Best John Helmer Podcasts (2025)

1
Accessibility in L&D with Susi Miller 39:36

6d ago39:36

39:36

In this episode of The Assembly, host Brigid sits down with Susi Miller, an internationally recognised expert in e-learning accessibility and the award-winning author of Designing Accessible Learning Content. With over 30 years of experience, Susi breaks down the essentials of creating digital learning that is not just compliant, but truly inclusiv…

1
Using Competitive Advantage to get a Seat at the Table with Will Thalheimer 39:37

13d ago39:37

39:37

In this interview, Adam sits down with Will Thalheimer, a world-renowned expert in learning science, learning evaluation, and evidence-based practice in L&D. Will is the founder of Work-Learning Research, a respected speaker, and the creator of the Learning Transfer Evaluation Model (LTEM). He is also the author of Performance-Focused Learner Surve…

1
Learning Strategy in 2025 with Lori Niles-Hofmann 30:05

20d ago30:05

30:05

In this episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack sits down with renowned senior learning strategist Lori Niles-Hofmann to demystify the big shifts shaping Learning and Development today. With over 25 years of experience across international banking, consulting, and marketing, Lori offers a compelling look into the evolving world of L&D—from digita…

1
GMoL S7E43 Wellbeing with Donald Clark 1:26:59

21d ago1:26:59

1:26:59

In this final episode before the summer break, Donald Clark and John Helmer explore the rise of happiness and wellbeing as central themes in psychology, education, and policy. From Seligman’s Positive Psychology to Nussbaum’s Capabilities Approach, they examine the thinkers who defined the science—and pseudo-science—of flourishing. Is wellbeing a u…

1
How to Leverage the Levy with Jez Light at Ground Control 49:26

27d ago49:26

49:26

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Jez Light of Ground Control. Jez is an award-winning learning leader, known for his transformational approach to L&D. He is Head of Learning and a member of the executive team at Ground Control, a national maintenance and construction company operating across the UK. Jez previously led learning for g…

1
How to Buy L&D with John Helmer 32:26

1M ago32:26

32:26

In this debut episode of L&D 101, host Brigid McCormack welcomes the inimitable John Helmer—podcast host, writer, and long-time learning industry figure—for a no-nonsense exploration of how the world of L&D has evolved over the past two decades. Drawing on his deep experience as a marketer, buyer, and thought leader, John shares practical advice on…

1
GMoL S7E42 Organizational Learning with Donald Clark 1:18:51

1M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Learning at Scale, from Theory to Action. This episode explores the thinkers who shaped organizational learning—how institutions learn, adapt, and evolve. From Herbert Simon’s decision theory to Argyris and Schön’s double-loop learning, Peter Senge’s “learning organization,” Japanese knowledge creation, and Finnish activity theory, we trace how lea…

1
AI and the Future of Content with special guests Ross and Paul from Mindtools 37:08

1M ago37:08

37:08

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Ross Garner and Paul Buller of Mind Tools to explore one of the most pressing topics in L&D today: the role of AI in content creation and the future of learning. Ross is Chief Learning Officer at Mind Tools and a former Learning Designer of the Year. He’s also a long-time podcast host and co-author o…

1
Welcome to the Assembly 6:09

1M ago6:09

6:09

Welcome to the very first episode of The Assembly – the new voice of Assemble You. Formerly known as L&D Challenges, our rebranded podcast reflects a more inclusive, optimistic, and forward-thinking take on learning and development. In this episode, co-founders Richard Ward and Adam Lacey are joined by new co-host Brigid McCormack to walk you throu…

1
Performance support is back, baby! With special guests Ross and Paul from MindTools 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

Remember 'performance support'? Amid all the talk of AI, adaptive learning, and skills, it's kind of been forgotten. But not by us! Or by respondents to Don Taylor's Global Sentiment Survey, who ranked it 11th hottest trend this year (up two from last year). In the first of a two-part series of crossover episodes with our partner MindTools, Adam si…

