The Learning+ Podcast

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Heather Burright about what it really takes to design learning in complex, mission-driven environments. They explore how L&D shifts when authority is limited and influence becomes essential, especially in federated nonprofit structures. The conversation touches on designing learning as a conversation, building from learner experience to enable inclusion, and rethinking measurement when post-training access is limited. Grounded in real practice, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how context shapes learning strategy, design, and impact.Connect with HeatherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/The Non-Profit L&D Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveThe Learning for Good Podcast: https://learningforgood.buzzsprout.com/Podcast Episodes About Measurement- https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/how-to-measure-behavior-change-and-impact-in/id1621971310?i=1000684674477&l=zh-Hans-CN- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-position-training-as-an-investment-from/id1621971310?i=1000742300016 Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Srividya Kumar and Ajay Jacob explore storytelling as a strategic skill in learning design. Their conversation moves beyond the usual advice about making learning “engaging” and looks more closely at what stories actually do for understanding and behavior change. They discuss when stories support learning and when they become distractions, the idea of a “Minimum Viable Story”, why emotion plays a role in meaningful learning, and where the line lies between influence and manipulation. It’s a thoughtful conversation about how stories shape the way people see their work and the choices they make.Connect with AjayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaytj/ Storytelling Course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/storytelling-foundations-unlocking-the-power-of-stories/?referralCode=91BDA7E8C30712E28687 Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Vidya and Michael Snelgrove explore how organizational systems shape behavior. They discuss structural stupidity, incentives, and the hidden priorities that influence decisions in workplaces. Michael shares how small signals can reveal deeper systemic patterns, why evidence alone rarely drives change, and what it takes to translate research into practice. The conversation also touches on apprenticeship, measurement, and the growing role of AI in accessing behavioral science. A thoughtful look at how capability, learning, and performance are shaped by the design of work itself.References UsedMichael’s Post About Structural Stupidity: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mtsnelgrove_humanbehavior-hr-behavioralscience-activity-7397639043586396160-bzk5/The book that refers to the brown M&Ms: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande (the rock band is Van Halen): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312430000/ref=as_li_ss_tl Connect with MichaelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtsnelgrove/ Website: https://www.appliedscholar.com/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Michael Snelgrove, a behavioural scientist with frontline experience in high-stakes settings, discusses how learning and performance function under pressure. He explains using choice architecture to improve decisions, why training can backfire, the limits of self-directed learning, and how system design, mental models, and better feedback help people perform when it matters most.

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 AliceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicesnkim/ Website: http://alicekim.ca/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

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 LoriLinkedIn: 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 LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Jess Almlie, a learning and development leader and author of 'L&D Order Taker No More,' dives into transforming L&D from a service-based role into a strategic partner. She discusses the harmful habits that keep L&D stuck in a transactional mindset and emphasizes the importance of curiosity over immediate solutions. Jess shares techniques like pausing before responding and using self-reported data as a powerful indicator of change. Her insights on building trust with stakeholders and measuring impact are invaluable for anyone in the L&D space.

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 CynthiaLinkedIn: 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 LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

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-leadershipConnect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/Connect with VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

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 VidyaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/ Connect with LearnnovatorsWebsite: https://learnnovators.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/