Tangents with TorranceLearning

TorranceLearning

TorranceLearning has a Podcast! Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild as they discuss topics that are on everyone's mind in L&D.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 22: Narrative Architecture, AI, and Creative Process with Josef Bastian

    In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, host Megan Torrance is joined by Josef Bastian—author, entrepreneur, and narrative architect—for an illuminating discussion about narrative design, organizational storytelling, and the ways artificial intelligence is reshaping both internal culture and external brand. Key topics covered include: Defining Narrative Architecture: Josef Bastian defines narrative architecture and its critical role in aligning brand and culture within organizations.The Impact of AI: How artificial intelligence is accelerating the demand for systematic, precise storytelling, and why thoughtful design and architecture are more important than ever for brands and L&D professionals.Brand and Culture Alignment: Examining the real-world consequences of aligned (or misaligned) internal and external narratives.What L&D Professionals Can Do: Actionable advice for those working in learning and development: how to seize the opportunity to drive narrative cohesion, focus on human-centered design, and prepare for the evolving demands of the field.Creative Process & Imagination Grafting: How this creative approach mirrors narrative architecture within organizations. Plus, hear metaphors from Marvel's multiverse, strategies to manage "narrative drift," and why being grounded in core values are vital to organizational storytelling. Host: Megan Torrance Producers: Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from This Episode: The Irresistible Power of Storytelling as a Strategic Business Tool — Harvard Business ReviewWhat is Human-Centered Design? A Complete Guide — IDEO UConnect with Josef Bastian on LinkedInFolktellers.com | The Official Site for Folktellers Books and Films AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    27 min

  2. 09/09/2025

    Episode 21: Leading Through Dissonance with Jess Jackson

    In this dynamic episode of Tangents with Torranclearning, Megan is joined by Jess Jackson, a visionary leader in public health and social equity, currently shaping cannabis regulation and reinvestment policy in Minnesota. Jess shares her journey from instructional design to government leadership, offering deep insights on culture change, leading through dissonance, reconciling historical harms, and navigating emotionally charged, paradoxical spaces in and out of the workplace. The conversation is filled with actionable leadership strategies, frameworks like appreciative inquiry, and personal anecdotes that bring nuance, empathy, and practical wisdom to the work of DEI, policy, and learning. Host: Megan Torrance Guest: Jess Jackson (she/her) – Policy Innovator, Director of Social Equity, Public Health, and DEI Leader Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa LaheyDare to Lead by Brené BrownTangents with TorranceLearning Podcast – TorranceLearningMegan Torrance on LinkedInJess Jackson on LinkedIn AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    35 min

  3. 09/02/2025

    Episode 20: Empathy Mapping vs. Learner Personas: Choosing the Right Tool

    In this episode, Megan and Meg explore the concepts of empathy mapping and learner personas. They discuss the differences and similarities between the two tools, their uses, and how they can help better understand the perspectives and needs of learners. Megan shares insights on how empathy maps focus on the person's perspective of the world, while learner personas concentrate more on individual characteristics and experiences. Key Discussion Points: Learner personas and empathy maps: different tools, same goal.Choose the tool that is right for your situation, organization, or discipline.Use templates and resources — no need to create you own! Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: TorranceLearning Learner Personas TemplateGamestorming Book by Dave Gray (Amazon)Agile for Instructional Designers / LLAMA®Jess Jackson (LinkedIn)XPLANE AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    9 min

  4. 08/26/2025

    Episode 19 Beyond Order Taking: Performance Consulting with Chris Adams

    In this episode, Megan Torrance talks with Chris Adams about his journey into learning and development (L&D), and the transition from being an order taker to a strategic partner in organizations. Chris shares personal stories highlighting the common pitfalls L&D professionals encounter when they focus on delivering requested solutions rather than addressing business outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of building partnerships, understanding organizational needs, and shifting focus toward results that deliver measurable business impact. Chris also shares practical advice, recommended readings, and insights into how L&D professionals can enhance their influence and effectiveness. Key Discussion Points: L&D performance consultants need to shift their mindset from solutions to results.Relationship-building is essential to being successful in performance consulting.Effective questioning helps to uncover true needs.Developing consultative skills takes time and practice. Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: Megan Torrance - TorranceLearning | LinkedInHuman Performance Technology (HPT): A Comprehensive Guide for Instructional Designers - Part 1 — 24/7 TeachATD Master Performance Consultant™ ProgramLLAMA® Lot Like Agile Management Approach | TorranceLearningPerformance Change StrategiesChristopher Adams, PhD | LinkedIn AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    39 min

  5. 08/19/2025

    Episode 18: Exploring AI Avatars: Practical Uses and Cautions (LinkedIn Live)

