The Fabulous Learning Nerds

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

"Ever felt like you're flailing beneath the surface while trying to look calm in front of an audience? 🦆 Welcome back, Nerd Nation! This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, we dive headfirst into the pool of public speaking and facilitation with our returning guest, the one and only Dean Griess—author, speaker, leadership coach, and proud owner of a ripped pair of pants (you’ll see).

In this episode, we go beyond slide decks and course outlines. Dean shares real, tactical tools from his new book, Don’t Show Your Duck Butt, that will help you show up with confidence, authenticity, and purpose—no matter if you're on stage, on Zoom, or in front of a classroom.

From tent cards and cowboy boots to mastering movement and managing nervous habits, this episode is jam-packed with practical gold—and a few hilarious mishaps from the frontlines of learning.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

1. Breathe to sync your brain and your mouth. Shallow breathing equals fast talking and a disconnected message.
2. Master the room—virtually or in-person. Movement builds engagement, presence, and energy.
3. Preparation is personal. Your pre-session rituals set the tone for everything that follows—yes, even singing in the car counts.

👥 About Dean Griess:
Dean is a seasoned facilitator, keynote speaker, and learning leader with a career built on creating unforgettable audience experiences. He's the author of Don’t Show Your Duck Butt, a tactical guide to facilitation that emphasizes authenticity, confidence, preparation, and audience connection. You can find more of Dean’s work and musings at DeanGriess.com or follow his insights on LinkedIn.

https://a.co/d/bdTjaDH

🎧 About the Nerds:
Hosted by Scott “Sketch” Schuette, Daniel Coonrod, Zeta, and Sam, The Fabulous Learning Nerds is your go-to podcast for L&D wisdom, industry laughs, and some seriously nerdy detours. These passionate learning pros combine decades of experience with a deep love for pop culture, facilitation, and helping people grow.

 #FabulousLearningNerds
 #DuckButtLeadership
 #FacilitationSkills
 #PublicSpeakingTips
 #LifelongLearning
 #DeanGriess
 #LearningAndDevelopment
 #AudienceEngagement
 #TrainerTips
 #NerdyLearningWins

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

"Ever felt like you're flailing beneath the surface while trying to look calm in front of an audience? 🦆 Welcome back, Nerd Nation! This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, we dive headfirst into the pool of public speaking and facilitation with our returning guest, the one and only Dean Griess—author, speaker, leadership coach, and proud owner of a ripped pair of pants (you’ll see).

In this episode, we go beyond slide decks and course outlines. Dean shares real, tactical tools from his new book, Don’t Show Your Duck Butt, that will help you show up with confidence, authenticity, and purpose—no matter if you're on stage, on Zoom, or in front of a classroom.

From tent cards and cowboy boots to mastering movement and managing nervous habits, this episode is jam-packed with practical gold—and a few hilarious mishaps from the frontlines of learning.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

1. Breathe to sync your brain and your mouth. Shallow breathing equals fast talking and a disconnected message.
2. Master the room—virtually or in-person. Movement builds engagement, presence, and energy.
3. Preparation is personal. Your pre-session rituals set the tone for everything that follows—yes, even singing in the car counts.

👥 About Dean Griess:
Dean is a seasoned facilitator, keynote speaker, and learning leader with a career built on creating unforgettable audience experiences. He's the author of Don’t Show Your Duck Butt, a tactical guide to facilitation that emphasizes authenticity, confidence, preparation, and audience connection. You can find more of Dean’s work and musings at DeanGriess.com or follow his insights on LinkedIn.

https://a.co/d/bdTjaDH

🎧 About the Nerds:
Hosted by Scott “Sketch” Schuette, Daniel Coonrod, Zeta, and Sam, The Fabulous Learning Nerds is your go-to podcast for L&D wisdom, industry laughs, and some seriously nerdy detours. These passionate learning pros combine decades of experience with a deep love for pop culture, facilitation, and helping people grow.

 #FabulousLearningNerds
 #DuckButtLeadership
 #FacilitationSkills
 #PublicSpeakingTips
 #LifelongLearning
 #DeanGriess
 #LearningAndDevelopment
 #AudienceEngagement
 #TrainerTips
 #NerdyLearningWins

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

What happens when your learning content goes from “just the facts” to “can’t-stop-listening”? This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re diving into the storytelling revolution in L&D—and spoiler alert: it’s more than just a bedtime story.

