The Women Talking About Learning Podcast
The Women Talking About Learning Podcast

The Women Talking About Learning Podcast

Llarn Learning

Overview
Episodes

Details

The Women Talking About Learning Podcast is, well, women talking about learning and development. Underrepresented in senior roles in the learning function, this podcast amplifies women’s voices talking about all things learning and development related. You can find more on our website www.womentalkingaboutlearning.com.

Recent Episodes

The More Content One
NOV 25, 2025
The More Content One
<p></p><p>The Learning Podcast Festival takes place in London on 26 February 2026. Details are at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://podcastlearningfest.live">https://podcastlearningfest.live</a>.</p><p>You can contact Women Talking About Learning at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com</a>. Support us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning">https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning</a>. Email us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p><p>This episode looks at how learning design is shifting in an AI driven world. New tools appear every week. Old assumptions keep moving. We explore what this means for people who build learning. What stays useful. What needs to stop. What comes next.</p><p>Our guests work with content at scale and see the changes ahead.</p><p><strong>Gaenor Aitken</strong> Gaenor has more than 25 years in learning and development. She works in global shipping with a focus on systems training and large scale content. She is interested in how AI and short form video will change future learning work. LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/gaenor-aitken">https://linkedin.com/in/gaenor-aitken</a></p><p><strong>Karen Cureton</strong> Karen is a social media specialist after a long career in sales and marketing. She helps organisations use platforms with confidence and keeps her approach simple and practical. Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://curetonconsulting.co.uk">https://curetonconsulting.co.uk</a> LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/karencuretontraining">https://linkedin.com/in/karencuretontraining</a></p><p><strong>Kathryn (Katie) Swandale</strong> Katie is Senior Learning and Development Partner at Immediate. She has experience across teaching, apprenticeships and CIPD qualification design. Her work focuses on inclusive learning and has been recognised with collaboration and transformation awards. LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/kathryn-swandale">https://linkedin.com/in/kathryn-swandale</a> Company: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/company/immediatemedia">https://linkedin.com/company/immediatemedia</a></p><p><strong>Laura Giles</strong> Laura is Head of Learning at Desq. She designs digital learning for global brands and uses behavioural science, UX and storytelling in her work. Her time building MOOCs at the University of Sheffield shaped her evidence based approach. Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://desq.co.uk">https://desq.co.uk</a> LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/laura-giles-learning-designer">https://linkedin.com/in/laura-giles-learning-designer</a></p><p><strong>Full episode resources</strong> All links and references are listed on our website.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/2025/11/25/the-more-content-one/">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/2025/11/25/the-more-content-one/</a></p><p>Thanks for listening.</p>
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44 MIN
The Female Voice One
NOV 10, 2025
The Female Voice One
<p><strong>Contact Women Talking About Learning</strong> Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com</a> Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Support us: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning">https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning</a> Twitter/X: @WTAL_Podcast</p><p>This episode looks at women’s voices. How they are heard. How they are silenced. What happens when we choose to amplify them. It is about confidence, power, bias and allyship. You will hear from two women using learning, science and leadership to shift systems and create impact.</p><p><strong>Full episode resources</strong> All the articles, research and book links mentioned in this episode are listed on our website. 👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/?p=5045">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/?p=5045</a></p><p><strong>Guests</strong></p><p><strong>Aynsley Szczesniak</strong> Founder and CEO of <em>Speak Out Sisterhood</em>, a nonprofit helping young professional women in STEM become agents of social change. Aynsley is a third-year Honors Carolina scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying Biology, Chemistry and Entrepreneurship on the pre-medical track. She writes for the <em>Association of Women in Science</em> magazine, sits on the Carolina Women’s Center Advisory Board and leads the Student Success in STEM Task Force. A proactive STEMinist and aspiring physician in women’s health, she is passionate about education, collaboration and social entrepreneurship. • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aynsley-szczesniak/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/aynsley-szczesniak/</a> • Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/aynsleyszczesniak/">https://www.instagram.com/aynsleyszczesniak/</a> • Speak Out Sisterhood: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.speakoutsisterhood.org">https://www.speakoutsisterhood.org</a></p><p><strong>Alison Shea</strong> A fourth-generation educator who leads global learning and development for a tech start-up. Alison’s background spans financial services, organisational transformation and diversity, equity and inclusion. She has also worked in consulting and learning product development, designing award-winning workshops and speaking at international conferences. With an MEd in curriculum and instructional technology, Alison is passionate about mentoring and giving back to future learning professionals. • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmshea/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonmshea/</a></p><p>Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.</p>
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43 MIN
The Fun One
OCT 28, 2025
The Fun One
