Podcasts about instructional designers

It's YOUR time to #EdUpIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by Pangram Labs,YOUR guest is Dr. Alejandra Dashe, Sr. Instructional Designer, Arizona State University YOUR cohost is Bradley Emi , Cofounder & CTO, Pangram LabsYOUR host is Elvin FreytesHow does Alejandra define academic integrity & what role does attribution play? How has her 25+ years of teaching experience shaped her perspective on academic honesty? Why is it important to consider the cultural context of academic integrity practices? How can instructional design create "original" assessments in the age of AI? What approach does ASU take to academic integrity policies across different courses? Topics include:Academic integrity as an honorable act of ensuring YOUR work is YOUR own The balance between collaboration & individual work in academic settings How course design can minimize opportunities for academic misconduct Using AI as a "thought partner" rather than an end solution The importance of proper citation, including when using AI tools The "vicious circle" of constantly redesigning assessments to stay ahead of cheating Viewing academic integrity violations as potential calls for help from students The future of academic integrity & shifting toward a more collaborative mindset Listen in to #EdUpDo YOU want to accelerate YOUR professional development?Do YOU want to get exclusive early access to ad-free episodes, extended episodes, bonus episodes, original content, invites to special events, & more?Then ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY⁠⁠ - $19.99/month or $199.99/year (Save 17%)!Want to get YOUR organization to pay for YOUR subscription? Email ⁠⁠⁠EdUp@edupexperience.comThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp ExperienceWe make education YOUR business!

Can you even remember life before 2021? On today's episode, let's reminicse about the good ol' days!

