Shows
Tangents with TorranceLearningS2E6: Inside Real-World AI Implementation: Lessons from the Frontlines (LinkedIn Live)Join Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild of TorranceLearning for a LinkedIn Live episode, where they discuss what real-world AI implementation looks like for Learning & Development (L&D) professionals today. Megan shares her behind-the-scenes experience writing an upcoming book on AI in L&D, revealing fresh insights gathered from industry interviews and the patterns emerging across organizations. Megan introduces the concept of “three AI impact zones” for L&D professionals to consider, and they discuss the "AI Implementation Canvas," a practical, multi-dimensional framework designed to help organizations roll out AI intentionally—balancing innovation with strategy and ethics. Lastly, they talk about...2025-07-2917 minTangents with TorranceLearningS2E5: Designing Learner Personas That Actually WorkIn this episode, Megan and Meg talk about learner personas—a cornerstone of TorranceLearning's LLAMA workshops—which can help instructional designers create learning experiences tailored to the target audience. They explore the importance of personas, how to effectively create them, and the common pitfalls to avoid. They discuss the balance between AI and human insights in crafting these essential tools and share humorous and insightful anecdotes from their experience in the field. Whether you're new to the concept or an experienced designer, this episode offers valuable takeaways for making your training align more closely with the needs of your audi...2025-07-2219 minTangents with TorranceLearningS2E4: Josh Cavalier on Generative AI and the Future of L&DIn this episode, Megan Torrance talks with Josh Cavalier, an expert in Generative AI and its integration into learning and development (L&D) workflows. Josh shares insights into his career as an education technologist and discusses the transformative potential of AI. The conversation touches on the rapid evolution of AI technology, the current investment climate surrounding AI, and its implications for L&D leaders and teams.Key Points:· Josh Cavalier's Career Journey and Expertise· Impact of AI on the Marketplace· Role of L&D Leaders in AI Adoption· Dynamic Shifts in Expert-Novice Rela...2025-07-1529 minTangents with TorranceLearningS2E3: Live from Training 2025: Bounties & Conference LearningIn this live episode of the TorranceLearning Podcast, Megan Torrance, Meg Fairchild, and Jeff Weaver broadcast from the Training 25 conference in Orlando, FL. The discussion centers around the value of conferences for learning professionals—exploring personal experiences, the benefits and challenges of conferences, and strategies for making conference attendance more meaningful. The team also opens the floor to questions and tips from the live audience, sharing practical advice on how to get the most out of these events and communicate their value back to leadership. Key Points:· Conferences as Unique Learning Experiences· Benefits and Drawbacks o...2025-07-0820 minTangents with TorranceLearningS2E2 Behind the Scenes: The making of the Tangents podcastWelcome to Season 2 of Tangents with TorranceLearning! In this episode, Megan and Meg kick off the second season by sharing insights gained through the first season of this podcast. They discuss the inspiration behind starting the podcast, a few challenges they've faced, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They also touch on their evolving theme and some of the topics to come in season two.Key points:Inspiration and PurposeTheme EvolutionLearning and ImprovementCollaborative EffortHosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan TorranceProducers: Meg Fairchild and Dean CastileMusic: Original...2025-07-0107 minTangents with TorranceLearningS2E1 Quality Management in L&D with Hadiya NuriddinIn today’s episode, Hadiya Nuriddin shares her journey from aspiring actress to becoming a recognized figure in instructional design. She discusses how her passion for performance naturally transitioned into the training and learning development field. Throughout the episode, Hadiya reflects on the importance of storytelling and quality in learning and development (L&D) and emphasizes the significance of understanding L&D as a professional field. She also highlights the role of technology and AI in shaping personalized learning experiences and hopes that these advancements will help L&D professionals focus more on learner-centered design.Key Points:...2025-04-2934 min
