The eLearning Champion Pod

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Karl Kapp — professor, author, gamification pioneer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor — to explore the power of Action First Learning.🔹 Why starting with doing flips traditional learning on its head🔹 How Action First Learning builds on gamification🔹 Practical, low-cost ways L&D teams can apply this approach🔹 Balancing AI tools with human creativity🔹 Overcoming learner resistance and driving engagement🔹 Measuring real business impact beyond completion ratesDr. Kapp shares stories, strategies, and actionable insights that every instructional designer, L&D professional, and corporate trainer will find invaluable.Checkout the Action-First Learning Curriculum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/curriculum-getting-started-action-first-learning-karl-kapp-bq6pe/

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, we chat with Bret Wardle — game designer turned product and experience strategist, TEDx speaker, and author of Gamification for Product Excellence.🔹 What gamification really means (beyond leaderboards & badges)🔹 Why studying gaming history is essential for L&D professionals🔹 Practical design lessons from game mechanics and psychology🔹 The “Gamification Triforce” framework for L&D success🔹 Future trends in the intersection of gamification, UX, and corporate learningFrom The Sims to Oregon Trail to Minecraft, Bret reveals how decades of gaming evolution can inspire more engaging, sticky, and effective learning experiences.

How can organizations better support frontline workers and managers in today’s fast-changing workplace?In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath speaks with JD Dillon, Chief Learning Architect at Axonify and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Disney, AMC, and Kaplan, JD shares practical insights on:

• Why frontline enablement is different from traditional training
• How AI and digital assistants are transforming day-to-day frontline work
• Reducing friction and empowering employees to perform at their best
• What organizations often miss in onboarding and retention strategies
• How to support frontline managers, the “glue” holding operations together

If you’re an L&D leader, HR professional, or business manager looking to improve employee experience, retention, and performance, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas.

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath talks with Mike Taylor — learning strategist, author, and instructional design expert — about why L&D needs a marketing mindset to truly make an impact.Mike Taylor shares:

• The $350 billion problem in corporate training
• How marketing principles can revolutionize learning outcomes
• The "SURE" framework for writing content that clicks
• Why first impressions in training matter (even before the first word is read)
• Practical automation tools to save time and improve learner engagement
• Two quick wins you can try tomorrow to make your training more effective

If you’re ready to design learning that grabs attention, connects emotionally, and drives real performance, this episode is packed with ideas you can use immediately.

In this episode of The E-learning Champion Podcast, host Sherna Varayath sits down with Violet Zillman — an AI strategist, global workforce leader, and lifelong learner — to discuss the real-world applications of AI in Learning & Development (L&D).🎙️ Topics Covered:

• How AI enhances onboarding and team performance
• The role of digital avatars in knowledge transfer
• Custom GPTs for knowledge access
• Behavior change through mindful AI tools
• Ethical use of AI in corporate training
• The generational impact of AI in the workplace

Why human connection must remain at the heart of automation💡 Violet shares practical strategies for L&D professionals to build AI literacy, foster psychological safety in teams, and co-create content while keeping their human voice alive.

In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna sits down with Lucy Hutchinson and Anna Shildrick, Co-Founders of The AI Connective and educators with 30+ years of experience. 🌍They explore powerful ideas like:

• Making learning truly meaningful for employees
• Why productive struggle fuels deep learning
• How AI can amplify (not replace) thinking
• Measuring cognitive growth beyond completion rates
• The truth about agency, curiosity, and reflection at work

💡 Whether you're an L&D leader, trainer, or someone passionate about impactful learning—this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this episode, we’re joined by Randy Conley, Vice President & Trust Practice Leader at Blanchard, and co-author of Simple Truths of Leadership.Randy Conley dives deep into:✅ Why trust is the foundation of leadership✅ What servant leadership really looks like in today’s workplace✅ How to repair broken trust using the 3 A’s: Acknowledge, Apologize, Act✅ Cultural differences in building trust✅ Common ways trust is eroded—and how to avoid themWhether you’re an L&D leader, people manager, or business owner—this episode is packed with powerful truths and practical tips to lead with trust.

Ever felt like virtual training is just a sea of muted mics and blank screens? You're not alone—and today’s guest is here to change that.Welcome to another inspiring episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast! In this conversation, we dive deep with Alicia Hughes, founder of Sparking Up Leadership, to explore how L&D professionals can leverage technology without losing the human spark.Alicia shares her journey from traditional classrooms to leading South Carolina’s largest virtual school, and now empowering global leaders to build culture, lead virtually, and spark joy.🔹 What you’ll learn:

• How to build authentic relationships in virtual spaces
• Strategies to make online professional development engaging
• The power of “Virtual Sparkle” and how to ignite it
• Tools and platforms that foster collaboration
• How AI can enhance—not replace—human connection
• Actionable advice for L&D leaders to create lasting impact

💡 Whether you're an instructional designer, educator, or corporate trainer, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your virtual programs.

In this powerful episode of the Elearning Champion Podcast, we sit down with renowned HR expert, executive coach, and bestselling author Paul Falcone to explore how Learning & Development (L&D) teams can support frontline operational leaders through times of crisis and disruption.From navigating post-pandemic burnout to addressing Gen Z’s workplace challenges, Paul shares actionable insights on emotional intelligence, coaching, gratitude, and value-based leadership. Discover how L&D professionals can become agents of change, helping employees find peace of mind and purpose in today’s fast-evolving work environment.🔹 Topics Covered:

• Building self-awareness and confidence in training
• Coaching vs. managing: what leaders need now
• Addressing Gen Z’s isolation and mental health
• The future of hybrid work and talent retention
• Why gratitude and values matter more than ever

🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation that will elevate your L&D strategy and leadership approach.

Looking to design truly engaging eLearning experiences that drive performance and retention? 🎯In this episode of the eLearning Champion Podcast, Sherna Varayath is joined by the renowned learning strategist, author, and cognitive scientist Dr. Clark Quinn.With over 40 years of experience in the field, Dr. Quinn unpacks the science of engagement, the power of meaningful practice, and how you can hook and land your learners for maximum impact.💡 Tune in to discover:What true engagement means in learning designHow to motivate learners from the first clickWhy better multiple-choice questions matterHow to close a course emotionally and cognitivelyPractical tips to bake engagement into your design processIf you're an L&D professional or instructional designer looking to uplevel your training design, you don't want to miss this!