The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast

Hosted by: Holly Owens
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Education
  • Updated Semiweekly

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.

  1. 6d ago

    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 future isn't about replacing instructional designers, but empowering them to focus on the parts of learning that matter most. Together, the discussion explores: How AI is changing the instructional design processWhy AI can take on some of the repetitive work without replacing instructional design expertiseThe difference between generating content and actually creating learningWhy learner experience should be at the center of instructional designUsing AI to create more personalized, interactive, and engaging learning experiencesWhy organizations need to make learning a strategic priority in the age of AIMoving beyond "click-through" training and annual compliance coursesHow L&D teams can create an operating system of learning within their organizationsMeasuring real learning outcomes instead of relying solely on completion rates and activity metricsWhy instructional designers may become even more important as organizations adapt to constant changeThe opportunities AI creates for instructional designers, trainers, and subject matter expertsThe big takeaway? AI may change the work instructional designers do, but it doesn't eliminate the need for instructional design. As AI makes content creation faster and easier, instructional designers have an opportunity to focus more of their expertise on learner experience, meaningful practice, strategic learning design, and creating the friction that actually helps people learn. If you're an instructional designer wondering how to thrive in an AI-powered future, trying to figure out how to use AI in your work, or simply thinking about what's next for L&D, this conversation is for you. Shoutouts and resources shared: LearnWorlds — Check out the platform for creating, delivering, and selling online learning experiences.Dr. Panos Siozos— Connect with Panos and follow his work in AI, educational technology, and online learning.Connect with US 💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn 📹 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel — Watch EdUp L&D on YouTube 📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing in L&D delivered to your inbox 💃 Check us out on TikTok — @ihollyo 💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversation Thanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

    194: How Instructional Designers Can Thrive in the World of A.I.

  2. Sep 24

    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 experiences that seem unrelated at the time can actually become some of your greatest career assets. Together, the discussion explores: Embracing change and knowing when it’s time to pivotEvaluating career opportunities based on what you actually wantSetting healthy boundaries in the workplaceRedefining what career success means as your life evolvesRecognizing the value of your experiences—even the unexpected onesBuilding a career blueprint around your strengths, goals, and aspirationsThe big takeaway? Your career doesn't have to follow a straight line. You can change direction, redefine success, and build a career that fits the person you are now—not just the person you were when you started. If you're questioning your next move, feeling stuck, or wondering what comes next, this conversation is for you. Shoutouts and resources shared: Your Career Blueprint SKIP - Use the code "HOLLY" for 10% off your subscription and follow my friend Chelsea Maude Averitt on LinkedIn NextGround - Go join the waitlist for the NextGround paths (coming soon!) and follow my friend Devin Lewis on LinkedIn Check out and register for the Next Chapter Conference happening in New Orleans on November 4 & 5, and follow my friend Ella Epshteyn on LinkedInCheck out the fantastic master's programs offered through Touro University's Graduate School of Technology (where I teach!) Connect with US 💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn📹 📹 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel 📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing delivered to your inbox 💃Check us out on TikTok 💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversation Thanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

    193: Your Career, Your Blueprint

  3. Sep 21

    192: Rethinking the Job Search with Dave Fano

    Episode 192: Finding Work That Actually Excites You with Dave FanoWhat 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 to help job seekers take more control of their search. Dave and I talk about what people are really looking for in their careers, why the current job market can feel so frustrating, and how AI is changing the way we search for and communicate about jobs. We also dig into something I think gets overlooked way too often: excitement. What if finding a job isn’t just about checking the right boxes, but about finding work that genuinely energizes you? Dave shares his perspective on approaching the job search more objectively, staying authentic throughout the process, creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, and navigating a job market that continues to evolve. In this episode, we talk about:Why pursuing fulfilling work mattersThe challenges job seekers are facing right nowHow AI is changing the job searchThe impact of AI on communication and how we present ourselvesWhy excitement should play a role in your job searchHow to approach your job search more objectivelyThe importance of authenticityCreating opportunities instead of waiting for the “perfect” job to appearChapters00:00 — Introduction to Teal and Career Aspirations 01:03 — The Pursuit of a Fulfilling Career 04:01 — Challenges in the Job Market 20:57 — The Impact of AI on Job Seeking 23:05 — The Impact of AI on Communication 32:48 — The Role of Excitement in Job Search 37:04 — The Value of Being Objective in Job Search Connect with Dave & Teal➡️ Follow Dave on LinkedIn 🔗 Sign Up for Teal — Start your job search with Teal 📹 Check out Teal's YouTube Channel Connect with US💼 Follow Holly on LinkedIn — Connect with Holly on LinkedIn📹Subscribe to our YouTube Channel 📰 Subscribe to the Newsletter — Get It’s Not Just One Thing delivered to your inbox 💃Check us out on TikTok 📲 Grab Free Resources — Check out Holly’s Gumroad for helpful resources and tools. 💌 Connect with Holly — Schedule a conversation Thanks for subscribing, listening, and supporting our show! 💙

