The BLOC Podcast

On this Q&A episode of the BLOC, I answer (from my experience and opinion) the following questions: How do we get people to use all these new courses we've given them? What is the difference between L&D and instructional design? How do I know which people to follow on LinkedIn - which people are quality and who is just trying to sell something? And how do I network with those people?...

In this episode, I chat with my teammate at Pantheon, Bela Gaytan, about accessibility - not only how to create more accessible experiences for our learners but also some common misconceptions about accessibility - such as what is a disability? And can we make something 100% accessible? Known for her authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability, Bela Gaytan (she/her) unapologetically disrupts spa...

In this episode, I share four ways for L&D to get a seat at the table: Stop complaining that we don't have a seat at the table. Work on discovering the problem, not immediately sharing a solution. Broaden the metrics we use to define success. Work with, not against, the other areas of business.  Don't forget to sign up for the Useful Stuff newsletter ( usefulstuff.email ). Issue #2 i...

On this episode, I chat with co-founder of Offbeat, Lavinia Mehedintu, about creating a podcast, starting a business, and curating content. Lavinia Mehedintu has been designing learning experiences and career development programs for the past 9 years both in the corporate world and in higher education. As a Co-Founder and Learning Architect @Offbeat she’s applying adult learning principles so that...

In this episode, Dr. Kuva Jacobs and I break down 4 major learning myths: the learning pyramid, the Forgetting Curve, learning styles, and microlearning as the answer to the world's problems. If you've encountered any of these on social media lately, you should tune in! Kuva's passion for learning design seeded from a PhD in mathematics when she created visual, interactive, flash ba...

In this episode, I chat with the brilliant Lata Hamilton about change management and how it's related to the field of L&D. We talk about the differences and similarities between L&D and change management as well as why change managers like to work with folks in L&D. Lata is a pocket rocket burst of energy with a big heart... and big hair! She is the Founder & CEO of Passion Pi...

In this quick solo episode, I reflect back on two years' worth of BLOC podcast episodes, talk about how I think new instructional designers (and even some of the most seasoned L&D professionals) should think about learning. I also share that Laura Hoyer and I are back and ready to run our ID Coaching Cohort this fall! Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby...

In this episode, I answer some of the interview questions from my ATD blog article, "10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Instructional Designers." Here's a link to the blog article: https://www.td.org/atd-blog/10-questions-to-ask-when-interviewing-instructional-designers Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com T...

In this episode, I chat with Bhakti Karkare, founder of Third Loop Learning about what facilitation can teach leaders. We talk about how leadership has changed since the pandemic and Bhakti gives tips on how to be an inclusive leader. Bhakti Karkare is the founder of Third Loop Learning . She is a Facilitation Evangelist, who takes simple, easy to use facilitation skills and shows you how to use t...

In this episode, I chat with the founder of Playful Perspectives, Sarah Filman about how she helps develop teams and leaders through improv and play.  Sarah Filman (she/her) is a certified leadership coach, playful facilitator, and improv comedian based in Seattle, Washington. She founded Playful Perspectives to support mission-driven individuals, leaders, and teams to grow, connect, and create to...

In this episode, I look back at some of my favorite BLOC podcast moments, messages, and guests to celebrate the release of the 50th episode. In celebration of the 50th Episode, I've created a document with all of the resources recommended by my guests over the last 50 episodes. You can find it here . (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rCrOvsFGlwUaLRmn9l9r8KWqYa62GQk8ig7shFcLZgA/edit?usp...

In this episode, I chat with my dear friend, William Cronje, about the cohort-based learning experiences, social learning, and William's career journey that led him to leading a cohort of 800 instructional designers from all over the world! As an instructional designer and program manager at Eduflow Academy, William Cronje is the co-creator of the popular "Instructional Design Principles...

In this episode, I talk about learning culture - a term with a really broad definition that comes down to a human being learning. If we think about what it takes for human beings to learn, we can leverage those conditions to create a positive learning culture. I also announce my new side hustle: learning culture and strategy consulting. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/h...

