Why So Serious? - Does formality matter?

Ever sat through a meeting or a piece of learning so breathlessly serious it made you trust it less? You're not alone. In this episode, Stefan and Dan take aim at "Professional Solemnity": the corporate habit of performing expertise through deliberate complexity, jargon, and sterile delivery. We're joined by experts to explore whether the serious face is a mark of rigour, or a place to hide.

In this episode, we talk to the experts to see if gamification is a lifesaver or just a shiny bit of fun. Joining hosts Graeme and Luke (remember him?) are Game Developer Adam and Learning Developer Rob to dissect how game mechanics actually drive mastery. Is it a bespoke simulation or just points for clicking? We’re hunting for the line between genuine engagement and trivialization. Strap in as we decide what parts of "learning through play" deserve to stay.

What will L&D look like in 2030? We leap into the future with our expert Lindsey Coode to unpack her whitepaper on the seven shifts reshaping workplace learning. From AI automation and personalisation to prioritising behavioural impact over "completions," we explore the industry's inevitable evolution.This episode also marks the end of an era: it is Luke’s final show! Join us as we bid him a fond farewell and welcome our new co-host, Dan. Don't miss this mix of expert foresight and a passing of the torch.

Luke corners attendees at LP Live 25 and asks: “Are you ready for it?” In other words, what change is on the horizon, what challenges are you facing – and is Learning Pool helping? Expect insights on the role of AI, the impact of tighter budgets, and a few bright ideas about how to unlock the full potential of L&D in your organization. Plus, how Stefan uses generative AI to perfect the art of complaining!

AI and online learning often focus on the individual, but there are huge gains to be had from social learning – if it’s done right! In this episode, Graeme and Luke give Stefan (whose work centers around social learning experience design) a good grilling. They challenge him to explain why learning with – and from – a group of peers can boost your learners’ levels of comprehension and retention! How do you do it right? And how can you motivate learners to care? We answer these questions and share real examples where we’ve done it!

This time, we got the opportunity to speak to learning strategist Dr Ashwin Mehta and ask the big, slightly panicked question: is AI about to blow up the learning industry – or will it just transform it? From personalised pathways to AI facilitators, we explore what’s certain, what’s uncertain, and what might be quietly replacing your job. You'll get direct questions, blunt answers, and a very insightful episode!

Luke and Stefan hit the floor at Learning Tech 2025 – mic in hand, curiosity turned up. We gather hot-takes, dodge buzzwords, and ask what problems attendees actually want to solve with the latest developments in learning technology. Plus, our CPO Anna Lloyd gives her view on what’s shifted – and what’s still stuck – since last year.

Is your e-learning sending people to sleep? It doesn’t have to! In this episode, we chat with Ronnie Wilson-Miller, Graphic Design Principal at Learning Pool, about the small but mighty design choices that can transform dull courses into engaging experiences. Stefan and Graeme dig into what ‘engagement’ really means, why restrictions can fuel creativity, and how pop culture can inspire better learning design. If you’re ready to banish boring content for good, this one’s for you!

The Death of E-Learning team break the format! Luke, Stefan, Ana-Clara, Kirill, Graeme, and Saray all jump on the mic to dish out their hot takes from busting e-learning myths, AI's place in the industry, to battling short attention spans. Are they on the same page? Do they even see themselves as good learners? All this and more will be revealed!

This time, Jon Brydges (Director of Product Management at Learning Pool) joins us to demystify the learning platforms on the market today. What are the differences? What are the use cases? How can we harness their full potential? Find out in this episode, as we look at how the tech can serve today's organisational needs and elevate modern learners' experience.