The Learning Geeks Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Holiday Special 2025: Becoming Better Versions of Ourselves Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

It’s our yearly holiday special and a chance to pause, reflect, and look ahead. We reflect on the personal and professional lessons of 2025, including how AI, feedback loops, and immersive experiences are shaping learning. We also discuss the most important lesson – that at the end of the day, development is still about helping people become better versions of themselves. We wrap by looking ahead to 2026 and what we want to learn and build next, both for ourselves and for the podcast.

00:00 Introduction and banter

02:51 Bob – Meta tech and the Future of Learning

14:04 Dana – Better versions of ourselves

18:59 Bob Bot 3000

21:02 Jake – Family outings and AI powered journalling

30:42 Looking Forward to 2026

36:45 Thank you to listeners

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S8 E5: Why Building Tech Skills Unlock Human Potential (with Brooke Weddle and Heather Stefanski) Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke Weddle and Heather Stefanski from McKinsey to unpack why building tech skills is about unlocking human potential — not replacing it. We explore real client success stories and challenges with AI upskilling, the danger of ignoring human skills, why technology can’t fix broken work processes, and whether embedding AI into daily work actually improves apprenticeship and learning.

00:00 Cold open & banter

02:15 Introducing Brooke & Heather

04:26 What Tech Upskilling Really Means

07:13 Human Advantage vs. Machine Capability

14:52 Leadership, Storytelling & Positive Energy

17:29 Creating Space to Practice Tech Skills

18:26 Case Example: AI Transformation in Manufacturing

22:13 The Evolving Role of the CLO

26:09 Building a Developmental Ecosystem

31:27 AI as an Apprenticeship Engine

36:03 Final takeaways

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

READ MORE FROM BROOKE AND HEATHER

We’re all techies now: Digital skill building for the future: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/we-are-all-techies-now-digital-skill-building-for-the-future

The future of the CLO: Leading in a world of merged work and learning

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-future-of-the-clo-leading-in-a-world-of-merged-work-and-learning

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S8 E4: Building your Learning Posse (with Deidra Busbee) Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Longtime friend Deidra Busbee (Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase) joins us to unpack the power of your “learning posse”, or the group of people who challenge you, support you, connect you, and help you learn faster. We discuss how to build this crew intentionally, why it reduces stress and accelerates onboarding, and what roles AI has within the posse or will never replace. It's a thoughtful discussion at the relationships that fuel real growth.

00:00 Cold open and Deidre welcome

02:23 Deidre's Background

07:06 Deidre's Current Role at JP Morgan Chase

09:39 Building a Learning Posse

11:14 Roles in a Learning Posse

20:06 Introducing Bob Bot 3000

21:36 The Role of Human Connection

30:08 Networking Beyond Your Organization

34:53 Wrap up

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S8 E3: Skills, Data, and the Future of Talent (with Craig Friedman) Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

We’ve been talking about skills for years — but how do you make them work? In this episode, we chat with Craig Friedman about his new book, Enterprise Skills Unlocked, and explore how to move beyond common misconceptions to connect learning, data, and business strategy. Craig shares practical insights on turning skills into measurable business impact — and even tells a story about throwing away pennies. Learn more about Craig’s book at https://stccg.com/enterprise-skills-unlocked-2/

00:00 Intro

02:10 Craig's Background and Experience

03:23 Skills-Based Organizations: An Overview

12:07 Defining Skills and Their Importance

17:05 Impact on Learning and Development

20:41 Validating and Assessing Skills

24:07 Strategies for Implementing Skills-Based Learning

29:06 Challenges and Mistakes in Skills-Based Technology

32:57 Final Thoughts and Book Information

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

Big News for the Show! Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Jake shares some exciting news for the show - and provides a quick sneak peak behind the curtain on some upcoming episodes.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S8 E2: The Future Belongs to Everyday Innovators Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

We welcome Dr. Tessa Forshaw (Harvard Graduate School of Education) and Rich Braden (founder of People Rocket LLC), co-authors of "Innovation-ish," to challenge the myth that innovation belongs only to Silicon Valley geniuses. After analyzing 80+ innovation frameworks, they discovered that most people don't recognize their own creative problem-solving abilities. We explore practical strategies for helping you see yourselves as innovators, overcoming cognitive caution, and fostering innovation even in traditional organizations. Learn more about the book at https://www.innovationish.com/.

00:00 Cold Open and banter

03:08 Introducing the Book 'Innovation-ish'

03:32 The Journey of Creativity and Innovation

05:56 Improv and Design Thinking

17:22 Divergent and Convergent Thinking in Organizations

19:58 The Challenge of Innovation in Organizations

21:34 Innovation Hesitation and Cognitive Caution

24:16 Balancing Risk and Innovation

26:24 Encouraging Metacognition in the Workplace

28:27 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration

33:05 Teaching Creative Problem Solving

38:17 Conclusion and Book Recommendations

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S8 E1: New Beginnings (Allison's Version) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In our Season 8 opener, we welcome Allison Horn, Head of Talent Transformation at JP Morgan Chase as our guest host for the show. We quickly reflect on eight years together and discuss the origins of the podcast. Allison leads us through a series of questions to get our perspectives on a variety of topics, including a major pop star story, how we’re using GenAI in our day-to-day work, current AI tools, the cognitive impact of AI, and our thoughts on balancing professional growth with new technology.