In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jon Eckert interviews Naomi Oliver, a former Principal of a school that served children rescued from human trafficking. Currently, Naomi applies her expertise as an Instructional Designer for The Global British School, an online Christian institution. Here, she crafts curricula that seamlessly blend British educational standards with faith-based values, ensuring a well-rounded and meaningful learning experience for students worldwide.  She reflects on the deep challenges educators face and the gritty optimism required to keep going. Through small, faithful acts of love and justice, Naomi reminds us that educators have the power to be a light in dark spaces, changing lives one student at a time. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Connect with us: Center for School Leadership at Baylor University Jon Eckert LinkedIn Baylor MA in School Leadership   Jonathan Eckert: All right. So Naomi, if you could just jump in with an easy question here based on our initial interaction in the United States, can you just briefly give us your thoughts on Italian sausages? Naomi: Let's just say Italian sausages will always have a special place in my story. They were my first American meal, thanks to you. And I remember thinking, if this is how America welcomes people, I'm staying for dinner. Jonathan Eckert: Nice. I love that. Love that. So no, it was great. I know you got it late- Naomi: But more than that, sorry Jon, but more than that, they marked the start of an unforgettable experience and conversation that I'll always treasure. Jonathan Eckert: Yes. Well, we got to be with Eric Ellefson, which is always a good start. And I know you got in late that night and you hadn't eaten, and it was almost lunchtime. I was like, "Well, let's go find something." And you landed on Italian sausage, which made Eric, who's a Chicagoan, and me, who lived there for 22 years, very happy. So thank you for that. But I think what people that are listening are going to be most interested in is the work that you did while you were in India and then the work that you're doing now. So could you tell us a little bit about the school you led in India? Naomi: Absolutely. As I've already told you, Jon, I had the privilege of leading a school that serves some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Many have been trafficked or are the children of sex workers. It's more than just a school. It's a place of refuge and restoration. We provide education, we provide boarding, but it's just not limited to that. We provide mentorship, internships and make sure they have the right pathway into employment. The vision has always been to break the cycle of exploitation and give these children dignity, hope, and a real future. Well, I continue to serve as one of the directors, and I'm deeply invested in its ongoing mission. I have to say, attending your course on Just Teaching, which Eric led, made a profound impact on how I approached leadership. It helped me think more intentionally about justice in education and how to structure things with both compassion and integrity. So I'm really grateful for your book and the course that I could be a part of. Jonathan Eckert: Oh, well, I appreciate that. It feels like pales in comparison to the work you're doing. I think you had shared at the conference where we met that 80% of the kids that you were serving had either been trafficked or were children of mothers who were being trafficked themselves. And what I found so profound is the way that you stuck with them from education to internships, to trying to get them placed in jobs to get them out of this really vicious, vicious cycle. And I'm curious if you could tell us about a particular student who was maybe particularly memorable in the work that you've done. Naomi: Absolutely. I'd love to share. There's one girl I'll never forget. She came to us after being rescued from a brothel. She was only a child, but her eyes carried a weight no child should ever bear. I had mentioned this before when I was having a conversation with you that she had visible marks on her body, burns from cigarettes. She was initially violent and unresponsive. She couldn't speak our language, couldn't understand us. She did not trust anyone, and who could blame her? Honestly, I wouldn't have either if I had gone through what she had. And I just want to share my background as well. I've studied child psychology and counseling, but nothing prepared me for how helpless I felt in those early days. I remember questioning myself, wondering if we were even making a difference. I felt like a failure many a times, but God was patient with me even when I wasn't patient with myself. And slowly with time, counseling, and relentless love from our team, things began to shift. A few years later, that same girl got up on the stage during chapel and prayed in front of all the students. She spoke with such quiet confidence that it brought tears to my eyes. All I could do was just thank the Lord and think this is the same girl who came to us with no hope. What happened in her life wasn't because of me. It was God. It was grace. And grace carried her. Grace carried all of us. Jonathan Eckert: I can't even imagine being in that chapel session and hearing her pray. It gives you chills when you think about what the Lord does in the lives of students and we get to walk alongside and be part of that, and that's a blessing for us. So we know this, there are 250 million school-aged children who do not have access to schools around the world. And so that's a pretty bleak number. And you've dealt with some kids with some pretty long odds where things are very, very challenging. So where do you find hope in our work as educators? Naomi: Well, it's a staggering number and it can feel overwhelming if you let it, but I've come to believe that hope is never found in the size of the problem. It is found in the impact of each small faithful act. I find hope in the ripple effect of education. When you invest in one child, you're not just changing their life, you're changing their family, their community, and potentially in the scenario I mentioned, generations to come. I've seen it happen firsthand, a child who once believed they were worthless starts to dream and they begin to work toward that dream. Their siblings watch, their parents begin to believe again. That kind of impact may start small, but it is contagious. Jonathan Eckert: And I think that's a really helpful reframe. It has to be at the individual level and that's what makes the work you're doing so powerful is you break that cycle with the school you were serving in India where you have kids who are living on campus, who you have been able to get out of a really dangerous context for themselves and get them into a place where they can grow and be challenged and understand truth and grace and love, and then move that one individual kid ahead. Now, we are not going to be able to address all 250 million kids who don't have access to schools, but you were doing that for 250 kids in India and there are a lot of other amazing educators doing that around the world, we just need to expand those people that are impacting those individual lives. Because again, it makes life for us have more meaning. I always say educators, we never have to look around for the meaning in our work. We know with the work we get to do that that impact is real. It is overwhelming to think of 250 million kids not having access to schools, but there are kids that are within our sphere of influence that we can impact. And that's what I found so compelling about the work you were doing. And then I'd love to know more about the work you're doing now as you try to expand your impact and reach. Naomi: Absolutely. I'm currently working as an instructional designer for an online school, and my focus is on blending high academic standards with values-based learning. So that's students not only gain knowledge, but grow in character and purpose. This role is deeply personal for me as many children still living in brothels are struggling to break free. For them, online education is sometimes the only way they can access learning without leaving their current environment until they're able to. In addition to this, I'm also one of the directors of Changing Destiny, an initiative dedicated to empowering girls from red light districts by ensuring they have clear, meaningful career pathways after school so they never have to return to that life. Education both online and in person is central to that transformation, Jon. And we work hard to make sure every girl has access to the tools and support she needs to build a different future. I do this work voluntarily as an honorary role without receiving a single dollar from Changing Destiny because my heart is to empower these women and children. Just recently I had a long counseling session with the very first batch of students graduating from our school. Some of them want to become writers. Others dream of becoming doctors and professors. Seeing their dreams take shape despite the darkness they've come from, reminds me why this work matters. Their lives are changing and so is their future. Jonathan Eckert: Well, that's a beautiful example and your career arc is a beautiful representation of doing work really up close with individual students in really close proximity to really challenging circumstances. And then you're saying, well, we can't reach each kid that's there and so we need this virtual option that can give them a values-based strong education that will then launch them into something more as they become more of who they're created to be. And so I love the balance that you in your own career represent of this deeply personal work that you're now trying to scale up in ways that make education accessible beyond what you were able to do, even with the amazing school you had serving 250 kids, we might get closer to that 250 million that we need to hit. Naomi: Absolutely. Jonathan Eckert: That's great. So what do you see as the greatest challenge for educators currently? Obviously you've seen some challenging circumstances, but if you think broadly for educators, what do you see as the greatest challenge? Naomi: Well, one of the greatest challenges today is navigating the tension between academic expectations and the emotional, mental, and even spiritual needs of our students. The world is changing rapidly, especially in the aftermath of COVID. We've seen a surge in anxiety, trauma and a deep sense of disconnection in children and young people. Many are coming into the classroom carrying invisible burdens, things they may not have words for, but that affect everything from their attention spans to their self-worth. Well, as educators, we are being called to do so much more than just teach. We are expected to be mentors, to be counselors, social workers, motivators, and sometimes even surrogate parents. And most of us are doing it with very limited resources and support. It can be exhausting and emotionally draining, especially when we ourselves are navigating burnout or our own personal challenges. The hardest part is that the system often still prioritizes grades and outcomes over the child's holistic well-being. But the truth is no real learning happens when a child feels unsafe, unseen, or unheard. I think the challenge is learning to balance the pressure of performance with the calling to care. And that's something no training manual can fully prepare you for. It requires deep compassion, a lot of prayer, and a supportive community around you. If we don't acknowledge this challenge, we risk losing the heart of what education is meant to be. Jonathan Eckert: Well, I love that example because teaching is one of the most human things we do and it is absolutely contingent on relationship and that sense of belonging. And so it doesn't matter whether you're dealing with... In the US, we just completed a survey of some of the most elite private schools in the US compared to public school outcomes, compared to Christian school outcomes. And that sense of belonging is so integral to the adult outcomes. We were looking at people in ages 24 to 39, and actually right before we jumped on, I was working on a paper laying this out, and what you just said is so true, whether you're working with kids whose mothers are being trafficked or who have been trafficked, that sense of belonging is so acute and that goes across the whole human condition. So given the fact that most of the people listening have not had the experiences of educating in some of the places you have, I think it's really powerful to hear the connection that we all have to that same challenge. So with that said, what do you see as the greatest opportunity for educators? If that's the greatest challenge, this need to create a sense of belonging and connection holistically, then what do you see as the greatest opportunity? Naomi: Well, Jon, I believe we are standing at a pivotal moment in education. Technology has opened doors that were once firmly shut, making learning more accessible, creative, and collaborative than ever before. Children in remote villages now have the potential to learn alongside peers from different countries. Educators can share ideas, resources, and innovations across borders. That alone is revolutionary. But beyond the tools and platforms, I think the greater opportunity lies in re-imagining what education should be. For too long, schooling has been about memorization and performance. Now we have the chance to center education on what truly matters, which is love, justice, and transformation. We can build spaces where children feel seen and valued, where their identities are affirmed and their voices are heard. And when faith becomes a part of that conversation, when students begin to understand that they are not accidents, but intentionally created, loved and called, then the transformation goes even deeper. It no longer is just about passing exams. It's also about discovering purpose. We have an opportunity to equip a generation, not just with knowledge, but with wisdom, empathy and courage and that kind of education can really change the world. Jonathan Eckert: Yeah, well said. So this is our lightning round. So these are just short sentence long answers if you can. But first one, we'll go back to food. I'm a big fan of food. What was your favorite food you had when you were in the us? Naomi: Well, I'm still dreaming about those Italian sausages. I may or may not have Googled how to ship them internationally. Jonathan Eckert: Love it. It all goes back to the Italian sausage. Very good. We need to figure out how to get you some over there. I think Eric is, Eric's our director of networks and improvement at the center. So I feel like that's something he needs to figure out his network to help us improve our enjoyment of food. How do we get Italian in sausages to the UK? Naomi: Perfect. Jonathan Eckert: Next one. What's the worst advice you've ever received? Naomi: Stay in your lane. Thankfully I didn't. Jonathan Eckert: That was well said. And thank you for not staying in your lane. I mean, yeah, educators need to step into the work they're called to and that a lot of times it's not the lane everybody thought we were going to be in when we started. So what's the best advice you've ever received? Naomi: Love them first, then teach. It never failed me. Jonathan Eckert: That's so good. That's so good. And then what makes you most hopeful for educators? Naomi: The fact that so many still show up every day with love in their hearts and a belief that every child matters. Jonathan Eckert: Yes, that is so true, and that's the blessing of the job that I have. I get to meet educators like you that have seen really hard things and remain hopeful, and they are hopeful because of what they've seen the Lord do in the lives of students. And so that moves past, we talk about this all the time, it moves past naive optimism. That belief that you have when you first start educating, like, hey, we can change the world, and this can all be amazing. And then you get hit with the reality of it and you realize it's harder than maybe you thought it was. But over time, you develop a gritty optimism because you've seen kids get out of really difficult circumstances. You've seen kids become the writers, the professors, the doctors, the parents that they want to be. And so that's the joy of being an educator, especially if you get to stay in it for decades, and that's the beauty of the work. Well, Naomi, thank you for taking time to talk to us. Thank you especially for the work you do and the work that you allow the Lord to do through you. You have been a tremendous blessing to me and to the center and to the people that you are in network with through the initial interaction you had with us. But we know the Lord's going to continue to use you in powerful ways and we want to cheer you on and help any way we can, even if that's just sending you some Italian sausages. Naomi: Thank you, Jon. It really means a lot to have had this space to share. These stories are close to my heart and I'm grateful for the opportunity to shine a little light on the hope that's growing even in hard places. Thank you so much. Jonathan Eckert: Thank you, Naomi.  

