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The LDA Podcast: An Exploration of Evidence-Informed Approaches to Learning and Development
The LDA Podcast: An Exploration of Evidence-Informed Approaches to Learning and Development
The LDA Podcast, formerly Truth In Learning, is a show about the Learning and Development (L&D) field. Hosted by learning scientists and consultants Matt Richter and Clark Quinn, it explores evidence-based tools and resources for better training, debunks popular learning models, and discusses industry controversies. The podcast aims to keep listeners current with L&D research and innovations, unpack complex ideas, and sharpen critical thinking skills. It also includes a monthly series on AI hosted by AI expert Markus Bernhardt. New episodes are released every two weeks.
Episodes
Show Me How You Do It, Melanie Martinelli
Every L&D professional knows the sinking feeling: you deliver a great training session, and then… nothing changes back on the job. In this episode, host, Sofie Willox sits down with Melanie Martinelli, CEO of the Institute for Transfer Effectiveness, to tackle one of the field's most persistent challenges — learning transfer. Rather than diving deep into theory, Melanie brings three
Show Me How You Do It, Mike Taylor
In this episode of Show Me How You Do It, host Sofie Willox goes straight to the source — Mike Taylor, learning consultant and the curator behind the long-running Friday Finds newsletter — to find out how he consistently finds, filters, and shares high-quality L&D content every single week without missing a beat. Mike walks Sofie through the surprisingly practical system behind his
Show Me How You Do It, Moe Ash!
Overview
People love to say “games make learning better,” but Moe Ash has a more grounded take. In this episode, Sofie Willox sits down with Moe to explore what makes a learning game effective, and what makes it feel like play with no purpose.
Moe introduces the idea of “hard fun”: learning experiences that are enjoyable, but still tied to clear outcomes, tangible behaviours, and real performance
The "We Are Thinking About Thinking" Episode
SHOW NOTES:
In this episode of the LDA Podcast, Matt and Clark are joined by longtime friend of the show Kat Koppett for a thoughtful and lively conversation about how we think, learn, and make sense of the world.
The discussion opens with a substantive exchange on whether critical thinking can be taught as a general skill. Matt argues that critical thinking depends on deep domain knowledge rather
You Oughta Know Richard Ryan- A Special Primer on SDT
Clark and Matt decided to share a special episode from our sister cast, YOU OUGHTA KNOW: THE MOTIVATION SERIES. In this special episode, Matt is joined by the co-developer of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Richard M. Ryan, to talk about all things motivation. Think of it as a primer on SDT. We hit the basics…
What is motivation? What is SDT?
What are the origins of SDT?
The different types
The “Leadership Development Is Dead… Long Live Leadership Development” Episode
In this episode, Clark and Matt return to the topic of Leadership Development. Is traditional leadership development a worthy endeavor for most organizations? Well, the research, or lack thereof, indicates that at best, it is questionable, and at worst, it may actually undermine or act at cross purposes to what the company strives to attain.
Of course, in the end, they propose what they think mig
The "My Generative" Episode
Welcome back! Sorry for our long hiatus. In this episode, Clark and Matt explore GENERATIVE LEARNING.
Early on, Clark brings up Craik and Lockhart's research about how information is processed on different levels (Craik, F. I. M., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal behavior, 11, 671-684.) The paper can be found
SHOW ME HOW YOU DO IT WITH SOFIE WILLOX: Charles-Louis de Maere
SHOW ME HOW YOU DO IT is the new LDA VLOG and podcast brought to you by our friend, Sofie Willox. In each episode Sofie will interview an expert. These experts come from various domains within and surrounding L&D. Sofie interviews them on video. The videos will reside within the LDA community, but we wanted to nonetheless still share them and decided to post them here in the podcast feed. We h
The "Who's AI" Episode with Paige Bradbury
Clark and Matt are delighted to be joined by Paige Bradbury… an expert on using LLMs— specifically for those of us novices. She is particularly expert at developing the right prompts to get useful, and more importantly, accurate responses from the LLM.
