Talk Learning With Me

Garrett Egan, a senior learning experience designer at Square with a tech and gaming background, shares insights on impactful learning through game design. He emphasizes the pitfalls of typical gamification, stressing that points alone don’t engage learners meaningfully. Storytelling is framed as crucial, allowing learners to envision themselves as heroes. Visuals play a dual role—they can enhance or detract from learning. Garrett offers practical strategies for rethinking onboarding and compliance training to create experiences learners genuinely desire to engage with.

Can you use ChatGPT to help design courses without losing clarity or quality?In this episode, Joseph talks with Matt Thomas, technical writer, content creator, and author of Writing for Robots, to talk about how learning professionals can use AI tools like ChatGPT to amplify their writing without outsourcing their brain. From synthesizing SME content to structuring outlines, Matt shares how he uses AI in real instructional workflows and how you can too.Whether you’re drafting course materials, writing learning objectives, or collaborating with subject matter experts, this episode will give you practical ways to integrate AI while keeping the quality high and your voice intact.🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why you shouldn't let AI take the first pass at your writingHow Matt uses ChatGPT to distill SME inputs into clear, structured contentThe biggest mistakes IDs and writers make with AIHow to prompt more effectively (and think like a writer before you type)Why critical thinking is more essential because of AI—not despite it⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome and Matt’s origin story with AI01:55 – The magic fades—but the usefulness grows03:43 – Technical writing background and cross-industry lessons05:23 – Using ChatGPT for synthesis, not just writing07:21 – You can’t outsource your brain09:37 – What AI can’t replace in good writing10:43 – From prompting guide to Writing for Robots13:32 – Why AI isn’t Photoshop: models behave differently15:02 – Designing content that fits multiple learner styles17:08 – Biggest mistakes new AI users make18:30 – Instructional design meets AI: where to start20:02 – SME communication and AI as an editing partner21:39 – Don’t lose your voice or judgment23:42 – Matt’s take on different AI models25:25 – Final thoughts + where to find Matt’s work🔗 Connect with Matt✍️ Prompting Guide: writing4robots.ai💼 LinkedIn: Matt Thomas🥁 YouTube Drum Covers: @MGT81Music🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this!📢 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:✅ Subscribe to the podcast✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow!✅ Share this episode with your networkThanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon.

Joseph Diaz and product marketer Aaron Mendoza explore what product marketing is and why it matters. From his start in product management to leading go-to-market strategy at Bill, Aaron shares how product marketers serve as strategic quarterbacks inside a business, aligning cross-functional teams, crafting messaging, and ensuring that products don’t just launch—they land.You'll hear how product marketing overlaps with sales enablement and instructional design, what it means to build with the customer in mind, and why research, not assumptions, should guide your strategy. Whether you're in L&D, sales, or product, this episode offers insights into how teams can better communicate value and meet real needs.What product marketers actually do (and how it differs from product management)The role of storytelling and research in shaping product successHow to break into the field of product marketingDifferences in PMM roles at startups vs. large organizationsWhy customer insights > assumptionsStrategic alignment across teams, from sales to customer successOrganizations & Communities:Product Marketing Alliance (PMA)Books:Obviously Awesome by April DunfordMake It Punchy by Emma StrattonPodcasts:Positioning with April DunfordProduct Marketing Life by PMAConnect with Aaron on LinkedIn🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more conversations like this!📢 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:✅ Subscribe to the podcast✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow!✅ Share this episode with your networkThanks for tuning in—and we’ll talk soon!

It’s been a little while since the last episode dropped, so here’s a quick update from me.In this short solo episode, I share what’s been going on personally and professionally, why the podcast has been quiet, and what you can expect next. I’ve got three incredible guests lined up, and I can’t wait for you to hear their episodes.Here’s what’s coming soon:Aaron Mendoza on Product Marketing and how it connects product, customer, and strategyGarret Egan on Game-Based Learning and designing learning that actually engagesMatt Thomas on AI + Writing for L&D and how to use tools like ChatGPT without losing your voiceThanks for sticking with me. I’m so grateful you’re here.—Connect with me on LinkedIn: Joseph Diaz🎙️ Subscribe to Talk Learning With Me for more learning conversations!📢 If you enjoy the show, make sure to:✅ Subscribe to the podcast✅ Leave a review – your feedback helps us grow!✅ Share this episode with your networkThanks for tuning in — and we’ll talk soon!

Dr. Nicole L’Etoile, a Learning Experience Designer and accessibility consultant, discusses the transformative power of inclusive design in digital learning. She emphasizes that accessibility is a mindset rather than a checklist. Key topics include the four principles of web accessibility, the importance of plain language, and practical strategies to integrate accessibility into workflows. Nicole also highlights how making content accessible benefits all learners, urging creators to view it as a fundamental requirement.

In this engaging discussion, Laura Goldstone, a Senior Director of Communications, and Kamye Hugley, a Training Manager for an education nonprofit, explore the insights from Julie Dirksen's 'Talk to the Elephant.' They delve into the importance of emotional intelligence in learning design and the balance between the emotional and logical aspects of behavior change. Listeners gain real-world examples of implementing these principles in both corporate and nonprofit settings, highlighting how change is an ongoing process. Plus, they champion the power of book clubs for collaborative learning!

Alex Bingham, Training Lead at Concept Plus and PhD candidate in organizational learning, shares his fascinating journey from sales to L&D. He highlights how to bridge the gap between research and practice in learning strategies. Alex discusses the importance of collaboration between researchers and practitioners, offering actionable insights for engaging with academic findings. He emphasizes aligning learning initiatives with business goals and the transformative power of effective onboarding and continuous improvement in training programs.

Beth Cougler Blom, a seasoned facilitator and learning designer, shares her insights on the art of facilitation. She discusses the philosophy behind creating meaningful learning experiences, emphasizing authenticity and inclusivity. Joseph Diaz and Beth explore overcoming self-doubt, the role of language, and the importance of community in facilitation. They advocate for reflective practices and intentional design, catering to both formal and informal settings. Beth encourages embracing unique styles to empower others in their learning journeys.

In this insightful discussion, Tanner Kohler, a UX specialist at the Nielsen Norman Group, shares his expertise on research methodologies and usability in design. He emphasizes the critical role of understanding user behavior and the psychological factors that influence interactions. Tanner highlights the common challenges faced by UX researchers, such as securing resources, and the need for a user-centered approach. Listeners will appreciate his anecdotes about the impact of effective design on everyday experiences.

Join Joseph Diaz as he dives into the exciting world of instructional design and lifelong learning. Discover fascinating topics like learning science, behavior change, and essential skills for professional growth. The podcast emphasizes community engagement, inviting listeners to share their ideas and topics of interest. With a commitment to regular releases, prepare to expand your knowledge and enhance your learning journey.