Scott, Daniel, and Zeta are back in full force, and this time they’re taking on a mission: transforming dry data dumps into memorable narratives. From personal tales in the West Virginia radio-free zone to cringeworthy motel stories (yes, “Another Dirty Room” makes an appearance), the Nerds walk you through why storytelling sticks and how to use it to supercharge your training.

Whether you're launching onboarding, teaching new technology, or tackling leadership development, this episode provides the narrative playbook for making your content unforgettable.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• 💡 Storytelling increases retention by triggering emotion and empathy (hello, brain chemicals!).
• 🧠 Neural coupling aligns your learner’s brain with the storyteller’s—yes, it’s real science.
• 📚 You don’t need a novel—just a clear 3-act structure: Setup, Conflict, Resolution.
• 🛠️ Use frameworks like The Hero’s Journey or Pixar’s Story Spine to shape compelling learning journeys.
• 🎯 Good stories lower cognitive load and boost engagement.
• 🤖 Even technical training (email servers, we see you!) becomes impactful when there’s a story behind the why.

🔥 Whether you’re a SME, ID, or L&D leader, this is your cue to stop dumping and start telling

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

What happens when a park ranger, a psychology major, and a public servant walk into a learning studio? You get Sam VanTassel—an emerging instructional design force bringing heart, creativity, and fresh eyes to the world of learning and development.

This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, host Scott Schuette sits down with producer and learning engagement specialist Sam VanTassel to uncover his unexpected journey into L&D. From flipping metaphorical pages in eLearning to engineering dopamine-driven design, Sam shares what it means to be new to the field—and why that’s exactly where innovation begins.

🎧 Whether you're just starting out or mentoring the next generation of IDs, this episode is packed with relatable lessons, surprising insights, and just the right dose of nerdy joy.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

Know When NOT to Train – Sam emphasizes one of the most underrated ID skills: recognizing when L&D isn't the solution.

Design for Delight – Discover how sound, interactivity, and tactile recall can create unexpectedly powerful microlearning moments.

AI is Your Co-Pilot – Learn how AI doubled Sam’s productivity and transformed his research and content creation workflows.

👤 About Sam VanTassel:

Sam joined the Fabulous Learning Nerds in 2023 and brings a unique blend of communications, customer service, and psychology to his work in instructional design. His mission? To craft learning that’s not only effective, but meaningful—for individuals and organizations alike. Whether he’s engaging with subject matter experts or building tactile eLearning in Articulate, Sam is driven by one goal: helping people learn better.

📬 Connect with Sam:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-vantassel-48424132/

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

Don't Miss Out!

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, 

Catch the episode now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

Relevant Hashtags: 

#FabulousLearningNerds #InstructionalDesign #LearningAndDevelopment #NewToLND #LNDInnovation #FabulousLearningNerds #Microlearning #AIDrivenLearning #EngagingDesign #LearningCommunity #FreshPerspectives

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

In this power-packed episode of the Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re thrilled to sit down with the dynamic Debbie Radish-Respess, founder of Invisible Horizons Coaching and Consulting, to break down what it really means to lead with excellence in today’s evolving workplace. From shedding the corporate armor to discovering your “zone of genius,” this conversation isn’t about fixing broken leaders — it’s about unleashing the authentic, high-impact versions of ourselves that already exist.

Debbie brings decades of experience, a whole lot of cheesehead pride, and a fresh philosophy on leadership that cuts through the buzzwords and gets to the heart of what makes people — and organizations — thrive.

🧠 Three Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Debbie’s model redefines excellence by aligning authenticity, behavior, and strategy to create measurable business impact.
2. The “Zone of Genius” vs. “Zone of Impact”: Discover the difference — and how leading from both can elevate your influence and team performance.
3. Ditch accountability, embrace ownership. Replace punishment-based culture with one focused on internal drive, impact partners, and self-leadership.

About Our Guest:

Debbie Radish-Respessis the founder and CEO of Invisible Horizons Coaching & Consulting, where she helps organizations unlock their full potential through human-centered leadership development, executive coaching, and strategic facilitation. With a strong background in HR, operations, and supply chain management, Debbie empowers leaders to lead from their authentic selves — building stronger teams, cultures, and business results along the way.

Join the Conversation:

Tune in, reflect, and take action — because leadership excellence starts with you.
 