We learn about things like hallucinations… prompt drift… context windows… explainable AI... xAI… and more! We talk about the work, time, and money
AI and L&D Insights: The "Learning Without Platforms" Episode with Sarah Mercier
Summary
In this episode of AI and L&D Insights, Markus Bernhardt speaks with Sarah Mercier, CEO of Build Capable, about her patented innovations in learning technology. Sarah challenges outdated LMS models, introduces her groundbreaking XCL tool for decentralized content delivery and tracking, and reveals how AI can unlock powerful insights—provided the data is meaningful. With decades of expe
The "Desirable Difficulties" Episode
NOTE: This podcast was recording in November, 2024.
Today, Clark and Matt are joined once again by our dear friend, Nidhi Sachdeva.
We talk about Desirable Difficulties, originally coined by Robert Bjork and further explored with him and his wife, Elizabeth Bjork. A great overview paper can be found here: https://bjorklab.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2016/04/EBjork_RBjork_2011.pdf
O
AI and L&D Insights: The ‘Coaching Your Copilot’ Episode with Kate Macartney
OVERVIEW
In this episode, Markus Bernhardt is joined by Kate Macartney, CEO of MVM Strategies, to explore how AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot are reshaping the way we work. From personal productivity hacks to organization-wide transformations, Kate shares practical insights and real-world examples of how Copilot integrates seamlessly into workflows, making everyday tasks faster and smarter.
Disc
AI and L&D Insights: VR Headsets and Hard Truths: Debbie Richards on Immersive Learning and AI Policies
OVERVIEW
In this episode, Debbie Richards and Markus dive into the cutting edge of immersive learning and the hard truths of AI policies. From navigating VR headsets to addressing the ethical challenges of AI in the workplace, Debbie shares invaluable insights for L&D professionals. Learn why a 'common sense' approach won’t cut it when managing AI, and how immersive tech is transforming the le
AI and L&D Insights: Troughs, Truths, and Tech Turbulence: Navigating AI’s Messy Middle
With Special Guest, Chris Pedder
Think AI is all about buzzwords and breakthrough moments? Think again. Markus and Chris navigate the gritty reality of AI’s ‘messy middle’—the point where big ideas meet even bigger challenges. Grab your headset and get ready for an unexpected dive into the future of tech, where innovation truly happens after the hype fades. From ethical dilemmas to economic realit
SPECIAL: The "What the Heck is AI?" Episode with Lori Niles-Hofmann and Stella Lee
We take a break from our regularly featured programming. The following is the audio from a special, informal discussion about AI that LDA recently produced for our community. We thought it lent itself nicely to the podcast, as well.
In this special discussion, Lori Niles-Hofmann and Stella Lee school Matt on the basic ins and outs of AI. We talk about what AI is. We talk about the different types
AI and L&D Insights: AI Agents Unleashed: Chatbots that Do More Than Chat
Guest: Vince Han, CEO of Mobile Coach
Summary: In this episode of AI & L&D Insights, Markus Bernhardt dives into the world of proactive AI with Vince Han, the visionary behind Mobile Coach. Together, they explore the game-changing evolution from passive chatbots to AI agents that do more than just answer questions—they engage, assist, and even anticipate
The "And the Award Goes to..." Episode
We are rejoined by Will Thalheimer to talk about one of his favorite topics, awards in the L&D industry. Should we have them? Should we give them out? How do we do it better… if at all?
We explore a pretty exhaustive list of the general issues with using and distributing awards among industry professionals by industry professional groups. Heck, we even find a few good points to support the tra
AI and L&D Insights: Learning in the Flow of Life: A Conversation with Katja Schipperheijn
Summary/Teaser:
In this episode of the AI and L&D Insights Podcast, Markus sits down with Katja Schipperheijn, a pioneer in learning ecosystems and recently named a 2024 Power Woman. Katja shares her journey from traditional sales training to spearheading innovative learning environments that prioritize social collaboration and AI-driven personalization. Discover how Katja’s concept of "Learni
The "Game Show" Episode
In this episode, Matt and Clark are joined by the great Karl Kapp. We dive into a favorite topic… using commercial games for learning.
