The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Ben Erwin shares his journey from being a writing instructor to becoming an instructional designer at Purdue University. He discusses the challenges of burnout in education, the importance of community and networking, and how LinkedIn played a crucial role in his career transition. Ben emphasizes the need for work-life balance and offers valuable a...

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....

In this episode, Whitney Kilgore shares her inspiring journey from being a first-grade teacher to co-founding iDesign, a leading organization in instructional design. She discusses the importance of recognizing educators' skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the evolution of online education, especially during the pandemic. Whitney emphasizes the need for continuous learning, networking, and...

In this episode of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Karl Kapp, a prominent figure in the learning space. They discuss Karl's journey from an instructional design intern to a respected educator and consultant. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Action First Learning,' emphasizing the importance of engaging learners through action rather than tradi...

📅 Originally Recorded: June 19, 2025 Live iSpring Webinar 🎧 Listen to Learn: In this packed and practical episode, Holly Owens guides transitioning educators, aspiring instructional designers, and L&D professionals through the strategies and insights behind crafting a résumé that gets you noticed by both humans and ATS bots. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✅ What really gets your résumé traction (hi...

In this session, Holly Owens discusses the transition from teaching to various roles in Learning and Development (L&D). She emphasizes that instructional design is just one of many paths available in L&D, highlighting the growth of the industry and the importance of transferable skills from teaching. The conversation covers various roles such as Learning Experience Designer, E-Learning Dev...

Note: This episode was previously recorded LIVE on Linkedin. In this conversation, Holly Owens shares her extensive journey through education and instructional design, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and confidence in professional growth. She discusses her transition from teaching to various roles in instructional design, highlighting the impact of a mentor who instilled in...

Summary In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens dives into the critical topic of salary transparency, discussing its importance in the job market and how it affects individuals in learning and development. She shares personal experiences and actionable tips on negotiating salaries, advocating for fair compensation, and fostering open conversations about money. The episode emphasizes the need...

In this episode, I was so excited to reconnect with one of my favorite people, Chelsea Maude Avirett, founder of Skip. In this tip-packed episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) careers, focusing on job opportunities, salary transparency, and the transition from teaching to L&D roles. We emphasize the importance of recognizing transferable skills, build...

In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens and guest Bob Ertischek discuss the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the need for a shift from traditional teaching methods to more engaging and community-focused approaches. They explore the importance of empathy, community building, and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. Bob shares his insights from his extensiv...

Overivew In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, I share my personal journey and five key strategies for transitioning into a career in learning and development. I emphasize the importance of building a strong personal brand, leveraging transferable skills, networking with intention, telling your story with confidence, and crafting a targeted application strategy. I draw from my own expe...

Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the significance of human connection, especially in the context of digital learning environments. They explore how authentic relationships can be fostered online, the barriers to genuine connections, and the importance of empathy and motivation in education. Shaunak shares insights from his experience as the CEO of Yellowdig, emphasizing...

In this episode, Holly Owens and Shaunak Roy discuss the transformative role of AI in education, exploring its evolution, implications for learning, and the importance of maintaining human connections. They delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including data security and the need for a collaborative approach in higher education. The conversation emphasizes the potential of AI to e...

In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens moderates a discussion with L&D experts Tom and Heidi, exploring the latest trends, tools, and strategies in Learning and Development. They delve into effective communication tools, task management, project management, instructional design, and graphic design tools, emphasizing the importance of user-centered approaches and productivity in the L&D...

If you're thinking about getting into the entrepreneurial space, this episode is for YOU! In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development I got to sit down with my new boss Shaunak Roy, founder and CEO of Yellowdig, to chat about the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of community and mentorship, and how to navigate the challenges of building a business in the EdTech space. We discuss...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Holly Owens and Aleza Jerome explore Aleza's journey from graphic design to a successful career in learning and development. They discuss the importance of real-world applications of instructional design, the value of networking, and the impact of a master's degree on career growth. Aleza shares her insights on navigating the learning and development field, t...

In this engaging webinar, Holly Owens shares her extensive experience in instructional design and offers valuable insights into the interview process for aspiring instructional designers. The discussion covers key strategies for preparing for interviews, the importance of showcasing a compelling portfolio, and how to handle common interview questions effectively. Participants gain practical tips o...

In this episode, Holly Owens and Josephine Coco discuss the journey into the field of instructional design and technology. Josephine shares her personal story of returning to education later in life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the industry. They explore the value of pursuing a master's degree, the realities of freelancing, and the transition ba...

In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens interviews Isaac Herskowitz, the Dean of the Graduate School of Technology at Touro University. Isaac shares his journey from working at IBM to becoming the Dean and highlights the importance of practical education in the field of instructional technology. The Graduate School of Technology at Touro University stands out for its practica...

Some might ask... What is L&D? In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discuss their experiences and expertise in the field of learning and development (L&D). They share their personal journeys from teaching to instructional design and highlight the transferable skills that teachers possess. The hosts emphasize the importance of creativity and dynamic approaches in education a...

The tables have turned and our host, Holly Owens is being interviewed about her experience as an Instructional Designer and her love for teaching by guest host, Shriti Panda, Digital Marketing Specialist at Touro. In this episode, Holly discusses her journey from being a high school teacher to working in higher education and corporate instructional design. She teaches courses on designing online i...

Summary In this episode, Holly Owens covers navigating the learning and development job market, emphasizing networking, authentic connections, and the skills needed for success as an instructional designer. She advises job seekers to be selective and find their niche. Holly also compares instructional design in corporate vs. educational settings, noting differences in innovation pace and audience....

Payam Bina, the chair of the instructional technology program at Touro University, discusses the unique offerings of the program and its focus on integrating technology into educational and corporate settings. The program emphasizes small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and hands-on experience. It prepares students for the evolving demands of the technology and education sectors...

Summary In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Nicole L'Etoile, the founder and CEO of L'Etoile Education, about accessibility in learning management systems (LMS). Nicole shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming a business owner and consultant in the field of L&D. She emphasizes the importance of creating a p...

Summary In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Jean-Claude Brizard, the CEO and President of Digital Promise. They discuss Brizard's journey in education and his role at Digital Promise. They also explore the challenges facing educators today, such as teacher shortages and the need for support and career growth opportunities. Brizard offers advice for teachers who are conside...