The Visual LoungeMaking Video Production Doable as a Small BusinessCreating videos can be a lengthy process with many tools and people involved. But when the pandemic hit, TorranceLearning had to adapt fast and figure out a way to make high-quality videos without having a team in the studio all at once.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we sit down with Megan Torrance, CEO of TorranceLearning, to explore how she's revolutionized video production for her small business. Megan shares her journey of adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, transforming her video setup into a one-person operation that's both efficient and versatile....2024-07-1709 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 9: Agile Learning with Guest Susanne AmbrosIn today's episode, our hosts Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild welcome special guest Susanne Ambros. Susanne, who is an expert in agile methodologies and learning coaching, shares her passion for fostering a people-centric agile culture that values individuals over processes. Together, they explore how agile principles can revolutionize corporate learning by centering on learner-driven goals and self-organization, and discuss how incorporating agile methodologies and personalized learning sprints can enhance both professional growth and company culture. Key Points Agile Principles in Learning Concept of Agile Learning Learning Coaching Support Mindset-Oriented Techniques Learning Sprints and Goals Learner-Centric Learning in the Wo...2024-07-1637 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 8: Learn CoffeeIn today's podcast, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of Lean Coffee and its applications in group discussions. From setting agendas to time boxing conversations, they explore how this structured, yet flexible approach can lead to efficient and meaningful discussions. But wait, what about "Learn Coffee"? Discover how the hosts brainstorm the concept of "Learn Coffee" as a way to enhance learning through insight capture and discussion. Key Points Introduction to Lean Coffee Implementing Lean Coffee in Meetings Challenges and Considerations in Using Lean Coffee Evolution of Lean Coffee into Learn Coffee Discove...2024-07-0213 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 7: AI in Learning and DevelopmentIn this episode, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of artificial intelligence in Learning and Development. They discuss the prevalence of AI in various industries, its potential impact on L&D, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for professionals. From the evolution of AI tools to the ethical considerations of AI use, Meg and Megan explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in training and development. Key Points Evolution of AI as a tool in the learning space The various ways in which AI is being used in L&D Opportunities and c...2024-06-1815 min
HRDQ-U In ReviewEpisode 42: Empower Your Employees: Harness AI for a Progressive TomorrowToday, I have the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Judith Cardenas to discuss our recent webinar, "Empower Your Employees: Harness AI for a Progressive Tomorrow." Judith shares her background and current role, providing insights into the changes happening in the Learning & Development space right now. We'll dive into the key takeaways from the webinar, offering valuable insights for those who couldn't attend.
Judith will also talk about the exciting projects she's working on next, including the highly anticipated AI Master Class workshop. She’ll provide an overview of the workshop, detailing who it’s designed for and the...2024-06-1814 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 6: Risks in the EcosystemIn this episode, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance propose one aspect that might be one of the biggest risks L&D professionals face when building and managing learning ecosystems. They explore the evolving landscape of learning tools, the challenges of creating a cohesive learning ecosystem, and the risks posed by the constant pursuit of shiny new tools. (who, us?!?!) Megan shares insights from the February 2024 ATD TechKnowledge conference and they discuss the importance of strategic planning in building an effective learning ecosystem. Key Points Risks in Learning Ecosystems Budgets and Strategic Value Platform Salad – salad good...2024-06-0409 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 5: Data VisualizationIn this episode, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild discuss the importance of data visualization for learning and development. The hosts touch on key figures in the data visualization arena like Edward Tufte and Stephen Few, offering insights into their contributions and resources. They discuss practical tips for creating effective data visualizations, such as avoiding 3D charts and letting the data speak for itself. The conversation also explores the vital role of data visualization in storytelling and communication, as well as the ethical responsibility that comes with representing data accurately. Key Points: Definition and relevance of data vis...2024-05-2114 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 4: W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I.In this episode, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild talk about the evolving use of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations. They discuss the integration of AI in workplaces, the pace at which AI is being adopted, and the various approaches organizations are taking towards its use. Megan introduces W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I., a framework designed to navigate AI usage ethically and effectively. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration into the use of AI in learning and development, presenting both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for professionals in the field. Key Points: In...2024-05-0719 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 3: Learning EcosystemsIn this episode, co-hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the complexities of learning ecosystems. They share their differing perspectives on the topic and discuss the wide array of elements that make up a learning ecosystem, from technology and social aspects to organizational processes and policies. They also highlight the value that comes from of understanding the current state of a learning ecosystem and discuss a recent project where they uncovered insights about the breadth and depth of learning ecosystems. The episode wraps up with a quick comparison of learning ecosystems to natural ecosystems.Key points:2024-04-2314 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 2: Megan's AI BoyfriendIn this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance delve into the unexpected world of creating AI boyfriends. Megan Torrance shares her experience of organizing a hackathon to create an AI boyfriend at the ATD TechKnowledge event in Los Angeles and the surprising outcomes that ensued.Topics Discussed:The origin of the AI boyfriend hackathonThe different AI solutions created by the teamsThe practical value of creating personalized AI agentsMegan's personal experiences with AI-assisted coachingThe potential applications of sophisticated AI partners in learning and developmentThe humorous and unexpected moments from the hackathon2024-04-0118 minTangents with TorranceLearningEpisode 1: ATD TechKnowledge 2024 WrapUpWe started a podcast!In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance discuss Megan's recent experience at the TechKnowledge conference. They delve into the unique format of the conference, the sessions Megan presented, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in the learning and development space.Key points from the episode include:Megan shares insights into the TechKnowledge conference, highlighting its tech-forward nature, smaller scale compared to other conferences, and the experimental formats employed by the ATD. She also details her presentations at TechKnowledge, including talks on xAPI for data...2024-04-0112 min
HRDQ-U In ReviewEpisode 36: The New Leader: Moving Beyond Silos to Optimize PerformanceWelcome to another episode of HRDQ-U in Review! In this insightful conversation, we delve into the world of team-learning methodologies with Jeff Heil, the CEO at Breakthrough Learning. With a diverse background in psychology, product design, and real-world experiences in business and Systems Thinking, Jeff brings a unique perspective to the Learning and Development space.
Discover how Breakthrough Learning is adapting to the changing trends in the L&D space, emphasizing experiential learning, blending virtual and in-person methods, and recognizing the crucial role of Systems Thinking in the 21st century leadership landscape.
Jeff shares exciting...2024-02-0626 min
HRDQ-U In ReviewEpisode 35: Ready, Set, Go: xAPI Implementation in Your L&D EcosystemWe are thrilled to have Megan Torrance, CEO of TorranceLearning, joining me to discuss the recent webinar, "Ready, Set Go: Implementing xAPI in Your L&D Ecosystem."
Megan is not only a strategic workplace learning navigator but also the author of "Agile for IDs" and "Data & Analytics for IDs." With a knack for simplifying complex topics, Megan has been a facilitator and instructor at prestigious institutions like Cornell and Penn State.
In this episode, Megan shares her insights into the changing landscape of the L&D space, emphasizing the growing importance of a tech-forward approach...2024-01-3123 min
HRDQ-U In ReviewEpisode 24: Creating Level 2 Quizzes and Tests That Actually Measure SomethingIn this episode, we sit down with Ken Phillips, a seasoned professional who has spent over 40 years in the Learning and Development (L&D) field as an independent consultant. Ken’s journey has seen a significant evolution from focusing on performance management and sales performance to becoming a leading expert in measuring and evaluating learning.
Join us as we delve into the transformative changes happening in the L&D landscape, driven by technology, and explore how these changes can be harnessed for positive impact. Discover how innovations like microlearning, virtual training, AI, and ChatGPT are shaping the fu...2023-10-1721 min
HRDQ-U In ReviewEpisode 23: The Synergy of AI and EQ: Five Emotional Intelligence Strategies Every Leader Should ImplementIn this episode, Dr. Judith Cardenas discusses the changes she continues to see in the learning and development space since her last appearance on the HRDQ-U in Review Podcast in June. We discuss the rapid evolution of personalization, the influx of new tools, and the growing importance of legal and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence. Judith shares her insights on how the AI landscape has shifted, with a particular focus on generative AI like Chat GPT and its transformative impact on content creation and engagement.