Shameless plug… The Commercial Games Workshop with Karl Kapp and Matt on December 11-12, 2024 in Philadelphia.
We talk about how to utilize games and activities for team building and ensure they become both domain specific and transfer back to the workplace. We als
AI and L&D Insights: Navigating AI Adoption with Jon Fletcher
Summary:
In this episode of the AI and L&D Insights podcast, Markus Bernhardt hosts Jon Fletcher, an AI adoption specialist, to discuss the current landscape of AI integration in people and learning functions. They explore the recent slowdown in AI adoption, the challenges of balancing individual and organizational AI use, and the critical role of ethical and regulatory considerations, such as
The "How In the Skills Could You Say That?" Episode
We are delighted to have the great Koreen Pagano join the podcast for the furthering conversation on skills. We get Koreen’s perspective and definition of skills.
Matt alludes to the earlier LDA Podcast, The “What the Skills” Episode with Paul Kirschner, as well as the research work he did with John Sweller and Richard Clark published in their article:
Kirschner, P.A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R
AI and L&D Insights: From Simulations to Social Learning: AI in Action
Join Markus Bernhardt and Bjorn Billhardt as they explore how AI is reshaping leadership development. In this episode, discover the role of AI-driven simulations in creating dynamic learning experiences and why social interaction remains crucial. Explore the innovative 12-week MBA program designed for today’s leaders and learn how AI can elevate L&D from a support function to a strategic power
The "What's the Problem... Leadership?" Episode
We have the wonderful Nigel Paine back in the house for an exciting and banter-filled episode about leadership. It's a continuation of the previous Nigel show, The "Follow the Leader" Episode.
Nigel and Matt continue the conversation about the nuance of leadership-- what the heck is it practically as organizations struggle to get their arms around it.
A bulk of the discussion centers on the work o
AI and L&D Insights: Optimizing L&D- Leveraging AI and Process Automation with Sandie de la Cruz
Join Markus Bernhardt in this enlightening conversation with Sandie de la Cruz, a seasoned automation specialist and Digital Solutions Manager at Edwards Life Sciences. Dive into the world of AI and process optimization as Sandie shares her expert insights on enhancing operational efficiency and strategic implementation in learning and development, and beyond. Discover the transformative potential
The "Who Coaches the Coaches" Episode, Part II
We welcome back Emma Weber for part II of our conversation about coaching. This episode focuses on the qualifications and requirements for what makes an effective coach. We start with how to go about finding a coach.
Emma offered to provide any listeners with her Assessing Coaching Capability Grid. You can get it here:
https://mailchi.mp/leverlearning.com/svcitt67nx
We briefly discuss Self-Deter
AI and L&D Insights: Augmented Performance - AI As Your Super-Colleague
In this episode, Markus and Jos Arets from Tulser and Partners in AI, dive into all things learning and augmented performance, and the role Large Language Models are starting to play in supporting workers as a super-colleague. Jos' also dives into the work of nurses and doctors, a fascinating use case, and an area that is particularly close to Jos' heart since his time as CLO of Maastricht Univers
The ”Marketing, Schmarketing” Episode
In this episode, we asked our good friend, David Ganulin to join us to talk about marketing and how the domain of marketing can inform learning and development. Of course, that didn't stop us from deviating off topic! Of course, we still do The Best and the Worst.
We have a brief conversation about the following concepts:
Hard Fun, coined by Dr. Seymour Papert. You can find out more here: https:/
AI and L&D Insights: Revolutionizing Learning through Simulations
In this thought-provoking episode, Markus interviews Mike Vaughan, a seasoned expert in AI applications, as well as neuroscience. Discover how AI is revolutionizing simulations, making them more accessible and cost-effective. Learn about the shift towards experience-centric learning and the potential of AI-powered personalized and adaptive learning within simulations. Mike also shares insights on
The ”Who Coaches the Coaches” Episode, Part I
Clark and Matt are joined by the wonderful Emma Weber. For those unfamiliar with Emma, she is the founder of Lever – Transfer of Learning, and developer of the Turning Learning into Action™ methodology.
