Reflecting on Growth: Highlights from the Designing with Love Podcast and What’s Next for 2026
As we close out another year, it’s essential to reflect on our achievements and set our sights on the future. In this special bonus episode of the Designing with Love podcast, host Jackie Pelegrin takes us through an insightful overview of 2025's accomplishments and gives us a sneak peek into what to expect in 2026.
Celebrating Season Three Achievements
Jackie shares that Season Three of the podcast has been a tremendous success, with a total of 56 episodes released. This includes a remarkable 32 solo episodes, alongside interviews with 15 industry professionals and five students. Each episode has been crafted with care, aiming to provide valuable insights for instructional designers and educators. Jackie expresses gratitude for the audience's engagement, highlighting how their support has been instrumental in the podcast's growth.
Insights from Interviews
Throughout the season, Jackie has engaged with a diverse range of guests through PodMatch, a platform designed to connect podcast hosts with potential guests. This experience has not only enriched the content but has also fostered meaningful discussions about the field of instructional design. The interviews have provided listeners with unique perspectives and practical advice that can help them advance their careers in this dynamic industry.
Thematic Exploration
One of the standout features of Season Three was a dedicated series on different instructional design models and theories. Jackie found this thematic exploration particularly enjoyable, and it has even inspired her upcoming book, slated for release in summer 2026. This series not only deepened her understanding but also aimed to equip her audience with the knowledge to apply these theories in their work.
Looking Ahead to Season Four
With an eye on the future, Jackie is excited to announce that Season Four is already in the works, with 29 episodes planned and recorded. This includes a combination of interviews and solo episodes, demonstrating her commitment to delivering consistent and high-quality content. Jackie emphasizes the importance of planning and time management, sharing how these skills can lead to success in any endeavor, whether in podcasting or in education.
Engagement and Community Building
Jackie invites her listeners to stay engaged and connected throughout 2026. She encourages feedback, suggestions for future episodes, and interaction via social media, particularly on LinkedIn. Her website, designingwithloveblog.com, serves as a hub for episodes and additional resources, including a companion blog that dives deeper into guest insights.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
As we transition into 2026, the Designing with Love podcast continues to grow and evolve. Jackie Pelegrin's dedication to fostering a community of learners and educators is evident in every episode. Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of planning, the value of diverse perspectives in learning, and the power of community in achieving professional growth.
Photo by Magda Ehlers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-gray-stainless-steel-condenser-microphone-1054713/
Instructional Designer, Author, College Professor, and Podcast Host
Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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