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.

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

In this episode, Scott, Dan, and Sam discuss various topics ranging from personal updates to the intricacies of home buying and the importance of problem-solving in instructional design. They share insights on leveraging technology, particularly ChatGPT, to enhance problem-solving capabilities and engage with their audience on learning challenges and solutions.

takeaways

• Problem-solving is a key aspect of instructional design.
• Home buying requires careful planning and understanding of contracts.
• Using technology can streamline problem-solving processes.
• Proactive planning can save time and frustration in home buying.
• Being a problem solver can feel empowering and heroic.
• The journey to mastery in skills has become faster with technology.
• Engaging with tools like ChatGPT can enhance creativity and efficiency.
• Team collaboration is essential in solving complex problems.
• Understanding the nuances of home loans can benefit buyers.
• It's important to enjoy the process and have fun with learning.

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

In this episode, Scott Schuette and Dan Coonrod discuss various topics related to learning and development, including the challenges of home buying, the importance of technology in education, and the often underrated capabilities of PowerPoint. They explore the significance of feedback in learning, the use of AI tools for creating presentations, and the value of simulations in training. The conversation also touches on the art of writing effective quiz questions and the need for engagement and reflection in learning processes.

Takeaways

• Technology is essential for managing busy workloads.
• Home buying signifies a new level of adulthood.
• PowerPoint is a powerful tool for presentations.
• Feedback is crucial for continuous improvement in learning.
• AI tools can enhance the presentation creation process.
• Simulations provide real-world learning experiences.
• Writing effective quiz questions is a skill that requires practice.
• Engagement and reflection are key to effective learning.
• Good feedback can lead to meaningful changes in training.
• PowerPoint can be used creatively for various projects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Fabulous Learning Nerds
02:14 Navigating the Busy Summer Season
05:06 The Power of Technology in Everyday Life
07:54 Homeownership and Its Challenges
10:58 The Underappreciated Power of PowerPoint
13:42 Leveraging AI for PowerPoint Creation
14:59 AI Tools for Content Creation
16:36 The Quest for One-Stop Solutions
18:02 The Art of Quiz Writing
23:12 Challenges in Learning and Development
25:05 The Power of Simulation in Learning
31:46 The Importance of Feedback in Learning
38:03 Enhancing Feedback Mechanisms

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

"Ever felt like you're flailing beneath the surface while trying to look calm in front of an audience? 🦆 Welcome back, Nerd Nation! This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, we dive headfirst into the pool of public speaking and facilitation with our returning guest, the one and only Dean Griess—author, speaker, leadership coach, and proud owner of a ripped pair of pants (you’ll see).

In this episode, we go beyond slide decks and course outlines. Dean shares real, tactical tools from his new book, Don’t Show Your Duck Butt, that will help you show up with confidence, authenticity, and purpose—no matter if you're on stage, on Zoom, or in front of a classroom.

From tent cards and cowboy boots to mastering movement and managing nervous habits, this episode is jam-packed with practical gold—and a few hilarious mishaps from the frontlines of learning.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

1. Breathe to sync your brain and your mouth. Shallow breathing equals fast talking and a disconnected message.
2. Master the room—virtually or in-person. Movement builds engagement, presence, and energy.
3. Preparation is personal. Your pre-session rituals set the tone for everything that follows—yes, even singing in the car counts.

👥 About Dean Griess:
Dean is a seasoned facilitator, keynote speaker, and learning leader with a career built on creating unforgettable audience experiences. He's the author of Don’t Show Your Duck Butt, a tactical guide to facilitation that emphasizes authenticity, confidence, preparation, and audience connection. You can find more of Dean’s work and musings at DeanGriess.com or follow his insights on LinkedIn.

https://a.co/d/bdTjaDH

🎧 About the Nerds:
Hosted by Scott “Sketch” Schuette, Daniel Coonrod, Zeta, and Sam, The Fabulous Learning Nerds is your go-to podcast for L&D wisdom, industry laughs, and some seriously nerdy detours. These passionate learning pros combine decades of experience with a deep love for pop culture, facilitation, and helping people grow.

#FabulousLearningNerds
#DuckButtLeadership
#FacilitationSkills
#PublicSpeakingTips
#LifelongLearning
#DeanGriess
#LearningAndDevelopment
#AudienceEngagement
#TrainerTips
#NerdyLearningWins

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

What happens when your learning content goes from “just the facts” to “can’t-stop-listening”? This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re diving into the storytelling revolution in L&D—and spoiler alert: it’s more than just a bedtime story.

Scott, Daniel, and Zeta are back in full force, and this time they’re taking on a mission: transforming dry data dumps into memorable narratives. From personal tales in the West Virginia radio-free zone to cringeworthy motel stories (yes, “Another Dirty Room” makes an appearance), the Nerds walk you through why storytelling sticks and how to use it to supercharge your training.

Whether you're launching onboarding, teaching new technology, or tackling leadership development, this episode provides the narrative playbook for making your content unforgettable.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• 💡 Storytelling increases retention by triggering emotion and empathy (hello, brain chemicals!).
• 🧠 Neural coupling aligns your learner’s brain with the storyteller’s—yes, it’s real science.
• 📚 You don’t need a novel—just a clear 3-act structure: Setup, Conflict, Resolution.
• 🛠️ Use frameworks like The Hero’s Journey or Pixar’s Story Spine to shape compelling learning journeys.
• 🎯 Good stories lower cognitive load and boost engagement.
• 🤖 Even technical training (email servers, we see you!) becomes impactful when there’s a story behind the why.

🔥 Whether you’re a SME, ID, or L&D leader, this is your cue to stop dumping and start telling

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: nerds@thelearningnerds.com
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

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

What happens when a park ranger, a psychology major, and a public servant walk into a learning studio? You get Sam VanTassel—an emerging instructional design force bringing heart, creativity, and fresh eyes to the world of learning and development.

This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, host Scott Schuette sits down with producer and learning engagement specialist Sam VanTassel to uncover his unexpected journey into L&D. From flipping metaphorical pages in eLearning to engineering dopamine-driven design, Sam shares what it means to be new to the field—and why that’s exactly where innovation begins.

🎧 Whether you're just starting out or mentoring the next generation of IDs, this episode is packed with relatable lessons, surprising insights, and just the right dose of nerdy joy.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

Know When NOT to Train – Sam emphasizes one of the most underrated ID skills: recognizing when L&D isn't the solution.

Design for Delight – Discover how sound, interactivity, and tactile recall can create unexpectedly powerful microlearning moments.

AI is Your Co-Pilot – Learn how AI doubled Sam’s productivity and transformed his research and content creation workflows.

👤 About Sam VanTassel:

Sam joined the Fabulous Learning Nerds in 2023 and brings a unique blend of communications, customer service, and psychology to his work in instructional design. His mission? To craft learning that’s not only effective, but meaningful—for individuals and organizations alike. Whether he’s engaging with subject matter experts or building tactile eLearning in Articulate, Sam is driven by one goal: helping people learn better.

📬 Connect with Sam:

• Email: sam@thelearninghnerds.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-vantassel-48424132/

Connect with the NERDS:

• Email: nerds@thelearningnerds.com
• Facebook: Learning Nerds
• Instagram: @FabLearningNerds
• Website: www.thelearningnerds.com

Don't Miss Out!

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

Catch the episode now on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

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#FabulousLearningNerds #InstructionalDesign #LearningAndDevelopment #NewToLND #LNDInnovation #FabulousLearningNerds #Microlearning #AIDrivenLearning #EngagingDesign #LearningCommunity #FreshPerspectives