Episode 20: Empathy Mapping vs. Learner Personas: Choosing the Right Tool

Episode 22: Narrative Architecture, AI, and Creative Process with Josef Bastian

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, host Megan Torrance is joined by Josef Bastian—author, entrepreneur, and narrative architect—for an illuminating discussion about narrative design, organizational storytelling, and the ways artificial intelligence is reshaping both internal culture and external brand. Key topics covered include: * Defining Narrative Architecture: Josef Bastian defines narrative architecture and its critical role in aligning brand and culture within organizations. * The Impact of AI: How artificial intelligence is accelerating the demand for systematic, precise storytelling, and why thoughtful design and architecture are more important than ever for brands and L&D professionals. * Brand and Culture Alignment: Examining the real-world consequences of aligned (or misaligned) internal and external narratives. * What L&D Professionals Can Do: Actionable advice for those working in learning and development: how to seize the opportunity to drive narrative cohesion, focus on human-centered design, and prepare for the evolving demands of the field. * Creative Process & Imagination Grafting: How this creative approach mirrors narrative architecture within organizations. Plus, hear metaphors from Marvel's multiverse, strategies to manage "narrative drift," and why being grounded in core values are vital to organizational storytelling. Host: Megan Torrance Producers: Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from This Episode: * The Irresistible Power of Storytelling as a Strategic Business Tool — Harvard Business Review [https://hbr.org/2014/03/the-irresistible-power-of-storytelling-as-a-strategic-business-tool] * What is Human-Centered Design? A Complete Guide — IDEO U [https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/what-is-human-centered-design] * Connect with Josef Bastian on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefbastian/] * Folktellers.com | The Official Site for Folktellers Books and Films [https://folktellers.com/] AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

Episode 21: Leading Through Dissonance with Jess Jackson

In this dynamic episode of Tangents with Torranclearning, Megan is joined by Jess Jackson, a visionary leader in public health and social equity, currently shaping cannabis regulation and reinvestment policy in Minnesota. Jess shares her journey from instructional design to government leadership, offering deep insights on culture change, leading through dissonance, reconciling historical harms, and navigating emotionally charged, paradoxical spaces in and out of the workplace. The conversation is filled with actionable leadership strategies, frameworks like appreciative inquiry, and personal anecdotes that bring nuance, empathy, and practical wisdom to the work of DEI, policy, and learning. Host: Megan Torrance Guest: Jess Jackson (she/her) – Policy Innovator, Director of Social Equity, Public Health, and DEI Leader Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: * Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey [https://www.amazon.com/Immunity-Change-Leadership-Productivity-Organizational/dp/1422117367] * Dare to Lead by Brené Brown [https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/] * Tangents with TorranceLearning Podcast – TorranceLearning [https://www.torrancelearning.com/tangents-podcast/] * Megan Torrance on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/] * Jess Jackson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cornwell/] AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

Episode 20: Empathy Mapping vs. Learner Personas: Choosing the Right Tool

In this episode, Megan and Meg explore the concepts of empathy mapping and learner personas. They discuss the differences and similarities between the two tools, their uses, and how they can help better understand the perspectives and needs of learners. Megan shares insights on how empathy maps focus on the person's perspective of the world, while learner personas concentrate more on individual characteristics and experiences. Key Discussion Points: * Learner personas and empathy maps: different tools, same goal. * Choose the tool that is right for your situation, organization, or discipline. * Use templates and resources — no need to create you own! Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: * TorranceLearning Learner Personas Template [https://www.torrancelearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Learner-Personas-Template.pdf] * Gamestorming Book by Dave Gray (Amazon) [https://www.amazon.com/Gamestorming-Playbook-Innovators-Rulebreakers-Changemakers/dp/0596804172] * Agile for Instructional Designers / LLAMA® [https://www.torrancelearning.com/llama-lot-like-agile-management-approach/] * Jess Jackson (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cornwell/] * XPLANE [https://xplane.com/] AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

Episode 19 Beyond Order Taking: Performance Consulting with Chris Adams

In this episode, Megan Torrance talks with Chris Adams about his journey into learning and development (L&D), and the transition from being an order taker to a strategic partner in organizations. Chris shares personal stories highlighting the common pitfalls L&D professionals encounter when they focus on delivering requested solutions rather than addressing business outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of building partnerships, understanding organizational needs, and shifting focus toward results that deliver measurable business impact. Chris also shares practical advice, recommended readings, and insights into how L&D professionals can enhance their influence and effectiveness. Key Discussion Points: * L&D performance consultants need to shift their mindset from solutions to results. * Relationship-building is essential to being successful in performance consulting. * Effective questioning helps to uncover true needs. * Developing consultative skills takes time and practice. Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: * Megan Torrance - TorranceLearning | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/] * Human Performance Technology (HPT): A Comprehensive Guide for Instructional Designers - Part 1 — 24/7 Teach [https://247teach.org/blog-for-instructional-design/human-performance-technology-hpt-a-comprehensive-guide-for-instructional-designers] * ATD Master Performance Consultant™ Program [https://www.td.org/education-courses/atd-master-performance-consultant-program] * LLAMA® Lot Like Agile Management Approach | TorranceLearning [https://www.torrancelearning.com/llama-lot-like-agile-management-approach/] * Performance Change Strategies [https://www.resultscomefirst.com/] * Christopher Adams, PhD | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherdavidadams/] AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

Episode 18: Exploring AI Avatars: Practical Uses and Cautions (LinkedIn Live)

In this episode, Megan and Meg explore the world of AI avatars in learning and development (L&D). With conference season in full swing, they muse on the fantasy of cloning oneself using AI, sparking a thoughtful exploration into what counts as an avatar and the different technology and types of interaction that avatars can provide. From eLearning guides to real-time, conversational AI personas, they discuss how one might be used in L&D. Megan shares the journey of creating her own real-time avatar (“AI Megan”) with CSI Sim—touching on tech stacks, content curation, and tricky details like hair and clothing! Key Discussion Points: * Not all AI avatars in L&D are the same. * While it's challenging to make avatars effective, engaging, and purposeful, they also present great potential and opportunity. * There are lots of real-world use cases for AI avatars including sales, healthcare, crisis training, and museums. * It’s important to ensure new tech fulfills real needs, not just “whiz-bang” appeal. Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance Producers: Meg Fairchild, Jami Washington, and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: * The conversational simulated Megan in web browser form (with the old hair) - Unity WebGL Player | MeganTorrancev3 [https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/contentplayer.centerforsimulationinnovation.com/ConverSIM/MeganTorrance/v3/index.html] * AI Boyfriend Speed Dating Hackathon at ATD TK24 [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-boyfriend-speed-dating-hackathon-atd-tk24-megan-torrance-tikic] * Agatha Christie, who died in 1976, will see you in class - The New York Times [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/world/europe/agatha-christie-ai-class-bbc.html] * As a leader and CEO, I’m committed to creating workplaces that respect and support everyone. | Megan Torrance posted on the topic | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/megantorrance_neurodiversity-ndw-freetraining-activity-7321647368150437888-FRlT] * Tangents with TorranceLearning (LIVE!): Exploring AI Avatars | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/events/7321294260731875328/] * Meg Fairchild - TorranceLearning | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megfairchild/] * Megan Torrance - TorranceLearning | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/] * NYT Article - Agatha Christie, Who Died in 1976, Will See You in Class [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/world/europe/agatha-christie-ai-class-bbc.html] * csiSIM™ [https://www.csisim.com/] AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.