The Unforgettable Learning Podcast

Hosted by Sponge

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Latest episode

Dec 2025

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EN-GB

About the show

In this podcast, we seek out visionaries in L&D, learning science, the arts, and technology to find out what makes learning stay with you forever.

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27 recent

December 4, 2025Episode 225 min

The Growth Engine Mindset – with The Coca Cola Company’s Charles Donnell

To deliver permanent value, learning and development initiatives must move twice as the business. In this episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Josh sits down with Charles Donnell, Global Senior Director for Learning Innovation, Experience & Strategy at The Coca-Cola Company, to explore how the brand is rewriting its training playbook for a world in flux. From tackling change fatigue to aligning development with business priorities, Charles shares how Coca-Cola is shifting from simply delivering training to sparking growth. His advice? Define the learning culture early and speak the language of the business to earn a seat at the table. Listeners will gain practical strategies for introducing new ways to meet transformation demands, insights on how to use emerging trends and tools to empower existing ecosystems, and clarity on why understanding business unit KPIs is essential for crafting impact stories that resonate with leadership. For leaders looking to build agile learning cultures that keep pace with innovation and change, this episode is essential listening.

November 12, 2025Episode 131 min

Learning at the Speed of Big Tech – with TikTok’s Nelson James

In this episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Josh sits down with Nelson James, Creator Marketing and Learning Design Lead at TikTok, to explore the three core principles for creating brilliant learning in the world of big tech: moving fast, iterating constantly, and testing with real audiences. Nelson reveals how TikTok's learning team has adopted the same design philosophy as their product teams: shipping quickly, gathering data, and adjusting based on what truly resonates. He challenges the traditional L&D obsession with high-fidelity, perfectly polished solutions, arguing that "your solution has to be good enough to learn from, but if it's perfect, it's going to be too late." Drawing on his experience supporting one of the world's most trend-driven platforms, Nelson shares how learning professionals can build audience feedback loops that rival those of content creators. He explains why tracking engagement, building community, and understanding what makes people feel seen matters more than lengthy development cycles. The conversation takes a strategic turn as Nelson introduces his powerful reframe: if you can't tie your learning programme to a business metric, you're not under-resourced; you're under-aligned. Listeners will gain practical strategies for moving beyond order-taking, including how to communicate about learning without using the word "learning," and why getting outside your team to understand business unit KPIs is essential for building impact narratives that leadership understands. For learning leaders ready to trade perfection for speed, engagement for completion rates, and alignment for endless requests, this episode offers a masterclass in building learning cultures that keep pace with business innovation.

December 4, 2024Episode 2445 min

What is unforgettable learning? - Season 1 finale.

In the Unforgettable Learning Podcast season one finale, Kate and Josh look back on a remarkable year and a half of conversations with visionaries from L&D and beyond to distill what truly makes learning unforgettable. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch, Kevin Yates, Julie Dirkson, and more, they explore how the learning industry has matured from simply creating courses to driving strategic business value through human-centered design and performance focus. Josh and Kate unpack key themes that emerged throughout the season: the critical importance of psychological safety in learning environments, the evolving role of L&D as strategic business partners, and the delicate balance between technology adoption and human needs. From exploring the emerging role of Chief Skills Officers to discussing how AI is reshaping workplace learning, this episode captures the pulse of an industry in transformation. Through personal reflections and powerful examples, Kate and Josh examine how unforgettable learning connects to our deepest experiences - from childhood wonder to transformative professional moments. For L&D professionals looking to create lasting impact, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of what makes learning truly stick and how to craft experiences that resonate on both personal and organisational levels.

November 20, 2024Episode 2325 min

Inclusive community building for learning - with Lisa Daniels.

The experience of preparing for your driving theory test can be nerve-wracking. Imagine how different it would have felt going into that test knowing you were part of a learning community with a 90% first-time pass rate. That feeling has been made a reality with what Lisa Daniels, Account Director at The Stationary Office (TSO), and her team have accomplished as publishers of the UK's official driving theory test materials. In the second part of our conversation with Lisa, we explore how TSO, Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and Sponge revolutionised test preparation by building an inclusive learning community that supports over 1.6 million new drivers each year. Going beyond traditional study materials, the new approach combines digital learning, social engagement, and instructor partnerships to create meaningful connections that last well beyond test day. The conversation explores practical strategies for scaling inclusive learning experiences - from supporting anxious test-takers to empowering professional drivers. Lisa reveals how they've used multiple channels to meet diverse learner needs, creating an ecosystem that turns mandatory certification into lifelong learning engagement. Looking ahead, Lisa shares her vision for evolving learning experiences alongside technological and environmental changes - demonstrating how learning communities can adapt and grow to meet emerging challenges while maintaining their core focus on learner success. For L&D professionals interested in building sustainable learning communities and driving behavioural change through digital platforms, this episode offers valuable insights into creating learning experiences that resonate long after certification.

November 6, 2024Episode 2224 min

Transforming the world’s biggest computer-based test – with Lisa Daniels.

In this episode, Lisa Daniels from TSO (The Stationery Office) shares insights into how they tackled declining pass rates in the UK's driving theory test - the world's largest computer-based testing program. As the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s official publishing partner, Lisa reveals how TSO has revolutionised the learning experience for aspiring drivers through an innovative elearning platform developed with Sponge. The conversation explores how understanding diverse learner needs - from anxious first-time drivers to military personnel and refugees - has shaped their approach to creating more effective learning solutions. Lisa discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on driver education and how it sparked new considerations around anxiety management and learning support. She shares how their holistic approach, combining traditional materials with digital innovation, has led to impressive results - with 90% of their platform users passing their tests first time. From enabling instructor-student collaboration through shared learning records to creating adaptive experiences for different user groups, this episode offers valuable insights into how empathy-driven learning design can transform high-stakes testing experiences. For L&D professionals interested in creating inclusive, effective digital learning solutions that drive real-world outcomes, this discussion provides practical examples of how understanding learner contexts and needs can lead to remarkable results.

