Advertise on podcast: The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast

In this episode, Holly sits down with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, founder of Your Instructional Designer, to talk about the changing world of learning and development and what it takes to build a sustainable career in an industry that continues to evolve. From the rise of AI to the expanding role of instructional designers, Holly and Nicole have an honest conversation about what is happening in L&D, what professionals need to pay attention to, and how to prepare for what comes next. Together, they discuss: How AI is changing the L&D landscapeWhy instructional designers need stronger business acumenSetting boundaries, defining scope, and knowing when to say noBuilding a sustainable and profitable L&D careerThe skills that will help L&D professionals future-proof their careersThe big takeaway? Future-proofing your L&D career isn't about chasing every new tool or trend. It's about developing durable skills, understanding the business, building relationships, and being willing to evolve. AI is changing the industry, organizations are changing, and the role of the instructional designer continues to expand. But Nicole makes the case that professionals who can think critically, understand business needs, communicate effectively, and adapt to change will continue to bring tremendous value. Whether you're an instructional designer navigating the job market, considering freelancing or entrepreneurship, or simply trying to figure out where L&D is headed, this conversation offers a realistic look at what it takes to keep growing in this field. Shoutouts and resources shared: Your Instructional Designer — Learn more about Nicole's work in learning and development.Nicole Papaioannou Lugara — Connect with Nicole and follow her work in instructional design and L&D.Christy Tucker — Nicole highlights Christy's approach to setting boundaries, defining her area of expertise, and knowing how to say no.Offbeat by Lavinia — A practical, community-centered L&D newsletter recommended by Nicole.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! 💙

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! 💙

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! 💙

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! 💙

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: [email protected] 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

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.

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

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 💡

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

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 💡

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 💡

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 💡

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens introduces a new segment called 'Ask Holly,' where she addresses common questions about breaking into the learning and development field. She emphasizes the importance of standing out in a competitive job market and provides actionable advice on how to communicate one's value effectively. Holly suggests incorporating video or audio introductions in job applications to create a more personal connection with potential employers. She also teases future episodes that will delve deeper into strategies for career advancement and offers resources for listeners. 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 💡

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews Andy Shean, the Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group. They discuss the transformative power of technology in education, the need for reimagining traditional educational pathways, and how Penn Foster is making education accessible and career-aligned for working adults. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in education and offers valuable advice for aspiring learning and development professionals Resources mentioned in this episode: ⁠Penn Foster Group  Guest Contact Information: ⁠LinkedIn⁠___________________________________   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 💡

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, who shares her inspiring journey from professional dance to leading a STEM education organization. Dr. Berry discusses the importance of STEM identity in learners, SmartLab's mission to create engaging learning environments, and how they prepare students for a future influenced by AI. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders and CEOs, emphasizing curiosity, learning without expectations, and staying rooted in one's values. Resources mentioned in this episode: ⁠SmartLab  Guest Contact Information: ⁠LinkedIn⁠___________________________________   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 💡 Thanks for tuning in! 🎧