Talent Talks

Hosted by TalentLMS

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The world of work is changing fast. From AI to people-first mindsets, L&D is evolving. And so are the challenges. Talent Talks is your go-to space to pause, learn, and sometimes unlearn what L&D can look like today. Hear from the experts shaping the now - and the next - of L&D, HR, and everything in between. Talent Talks is brought to you by TalentLMS. For the full transcript and related resources visit talentlms.com/podcast

Listen to episodes

34 recent

May 20, 202635 min

34. The Manager Multiplier: Bringing Development Into the Flow of Work with Al Dea

Why do so many managers feel unprepared to develop their teams when it's a core part of their role? In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Al Dea to explore why managers are the missing link in developing talent and how we can equip them to make sure learning happens organically in the flow of work. From simple practices like "bullpen" sessions to building a culture of everyday development, we unpack how managers can move from overseeing performance to actively growing their teams and advocating for them when they're not there. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

April 29, 202631 min

33. The L&D subtraction strategy: Why simplification wins with Lavinia Mehedintu

What if the biggest problem in L&D right now isn't a lack of learning but too much of it? In this episode we chat to Lavinia Mehedintu, co-founder of Offbeat, to explore why more content doesn't always lead to better performance. From challenging the "content creation factory" model to making the case for saying no, we unpack what it really takes to simplify learning without losing impact. Along the way, we dive into the role of skills visibility, smarter metrics, and why focusing on real business problems—not just more training—might be the key to building capability that actually sticks. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

March 18, 202633 min

32. Solving the Training Impact Mystery with "L&D Detective" Kevin M. Yates

In this episode, we sit down with self-described "L&D Detective" Kevin M. Yates to uncover what it really takes to prove the impact of learning. We explore why traditional L&D metrics only tell part of the story, how to design training around business performance, and why L&D professionals need to think like performance consultants rather than order takers. Kevin also shares practical questions that help uncover real performance gaps and explains why training is sometimes only one part of the solution. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

February 18, 202640 min

31. AI in L&D: Beyond the Buzzwords and Gimmicks with Donald Taylor

In this episode, we talk to Donald Taylor, one of the most influential voices in global L&D and a long-time authority at the intersection of learning and technology. From the dangers of the "AI efficiency trap" to why L&D teams need to move beyond being a content house, we explore where AI genuinely adds value, where it creates risk, and how learning leaders can stay relevant as expectations shift. A grounded, honest conversation about using AI in L&D with purpose, not hype. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

January 14, 202636 min

30. L&D in 2026: Learning Debt, AI, and Transformation with David Kelly

As work continues to transform, L&D in 2026 is being forced to rethink how it supports people on the job. In this episode, we sit down with David Kelly - longtime industry analyst and influential L&D thinker - to dig into our Annual TalentLMS Benchmark Report. We unpack why learning debt is rising, why legacy L&D models are breaking under modern work demands, how AI should raise the ceiling of human work, and why skills matter more than job titles. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

November 19, 202538 min

29. Quiet Cracking: The Hidden Crisis in the Workplace with Lia Garvin

You've heard of Quiet Quitting—but what about Quiet Cracking? We talk to leadership expert Lia Garvin about the growing number of employees who are still showing up but quietly coming undone. Drawing on data from the TalentLMS survey that coined the term, we explore what's driving this pressure — from AI disruption to economic instability — and how companies can respond. Plus, Lia shares practical ways managers can spot the signs, support their high performers, and stop Quiet Cracking before it starts. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

October 22, 202540 min

28. Knowledge mapping: Surfacing employee strengths with Julia Phelan

What if your team's most valuable skills aren't written down and the people who have them don't even realize it? In this episode, learning strategist Julia Phelan joins us to unpack knowledge mapping — a practical way to uncover hidden employee skills. Learn how mapping your organization's knowledge can streamline onboarding, open avenues for internal mobility and create a more transparent company culture. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

September 3, 202537 min

27. Lean L&D: Maximum Impact, Minimum Resources with Michelle Parry-Slater

When resources are tight but the demand for learning is high, strategy matters more than spend. In this episode, we're joined by Michelle Parry-Slater, author of The L&D Practitioner's Handbook and Director at Kairos modern learning. We explore how L&D teams can build learning programs that actually drive business results. By focusing on context over content, building relationships through 'strategic lattes,' and turning your best performers into learning resources, Michelle shares how to create real impact even when budgets are lean. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

August 6, 202533 min

26. Onboarding Beyond Compliance: Designing Moments That Matter with Amin Fard

Most onboarding processes focus on paperwork over people. Amin Fard, CEO at Preppio and co-author of The Onboarding Playbook, explains how to design backward from "wow" moments that turn new hires into company advocates. We explore why hybrid onboarding can outperform in-person, measuring what actually matters, and creating connection from day one. We also draw insights from TalentLMS's latest onboarding research. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast

July 3, 202536 min

25. Why We Don't Learn at Work: The Psychology Behind Great Training with Julie Dirksen

Why do so many workplace training programs fail to drive real change? In this episode, we sit down with Julie Dirksen, Learning and Design Consultant and author of Talk to the Elephant, to explore why people often can't learn or struggle to apply what they've learned. We unpack the psychology of behavior change and dig into what makes instructional design truly effective — from the role of social learning to making compliance training relevant, and, surprisingly, the similarities between AI and mozzarella cheese. For further resources and the full transcript visit https://www.talentlms.com/podcast