Why You Should Network with Learning Professionals (Even if You Don’t Need a Job)

Learning Worth Paying For - Talk Value with Tom Jager

This episode kicks off the Strategic Learning Series, focused on helping learning professionals build credibility, trust, and influence through higher-quality work. Joseph sits down (in person) with Tom Jager, a Learning and Development Manager at Smurfit Westrock, to explore a simple but transformative standard: Would people be willing to pay for the learning experiences you create? Tom breaks down why corporate L&D often defaults to “good enough,” how leadership support enables creative risk-taking, and why weak feedback loops let low-quality learning persist. He defines what “high fidelity” actually means in practice, shares a real example of “TikTok training” that drove surprising demand, and offers a practical path for leveling up: copy great work, critique it, then iterate until you break into a higher tier of quality and speed. * A supportive leader creates room to experiment, stretch, and improve. * High-fidelity learning signals intention, quality, and respect for the learner’s time. * Most corporate learning lacks a tight feedback loop, so mediocre work often goes unchallenged. * Learning can be hard because of the skill being built, not because the experience is frustrating. * Creativity can elevate routine training without turning everything into a production. * Copying and critiquing strong examples accelerates skill growth and design judgment. * Incentives and expectations inside L&D often reward completion over quality. * Real-world application increases engagement and perceived value. * Collaboration makes innovation easier and raises the quality bar faster. * Continuous improvement beats perfectionism. Small gains compound. * “Learning that is so good people would pay for it.” * “Copy people to level up your skills.” * “Feedback loops are essential for improvement.” 00:00 In-person setup and introduction 01:20 Meet Tom – Learning and Development Manager 01:34 What Tom loves about L&D 02:21 Creativity and intentional design in L&D 05:07 Defining high-fidelity learning 07:35 Expectations in corporate L&D 09:55 Why feedback loops matter 11:12 Shifting your mindset toward elevated standards 14:15 Tom’s journey to higher-quality work 19:19 Leadership and collaboration as creative enablers 21:46 Real-world impact of elevated learning experiences 22:35 Where to start when leveling up your skills 25:22 Copying and critiquing as a growth strategy 28:25 Feedback, iteration, and continuous improvement 29:28 Resources for creative development 33:58 Transforming learning into something people would choose 34:51 Building feedback loops and learning strategies Resources Mentioned (Not affiliated in any way) * Everything Is a Remix (video series) by Kirby Ferguson (Everything is a Remix [https://www.everythingisaremix.info/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Lovable (used to build a simulation experience) (Lovable [https://lovable.dev/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Articulate Storyline 360 (Articulate [https://www.articulate.com/360/storyline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Adobe Captivate (Adobe [https://www.adobe.com/products/captivate.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Articulate Rise 360 (Articulate [https://www.articulate.com/360/rise/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Camtasia (TechSmith) (TechSmith [https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (overview) (ScienceDirect [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/zone-of-proximal-development?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) E-Learning Heroes (examples to critique, community and inspiration) (Articulate Community [https://community.articulate.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) CONNECT WTIH TOM * LinkedIn (best place to follow Tom’s work and experiments) (LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-jager-6038ab65?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Overtime Courses (Tom’s work with micro-influencers and digital products) (Overtime Learning [https://overtime.courses/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) 🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this! 📢 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to: ✅ Subscribe to the podcast ✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow! ✅ Share this episode with your network Thanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon!

How Pop Culture and Humor Make Learning Stick - Talk Pop Culture with Kara Wight Burton

Most people think learning has to be serious to be effective. But here’s the truth — the best learning moments often happen when we laugh, connect, and see ourselves in the story. In this episode of Talk Learning With Me, Joseph Diaz sits down with Kara Wight — a learning leader, podcast host, and self-proclaimed pop culture nerd — to explore how humor, authenticity, and shared language make learning more human. From Parks and Recreation GIFs to Schitt’s Creek and Ted Lasso clips, Kara shares how pop culture can spark belonging, build trust, and make lessons stick long after the workshop ends. This conversation is packed with real stories, inclusive design ideas, and practical ways to bring personality into your facilitation — without losing focus on behavior change. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Humor and pop culture make learning more relatable and memorable. • Laughter builds trust, connection, and psychological safety. • Pop culture references should enhance the lesson, not replace it. • Keep inclusivity in mind — not everyone shares the same cultural references. • Start with behavior change first, then add the fun. • Shared experiences create a common language that sticks. • Humor makes learning more human — and humans learn best from other humans. • It’s okay to experiment, fail, and adapt your approach over time. • The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to connect. • “If you can make them laugh, you can teach them something.” ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Kara Wight and Her Journey 04:08 — The Intersection of Pop Culture and Learning 06:55 — Building Rapport Through Pop Culture 09:48 — Navigating Inclusivity in Pop Culture References 12:37 — Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences 15:41 — The Role of Humor in Learning 18:40 — The Importance of Structure in Learning 21:31 — The TV Show Club Initiative 24:24 — Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts 27:46 — The Importance of Community in Learning ⸻ 💡 Resources & Recommendations (not sponsored) 🎧 Listen to Kara’s Podcast: Waffles Friends Work [https://open.spotify.com/] 📺 Join the Pop Culture ProDev TV Show Book Club on the Fable app 👥 Connect with Kara on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-wight/] 📸 Follow Kara on Instagram @wafflesworkpod [https://www.instagram.com/wafflesworkpod] ⸻ 🎙️ Sound Bites • “If you can make them laugh, you can teach them something.” • “Pop culture gives people a shared language for learning.” • “Humor brings people together — and that’s where learning happens.” • “Start with the behavior you want to change, then find the story that makes it stick.” ⸻ 🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this! ✅ Subscribe to the podcast ✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow! ✅ Share this episode with someone who makes learning fun Thanks for tuning in — and we’ll talk soon!