1
GMoL S7E41 Schoolmen with Donald Clark 1:16:39

2M ago1:16:39

1:16:39

The surprising modernity of medieval minds. This episode explores the medieval thinkers known as the Schoolmen—philosophers who fused logic, faith, and classical learning to shape what would become the modern university. From Anselm’s ontological argument to Ockham’s razor, Donald Clark and John Helmer examine the enduring legacy of scholasticism o…

1
The Power of Coaching Conversations with Jane Murray of Marston’s 35:22

2M ago35:22

35:22

In this excellent interview, Adam chats with Director of Learning, Leadership, & Inclusion at Marston's, a leading UK pub operator with over 1,300 pubs and over 10,000 workers. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, she is recognised as a senior L&D thought leader and a strong believer in fostering high-impact cultures where in…

1
GMoLS7E40 Critics of Higher Education with Donald Clark 1:26:13

2M ago1:26:13

1:26:13

Who is higher education really serving? In this episode of Great Minds on Learning, John Helmer and Donald Clark examine prominent critics of higher education. Economist Bryan Caplan, linguist and activist Noam Chomsky, and tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel offer powerful critiques of the academy. Meanwhile, Harold Wilson, Jennie Lee, and Paul LeBlanc …

1
Frontline Learning in Hospitality with Si Cox at Greene King 40:59

2M ago40:59

40:59

In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with the Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, Simon Cox. Si is a dynamic leader specialising in employee engagement and learning innovation, with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. As Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, Si oversees the design and de…

1
GMoLS7E39: Critical Pedagogues with Donald Clark 1:56:09

3M ago1:56:09

1:56:09

Education's Ideological Battleground. Education is never entirely neutral. In our own time it has been increasingly seen as deeply ideological. However, whose ideology is being promoted – and does unpicking one set of biases only serve to replace it with a different, opposing set? Donald Clark and John Helmer explore the provocative ideas of influe…

1
Running a Successful Early Careers Programme at Together Money with Natalie Newton 43:39

3M ago43:39

43:39

In this exciting interview, Adam speaks with Natalie Newton the Early Careers Lead at Together Money. Beginning her career in recruitment advertising, Natalie developed a passion for talent development and creating impactful early career experiences. She has over 25 years of experience in talent development and has been leading the early career str…

1
LH #114 Learning Technologies 2025 Special with Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, etc. 3:01:17

3M ago3:01:17

3:01:17

AI shockwaves and human resilience in L&D At the Learning Technologies Conference 2025, John Helmer speaks with leading voices in learning and AI—including Josh Bersin, Daniel Hulme, David Kelly, Jerome Pereira, Sophie Costin, Tadelayo Sodipe, and Donald H. Taylor—about disruption, ethics, innovation, and the changing role of L&D. 00:03:08 - Intro …

1
GMoLS7E38 Early Computing with Donald Clark 1:35:21

3M ago1:35:21

1:35:21

From Babbage to Turing: the roots of AI. In this first episode of Season 7, Donald Clark and John Helmer trace the roots of modern computing and AI through six foundational figures—Babbage, Lovelace, Hollerith, Bush, Newman & Flowers, and Turing. Exploring their machines, insights, and visionary ideas, they uncover surprising links between early da…

1
Inclusive Learning Design with Cameo Bondy at River Island 44:51

3M ago44:51

44:51

In this insightful interview, Adam chats with the digital learning partner at River Island, Cameo Bondy. Cameo is a passionate Learning and Development specialist with a strong track record in designing inclusive and engaging training programs. With experience in both retail and healthcare settings, Cameo is dedicated to fostering accessible learni…

1
Using Skill Sprints to Drive Individual-Lead Learning with Russell Woods 41:13

4M ago41:13

41:13

Using Skill Sprints to Drive Individual-Lead Learning with Russell Woods In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with Russel Woods from Aster Group UK. Russell is the Learning and Development Partner for Aster Group. He has taken his experience from leading and developing organisations in the sports and social housing sectors into L&D and is no…

