Overview: In this episode of the L&P podcast, I speak with Mark Sheppard, a learning architect, designer, and self-proclaimed L&D “geek" about ways that that L&D professionals and teams can innovate their products, processes, and practices. Mark is the owner and founder of 2Sphynx Innovations, an L&D consultancy serving the public and private sectors in Canada and the US. With an impressive academic background and 30 years+ in the L&D field, Mark and I discuss a wealth of principles and practices you can use to change the way you consult, design, create, and lead. Key Topics: In the conversation, we hit on a number of interesting topics relevant to learning and performance, including: Striking the right balance between efficiency and innovation in L&D performance The yin-yang relationship between learning and performance The role of emotions—both positive and negative—in impactful learning Learning in the flow of work Dos and don’ts of online instruction The value of full-stack L&D consulting Mark’s advice on being a freelancer/contractor The value of open-ended questions and challenging assumptions when working with stakeholders The many uses of LLMs for L&D Why context often trumps content when it comes to learning The crucial difference between gamification of learning and game-based learning The shortcomings of traditional L&D frameworks and some better alternatives Barriers to innovation in L&D and how to overcome them And much more! Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marksheppard Blue Sky: https://publictest.bsky.cz/profile/did:plc:jk4hydiju4stbfzvtamktpjq 2Sphynx: https://2sphynx.com/ Mentions and Resources: Performance as a function of efficiency AND innovation Role of emotion in learning Education vs. learning Learning and performance as yin and yang Bob Mosher - Learning in the workflow The roots of instructional design in the military Online instruction: dos and dont's - (1) The importance of having a co-facilitator for live online learning, (2) the importance of videos and office hours for asynchronous online courses Being a "full-stack" L&D professional Tips on being a freelance L&Der- (1) Being a trusted advisor, (2) having empathy for SMEs and learners, (3) thinking like an entrepreneur/owner, (4) focusing on solving problems>providing training solutions, (5) watching out for bad contracts, (6) engaging in regular marketing and sales and articulating your value prop The role of powerful questions (e.g., "how might we") in building trust, challenging assumptions, and creating better solutions Importance of pre-boarding to successful onboarding The value of LLMs for L&D - (1) knowledge management, (2) time saving, (3) content design and development, (4) sounding board, (5) thought partner, (6) devil's advocate, (7) needs analysis and evaluation, (8) data analysis and insights LLM watch outs - too much focus on content production>process The role of play and fun in learning Performance analysis and improvement - Guy Wallace, Geary Rummler, Joe Harless, W. Edwards Deming Microlearning Performance support Importance of context and activities>content and events Iterative L&D - agile, rapid prototyping, SAM The Kirkpatrick Framework and its shortcomings The CIPP Evaluation Framework (Context-Input-Process-Problem) Will Thalheimer's Learning Transfer Evaluation Model The ADDIE Framework - a macro doctrine, NOT a process or project plan 3 targets of innovation for L&D - (1) Product, (2) Process, and (3) Practice Barriers to innovation in L&D - (1) fear, (2) inertia Game-based learning/design vs. gamifying learning Promises and pitfalls of gamificiation The psychology of game-based learning - social learning, novelty, choice, experimentation/safety Conditions vs. constraints in design of games Dunning-Kruger Effect - mismatch between competence and confidence Yerkes Dodson Curve - Moderate anxiety as a beneficial for learning Importance of breaks and working with your brain in mind

In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Noah Rasheta, a Buddhist philosopher, author, and podcaster dedicated to making Buddhist philosophy accessible and practical for everyday life. Noah's podcast, The Secular Buddhism Podcast, shares Buddhist principles and practices that modern people can use to learn, perform, and live more wisely. His book, "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners," breaks down key Buddhist concepts for a Western audience and is an invaluable resource for those seeking to incorporate mindfulness and philosophical insights into their daily routines. In the conversation, Noah and I discuss some basic ideas from Buddhism and ways people from a secular background can leverage Buddhism. Noah enjoys photography, paragliding, volunteering as a school bus driver, and spending time with his wife and kids in Utah. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Noah and I hit on several topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is secular Buddhism The Four Noble Truths The difference between pain and suffering Seeing life as a game The power of awareness and attention for learning and performance Common myths and misconceptions about Buddhism and mindfulness Enlightenment as a journey vs. a destination Unlearning as a tool for learning Acknowledging multiple perspectives The Middle Way of optimal performance The power of pausing and returning to the breath Doing things for the sake of it Questioning the judgments and evaluations we make ABOUT THE GUEST: Noah Rasheta is a Buddhist philosopher, best-selling author, and podcast host. He has presented his teachings at some of the world's most renowned organizations, such as Apple®, PwC, YPO, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and many others. His teachings have been downloaded millions of times by individuals all around the world. CONNECT WITH NOAH: Secular Buddhism website Instagram Facebook Twitter/X MENTIONS and RESOURCES: Performance vs. effort - See this and this Secular Buddhism - See this and this and this First Noble Truth - Truth of Suffering - See this and this Second Noble Truth - Truth of the Cause of Suffering - See this and this Third Noble Truth - The End of Suffering - See this and this Fourth Noble Truth - Eightfold Path to End Suffering - See this and this AND this Pain vs. Suffering - See this and this Groundlessness Life as Chess vs. Tetris - The Myth of Having a Totally Happy Life Life Bingo Myth: Meditation as a Way to Feel Good (Catch the Butterfly) vs. a Way of Better Seeing/Feeling (Flashlight to Raise Awareness) Happiness as a Butterfly Myth: Enlightenment as an End Goal vs. a Journey Importance of awareness in learning and teaching Unlearning as a tool for learning Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant - different ways of understanding things Learning styles vs. preferences Secular Buddhism podcast No Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners The Power of the Pause Flow experience The Middle Way of Performance Doing things for the sake of it Not tying identity to outcomes Parable of the Farmer and the Horse - "Who knows what is good/bad?" Life is short, so make the most of it

