The Best Instructional Design and L&D Podcasts to Follow in 2025

Instructional design (ID) and learning and development (L&D) are two remarkably dynamic fields. So how can you stay informed? Following podcasts is one way to find guidance and keep tabs on the latest trends without spending hours on courses and webinars. While the internet offers a variety of lists, not all of them are equally useful. To help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ve sifted through lists, forums, and reviews to compile this guide.

Here, you’ll find the most relevant, fresh, and actually useful instructional design podcasts that are arranged by niche and career stage. Plus, we’ve made a chart to give you a quick overview.

Top Instructional Design Podcasts by Niche and Career Stage

With so many instructional design podcasts out there, it makes sense to divide the list into categories. For this list, we’ve settled on two main criteria: niche and career stage. That said, many podcasts tend to have a broader scope, so the categorization is somewhat loose, and everyone might find something interesting in every category.

For New and Aspiring IDs, and for Online Learning and L&D Pros

If you’re starting in instructional design and L&D or transitioning from another field, here are some podcasts that will provide inspiration and help you find your footing.

The Overnight Trainer

Host: Sarah Cannistra

Also known as The L&D Career Club Podcast, The Overnight Trainer has been running since 2020 and is currently one of the best-known shows in the niche. The host, Sarah Cannistra, is a respected career coach who has guided over a hundred aspiring professionals in ID and L&D into their dream roles. The podcast covers a range of topics particularly relevant to beginners in the field.

Recommended episode: #64: Land Your Dream L&D Role in 90 Days!

This is one of the most popular with listeners. The reason can be seen in the title, as the 31-minute piece is a practical guide to securing an L&D position. Regardless of your career stage, the episode promises a clear idea of the steps to follow to get the job you want, fast.

You’ll learn:

• How to create a resume and portfolio to help you stand out.
• Strategies, skills, and tips to land a job in L&D.
• Tons of advice for novices in the field.

Format and Frequency: 45–60–minute weekly episodes. A mix of solo coaching and interviews with guest experts.

ifyouaskbetty

Host: Betty Dannewitz

A lively and light-hearted podcast, ifyouaskbetty is a great choice for both aspiring and experienced professionals looking for inspiration and approachable information. The presenter, Betty Dannewitz, is a recognized expert in the field, with experience ranging from XR tools to leadership and innovation and a real passion for training. Topics include both technical aspects of L&D, such as using AI tools and immersive technology, and psychological facets.

Recommended episode: Season 6, #9: “How We Really See Ourselves,” with Ben Eden

In this highly popular 54-minute feature, Betty and Ben Eden discuss identity and self-perception. The topic is relevant regardless of one’s career stage or niche, as it deals with the vicious cycle that “high achievers” get into when they check all the boxes but still feel unfulfilled.

You’ll learn about:

• Coping with psychological challenges on your career path
• Leveraging new technology in L&D jobs
• Current trends and fresh news in the field

Format and Frequency: 30–45 min., with some episodes extending to 50 min. or more. It’s a biweekly show in the form of conversational interviews.

These podcasts contain a wealth of information for beginning instructional designers and L&D professionals. But in addition to knowledge, you also need the proper tools to help you do your best work in a new field.

For novices, it’s crucial to have convenient tools that provide enough range for their growing needs but don’t overwhelm. iSpring Suite is exactly that kind of solution: powerful yet intuitive, ensuring that beginners can start putting knowledge into practice right away. Functioning as a PowerPoint add-on, it has a familiar interface but offers rich functionality for creating and publishing professional-level courses that anyone can be proud of.

More great podcasts that beginners will find useful:

• Become an IDOL: Instructional Design and Online Learning — Dr. Robin Sargent, founder of IDOL courses, offers guidance and actionable insights, shares success stories, and more.
• The EdUp Learning and Development Podcast — Holly Owens, an L&D expert with years of experience, discusses instructional design tips and tricks, navigating your L&D journey, and cutting through the noise.

For Experienced Pros Looking to Level Up

For those with solid experience in the field, here are the popular podcasts that cover more sophisticated and complex topics. Beginners might find them confusing due to the scope of problems discussed, but some sessions might be a good fit as well.

The eLearning Coach

Host: Connie Malamed

One of the longest-running podcasts in the niche, The eLearning Coach is also one of the most frequently mentioned ones on the “go-to” lists. The show host, Connie Malamed, is a respected instructional designer and consultant, creator of the eLearning Coach website, and author of two books. For over 80 installments now, she’s been bringing her own expertise and that of her guests to help listeners gain perspective on instructional design, cognitive psychology, learning strategy, and more.

