Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Episodes

195
Oct. 6, 2026

195: AI, Business Acumen, and Building an L&D Career That Lasts

In this episode, Holly sits down with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, founder of Your Instructional Designer, to talk about the changing world of learning and development and what it takes to build a sustainable career in an industry that continues to evolve. From the rise of AI to the expanding role of instructional designers, Holly and Nicole have an honest conversation about what is happening in L&D, what professionals need to pay attention to, and how to prepare for what comes next.
194
Sept. 28, 2026

194: How Instructional Designers Can Thrive in the World of A.I.

In this episode, Holly sits down with Dr. Panos Siozos, CEO and Co-Founder of LearnWorlds, to explore what the rise of AI means for instructional designers, L&D professionals, and the future of learning. Together, they unpack the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the field, and why the future isn't about replacing instructional designers, but empowering them to focus on the parts of learning that matter most.
Guest: panos
185
Sept. 29, 2025

185: Stop Teaching Like It’s 1999: Rebecca Barnes on Preparing Learners for an AI World

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens speaks with Rebecca Barnes, the program director for the business management and leadership degree program at Bellevue University. They discuss Rebecca's transition from a business background to education, the integration of AI in learning, and the unique needs of adult learners. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility in education, the use of technology and tools, and the power of storytelling in making learning engaging. Rebecca also shares insights on innovative learning approaches and offers advice for aspiring educators.
182
Sept. 17, 2025

182: “Smarter Than the Machines”: Andy Shean on AI Literacy, Human Ingenuity, and the Future of Learning

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews Andy Shean, the Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group. They discuss the transformative power of technology in education, the need for reimagining traditional educational pathways, and how Penn Foster is making education accessible and career-aligned for working adults. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in education and offers valuable advice for aspiring learning and development professionals
Guest: Andrew Shean
179
Sept. 3, 2025

179: Democratizing Content Creation: Shivali Goyal on Trupeer’s AI-Powered Magic for L&D

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Shivali Goyal, founder of Trupeer.ai, a platform that revolutionizes content creation for learning and development professionals. Shivali shares her journey from working at Boston Consulting Group to launching her own AI-powered startup. The conversation delves into the features of Trupeer, including its ability to transform rough screen recordings into polished videos and guides, saving time and enhancing accessibility for L&D professionals. Shivali also discusses the current funding landscape for startups, offering valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Guest: Shivali Goyal
171
Aug. 6, 2025

171: Stop Waiting for Permission—Start Leading with Joy: James Gilchrist on Finding Work That Fits You

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews James Gilchrist, an influential figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) space. James shares his unique journey from theater to L&D, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the transformative role of AI in creating engaging learning experiences. He offers valuable insights for those transitioning into L&D, highlighting the significance of networking and focusing on what brings joy in one's career. The c...
170
Aug. 4, 2025

170: Don’t Just Apply—Align: What’s Actually Hiring Now (And Why Clarity Matters) with Chelsea Maude Avirett

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens and Chelsea Maude Avirett discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&D), focusing on career transitions, job market saturation, the impact of AI, and strategies for standing out in job applications. They emphasize the importance of networking and community in L&D, as well as future trends in the industry.
168
July 28, 2025

168: Smarter, Faster, More Human: Fred Thompson on Designing the Future of Learning

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens interviews Fred Thompson, founder of Thirst.io. They discuss the intersection of technology, innovation, and learning, exploring the challenges faced by L&D professionals, the importance of personalization in learning, and how AI is transforming the educational landscape. Fred shares insights on building effective teams, the future of learning, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Resources mentioned in this ep...
Guest: Fred Thompson
166
July 21, 2025

166: The Future Isn’t Flashier—It’s Smarter: Christy Tucker on Building Learning That Sticks

In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens welcomes back Christy Tucker, a seasoned expert in instructional design and scenario-based learning. They discuss Christy's journey from K-12 education to corporate training, the nuances of scenario-based learning, common pitfalls in instructional design, and the evolving role of AI in the field. Christy shares valuable insights on how to effectively implement branching scenarios and the importance of aligning practice with real-world skills. The conversa...
164
July 14, 2025

164: Create What’s Missing: Cedric Scott, Jr. on Representation, Reinvention, and STEM

In this episode of Ed Up Learning and Development, host Holly Owens speaks with Cedric Scott Jr., an educator and edtech influencer, about his journey from a background in chemistry to becoming a leader in the education space. They discuss Cedric's mission to improve STEM education for underserved communities, the importance of representation in the classroom, and the role of AI in education. Cedric shares insights on how to leverage strengths for career transitions and emphasizes the significan...