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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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

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.