The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast

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

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. 2d ago

    Episode 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 away Navigating grief and putting family first Leaving jobs without having the next one lined up What Holly has learned from being back in the L&D job market Why your career shouldn't become your entire identity Figuring out what brings you joy and fulfillment Why 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 spotlight04:41 — Holly’s career journey since 202407:04 — Family, grief, and difficult career decisions09:27 — The reality of being in the job market11:55 — Who are you outside of your career?14:17 — “You’re going to die” and why that hit differently16:35 — Rejections, L&D, and figuring out what’s next19:00 — You deserve a happy life21:18 — What’s coming in Season 7 Touro University Graduate School of Technology Mel Robbins and Gary V Episode EdUp L&D LinkedIn: Follow me on LinkedIn TikTok: @ihollyoEmail: 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

    Episode 191: You Deserve a HAPPY Life

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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?

  6. 10/01/2025

    186: The 3 Things You Need to Break Into L&D (Hint: It’s More Than a Strong Resume) 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 paths in L&D, the significance of bridge jobs, the dynamics of the job market, and how to leverage AI in job searches. They also emphasize the need for upskilling, building a strong portfolio, and the value of community connections in navigating the professional landscape. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: TeamedTeamed Job Board Guest Contact Information: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Holly + Access Her Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly's Coaching Services⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly'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 💡

    186: The 3 Things You Need to Break Into L&D (Hint: It’s More Than a Strong Resume) with Ashley Lonie

  7. 09/29/2025

    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 unique needs of adult learners. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility in education, the use of technology and tools, and the power of storytelling in making learning engaging. Rebecca also shares insights on innovative learning approaches and offers advice for aspiring educators. Guest Contact Information: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Connect with Holly + Access Her Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly's Coaching Services⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly'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 💡

    185: Stop Teaching Like It’s 1999: Rebecca Barnes on Preparing Learners for an AI World

  8. 09/24/2025

    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 insights on how to excel in interviews by showcasing authenticity and personal narratives. The episode concludes with a recap of key points and a bonus tip for leveraging video recommendations to enhance job applications. Ask Holly ⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Your Questions Here⁠ Connect with Holly + Access Her Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Holly's Coaching Services⁠⁠⁠⁠Holly'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 💡

    184: How Do I Stand Out? — Be the Candidate They Remember in L&D
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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.

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