Informed: the podcast for LinkedIn® users
John Espirian
"Informed" is for you if you'd like to understand more about how LinkedIn works so that you can be an effective user of the platform.
It's hard to know whom to believe with so many self-appointed gurus out there telling you the latest hacks for going viral and earning 7-figure deals. And even LinkedIn's own publications often don't speak to the reality of using the platform.
But for those who see past superficial promises and sanitised reports, this podcast provides evidence and thoughtful opinion. With a track record of more than 10 years of sensible, no-nonsense advice about honest best practice for LinkedIn, Informed is a trusted source of insight by many thousands of regular listeners.
The show was created by Mark Williams, who's affectionately known as "Mr LinkedIn". Mark retired in late 2025 and handed over the reins of the show to John Espirian, the relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd. John is a LinkedIn trainer and consultant, the founder of the Espresso+ community, the creator of the UpLift Live conference (the UK's original event dedicated to LinkedIn best practice), and the author of the personal branding handbook Content DNA.
John's reputation is for getting to the point and for not being a salesy douche canoe, so you can expect short, sharp episodes with zero ads or sponsored slots. This also is NOT an interview show, so if you've read this far then please don't pitch yourself for a guest appearance. However, you're welcome to get in touch if you have a LinkedIn question you'd like John to cover on the show. (To do that, search for the "Informed podcast" company page on LinkedIn and send a message.)
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the LinkedIn® corporation. John Espirian is an independent trainer and does not work for LinkedIn® – while it would be great to have LinkedIn's endorsement, the show's independence from the corporation means you, the listener, are never fed an airbrushed political spiel.
It's hard to know whom to believe with so many self-appointed gurus out there telling you the latest hacks for going viral and earning 7-figure deals. And even LinkedIn's own publications often don't speak to the reality of using the platform.
But for those who see past superficial promises and sanitised reports, this podcast provides evidence and thoughtful opinion. With a track record of more than 10 years of sensible, no-nonsense advice about honest best practice for LinkedIn, Informed is a trusted source of insight by many thousands of regular listeners.
The show was created by Mark Williams, who's affectionately known as "Mr LinkedIn". Mark retired in late 2025 and handed over the reins of the show to John Espirian, the relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd. John is a LinkedIn trainer and consultant, the founder of the Espresso+ community, the creator of the UpLift Live conference (the UK's original event dedicated to LinkedIn best practice), and the author of the personal branding handbook Content DNA.
John's reputation is for getting to the point and for not being a salesy douche canoe, so you can expect short, sharp episodes with zero ads or sponsored slots. This also is NOT an interview show, so if you've read this far then please don't pitch yourself for a guest appearance. However, you're welcome to get in touch if you have a LinkedIn question you'd like John to cover on the show. (To do that, search for the "Informed podcast" company page on LinkedIn and send a message.)
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the LinkedIn® corporation. John Espirian is an independent trainer and does not work for LinkedIn® – while it would be great to have LinkedIn's endorsement, the show's independence from the corporation means you, the listener, are never fed an airbrushed political spiel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 3, 2021 • 1h 6min
Where’s the line?…
LinkedIn content has changed almost beyond recognition from where it was 10 years ago, even perhaps 5 years ago. We now see pictures and videos of pets, people talking openly about their emotions, and posts designed purely to entertain us so the question I want to ask in this episode is this; Have we gone too far and where is the line of appropriateness?Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jun 26, 2021 • 1h 8min
Getting Results with LinkedIn DMs
This week I chat with Kim Arnold, the author of the brilliant new book 'Email Attraction' about how to write better direct messages and InMails.Plus a couple of news items and a brilliant post of the week.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jun 19, 2021 • 1h 5min
326. LinkedIn & Diversity
In this episode, I share my views on why taking a more diverse approach to LinkedIn and how it can help us be more successful. I also tackle the tricky issue of profile pronouns!Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jun 5, 2021 • 53min
‘Engagement’ Job Seeking
This week I chat with Greete Eluri from Denmark about how she not only managed to get a new job but also changed careers through the visibility she gained from actively engaging on LinkedIn.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 29, 2021 • 53min
Getting Your Cover Story Right
Have you made your cover story video yet? Don’t tell me you haven’t got the feature yet…so what? You can still make your video in preparation for getting it soon. This week I’m going to give you my tips on how to put together a great cover story video with the help of some great examples.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 15, 2021 • 1h 4min
LinkedIn Post Analysis
I asked listeners if they would be prepared to have me critically appraise their LinkedIn posts...Funnily enough, I didn't get many volunteers but all credit to Patrick Twitchett for being brave enough to give it a go. In this episode, I take a look at four recent posts, two that did well and two that somewhat bombed!Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 8, 2021 • 1h 1min
Telling it like it is on LinkedIn!
This week I chat with Craig Brookes who runs a home improvement business in Sheffield, England. Craig has had a huge impact on LinkedIn by being genuine, authentic, and straight-talking.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
May 1, 2021 • 1h 7min
Working with Influencers on LinkedIn
Need to launch a book or promote an event on LinkedIn? A great way to do this successfully is to collaborate with influencers. This week I chat with Gordon Glenister about his new book "Influencer Marketing Strategy'.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Apr 17, 2021 • 1h 9min
Custom Made Tailoring Your LinkedIn Posts
Michael Frackowiak faced a very uncertain future for his tailor-made suit business when the Pandemic hit last year...then he found LinkedIn! Now his business is thriving! Tune in to hear Michaels amazing story.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Apr 10, 2021 • 1h 4min
How to get banned on LinkedIn!
This week I chat with Kelsi Cory, A Recruiter who recently found herself banned by LinkedIn.Kelsi was just doing her job - no automation or spam! A warning to us all!Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