PrompterAI is the AI-powered assistant from PerfectPrompter.com, designed to streamline instructional design content creation. It provides targeted prompts that guide AI to produce polished training materials quickly — from outlines to full courses — allowing designers to focus on strategy while ensuring content consistency. PerfectPrompter.com City: Houston Address: 2900 North Braeswood Boulevard Website: https://perfectprompter.com

On today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Chris Hakala and Dr. Leslie Cramblet Alvarez as we discuss the folks who work at teaching and learning centers. They wrote a tremendous new book called, "Understanding Educational Developers: Tales from the Center." In this book and in our conversation, we explore the diverse pathways into educational development, the role of teaching and learning centers, and the skills necessary for success in this field. They share insights on the impact of AI, the importance of student engagement, and the future of educational development amidst challenges in higher education. 

Bonnie Solivan is a proud “Nuyorican”. This word refers to someone who has been raised in New York with deep ancestry and cultural traditions from the island of Puerto Rico. As a child of missionaries, she has lived in South and Central America, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and various boroughs in NYC, and her now in her current home in CT. Growing up, her family focused on education and learning, but she struggled with a learning disability not discovered and diagnosed until her freshman year in college. She describes living through shame, embarrassment, and bullying during her grade school years. Now, she is working on her fourth Master's Degree and there seems to be no end in sight! In addition, to her career as an Instructional Designer and Educational Technology Coordinator at a community college, she is building a passion project, “Threads of Resilience”. This project is focused on honoring her beloved and proud roots as a Latina and building awareness of the Hispanic/Latino community across the world.

What is the relationship like between faculty and instructional designers? In this episode, we'll hear from Ian August, Assistant Director of Online Learning and Adjunct Professor at St. John's University. Ian shares his research findings from speaking with both IDs and faculty about the course design and revision process. 

An off-chance conversation sent me down the rabbit hole of the psychomotor domain. Why is it that this domain doesn't get as much attention as the cognitive domain? So, I did some research and sifted through the origins of this domain. How did we get here? Who created it? Were there any signs that this domain was going to be looked down upon from the start? Well... I discovered some interesting takeaways that led to a few theories. This is the story of the psychomotor domain and why we don't talk about it.

What will Instructional Designers be called in the future? In this episode, I revisit a fun question from a recent webinar that got me thinking. Our field has gone by many names over the years, from training specialists and curriculum developers to multimedia designers and learning engineers. These shifts often reflect the trends, tools, and technologies of the time, from Gagné's Nine Events to the rise of LMSs and now AI. So, what's next? While job titles may continue to evolve, our core competencies remain steady. Join me for a lighthearted and slightly speculative look at the future of instructional design job titles. It's Friday, so grab your crystal ball and let's have some fun with this episode!

In this episode, I sit down with Anna Lebedinets, a researcher and instructional designer exploring how empathic listening and culturally nuanced communication can transform language learning. Her and her colleagues recent study examines how integrating psychological and sociocultural components within the 4C/ID model can bridge performance gaps and enhance students' preparedness for real-life cross-cultural interactions. We discuss why traditional language teaching often falls short in developing meaningful communication skills and how this innovative approach can help learners become more culturally adaptive.

