The Learning Experience Ops Show
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What is it about?
The Learning Experience Ops Show is a series of real conversations with the people building and running the systems that make learning work- across higher education, K–12, healthcare, clean energy, corporate L&D, and beyond.
Each episode explores how learning teams are adapting to massive change: what’s working, what’s breaking, and what’s next. Guests share their strategies, tools, and stories from the front lines of Learning Experience Operations (LX Ops)- the evolving discipline where design, technology, and organizational systems meet.
At its core, the show is about one big idea: learning gets better when it’s built on a clear, repeatable process that’s ready for whatever comes next.
Episode 30
In this conversation, Jason Gorman talks with Alex Bayer and Henri Maindidze, two professionals entering the learning field from very different directions. They discuss what attracted them to the learning professions, the transferable skills they carry from emergency medicine and structural engineering, and what the ideal training pathway should look like for people doing this work. The conversation also explores how generative AI creates both opportunity and anxiety for newer professionals, and what early career professionals want more experienced ones to understand about how work and learning are changing.
Episode 29
In this conversation, Jason Gorman talks with Emily Johnson and Andrew Fassett, two professionals who are newer to the learning design field but bring deep experience from very different backgrounds. Emily saw firsthand how students and teachers lacked the support they needed. Andrew recognized that the lecture-based model of training in faith communities was not producing real change. Together they discuss what drew them into instructional design, what transferable skills they brought with them, and what they wish the training pathway looked like. The conversation also covers how early career professionals can navigate a field being reshaped by AI, the value of apprenticeship and shadowing over isolated internships.
Episode 28
In this conversation, Jason Gorman talks with Kristen Bourgault, director of instructional design programs at Quinnipiac University. They discuss why online education has always been treated as the ugly stepchild of the university, and how her initial excitement about ChatGPT forcing better assessment design gave way to harder questions when her own students used AI to shortcut assignments she thought were AI-proof. Kristen also shares what hiring managers are telling her they actually want in instructional design candidates, why her graduates leave the program unwilling to chase shiny technology, and what quality really looks like when a student comes back ten years later to tell you what stuck.
Episode 27
In this conversation, Jason Gorman discusses with Brenda Boyd what quality actually means in online education, why standards should read like carrots rather than sticks, and how her own experience as a returning college student with a terrible online course became the origin story for her career. The conversation covers the maturity of the learning design profession, how assessment needs to evolve beyond the five-paragraph essay, the National Accreditation Commission’s AI hub for workforce Pell compliance, and why measuring ROI in education requires knowing where you are before you can know where you’re going. Brenda also makes the case that critical thinking and discernment are the skills that matter most as AI becomes embedded in every corner of education.
Episode 26
In this conversation, Jason Gorman talks with Hamit Hamutcu, founder of AIx Ed, an event and community platform that brings together K-12 teachers, university leaders, ed tech founders, and policymakers to make sense of what AI means for education. They discuss the striking leap in maturity he observed between the November 2025 and May 2026 AIx Ed conferences, the danger of siloing conversations by sector, and why education is making more progress on how we teach than on what we teach. Hamit also shares lessons from co-founding a data science skills taxonomy, offers practical advice for professionals drowning in AI news, and predicts a calmer near future where AI becomes embedded in workflows rather than remaining the dominant topic of conversation.
Episode 25
In this conversation, Jason Gorman talks with Anand Shekhar and Ram Iyer, co-founders of ClaraLearn, a workforce intelligence platform built on a thesis that runs against the grain: the global talent crisis is not a skills shortage but a clarity shortage. Anand and Ram explain how AI is collapsing both the skills and scarcity that have historically determined professional value. They walk through their model for helping professionals discover their identity beyond job titles, explore adjacent career paths without starting from scratch, and retain what they learn rather than just consuming content.
Episode 24
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and James Altman unpack the findings of the JLX Future Skills Survey, which asked 197 learning professionals across six regions and multiple sectors to rate nine skills on how important they believe each will be in the next three years. The results revealed three statistically distinct tiers, with learning strategy and design thinking at the top alongside AI tools and stakeholder influence, while traditional staples like LMS authoring tools and content development landed at the bottom. James walks through the methodology, the debates around the term “learning professional,” and the surprising gaps between what practitioners value and what they believe their employers value, particularly around storytelling and data analysis.
