The Free Spirits of L+D

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode — the final of Season 2 — we talk with Andy Candler , founder of Aprendido and self-styled "plain speaking learning consultant," who brings nearly 40 years of experience in digital learning, agency life, and now freelance consulting to one of our most grounde...

In this episode of the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, we chat with Jules Wyman , coach, speaker, and founder of Positive Belief — who, it turns out, may well be the longest-serving L&D freelancer we’ve ever had on the show, with 21 years under her belt. Jules shares a remarkably honest origin story that begins not in a boardroom or a training room, but in theatre and television — and takes a...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast for a very special episode — we're bringing you the full Free Spirits Live conference in a box. Mark chats with speakers, attendees and the Free Spirit behind it all as the day unfolds, then catches up with a couple of guests a few days later once the dust has settled. In this episode you'll hear from Emma Klosson , who shares reflections on h...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into life as a freelancer navigating identity, impact and reinvention. In this episode, we chat with Gary Butterfield, founder of Joy Junction and a wellbeing consultant with nearly two decades of self-employment under his belt. Gary shares how a disappointing appraisal experience set the trajectory for his entire career, why he believes s...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore what happens when freelancing grows up. In this episode, we sit down with Emma Coller, a retired police officer turned executive coach, consultant, and co-founder of Growth Pod, a leadership development business based in Yorkshire. Emma shares her journey from policing into learning and development, what it was like entering the commerci...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the emotional and practical reality of going freelance. In this episode, we sit down with Sara Duxbury, a business psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Blooming Potential. Just three months into freelancing, Sara shares an honest account of burnout, stepping away from in-house roles, and building a career that aligns with her va...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore what it really takes to build a meaningful freelance career in learning and development. In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Potter, coach, consultant and founder of Frankly. Jennifer shares her wonderfully squiggly path into L&D, from early burnout at Vodafone to retraining in Chinese medicine, then building a coaching and lea...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Kelly Rodrigues: a learning designer, people leader, and part-time dancefloor queen. Currently heading up the global L&D function at web pros. Kelly shares her unique journey from professional dancer to L&D leader, and how the spark for using move...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this special live episode, recorded during the very first Free Spirits Live virtual conference, we’re joined by a brilliant line-up of attendees and contributors who share their experiences, takeaways, and a few unexpected moments from the day. You’ll hear from: Kelly Rodrigues...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Jo Cook — virtual classroom specialist, editor of Training Journal , and founder of Lightbulb Moment. Jo shares her freelance origin story (yes, it involves a newspaper and some 90s tech), opens up about the realities of managing a chronic condition as...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Tom McDowall — founder of Evolve L&D, learning strategist, and long-time contributor to the L&D community. Tom shares his unconventional path from theatre tech to freelance consultant. He opens up about the reality of outsourcing, pricing for v...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Paul Matthews, a CEO, author, speaker, and L&D strategist with over 25 years of experience. Originally from New Zealand and now based in the UK, Paul shares his fascinating journey from IT sales director to a leading voice in informal learning, per...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, Mark chats with Jude Sclater, a coach, writer, and trainer. Jude shares her journey from internal L&D at Deloitte to building her own freelance business. She opens up about saying “yes” to her first client, the challenges of pricing her services, and the power...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Alaina Szchlacta, an author, founder, and measurement architect. Alaina shares her unexpected journey from a corporate job to becoming a freelance entrepreneur, inspired by a transformative trip to Bali. She discusses the challenges and r...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast, where we explore the ins and outs of freelancing in the world of learning and development. In this episode, we sit down with Hari Patience-Davies, a storytelling coach, trainer, and co-founder of 13 Times. Hari shares her unique journey from corporate consultancy to freelancing and founding a business that helps clients create presentations 13 times...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we explore the realities of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Kirsty Lewis, founder of the School of Facilitation, who has been freelancing since 2008. Kirsty opens up about her journey from the corporate world to building a global community of facilitators and trainers. She shares insights on pricing strategies...

Join us on the Free Spirits of L&D podcast as we delve into the world of freelancing in learning and development. In this episode, we chat with Viv Cole, an experienced instructional designer and trainer who has been freelancing since 2002. Viv shares his journey, insights on building a successful freelance business, and his 3x3 rule of networking at conferences. He answers Maria’s question fr...

In our second episode of the series, podcast host Mark sits down with Maria Salkeld, a strengths-based coach who is now on her third era of freelance work in the L&D industry! Maria shares her journey from redundancy to entrepreneurship, discussing the various phases of her freelance career and the motivations behind each transition. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of freelancing, th...

In this inaugural episode, podcast host Mark sits down with Kim Ellis , a seasoned professional in learning and development who transitioned from traditional roles to founding her own business. Kim shares her journey from redundancy to entrepreneurship, culminating in the creation of L&D Free Spirits, a unique network aimed at supporting freelancers in the industry. We delve into the challenge...

Coming soon to your podcast feed - the Free Spirits of L&D is your insider guide to freelancing in the learning and development industry. We'll be asking all the questions you always wanted to know... but were afraid to ask. How to win business, how much to charge, and how balance life with work - it's all on the table!