Tangents with TorranceLearning

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 t...

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance dive deep into LSX—Learning Science and Experience. They discuss how LSX combines the rigor of learning engineering with the craft of exceptional learner experiences. Key topics include: The origins of LSX, its practical implementation, and how it helps both organizations and learners flourish. The four groups of 1...

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, Megan Torrance sits down with researcher and "giant nerd" Chris Grady, former senior advisor at USAID, to bridge the worlds of International Development and Learning and Development (L&D). Together, they dive into: The parallels between behavior change interventions in global development and L&D programs What experimenting really means: mo...

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, incl...

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...

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 defin...

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, an...

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 ch...

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 conversat...

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...

In this episode, Megan and Meg discuss the challenges of measuring effectiveness in the learning and development (L&D) industry. They share insights about how focusing on the wrong metrics can lead to ineffective training solutions. For a long time in L&D we've focused on data like completions or learner satisfaction. But focusing on the wrong metrics can often lead people down a path of t...

In this episode, Megan has a conversation with Chris King, a learning strategist who specializes in workflow learning. They discuss the concept of workflow learning, how it helps integrate learning into the daily work process, and strategies for supporting learners effectively in their moments of need. The episode explores when formal learning is necessary and how to recognize the ideal situations...

Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild of TorranceLearning for a LinkedIn Live episode, where they discuss what real-world AI implementation looks like for Learning & Development (L&D) professionals today. Megan shares her behind-the-scenes experience writing an upcoming book on AI in L&D, revealing fresh insights gathered from industry interviews and the patterns emerging across organi...

In this episode, Megan and Meg talk about learner personas—a cornerstone of TorranceLearning's LLAMA workshops—which can help instructional designers create learning experiences tailored to the target audience. They explore the importance of personas, how to effectively create them, and the common pitfalls to avoid. They discuss the balance between AI and human insights in crafting these essential...

In this episode, Megan Torrance talks with Josh Cavalier, an expert in Generative AI and its integration into learning and development (L&D) workflows. Josh shares insights into his career as an education technologist and discusses the transformative potential of AI. The conversation touches on the rapid evolution of AI technology, the current investment climate surrounding AI, and its implica...

In this live episode of the TorranceLearning Podcast, Megan Torrance, Meg Fairchild, and Jeff Weaver broadcast from the Training 25 conference in Orlando, FL. The discussion centers around the value of conferences for learning professionals—exploring personal experiences, the benefits and challenges of conferences, and strategies for making conference attendance more meaningful. The team also open...

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, Megan and Meg share insights gained through the first "season" of this podcast. They discuss the inspiration behind starting the podcast, a few challenges they've faced, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They also touch on their evolving theme and some of the topics to come in season two. Key points: Inspiration and Purpose Theme Evol...

In today’s episode, Hadiya Nuriddin shares her journey from aspiring actress to becoming a recognized figure in instructional design. She discusses how her passion for performance naturally transitioned into the training and learning development field. Throughout the episode, Hadiya reflects on the importance of storytelling and quality in learning and development (L&D) and emphasizes the sign...

In today's episode, our hosts Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild welcome special guest Susanne Ambros. Susanne, who is an expert in agile methodologies and learning coaching, shares her passion for fostering a people-centric agile culture that values individuals over processes. Together, they explore how agile principles can revolutionize corporate learning by centering on learner-driven goals and s...

In today's podcast, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of Lean Coffee and its applications in group discussions. From setting agendas to time boxing conversations, they explore how this structured, yet flexible approach can lead to efficient and meaningful discussions. But wait, what about "Learn Coffee"? Discover how the hosts brainstorm the concept of "Learn Coffee" as a...

In this episode, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of artificial intelligence in Learning and Development. They discuss the prevalence of AI in various industries, its potential impact on L&D, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for professionals. From the evolution of AI tools to the ethical considerations of AI use, Meg and Megan explore the transformat...

In this episode, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance propose one aspect that might be one of the biggest risks L&D professionals face when building and managing learning ecosystems. They explore the evolving landscape of learning tools, the challenges of creating a cohesive learning ecosystem, and the risks posed by the constant pursuit of shiny new tools. (who, us?!?!) Megan shares insight...

In this episode, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild discuss the importance of data visualization for learning and development. The hosts touch on key figures in the data visualization arena like Edward Tufte and Stephen Few, offering insights into their contributions and resources. They discuss practical tips for creating effective data visualizations, such as avoiding 3D charts and letting the...

In this episode, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild talk about the evolving use of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations. They discuss the integration of AI in workplaces, the pace at which AI is being adopted, and the various approaches organizations are taking towards its use. Megan introduces W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I., a framework designed to navigate AI usage ethically and effectively. This...

In this episode, co-hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the complexities of learning ecosystems. They share their differing perspectives on the topic and discuss the wide array of elements that make up a learning ecosystem, from technology and social aspects to organizational processes and policies. They also highlight the value that comes from of understanding the current state of a...