How To Episodes

Good design starts with a clear goal and ends with a real-world result. We walk you through a practical, human-centered approach to data-driven instructional design that turns scattered metrics into confident, ethical decisio...

In this bonus episode of the Designing with Love podcast, host Jackie Pelegrin reflects on the accomplishments of Season Three, including the release of 56 episodes, and shares insights on her experiences with PodMatch. She a...

The fear of AI taking over jobs has dominated headlines, but what if we're missing the opportunity to harness this technology as a powerful ally? In this enlightening conversation, T. Renee Smith reveals how artificial intelligence became her unexpected partner in navigating the challenges of raisi…

What if reviews felt collaborative instead of confrontational? In this episode, I walk through a practical, five-pour framework to collect and use feedback from peers, stakeholders, SMEs, QA and accessibility reviewers, and—m...

Scope creep doesn’t arrive with a siren; it shows up as “just one more” request and quietly doubles your workload. In this episode, I break down a practical, humane way to protect your timeline and still make room for good id...

Dr. Norina Columbaro brings nearly three decades of instructional design wisdom to this thought-provoking conversation about performance-focused learning. Drawing from her extensive experience across 60+ organizations worldwi...

Ever wish SME reviews didn’t drag on forever? We map a simple route for turning expert knowledge into learner performance—without meetings that sprawl or feedback that never lands. We’re talking clear roles, crisp outcomes, a...

What happens when a tech industry veteran gets frustrated with complicated video editing software? They build something better. In this captivating conversation, Jeremy shares his journey from early-2000s startups like Sling ...

What makes a learning experience stick long after the course ends? We pull back the curtain on the “secret sauce” of Learning Experience Design , also known as LXD, and break it into five essential ingredients—empathy, storyt...

What happens when passionate curiosity meets unconventional research methods? Dr. Sheldon Greaves reveals the power of "guerrilla scholarship," which is a creative approach to intellectual work that flourishes outside traditi...

Most training looks polished yet forgettable; this one shows how to make learning unforgettable by design. This episode breaks down five practical strategies that turn passive content into active skill-building: set laser-cle...

What if technology could actually give you back 20% of your workday instead of creating more busywork? In this illuminating conversation with Michael Toguchi, we explore how strategic technology solutions are transforming hig...

Designing truly inclusive learning experiences requires more than good intentions—it demands practical knowledge of accessibility principles that benefit every learner. Whether you're creating content for higher education, co...

What happens when the structures designed to support creativity start to suffocate it instead? Peter Swimm, project management consultant at Toilville, brings a refreshingly honest perspective to this tension that every desig...

Ever felt stuck translating learning theories into actual instructional design practice? You're not alone. Learning theories like Behaviorism and Constructivism often remain abstract concepts rather than practical tools—until now. This episode bridges that crucial gap between theory and application…

Whether you're brand new to the field or just looking for a refresher, today's episode will help you understand what constructivism is, how it's applied in instructional design, and how you can begin to incorporate it into your own practice. Constructivist Learning Theory transforms how we understa…

Ever feel like your instructional design is missing that special something that makes learning truly stick? The answer might lie in the way you're structuring your content. In this episode, we explore Elaboration Theory—a pow...

What happens when you're thrown into a college classroom with zero preparation and told, "You start tomorrow"? Dr. Albert Bramante faced exactly this scenario when he unexpectedly became a psychology professor overnight. His remarkable journey from panicked novice to confident educator reveals powe…

Ever wondered what separates truly effective learning experiences from those that fade from memory as soon as the lesson ends? The answer might lie in applying Merrill's First Principles of Instruction – a powerful framework ...

Feeling overwhelmed by tight deadlines and shifting expectations in your instructional design projects? Discover how Rapid Prototyping can transform your approach to creating effective learning experiences. Rapid prototyping ...

Have you ever struggled to create courses that truly engage your learners? The Dick and Carey model might be the game-changer you've been seeking. Unlike traditional linear approaches, this powerful framework views instructio...

Navigating the world of instructional design can be confusing when similar-sounding concepts appear to overlap. That's exactly the challenge many ID professionals face when distinguishing between human-centered design and lea...

When Jim Edwards graduated with a history degree in the 1980s, he never imagined he'd become a pioneer in AI-powered copywriting. After bouncing between seven sales jobs in 18 months, he discovered his talent for persuasion, eventually building a six-figure career in mortgage sales before turning t…

Struggling with designing effective learning for complex skills? The Four-Component Instructional Design Model (4C/ID) might be exactly what you need in your instructional design toolkit. Most traditional learning models star...