In this first episode of a two-part series, we explore coaching. What is it? How does it work? How should it work. And, of course, we go all over the place as we converse. We end the episode with
AI and L&D Insights: Generative AI, and How It’s Changing Our World- A Conversation with Jordan Wilson
In this episode of the LDA Podcast, we are joined by Jordan Wilson, host of the top 10 podcast "Your Everyday AI". Together with Jordan, we review the developments of Generative AI, why he started the podcast, how it is changing the way we learn and the way we work, why not to trust AI detection systems, and much, much more.
Show notes:
Your Everyday AI Website: www.youreverydayai.com
Jordan Wilso
The ”Research to Practice” Episode
Matt and Clark are so happy to have our dear friend and colleague, Elham Arabi join for the episode.
In this show, we explore the nuance, and sometimes vague aspects, of culturally responsive learning and how that intricately ties to research and practice. In other words, what are the business cultural facets that affect learning initiatives. What norms, standards, values, and political schema al
AI in Learning and Defense: A Conversation with Jennifer Solberg
Join us in this insightful episode of the LDA Podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of AI with Jennifer Solberg, CEO of Quantum Improvement Consulting. Discover the cutting-edge intersection of technology and human performance, explore the real-world applications of AI in learning and government sectors, and unravel the hype vs. reality of AI in our daily lives. Jennifer brings her expert
The ”What the Skills?!?” Episode
In this episode, Matt is joined by the eminent educational psychologist, Paul Kirschner. Paul is truly one of the most qualified humans on the planet to talk about our topic this episode-- skills. The word skills is bandied about all over our industry. And we all agree it is important for people to develop skills. But, what do we mean by skills? Have we perhaps oversimplified this concept? During
Empowering Future Generations: AI’s Evolution in Learning and Upskilling with Myra Roldan
In this episode of AI and L&D Insights, Markus and Myra Roldan explore the rapid evolution of AI in learning and development. They discuss the impact of large language models and AI tools on upskilling, emphasizing the importance of ethical AI use and diverse representation in the field. Myra shares insights on integrating augmented and virtual reality with AI for immersive learning experience
The ”Holy Podcast, Batman” Episode
This episode’s topics:
Is AI cheating? What is the impact on intellectual property? Learner assessment? Heck, even job replacement? These questions are both philosophical and pragmatic. What about the value of critical thinking... and does AI take that application away? We explore ways to use AI more effectively... but recognize we cannot even fathom some of the consequences, yet.
In the spirit o
AI and L&D Insights: L&D, AI, and the Skills Based Organization (SBO)
In this episode, Markus and Jeroen van Hautte dive into the world of AI and L&D, but with a specific view towards the future of the Skills Based Organization (SBO). Jeroen shares his views on the future of work, the impact AI is going to have, and how it all fits in with the skills piece - in L&D, in HR, and in the wider organization.
