PODCAST · education
The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast
by Hosted by: Holly Owens
EdUp L&D is where learning, technology, and humans come together.Hosted by Holly Owens, a higher education professor, instructional designer, entrepreneur, and proud helper of humans with nearly 20 years in the L&D space, this podcast explores instructional design, learning and development, AI, technology, careers, and the stories behind the work.Along the way, Holly brings in friends and industry experts to share their experiences, insights, and expertise.Real people. Real stories. Real learning.
Episodes
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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.…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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,...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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…
more -
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,...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
150: Learning & Development Demystified: L&D Across Sectors and Contexts
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...
-
148: It's Not Just One Thing - Tips for Navigating the L&D Job Market with Our Very Own Holly Owens
Summary In this episode, Holly Owens covers navigating the learning and development job market, emphasizing networking, authentic connections, and the skills needed for success as an instructional designer. She advises job seekers to be selective and find their niche. Holly also compares...
-
146: Creating a Proactive Culture of Accessibility with Nicole L'Etoile
Summary In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Nicole L'Etoile, the founder and CEO of L'Etoile Education, about accessibility in learning management systems (LMS). Nicole shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a...
-
145: The Concept of Powerful Learning with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO and President of Digital Promise
Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Jean-Claude Brizard, the CEO and President of Digital Promise. They discuss Brizard's journey in education and his role at Digital Promise. They also explore the challenges facing educators today, such as teacher shortages and the...
-
144: Creating a Learning Culture within Organizations, Taresa Scott, Founder Bleuprint
In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Taresa Scott, the founder of Bleuprint. They discuss Taresa's journey as a founder and the work that Blueprint does. They also explore the importance of creating a learning culture within organizations and the trends in L&D and e-learning....
-
143: Using the iSpring AI Assistant for Course Creation ft. Anna Poli, Senior Instructional Designer, iSpring Solutions
In this video episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens and guest Anna Poli from iSpring discuss the updates and new features of iSpring Suite Max. Anna showcases the iSpring Cloud platform and demonstrates how to use the AI assistant to generate course titles and quiz questions....
-
142: Closing the Gap: Aligning Education and Workforce Systems with Angie Besendorfer Chief Impact Officer at AstrumU
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chief Impact Officer at AstrumU. They discuss the challenges of the current job application process and the need for a more equitable and effective system. AstrumU is a data and insights company...
-
141: Continuous Learning and Growth in L&D: A Conversation with Sean Jennison, Senior Learning Experience Manager at Amazon
In this episode, we got interview the amazing Sean Jennison, the Senior DSP Learning Experience Manager at Amazon. Sean shares his journey into the learning and development space, starting from wanting to be a geography teacher to teaching English in Madrid. He discusses his role at Amazon, which...
-
140: Unlocking Learning Potential: Julie Dirksen on Behavioral Change and Instructional Design
In this episode, the hosts welcome Julie Dirksen, an instructional design and learning development expert. They discuss Julie's journey into the L&D space, her new book 'Talk to the Elephant,' and strategies for designing effective learning experiences that genuinely change behavior. Julie also...
-
139: Advocating for Yourself in Interviews and Taking Control of Your Job Search, Dave Fano, CEO and Founder, Teal
Summary In this episode, we got interview Dave Fano, the CEO and co-founder of Teal. Dave shares his background and journey, from studying architecture to starting a consulting business and eventually being acquired by WeWork. He discusses the challenges and lessons he learned as an entrepreneur...
-
138: Sharing All the Cool Tools: Live Demo of Nectir AI with Kavitta Ghai, CEO and Co-Founder
In this live demo, Kavitta Ghai, the CEO and co-founder of Nectar, showcases Nectar AI, their newest product. Nectar AI is an AI assistant that can be customized for classrooms, providing personalized help and feedback to students. The AI assistant can be integrated into the LMS and is FERPA and...
-
137: Starting Your Career Transition: Taking the First Step to a Career in L&D - Part 1 of 3
In this episode, Holly discusses the topic of transitioning into a career in learning and development (L&D), specifically in instructional design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic in the career transition process. She suggests five key steps to take before...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
EdUp L&D is where learning, technology, and humans come together.Hosted by Holly Owens, a higher education professor, instructional designer, entrepreneur, and proud helper of humans with nearly 20 years in the L&D space, this podcast explores instructional design, learning and development, AI, technology, careers, and the stories behind the work.Along the way, Holly brings in friends and industry experts to share their experiences, insights, and expertise.Real people. Real stories. Real learning.
HOSTED BY
Hosted by: Holly Owens
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...