transferable skills, networking with intention,...
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Episode 3: The Digging in Series: The Power of Human Connection in Learning with Shaunak Roy, Founder and CEO Yellowdig
Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the significance of human connection, especially in the context of digital learning environments. They explore how authentic relationships can be fostered online, the barriers to genuine connections, and the importance of empathy and...
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Episode 2: The Digging in Series - The Human Element in AI Learning with Shaunak Roy, Founder and CEO of Yellowdig
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...
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155: Essential Tools for Being an Effective L&D Professional with L&D Experts - Heidi Kirby, Tom McDowall, and Holly Owens
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...
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Episode 1: The Digging in Series - The Journey of Entrepreneurship with Shaunak Roy, Founder and CEO of Yellowdig
If you're thinking about getting into the entrepreneurial space, this episode is for YOU! In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development I got to sit down with my new boss Shaunak Roy, founder and CEO of Yellowdig, to chat about the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of community and...
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154: Collaboration in Learning and Development Unlocking Career Success Through Networking, with Aleza Jerome, Solutions Designer
Summary In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens and Aleza Jerome explore Aleza's journey from graphic design to a successful career in learning and development. They discuss the importance of real-world applications of instructional design, the value of networking, and the impact of a master's...
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153: Instructional Design Interview Questions and How to Answer Them with Holly Owens, Seasoned ID Professional
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...
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152: From Classroom to Freelance to Higher Education ID, A Journey of Learning with Josephine Coco, Instructional Technologist, Empire State University
In this episode, Holly Owens and Josephine Coco discuss the journey into the field of instructional design and technology. Josephine shares her personal story of returning to education later in life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the industry. They...
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151: From IBM to Dean: Isaac Herskowitz's Journey in Instructional Technology, Dean, Touro University Graduate School of Technology
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The EdUp Learning & Development Podcast—where learning is personal, practical, and built for the future.Each week, we bring you honest conversations with instructional designers, learning leaders, educators, and EdTech innovators who are shaping the future of workplace learning.🎙️ What you'll discover:Actionable strategies you can use right awayThe latest tools, technology, and AI transforming L&DReal stories, fresh ideas, and expert insights that help you create learning experiences that make an impactWhether you're an instructional designer, facilitator, learning le
HOSTED BY
Hosted by Holly Owens
CATEGORIES
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