Episode 23
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Heather Xu dig into the human side of AI transformation and the growing pace gap between technology, people, and organizations. They explore why learning teams must shift from being course creators to business-aligned capability builders, how to design workflows that preserve human thinking rather than surrendering it to AI, and why human connection is increasing in value, not decreasing. Heather introduces two practical frameworks: one for mapping AI relationships across a workflow (coach, thought partner, accelerator, automator) and another for personal AI value (amplify, unblock, stretch, free).
Episode 22
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Adarsh Lathika explore what happens to human capability when AI starts doing more of the thinking. Adarsh, a strategy and learning systems practitioner, introduces concepts like the shadow curriculum, cognitive debt, and the Anatomy of Work framework to explain how learners and employees are increasingly bypassing formal learning systems and building their own AI-powered solutions. They discuss why institutions and employers are losing relevance as learning providers, how prioritizing speed and output over depth is eroding foundational skills, and why human biology, judgment, and context are becoming the true competitive advantages in an AI-first world.
Episode 21
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Simon Greenwold discuss the power of storytelling as a strategic tool for organizations, particularly in higher education. Simon, co-founder and CEO of Story as a Service and Jason’s business partner, draws on over 25 years of experience at Northwestern University and EdTech company 2U to explain how organizations can clarify their core story and communicate it effectively, both internally and externally. They explore real client work at Princeton and Excelsior University, the current state of higher education under political and economic pressure, and why storytelling is a practical superpower for faculty, learning designers, and institutional leaders.
Episode 20
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Fadia Rostom explore the deeply human side of AI adoption in education. Fadia, founder of Vision Scholar and a former school principal with over 30 years in education and technology, shares how her journey as a Syrian immigrant shaped her passion for helping teachers rediscover the joy of teaching through AI. They discuss the layers of fear that hold educators back, from the intimidating name “artificial intelligence” to the broader resistance to change, and why teachers need the same permission to experiment and make mistakes that they give their students.
Episode 19
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Dr. Jeff Bergen discuss the evolving landscape of learning, the importance of self-regulation, and the impact of AI on education. They explore the challenges learning professionals face, including fear and misconceptions, and emphasize the need for effective measurement of learning outcomes. Dr. Bergen shares insights from his book ‘Already Smarter’ and highlights the significance of actionable strategies for learners. The discussion also touches on the future of learning design and the essential skills needed for lifelong learning.
Episode 18
In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, Jason Gorman interviews Louis NeJame, co-founder and CEO of Bevel, an AI-powered platform built for higher ed instructional design teams. They explore what happens when instructional designers spend 60 to 70 percent of their time on operational tasks like course audits, accessibility fixes, and content maintenance instead of actual learning design. The conversation covers the tension between what AI can do and what it should do in education, how automating tedious quality checks is already unlocking demand for the relational and strategic work that matters most.
Episode 17
In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, Jason Gorman interviews Donald Taylor, a prominent figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) field. They discuss the evolving landscape of L&D, the impact of technology, particularly AI, and the importance of networking and collaboration. Donald shares insights from his annual Global Sentiment Survey, highlighting trends and challenges in the profession. The conversation also delves into the Transformation Triangle, which outlines three potential future roles for L&D: skills authority, enablement partner, and adaptation engine.
Episode 16
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Dr. Luke Hobson discuss the evolving landscape of instructional design, particularly in the context of AI’s impact on the field. They explore the importance of foundational skills, networking, and the challenges faced by instructional designers today. Dr. Hobson shares insights from his career journey, emphasizing the need for effective communication and project management skills. The discussion also touches on future predictions for the industry and the role of AI in enhancing learning experiences.
Episode 15
In this conversation, Jason Gorman shares insights on starting and growing an L&D business, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to industry changes like AI and market shifts. Perfect for aspiring learning and development entrepreneurs and instructional designers considering a side hustle or full-time venture.
Episode 14
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Diane Weaver explore the evolving role of AI in our lives, particularly through the lens of Baryons, an AI companion designed to help individuals thrive. They discuss the duality of AI, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and the concept of the ‘adaptation gap’ that affects mental health and engagement. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of learning and development, emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach in the age of AI.
Episode 13
In this episode of The Learning Experience Ops Show, Jason Gorman sits down with Dan Streeter, CEO of Mission Fuel, to explore how AI is rapidly transforming the learning and development profession. Dan shares the pivotal moment in November 2022 when ChatGPT reshaped his vision for instructional design- and why he believes L&D professionals now have the most important job in the world. The conversation dives into automation, personalized learning, workforce disruption, and the ethical tensions surrounding AI adoption. If you work in education, training, or workplace learning, this conversation is both a wake-up call and a call to action.
