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The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show

by David James

The Learning & Development Podcast is a fortnightly topical podcast show for L&D professionals hosted by David James and presented by 360Learning. In each episode David discusses and debates topics affecting the profession alongside expert guests. David James is the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning and a highly respected voice in the Learning & Development industry. With a focus on harnessing technology to drive impactful learning strategies, David is recognised as one of the top global influencers in the L&D space. The Learning & Development Podcast has amassed over 1M downloads and ranks in the top 1% of podcasts globally. With nearly 40,000 LinkedIn followers, David continues to shape the conversation around L&D innovation and best practices, drawing on his deep experience, including his time as Director of Learning, Talent & Organisational Development at The Walt Disney Company. In 2026, David was honoured with the Colin Steed Award for Outstanding Contribu

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Episodes

  1. What Is L&D For? Identity, Impact and Agency with Andrew Jacobs

    Andrew Jacobs joins the pod to explore what L&D is really for and why the profession's identity has to shift from producing courses to engineering performance. Drawing on a career that spans retail banking, the fire service, retail and local and central government, Andrew explains why capability...

  2. Writing the AI Playbook in Real Time With Danny Barrow

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Danny Barrow, Lead Learning Program Manager at Ridgeline - an innovative Investment Management company - to explore how AI has reshaped what Danny believes his function is capable of delivering, and the practical,...

  3. AI for People Professionals with Erica Farmer

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David is joined by Erica Farmer to discuss her new book ‘AI for People Professionals: Understand How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Your HR Role.’ Erica shares the experiences that convinced her the book was needed now and the patterns she...

  4. Power Skills, Global Academies and Transforming L&D at Merlin with Rob Peacock

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Rob Peacock, Director of Leadership & Learning at Merlin Entertainments, to discuss the transformation journey of the global learning function. They look at the disconnect between legacy training methods and the...

  5. The Learning & Development Podcast Live: Common L&D Myths on Trial

    Step inside the courtroom of Learning & Development, where long-held beliefs are called to the stand and only evidence, experience, and impact will determine the verdict. This high-energy, live episode brings together three of L&D’s most respected voices to challenge the myths holding our...

  6. Rebuilding L&D for an AI-Driven World with Larry Durham & Jonathan Eighteen

    In this episode, David James is joined by Larry Durham, President of St. Charles Consulting Group, and Jonathan Eighteen, Global Head of Consulting and Advisory Services at NIIT, to explore the findings of the 2026 Learning Transformation Benchmark. Together, they examine why L&D is entering a...

  7. Running L&D Like a Business with Tracie Cantu

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Tracie Cantu to discuss her book Running L&D Like a Business. Tracie shares the L&D leadership experience that shaped her perspective and what compelled her to write the book. They explore what it truly means to run…

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  8. The Frontline Enablement Playbook: Bridging the Gap for the World’s Most Essential Workforce with JD Dillon

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by JD Dillon to celebrate the launch of his new book, The Frontline Enablement Playbook. They explore why the traditional L&D toolkit often fails the deskless workforce and how JD’s experience at Disney helped shape a…

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  9. Beyond Content: Rebuilding L&D Around The Transformation Triangle with Egle Vinauskaite

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Egle Vinauskaite to discuss the launch of her highly anticipated follow-up to the ‘Race for Impact’ report. They explore the core objectives behind this new research and the methodology Egle used to capture the…

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  10. Strength in Chaos: Leadership Development for an Unpredictable World With Kevin Black

    In this episode, Kevin Black joins David to explore why leadership so often feels chaotic and why most leadership development fails to prepare leaders for that reality. Together, they examine the gap between how leadership is taught and how it’s experienced, unpacking how leaders respond to...

  11. Strength in Chaos: Leadership Development for an Unpredictable World With Kevin Black

    In this episode, Kevin Black joins David to explore why leadership so often feels chaotic and why most leadership development fails to prepare leaders for that reality. Together, they examine the gap between how leadership is taught and how it’s experienced, unpacking how leaders respond to...

  12. Navigating a Shifting L&D Jobs Market with Nick Jones

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Nick Jones of Blue Eskimo to discuss the state of the industry following the launch of the 2026 Blue Eskimo Work & Salary Report. Nick dives into the current market reality, exploring what is actually happening on the...

  13. 7 Steps to Better Learning Engagement, A Blueprint for Creating Impactful L&D, Live in NYC with Becky Willis

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Becky Willis to break down the essential components of her new book, 7 Steps to Better Learning Engagement: A Blueprint for Creating Impactful L&D. Together, they explore what it truly takes for an organization to…

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  14. Exposing L&D’s Operating Model: Navigating the Most Significant Disruption in L&D History with Tom Kupetis and Brandon Dickens

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Tom Kupetis and Brandon Dickens to explore how AI is revealing deep-seated flaws in the traditional L&D operating model. They discuss why the industry’s long-standing reliance on static content and "one size fits all"...

