
Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning
Instructional Design and Online Learning developer tips, tricks, advice, expert interviews, and insider information.
Latest episodes

Nov 11, 2022 • 29min
Digital Learning that Makes Impact with David James from 360 Learning | 70
David James, Chief Learning Officer at 360 Learning, shares his expertise in creating impactful digital learning. He discusses how learning teams can tackle critical organizational problems and the importance of data-driven strategies over assumptions. David emphasizes the need to understand individual goals to enhance training effectiveness. He also critiques traditional onboarding practices and advocates for practical, focused training for new managers. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating workplace dynamics and fostering engagement!

Oct 28, 2022 • 46min
How to Have Conversations with Clients featuring Brian Harris | 69
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with Brian Harris, Chief of Design and Development at Brilliant Educational Services, about his journey since enrolling in the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp. Brian talks about how he leads conversations with his clients, manages pushback, and always keeps the needs of the learners first.
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach on Amazon.

Oct 14, 2022 • 30min
IDOL Success Story with Ian Melchinger an IDOL Talent Member | 68
In this episode of Become an IDOL, I’ll be chatting with Ian Melchinger, a former Lead Instructional Designer at IDOL Talent. He recently accepted a position as a Program Manager with Learn Quest! Ian discusses his experience as an IDOL courses Academy member and his journey to become an IDOL.
Tune in to hear him talk about the importance of giving and receiving quality feedback, diving into the world of contracting and freelancing, and creating goals for continuous improvement.
Connect with Ian on LinkedIn.
Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach on Amazon.

Sep 16, 2022 • 26min
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Laura Wilczek: Hanover Research | 66
In this episode I'm chatting with Laura Wilczek, a former teacher who transitioned to a new career as an eLearning Developer for Hanover Research. While teaching during the pandemic she realized she had a unique set of skills and a passion for developing courses and training.
"Investing in myself and joining the IDOL courses Academy was the best decision I ever made. " - Laura
Listen now to hear great pointers for how she navigated the course to apply what she was learning with purpose, which landed her a new role in 2 months!
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
Have you heard? IDOL courses Academy is now the only authorized vocational trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning! You'll learn the practical skills and knowledge that employers are looking for right out of the gate.
Enroll Here or contact us at info@idolcourses.com if you have any questions. We'd be more than happy to chat.

Aug 30, 2022 • 46min
Masters vs. Certificates for New Instructional Designers with Rebecca Hogue | 65
In this episode, I'm chatting with Rebecca Hogue a professor of Instructional Design at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She hosts her own podcast, Demystifying Instructional Design. Her varied experience, knowledge of the field and love for students 'aha' moments makes this such a good listen.
Connect with Rebecca on Linkedin
Podcast: Demystifying Instructional Design
IDOL courses Academy is now an authroized vocational trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning. You'll learn the practical skills and knowledge that employers are looking for right out of the gate.
Enroll Here

Aug 27, 2022 • 45min
Experience Products with Co-Founder of Xperiencify Murray Gray | 64
In this episode, I'm chatting with Murray Gray, who is a Co-Founder of a new platform called Xperiencify. It is a learning management system where you can sell digital course products with gamification to motivate learners for completion. He shares his joy of creating software solutions to help business owners get more out of their businesses and help more people. If you want to leverage your time and expertise with building a course this podcast is a must listen!
Learn more about Xperiencify
IDOL courses Academy is now an authroized vocational trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning. You'll learn the practical skills and knowledge that employers are looking for right out of the gate.
Enroll Here

Aug 26, 2022 • 40min
IDOL Success Story with Kim Limon | 63
In this episode, I'm chatting with Kim Limon with 10 years experience in Education and English writing. She was wanting more with flexibility. When she found IDOL courses Academy she knew it was the clear bridge to help her cross over into corporate.
Hear how much time she put in and how she went through IDOL courses Academy while working a full time job. After 2 months she built a portfolio, revamped her resume and LinkedIn account with recruiters contacting her. She has great tips for navigating the next steps!
Listen now.
IDOL courses Academy is now an authroized vocational trade school for Instructional Design and Online Learning. You'll learn the practical skills and knowledge that employers are looking for right out of the gate.
Enroll Here

Aug 23, 2022 • 33min
Non Profit IDOL Work with Barbara Faulkner | 62
Barbara Faulkner, an accomplished instructional designer and trainer with rich experience in nonprofits and international schools, shares her inspiring journey. She discusses her transformative experience with the Peace Corps in Grenada and the challenges of transitioning from teaching to instructional design. Explore how the COVID pandemic reshaped her work in e-learning, and hear tips on leveraging volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Barbara emphasizes the importance of adapting training to diverse backgrounds and networking for career growth.

Aug 23, 2022 • 35min
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Sharon Tavares: Ikea | 61
In this episode, I'm chatting with Sharon Tavares who currently resides in Sweden and taught ESL for 10 years. Hear her journey through IDOL courses as she landed 2 positions within the first two months. As these roles slowed down, she gained the confidence to apply for her dream role at IKEA. Her interview process is something you don't want to miss. Listen now!
Enroll in the IDOL courses Academy here

Aug 19, 2022 • 24min
IDOL Success Story with Former Teacher Annmarie Black | 60
In this episode, I'm chatting with Annmarie on her IDOL Success Story who talks about her natural transition into a training role within her school with creating professional development for teachers. Through the pandemic she learned new ways of getting information to her teachers by online learning. This sparked her passion and career towards Instructional Design.
Annmarie shares her journey through IDOL courses Academy with details on how she felt about the #doitmessy approach, job hunting, the interview process and how the community within IDOL courses proved to be invaluable. Listen now!
Connect with Annmarie on Linkedin
Enroll in IDOL courses Academy here