Why You Should Network with Learning Professionals (Even if You Don’t Need a Job)

Most people think networking is only for job hunting. But here’s the truth—by the time you need a job, it’s already too late. In this solo episode of Talk Learning With Me, Joseph Diaz shares why networking matters in Learning & Development, even if you’re not looking for a job. From his awkward freshman-year networking story to lessons learned in book clubs and LinkedIn, Joseph breaks down four key reasons to build your network and how it can shape your career. This episode is packed with personal stories, practical tips, and recommendations for people and communities that can help you sharpen your skills, stay current, and grow your professional reputation. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Networking is about relationships, not just transactions. • Building a network early sharpens your skills. • Stay updated on industry trends through networking. • A strong reputation can lead to opportunities. • Giving back to your network is crucial for growth. • Engaging with communities enhances learning. • Networking can transform your career path. • Start with the connections you already have. • Small acts of kindness in networking compound over time. • Networking is a continuous process of learning and sharing. ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — The Importance of Networking Beyond Job Hunting 02:45 — Transforming Networking into Meaningful Relationships 05:13 — Building Skills and Staying Current through Networking 07:52 — Establishing a Reputation and Giving Back 10:39 — Practical Steps to Enhance Your Networking Skills 11:40 — Challenge: Easy, Medium, or Hard Mode ⸻ 💡 Resources & Recommendations (not sponsored) * People to follow on LinkedIn: * Ross Stevenson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rstevensonuk/] * Luke Hobson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-hobson-edd/] * Heidi Kirby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/] * Communities to join: * L&D Collective by 360Learning [https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective/] * Useful L&D Community [https://www.getusefulstuff.com/connect/community] ⸻ 🎙️ Sound Bites • “Stay in the loop on trends and opportunities.” • “Build a reputation before you need it.” • “Nurture the seeds of your current network.” ⸻ 🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this! ✅ Subscribe to the podcast ✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow! ✅ Share this episode with your network Thanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon!

Designing for Culture: Why Accessibility Means More Than Alt Text - Talk Learning & Culture with Maryam Abdulkadir

Most conversations about accessibility focus on alt text, captions, and color contrast—but what if the real barrier is culture? In this episode, Maryam Abdulkadir shares how her background as a UK-born, Nigerian learning designer reshaped how she thinks about accessibility, learning, and design. Her story begins with developing educational materials for children in conflict-affected areas and leads to a powerful insight: learning isn’t truly accessible if it’s not culturally relevant. We dive into what “contextual accessibility” means, how language and cultural nuance shape comprehension, and why empathy—not just creativity—is key to inclusive design. Whether you’re creating global training, supporting a diverse workforce, or rethinking your own approach to accessibility, this conversation will expand your perspective and offer ideas you can apply right away. 🔑 Takeaways * Accessibility isn’t just about impairments—it’s about cultural relevance * Cultural context impacts how learners interpret and retain information * Language carries emotion, not just meaning—translation needs to reflect that * Literacy and comprehension are not the same * Learning cultures don’t emerge by accident—they’re designed (or neglected) * Assumptions about what learners need can derail your design * Exposure to different cultures builds empathy and insight for inclusive design * Self-reflection helps instructional designers avoid bias and oversights 📚 Resources Mentioned We Make Change [https://www.wemakechange.org/] – Global volunteering platform Why Western Humanitarian Designs Fail [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGRtyxEpoGg] Maryam Abdulkadir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-abdulkadir/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-abdulkadir/] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Cultural Influences on Learning Design 06:32 The Importance of Contextual Accessibility 14:42 Understanding Learning Needs 21:50 Creating a Culture of Learning 24:55 Understanding Cultural Perspectives in Learning 25:46 How to Stay Connected with Maryam 🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this! 📢 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to: ✅ Subscribe to the podcast ✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow! ✅ Share this episode with your network Thanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon!

Gamification That Works for L&D - Talk Games and Learning with Garret Egan

Most gamification flops because it adds points without purpose. In this episode, Garrett Egan shares how to design learning experiences that actually engage learners by thinking like a game designer. We dive into what game-based learning really means, why storytelling matters, and how visual design can support (or sabotage) engagement. Garrett brings insights from the gaming industry and corporate L&D to show how to build experiences your learners want to complete, not just click through. Whether you're gamifying onboarding or rethinking compliance training, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away. 🔑 Takeaways Don’t confuse gamification with engagement—points and badges alone won’t drive behavior. Games inspire learning by creating clarity, purpose, and momentum. Storytelling helps learners see themselves as the hero of the journey. Visuals should support—not distract from—the learning experience. Rewards must feel meaningful in the context of the job, not just the LMS. 📚 Resources Mentioned The Art of Game Design by Jesse Schell [https://www.amazon.com/Art-Game-Design-Book-Lenses/dp/0123694965] Game examples: Elden Ring, Minecraft, Pokémon Garrett Egan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettegan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettegan] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:32 The Essence of Game-Based Learning 04:35 Engagement Through Storytelling 06:31 The Role of Visual Appeal in Learning 09:06 Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning 11:40 Practical Steps to Implement Game Elements 14:45 Resources for Further Learning 🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this! 📢 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to: ✅ Subscribe to the podcast ✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow! ✅ Share this episode with your network Thanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon!