

The Learning Hack podcast
John Helmer
What are the significant innovations shaping the future of learning? How is digital technology and scientific discovery changing the way we learn, train, teach and educate? Join John Helmer in conversation with the people who are visioning and actively creating that future. Published fortnightly (don't forget to subscribe!).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
LH #110 Will AI Wipe Out L&D? with Robert Guidi
In this episode, John Helmer engages with UK-based artificial intelligence expert Robert Guidi to explore the potential impact of AI on Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in data science and technology policy, Robert has worked across industries to help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, translating complex AI concepts into practical strategies. They discuss whether AI poses an existential threat to the L&D profession or offers new opportunities for growth and innovation. The conversation delves into practical applications of AI in L&D, the challenges of implementation, and the future landscape of learning technologies. They also discuss the book Robert is writing: 'ChatL&D: A Practical Guide to AI-Powered Performance Support'. Support the crowd funder for the book here (This link will be live from 4 March 2025) Timestamps: • 00:01:09 - Intro • 00:03:36 - Does the world need another book about AI? • 00:12:30 - Is AI an existential threat to L&D? • 00:17:31 - An opportunity for 70/20/10 approaches? • 00:25:27 - Generic versus specialized software tools • 00:28:43 - The problem of 'model drift' • 00:31:35 - Implementation challenges • 00:43:23 - Change Management • 00:45:31 - Agentic AI • 00:55:29 - Small language models • 01:05:41 - When will the book come out? • 01:09:11 - End Contact Robert Guidi: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertguidi Connect with Us: • Website: www.learninghackpodcast.com • Twitter: @johnhelmer • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast

Feb 10, 2025 • 51min
LH #109 The Skills Dat Pay da Bills with Teresa Rose
Mastering Skills Tech: Implementation, Validation & Organizational Change. In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of skills technology with Teresa Rose, an award-winning learning and performance consultant and founder of ConsultHer Ltd. With over 16 years of experience in organizational and people development, Teresa shares her insights on implementing skills technology, the importance of skills validation, and how organizations can adapt to make skills initiatives successful. We also explore topics such as process mapping, change management, and designing effective reskilling journeys. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage skills to drive organizational success. Timestamps: • 00:00 – Start • 01:09 - Intro • 03:35 - Implementing skills technology • 07:45 - Skills validation • 10:31 - Data sources for skills tech • 21:22 - How does an organization need to adapt to make skills technology work? • 24:24 - Process mapping • 29:08 - Change management • 37:44 - Skills portfolio management • 40:23 - Designing reskilling journeys • 46:45 - Further reading • 49:06 - End Guest Contact Information: Teresa Rose • Website: www.consulther.co.uk • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresar Resources Mentioned: • Guy W. Wallace's work on process mapping and performance improvement • Peter Sheppard's insights on skill sensing networks at Ericsson • Uncommon Sense by Julia Galef – a recommended read on decision-making and critical thinking • The Oxford Review – for research on competencies and skills in organizational performance Connect with Us: • Website: www.learninghackpodcast.com • Twitter: @johnhelmer • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-hack-podcast

