Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

In this episode, the hosts discuss holiday survival and decorations, then transition to a conversation with Jason Hazel, a special education teacher. Jason shares his journey from social work to special education, emphasizing the importance of tailored content for students with unique needs. The discussion covers Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), engagement strategies, and the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and specialists. Jason highlights the need for personalized learning experiences and the impact of understanding students' interests on their educational success. The episode concludes with key takeaways and insights into the challenges and rewards of working in special education.

Key Takeaways

• Personal interests can drive engagement in learning.
• Each student has unique needs that must be addressed.
• Creating tailored content is essential for effective education.
• IEPs are living documents that can be modified.
• Collaboration among educators and parents is crucial.
• Engagement strategies should empower students.
• Understanding the audience is key to effective content creation.
• Solid writing skills are necessary for future success.

  Chapters

  00:00 Holiday Survival and Decorations
  06:43 Introduction to Special Education and Jason's Journey
  08:27 Creating Tailored Content for Special Needs
  16:49 Understanding Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
  25:23 Engagement Strategies in Education
  31:36 The Importance of Collaboration in Education
  34:46 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

If you're in Learning & Development, there’s one question you can’t ignore: how do you stay relevant in an age of accelerating AI?

This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, the full crew is back—and we’re taking a deep dive into the current and future state of AI in L&D. From shifting job expectations and entry-level disruption to powerful tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, NanoBanana, Oboe, and Sora, we unpack what’s changing, what’s not, and how to thrive in a world where prompt engineering is the new PowerPoint.

Whether you’re a learning leader, content creator, or just figuring out your next step in a noisy AI-driven market, this episode offers insights, laughter, and hard-hitting questions you can’t afford to dodge.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. AI won't replace you—but someone using AI might. Learn to build faster, smarter, and with greater brand impact using the latest tools.
2. Thought leadership still matters. Authentic experience and design sense are irreplaceable—if you know how to apply them well.
3. Your future value is in your adaptability. From writing better prompts to refining AI output with a learner’s lens, today’s L&D pros must be curious, iterative, and creative.

The Nerds You Know:

• Scott Schuette: Training strategist, creativity engine, and host of the Fabulous Learning Nerds, Scott brings decades of L&D experience to the table—often with a Krampus figure or scented marker in hand.
• Daniel Coonrod: Resident storyteller and facilitation savant, Daniel blends humor and insight to keep learning human—even when the bots take the first pass.
• Zeta: Creative powerhouse and visual thinker, Zeta champions the emotional intelligence and design instincts that make learning memorable.
• Sam: New to the industry, but already asking the questions many avoid—Sam offers a fresh perspective on AI adoption, competition, and the evolving L&D career path.

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the excitement of spooky season, share personal updates, and address the need for a reset in their podcasting approach. They emphasize the importance of delivering value to their audience and outline their commitment to producing relevant content moving forward. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining engagement with listeners.