Episode 12
In this episode of The Learning Experience Ops Show, Jason Gorman talks with Tom Driscoll, CEO of EdTechTeacher, about what it really takes to support educators in the age of AI. Tom challenges the hype around technology and brings the focus back to time, pedagogy, and the human core of learning. The conversation explores how schools can integrate AI responsibly without losing what makes teaching fundamentally social and powerful.
Episode 11
In this conversation, Jason Gorman, founder and CEO of Jackrabbit LX, discusses the importance of understanding learner context in education, the shift from content creation to consulting, and the common mistakes organizations make in instructional design. He emphasizes the need for effective measurement of learning outcomes and the integration of AI in learning environments. Gorman also highlights the significance of building relationships in business and shares his vision for empowering organizations to expand their impact.
Episode 10
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Andrea Flores explore the evolving landscape of education in the context of AI. The conversation delves into the need for a redesign of educational systems to better align with industry demands and the impact of education on societal outcomes. They also touch on the importance of measuring educational impact and envisioning a future where AI enhances learning experiences rather than replaces human insight.
Episode 9
In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Mariana Ganapini delve into the ethical implications of AI, exploring the need for stillness in understanding these issues. They discuss the importance of applied theory in AI governance, the challenges posed by AI in education, and the concept of trust in AI systems. Mariana emphasizes the need for a rights-based approach to responsible AI, highlighting the importance of context in learning and the evolving role of humans in an AI-driven world.
Episode 8
In this episode of the Learning Experience Ops show, Jason Gorman interviews Jonathan Thayer, Chief Data and AI Architect at K2 United. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace, and the importance of agile methodologies in integrating AI into business processes. Jonathan shares insights on the evolving role of AI, the significance of data access, and the need for governance in AI applications. He also emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience with AI and the value of interpersonal communication in navigating the complexities of AI transformation.
Episode 7
Episode 6
In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, host Jason Gorman engages with Jen Briselli, a strategist and educator, to explore the transformative potential of risky play, complexity-informed design, and transdisciplinary collaboration. The conversation delves into the distinctions between teaching and facilitating learning, the role of scaffolding in design, and the challenges organizations face in navigating change. They also discuss the importance of sensing and responding to the needs of learners in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Episode 5
In this episode, Jason Gorman interviews Dr. Ben Zugay, a business professor and consultant, discussing his journey into education, the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, and the operational lessons learned from his time at Disney. They explore the challenges faced in modern education, the significance of student engagement, and the impact of AI on teaching and learning. Dr.Zugay emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and relevance in education while maintaining a focus on fundamental principles.
Episode 4
In this episode, Zach Wagner shares his extensive journey in educational technology, discussing his passion for integrating AI into education. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring AI solutions to specific organizational needs and the challenges companies face in implementing AI effectively. Zach outlines the critical steps for integrating AI into workflows, the trade-offs involved, and the tasks that should remain human-driven. He also reflects on the future of education and the skills students will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Episode 3
In this conversation, ason Gorman and James Altman discuss various themes surrounding the impact of AI on learning professionals, gender bias in social media algorithms, and the future of the workforce. They share personal experiences, insights from recent forums, and the implications of technology on education and job markets. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the need for awareness and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape.
Episode 2
In this conversation, Brick Maier shares his journey from being a classroom teacher to his current role as Director of Enterprise Learning and Development at HeatSpring, an online learning platform focused on renewable energy. He discusses the importance of data-driven approaches in learning design, the integration of various learning modalities, and the impact of AI on assessment and course development. Brick emphasizes the need for a balance between structure and flexibility in learning design in an AI-driven world.
Episode 1
In this conversation, Stephen Hyde shares his journey into executive education, discussing the importance of leadership, collaborative learning, and the evolving landscape of education. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the needs of learners and organizations, the value of peer learning, and the necessity of adapting to change while preserving core values. Stephen also highlights the importance of variation in learning experiences and the collaborative nature of effective leadership.
Episode 0
The LX Ops Show is a platform for discussing the evolving landscape of learning and training, particularly in the context of AI and operational efficiency. Hosts Jason Gorman and James Altman explore the challenges and transformations in the learning experience industry, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches and the integration of diverse perspectives. The show aims to foster a community around these discussions, providing insights and strategies for professionals in the field.