James Washok is a Learning Experience Designer with over two decades in IT and HR Services. He's honed his skills in creating immersive, scenario-based eLearning modules that resonate across various levels of an organization. His role as an Instructional Designer and Content Developer involves a symbiotic relationship with management, subject matter experts, and business analysts to craft training solutions that are both effective and delightful.​​​​​​​​​​​In this podcast we talked about:- Principles of effective learning experience design - How to change our mindsets regarding learning to make it more effective - How to integrate AI into your Learning Experience Design 

Welcome to Not Your Average Counsellor 2025! I'm back with bold, thought-provoking conversations on relationships, mental health, and personal growth. This season, we're shaking things up with big questions like:

Sarah Mercier is the CEO of Build Capable and the editor of the newly released book, Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences. Sarah joins the podcast to share an inside look into Design for All Learners, revealing why everyone benefits from more inclusive design, and actionable steps you can take immediately to create more accessible content.    Sarah shares chapter sneak-peeks and explains how the story-driven format allows readers to understand accessibility in a new perspective. In addition, the conversation covers advocating for accessibility-focused roles and projects, how to make better design decisions, and going beyond a checklist mentality and basic standard compliance so that every learner can get the most out of your content.  Resources:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcmercier   Book: https://www.designforallbook.com/ Build Capable: https://www.buildcapable.com/  

What's it like working as an instructional designer in higher education? Let's talk about it all: the day-to-day, rewards, growth, compensation, politics, etc.

What happens when you upload 30 shorts in 30 days? Here's what I learned and what you can pickup from doing these kind of timed challenges. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matt Kinservik, a literary expert and professor, and Rachel Lapp, a self-proclaimed Taylor Swift expert and instructional designer, as they share the behind-the-scenes journey of co-creating a one-of-a-kind college course focused on Taylor Swift. Together, they discuss how their distinct expertise combines to craft an innovative curriculum and how they not only marketed the course with social media, but how they let students use Gen AI. Swifties and educators alike—this one's for you!

John Ortiz is a master Energy Healer with 40 years' experience and training in Pranic Healing. John graduated with honors with a BS in Zoology. He has used and sold aloe vera gel for the past 20 years. Jonathan Atleson is an Instructional Designer, ghostwriter, and musician. He has music degrees from Oberlin, Peabody, and Eastman, as well as an IT degree from RIT. He currently plays percussion with the Cuban salsa band Guajiron.RESOURCES:Visit John and Jonathan on Substack:http://triadhealing.comContact John Ortiz:https://haleynutrition.com/stores/ieh-healing/Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFEUvsA32D8Get the books by Andrew Weil on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3Ch2AxMGet the book "Alkalize or Die" on Amazon:https://amzn.to/42orIgKTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro Snip00:55 Introduce John Ortiz and Jonathan Atleson02:33 How the TV commercials brainwashed us to thinking health comes in a bottle06:17 What John's father, the physician, said to him that truned him away from medicine.08:17 Who is Andrew Weil?14:40 What is energy healing and how is that related to life?18:35 What is the placebo effect?18:55 What is the nocebo effect?19:08 What is the Mocebo Effect?20:20 Why do some people think energy healing is weird?26:00 What is intuition and what does it have to do with healing?29:27 What is Mountain Money?32:00 How much Aloe or anything else should I have?33:35 Why is healing the gut so important?34:45 Who are you feeding when you eat?36:23 What is so special about Mannose?38:35 What are the benefits of fasting?39:05 Are cravings good for you or bad for you?41:30 Should people eat meat or plants?42:40 Can you get plant nutrients from eating animals only?42:55 How is it that vegans kill as much as meat eaters?46:33 Why should every meat eater kill an animal?48:10 Does sugar cane feed cancer?50:28 Is there truth to the alkaline diet?51:00 how our thoughts can affect our pH52:20 When you bless your food, what changes?53:23 What is Substack?58:50 Why is story telling a better way to teach?102:55 What is the origin of Triad Healing?104:47 What is the number one cause of bankruptcy?112:25 Where is John Ortiz's practice?

