Talk Learning With Me

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 do...

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 lear...

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 fo...

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 lead...

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...

Can you use ChatGPT to help design courses without losing clarity or quality? In this episode, Joseph talks with Matt Thomas, technical writer, content creator, and author of Writing for Robots, to talk about how learning professionals can use AI tools like ChatGPT to amplify their writing without outsourcing their brain. From synthesizing SME content to structuring outlines, Matt shares how he us...

Joseph Diaz and product marketer Aaron Mendoza explore what product marketing is and why it matters. From his start in product management to leading go-to-market strategy at Bill, Aaron shares how product marketers serve as strategic quarterbacks inside a business, aligning cross-functional teams, crafting messaging, and ensuring that products don’t just launch—they land. You'll hear how produ...

It’s been a little while since the last episode dropped, so here’s a quick update from me. In this short solo episode, I share what’s been going on personally and professionally, why the podcast has been quiet, and what you can expect next. I’ve got three incredible guests lined up, and I can’t wait for you to hear their episodes. Here’s what’s coming soon: Aaron Mendoza on Product Marketing and h...

Accessibility isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset shift. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Nicole L’Etoile , a Learning Experience Designer and passionate accessibility consultant , to explore practical ways to incorporate accessibility into our workflows . We discuss why accessibility matters for everyone, how to use plain language, and essential tools to make your learning content more inclus...

In this special book club episode, I’m joined by Kamye Hugley and Laura Goldstone , two incredible members of our L&D Collective book club, to reflect on Talk to the Elephant by Julie Dirksen. We dive into key takeaways from the book, share how we’ve applied its insights to our work, and discuss what we learned from our fireside chat with Julie herself. We also talk about: ✅ The role of emoti...

Joseph Diaz and Alex Bingham explore the world of Learning and Development (L&D) strategy, discussing how to bridge the gap between research and practice. Alex shares his journey from sales to L&D, his passion for connecting theory to real-world applications, and his insights as a PhD candidate studying organizational learning and leadership. Together, they explore how research can shape e...

Joseph Diaz and Beth Cougler Blom discuss the philosophy and practice of facilitation, exploring its role in creating meaningful and inclusive learning experiences. Beth shares her journey as a learning designer, facilitator, and author, offering insights into how intentional design and reflection can improve facilitation in formal and informal settings. Beth emphasizes the value of inclusivity, a...

Joseph and Tanner Kohler explore the field of User Experience (UX) design, focusing on usability, research methodologies, and the psychological aspects that influence user interactions. Tanner shares insights from his role at the Nielsen Norman Group, discussing the importance of usability, the nature of research in UX, and the challenges faced in the field. Tanner emphasizes the need for a user-c...

Hi there! I’m Joseph Diaz, and I’m excited to introduce you to Talk Learning With Me . This podcast is for instructional designers and lifelong learners who are curious about the world of learning and development. In this trailer episode, I share a bit about myself and what you can expect from the show. We’ll explore topics like education, learning science, facilitation, behavior change, and other...