<p><strong>Contact Women Talking About Learning</strong> Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com</a> Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Support: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning">https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning</a> Podcast Learning Festival: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.podcastlearningfest.live">www.podcastlearningfest.live</a></p><p>This episode explores the intersection of fun, engagement, and effective learning. Our guests challenge conventional approaches to leadership development and learning design, sharing insights on creating psychologically safe spaces, using humour and gamification, and making learning truly memorable.</p><p><strong>Full episode resources</strong> All the links and articles mentioned are listed on our website: 👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/</a></p><p><strong>Guests</strong></p><p><strong>Jess Rogers</strong> — Leadership coach with nearly 20 years of experience helping ambitious, values-driven senior leaders find their voice and lead authentically. She works with directors, VPs, chiefs of staff, and senior counsel to build confidence, resilience, and clarity without compromise.</p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jessicavrogers.co.uk/">https://www.jessicavrogers.co.uk/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessrogerscoach/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessrogerscoach/</a></li><li>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/jessrogerscoach/">https://www.instagram.com/jessrogerscoach/</a></li></ul><p><strong>Elaine Gosden</strong> — CEO and founder of Blue Gnu Consulting, a leadership development consultancy specialising in organisational growth. As a highly skilled facilitator with accreditations in Insights Discovery, MBTI, Hogan and Facet5, Elaine creates psychologically safe environments where teams can have authentic conversations and unlock their potential.</p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.bluegnuco.com/">http://www.bluegnuco.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-gosden-bluegnu/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-gosden-bluegnu/</a></li></ul><p><strong>Kuva</strong> — Co-founder of Emergent Learning, a learning strategist and designer fascinated by the sweet spot between fun and effectiveness. With a PhD in online learning design, Kuva explores how gamification, humour, and clever design can transform dry learning experiences into something unforgettable.</p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/">https://www.emergentlearning.com.au/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuvaj/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuvaj/</a></li></ul><p>Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.</p>
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41 MIN
The Data One
OCT 14, 2025
The Data One
<p><strong>Contact Women Talking About Learning</strong> Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com</a> Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Support us: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning">https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning</a> Twitter/X: @WTAL_Podcast</p><p>This episode explores women, data, and AI — where they intersect, why representation matters, and how we can build more inclusive paths into data science and analytics. Expect conversation on leadership, bias, and the realities of working in data-driven roles.</p><p><strong>Full episode resources</strong> All the articles, research, and podcast links mentioned in this episode are listed on our website: 👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/2025/10/14/the-data-one/">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/2025/10/14/the-data-one/</a></p><p><strong>Guests</strong></p><p><strong>Rebecca Oliver</strong> — Founder of Juxta Marketing Solutions, helping startups and scale-ups build smart, human-first go-to-market strategies that make people feel something. Her work focuses on meaningful connection, storytelling, and empathy in marketing. After redundancy during maternity leave, Rebecca became an advocate for mums in marketing and shares advice and support through her community @marketing__mum. • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver14/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-oliver14/</a></p><p><strong>Rachel George</strong> — Generative BI Senior Manager leading AI transformation within Business Intelligence. Rachel designs and delivers education programmes in data and AI, including an industry-leading Data &amp; AI Summer School, now in its third year. She champions practical learning, ethical AI, and representation for women in tech. • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelemmadickinson">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelemmadickinson</a></p><p>Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who’d value it.</p>
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34 MIN
The LnD Books One (Part 2)
OCT 1, 2025
The LnD Books One (Part 2)
<p><strong>Contact Women Talking About Learning</strong> Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com</a> Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Support: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning">https://ko-fi.com/womentalkingaboutlearning</a></p><p>This episode explores writing, confidence, facilitation, and how learning happens inside teams. You’ll hear honest stories and practical insights from our guests.</p><p><strong>Full episode resources</strong> All the links, articles, and books mentioned are listed on our website: 👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/[episode-slug]">https://womentalkingaboutlearning.com/episodes/</a></p><p><strong>Guests</strong></p><p><strong>Hannah Brown</strong> — Author of <em>Into the Hands of Leaders</em> and <em>Training that Clicks</em>. With 25 years in learning development and two design awards, Hannah helps organisations build learning cultures through leadership. • Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://hannahbrown.co">https://hannahbrown.co</a> • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahbrown-learning/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahbrown-learning/</a></p><p><strong>Pam Hamilton</strong> — Collective intelligence expert, author of <em>The Workshop Book</em> and <em>Supercharged Teams</em>, and founder of Paraffin. Pam’s mission is to change the way the world works together, one team at a time. • Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.superchargedteams.com">https://www.superchargedteams.com</a> • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/workshopbook/">https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/workshopbook/</a></p><p><strong>Beth Cougler Blom</strong> — Facilitator, designer, and author of <em>Design to Engage</em>. Her new book, <em>Everyday Acts of Facilitation</em>, is due Winter 2025/26. She also hosts the <em>Facilitating on Purpose</em> podcast. • Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bcblearning.com">https://bcblearning.com</a> • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcouglerblom/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcouglerblom/</a></p><p><strong>Emily Gardner</strong> — Trainer, coach, and author of <em>The Path of the Guide</em>. Former head of Ninety Academy, recognised at the Learning Awards. Emily supports facilitators to grow their impact. • Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.emilyfacilitates.com">https://www.emilyfacilitates.com</a> • LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygardnerfacilitator/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygardnerfacilitator/</a></p><p>Thanks for listening. Please share this episode with someone who would value it.</p>
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31 MIN