In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher, professor, author, and expert on Stoicism and practical philosophy. Massimo and I discuss why humans should study philosophy and how modern people can apply the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to improve our ability to learn, perform, and live well. The episode provides a toolbox of Stoic principles and practices for us all to navigate an increasingly complex, chaotic, and uncertain world. KEY TOPICS: In our conversation, Massimo and I hit on a number of topics relevant to learning and performance, including: What is philosophy and why it matters to the average person The two main branches of philosophy - theoretical and practical Stoicism as a philosophy of life The three main components of philosophies as ways of life The Origins of Stoicism The three aspects of human nature The four cardinal virtues Key Stoic figures like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca and what they can teach modern people Common myths and misconceptions about Stoicism and other ancient philosophies The difference between intentions and outcomes Analytical and practical techniques devised by the Stoics to help us be wiser and flourish A whole lot more! ABOUT THE GUEST: Massimo is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. Massimo holds PhDs in evolutionary biology and philosophy. He conducts research and teaches classes on topics including philosophy, philosophy of science, and Stoicism. Massimo’s authored several articles and books that make ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism, more accessible and applicable to everyday life. He’s part of Modern Stoicism, a movement to help revive Stoicism that has equipped many with tools to handle life’s challenges more effectively. You can learn more about him from Wikipedia. CONNECT WITH MASSIMO: Website University Page Substack YouTube Stoa Nova Modern Stoicism MENTIONS, REFERENCES, AND RESOURCES: Internal vs. external standards Biological, machine, and human learning Definition of Philosophy Two branches of philosophy - theoretical vs. practical Eudaimonia - flourishing in life Plato Stoicism The three components of philosophies as a way of life - Meta-physics, ethics, practices Living in accordance with nature Zeno of Citium - founder of Stoicism Three aspects of human nature - biology, rationality, sociality The four cardinal virtues - practical wisdom, courage, justice, temperance Marcus Aurelius Stoic training/practice How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius The Discourses of Epictetus Epictetus's Enchiridion Seneca's Letters Stoic definition of "passion" Stoic vs. stoic Epicurean vs. epicurean A Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez Contemplative exercise: Philosophical journaling The myth of learning from experience alone Musonius Rufus Physical exercise: Fasting, abstaining, intentional mild discomfort Dichotomy of control exercise A Guide to the Good Life by Bill Irvine Intentions vs. outcomes Galen Setting internal vs. external goals Aristotle and aristotelianism Epicureanism The Philosophy of CBT by Don Robertson The Role Ethics of Epictetus by Brian Johnson Hic et nunc - "Here and now" tattoo

Mike Christensen, Director of Professional Development at the Feeling Good Institute, shares his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He explores how our thoughts shape our feelings and actions, highlighting the difference between CBT and mere positive thinking. Mike discusses the powerful TEAM approach to therapy, emphasizing empathy and measuring outcomes. He also shares techniques for overcoming resistance to change, the benefits of deliberate practice for personal growth, and how to frame challenges as opportunities for success.

Connie Malamed, known as the eLearning coach, has devoted over twenty years to crafting engaging online learning. In their conversation, she debunks myths about eLearning and champions scenario-based training for better retention. Connie shares essential visual design principles that enhance digestibility, addresses the common struggles designers face, and emphasizes the importance of empathy and evaluation in learning. The discussion also touches on innovative techniques for effective learning and the growing role of AI in instructional design.

Heidi Kirby is an L&D strategy consultant with a PhD in instructional design and over a decade of experience. She discusses the necessity of strategic thinking within L&D teams and how to effectively manage stakeholder expectations. The conversation highlights building diverse teams and beginning projects with evaluation in mind. Heidi shares insights from her experiences, including designing for NASA, and emphasizes the importance of aligning L&D initiatives with organizational goals for enhanced learning and performance.

Chris Deavin, a seasoned health coach and personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, shares his insights on habit formation and behavior change. He dives into the myth of quick fixes, emphasizing the importance of hard work and consistency. Chris discusses how understanding core values can enhance motivation and the crucial role of mindset in making lasting changes. He also highlights designing environments to facilitate positive habits and addresses the power of accountability and learning from failure on the journey to better health.

Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership & Management at Harvard Business School, explores groundbreaking topics around psychological safety in teams. She dispels myths about safety, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering innovation and accountability. Discover how to embrace failures as learning opportunities, the four elements of 'intelligent' failures, and the importance of supportive environments for open communication. Edmondson shares insights on leadership's role in creating psychological safety, driving engagement, and adapting in complex organizational landscapes.

Todd Gerspach, a former C-level executive and founder of Fortitude Executive Coaching, delves into how leaders can elevate their performance while balancing personal well-being. He shares insights on defining success and the differences between leadership and management. The conversation covers embracing change, the importance of mentorship, and the development of personal mission statements. Todd highlights the impact of mental models on effective leadership and the significance of continuous learning in navigating professional challenges.

Dr. Jenny Woo is a Harvard-trained educator and cognitive scientist specializing in social-emotional learning. In this conversation, she talks about the crucial role of emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world, emphasizing that these skills can be developed. Jenny shares insights on the importance of relationships for human development and discusses innovative games designed to enhance life skills. The episode also highlights the relevance of emotional agility and psychological safety at home and in the workplace.