Recommended episode: ELC 087: “Steal from Marketing to Improve Your Training”

Surprisingly, instructional design and marketing share a lot in common: creating personas, segmenting the audience, capturing attention, and more. In this episode, the show host sits down with two experts to discuss what ID and L&D pros can borrow from the marketing realm.

You’ll learn:

• Ideas, techniques, and resources for creating high-quality educational products.
• Ways to apply scientific research to real-life projects.
• Practical tips and guidance from experts in L&D, instructional design, and adjacent fields.

Format and Frequency: 25–40-minute episodes released every 1–2 months on average, typically in an interview format.

The Dr. Luke Hobson Podcast

Host: Dr. Luke Hobson

Being one of the most reputable shows in the niche, this podcast is fit for a fairly broad audience of ID and L&D practitioners. Dr. Luke Hobson is an experienced instructional designer associated with top higher educational institutions like MIT, which determines the main focus of his program. If you’re passionate about the science behind education, and especially if you work in higher ed or online learning — this one is for you.

Recommended episode: #6: Universal Design for Learning

With 4+ years active, there are a lot of brilliant episodes to recommend. This older one, however, is still among the most popular. Here, Dr. Katie Novak and Tom Thibodeau join Dr. Hobson to explain the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can help instructional designers.

You’ll learn:

• How to put science into practice
• Tips and best practices for instructional design in different settings, including higher education
• Career tips for experienced instructional designers

Format and Frequency: Episodes typically come out every two weeks. Duration varies greatly, ranging from under 20 minutes to over 1 hour. Solo or interview format.

More great podcasts for experienced pros to follow:

• Designing with Love — Created and hosted by Grand Canyon University instructor and instructional designer Jackie Pelegrin, this is a great fit for both experienced IDs and beginners. If you’re looking for actionable tips on creating outstanding educational courses, don’t miss it.

For ID and L&D Managers and Leaders

Managers in L&D and instructional design have their specific challenges that are often more related to business metrics than to instructional design itself. If meeting KPIs, planning budgets, improving ROI, and the like are relevant to you, these podcasts can help you get better at all of it.

Learning Uncut

Host: Michelle Ockers

An Australian-based pro with over 30 years of experience in L&D and project management, Michelle Ockers shares her vast expertise with colleagues around the globe in The Learning Uncut Podcast. Her discussions with renowned industry experts are an invaluable source of ideas for fellow professionals looking for tried-and-true ways to tackle real-world business challenges.

Recommended episode: #161: Blended Learning with Business Impact at ANZ

In this outstanding episode, Michelle Ockers and her guest, Millie Law, discuss a successful case of implementing a blended learning initiative at the ANZ Bank. The initiative was so successful that it led to a remarkable 20-25% improvement in key business metrics and ended up receiving the 2024 AITD award.

You’ll learn:

• Practical ways to deal with real-world business challenges through L&D
• How to provide measurable outcomes with corporate training programs
• Perspectives and ideas from global L&D leaders

Format and Frequency: 40–50-minute episodes, released weekly. Expert discussions and case studies.

Instructional Designers in Offices Drinking Coffee (#IDIOC)

Host: Chris Van Wingerden, Paul Schneider

With over 250 episodes and counting, this cozy podcast with a coffee-break vibe is a staple in the niche. The show’s hosts, Chris Van Wingerden and Brent Schlenker, are both instructional design space veterans with plenty of real-world knowledge to share. From looking beyond buzzwords and vanity metrics to actionable insights, the podcast features a gold mine of information for old hands and newbies alike.

Recommended episode: #251 The Great Training Transformation: Adapt or Become Irrelevant

According to an expert’s prediction, traditional training courses have a shelf life of 2-5 years. Here, he sits down with Chris and Brent to discuss how L&D pros can adapt to remain relevant.

You’ll learn:

• The realities of working in L&D and instructional design
• Practical ways to handle professional challenges
• How to actually provide business value and not just content

Format and Frequency: 30-60 min. biweekly/weekly shows in a conversational form, frequently featuring guest experts.

More awesome podcasts for leaders and managers to follow:

• The L&D Must Change Podcast — consultant Jess Almlie focuses on the business side of the profession and how to make a real impact with L&D programs.
• The Mindtools L&D Podcast — another standout show in the Business and Management category. Made by the MindTools team, the podcast discusses the issues leaders in L&D and HR will find highly relevant.
• The Learning+ Podcast — a business-focused biweekly show by Lennovators — explores fresh approaches to learning and “uncovers ideas from unexpected places.”