In this episode, I define psychological safety and explain why it's important in the workplace and what individuals in L&D can do to promote psychological safety in their organizations. I also talk about the traits of toxic work environments, how L&D can help make a difference, and advice for if and when you find yourself in a toxic work environment. As someone who successfully got ou...

In this episode, I celebrate International Women's History Month with Alexandra Smith, CPTM. We chat about what it's like being a woman leader in L&D and what you can do to learn and grow as a leader!  Alexandra Smith, CPTM, is a leading learner who leads leaders! She brings to her team her empathetic leadership approach. They get high-level projects across the finish line. Alexandra...

In this episode, I'm bringing my friend, Dr. Dawn DiPeri back to chat about her new book, Graphic Design for Course Creators! Her book is CC-BY, which means you can print, copy, paste, and re-use the content however you like as long as you give her credit. This also means that the web version is FREE!! You can find it here: https://graphicdesignforcoursecreators.pressbooks.com/front-matter/de...

In this episode, I give you 3 easy tips that you can start incorporating today to ensure that your learning and development department can be more scalable and can contribute the most resources and the most value to your organization.  I mention a few L&D communities in this episode: Tim Slade's eLearning Designer's Community: https://community.elearningacademy.io/home GLDC (Global L...

In this episode, I talk to Matt Gjertsen of Better Every Day Studios about his recent hiring process to hire a new part-time instructional designer for his team! Matt's journey into learning started as an Air Force Instructor Pilot where he also spent time teaching people to compete in half marathons and triathlons. After 9 years in the Air Force, Matt took his experience with him to SpaceX w...

In this episode, I share with you some of my favorite books that are on my L&D book shelf.   What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer by Dr. Luke Hobson  Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen The Non-Designers Design Book by Robin Williams Designing for Modern Learning - Beyond ADDIE and SAM by Crystal Kadakia and Lisa M.D. Owens The Design of Everyday Things by Don...

In this episode, I talk to three of my favorite former educators who now have a successful career in learning and development. We talk about how they got there and what they've learned so far! Heidi Ranganathan pivoted from bilingual classroom teacher to corporate instructional designer in 2021. She specializes in the alignment of organizational needs with learning objectives and partnering w...

In this brief episode, I talk about my 2021 and give a challenge to all of you listening. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ or on my website: www.heidikirby.com To learn more and get more great resources:  Connect with me on LinkedIn   Join our global Useful L&D Community Work with me or see what I'm working on with Useful Stuff

In this episode, I talk about three trends that have impacted L&D in 2021.   Educators making a career switch into L&D/instructional design Microlearning Learning in the flow of work Here are some links to things I mention in this episode: TLDC's free January 2022 event: The Road to L&D: From Teaching to Instructional Design ( https://www.thetldc.com/ ) 7Taps ( https://www.7taps.c...

In this episode, I get to chat with Ann Lopez, creator of The Pivoter website, which is chock FULL of free resources for those looking to change careers and enter the field of L&D.  3 years ago, Ann pivoted out of teaching and found her true calling working in the education technology sector. In 2020, when schools were forced to move to remote learning due to the pandemic, she decided to trans...

In this episode, I chat about 4 big takeaways I've found to be true in my recent L&D job search.   Hone your search.   Network, network, network.  Practice self-care.  Avoid toxic positivity.  I mention two great resources in this episode: Sarah Cannistra's The Overnight Trainer Podcast  (https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ty9ns-1100e63) Subina Sulat's Agile Unemployment (https://www...

In this episode I talk to the founders of the Hubspot Academy, Sarah, Chris, and Lindsay about what it's like standing up a customer education academy, difficulties they faced, and fond memories they made. You are NOT going to want to miss the very first (but not the last) BLOC party episode! Sarah Bedrick is an advisor for software companies looking to build and scale their Academy education...