 

Connect with Debbie:
 

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/debbieradishrespess
• Website: www.invisiblehorizonscoaching.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Book - (coming soon!): From Genius to Impact

Connect with the NERDS:
 

• Email: [email protected]  
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
 

#LeadershipExcellence #AuthenticLeadership #ZoneOfGenius #ImpactPartners #FabulousLearningNerds #LearningAndDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #HumanCenteredWork #LeadWithPurpose #InvisibleHorizons

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

What’s the most powerful learning moment you’ve ever had… that didn’t come from a classroom?

This week on Fabulous Learning Nerds, we dive into the surprising moments where real learning happens—when you’re not expecting it. From minute-and-a-half tutorials to epic Dungeons & Dragons sessions, Scott, Dan, Zeta, and Sam explore how unconventional experiences can spark powerful insights—and how we can harness that magic in the way we design learning today.

🔥 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• 🎮 The best learning doesn’t always look like learning. Great instructional design often mirrors what games and pop culture do so well—immersive, intuitive, and fun.

• 🍱 Too much content kills curiosity. Bite-sized, well-chunked learning beats information overload every time.

• 🧠 People learn better when they help build the experience. Co-creation increases engagement, ownership, and stickiness—whether it’s a training session or a dungeon map.

🎧 Tap in to discover how everyday moments can transform your learning strategy—and how a little unexpected inspiration can go a long way.

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

Don't Miss Out!

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, 

Catch the episode now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we uncover the real HR horror stories—and how outsourcing your HR might just be the game-changer your business didn’t know it needed. Featuring the incredibly insightful Ali Yoder, founder of 2A Talent Resource, we explore how smart, scalable HR solutions can save you time, money, and major headaches. Throughout the conversation, Ali emphasizes the importance of proactive HR practices and the value of partnering with experienced professionals to navigate the complexities of workforce management.​

Key Takeaways:

1. Proactive HR Audits are Essential: Regular HR audits help identify areas of risk and ensure compliance with labor laws, preventing potential legal issues before they arise.​
2. Outsourcing HR Provides Expertise Without Full-Time Costs: Small to mid-sized companies can access top-tier HR services without the expense of maintaining a full-time, in-house HR department.​
3. HR Needs Support Too: Even HR professionals benefit from mentorship and external guidance to effectively manage challenges and drive positive change within their organizations.

About Our Guest:

Ali Yoder is the founder of 2A Talent Resource, a professional HR outsourcing and consulting firm. With nearly 20 years of experience in human resources, Ali has worked across various industries, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Her expertise encompasses HR compliance, risk management, training and development, and strategic workforce planning. Ali is dedicated to helping businesses, especially small to mid-sized companies, navigate the complexities of HR by providing tailored solutions that drive growth and operational excellence.

Join the Conversation:

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into the transformative power of outsourced HR and how it can be a game-changer for your business.
 

Connect with Ali:
 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2a-talent-resource/
• Website: www.2atalentresource.com
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with the NERDS:
 

• Email: [email protected]  
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

#OutsourcedHR #HRConsulting #SmallBusinessGrowth #HRCompliance #WorkforceManagement #HRStrategy #BusinessOperations #LeadershipDevelopment #HRSupport #FabulousLearningNerds

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

Ever wondered what it really takes to ditch the 9-to-5 and build a thriving freelance career in instructional design?  Is it freedom, flexibility, or just a whole lot of hustle? In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we sit down with Parker Grant, Ph.D., and Andrea Dottling, M.Ed., co-founders of IDLance, to uncover the secrets behind successful freelancing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!

Key Takeaways:

1. Building a Freelance Network: Learn how to connect with other professionals to create a supportive community that fosters growth and collaboration.​
2. Navigating Client Relationships: Discover strategies for managing client expectations and delivering high-quality work that keeps them coming back.​
3. Continuous Skill Development: Understand the importance of ongoing learning to stay competitive and meet the evolving demands of the industry.​

About Our Guests:

Parker A. Grant, Ph.D.: Parker is an instructional designer, eLearning developer, cartoonist, and learning consultant with over 21 years of experience at a Fortune 50 company. He holds an M.S. in Educational Technology and a Ph.D. in Adult Learning, specializing in mental models and concept mapping. In 2008, Parker launched his own consulting business, leading to the co-founding of IDLance in 2020. 

Andrea Dottling, M.Ed.: Andrea is a writer, instructional designer, technologist, consultant, drummer, artist, and reformed stand-up comedian. She has been passionate about instructional design since 2015 and holds degrees from NYU, The New School, and an M.Ed. in Learning & Technology from Western Governors University. Andrea co-founded IDLance alongside Parker, bringing her diverse talents to the forefront of the instructional design community.