00:00 Cold open

01:01 Celebrating 8 years

03:33 Allison's New Role at JP Morgan Chase

04:34 Learning and Transitioning in a New Job

11:24 The Taylor Travis Engagement

13:31 Impact of GPT-5 and AI Tools

19:18 Personalizing AI for Daily Use

19:54 The Future of General Purpose Models

21:35 Custom GPTs in Instructional Design

22:56 AI in Creative Work and Education

24:20 Smaller Language Models and Cognitive Impact

25:51 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI Research

27:47 Using AI for Change Storytelling

31:25 Exploring Multi-Agent Autonomous Work

34:34 Reflecting on Professional Learning

37:27 Final Thoughts and Farewells

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

Season 7 Finale: How to Start a Career in Learning and Development Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

In our season finale, we’re tackling a question we hear all the time: How do you break into the Learning & Development field? We sit down with L&D veteran Trina Wellendorf and Lauren, a college junior exploring a future in L&D, to answer her biggest questions about:

Different career paths within L&D
How to land that first role or internship
Whether grad school is worth it
Staying current with trends like AI and learning science
Tips for engaging learners and using storytelling effectively

Whether you’re just starting out, making a career shift, or mentoring someone new to the field, this episode is packed with insights to help you launch a successful path in L&D.

00:00 Cold Open

00:31 Banter

02:16 Introducing the Guests: Trina and Lauren

05:36 Lauren's Background and Interest in Learning & Development

07:00 Exploring Career Paths in Learning & Development

12:10 How to Get Started in Learning & Development

15:38 Finding Internships and Networking Tips

18:00 Thoughts on Grad School and Advanced Degrees

20:29 Personal Journeys in Education and Career

21:12 Challenges and Rewards of Advanced Education

23:24 Staying Current with Trends in Learning and Development

26:43 Gaining Practical Experience in Learning Strategies

29:20 Facilitating Effective Learning

34:50 Storytelling and Relevancy in Training

37:38 Finding Companies that Value Learning and Development

41:35 Wrap up

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S7 E15 Part 2: Learning Trends for 2025 and Beyond (with Jessica Glazer) Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

We continue our deep dive into McKinsey's latest Learning Trends Perspective Report with authors Jessica Glazer and our co-host Jake Gittleson. In Part 2, we take a closer look into the last two of the three macro trends: responsible AI adoption and developing resilient and adaptable individuals and organizations. We discuss actions and meaning for each and implications for individuals, managers, and leaders within organizations.

00:00 Introduction and Banter

02:03 Recap of Report

05:41 Diving into Responsible AI

07:48 Challenges and Considerations in AI Adoption

11:36 Higher Order Skills and AI

16:38 The Role of AI in Art and Animation

18:03 Decisions and Consequences of Using AI

18:53 Metacognition and Learning in the Age of AI

19:57 The Importance of Genuine Intelligence

23:02 Resilience and Adaptability in Continuous Change

30:37 Organizational Resilience and Sustainable Workflows

32:29 Final Thoughts

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

The team provided an overview of the findings and a link to the full report (see bottom of post) at https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/people-in-progress/reimagined-learning-and-development-in-the-future-of-work

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE, SPOTIFY, AND YOUTUBE

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-geeks-podcast/id1413446184

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mACo97JvUL1LOmVJ9lATI?si=c430a6d9b08c4100

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learninggeekspodcast

You can also download us anywhere you get your podcasts.

CONNECT WITH US

If you have any feedback or want to join in on the conversation, connect with us via LinkedIN.

DISCLAIMER

All thoughts and views are of our own.

S7 E14 Part 1: Learning Trends for 2025 and Beyond (with Jessica Glazer) Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

We dive deep into McKinsey's latest Learning Trends Perspective Report with authors Jessica Glazer and our co-host Jake Gittleson. The two share an overview of the report and their deep perspective on the three key macro trends, sub trends, implications on development, and how these forces will shape the future of people development. In Part 2, we will go deeper into each area such as identifying actions and meaning for individuals, managers, and leaders within organizations.

00:00 Cold Open

00:47 Banter

02:00 Jessica Glazer's Intro and Background

04:57 Methodology of Learning Trends Report

09:03 General themes from the research

13:11 Overview of the three macro trends

13:46 Fluid development ecosystems

26:33 Responsible AI Adoption

30:54 Resilient and adaptable individuals and organizations

35:32 Wrap up and previewing Part 2

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

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