In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Heather Xu dig into the human side of AI transformation and the growing pace gap between technology, people, and organizations. Heather is the founder of Design for Flow and a former director at KPMG. They explore why learning teams must shift from being course creators to business-aligned capability builders, how to design workflows that preserve human thinking rather than surrendering it to AI, and why human connection is increasing in value, not decreasing. Heather introduces two practical frameworks: one for mapping AI relationships across a workflow (coach, thought partner, accelerator, automator) and another for personal AI value (amplify, unblock, stretch, free). The conversation closes with a discussion on human agency as the foundational skill for navigating an uncertain future.

Brain Fry Is Real and Organizations Are Causing It: Heather Xu on Cognitive Burden, Pace Gaps, and the Human Cost of Too Much AI Too Fast

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Adarsh Lathika explore what happens to human capability when AI starts doing more of the thinking. Adarsh, a strategy and learning systems practitioner, introduces concepts like the shadow curriculum, cognitive debt, and the Anatomy of Work framework to explain how learners and employees are increasingly bypassing formal learning systems and building their own AI-powered solutions. They discuss why institutions and employers are losing relevance as learning providers, how prioritizing speed and output over depth is eroding foundational skills, and why human biology, judgment, and context are becoming the true competitive advantages in an AI-first world. Adarsh also unpacks three major shifts reshaping the field: from institutions to individuals, from courses to systems, and from knowledge to judgment.

The Shadow Curriculum Is Already Here- Adarsh Lathika on What Happens When Learners Stop Waiting for Institutions and Start Building Their Own Systems

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Simon Greenwold discuss the power of storytelling as a strategic tool for organizations, particularly in higher education. Simon, co-founder and CEO of Story as a Service and Jason's business partner, draws on over 25 years of experience at Northwestern University and EdTech company 2U to explain how organizations can clarify their core story and communicate it effectively, both internally and externally. They explore real client work at Princeton and Excelsior University, the current state of higher education under political and economic pressure, and why storytelling is a practical superpower for faculty, learning designers, and institutional leaders.

Your Story From the Inside Out- Simon Greenwold on Why Internal Communications Is the Most Underestimated Driver of Organizational Health

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Fadia Rostom explore the deeply human side of AI adoption in education. Fadia, founder of Vision Scholar and a former school principal with over 30 years in education and technology, shares how her journey as a Syrian immigrant shaped her passion for helping teachers rediscover the joy of teaching through AI. They discuss the layers of fear that hold educators back, from the intimidating name "artificial intelligence" to the broader resistance to change, and why teachers need the same permission to experiment and make mistakes that they give their students. 

Joy Is the Metric We Keep Forgetting- Fadia Rostom on Bringing Human-Centered AI Into Classrooms One Community at a Time

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Dr. Jeff Bergen discuss the evolving landscape of learning, the importance of self-regulation, and the impact of AI on education. They explore the challenges learning professionals face, including fear and misconceptions, and emphasize the need for effective measurement of learning outcomes. Dr. Bergen shares insights from his book 'Already Smarter' and highlights the significance of actionable strategies for learners. The discussion also touches on the future of learning design and the essential skills needed for lifelong learning.

Episode 19: Already Smarter Than You Think- Jeff Bergin on the Beliefs That Block Learning and the Strategies That Actually Move People Forward

In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, Jason Gorman interviews Louis NeJame, co-founder and CEO of Bevel, an AI-powered platform built for higher ed instructional design teams. They explore what happens when instructional designers spend 60 to 70 percent of their time on operational tasks like course audits, accessibility fixes, and content maintenance instead of actual learning design. Louis shares how his background in strategy consulting at Titan Partners and AI product development at McGraw-Hill led him to build Bevel, and how conducting over 200 interviews with higher ed instructional designers revealed a massive misallocation of talent. The conversation covers the tension between what AI can do and what it should do in education, how automating tedious quality checks is already unlocking demand for the relational and strategic work that matters most, and why the entry-level job market disruption from AI will reshape higher education itself. Louis also reflects on the philosophical difference between finite and infinite games and how that shapes his approach to building in ed tech.

What Happens When a 2000 Course Audit Takes 90 Minutes?- Louis NeJame on the Early Evidence That Freeing Up Time Actually Unlocks More Demand for Real Expertise

In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, Jason Gorman interviews Donald Taylor, a prominent figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) field. They discuss the evolving landscape of L&D, the impact of technology, particularly AI, and the importance of networking and collaboration. Donald shares insights from his annual Global Sentiment Survey, highlighting trends and challenges in the profession. The conversation also delves into the Transformation Triangle, which outlines three potential future roles for L&D: skills authority, enablement partner, and adaptation engine. The episode emphasizes the need for L&D professionals to adapt to changing circumstances and to build strong relationships within their organizations.

Tinder for L&D, 12 Years of Data- Donald Taylor on What Learning Professionals Think Is Hot and How Often They Are Wrong

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Dr. Luke Hobson discuss the evolving landscape of instructional design, particularly in the context of AI's impact on the field. They explore the importance of foundational skills, networking, and the challenges faced by instructional designers today. Dr. Hobson shares insights from his career journey, emphasizing the need for effective communication and project management skills. The discussion also touches on future predictions for the industry and the role of AI in enhancing learning experiences.

The Field Has Changed. Have You?- Dr. Luke Hobson on What Endures, What Doesn't, and How to Stay Relevant as an Instructional Designer

In this episode, Jason Gorman shares insights on starting and growing an L&D business, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to industry changes like AI and market shifts. Perfect for aspiring learning and development entrepreneurs and instructional designers considering a side hustle or full-time venture.

Starting Up Your Own L&D Business- Hosted By Dr. Luke Hobson

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Diane Weaver explore the evolving role of AI in our lives, particularly through the lens of Baryons, an AI companion designed to help individuals thrive. They discuss the duality of AI, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and the concept of the 'adaptation gap' that affects mental health and engagement. Diane shares her journey as a COO, the lessons learned from her career, and the vision behind Baryons. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of learning and development, emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach in the age of AI.

Designing for Human Flourishing- Diane Weaver on AI Companions, the Adaptation Gap, and Why Learning Professionals Are Built for This Moment