Join the Conversation:

Tune in to this insightful conversation and discover how to elevate your freelance career to new heights!
 
 

Connect with Parker and Andrea
 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idlance
• Website: https://www.idlance.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Book: Ditch Your Cubicle Not Your Life: Become a Freelance Instructional Designer in 7 Months https://a.co/d/3d6xlRY

Connect with the NERDS:
 

• Email: [email protected]  
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
 

#FabulousLearningNerds #SuccessThroughFreelancing #IDLance #InstructionalDesign #FreelanceLife #LifelongLearning #ClientManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #ElearningExperts

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

Is your learning strategy truly ready for the future, or are you just keeping up?

In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, hosts Scott Schuette, and Dan Coonrod, sit down AGAIN with Steve Corney, CEO and Head of Learning at Learn Awesome, to explore the rapidly evolving world of learning technologies. From AI-driven personalization to the latest EdTech innovations, they uncover the tools and strategies that will keep you ahead of the curve.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Digital Transformation: Discover how integrating cutting-edge technologies can enhance learner engagement and break traditional educational barriers.
2. Strategic Implementation of AI in Education: Learn about practical applications of artificial intelligence to personalize learning experiences and improve outcomes.
3. Future-Proofing Your Learning Strategy: Gain insights into developing adaptable learning strategies that evolve with technological advancements.

About Steve Corney:

Steve Corney is the CEO and Head of Learning at Learn Awesome, an organization dedicated to empowering clients to fall in love with learning and training. With a career that began as a face-to-face workshop facilitator, Steve has a reputation for delivering engaging and impactful programs. He is self-taught in building LMS platforms and creating eLearning solutions, focusing on solving client problems and commercializing knowledge. Steve is unapologetically authentic, aiming to partner with clients to harness the power of training and digital education.

Join the Conversation:

Curious about how technology can revolutionize learning and make training more effective? Tune in—you won’t want to miss this!

Connect with Steve:

•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisstevecorney/
• Website: https://learnawesome.com.au/

Connect with the NERDS:
 

• Email: [email protected]  
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
 

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

Ever feel like your L&D team is stuck in the cycle of saying “yes” to every request, churning out training that doesn’t truly move the needle? It’s time to break free! In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re joined by Jess Almlie, a seasoned learning and performance strategist, who shares how L&D professionals can shift from order takers to strategic business partners.

Jess unpacks how learning teams can drive real business impact, push back against ineffective training requests, and build credibility by aligning with organizational goals. Whether you're a learning leader, instructional designer, or HR pro, this conversation will challenge the way you think about L&D’s role in your company.

 💡 Key Takeaways:

1. Stop Taking Orders – Start Driving Strategy: L&D teams must position themselves as performance consultants, not passive training providers.
2. Shift from Activity to Impact: It’s not about the number of courses created—it’s about measurable business results.
3. Know the Business Inside and Out: Learning leaders must understand organizational goals, KPIs, and pain points to be effective.

Spotlight on Jess Almlie

With over two decades of experience in learning and talent development, Jess Almlie is on a mission to transform L&D teams from order takers into strategic business partners. As the Founder of Almlie Consulting, she helps organizations rethink their approach to learning, moving beyond traditional training to measurable performance impact.

Previously, Jess served as VP of Learning Experience at WEX Benefits, where she spearheaded initiatives to align L&D strategy with business outcomes, centralize learning functions, and transition teams to blended and virtual learning models. Her expertise lies in coaching L&D leaders, designing strategic learning blueprints, and facilitating workshops that challenge the status quo.

Through her work, Jess empowers learning professionals to stop doing “nice” things and start doing what works—with clear business alignment and ROI.

💡 Ready to shift from training provider to business partner? Connect with Jess on LinkedIn and start the conversation!

Connect with Jess:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie/
• Website: https://www.jessalmlie.com/
• Podcast: L&D Must Change https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast
• Newsletter: https://almlie-consulting.kit.com/87e0251322
• Book: coming out September 2, to be published by ATD Press called, “L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner.” To find out more and/or follow along with progress visit my website and sign up for my newsletter: https://www.jessalmlie.com
  
  

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

🔖 10 Hashtags to Engage:
#LearningAndDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth #LDStrategy #HRInnovation #TrainingThatWorks #BusinessImpact #PerformanceConsulting #LDCareer #WorkplaceLearning #FabulousLearningNerds