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

Jul 6, 2021 • 50min
Human Centered Design with Andre Plaut | episode 39
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Andre Plaut about LXD and Human-Centered Design principles. Andre Plaut is the founder and owner of Human Machine, a learning design studio. Over the last 10 years, Andre has worked with Apple, Obama for America, General Assembly, and other clients. You'll also find Andre delivering captivating workshops on LXD or the ethics of technology design.
Andre gives advice on how to address the whole learner in your design process. A must-listen episode!
Connect with Andre here:
LinkedIn
Company Website

Apr 29, 2021 • 24min
IDOL Success Story with Star Peterson | episode 38
In this episode, I'll be chatting with an IDOL success story, Star Peterson. Star is now a former teacher who made the transition to a freelance instructional designer in under 3 months after she joined the IDOL courses Academy. She shares her journey and some incredible tips for teachers making the transition to instructional design and online learning development. Check it out!
Connect with Star Peterson on LinkedIn

Apr 29, 2021 • 30min
IDOL Success Story with Nancy Preetha Varshini | episode 37
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Nancy Varshini. Nancy is the first IDOL courses Academy member from India. It was a huge leap of faith for Nancy to pay the tuition in USD. However, the program has changed Nancy's life and that of her family. You'll hear her heartfelt story that makes me cry and cheer at the same time. She is now a top earner in her country and giving back to her people with free training programs. Tune in to hear her touching story!
Connect with Nancy on LinkedIn

Apr 29, 2021 • 42min
Gamification with Mohsin Memon the Director of Learning Games at Gamitar | 35
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Mohsin Memon who is the director of learning games at Gamitar Learning. Mohsin shares the principles of gamification, what he's been working on, and how he became interested in gamified learning experiences. Mohsin is fun and smart! You don't want to miss this episode.
Connect with Mohsin on LinkedIn
Check out his Evivve Leadership Game certification program

Feb 26, 2021 • 24min
Become an IDOL Career Journey Story with Talia Taylor | episode 34
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Talia Taylor about her experience making the transition to corporate instructional design.
Connect with Talia Taylor on LinkedIn

Feb 26, 2021 • 29min
Mindset for Teachers Making Career Changes with Teacher Career Coach Daphne Williams | episode 33
In this episode, I'll be chatting with the Teacher Career Coach, Daphne Williams. She has helped 100s of teachers make career pivots to all sorts of roles outside the classroom. We talk about mindset and strategies for deciding what's next!
Take the FREE quiz: What Career Outside of the classroom is right for you?
Teacher Career Coach Website
Teacher Career Coach Podcast
Should I leave teaching blog post by Daphne Williams

Feb 26, 2021 • 28min
Learning Management Systems with Samuel Apata | episode 32
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Samuel Apata about learning management systems (LMS) and how you can add this tool to your skill set as a new instructional designer.
Connect with Samuel on LinkedIn.

Feb 26, 2021 • 1h 7min
Data and Analytics in Learning with Anja Hartleb-Parson | episode 31
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Anja Hartleb-Parson about using data and analytics in workplace learning. We try to break down the data that you want and need for the newbies.
Connect with Anja on LinkedIn.

Jan 15, 2021 • 47min
Freelancing and Finding Clients during the Pandemic with Leslie Marquez | episode 30
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Leslie Marquez. She is a member of the eLearning Freelancer Bootcamp and a freelance instructional designer and eLearning developer. Her business is Inspire Learning Design and she's noticed quite a few changes in the IDOL industry when it comes to acquiring and working with new clients during the COVID pandemic. Join us and learn how you can find more clients for your freelance business in our current environment. Connect with Leslie here on LinkedIn or on her website here.

Dec 17, 2020 • 20min
From laid off during the pandemic to a new and better IDOL job with Kerri Duncan | episode 29
In this episode, I'll be chatting with Kerri Duncan about her 2020 journey. Getting laid off from her job during the pandemic spurred Kerri to invest in herself and her skills to land her next role as an IDOL. Listen in to hear her story and get tips on how to reskill if you've been laid off.