We dive into the key takeaways from our recent webinar, "T...2023-09-2617 min
HRDQ-U In ReviewEpisode 22: Be The Change: Implementing Agile on the L&D TeamWelcome to this week's episode of the HRDQ-U In Review podcast, where we bring you the latest insights and practical tools for enhancing soft-skills training within your organization. I'm your host, Sarah, the Learning Events Manager at HRDQ, and today we have a special guest, Megan Torrance, CEO and Founder of TorranceLearning, a leader in professional development. Megan will share her insights on the changing landscape of Learning and Development, the increasing demand for data and technology skills, and how organizations are addressing this skills gap. We'll also delve into key takeaways from our recent webinar, "Be The Change...2023-09-1928 min
Learning While Working PodcastThe role of Chat GPT in modern learning design with Megan TorranceIn this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Megan Torrance joins the show to share what she is learning about using Chat GPT. We focus on using Chat GPT to enhance the learning experience itself, and just using AI to generate content.About Megan TorranceMegan Torrance is CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, which helps organisations connect learning strategy to design, development, data, and ultimately performance. Megan has more than 25 years of experience in learning design, deployment, and consultingKey takeaways:Chat GPT can act as an assistant for learning designers. It...2023-09-1620 min
Sell By Being HumanCreating a Compelling Reason to Change - Megan Torrance, CEO, Torrance LearningSummary:Megan Torrance is CEO and founder of TorranceLearning - helping organizations connect learning strategy to design, development, data and ultimately performance. Megan has over 25 years of experience in learning design, deployment and consulting. Megan and the TorranceLearning team are passionate about sharing what works in learning, offering professional development programs in instructional design, learning technologies, racial equity and Agile methods. She is the author of Agile for Instructional Designers (2019), The Quick Guide to LLAMA (2012), two ATD TD at Work publications: Agile and LLAMA® for ISD Project Management (2014) and Making Sense of xAPI (2017) and she is a f...2023-04-1947 min
ATD Accidental TrainerStart Your Learning Analytics Strategy with Megan TorranceMegan Torrance, CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, joins the podcast to share how to get started with data and analytics. Megan provides a framework for talent development professionals to archive, analyze, and act on workplace learning data, whether you are a beginner or a long-time data user. Resources: Megan’s new book: Data and Analytics for Instructional Designers Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance TorranceLearning website: https://www.torrancelearning.com/2023-04-1337 minATD Accidental TrainerStart Your Learning Analytics Strategy with Megan TorranceMegan Torrance, CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, joins the podcast to share how to get started with data and analytics. Megan provides a framework for talent development professionals to archive, analyze, and act on workplace learning data, whether you are a beginner or a long-time data user. Resources: Megan’s new book: Data and Analytics for Instructional Designers Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance TorranceLearning website: https://www.torrancelearning.com/2023-04-1337 min
Leading Learning Podcast319: The What and Why of xAPI with Megan TorranceMegan Torrance is CEO—chief energy officer—at TorranceLearning, a full-stack learning services firm. TorranceLearning also provide professional development for the learning and development industry, including the free xAPI Learning Cohort, which they ran before handing the baton to the Learning Guild. Megan is an evangelist for xAPI and has over 25 years of consulting, instructional design, and project management experience. She’s also the author of Agile for Instructional Designers: Iterative Project Management to Achieve Results and Making Sense of xAPI. In this episode of the Leading Learning Podcast, co-host Celisa Steele talks with Megan about...2022-08-2336 min
Beltway BroadcastAgile for Instructional Designers with Megan TorranceIn this episode of Beltway Broadcast, your Metro DC Chapter of ATD hosts Megan Torrance. Megan is the CEO and founder of TorranceLearning. She is a frequent speaker at conferences nationwide and the author of Agile for Instructional Designers, The Quick Guide to LLAMA, and two ATD TD at Work publications: Agile and LLAMA for ISD Project Management and Making Sense of xAPI. In this episode, Megan discusses how to use Agile methodology to manage training projects, adapt to change as it happens, and deliver the content most needed by learners.
