The Learning+ Podcast

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, behavioral scientist Vishal George shares how small, intentional experiments can spark meaningful change. From creating cultures that embrace experimentation to designing tools that make better behaviors easier, Vishal offers practical strategies that anyone can apply. He also explores why curiosity, community, and accessible insights are the real drivers of transformation in teams and organizations. If you’re ready to rethink how you learn, lead, and grow, this episode is for you. Vishal George LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-george-0a707a5b/ Website: https://www.behaviouralbydesign.com/ Tools To Think Like a Behavioral Scientist: https://www.behaviouralbydesign.com/toolkit The COM-B Model in Behavioral Science: https://modelthinkers.com/mental-model/com-b-behaviour-change-wheel Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this thought-provoking episode, Lauren Waldman—scientist, learning designer, and yes, “The Learning Pirate”—takes us into the fascinating world of neuroscience. She reveals why learning professionals must stop designing for content and start designing for the brain. Discover how understanding memory, attention, and focus can revolutionize learning design and help create meaningful, lasting change. Lauren Waldman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-waldman-learning-pirate-4666bab/ Website: https://www.learningpirate.com/ The Joining Forces With Your Brain Series: https://www.learningpirate.com/joining-forces-with-your-brain Book Recommendation: How the Brain Learns, by David A. Sousa Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this solo episode, host Srividya Kumar (Vidya) dives into one of the most talked-about (and often misunderstood) topics in L&D—engagement. Reflecting on her early learning experiences, she shares insights on why excitement doesn’t always equal engagement, and explores how to foster emotional and cognitive connections in learners. Vidya demystifies engagement by breaking down the difference between fun and focus, behavioral and cognitive engagement, and how the right strategies can turn passive participants into active, motivated learners. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode on how to invoke and maintain learner engagement. Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/ Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, we sit down with Sam Rogers—musician, performer, and instructional designer whose path into L&D has been anything but traditional. Sam shares how his journey from the stage to instructional design shaped his unique approach to building effective learning ecosystems. With experience consulting for companies like Google and YouTube, Sam talks about blending user feedback, data, and creativity to create learning solutions that drive real impact. Tune in to discover practical insights on scaling L&D without losing sight of what truly matters. Sam Rogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrogers/ Website: https://snapsynapse.com/ Learning Ecosystem Essentials Course: https://www.eli.lrnonline.com/course/learning-ecosystem-essentials/ Book Recommendation: How to Measure Anything, by Douglas Hubbard Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode of The Learning+ Podcast, we sit down with Erik Solheim, global leader in environmental diplomacy and former head of the United Nations Environment Programme. Erik shares powerful insights on how nations can balance economic growth with sustainability, offering lessons that resonate far beyond environmental policy. From fostering collaboration to driving meaningful change, his approach is a masterclass in leadership—one that L&D professionals can apply to their own work in developing people and organizations. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on progress, innovation, and the power of practical solutions. Erik Solheim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-solheim-a9464b225/ X: https://x.com/eriksolheim Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Solheim United Nations Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org/people/erik-solheim Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

How accessible is your learning program? In this episode, we chat with Dr. Nicole Letoile, an expert in accessibility and inclusive design, who’s on a mission to make learning environments work for everyone. Together, we explore practical strategies to weave accessibility into your programs from day one. Nicole shares her wisdom on creating content that truly reaches all learners, while debunking the myths around accessibility. Tune in for some fresh ideas on how small changes can lead to big impacts—and why leadership matters in making it happen. Dr. Nicole L’Etoile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleletoile/ Website: https://letoile-education.com/ Mentioned Links WebAIM: https://webaim.org/ WAVE Tool: https://wave.webaim.org/ axe DevTool by Deque Systems: https://www.deque.com/axe/devtools/ Accessibility Shield: https://accessibilityshield.com/ Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, Heidi Kirby, PhD, brings her no-nonsense approach to learning design. We dive into her mission behind “Useful Stuff” and why focusing on solutions over tools is critical in L&D. We also explore her transition from academia to corporate, the evolution of learning, and how AI can empower – but not replace – the skilled instructional designer. Heidi shares insights on the importance of lifelong learning and offers practical advice for professionals navigating the constant shifts in the world, and specifically, the learning industry. Tune in for an insightful conversation full of practical tips! Heidi Kirby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ Website (connects to her Useful Stuff website and BLOC podcast): https://heidikirby.com/ Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, we chat with Ross Stevenson, where we break down the misconceptions surrounding generative AI tools like ChatGPT, and explain why treating them like Google Search can lead to frustration. Ross highlights the importance of adapting our approach to these tools, focusing on effective prompting, and understanding their probabilistic nature. We also dive into the role of AI in enhancing L&D, the concept of "human in the loop," and offer practical advice on selecting and using AI tools. Tune in to get insights on navigating the evolving landscape of AI in learning. Ross Stevenson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rstevensonuk/ Website: https://stealthesethoughts.com/ Courses: https://ross-site-7571.thinkific.com/ Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Srividya Kumar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

In this episode, we dive into Human-Centered Design (HCD) with Ryan Tracey, where we unpack the concept, and talk about how it differs from and encompasses other design approaches. We discuss the relevance of HCD in the age of AI and its crucial role in designing learning solutions. Ryan offers insights on how HCD can help L&D professionals move beyond being order-takers to become true problem-solvers. Whether you're an instructional designer or a learning experience designer, this episode offers valuable perspectives on centering the human in your work. Ryan Tracey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantracey/ Blog: https://ryan2point0.wordpress.com/ Human Centered Design: A Crash Course (Course on Udemy): https://www.udemy.com/course/human-centered-design/?referralCode=8CA794F1CF3D2CEA255D Crystal Balling with Ryan Tracey (Interview with Learnnovators): https://learnnovators.com/blog/ryan-tracey-crystal-balling-with-learnnovators-2/   Learnnovators   Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/   Srividya Kumar   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/