In this episode of the Become an IDOL Podcast, Matthew Campbell, a former Senior Director at McGraw Hill, shares his insights on transitioning from a social studies teacher to a successful career in educational technology.  Tune in to hear: The key skills and qualities needed to break into instructional design and EdTech. How Matthew leveraged his teaching experience and networking to land his first corporate job. Matthew's tips for aspiring EdTech professionals, including building a portfolio and developing self-belief. Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs) on Amazon.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking E-mu Systems Emulator II sampler, Dave Rossum, Kevin Monahan and Paul Wiffen share inside stories of the development and manufacture of the instrument, their struggles to get around the technological limitations of the time and how the instrument was widely adopted by bands, artists and pop culture.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:50 - The Origins Of The Emulator03:59 - The E-mu Name 04:57 - Kevin's Background08:09 - Paul's Background11:19 - The Motivation For Creating Emulator II 16:26 - Specific Challenges25:19 - The Challenges Of Adding Hard Drives30:35 - How Did The Iconic Industrial Design Come About?35:11 - Having Two Disc Drives 38:22 - How Artists Responded To The Emulator II46:46 - Using Sampling To Create Novelty Sounds 56:08 - Kevin's Contribution To Ferris Bueller's Day Off 57:37 - The Legacy Of The Emulator II And Sampling #EmulatorII #Drumulator #SP12"This is all part of musical creativity, which is what I love about my job so much, is that I get to be at the forefront of inventing these tools that then the musicians can go figure out what to do with and blow my socks off" - Dave RossumDave Rossum BiogDave Rossum is a pioneering figure in the field of electronic music and audio technology, celebrated as the co-founder of E-mu Systems. Rossum's early interest in engineering and music led him to study at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he developed a deep understanding of both electronic circuits and music theory.In 1971, Rossum co-founded E-mu Systems with Scott Wedge. Initially focusing on modular synthesizers, the company became a cornerstone of the burgeoning electronic music scene. Rossum's technical brilliance was pivotal in designing groundbreaking instruments, including the E-mu Emulator, one of the first affordable digital samplers, and the E-mu SP-1200 drum machine, which played a critical role in the development of hip-hop and electronic music.Rossum's work extended beyond instruments to innovations in sound synthesis and sampling technologies, many of which remain influential. After E-mu was acquired in the 1990s, Rossum continued to innovate. In 2016, he launched Rossum Electro-Music, a company dedicated to creating advanced modular synthesizer tools, such as the Morpheus filter and Assimil8or sampler, which appeal to contemporary electronic musicians.Renowned for his combination of scientific rigour and musical sensitivity, Dave Rossum is regarded as a visionary who helped shape the sound of modern music and remains an influential force in the industry.https://www.rossum-electro.com/ Kevin Monahan BiogKevin Monahan was a key figure at E-mu Systems, contributing to the company's legacy of groundbreaking innovations in electronic music technology. Monahan played a pivotal role in the development and marketing of E-mu's iconic products during the company's peak in the 1980s and 1990s, helping bridge the gap between technical engineering and the creative needs of musicians.As a product specialist and public face for E-mu Systems, Monahan was instrumental in introducing instruments like the E-mu Emulator series, the SP-1200 sampler, and the Proteus sound module to musicians around the world. His deep understanding of the technology, combined with his ability to communicate its potential to artists and producers, made him a vital part of E-mu's success in both the professional and consumer music markets.Beyond his technical expertise, Monahan's passion for music and sound design made him a respected voice in the industry, helping to shape the culture and tools of electronic music during a transformative era. His contributions to E-mu's success are remembered as an important chapter in the evolution of music technology.Paul Wiffen BiogPaul Wiffen is a renowned keyboard player, sound designer, and music technologist. With a career spanning decades, Wiffen has worked as both a musician and a consultant for leading synthesizer manufacturers, blending his technical expertise with a keen musical sensibility. At the height of the Emulator II's success, he was London's most prominent programmer of the instrument.As a keyboardist, Wiffen has collaborated with prominent artists like Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel, as well as recording the bass line on the Band Aid single. As a sound designer he's been involved in several film scores, from Blade Runner with Vangelis to Jungle Fever with Stevie Wonder. His sound design work for manufacturers is equally notable —he played a significant role in programming and demonstrating groundbreaking synthesizers such as the Elka Synthex, OSCar and the Korg Z1, helping to shape the sound palettes of the 1980s and 1990s.Known for his engaging live demonstrations at trade shows and clinics, Wiffen has also been an advocate for electronic music technology, helping musicians unlock the potential of new instruments and old.Rob Puricelli BiogRob Puricelli is a Music Technologist and Instructional Designer who has a healthy obsession with classic synthesizers and their history. In conjunction with former Fairlight Studio Manager, Peter Wielk, he fixes and restores Fairlight CMI's so that they can enjoy prolonged and productive lives with new owners. He also writes reviews and articles for Sound On Sound, his website Failed Muso, and other music-related publications, as well as hosting a weekly livestream on YouTube for the Pro Synth Network and guesting on numerous music technology podcasts and shows. He also works alongside a number of manufacturers, demonstrating their products and lecturing at various educational and vocational establishments about music technology.www.failedmuso.comTwitter: @failedmusoInstagram: @failedmusoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/failedmuso/Catch more shows on our other podcast channels: https://www.soundonsound.com/sos-podcasts

In a recent poll, I asked educators (instructional designers, professors, teachers, developers, etc.) if they had a side hustle. 578 educators voted and 56% said yes. What opportunities are out there for educators though? In this episode, I'll share with you common side hustles for educators. 

As instructional designers, we have our go to models for designing learning experiences. What do you do though when you have to pivot? On today's episode, I'll share with you a crazy project I worked on where I had to heavily modify the backward design model.  Also, Happy Thanksgiving! 

Through the Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative, Tennessee State University and Urban Green Lab are working to capture the voices of those affected first and worst. Today we hear about this first-of-its-kind oral history project. We also hear how these same communities are a source for real solutions to a more sustainable and equitable Nashville.Today's episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley.Guests Stephanie Roach, Assistant Director of Special Initiatives, Urban Green Lab Dr. Reginald Archer, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University Elios Freeman, Nashville native and community activist and organizer Lyndell (Lynn) B. Edmondson, Instructional Designer, John Early Museum Magnet Middle School Further inVOICES OF RESILIENCE | A Nashville Environmental Justice Initiative Story ArchiveWPLN | Tennessee officials are worried about wetlands. Here's why.WPLN | Wetlands lessen floods. Tennessee lawmakers plan to erode the regulations that protect them.

Let's dive into immersive learning today and explore some real world examples!

What can Disney World teach us about instructional design? Well, quite a bit! Here are some insights from the most magical place on earth.

#83 On this episode, Founder of Creatively Ed, Dr. Yves shares her passion for creating curriculum, why public school did not work for her son, her instructional design resource, the importance of individualizing curriculum, and the importance of understanding your child's learning style. https://www.creativelyed.com/ Yvette Appiah, aka Dr. Yves, Doctor of Education, has 28 years industry experience, and is a homeschool mom. She has taught on every level of education from K-12 to College in face to face and virtual classrooms. She currently works as a Senior Global Instructional Designer helping companies create innovative, educational e-learning material and Founder of Creatively Ed, and Instructional Design Company for the homeschool community. She is very passionate about customized education. Dr. Yves has spent several years studying the benefits of customized education online and in schools. Her own experiences with her son in thepublic school system, led her to the Homeschool Community. Dr. Yves now supports home school families in developing their own curriculum designed specifically for their child through customized lessons, online and through local resources that are consistent with their child's learning style and the family's lifestyle. Dr. Yves created the LIVE approach to curriculum design and leads a team of Instructional Designers to design curricula for each child, each family, each CoOp, and each Micro school. She takes this approach to providing a real, organic content that adapts to the learner because learning is an individual experience. Dr. Yves' LIVE approach reaches each learners learning style, interests, values, and environment, making it the most customized curricula on the market. Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast shares organic conversations that promote confidence, a growth mindset, and are filled with inspiration and good energy. Sharing stories from the classroom, their home learning journey, and other reflections and life experiences, come grow and learn with Jae. Homeschool Yo Kids Organization is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides families with tools to aid unconventional learning experiences, helping to create a positive home learning environment. In addition to this, we are missioned to help families in traditional schools build a healthy collaborative relationship between the school and home. #homeschooltalks #homeschoolpodcast #homeeducation # #teacherlife #curriculum #curriculumdesign #curriculumreview #curriculumdevelopment #academicsupport #educationalresources #homeschoolingforkids #virtuallearning #healing #supplements #educationalreinforcements #creativelearning --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/homeschoolyokids/support