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 15min
LH #108 Everything You Know About Learning Theory Is Wrong with Nick Shackleton-Jones
Challenging assumptions about learning, performance, and the rise of AI. Nick Shackleton-Jones returns to The Learning Hack to challenge assumptions about learning theory, discuss his Affective Context Model, and reflect on the future of workplace learning. From TikTok as a learning platform to the risks of deceptive AI, this thought-provoking conversation will inspire and provoke in equal measure. Prepare for fresh insights and bold perspectives from one of learning's great minds. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:09 - Intro 00:03:40 - TikTok: the ultimate learning platform? 00:09:28 - What has Nick been doing in the last 5 years? 00:22:43 - Is learning ROI based on magical thinking 00:27:37 - How has his thinking changed since he first wrote 'How People Learn'? 00:36:26 - Have digital media become too poisonous for learning? 00:42:37 - Has the move to performance support really happened in L&D? 00:47:05 - AI: Is Nick a P-Doomer? 01:09:41 - Who does he follow in learning? 01:13:03 - End Contact John Helmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 22min
LH #107 OEB Show Special with Gerd Leonhard, Laura Overton, Maribel Reyes Millán & Donald H. Taylor
Voices from Berlin: Learning in the Age of AI. In this episode, John Helmer reports from the Online Educa Berlin (OEB) Conference, engaging with four influential voices in learning and development: futurist Gerd Leonhard, workplace learning expert Laura Overton, digital education innovator Maribel Reyes-Millán, and L&D thought leader Donald H. Taylor. Together, they discuss the transformative power of AI, strategies for navigating disruption, and the evolving demands of learning in an uncertain world. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:06 - Intro 00:03:08 - Gerd Leonhard 00:22:32 - Laura Overton 00:46:23 - Maribel Reyes Millán 01:00:52 - Donald H. Taylor 01:21:06 - End Contact John Helmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer X: @johnhelmer Bluesky: @johnhelmer.bsky.social Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 7min
GMoLS6E37 Question Time with Donald Clark
Revisiting Learning Theories: Insights and Challenges for the Future In this special live episode of Great Minds on Learning, recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2024, Donald Clark and John Helmer tackle listener questions about learning theory's relevance, biases, and practical applications. They reflect on three years of the podcast, exploring 2,500 years of educational thought, and discuss the future of learning, including the transformative impact of AI. Engaging and insightful, this episode is a must-listen for learning professionals and enthusiasts alike. 00:00 - Start 00:59 - Introducing GMoL Question Time 08:17 - Why this podcast? 30:52 - What are the 'lessons learned'? 47:48 - What next? AI and the future of institutional learning The Blog that started it all: https://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2021/09/these-were-written-as-quick-readable.html Contact Donald X: @DonaldClark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-clark-04553022/ Blog: http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/ Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer Email: john@learninghackpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/ Website: https://learninghackpodcast.com/

Dec 2, 2024 • 41min
LH #106 Include Me In with Chris Jay
Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Cultural Change in Workplaces In this episode, Chris Jay, founder of Bascule Disability Training, shares insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tackling stereotypes about disability. Drawing from personal experiences as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Chris discusses the economic benefits of inclusion, the challenges of hidden disabilities, and the importance of cultural change. He also explores disability representation in media through his film initiative, Bascule Entertainment, advocating for authentic, empowering narratives. 00:00 - Start 00:51 - Intro 08:31 - Has disabilty awareness improved? 12:42 - The economic case for workplace inclusivity 15:42 - Hidden disabilities 20:04 - Does DEI training work? 24:03 - What really works in inclusiveness training? 28:51 - Do mental health disabiities get more 'airtime' nowadays than physical? 31:14 - Chris's work in showbiz 36:55 - Where does he go for inspiration and information? 40:02 – End Follow Chris Jay: · LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-jay-bascule · Websites: bascule.com (Bascule Disability Training) bascule.com/training/business-training (Training for Businesses) bascule.com/online-training (Bascule's online training) Email: chris@bascule.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack

Nov 21, 2024 • 58sec
Great Minds on Learning – Question Time
Send in your questions for the Great Minds on Learning Q&A! Donald Clark and John Helmer will answer them at Online Educa Conference in Berlin, which will be recorded for a podcast episode to be issued before Christmas 2024. Email them in to john@learninghackpodcast.com or reach out on social media.