October 23, 2024Episode 2113 min

Putting learning science to work – with Stella Collins.

In the second part of our conversation with Stella Collins, founder and Chief Learning Officer at Stellar Labs, we dig deeper into the practical application of neuroscience in workplace learning. Stella shares invaluable insights on creating successful learning experiences and measuring their impact on individuals and organisations. This episode addresses the realities of implementing learning programs in complex workplace environments. Stella discusses the crucial role of motivation and the challenges of measuring behavior change. Throughout, she emphasises the importance of aligning learning outcomes with tangible business results. The conversation explores the challenges of measuring learning impact and the need for a scientific, hypothesis-based approach to L&D initiatives. Stella explains how treating learning interventions as experiments can lead to more effective outcomes and measurable results. The discussion turns to the power of personalisation, highlighting how tailoring experiences to individual needs can dramatically improve engagement and knowledge transfer in the workplace. This episode offers concrete strategies for L&D professionals looking to bridge the gap between neuroscience theory and practical application. It's essential listening for anyone aiming to create effective, scientifically grounded learning experiences that drive real business impact.

October 2, 2024Episode 2035 min

Neuroscience for workplace learning – with Stella Collins.

In this episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Stella Collins, founder and Chief Learning Officer at Stellar Labs, delves into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and L&D. Drawing from her bestselling book "Neuroscience for Learning and Development," Stella unpacks how better understanding our brains can revolutionise workplace learning. From debunking myths about rote learning to exploring the crucial role of context in memory formation, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about corporate training. Stella introduces her GEAR model (Guide, Experiment, Apply, Retain), offering a fresh, science-based approach to learning design that prioritises transfer and application in the workplace. The discussion touches on hot topics like the impact of AI on learning, the value of personalised learning experiences, and why traditional "knowledge dump" approaches often fall short. Stella's insights provide a compelling case for reimagining L&D practices to align with how our brains actually learn and retain information. For L&D professionals looking to create more effective, brain-friendly learning experiences, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice grounded in neuroscience. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of workplace learning and how to use our understanding of the brain to drive real behavioral change and skill development in organisations. Want to learn more about some of the topics in this episode? Read the article about AI and neuroscience Stella discusses here: Brain Inspired AI Learns Like Humans - Neuroscience News.

September 17, 2024Episode 1923 min

Recentering the human in modern L&D – with Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch.

In part two of our conversation with Serena Gonsalves-Fersch, Global Head of Talent at SoftwareOne, we explore how to keep the human at the heart of learning in an increasingly AI-focused world. Serena, Josh, and Kate discuss the impact of AI on job roles, the importance of putting both individuals and businesses at the center of learning strategies, and the need for L&D to move beyond content creation. Serena explores how L&D professionals can stay relevant by focusing on developing essential human skills and reframing their role in organisations. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on analytics and impact in L&D, emphasising the importance of focusing on end goals rather than getting caught up in metrics. Serena also shares her excitement about the potential of predictive learning and AI in shaping future workforce development strategies. For L&D professionals looking to navigate the rapidly changing world of work and technology, this episode provides valuable insights on adapting, thriving, and redefining the role of learning in organisations. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of workplace learning and development in an AI-driven world.

September 4, 2024Episode 1829 min

L&D as value creation centre – with Dr. Serena Gonsalves-Fersch.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Unforgettable Learning Podcast, Josh and Kate sit down with Dr. Serena Gonsalves Fersch, the recent recipient of the Colin Steed Award for Outstanding Contribution to Learning. Serena shares her groundbreaking approach to L&D, drawing on her knowledge as the Global Head of Talent at Software One and a doctorate holder in the future of corporate L&D Serena challenges traditional L&D practices, advocating for a business-first mindset that ties every learning intervention directly to ROI. She discusses how her team has successfully linked business impact to training, reduced time to competency, and boosted retention rate over 18 months. This conversation turns to the evolving role of L&D professionals in the age of freely accessible information. Serena argues for a shift from content creation to becoming strategic partners who understand the business context deeply. She emphasises the importance of aligning with talent acquisition, workforce planning, and overall business strategy. Listeners will gain insights into building world-class learning organisations, the pitfalls of focusing solely on "happy sheets" and "bums on seats," and the need for L&D to position itself as a value creation centre rather than a cost centre. Serena also shares her vision of L&D leaders as framework providers, enabling psychological safety and fostering a growth mindset within organisations. For L&D professionals looking to elevate their strategic impact and drive tangible business results, this episode offers a masterclass in reimagining the role of learning in the modern workplace.

August 21, 2024Episode 1732 min

Navigating AI adoption - with Egle Vinauskaite.

In the second part of our conversation with Egle Vinauskaite, Director of Learning Innovation Consultancy at Nodes, we explore how AI might reshape our understanding of skills, job roles, and the very nature of learning in the workplace. Egle shares her expertise on the most valuable use cases for AI in the workplace, emphasising the shift from content creation to performance support and personalised skill development. She discusses the challenges organisations face in adopting AI technologies, from policy considerations to building a business case for implementation. The conversation explores the current state of AI adoption in L&D, revealing a gap between individual enthusiasm and organisational investment. Egle provides practical advice for L&D professionals looking to start their AI journey, highlighting the importance of understanding existing policies, taking stock of available technologies, and using team experiments to gain traction. This episode provides a balanced view of AI's potential in L&D, addressing both the exciting possibilities and the practical challenges of implementation. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on navigating the AI landscape in learning and development. Want to catch up on part one of our conversation with Egle? Catch the episode here.