In this special episode recorded at the SCN Badass Business Summit, host Doug welcomes Bernie DeSantis, CEO of Insignia Training Partners. They discuss various impactful topics, including Bernie's personal connection to Movember and mental health advocacy, his work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the touching story behind his iconic mustache. The conversation also covers Insignia's collaboration with Ford and the benefits of outsourcing training projects. Additionally, Bernie shares valuable insights on effective training strategies, including the importance of live, instructor-led sessions, follow-up coaching, and comprehensive management training. The episode further explores the challenges and solutions in promoting high performers to leadership roles, Bernie's vision for Insignia, and his passion for supporting learning professionals. This episode is essential for those involved in sales, training, or organizational development.Chapters00:00 Welcome Remarks02:15 The Story Behind the Mustache04:45 Impact of Insignia Training Partners07:18 Building Effective Learning Programs09:26 Effective Training Strategies for New Employees10:53 Custom Training Programs Tailored to Organizations11:30 The Importance of Continuous Follow-Up and Coaching12:35 Daily Role Play and Sales Training13:40 Training Management and Leadership14:43 Promoting the Right People: Challenges and Solutions16:59 Future Goals and Vision for Insignia18:29 Personal Reflections and Advice for Future Leaders20:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou may connect with Bernie DeSantis on:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bernie.desantisiiiInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/insigniatrainingpartners/Website - https://insigniatraining.com/  Thank you for supporting Building Great Sales Teams! If you want to learn more about our host Doug Mitchell or get free BGST resources go to www.salesprogrambuilder.comAnd don't forget to visit us on Apple Podcasts to leave a review and let us know what you think! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Don't you just love when you're working on a project, and suddenly your SME ghosts you? You have no idea why or what happened, but what you do know for sure is that your project is dead in the water until you hear from them again. So, how do you reengage? In today's blog and podcast, I'll share five tips to help you get things back on track.

Please join us for “The Journey to Develop Reframing Behavior: A New Neuroscience Aligned Program for Educators” with Susan Driscoll, Patricia Bosco, and Connie Persike.Susan Driscoll is President of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and oversees the development of all products and programs, the trainers who deliver them, and for the support and care of the clients who use them. She joined CPI in 2017 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in 2022 was named a Director of the company.Prior to joining CPI, Susan served as President and CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health, Professional and Education, where she transformed the business from a traditional book publisher to a subscription-based healthcare content business. She has extensive experience in both healthcare and higher education publishing and training.Susan also has startup experience: prior to joining Wolters Kluwer, Susan was CEO of iUniverse, an internet-based provider of self-publishing services that was funded by Barnes & Noble and Warburg Pincus.Patricia Bosco is the Instructional Designer for Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).Patricia is passionate about creating change and growth through effective and engaging learning experiences. An avid advocate for designing learning that places the learner's needs, capabilities, and experiences at the center of the design process.Connie Persike, M.S., CCC/SLP, is a highly experienced Speech Language Pathologist and Educational Consultant. She has 20+ years of experience in educational settings and holds a certificate in instructional coaching, positive education, and applied educational neuroscience.She served as a member of the multi-state work group to help develop the Common Core Essential Elements for English Language Arts. Connie is a published writer for Autism Parenting Magazine and writes for Exceptional Needs Today. She created an innovative process to assess student behavior, which deviates from the traditional behaviorism approach and aligns with current relational and neuroscience while maintaining a trauma-sensitive and neurodiversity approach.Support the show

Google's NotebookLM can generate a podcast about your material in a matter of minutes. What does this kind of technology mean for instructional design, online learning, and higher education? On today's episode, you'll hear a sample of what an AI generated podcast sounds like and we'll break down the pros, cons, and things to mindful of in the future. 

Let's say your beloved project has become a total dumpster fire. What do you do? How do you handle this situation? On today's show, we will talk about steps to help you and to put out that fire. 

In this episode, Laurel Schulert, the Senior Director of Learning Experience at SAP Concur, discusses her journey from being an English teacher to becoming a successful instructional designer.  Tune in to find out: Laurel's insights on why English majors make great instructional designers and the valuable skills they bring to the field. Laurel's personal story of transitioning from teaching to corporate training and development, and the challenges she faced along the way. Laurel's advice for aspiring instructional designers, including tips on building a strong portfolio and demonstrating their expertise in adult learning theory.

What can you use a GPT for? Under the right circumstances, these can be fantastic to help you and your students. On today's episode, I'll share with you three real world cases for how I'm using custom GPTs.

Let's say you're an instructional designer and you're trying to get promoted. How do you achieve this goal? Well, there are a few ways you can go about this, and on today's podcast, I'll share with you 10 tips on how to get promoted as an instructional designer.

Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer for Canvas by Instructure and a professor at UC Irvine, joins the podcast to discuss lifelong learning. Melissa offers practical advice for companies looking to move beyond the rhetoric and foster a true culture of continuous development.   Melissa addresses common barriers to learning, such as time scarcity and the need for clear guidelines and engaging practice opportunities. She also provides best practice methods for catering programs for diverse audiences, designing courses from scratch, and getting to the “why” of learning. Avoid ineffective strategies and burnout—tune in for Melissa's expert guidance on making learning an integral part of everyday life.  Resources:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaloble/ Canvas by Instructure: https://www.instructure.com/   Educast 3000 Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QTGC57NLu4id9FhV8GWZu?si=dc412648ccdf4c65

There are certain types of phrases that can trigger an instructional designer. Learning styles, using “understand” in learning objectives, cognitive overload, last minute stakeholder changes, and more are enough to drive the best instructional designer crazy. Over the years, I've had to channel these grievances into more productive ways with sharing best practices. But even now, there are still some things that pop up where I shake my head and pray for divine intervention. So come commiserate with me as we talk about my top three instructional design pet peeves.

Are you planning on going to a learning conference soon? I just came back from D2L's Fusion and it was amazing. There were a few changes I made compared to my normal conference routine and it made a huge difference. On today's episode, you'll hear my top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your next conference.

Send us a Text Message.Today, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Darrin Peppard, a former educator turned leadership coach and entrepreneur. Darrin shares his journey from being a middle school teacher to a high school principal and eventually a superintendent. He highlights the challenges he faced and how leadership coaching transformed his career.Dr. Darrin and Dr. Mel highlight the importance of mentorship, coaching, and collaboration in education and entrepreneurship. They discuss how leadership development systems, like Missouri's MLDS, provide critical support for new principals and help build lasting professional relationships.The conversation then shifts to educator entrepreneurship. Darrin, a true educator entrepreneur, shares insights on how to grow an educational consultancy through content marketing, leveraging relationships, and providing valuable resources. Dr. Mel adds her experiences, emphasizing the role of books as powerful tools for building a coaching business.Key Takeaways:Darrin's career progression from middle school teacher to leadership coach and the impact of leadership coaching.The role of state leadership development systems in supporting new principals.Strategies for finding clients and growing an educational consultancy.The importance of content marketing and sharing knowledge to build a consultancy business.How books can serve as powerful business cards and tools for expanding reach and influence.Connect with Darrin Peppard:Website: Road to AwesomeTwitter: @DarrinPeppardLinkedIn: Darrin PeppardBook: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, Dr. Mel continues the conversation with leadership expert Jim Salvucci to dive deeper into the final components of effective leadership.Episode Highlights:Compromise: Jim explains how compromise is a transactional process essential for effective leadership. Learn why trust and communication are critical in reaching compromises.Collaboration: Discover why collaboration is the most vital C in leadership. Jim discusses creating win-win situations and how true leaders inspire others to work towards common goals.Integrity: Using the analogy of a chair, Jim highlights the importance of being solid, whole, and dependable. Understand why integrity is foundational to building character and trust.Communication Clarity: Dr. Mel and Jim talk about the significance of clear communication, especially in the digital age where messages can easily be misinterpreted.Leadership Self-Awareness: Jim emphasizes starting with self-awareness and knowing your values as the first step towards effective leadership.Jim's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Guidance for GreatnessGreat Leadership ToolkitBook: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

Send us a Text Message.Today, I chat with leadership expert Jim Salvucci about his incredible journey from academia to leadership coaching! Jim shares his experiences, from being a boy scout leader at 18 to founding the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Stevenson University. He dives into the importance of cultivating leadership, even from a young age, and the distinction between being a boss and a true leader.We explore:The power of character in leadershipThe critical role of communicationWhy clarity trumps everythingLearning from the negative paradigmJim's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Guidance for GreatnessGreat Leadership ToolkitBook: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

How do amazing concepts turn into disasters? Well, I can think of quite a few reasons. On today's show, you'll hear about some real-life examples and blunders about how ideas can quickly take a turn for the worse.

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I'm exploring why a positive school culture is so important and how it can create a fantastic learning environment for students, teachers, and staff. As a principal, you have a huge influence on your school's culture, and we're here to share some practical tips to help you make it the best it can be.A positive school culture is linked to improved academic performance, increased student engagement, reduced behavior problems, and enhanced overall well-being. When students feel safe, respected, and supported, they thrive academically and enjoy coming to school. Teachers and staff also benefit from a positive culture, experiencing higher job satisfaction and a more collaborative work environment.We'll cover practical strategies such as leading by example, encouraging open communication, and promoting inclusivity. By modeling positive behavior, creating avenues for everyone to share their thoughts, and celebrating diversity, you can cultivate a school culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.I'm Mel, a dedicated educator, ambitious entrepreneur, coffee, and Jesus Lover.  When it was time for me to explore new horizons beyond the classroom, I was completely certain that God was guiding me toward a greater and more fulfilling purpose,And now, my mission is to empower you to dig deep and know what options are available when you're ready to transition from teacher to leader, you're ready to retire and pursue that second career,  or you're ready for the challenge of starting your own educational consultancy.Imagine, working in a career that sets your soul and deepest passions on fire. If you're ready to make that change and pursue a different path in your educational career, then you're in the right place.Friend, let me show you how to make a change in your life and pursue your true passions with a position that you love while using your God-given gifts and talents to persevere toward your personal and professional goals.Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of learning, comparing how adults and children approach education differently. We'll explore the unique motivations, learning styles, and challenges each group faces, and how this knowledge can empower you to make a bigger impact in education. Motivation:Adults: Intrinsic, goal-oriented, need practical relevance.Children: Extrinsic, motivated by rewards and curiosity.Experience:Adults: Bring rich backgrounds, self-directed.Children: Limited prior knowledge, dependent on guidance.Learning Styles:Adults: Established styles, prefer practical application.Children: Developing styles, learn through play and exploration.Barriers:Adults: Time constraints, fear of failure, fixed mindsets.Children: Short attention spans, need supportive environment, developmental stages.Flexibility:Adults: Less adaptable, resistant to change.Children: Highly adaptable, willing to experiment.Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