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 14min
LH #105: Learning Futures 2 with Anne-Valérie Corboz, Jane Underwood & Sarah Otley
Strategic Insights on Leadership, AI, and Skills for Tomorrow John Helmer explores the future of learning with Anne-Valérie Corboz (HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (Akkodis Academy). They discuss leadership evolution, generative AI's impact, and strategies for building future-ready skills. From innovation challenges to aligning L&D with business goals, this episode offers actionable insights for learning professionals navigating rapid technological change and preparing for tomorrow's workplace. A must-listen for those shaping the future of education and work. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:11 - Intro 00:01:50 - Anne_Valerie Corboz 00:22:45 - Ad - iVentiv 00:23:26 - Jane Underwood 00:43:32 - Sarah Otley 01:13:49 – End Guest contacts: Anne-Valérie Corboz: Associate Dean for Executive Education at HEC Paris. Email: annevaleriecorboz@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/corboz X: @AnneVCorboz Jane Underwood: Global Head of Learning at Reckitt. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janeunderwoodorganisationaldevelopment X: @JaneUnderwood Sarah Otley: Global Head of Akkodis Academy. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-otley-0a065620 X: @SarahOtley Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 14min
LH #104 AI Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit
The Future of Learning with AI: Moving Past Simple Applications to Transformational Impact (Learning Leaders pilot) This episode premieres the newest podcast from the Learning Hack stable, Learning Leaders, produced by NIIT in association with The Learning Hack. In this pilot episode, John explores the future of AI learning with Gregg Collins and Sailesh Lalla. Moving beyond content creation, they discuss how AI can drive performance by delivering personalized, real-time learning experiences. Discover the next wave of AI-powered simulations, intelligent tutoring, and immersive learning that goes beyond traditional courses, aiming to transform how organizations approach skill-building and unlock true business impact. 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:18 - Intro 00:02:03 - Will AI only intensify L&D's addiction to courses 00:07:12 - Will AI be a solution looking for a problem in learning (like VR?) 00:19:44 - Does interacting with AI teach management skills? 00:38:10 - Learning and The Business 00:44:04 - What is the next step in AI for learning? 00:51:35 - What is the top level or goal of NIIT's maturity model for AI? 01:04:36 - How do we preserve humanity in AI-driven learning? Sponsored by NIIT Website: https://www.niit.com/en/learning-outsourcing/ Follow Greg: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregg-collins-54a3971 Email: gregg.collins@niit.com Follow Sailesh: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sailesh-lalla-3224b2 Email: saileshl@niit.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack

Oct 21, 2024 • 44min
LH #103 Hillbilly Podcasters with Brigid McCormack
Exploring Appalachia's Culture and Countering Stereotypes Through Podcasting In this episode, John Helmer is joined by Brigid McCormack, podcast producer and researcher, to discuss her study on podcasting in the Appalachian region of the United States. Brigid shares how local podcasters in this culturally rich yet often stereotyped region are using the medium to tell authentic stories and challenge long-standing negative narratives. She also touches on the power of oral storytelling and podcasting as a learning medium and reflects on her role at Assemble You. For her research, McCormack focused on four podcasts created by five podcasters from the Appalachian region: Appodlachia by Chuck Corra: A podcast that takes a critical look at politics and economics in Appalachia, often addressing current issues and challenging stereotypes. What's Appalachian? by Gabe and Cody: A more casual, conversational podcast where the hosts discuss their daily lives, providing an authentic glimpse into contemporary Appalachian experiences. Now Appalachia by Eliot Parker: This podcast focuses on storytelling and also touches on political and social issues in the region. Appalachian Imagination by Jason: A conversational podcast featuring local friends and community members, offering diverse perspectives on Appalachian life. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:44 - Brigid's research work on digital futures 06:03 - About Appalachia 07:49 - Appalachian stereotypes 16:47 - What did she learn about Appalachia? 19:19 - What podcast formats did they use? 23:23 - What conclusions did she draw from her work? 29:22 - What did she learn about learning? 39:51 - Her role at Assemble You 43:31 - End Follow Brigid McCormack: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brigid-mccormack Website: podsandprose.com Contact John Helmer X: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer Website: learninghackpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/LearningHack