Jeroen is the co-founder and CTO of TechWolf, an AI sta
The ”Talk to the Elephant” Episode
Clark and Matt are joined by instruction design guru and all around fantastic human, Julie Dirksen. Julie has been in the business for over 15 years creating highly interactive and more importantly, highly effective eLearning experiences for clients all around the world. But, Julie is more than that! She is one of the those go-to people in the industry. She is an expert that many other experts in
AI and L&D Insights: Instructional Design, Utilizing AI - A Practitioner’s Perspective
In this episode, Digital Creator and Instructional Designer Adrienne Thomas takes us on a personal journey through the AI tools landscape, from the front line perspective of an experienced practitioner. Adrienne shares with us her personal journey, how she deploys AI tools in her day to day work and the value she derives from them, as well as her experiences from the courses she delivers where she
The ”To Pivot or Not to Pivot, That is the Question” Episode
In this episode, we offer up three independent segments. Matt Richter is joined first by Nidhi Sachdeva. Nidhi is both an evidence-based learning designer and a researcher. She just completed her PhD in the spring, and the two talk about the differences between learning and performance. Then, Guy Wallace is in the house. Guy needs no introduction, having been a performance analyst and instructiona
Navigating the AI Revolution: Individual Initiative and Organizational Strategy
In this episode, Markus and Josh delve into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on both organizations and individual professionals. They emphasize the urgency for individuals to proactively engage with AI technologies, particularly in the fields of education and corporate training. The discussion also navigates through the ethical and strategic complexities that accompany this tec
The ”Follow the Leader” Episode
In this episode, podcast host, Matt Richter is joined by Nigel Paine, organizational learning and leadership expert. Together, they spend the whole episode exploring that nebulous and vague concept of leadership. They fail to definitively lock in a definition for leadership— thus demonstrating one of the inherent challenges organizations face when leveraging LD programs. But, more importantly, the
AI and L&D Insights-- Large Language Models: Hype vs. Reality
In this episode, Markus and Chris Pedder, Chief Data Scientist at OBRIZUM, discuss the rise and utility of large language models (LLMs) in L&D, including their limitations, as well as ethical concerns.
The ”Once Upon A Time” Episode
In this episode, we reboot the Truth in Learning podcast. After catching up with Will Thalheimer, and introducing Clark Quinn, we give a brief update on the direction of the show. We then explore the question, "What should every CEO know... care about... concerning learning and development?" In fact, Will will share some of his recent insights into the topic based on his new and upcoming book.
Fol
The ”Leadership Development is a Waste of Time and Money” Episode
In this episode (recorded on September 29, 2020— the day of the first US Presidential debate) we are joined by our friend, Gary DePaul, PhD. We explore:
Leadership
Leadership development
The current state of leadership development in L&D
Whether we should even bother to invest in it.
And a ton more.
We start with a deep dive debating the definition of leadership and its Rorschach-like charact
The ”Smiley Sheet” Episode
Will and Matt are back after a six month hiatus. For their return, they catch up the Truth in Learning community on what they have been doing--primarily focusing on the six-month Learning Development Conference 2020, or LDC. LDC was an inaugural global event with over 300 participants. An all-digital conference with over 60 live, synchronous programs and 20+ asynchronous workshops.
In this episod
The ”Research-Informed” Episode
PLEASE NOTE: This episode was the last recorded episode before COVID-19 really exploded in the US. We were quite aware of, and sensitive to, the dangers world-wide, but weren’t aware yet of how the virus manifested, nor how badly the US, particularly the Northeast, would be hit. The magnitude of the crisis wasn’t fully felt at this point.
__________________________________
For this single-topic e
Will’s Big Announcement Teaser
Will breaks into podcast studio, and shares some important announcements while Matt works tirelessly on the website for Will and Matt's big announcement. Will talks about the LearningDevelopmentReflections.com website response to the Coronavirus pandemic, recent episodes, cancellations of Matt and Will's live shows, and more... Will does a teaser for Matt and Will's BIG ANNOUNCEMENT--the thing tha
The ”Women in Learning” Episode
For our latest episode, we return to the single topic format. The entire episode focuses on WOMEN IN LEARNING. In other words, we explore what it’s like for women in the learning and development field. We are joined by three experts on this subject. Specifically, we explore:
Issues women face delivering their work in L&D
Struggles women face moving up in the field— overall and day-to-day
The v
The ”Cheap Trick” Episode
For our latest episode, we’ve got mail! All good, and some very useful and constructive feedback. We share. And, somehow, the greatest working rock band in the world, Cheap Trick gets a plug. (Eye roll from Will) In the episode, Matt mentions his experience meeting the band and here’s the photo he shared with Will. Matt’s in the middle, next to his cousin, Mark.
