Powered by Learning

What happens when classic instructional design models meet cutting-edge AI tools? In this episode of Powered by Learning, Transcarent's Director of Learning and Development Sheldon Thomas talks about applying the ADDIE model to a modern healthcare call center environment, from multi-stage onboarding to AI-enabled simulations. Learn how his team balances speed, personalization, and strong design to deliver training that actuall...

How does a three-person L&D team support 23,000 associates across seven states? In this episode, Chris Chappell, Director of Learning & Development at Weis Markets, shares how servant leadership, clear career paths, and just-in-time video microlearning are elevating the employee experience—and the customer experience—across retail, manufacturing, and logistics. 

Show Notes:

Weis Market’s Chris Chappell offers many key takeawa...

The advertising agency business is rapidly changing making learning and development more essential than ever. In this episode of Powered by Learning, Sean McGlade, Senior Vice President of Talent and Learning Solutions at the 4As, shares how the association provides agencies of all sizes with innovative learning experiences that keep their business leaders, media strategists and technical and creative teams ahead of the competition...

UGI Corporation’s Global Enterprise Lead, Learning & Development Wendy Laverty shares how “Breakthrough Thinking” is reshaping leadership, structure, and strategy at UGI. She explains how a series of workshops with team members has encouraged intentional reflection, language, and a culture of curiosity that’s unlocking new solutions and sustainable change.

Show Notes:

UGI’s Wendy Laverty shares many inspirational and actionable ...

Our guest Mike Kaput of SmarterX takes us inside the new AI Academy, a membership-based learning platform for organizations and individuals. Find out how their AI Academy delivers AI literacy for all—through frameworks, certifications, and personalized learning journeys that help organizations roll out AI training responsibly and at scale.

Show Notes: 

Mike Kaput, Chief Content Officer at SmarterX  explains how they are creating and...

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of Powered by Learning with a special conversation with past podcast guests Dr. Kristal Walker, Marjorie Van Roon, Ajay Pangarkar, Robyn DeFelice, and Connie Malamed. Together, we reflect on the past five years in L&D—AI’s promise (and limits), the rise of data-informed decisions, accountability for performance and ROI, and the renewed push for personalized, human-centered learning. Listen for an ...

Instructional design isn’t just about what learners know—it’s about what they can do. In this episode, Dr. Karl Kapp discusses his new book, Action First Learning, and why engagement, application, and challenge are essential for lasting impact. 

Show Notes: 

Karl Kapp challenges traditional instructional design methods and introduces ideas that inspire lasting behavior change from learners. His key takeaways include: 

• Design for ...

Designing training that is engaging, compassionate and informative is key for instructional designer Hallie Martyniuk, principal at TD3 Consulting. She shares how working in crime victim services has shaped her approach to designing learning  about subjects that need to be addressed with sensitivity.

Show Notes:

Instructional Designer and educator Hallie Martyniuk shares advice on handling the challenges of delivering effective ...

When every second counts, the right training can make all the difference. Ken Zipovsky, Grants Manager and Technology Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, joins us to share how the Pennsylvania Virtual Training Network (PAVTN) is transforming law enforcement education. Discover how online training helps officers stay prepared, adapt to new technology, and meet evolving community expectations.

Show Notes:

Ke...

When Penske Logistics set out to build a training curriculum for operations managers, they decided to go beyond eLearning and job aids—they added a powerful new tool: internal podcasts. Pat Schneider, Senior L&D Consultant at Penske Logistics shares how his team uses podcasts to bring authentic leadership voices to the forefront of learning. 

Show Notes: Penske Logistics is using storytelling to connect daily tasks with strateg...

Members of Central PA ATD’s leadership—Phyllis Metzler, Gina Sweeney, and Robyn DeFelice talk about the power of community, mentorship, and stepping up to lead. Discover how joining and volunteering with ATD helped them grow their careers and their networks—and how it can do the same for you. 

Show Notes: The current, past and future presidents of the Central PA Chapter of ATD share their journeys with the organization and how ...

At Flagger Force, safety is more than policy—it’s their culture. And it starts with smart, accessible training and open communication. Luke Lazar and Leslie McRobbie of Flagger Force, an industry-leading, short-term traffic control company, share how their “In the Zone” app and FF Learn microlearning program are keeping thousands of field employees engaged, informed, and safe every single day. 

Show Notes: 

Chances are that if you d...

Find out how Mid Penn Bank is reimagining workforce development with Mid Penn University. University Director and VP Scott Bostjancic shares how a visionary leadership team, high-end tech, and a commitment to personalized, skills-based learning are transforming training—and empowering employees at every level to grow their careers.

Show Notes:

Scott Bostjancic, Vice President and Director of Mid Penn University at Mid Penn Bank shar...

Digital cohort-based learning programs that combine live sessions with interactive assignments and peer collaboration are increasing in popularity especially in leadership development. This is apparent in Brandon Hall Group’s recent study “Igniting the Leadership Spark.” Their Principal Analyst Matt Pittman shares his insights on the study and what’s behind the growth of cohort-based approaches. 

Show Notes:

Brandon Hall Group Princi...

Donald Taylor, longtime learning and development leader and chair of the Learning Technologies Conference, unpacks the findings from the 2025 L&D Global Sentiment Survey. Hear what surprised him most, why AI remains a dominant focus, and how L&D professionals are responding to increasing pressure to prove value and do more with less. 

SHOW NOTES:

Donald Taylor shares a timely look at where the industry is heading—and why...

Lee Travis, Vice President of Health, Safety, and Environment at Equix, discusses how organizations can move beyond compliance and embed safety into their culture. He shares how leadership visibility, effective communication, and personal connection make safety training more meaningful—and how every role in an organization plays a part in keeping people safe. 

Show Notes:

Lee Travis has more than 30 years of experience in the health,...

Organizations often turn to soft skills training to gain a competitive advantage in the workforce. Andrea Laus, CEO of SkillGym, explains how AI-driven role-playing simulations are transforming leadership development, sales training, and customer engagement —turning practice into performance.

Show Notes:

Andrea Laus explains how AI-driven role-playing simulations provides real-time feedback, emotional insights, and data-driven coach...

Learning doesn't stop when formal training ends—it continues in the flow of work. On this episode of Powered by Learning, Chief Learning Evangelist and Co-Founder of Apply Synergies Bob Mosher discusses the Five Moments of Need and how organizations can embed learning into the workplace to drive real performance outcomes. 

Show Notes:

Here are some of the key points from our interview with Bob Mosher about the Five Moments ...

Simulation-based training is transforming learning in high-stakes environments like healthcare. Joe Corvino, senior client executive with Laerdal Medical Corporation, a company at the forefront of healthcare simulation, shares how Laerdal’s innovative solutions—like their maternity and resuscitation simulators—are enhancing skill development and ultimately saving lives.

Show Notes:

Simulation is transforming healthcare training and s...