1
Mental Fitness Masterclass: The Power of Prevention with Aaron Ridley 53:28

4M ago53:28

53:28

This episode features former professional athlete and mental health coach Aaron Ridley of Tribox & OPTIEDGE. Aaron is a former professional athlete who has spent years learning, improving, and gaining qualifications to switch from the ring to developing businesses in the corporate mental health arena. In this powerful Mental Fitness Masterclass, we…

1
How to Build a High-Impact L&D Team at River Island with Tom Kirk 41:59

4M ago41:59

41:59

In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with Learning Manager at River Island Tom Kirk. Tom has nearly 15 years of experience in various learning formats, including sports and business coaching, and university lecturing, and is a qualified Science teacher and former Head of Year. Since transitioning to Learning & Development post-COVID, he has trai…

1
LH #112: Learning Futures 3 with Kevin Oakes, Kim McMurdo and Terry Jones 1:15:31

4M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Leading Through Culture, Teams, and AI-driven Change John Helmer discusses organizational culture, collective leadership, and AI's impact on future workplaces with Kevin Oakes (CEO, i4cp), Kim McMurdo (Global Head of OD, Standard Chartered), and Terry Jones (International Head of Talent Development, ex-PaloAlto Networks). Key themes include culture…

1
Creating a Hive Mindset Around Learning with Dr Kinga Petrovai 46:48

5M ago46:48

46:48

In this fantastic interview, Dr Kinga Petrovai chats with Adam about her unique approach to workplace learning, The Learning Hive. Dr Kinga Petrovai is a workplace learning consultant and podcaster with a doctorate in learning technologies from Oxford University and an M.Ed. from Harvard University. With a background as an electrical engineer, King…

1
LH #111 Is D.E.I. Now D.O.A.? with Amri B. Johnson 52:27

5M ago52:27

52:27

The Battle To Keep Inclusion on the Organizational Agenda. Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) under existential threat? With political shifts and corporate cutbacks, is this the end of D.E.I. as we know it—or just a moment of transformation? In this episode, John Helmer speaks with Amri B. Johnson, author of Reconstructing Inclusion and C…

1
Building a Culture of Learning at Together Money through Learnfest with Tom Newman 40:53

5M ago40:53

40:53

In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with Tom Newman, the Group Head of Talent Development at Together Money. Tom is passionate about talent development and creating an environment for people to realise their full potential. He believes that talent development done well empowers others to define their own success and allows organisations to thri…

1
LH #110 Will AI Wipe Out L&D? with Robert Guidi 1:10:03

5M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

In this episode, John Helmer engages with UK-based artificial intelligence expert Robert Guidi to explore the potential impact of AI on Learning and Development (L&D). With a background in data science and technology policy, Robert has worked across industries to help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, translating co…

1
The Role L&D Plays in Retaining Great People with Kelly Pirotte - Keys Group 26:12

6M ago26:12

26:12

In this excellent interview, Adam discusses the tips and tricks of retaining great employees with Kelly Pirotte. Kelly is the Group Head of Learning and Development for the Keys Group, a national multi-site business in the care sector. She holds an MSc in Management, which sparked her interest in Learning and Development and has completed the CIPD …

1
LH #109 The Skills Dat Pay da Bills with Teresa Rose 51:13

6M ago51:13

51:13

Mastering Skills Tech: Implementation, Validation & Organizational Change. In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of skills technology with Teresa Rose, an award-winning learning and performance consultant and founder of ConsultHer Ltd. With over 16 years of experience in organizational and people development, Teresa shares her insig…

1
How to Build Transferrable Skills that Stick with Clodagh Beatty 26:02

6M ago26:02

26:02

In this fantastic interview, Adam chats with head of talent management, learning and DEI at travel agency Love Holidays, Clodagh Beatty. Clodagh has spent over 20 years shaping Talent Management and Learning and Development across various industries worldwide, with a focus on financial services and tech scale-ups. Throughout her career, Clodagh has…

