Episode 23: Empowering Real-World Assessment with Julian Davis

Episode 27: Learning is a Journey, Not an Event: 10 Moments That Shape Learning

Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild continue their exploration of Learning, Science, and Experience (LSX) by unpacking on of the 10 design commitments—Learning is a Journey, Not an Event. They discuss how a learner-centric map of how capability develops over time. Drawing inspiration from Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher’s Five Moments of Need® model, Megan Torrance expands on the model to outline ten key points along the learning journey—from pre-awareness and preparation, through formal learning and real-world application, to troubleshooting, adapting to change, and ultimately teaching others. Key topics and resources discussed: * LSX (Learning, Science, and Experience) * The Five Moments of Need® model by Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher * Brinkerhoff's High Impact Learning® Model * The Prosci ADKAR® Change Management Model Learn why each point in the learning arc offers different opportunities for support and intervention, and discover practical tips for prompting application and habit formation. Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: * Blooms Taxonomy | Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning [https://citl.illinois.edu/blooms-taxonomy] * Brinkerhoff’s High Impact Learning Model — Referenced by Megan Torrance in connection with preparation to learn and pre-learning conversations [https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Learning-Perspectives-Organizational-Performance/dp/0738205389] * The Prosci ADKAR® Model | Prosci [https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar] * 5 Moments of Need: Workflow Learning for Job Performance [https://www.5momentsofneed.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 24: Live from Training 2026 — What Your Vendors Want You to Know

Join host Megan Torrance LIVE from the Podcasting Lab stage at the Training 2026 Conference! In this candid and insightful episode, Megan Torrance is joined by special guests Deadra Welcome, Vince Han, and Bob Mosher for a candid conversation about what learning and development (L&D) professionals can learn from the vendor and partner ecosystem. Key topics include: * Trends shaping L&D, including the pace of change and the challenge of empathy (Deadra Welcome), the increasing collaboration with IT and procurement (Vince Han), and the disruptive impact of AI (Bob Mosher) * What top-performing organizations do differently and how they mature * The hidden realities behind pricing: project management, change management, and stakeholder wrangling * The need for rigor and redundancy in complex projects * How to build truly effective partnerships between vendors and clients, from defining success together to the essential role of client-side engagement and management * What to know before making the jump from in-house to vendor work in L&D Whether you work inside an organization or with external partners, this episode is packed with insights, straight talk, and a few good tangents you won’t want to miss! Recorded live at the Training 2026 Conference in the Expo Hall Podcasting Lab. Host: Megan Torrance Guests: Deadra Welcome, Vince Han, Bob Mosher Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links From This Episode: * Training Officers Consortium — Conference mentioned by Megan Torrance where she and Deadra Welcome first met. [https://www.trainingofficers.org/] * E-MYTH: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It — Book recommended by Bob Mosher for entrepreneurs considering a move to the vendor/consulting side. [https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Most-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887304729] * TorranceLearning — Custom learning, xAPI, and professional development provider, led by Megan Torrance [https://www.torrancelearning.com/] * 5 Moments of Need: Workflow Learning for Job Performance [https://www.5momentsofneed.com/] * Trusted AI Bots Built for Business - Mobile Coach [https://www.mobilecoach.com/] * Bob Mosher on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmosher/] * Vince Han - Mobile Coach | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincehan/] * Deadra Welcome, CPTD, CPTM, CVF, CPDC, CMLF - Washington DC-Baltimore Area | Professional Profile | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deadrawelcome/] 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 23: Empowering Real-World Assessment with Julian Davis

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild chat with Julian Davis, also known as the Digital Learning Guy, to explore the evolution of digital learning, xAPI (Experience API), and innovative assessment tools. Broadcasting all the way from Australia, Julian Davis shares his journey from a Navy technician to a passionate advocate for clear, practical digital learning systems. Highlights include: * The origins and mission of xAPI Collective, making xAPI accessible to the Australian learning community and beyond. * How Remote Reviewer leverages both xAPI and AI to capture, assess, and provide evidence of real-world skills, at scale. * Real-life applications: from vocational training to remote mining and logistics, reducing travel and boosting authenticity in skills certification. * The future of scalable, decentralized mentorship, expert feedback, and reviewer networks. * How 80s glam rock and motorcycle rides fuel Julian's innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned L&D professional or just exploring learning technology, this episode will spark ideas for authentic assessment and thoughtful integration of tech in learning. Hosts: Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild Guest: Julian Davis Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile Music: Original music by Dean Castile Resources & Links from this Episode: * Book recommendation: The Skill Code by Matt Bean [https://www.amazon.com/Skill-Code-Ability-Intelligent-Machines/dp/0063337797] * Julian Davis on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliandavis-xapi/] * TorranceLearning's LIT (Learning Innovation & Technology) Library: For a video demo of Remote Reviewer [https://www.torrancelearning.com/lit/library] * xAPI Collective – Breaking down the barriers of learning impact [https://collective.xapi.com.au/] * Prove Skills with Secure Video Evidence | Remote Reviewer [https://remotereviewer.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 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.