If you’d like to learn mor...2022-07-2027 min
Learning UnlockedLearning Unlocked with Megan TorranceMegan Torrance, CEO of TorranceLearning, joins the Learning Unlocked podcast. She shares with us the best ways to design modern L & D courses, provides insight on how the L & D space has evolved and tells us about her courses that are available in the Open Sesame catalogue of courses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2022-06-1622 minThe Visual LoungeDiversity and Inclusion in Video & Workplace MediaYour video and workplace media can have a big impact on users, but is it affecting everyone in the same way?Understanding how your media choices represent people and their experiences can help you select more diverse and inclusive images and videos that impact everyone more effectively. Jess Jackson, Racial Equity Strategist, and Megan Torrance, CEO, both of TorranceLearning, join this episode of The Visual Lounge to explain how to incorporate a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) mindset into your video and workplace media decisions.They also talk about the unique position...2021-12-1558 min
The Learning Hack podcastAin't Nothing But an xAPI Party with Megan Torrance John is joined by Megan Torrance, Chief Energy Officer of Torrance Learning, a custom development company based in Michigan USA. With an MBA from Cornell and a consultancy background, Megan has a firm grasp of the business value of learning initiatives. But her two decades of experience in learning technologies also includes a strong bent towards using data for learning. She is strong advocate for xAPI, and organizes the 'xAPI Party'. How does she feel about the slow rate of adoption of xAPI among learning departments? 0:00 – Intro 2:09 – How she leads Torrance Learning 6:03 – Normalising Data in L&D 10:42 – Current state of xAPI 15:17...2021-11-1543 min
Learning Experience Leader63 // Using Agile to Push Past Perfection with Megan TorranceMegan Torrance is CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, which helps organizations connect learning strategy to design, development, data, and ultimately performance. Megan and the TorranceLearning team are passionate about sharing what works in learning so they devote considerable time to teaching and sharing about agile project management for learning experience design and the xAPI. Megan is the author of multiple books, including Agile for Instructional Designers which will talk about today. Also in this conversation we discuss: Megan’s definition and application of agile project managementExamples of agile development projects that Megan’s team is working on rig...2021-06-0152 min
#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking CoffeeThe Intersection of Racial Justice and L&D Led by Jessica Jackson, Myra Roldan and Nyla Spooner #IDIODCThe Learning and Development community is uniquely positioned to respond to racial injustice and the first step is to listen. Join us on our next episode as we invite black voices Jessica Jackson, Myra Roldan and Nyla Spooner on the show to share their experiences in the L&D field and the ways they are using and asking you to use resources to respond to racial injustice.Jessica Jackson brings a myriad of educational experiences to instructional design. Her background in teaching, social justice dialogue facilitation, restorative justice practices, and DEI consulting provide a robust toolkit to...2020-06-101h 22
TLDCast PodcastCommunity Showcase: Megan TorranceWe're putting Community first in this new series of episodes from TLDC.
With conferences cancelled and events rescheduled or reorganized as online events, how do we go about continuing to connect with L&D professionals in meaningful ways?
We'll here's a start. This is a new series called Community Showcase, and we're featuring TLDC Members and Supporters in short interviews that will help YOU get to know more about THEM and what THEY do.