  15. L&D at the AI Table: Shaping Strategy, Not Just Providing the Training with Simon Brown

    In this episode, Simon Brown takes us inside his role as Global Learning & Development Leader at EY, sharing how he sits at the table shaping the organisation’s AI agenda rather than just delivering training. We explore how L&D can move from a support function to a strategic driver in the AI era,...

  16. Influence, Evidence and Building High-Impact L&D with Hillary Miller

    In this episode, Hillary Miller takes us behind the scenes of scaling L&D across a complex healthcare system. She discusses how she adapted team structures to meet the needs of hospitals, outpatient services, and physician networks, and how she identified what was working and what needed to…

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  17. Transforming L&D at WM: From Running Legacy L&D to Making Real Business Impact with Brian Jarvis

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Brian Jarvis to explore what it takes to lead an L&D transformation inside a long-established organisation. Brian reflects on stepping into WM, the early signals that learning wasn’t supporting the business in the way...

  18. L&D Global Sentiment Survey 2026 Findings with Donald H Taylor

    Since 2014, the L&D Global Sentiment Survey has been a barometer of what’s hot and what’s not in the Learning & Development profession, guiding people development professionals towards the trends that their peers are most concerned about. In this episode, Donald H Taylor takes a deep dive into…

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  19. Transforming L&D: From A Reactive Service to a Strategic Driver with Geraldine Murphy

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Geraldine Murphy to explore how learning can move from a reactive service to a strategic driver of business impact. Geraldine shares how she built the foundations for transformation - introducing governance, process,...

  20. Owning Your Brand: A new expectation in Career Management With Andy Storch

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Andy Storch, co-author of Own Your Brand, Own Your Career, to explore why personal branding has become a central tool for career growth. Andy discusses the workplace shifts that inspired his book and reframes...

  21. The L&D Leader with Laura Overton and Michelle Ockers

    In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Laura Overton and Michelle Ockers, co-authors of the new book The L&D Leader: Principles and Practice for Delivering Business Value. Together, they explore why the L&D profession must shift from delivering learning to...

  22. The Learning & Development Podcast Live: The AI edition With Egle Vinaustaite, Ross Stevenson and Peter Manniche Riber

    In this special live AI edition of the Learning & Development Podcast, David James brings together Egle Vinauskaite, Ross Stevenson, and Peter Manniche Riber for a candid, practical conversation about what AI really means for L&D today. The discussion explores the gap between hype and reality…

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  23. Live in Stockholm: Navigating L&D Trends With Elliott Masie. Bob Mosher & Jennifer Florido

    Recorded live at The Learning Conference in Stockholm, David is joined by Elliott Masie, Bob Mosher and Jennifer Florido to explore the forces reshaping workplace learning. From lasting shifts versus failed fads, to performance-first strategies, AI’s real impact, and rising stakeholder...

  24. AI, Workflow Learning and the Future of Performance with Bob Mosher

    As AI reshapes the world of work, Learning and Development faces a defining moment. Will the profession double down on creating faster training or finally step up as a true driver of performance? In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast, David James is joined by Bob Mosher - Chief...

  25. Enterprise Skills Unlocked With Craig Friedman

    In this episode, Craig Friedman, author of Enterprise Skills Unlocked, joins David to explore what it really means to build a skills-based organisation, and why now is the critical moment for change. Together, they unpack the macro forces reshaping work, the difference between skills-based and...

  26. Breaking Free from Legacy Expectations: The Next Chapter for L&D Skills With Candice Mitchell

    L&D has long carried the “hangover” of legacy expectations: delivering courses, creating content, and measuring completions. But in 2025, those skills won’t cut it - and they could even put the profession at risk of being replaced by AI. In this episode of The Learning & Development Podcast…

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  27. The Race for Impact With Egle Vinauskaite

    In this episode, Egle Vinauskaite joins David to discuss the very latest AI in L&D report, The Race for Impact, and why L&D is at a pivotal moment. They explore the shift from AI experimentation to implementation, the barriers holding teams back, and the new models of impact outlined in her...

  28. L&D Order Taker No More with Jess Almlie

    Too often, Learning and Development professionals find themselves reacting to requests, churning out courses, and struggling to prove their value. In this episode, Jess Almlie—L&D leader and author of L&D Order Taker No More—shares how L&D teams can stop spinning their wheels and start stepping...

  29. L&D Detective Kit For Investigating Performance Impact With Kevin M Yates

    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...

  30. Taking the Pain Out of Compliance with Nick Taylor

    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...

  31. Organising L&D for Results with Guus van Deelen

    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…

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  32. Making Sense of the Learning Technology Market with Becky Willis

    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...

  33. Driving Business Impact with Talent Development at Scale With Martha Soehren

    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...

  34. The L&D Podcast Experience, Live! – Rethinking L&D, Performance, and the Power of AI With Laura Overton, Donald Clark, and Gemma Paterson

    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...

