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
Mar 29, 2014 • 31min
9. In The News
NewsFalse alarm over a change to LinkedIn Contacts - phew!'In The News' feature. Inspired by this articleMy WeekThis was a very busy week involving running webinars and workshops together with being asked to speak at a networking event attended mainly by small business owners.The 3 Day Start programme at 3daystart.in - register your interest prior to launchQuestionsHow do I advertise a job opening without a paid account?How do I reflect a promotion in my profile, even though the tasks are primarily the same?Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Mar 22, 2014 • 46min
8. Company Pages
About LinkedIn company pages, plus other topics.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Mar 15, 2014 • 33min
7. Status Updating
According to the worlds leading expert on podcasting, 90% of podcasts don't make it past 7 episodes.....so I'm treading very carefully between now and the next episode!Covered this week (links in black);NewsSeeing your own updates just got harderLinkedIn reaches 15 million members in the UKQuotes I gave to the Washington post and the MetroMain TopicStatus updating can be effective.LinksJab, jab, jab right hook by Gary VaynerchuckMr Reader iPad appPocketBufferQuestionsCan I hide (open) groups posts from my 1st tier connections? Activity broadcast setting.IDJC concept from Lars RaaeMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Mar 7, 2014 • 32min
6. The Blazek Scandal!
As from this episode the show will now be broadcast weekly.Topics covered and relevant links as follows;News3rd tier connections can no longer be saved to LinkedIn contacts.The Blazek Scandal. Link to the CNN article as well as an article I wrote for The Drum.com about this story.FeatureStatus Updating Effectively. Links to Feedly, Pulse and BufferQuestionsHow do I connect with someone I don't know?How do you connect with a 3rd tier connection?LinkedInformed e-book (free download) Please send me your comments and questions to mark@linkedinformed.comMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Mar 2, 2014 • 52min
5. Network Building with Sam Rathling
This week I chatted with Sam about network building strategiesNewsMember Blocking - Help center linkThe new 'Who's viewed your profile' - watch my short video hereLinkedInformed book - Download for FREE hereNetwork BuildingLinks:Sam's profileSam on TwitterSam's new book GIVESamrathling.comMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Feb 1, 2014 • 44min
4. Blocking Stalkers!
How to block stalkers from your LinkedIn profile, plus other topics.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jan 21, 2014 • 46min
3. Activity Feed RIP
I'm really excited about 2014 and look forward to producing many more episodes, in this first one of the new year I cover the following topics.LinkedIn sues spammersActivity feed is disabled (LinkedIn's official announcement)Could group messaging be the next to go?LinkedIn Tip - How to prevent your competitors from appearing on your profileClearing your browsers cache & cookies. Instructions on all the 4 main browsers for windows and Mac can be found here.Preview of next episode. What is your connection strategy? Let us know your thoughts and experiences before the next episode when this subject will be discussed in depth.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Dec 10, 2013 • 40min
2. Reviewing feedback
In this episode we cover the following;Review of feedback from the first episodeQuestionsShould I announce that I am looking for a job in my profile?Should I reveal who I am connected to? TutorialInterview with Robin HillsRobin's LinkedIn profileRobin on TwitterResilient Mindset GroupExperts in Emotional Intelligence GroupDiSC® Personality AssessmentNewsLinkedIn Pulse AppThe Inquirer article about PulseShowcase PagesLinkedInformed Showcase PageMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