Matt with Cheap Trick before their
The ”What the LMS” Episode
In this episode, Will and Matt are joined by two renowned experts, Lori Niles-Hofmann and Steve Foreman. This extended, single segment show is all about the LMS. What is it? How did we get here? Where are we going? What are we trying to accomplish and how do we meet our LMS needs? Lori and Steve share their expertise on how to evaluate an LMS and how to evaluate LMS vendors. They provide tons and
The ”Happy New Years’ Resolutions” Episode
DISCLAIMER: We apologize for the recording sound on Matthew’s side of things… First, he was sick. Second, his microphone broke and the sound quality was reduced. We will fix this before the next episode. Now… onto the show…
In our first segment, we explore what is a learning objective. How are they used, should they be used, how are they constructed, how are they consumed, and what are alternative
The ”Myths, Misconceptions, and Superstitions” Episode
A special episode. Only two segments this time. Our guest, Clark Quinn, was too interesting to boot off, so we kept him going longer- for a double length discussion on a myriad of different topics. For our first segment, we dig into awards in the Learning Industry. Will shares how the different industry organizations, in general, approach running awards programs. We then discuss the merits of th
The ”I am a Coach... really... I am” Episode
In this episode, we discuss what it means to be creative and whether there is place for learning professionals to embody creativity to support insight learning. Will will ask a series of prompt questions for discussion. He explains the difference between Transfer Learning and Insight Learning and makes the connection to being creative. Along with the prompting questions, Will defines creativity ba
The “Where’s the Evidence” Episode
In this episode, Will has a conversation with The Good Practice Podcast guys, Ross Garner and Owen Ferguson. You can find them at https://podcast.goodpractice.com. They share their origin story of the show. Will asks them whether we podcasters should go after and challenge the “bad actors” in our industry. The answer will surprise you.
After Matt and Will debrief his Good Practice conversation, t
The “ASK QUESTIONS” Episode
In this episode, Will goes away... to the beach. So, while I waited for him to return, Thiagi and I recorded a segment where we discuss the role of the learner. We share client examples, overcoming pushback from stakeholders who don’t initially accept the idea of learner-led approaches, and effect of leveraging learners in the classroom as evaluators (which helps them cement their comprehension, m
The ”We Should Be Journalists” Episode
In our fifth episode, we go long… maybe too long! 😜 But, we got on a roll. We have lots of guests, a heated debate, and more.
In Segment One, we go meta. We discuss why we should actually be negative. In other words, why it’s good to debunk, challenge, question, and even attack ideas. We discuss the pros and cons and why many in our field are so adverse to negativity.
In Segment Two, Will conduc
The ”Rats Vs. Hamsters” Episode
In this episode, we discuss Will’s rat problem and the differences between rats and hamsters. Yes… you read that correctly. Don’t worry, this part of the podcast goes pretty quickly and we do indeed get to the good stuff.
In the first segment, we chew on how to evaluate specific models, tools, or resources. During this segment, Matt refers to a course he took on Coursera by Scott E. Page from th
The ”I am a...” Episode
In Episode Three, we tackle the question of using NPS (Net Promoter Score) as an evaluation tool for learning and development programs. First, we define what it is and explore how it is being applied (too often inappropriately). In segment two, we get philosophical. In practice, in business, and particularly in L&D, is it becoming more and more difficult to disagree with each other? Can we eve
Fact or Fiction
Will and Matt continue the name debate, but eventually land on TRUTH IN LEARNING. Segment One explores the usage of assessments like MBTI, DiSC, and other tools used in business. Why them? Are end-users clear about their purposes and the consequences of using them? For example- can these tools be used in hiring situations? They also discuss The Big Five as an alternative model and tool. In the sec
The Learning Empire
The inaugural episode of Truth in Learning. Meet Will. Meet Matthew. We introduce the show and share some of our goals and possible directions for the program. In the second segment, Will chats with the esteemed Connie Malamed about secrets of good L&D podcasting- something Will and Matt definitely need to learn! Connie wrote the wonderful book, Visual Design Solutions: Principles and Creative