And if you're interested in helping support TLDC, join us. You can find more information at www.TheTLDC.com.2020-05-0446 min
The Speexx Exchange Podcast with Donald TaylorEp. 7: Meaningful Learning Experiences & Why xAPI Will Replace SCORMTorranceLearning CEO Megan Torrance explains how she helps create custom online, live and blended learning solutions to quickly and cost-effectively meet needs. She shares her expertise on xAPI, a data specification for how we talk about learning and performance experiences, and describes how it does much more than SCORM. Listen in to get up to speed on xAPI to better track the learning that happens outside of your company’s e-learning and learning management systems – quickly, before xAPI replaces SCORM! Megan can be found via: Twitter https://twitter.com/MMTorrance LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/ Website https://www.torr...2020-01-2430 min
#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking CoffeeBuilding Cohort Experiences as a Learning and Development Solution: With Special Guest Megan TorranceThe Beatles said it best. We get by with a little help from our friends. Or something like that. And it’s true.
We learn more and become more productive when we’re with other people, especially our friends and trusted colleagues. However, bringing a group together for an impactful conversation with meaningful outcomes does not happen by accident. We used to solve this problem with single events. The newer, more successful approach is long term, connected groups, communicating virtually and in periodic group gatherings. It’s a cohort of professionals supporting each other in the long term p...2019-07-2441 min
#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking CoffeeThe xAPI Primer for Non-Geeky Learning Professionals: With Special Guest Megan TorranceThis is more than just an introduction to xAPI. This is a conversation about real world training and development issues. Megan Torrence from TorranceLearning joins back with us on IDIODC to chat about how xAPI empowers you and your training team to deliver more to the business than just attendance records. You don’t want to miss this conversation. And you don’t want to be in it alone. Invite your manager and other key leadership to hear how other high performing training organizations are shifting to a learning strategy that includes xAPI. This conversation will touch on technical conc...2019-01-3038 min
#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking CoffeeAccelerate Your xAPI Skills with Cohort Learning: with Special Guest Megan TorranceInstructional Designers In Offices Drinking Coffee
In this episode, Brent and Chris chat with the one and only Megan Torrance from TorranceLearning. With the xAPI Fall Cohort just getting kicked off, the three go over the ABC's of xAPI and get you a full scoop of what the xAPI Cohort is all about.
(Don't need to read anymore on xAPI Fall Cohort and want to get started ASAP? Well, here's the link! https://www.torrancelearning.com/xapi-cohort/ )
The xAPI Learning Cohort is a free, vendor-neutral, 12-week learning-by-doing project-based team learning experience about the...2018-09-1234 minTLDCast PodcastMegan Torrance of TorranceLearningToday we have special guest, Megan Torrance, CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, which helps organizations connect learning strategy to design, development, data and ultimately performance. She brings over 25 years of experience in the L&D field to the window. We talked about xAPI, conferences, LLAMA, and ID challenges. Be sure to scroll up through the chat and follow while you are listening back.
xAPI Cohort
ID Academy
Certificates
Conference connections
Lego LLAMA
ID challenges
2018-06-1957 minTLDCast PodcastMegan Torrance Talks xAPI, Gnomes, and LLAMAsMegan Torrance is the CEO and founder of TorranceLearning and she brings over 25 years of experience in L&D to the group as we talk about everything xAPI including the ‘gnome’, the ‘cohort’ and how to get up to speed with xAPI.
xAPI
Cohort
Gnome
Getting to code
The download thing
LLAMA
2018-04-141h 00
Learning While Working PodcastWhat Does xAPI Mean For Instructional Designers? No. 26Megan Torrance from TorranceLearning discusses xAPI and how it can bring instructional designers back to the roots of focusing on learning performance.
2017-08-1623 min
The Skytap PodcastEpisode 22: Megan Torrance & Jennifer HofmannOn this week's episode, you'll first hear from Megan Torrance of TorranceLearning as we dive deeper into her focus on agile's ability to help virtual training professionals "figure out what the most important thing is (they) ought to be doing." After Megan's interview, we'll move on to our conversation with Jennifer Hofmann, President of InSync Training, where you'll learn how modern training and blended learning are enabling the creation of "authentic learning environments."2016-12-0200 min