What’s the most powerful learning moment you’ve ever had… that didn’t come from a classroom?

This week on Fabulous Learning Nerds, we dive into the surprising moments where real learning happens—when you’re not expecting it. From minute-and-a-half tutorials to epic Dungeons & Dragons sessions, Scott, Dan, Zeta, and Sam explore how unconventional experiences can spark powerful insights—and how we can harness that magic in the way we design learning today.

In this Episode:

• The best learning doesn’t always look like learning. Great instructional design often mirrors what games and pop culture do so well—immersive, intuitive, and fun.

• Too much content kills curiosity. Bite-sized, well-chunked learning beats information overload every time.

• People learn better when they help build the experience. Co-creation increases engagement, ownership, and stickiness—whether it’s a training session or a dungeon map.

Tap in to discover how everyday moments can transform your learning strategy—and how a little unexpected inspiration can go a long way.

In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we uncover the real HR horror stories—and how outsourcing your HR might just be the game-changer your business didn’t know it needed. Featuring the incredibly insightful Ali Yoder, founder of 2A Talent Resource, we explore how smart, scalable HR solutions can save you time, money, and major headaches. Throughout the conversation, Ali emphasizes the importance of proactive HR practices and the value of partnering with experienced professionals to navigate the complexities of workforce management.​

In this Episode:

• Proactive HR Audits are Essential: Regular HR audits help identify areas of risk and ensure compliance with labor laws, preventing potential legal issues before they arise.​

• Outsourcing HR Provides Expertise Without Full-Time Costs: Small to mid-sized companies can access top-tier HR services without the expense of maintaining a full-time, in-house HR department.​

• HR Needs Support Too: Even HR professionals benefit from mentorship and external guidance to effectively manage challenges and drive positive change within their organizations.

Ali Yoder is the founder of 2A Talent Resource, a professional HR outsourcing and consulting firm. With nearly 20 years of experience in human resources, Ali has worked across various industries, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Her expertise encompasses HR compliance, risk management, training and development, and strategic workforce planning. Ali is dedicated to helping businesses, especially small to mid-sized companies, navigate the complexities of HR by providing tailored solutions that drive growth and operational excellence.

Ever wondered what it really takes to ditch the 9-to-5 and build a thriving freelance career in instructional design?  Is it freedom, flexibility, or just a whole lot of hustle? In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we sit down with Parker Grant, Ph.D., and Andrea Dottling, M.Ed., co-founders of IDLance, to uncover the secrets behind successful freelancing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!

In this Episode:

• Building a Freelance Network: Learn how to connect with other professionals to create a supportive community that fosters growth and collaboration.​

• Navigating Client Relationships: Discover strategies for managing client expectations and delivering high-quality work that keeps them coming back.​

• Continuous Skill Development: Understand the importance of ongoing learning to stay competitive and meet the evolving demands of the industry.​

Parker A. Grant, Ph.D is an instructional designer, eLearning developer, cartoonist, and learning consultant with over 21 years of experience at a Fortune 50 company. He holds an M.S. in Educational Technology and a Ph.D. in Adult Learning, specializing in mental models and concept mapping. In 2008, Parker launched his own consulting business, leading to the co-founding of IDLance in 2020. 

Andrea Dottling, M.Ed.: is a writer, instructional designer, technologist, consultant, drummer, artist, and reformed stand-up comedian. She has been passionate about instructional design since 2015 and holds degrees from NYU, The New School, and an M.Ed. in Learning & Technology from Western Governors University. Andrea co-founded IDLance alongside Parker, bringing her diverse talents to the forefront of the instructional design community.

Is your learning strategy truly ready for the future, or are you just keeping up? In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, hosts Scott Schuette, and Dan Coonrod, sit down AGAIN with Steve Corney, CEO and Head of Learning at Learn Awesome, to explore the rapidly evolving world of learning technologies. From AI-driven personalization to the latest EdTech innovations, they uncover the tools and strategies that will keep you ahead of the curve.

In this Episode:

• Embracing Digital Transformation: Discover how integrating cutting-edge technologies can enhance learner engagement and break traditional educational barriers.

• Strategic Implementation of AI in Education: Learn about practical applications of artificial intelligence to personalize learning experiences and improve outcomes.

• Future-Proofing Your Learning Strategy: Gain insights into developing adaptable learning strategies that evolve with technological advancements.

Steve Corney is the CEO and Head of Learning at Learn Awesome, an organization dedicated to empowering clients to fall in love with learning and training. With a career that began as a face-to-face workshop facilitator, Steve has a reputation for delivering engaging and impactful programs. He is self-taught in building LMS platforms and creating eLearning solutions, focusing on solving client problems and commercializing knowledge. Steve is unapologetically authentic, aiming to partner with clients to harness the power of training and digital education.

Ever feel like your L&D team is stuck in the cycle of saying “yes” to every request, churning out training that doesn’t truly move the needle? It’s time to break free! In this episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re joined by Jess Almlie, a seasoned learning and performance strategist, who shares how L&D professionals can shift from order takers to strategic business partners.

In this Episode:

• Stop Taking Orders – Start Driving Strategy: L&D teams must position themselves as performance consultants, not passive training providers.

• Shift from Activity to Impact: It’s not about the number of courses created—it’s about measurable business results.

• Know the Business Inside and Out: Learning leaders must understand organizational goals, KPIs, and pain points to be effective.

With over two decades of experience in learning and talent development, Jess Almlie is on a mission to transform L&D teams from order takers into strategic business partners. As the Founder of Almlie Consulting, she helps organizations rethink their approach to learning, moving beyond traditional training to measurable performance impact.

Are you ready to discover the secret to making a lasting impression and landing your next big opportunity? In this week’s episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds, Scott, Dan, and Zeta break down the strategies that help professionals stand out, tell their story, and build confidence to crush interviews and beyond.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Crafting the perfect elevator pitch: Learn how to tell your story in 15 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes, and make it unforgettable.

• Mastering the interview mindset: From nailing your wardrobe to preparing for tough questions, we've got you covered.

• Building confidence through preparation: Discover how to create a story toolbox and practice your way to polished perfection.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss! Get ready to laugh, learn, and level up as the Nerds dive into the art of putting your best foot forward! 

Welcome back, Nerd Nation, to another egg-ceptional episode of Fabulous Learning Nerds! This week, we crack open the mysteries of “Right-Sizing Your Training” with our incredible guest, Stephen Rhyne, CEO of ConveYour.com. Stephen is a true innovator in the world of learning and development. His expertise lies in helping organizations optimize their recruiting, onboarding, and training processes to create high-performing dream teams. Through ConveYour, Stephen has transformed seller onboarding, leveraging personalized micro-learning and cutting-edge tech to address inefficiencies that cost billions in revenue annually.

In this Episode:

• The Danger of Lowest Common Denominator Training: Why generic solutions might be your team’s biggest obstacle.

• The Role of Personas: Learn how segmenting by job roles and experience levels leads to more effective training.

• Adaptive Learning at Scale: Discover how micro-learning, data-driven workflows, and automation can transform how teams onboard and retain critical knowledge.

Our Guest: Stephen Rhyne’s mission is simple yet impactful: help organizations “right-size” their training to fit their learners' exact needs. With over a decade of experience, Stephen is passionate about infusing marketing and sales techniques into training to drive engagement and retention. His philosophy? Effective training isn't just about what you teach—it’s about why your learners care. Learn more at ConveYour.com.