9 Must-Listen Podcasts for L&D Professionals in 2025

The learning and development landscape is changing fast—and keeping up with it doesn’t always mean reading lengthy articles or attending conferences. Sometimes, the best insights come while you’re walking the dog, driving to work, or grabbing coffee.

That’s where L&D podcasts come in.

Whether you're leading corporate training programs, onboarding new partners, or launching customer education initiatives, these podcasts offer fresh perspectives, practical tips, and thought leadership to help you elevate your training strategy.

Here are nine standout podcasts that every L&D professional should have on their radar in 2025.

1. The Learning Hack Podcast

Host: John Helmer

This podcast explores how learning really works—combining insights from neuroscience, workplace learning, and learning tech. Guests include researchers, CLOs, and learning innovators discussing what’s next in L&D.

→ Best for professionals focused on learning science, strategy, and tech trends.

2. Dear Instructional Designer

Host: Kristin Anthony

Honest and insightful, this podcast tackles the realities of being an instructional designer—from building portfolios to managing client projects. It’s full of useful advice for IDs who work independently or are just starting out.

→ Perfect for freelancers, aspiring IDs, and solo training teams.

3.The L&D Podcast

Host: David James

Senior L&D leaders share how they’re solving today’s most pressing training challenges—linking learning directly to business performance. David’s conversational style makes high-level strategy easy to digest.

→ Great for corporate L&D managers looking to align learning with business results.

4. Learning Uncut

Hosts: Michelle Ockers, Karen Moloney & Amanda Ashby

This podcast highlights real-world L&D stories from professionals who’ve implemented creative, measurable learning solutions. Each episode focuses on what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned.

→ Ideal for those who want actionable examples and honest case studies.

5. Learning While Working (by Sprout Labs)

Host: Robin Petterd

Focused on the future of digital learning, this podcast covers agile learning, L&D strategy, learning ecosystems, and the shift to remote training. The topics are tech-forward but grounded in real applications.

→ Best for L&D leaders adopting new technologies and digital-first approaches.

6. The eLearning Coach Podcast

Host: Connie Malamed

This long-running podcast is a favorite among instructional designers. Connie covers everything from cognitive load theory to authoring tools, UX, and multimedia learning. Her guests include designers, researchers, and developers.

→ Great for course creators and anyone designing effective online learning.

7. Train Like You Listen (by Endurance Learning)

Host: Brian Washburn

Short (10–15 minute) episodes that pack a punch. Topics range from training delivery and facilitation to design strategies and virtual engagement. It’s the podcast equivalent of a quick tip sheet.

→ A go-to for trainers and facilitators who want practical tips fast.

8. The Overnight Trainer Podcast

Host: Sarah Cannistra

Focused on helping people break into L&D and build human-centered learning programs. Sarah shares career tips, mindset shifts, and strategies for building inclusive training from the ground up.

→ Especially helpful for L&D newcomers, job seekers, and solo practitioners.

9. The Edge of Work

Host: Dustin Ramsdell

Explores the future of work, including employee learning, experience, and retention. Episodes feature voices from HR, learning, and business leadership as they navigate what it means to upskill and engage today’s workforce.

→ Perfect for L&D pros at the intersection of culture, career growth, and business transformation.

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Inspired by these podcasts? Take what you hear and put it into action! Circle LMS gives you the tools to create, deliver, and track high-impact learning with ease.

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