For Tech-Savvy Innovators

AI is everywhere, dramatically transforming nearly every industry — and ID and L&D are no exceptions. Fortunately, you can tune in to some podcasts dedicated to this topic to get fresh updates and stay ahead of the curve.

The Visual Lounge

Host: Matt Pierce

Delivered by the TechSmith corporation, this weekly show is almost exclusively focused on the technical side of things and on visual communication. The podcast is aimed at a broad audience, including educators, instructional designers, marketers, and all kinds of content creators. Since visuals have long become indispensable in ID, the show is a must-listen for everyone who makes their own online learning content.

Recommended episode: #262 — Avoiding AI Slop: Best Practices from the Human Framework

This more recent episode, released in October 2025, focuses on the dilemma of balancing AI usage with human authenticity. The HUMAN Framework presented by Matt Pierce promises to help you cut through the noise while retaining the benefits of GenAI in content production.

You’ll learn:

• Practical tips and ideas for creating top-notch visuals
• How to leverage AI to create visual content while maintaining quality and authenticity
• Ways to use visuals effectively in instructional design and beyond

Format and Frequency: 30-50-minute episodes, updated weekly. Host-led conversations with industry guests and experts.

Learning While Working

Host: Robin Petterd

Focused on innovative approaches to creating workplace learning and ways to provide business value, this podcast is full of useful tips and expert observations. The host, Dr. Robin Petterd, is a reputable expert who has worked in L&D for decades and holds a PhD in creative interactive digital media. In this program, he sits down with colleagues to discuss workplace training trends and share best practices on making AI an ally, not a threat.

Recommended episode: Episode 164 — Curiosity in the age of AI with Lisa Bodell

In this episode, Robin Pettard and his guest Lisa Bodell, founder and CEO of FutureThink, discuss some very fundamental questions that go beyond ID or L&D. What is curiosity? Can you learn to be curious? And why is asking questions a crucial skill in the age of AI? The answers are not that obvious.

You’ll learn:

• How to leverage new technology to create and deliver better learning experiences
• How to provide and measure actual business value with workplace L&D programs
• Practical tips on creating engaging and effective learning courses

Format and Frequency: 30-minute episodes (approximately), released with uneven frequency. Interview format with guest experts.

Besides, the majority of the podcasts we’ve placed in other categories have delved into the topic of AI at least once. So, make sure you check out episode titles and descriptions so you don’t miss out on something important!

For Experts Looking for Global Voices and Diverse Perspectives

Instructional design and L&D are very much alike in all countries. However, there are some differences from one region to another, and these might be crucial if you work in these regions. Tune in for global voices to add nuance to your knowledge and broaden your perspective.

Unscripted — The L&D Shakers Podcast

Host: Joost Brouwer (Season III)

Created and run by the Netherlands-based L&D community “L&D Shakers,” this podcast is the go-to place for global perspectives. The guests come from all over the world, each sharing their personal stories, discussing ideas, and offering diverse perspectives on all aspects of L&D. Both human and authentic, the show conveys the true spirit of the global community of professionals who are eager to learn and grow together.

Recommended episode: #6: Unleashing the Power of Cross-Cultural Experiences in Learning with Romy Alexandra

Romy Alexandra is an international L&D professional with a unique journey. Having lived in six countries, trained people across four continents, and visited dozens of places, she has a lot to tell about the power of diverse cultural experiences in learning.

You’ll learn:

• Unique stories from learning and development professionals across the globe
• Different ways to approach common challenges L&D practitioners face
• How cross-cultural experiences enrich learning and development strategies

Format and Frequency: 25-40-minute episodes released every few weeks. Interview or roundtable format with hosts from the community changing every season.

The eLearning Champion Pod

Host: Shalini Merugu

Produced by CommLabs India, The eLearning Champion is one of the better-known international shows in its niche. The range of topics makes it useful for learning and development pros at all levels, but especially for managers and leaders. Hosted by L&D and marketing specialist Shalini Merugu, the podcast frequently features international participants, ensuring diverse perspectives on the common challenges that industry practitioners worldwide share.

Recommended episode: Episode 44 — Building Individuals’ Cultural Agility ft. Paula Caligiuri

The episode’s guest, Dr. Paula Caligiuri, is a Northwestern University professor who specializes in international business and strategy. Here, she talks about cultural agility: what it is, why it’s crucial in today’s multicultural business environment, and how it can help companies thrive.

You’ll learn:

• Perspectives on the L&D industry and its current state from leaders around the world
• Practical advice and tips for L&D managers on tackling common business issues
• Insights into popular methods, such as microlearning, video-based learning, blended learning, and more.