Today, I sit down with Shaneice Thomas, a dedicated educator and resilient leader who turned her childhood trauma into a driving force for positive change. Shaneice shares her remarkable journey from a small-town girl in North Carolina to a principal, and now a leader in a faith-based nonprofit. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the impact of mentors, and the importance of aligning one's career with personal strengths and passions. Hey friend. I'm Mel, a dedicated educator, ambitious entrepreneur, coffee, and Jesus lover.  When it was time for me to explore new horizons beyond the classroom, I was completely certain that God was guiding me towards a greater and more fulfilling purpose,And now, my mission is to empower you to dig deep and know what options are available when you're ready to transition from the teacher to leader, you're ready to retire and pursue that second career,  or you're ready for the challenge of starting your own educational consultancy. Imagine, working in a career that sets your soul and deepest passions on fire. If you're ready to make that change and pursue a different path in your educational career, then you're in the right place.Friend, let me show you how to make a change in your life and pursue your true passions with a position that you love while using your God-given gifts and talents to persevere toward your personal and professional goals. The Purpose Project Co. LLC linktr.ee/ThePurposeProjectCo LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter/XYouTube Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

Joseph Diaz joins the show to shares his insights on networking on LinkedIn and how to do it effectively without feeling slimy. On this episode, you'll hear about:

Today on Empowered Educator, we're exploring adult learning and its powerful role in professional development. Join me, Dr. Mel, as we discuss why understanding how adults learn is essential for creating effective training that drives real growth and improvement. Practical Relevance: Always ensure that your training sessions are directly applicable to the participants' jobs. Use real-world scenarios and examples that they can relate to.Integrate Life and Job Experiences: Encourage learners to share their experiences and insights. This not only enriches the learning environment but also helps in building a community of practice.Focus on Goals: Align your training content with the personal and professional goals of your learners. This increases motivation and engagement.Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

In this exciting episode, Dr. Mel Vandevort sits down with Dr. Tania Farran, a seasoned educator and virtual principal, to explore the groundbreaking potential of Rubi AI in education. Dr. Farran shares her journey from teacher to innovative leader and dives into how Rubi AI is transforming classrooms, empowering students, and streamlining administrative tasks. Discover practical insights and tips on integrating AI into educational settings responsibly and effectively. Don't miss this engaging conversation about the future of education and the role AI plays in it! Hey friend. I'm Mel, a dedicated educator, ambitious entrepreneur, coffee, and Jesus Lover.  When it was time for me to explore new horizons beyond the classroom, I was completely certain that God was guiding me toward a greater and more fulfilling purpose,Now, my mission is to empower you to dig deep and know what options are available when you're ready to transition from teacher to leader, you're ready to retire and pursue that second career,  or you're ready for the challenge of starting your own educational consultancy.Imagine, working in a career that sets your soul and deepest passions on fire. If you're ready to make that change and pursue a different path in your educational career, then you're in the right place.Friend, let me show you how to make a change in your life and pursue your true passions with a position that you love while using your God-given gifts and talents to persevere toward your personal and professional goals. Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessLet me help you determine the next steps in your career!Grab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowereducator.comWebsite: www.empowereducator.com Join the PowerED Up Educator Facebook Group Become a Curriculum and Instructional Designer 3-Course Bundle 4-Course Bundle: Curriculum and Instructional Design, Customer Success, Training & Ed Consulting, Freelancing

Our guest today, Elisa Cruickshank, brings over a decade of experience in Banking, Finance, and in Learning and Development to the list of her many credentials. The #momlife is real in this episode as Erika and Elisa embrace "done is better than perfect" and share how they both just keep it going on all fronts!Elisa brings the perfect mix of ambition - exactly what has fueled her success - to the conversation, and her love of being a mom! She shows up with passion and no doubt has what it takes to build impactful and engaging training in her role as an Instructional Designer. Her commitment to mentorship and leaving conversations better than she found them shines through on this episode.Erika and Elisa give us all permission to keep it real, to take on whatever the day brings and to balance it all in the most imperfectly perfect way - listen in for more! Spoiler alert - you will be inspired to find your calm in nature, regularly, after this conversationConnect with Elisa here: https://ecdlearning.com/Connect with your host, Erika:LinkedIn (primary)https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenbergeriGhttps://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2FBhttps://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Morris Brown is a director, composer, graphic designer, technical trainer, instructional designer, accomplished artist, revered UCLA educator, and author of the “Hang'n with the Girl's” book series. Today, Morris Brown shares his journey from being a college football star to becoming a prolific writer and a loving "girl dad." He discusses the profound influence his father had on him, teaching him the importance of kindness and resilience in the face of adversity. Morris's calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to life are evident as he recounts his experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. Morris talks about his unique approach to parenting, which includes writing 21 books inspired by his adventures with his daughters. He explains how the COVID-19 pandemic provided him the opportunity to finally put pen to paper and document the cherished moments he shared with his girls. His books, which started as an 800-page manuscript, were eventually divided into 11 smaller, more manageable volumes, with 10 more in the works. These stories not only serve as a gift to his daughters but also as an inspiration to other parents. The conversation also delves into Morris Brown's diverse background, including his time as a college professor, a television director, and a composer. He shares anecdotes from his life, such as his near-miss with an NFL career and his unexpected friendship with a homeless man who attacked his car. Throughout the episode, Morris emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged with his children, advocating for a balanced approach to handling life's stresses while maintaining a loving and supportive family environment. www.thedadedge.com/friday159 www.thedadedge.com/spirit www.ihangwiththegirls.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/morris-brown-234b8b11  

In graphic design, web design, and user experience design, portfolios are essential, but what about instructional design? They were once considered a nice-to-have, but I think we are moving towards portfolios being required. Let's chat today about the ID landscape and why you should be thinking about a portfolio.