  35. Reinventing L&D for Long-Term Impact with Avinash Chandarana

    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…

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  36. Rethinking L&D: Why Accomplishments Matter More Than Behaviours With Carl Binder

    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...

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

    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…

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  38. The L&D Maturity Model: David James in the Hot Seat

    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...

  39. Live from New York: Leading L&D for Impact with Julianne Gill

    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...

  40. The Great Reset: Unlocking the Power of Organisational Learning With Nigel Paine

    In a time when organisations must adapt and evolve more rapidly than ever, the role of learning is at a crossroads. In this episode, Nigel Paine, author of The Great Reset: Unlocking the Power of Organisational Learning, shares his vision for transforming L&D into a strategic driver of culture,...

  41. Designing Learning for Impact with Julie Dirksen

    Too often, L&D delivers learning solutions that fail to drive real behaviour change. But why does this happen, and how can we design interventions that truly make an impact? In this episode, learning design expert Julie Dirksen unpacks the science behind effective learning and what actually...

  42. Revisiting Aviva’s Ambitious Digital Reskilling With Molly Howes & Alex Price

    Reskilling is high on the agenda for many organisations, but how do you do it reliably—and at scale? In this episode, Molly Howes returns to share the incredible progress of the Aviva Foundry, an ambitious initiative to upskill employees from Customer Support roles into Digital careers, alongside...

  43. The Long-Distance Leader, Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership With Wayne Turmel

    As remote and hybrid work redefine the modern workplace, leadership must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader: Revised Rules for Remarkable Remote and Hybrid Leadership, shares invaluable insights on leading in this...

  44. L&D Podcast Live: Strategy & Structures

    In this special live episode, with guests Lisa Christensen, Hillary Miller and Christopher Lind, we explore their experience and deep expertise on the topics of L&D strategy and team structures - and it’s a masterclass of a conversation. Register for L&D Next 3rd - 6th March for free today at...

  45. How Generative AI is transforming L&D right now With Sean Bengry

    As generative AI continues to evolve from novelty to everyday adoption, its transformative potential for Learning & Development is becoming increasingly clear. In this episode, Sean Bengry, a senior L&D leader, shares his experiences and insights on harnessing AI to drive impact and innovation in...

  46. The Skills Advantage with Anish Lalchandani

    In a world where skills gaps are widening and job demands are evolving at unprecedented rates, understanding how to gain a "skills advantage" is critical for organizations to stay competitive. In this episode, Anish Lalchandani, author of The Skills Advantage, delves into his insights on bridging...

  47. How To Establish Yourself and Your Team As a New Head of L&D with Sam Allen

    Stepping into a new L&D leadership role is challenging, and establishing both yourself and your team can be even harder. It’s not just about filling gaps—it’s about aligning your vision with the business’s needs and building a strategy that delivers tangible results. In this episode, Sam Allen,...

  48. The Talent-Fueled Enterprise With Mike Ohata

    The Talent Fueled Enterprise seeks to provide insight into key disruptors driving an imperative for talent in organizations. The book also provides a fresh perspective on how leaders should consider navigating the evolving landscape of talent management. It challenges the conventional framework…

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  49. Non-Linear Careers in L&D with Jennifer Sutherland

    Many of us fall into L&D - and some of us make sacrifices in order to do so. At a time when many of us have faced layoffs and unexpected setbacks, we wanted to spotlight career journeys that had tough times and what our guests did to overcome these. In this episode, I’m speaking with Jennifer...

  50. What Your Finance Department Want To See From Your L&D Department with Ajay Pangarkar

    L&D can sometimes fail to make sense to even the most seasoned L&D leader but what about our colleagues in other departments? What do they make of our products and approaches? What do they make of our inability to equate our spend and effort to ROI? Well Ajay Pangarkar can tell us. His…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Learning & Development Podcast is a fortnightly topical podcast show for L&D professionals hosted by David James and presented by 360Learning. In each episode David discusses and debates topics affecting the profession alongside expert guests.

David James is the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning and a highly respected voice in the Learning & Development industry. With a focus on harnessing technology to drive impactful learning strategies, David is recognised as one of the top global influencers in the L&D space. The Learning & Development Podcast has amassed over 1M downloads and ranks in the top 1% of podcasts globally. With nearly 40,000 LinkedIn followers, David continues to shape the conversation around L&D innovation and best practices, drawing on his deep experience, including his time as Director of Learning, Talent & Organisational Development at The Walt Disney Company.

In 2026, David was honoured with the Colin Steed Award for Outstanding Contribu

HOSTED BY

David James

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show have?

The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show currently has 202 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show about?

The Learning & Development Podcast is a fortnightly topical podcast show for L&D professionals hosted by David James and presented by 360Learning. In each episode David discusses and debates topics affecting the profession alongside expert guests. David James is the Chief Learning Officer at...

How often does The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show release new episodes?

The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show publishes regularly with 202 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show?

You can listen to The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show?

The Learning & Development Podcast: The #1 L&D Show is created and hosted by David James.
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