Format and Frequency: 30-50-minute episodes, updated weekly or more frequently, typically in a host-led format.

Quick Reference: Podcast Comparison Table

How to Get the Most Out of L&D Podcasts

So, you’ve picked a bunch of podcasts. The next question is how to make them work for you. Here’s some advice on how to get the most out of the podcasts we’re offering in this guide — or any other educational content, for that matter.

Avoid podcast overwhelm

With so many great instructional design podcasts out there, there’s a great temptation to follow them all. But wanting to grasp everything all at once has never worked well. To avoid podcast overwhelm, start by selecting the most relevant titles from our list based on your career stage and focus area. This will help you narrow down your personal selection. Here are some more things you can do:

• Use content curation apps. Curation apps such as Flipboard, Sofa, Pocket, and the like allow you to organize podcasts and other content, create custom episode playlists, save items to listen to later, and more.
• Increase playback speed. Many ID podcasts are produced for people with differing listening skills, so speech often tends to be on the slower side. To many, listening at 1.5 is often quite comfortable. That’s the case with The eLearning Podcast, for example. But don’t forget about active listening: if you can’t grasp the gist at a higher playback speed, this approach won’t work.
• Check out transcripts. We read faster than we listen, so transcripts, if available, can be great time-savers. Highlighting the most important ideas and writing down notes as you listen will come in handy when you want to remember something specific or try ideas out on an actual project.
• Try time blocking. Time blocking (time chunking) is a great time management technique that helps you carve out time for important activities that tend to be left out. Essentially, it refers to reserving broad chunks of time in your schedule for a specific activity or group of activities. Unlike time boxing, this method doesn’t require setting strict time limits for each task but helps you fit activities into your schedule.

And of course, you can find useful information through other sources. For example, you can download our free e-book, An Instructional Designer’s Notebook, which contains a collection of guides, tips, and checklists.

Apply podcast insights to real-life projects

No matter how much knowledge you gain, it likely won’t stick long unless you apply it in real life. That’s why using tips and ideas from the podcasts you listen to is a crucial part of making the most of your podcast listening activity.

Depending on the type of podcast, the insights, tips, and ideas might be easier or harder to apply. Straightforward advice from episodes that are focused on actionable tips can often be put into practice right away. More complex ideas, however, take time to digest. In the latter case, the note-taking technique is especially helpful, since text notes tend to be more focused and structured than audio materials.

For example, there’s an episode of The Learning Coach podcast called “Generating AI Podcasts for Learning” which you can use as a pretty straightforward instruction to try and produce your own AI-generated podcast episode. On the other hand, broader topics like “The Pitfalls of a Hero Identity in Leadership” discussed at Growth through Learning call for deeper analysis before you can use the insights in your own work.

To put theory into practice, you sometimes just need pen and paper — when we’re talking strategy, for example. But for creating hands-on learning materials, the right tools are indispensable. If you’re the person designing the courses, iSpring Suite is a solution that can help you do that effectively.

Book a free demo to learn more about its capabilities, try it out for free and explore on your own, or do both for maximum effect.

Discuss the shows with peers and team

The best ideas are often born during discussions. That’s why sharing the podcasts you listen to with your colleagues and talking about the most interesting episodes is a great way to sift through ideas and pick the key takeaways. Besides, sharing your favorite podcasts with people you work with will definitely give you something fresh to talk about during coffee breaks.

One way to make discussions more effective is to make a list of podcast episodes at the beginning of the week and then talk about them before the weekend. Alternatively, you can share a list on Friday to listen to over the weekend and discuss them on Monday to kick-start your week. Next Monday can be the best time to start!

Conclusion

Instructional design podcasts are a gold mine of information for ID and L&D professionals at all stages of their career journey. For this article, we hand-picked only the most reputable, top-rated, and audience-approved instructional design podcasts that bring real value, insights, and fresh perspectives. This list is updated regularly to ensure that you can always rely on its freshness and relevance.

Since it includes so many titles, it makes sense to try them out one or two at a time. Remember to make use of our tips to avoid getting overwhelmed, navigate the variety of content with ease, and apply the insights in practice.

You can start right now by picking one podcast a week and making the most of it. Take notes, share ideas with peers, and use practical tips to improve your work. And don’t forget to bookmark this article to stay tuned for updates!

Living List: Stay Updated

The podcast landscape is changing fast — that’s why we are committed to updating this list quarterly, adding new and removing discontinued shows. If you’d like to recommend your favorite instructional design and/or L&D podcasts, feel free to do so in the comments section below. And of course, you can share your opinions about the shows on the current list!