1
The Six Essential Ways Ways to Take Control of Your Career in 2025 53:09

6M ago53:09

53:09

This bonus episode features Emma Ewing With a leading trainer provider and founder of Big Fish Training, Emma chats with Adam on how individuals can make the most of life at work, grow in their careers, and build up their professional confidence and happiness. Emma and Adam walk through the six ways to take control of your career: Building Your Car…

1
LH #108 Everything You Know About Learning Theory Is Wrong with Nick Shackleton-Jones 1:14:53

6M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Challenging assumptions about learning, performance, and the rise of AI. Nick Shackleton-Jones returns to The Learning Hack to challenge assumptions about learning theory, discuss his Affective Context Model, and reflect on the future of workplace learning. From TikTok as a learning platform to the risks of deceptive AI, this thought-provoking conv…

1
Testing New Technology to Improve Learning at SJP with Nicki Finnigan 45:17

7M ago45:17

45:17

In this great episode of L&D Challenges, Adam chats with Nicki Finnigan, Director of Learning and Development at financial advisory company St. James Place, about SJP’s new learning experiences they’ve created recently. Leading a number of transformative L&D projects, Nicki launched a new platform and app that delivers a learning programme to the S…

1
LH #107 OEB Show Special with Gerd Leonhard, Laura Overton, Maribel Reyes Millán & Donald H. Taylor 1:21:55

7M ago1:21:55

1:21:55

Voices from Berlin: Learning in the Age of AI. In this episode, John Helmer reports from the Online Educa Berlin (OEB) Conference, engaging with four influential voices in learning and development: futurist Gerd Leonhard, workplace learning expert Laura Overton, digital education innovator Maribel Reyes-Millán, and L&D thought leader Donald H. Tayl…

1
Trauma-Informed Training with Alison Armstrong 49:35

7M ago49:35

49:35

In this incredible episode, Alison Armstrong walks us through the importance of trauma-informed training and the essential skills of intervention when having conversations around challenging topic of suicide. Alison is a best-selling author and training specialist with a wealth of experience in the areas of alcohol, drug and suicide prevention. She…

1
GMoLS6E37 Question Time with Donald Clark 1:07:13

8M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Revisiting Learning Theories: Insights and Challenges for the Future In this special live episode of Great Minds on Learning, recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2024, Donald Clark and John Helmer tackle listener questions about learning theory’s relevance, biases, and practical applications. They reflect on three years of the podcast, exploring 2,500 …

1
GMoLS6E37 Question Time with Donald Clark 1:07:13

8M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Revisiting Learning Theories: Insights and Challenges for the Future In this special live episode of Great Minds on Learning, recorded at Online Educa Berlin 2024, Donald Clark and John Helmer tackle listener questions about learning theory’s relevance, biases, and practical applications. They reflect on three years of the podcast, exploring 2,500 …

1
Driving Engagement and Learning Outcome with Harry Chapman-Walker 42:11

8M ago42:11

42:11

In this exciting interview, Adam speaks with Harry Chapman-Walker, CEO of Kallidus. Harry Chapman-Walker studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath and later earned a Master’s in International Business Law and joined Kallidus in 2013. After completing an Executive MBA in 2020, Harry moved to the US in 2021 as Executive V…

1
Solving Big Challenges in Learning, Featuring Charles Jennings 38:32

8M ago38:32

38:32

In the second podcast episode recorded at the Learning Futures event by iVentiv, Adam chats with Charles Jennings, Sina Melder, Leon Jacob about embracing collaboration and different learning cultures to foster learning development. Topics include: Demonstrating value to the organisation through L&D with Charles Jennings AI beyond content creation …

1
How Roche and STMicroelectronics are Harnessing the Power of Data and AI in L&D 34:15

8M ago34:15

34:15

In this special podcast episode, Adam interviews Sam Zalcman of ST Microelectronics, Priyakumar Nair of Roche, and Peter Fischer of HEC Paris at the Learning Futures event in Basel, Switzerland, hosted by iVentiv. Adam dives into data-driven decision-making, personalisation, and measuring impact to enhance learner engagement with Sam Zalcman, Priya…