    192: Rethinking the Job Search with Dave Fano

  4. Sep 16

    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 next. This episode is a real-talk reflection on career, identity, and the reminder that your job is only one part of your life. Most importantly, Holly wants you to remember one thing: you deserve a happy life. Holly’s return to podcasting and what kept her awayNavigating grief and putting family firstLeaving jobs without having the next one lined upWhat Holly has learned from being back in the L&D job marketWhy your career shouldn't become your entire identityFiguring out what brings you joy and fulfillmentWhy you shouldn't wait for the “perfect” time to make a change“You deserve to have a happy life.” Holly challenges you to think beyond your job title and ask yourself: What do you actually want? What brings you joy? And what are you waiting for? Episode Sections 00:00 — Holly is back! 02:19 — Touro Graduate School of Technology spotlight 04:41 — Holly’s career journey since 2024 07:04 — Family, grief, and difficult career decisions 09:27 — The reality of being in the job market 11:55 — Who are you outside of your career? 14:17 — “You’re going to die” and why that hit differently 16:35 — Rejections, L&D, and figuring out what’s next 19:00 — You deserve a happy life 21:18 — What’s coming in Season 7 Touro University Graduate School of TechnologyMel Robbins and Gary V EpisodeEdUp L&DLinkedIn: Follow me on LinkedIn TikTok: @ihollyo Email: Holly@eduplnd.com Want to be featured in Holly’s upcoming “Hire This Person” content? Reach out via LinkedIn or email. Your career matters—but so does your life outside of work. So Holly’s question for you is: What are you waiting for? RSVP to my upcoming LinkedIn Live event

    191: You Deserve a HAPPY Life

  5. May 1

    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 practical insights you can use right away. What WCAG 2.1 really meansWhy LMS accessibility scores aren’t enoughCommon mistakes institutions are makingSimple, high-impact fixes you can start nowHow to make accessibility part of your workflowResources Shared: WCAG Overview (W3C)⁠Understanding WCAG 2.1⁠WebAIM Color Contrast Checker⁠UDL Guidelines (CAST)⁠L’Etoile Education (Training & Courses)⁠EDCARTA WCAG 2.1 Checklist Accessibility isn’t a checkbox—it’s how we design better learning for everyone. Follow Us ⬇️ Dr. Nicole Poff, CEO and Founder of EDCARTA Dr. Nicole L'Etoile, Founder of L'Etoile Education Holly Owens, EdUp L&D Host and Lead, ID at EDCARTA 🎧 Want more great content? Be sure to listen and subscribe to our show.

    190: WCAG Without the Overwhelm: Practical Accessibility for L&D

  6. Feb 25

    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 ineffective, especially in Learning & Development. Instead, she makes the case for showing up consistently, building genuine relationships, and becoming a known, trusted voice in your field. Drawing from her own experiences landing roles with Yellowdig, Mars, and Lindenwood University, Holly explains how hiring decisions are often made long before a job is ever posted—and how visibility plays a major role in those opportunities finding you. Why mass job applications rarely work anymore How genuine relationship-building (especially on LinkedIn) leads to real opportunities The role visibility and trust play in hiring decisions Real examples of jobs Holly landed without applying Practical strategies for building an online presence that feels authentic—not performative Why transactional networking hurts your long-term career growth Start building visibility through consistent, authentic engagement Focus on relationships, not just résumés Protect your time and energy—connection beats cold outreach Be intentional, human, and real in how you show up You don’t need to do everything. You need to do the right things consistently. Visibility plus authenticity compounds over time. 🔗 Connect with Holly on LinkedIn

    189: How I Landed 3 Jobs Without Even Applying

  7. 10/27/2025

    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 of resources for job seekers. They explore trends in interviews, the impact of AI, and the differences between corporate and higher education interviews. Networking strategies and the significance of confidence in job searching are emphasized, encouraging listeners to value their experiences and create opportunities for themselves. Connect with Chelsea + Access Her Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Skip ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chelsea on Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Holly + Access Her Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Holly's Coaching Services⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holly's "Interview Pocket Guide"⁠ ⁠Holly's "Unlock Your L&D Career:  The Ultimate Resource Guide"⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly on Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab your official EdUp L&D merch here: ⁠⁠L&D Store Link⁠ ___________________________________ Episode Sponsor: iSpring Solutions 🎙️ Huge thanks to our friends at iSpring Solutions for sponsoring this episode of the EdUp L&D podcast! 🙌 If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iSpring Learning Exchange Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— a vibrant space for creators, educators, and L&D pros to connect and grow. Grateful for the support and excited to see what our community creates 💡

    188: Navigating L&D Interviews: What Hiring Managers Are Asking Right Now

  8. 10/20/2025

    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, taking actionable steps, and building a portfolio. Holly also discusses the significance of community engagement and maintaining a positive mindset while overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to approach job searching and professional growth. Ask Holly ⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Your Questions Here⁠ Connect with Holly + Access Her Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Holly's Coaching Services⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Holly's "Interview Pocket Guide"⁠ ⁠Holly's "Unlock Your L&D Career:  The Ultimate Resource Guide"⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly on Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab your official EdUp L&D merch here: ⁠⁠L&D Store Link⁠ ___________________________________ Episode Sponsor: iSpring Solutions 🎙️ Huge thanks to our friends at iSpring Solutions for sponsoring this episode of the EdUp L&D podcast! 🙌 If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iSpring Learning Exchange Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— a vibrant space for creators, educators, and L&D pros to connect and grow. Grateful for the support and excited to see what our community creates

    187: Ask Holly: Where Do I Start?
See All (204)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like