The Learning+ Podcast

Learnnovators

5.0 (1)
BUSINESS
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This podcast brings you conversations with experts from within the field of L&D and beyond, uncovering innovative ideas from unexpected places. Discover fresh approaches to learning and development that challenge the status quo. Brought to you by Learnnovators, your one-stop-shop for all things L&D.

JAN 18

Ep. 35: Making Sense of Learning Science in Practice with Dr. Alice Kim

What does it really mean to say that learning “works”? In this episode of Learning+, Vidya speaks with learning scientist Dr. Alice Kim about the assumptions we often make when designing learning experiences. Together, they explore why effort is not a flaw in learning but a requirement, why engagement can mislead us, and why evidence cannot be applied without judgment. The conversation also examines learner agency, trust, and the powerful role systems play in shaping behavior. A reflective discussion for anyone designing learning and wondering what actually helps it last. Connect with Alice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicesnkim/ Website: http://alicekim.ca/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

1h 5m
JAN 4

Ep. 34: From Tools to Transformation: Making Learning Work at an Org. Level with Lori Niles-Hofmann

What does real transformation in learning actually look like… beyond new platforms and better interfaces? In this episode, Vidya speaks with Lori Niles-Hofmann about why so many transformation efforts stall, even with the right tools in place. They explore what happens when organizations focus on technology before clarity, why “better user experience” isn’t the same as meaningful change, and how learning teams can move from activity to impact. The conversation digs into ownership, decision-making, and the often-overlooked work of aligning people, systems, and priorities. It’s an honest look at what it really takes to move from scattered efforts to something more intentional… and why transformation is ultimately less about tools and more about how organizations choose to work. Connect with Lori LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinileshofmann/ Website: https://www.8levers.com/ Book (The Eight Levers of EdTech Transformation: A field guide to the new future-focused L&D): https://a.co/d/8pziJzj Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

47 min
12/21/2025

Ep. 33: From Helpful to Strategic in L&D with Jess Almlie

In this episode of the Learning+ Podcast, Jess Almlie joins Vidya for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes for L&D to move from being a service function to a strategic partner. Together, they explore how well-intentioned habits can limit L&D’s influence, why saying “yes” isn’t always a problem, how small behavioral shifts change stakeholder relationships, and why self-reported data may be more valuable than we give it credit for. It’s an honest, practical conversation for anyone trying to create real performance impact through learning. Connect with Jess LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/ Website: https://www.jessalmlie.com/ Podcast (L&D Must Change): https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast Book (L&D Order Taker No More): https://www.jessalmlie.com/book References Jess' Podcast Episode with Chris Taylor (Actionable): https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast/designing-and-measuring-on-purpose 2025 Actionable Insights Report: https://pages.actionable.co/insights-impact Book (Measurement Demystified by David Vance and Peggy Parskey): https://www.amazon.com/Measurement-Demystified-Creating-Analytics-Reporting/dp/1950496899/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

1h 8m
12/07/2025

Ep. 32: Bringing Learning Science into the Talent Cycle with Dr. Cynthia Nebel

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Nebel joins Vidya to explore how learning science can reshape the entire talent cycle, from onboarding and leadership development to retention and even exits. They discuss why effective learning often feels effortful, how spaced retrieval strengthens real-world performance, why autonomy is more about perception than freedom, and how alumni can remain a powerful part of the talent system. A grounded, practical conversation for L&D and talent leaders thinking about how learning really happens at work. Connect with Cynthia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-nebel/ Website: https://www.learningscientists.org/cindy-nebel Book (Uniting Learning Science and Talent Management: Org Scholars): https://www.learningscientists.org/talent-management Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

47 min
11/24/2025

Ep. 31: Beyond Learning Styles: Designing for Context, Not Labels with Dr. Kuva Jacobs

This episode explores a simple but powerful shift: learning modes, not learning styles. Vidya sits down with Dr. Kuva Jacobs to unpack why certain learning myths persist, what they reveal about unmet needs, and how reframing them opens more practical paths for design. They discuss metacognition, mode-shifting, environment as a design variable, and how AI is changing what learning designers focus on. Rather than debunking and moving on, this conversation looks at what comes next… and how we design learning that helps people think better, adapt, and apply skills with confidence. Connect with Kuva LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuvaj/ Website: https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/ References Blog Post: https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/post/from-styles-to-modes-the-missing-skill-in-modern-leadership Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

39 min
11/03/2025

Ep. 30: Beyond Learning: Navigating the Space Where Work Actually Changes

In this solo episode, Vidya dives into the real work of performance consulting… beyond courses, content, and completion rates. She explores why most behavior change dies in the “messy middle”, where systems, workflows, incentives, and culture collide. This is a practical, honest look at how L&D can move from delivering training to shaping conditions where performance actually improves. No buzzwords. No grand transformation speeches. Just grounded ways to remove friction, partner with managers, design for real work, and measure change where it matters most… on the job. Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

29 min
10/13/2025

Ep. 29: Showing Up Authentically in a Noisy World with Connie Malamed

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, Vidya speaks with Connie about what it really means to be visible in today’s professional world. Together, they unpack why visibility is no longer vanity but service, and how consistency, authenticity, and self-awareness shape lasting credibility. Connie shares practical ways to overcome imposter thoughts, start from your strengths, and define success on your own terms. A grounded, insightful conversation on showing up with purpose… not for attention, but for impact. Connect with Connie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniemalamed/ References Free Email Course on Visibility Articles: - How to Increase Your Visibility as a Learning Professional - Visibility Strategies for Introverts to Stand Out Professionally - Psychological Barriers To Career Visibility And What You Can Do About It - Developing Thought Leadership as a Learning Professional Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

52 min
09/28/2025

Ep. 28: All Thinking Is Feeling: A New Lens on Learning with Nick Shackleton-Jones

What if learning isn’t about knowledge at all, but about what people care about? In this episode, Vidya speaks with Nick Shackleton-Jones, author of How People Learn and one of L&D’s most provocative voices. Nick argues that learning is an affective process - memory and behavior are shaped by emotion, not logic. They explore why compliance training often fails, why arguments rarely change people but experiences do, the difference between real resources and disguised modules, and how AI might both eliminate and transform learning. Connect with Nick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/ References How People Learn by Nick Shackleton-Jones: https://a.co/d/ji8Ca4F The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://a.co/d/5M7D3xY Iowa Gambling Task: https://youtu.be/9lR1Fwqt0G8?t=865 5Di: https://shackleton-consulting.com/5di-toolkit/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

54 min

This podcast brings you conversations with experts from within the field of L&D and beyond, uncovering innovative ideas from unexpected places. Discover fresh approaches to learning and development that challenge the status quo. Brought to you by Learnnovators, your one-stop-shop for all things L&D.

Creator

Learnnovators
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

35
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Learnnovators
Show Website

The Learning+ Podcast