1
LH #106 Include Me In with Chris Jay 40:51

8M ago40:51

40:51

Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Cultural Change in Workplaces In this episode, Chris Jay, founder of Bascule Disability Training, shares insights into creating inclusive workplaces and tackling stereotypes about disability. Drawing from personal experiences as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Chris discusses the economic benefits …

1
How to NOT be a Victim of Organisational Change 49:34

8M ago49:34

49:34

This episode features Ket Patel, the founder of Change Agitators and a Change Management Institute Accredited Master Change Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience helping organisations as they scale, grow and modernise, Ket chats with Adam on how to support others through change and how to not be victim to organisational change. Adam and Ke…

1
Great Minds on Learning – Question Time 0:58

9M ago0:58

0:58

Send in your questions for the Great Minds on Learning Q&A! Donald Clark and John Helmer will answer them at Online Educa Conference in Berlin, which will be recorded for a podcast episode to be issued before Christmas 2024. Email them in to [email protected] or reach out on social media.

1
GMoLS7E37 Question Time 0:58

9M ago0:58

0:58

Send in your questions for the Great Minds on Learning Q&A! Donald Clark and John Helmer will answer them at Online Educa Conference in Berlin, which will be recorded for a podcast episode to be issued before Christmas 2024. Email them in to [email protected] or reach out on social media.By John Helmer

1
LH #105: Learning Futures 2 with Anne-Valérie Corboz, Jane Underwood & Sarah Otley 1:14:21

9M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Strategic Insights on Leadership, AI, and Skills for Tomorrow John Helmer explores the future of learning with Anne-Valérie Corboz (HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (Akkodis Academy). They discuss leadership evolution, generative AI’s impact, and strategies for building future-ready skills. From innovation challenges to alignin…

1
Building L&D Networks that Work with John Hinchliffe 44:41

9M ago44:41

44:41

In this excellent interview, Adam sits down with John Hinchliffe of Emirates NBD. John is a digital learning expert recognised as a Top 30 thought leader in the eLearning Industry in 2022 and 2023 and was the youngest recipient of the LPI Colin Corder award for outstanding contribution to learning. John is the Digital Learning Experience Manager at…

1
LH #104 AI Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit 1:14:21

9M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

The Future of Learning with AI: Moving Past Simple Applications to Transformational Impact (Learning Leaders pilot) This episode premieres the newest podcast from the Learning Hack stable, Learning Leaders, produced by NIIT in association with The Learning Hack. In this pilot episode, John explores the future of AI learning with Gregg Collins and S…

1
Supporting and Embedding DEI and Well-Being with Wali Rahman 39:29

9M ago39:29

39:29

In this fantastic episode, Adam chats with Wali Rahman of the Forestry Commission. Wali is the Diversity and Wellbeing Manager at the Forestry Commission, with over 18 years of experience in higher education, Local Government, and the Civil Service. Wali has pioneered diversity initiatives, including Wiltshire’s first Prevent Officer role and diver…

1
LH #103 Hillbilly Podcasters with Brigid McCormack 44:29

10M ago44:29

44:29

Exploring Appalachia’s Culture and Countering Stereotypes Through Podcasting In this episode, John Helmer is joined by Brigid McCormack, podcast producer and researcher, to discuss her study on podcasting in the Appalachian region of the United States. Brigid shares how local podcasters in this culturally rich yet often stereotyped region are using…

1
Measuring Impact in L&D with Neil Cunningham 44:20

10M ago44:20

44:20

In this great episode, Adam chats with Neil Cunningham. Neil began his career in acting before transitioning into sales. He then moved from sales to training, where he built an L&D program for new hires. This led him to a career in Learning and Development, where he finds passion in measuring the impact that L&D has on an organisation. Founding Ali…

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