    In this episode, Megan and Meg explore the world of AI avatars in learning and development (L&D). With conference season in full swing, they muse on the fantasy of cloning oneself using AI, sparking a thoughtful exploration into what counts as an avatar and the different technology and types of interaction that avatars can provide. From eLearning guides to real-time, conversational AI personas, they discuss how one might be used in L&D. Megan shares the journey of creating her own real-time avatar (“AI Megan”) with CSI Sim—touching on tech stacks, content curation, and tricky details like hair and clothing! Key Discussion Points: Not all AI avatars in L&D are the same.While it's challenging to make avatars effective, engaging, and purposeful, they also present great potential and opportunity.There are lots of real-world use cases for AI avatars including sales, healthcare, crisis training, and museums.It’s important to ensure new tech fulfills real needs, not just “whiz-bang” appeal. Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild, Jami Washington, and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: The conversational simulated Megan in web browser form (with the old hair) - Unity WebGL Player | MeganTorrancev3AI Boyfriend Speed Dating Hackathon at ATD TK24Agatha Christie, who died in 1976, will see you in class - The New York TimesAs a leader and CEO, I’m committed to creating workplaces that respect and support everyone. | Megan Torrance posted on the topic | LinkedInTangents with TorranceLearning (LIVE!): Exploring AI Avatars | LinkedInMeg Fairchild - TorranceLearning | LinkedInMegan Torrance - TorranceLearning | LinkedInNYT Article - Agatha Christie, Who Died in 1976, Will See You in ClasscsiSIM™ AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    27 min

  6. 08/12/2025

    Episode 17: Measuring What Matters: Focusing on the Right Data in L&D

    In this episode, Megan and Meg discuss the challenges of measuring effectiveness in the learning and development (L&D) industry. They share insights about how focusing on the wrong metrics can lead to ineffective training solutions. For a long time in L&D we've focused on data like completions or learner satisfaction. But focusing on the wrong metrics can often lead people down a path of thinking that training is the solution when really it might not be the best fit for the problem. Or worse, designing training with completion as the primary goal. They talk about the importance of measuring meaningful metrics to truly enhance workplace learning. Key Points: Training solutions may not always be the answer or solution to every problem our stakeholders come to us with.It's important to measure the right things and potentially harmful to focus on wrong metrics.Data collection and data analysis in L&D in continuing to evolve as we have more ways to capture new and different data. Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: Zsolt Olah (LinkedIn)5 Moments of Need: Workflow Learning for Job PerformanceWhat is Gilbert’s Behavior Engineering Model? | ThinkingKapSix Boxes Model - The Systems ViewWill Thalheimer – The CEO’s Guide to Training, eLearning & WorkDr. Alaina Szlachta (LinkedIn) AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    9 min

  7. 08/05/2025

    Episode 16: Workflow Learning: Making Learning Happen on the Job with Chris King

    In this episode, Megan has a conversation with Chris King, a learning strategist who specializes in workflow learning. They discuss the concept of workflow learning, how it helps integrate learning into the daily work process, and strategies for supporting learners effectively in their moments of need. The episode explores when formal learning is necessary and how to recognize the ideal situations for workflow learning. Key Points: Workflow learning is about changing behavior on the job and putting the learning as close to the work as possible (no need to stop and go to a classroom!).Workflow learning aligns closely to Conrad Gottfredson's Five Moments of Need® — more specifically the need of Apply.You don't necessarily need to convince stakeholders to do workflow learning. Fulfill training requests by giving them what they need. Hosts: Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman (Amazon)5 Moments of Need: Workflow Learning for Job PerformanceChris King (LinkedIn) AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    20 min

  8. 07/29/2025

    Episode 15: Inside Real-World AI Implementation: Lessons from the Frontlines (LinkedIn Live)

    Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild of TorranceLearning for a LinkedIn Live episode, where they discuss what real-world AI implementation looks like for Learning & Development (L&D) professionals today. Megan shares her behind-the-scenes experience writing an upcoming book on AI in L&D, revealing fresh insights gathered from industry interviews and the patterns emerging across organizations. Megan introduces the concept of “three AI impact zones” for L&D professionals to consider, and they discuss the "AI Implementation Canvas," a practical, multi-dimensional framework designed to help organizations roll out AI intentionally—balancing innovation with strategy and ethics. Lastly, they talk about importance of AI literacy, proficiency, and fluency, and why building these competencies is a collaborative, yet also department-specific, journey. Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Jami Washington and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

    18 min
See All (22)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

TorranceLearning has a Podcast! Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild as they discuss topics that are on everyone's mind in L&D.

Information

  • Creator
    TorranceLearning
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 TorranceLearning
  • Show Website
    Tangents with TorranceLearning