Join our Exclusive List and Get Preview Access to My New Book, It's Not Just One Thing: Real Talk on How to Make the Leap Into L&D
Join over 1500 subscribers who are leveling UP and join this growing community!
Welcome to The EdUp Learning & Development Podcast – where learning gets personal, practical, and a little bit rebellious. Each week, we dive into real stories from L&D professionals who are rethinking how people learn and grow at work.
🎙️ What to expect:
-Honest conversations with innovators in instructional design, EdTech, and corporate learning
-Tools, tips, and tech that make your job easier
-Fresh perspectives to transform check-the-box training into truly meaningful experiences
If you’re ready to design learning that actually sticks, this is your podcast.
Hit play and let’s build the future of L&D, together.
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews Andy Shean, the Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group. They discuss the transformative power of technology in education, the need for reimagining traditional educational pathways, and how Penn Foster is making education accessible and career…
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, who shares her inspiring journey from professional dance to leading a STEM education organization. Dr. Berry discusses the importance of STEM identity in learners, SmartLab's mission to create engaging lea…
In this episode, Holly Owens explores the intersection of Learning and Development (L&D) with the engaging experiences offered by Disney and Taylor Swift. She emphasizes the importance of creating loyal learners by designing immersive and emotionally connected learning experiences. By drawing paral…
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Shivali Goyal, founder of Trupeer.ai, a platform that revolutionizes content creation for learning and development professionals. Shivali shares her journey from working at Boston Consulting Group to launching her own AI-powered startup. The …
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Kim Scott, a former teacher who transitioned into the Learning and Development (L&D) field. Kim shares her inspiring journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, discussi...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio discuss the transformative journey from education to entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from the popular show Ted Lasso. They explore the importance of self-re...
Have you ever wondered what makes people so incredibly loyal to certain brands or personalities? What is it about Disney that keeps generations returning for more magic, or about Taylor Swift that inspires such a dedicated fanbase? The answer, as we…
In today's fast-paced world, the pursuit of success often leads to burnout, especially in demanding professions like education. Dr. Jarrett Carter experienced this firsthand, and his journey to redefine success on his own terms is both inspiring and…
Imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of inadequacy despite evidence of success, can be particularly challenging in the Learning and Development (L&D) profession. The field is constantly evolving, requiring professionals to stay updated with t…
Host/Educator/Instructional Designer/Marketer
Holly Owens is the Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig where she leads strategic marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness, engagement, and customer acquisition. With over 17 years of experience in education, instructional technology, and marketing, Holly specializes in creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences that leverage technology to solve complex challenges.
Before joining Yellowdig, Holly built an extensive career in eLearning and instructional design, transitioning from teaching to instructional technology in 2011. She held roles at Northern Virginia Community College, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore Countybefore serving as a Senior Instructional Designer at RisePoint (formerly Academic Partnerships). She also worked as an Instructional Designer at Touro University, where she remains an Adjunct Instructor in the Graduate School of Technology, teaching instructional design courses since 2012.
Holly holds two master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, Global Campus—one in Instructional Technology and another in Distance Education—along with a certificate in Distance Education Leadership. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom as the host of the EdUp L&D podcast, where she explores emerging trends in learning and development, featuring industry experts who share insights on the future of education and workforce training.
Recognized for her expertise in marketing, UX, and project management, Holly has worked closely with executive leaders, including CEOs, VPs, and Public Affairs teams, to refine brand messaging, drive engagement, and support data-driven marketing strategies. She has also collaborated with sales teams—including the Land and Expand and Enterprise teams—to attract and convert new customers across higher education and online learning platforms.
Currently residing in Wilmington, NC, Holly shares her life with her partner, Will, their daughter, Juniper, and their furbaby, Berkley. She is dedicated to empowering learners, fostering innovation, and making education more accessible and impactful worldwide.
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews Andy Shean, the Chief Learning Officer of Penn Foster Group. They discuss the transformative power of technology in education, the need for reimagining traditional educational pathways, and how Penn Foster is making education accessible and career…
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, who shares her inspiring journey from professional dance to leading a STEM education organization. Dr. Berry discusses the importance of STEM identity in learners, SmartLab's mission to create engaging lea…
In this episode, Holly Owens explores the intersection of Learning and Development (L&D) with the engaging experiences offered by Disney and Taylor Swift. She emphasizes the importance of creating loyal learners by designing immersive and emotionally connected learning experiences. By drawing paral…
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Shivali Goyal, founder of Trupeer.ai, a platform that revolutionizes content creation for learning and development professionals. Shivali shares her journey from working at Boston Consulting Group to launching her own AI-powered startup. The …
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Kim Scott, a former teacher who transitioned into the Learning and Development (L&D) field. Kim shares her inspiring journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, discussi...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio discuss the transformative journey from education to entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from the popular show Ted Lasso. They explore the importance of self-re...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes back Leena Saleh, a former teacher and current content strategist at Canva. They discuss the emotional journey of transitioning from teaching to corporate roles, the impo...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Stephanie Yesil, founder of Elevated Careers, who shares her journey from education to corporate learning and development. Stephanie discusses the importance of buildin...
In this episode, Holly Owens and Nicole L'Etoile discuss the critical importance of accessibility in education and corporate environments. They explore the need for proactive approaches to accessibility, the challenges faced ...
In this episode of Ed Up L&D, host Holly Owens interviews Josh Czupryk, the creator of the K-12 job board blast. They discuss Josh's journey from teaching to entrepreneurship, the challenges educators face when transitioning ...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens welcomes back Dr. Jarrett Carter to discuss his journey since their last conversation, including his experiences with burnout, redefining success, and launching his own business, Colla...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens interviews James Gilchrist, an influential figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) space. James shares his unique journey from theater to L&D, emphasizing the importance of storyt...
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Holly Owens and Chelsea Maude Avirett discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development (L&D), focusing on career transitions, job market saturation, the impact of AI...
In this episode, Holly Owens interviews Lisa Harding, co-founder of the Teacher Career Transition Academy. They discuss Lisa's journey from the EdTech world to helping teachers transition into new careers. The conversation co...
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, host Holly Owens interviews Fred Thompson, founder of Thirst.io. They discuss the intersection of technology, innovation, and learning, exploring the challenges faced by L&D p...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes back Taresa Scott, founder of Bleuprint, to discuss the critical aspects of onboarding, employee retention, and the role of middle management in organizational success. T...
In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens welcomes back Christy Tucker, a seasoned expert in instructional design and scenario-based learning. They discuss Christy's journey from K-12 education to corporate training, the nuanc...
In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, Ben Erwin shares his journey from being a writing instructor to becoming an instructional designer at Purdue University. He discusses the challenges of burnout in education, t...
In this episode of Ed Up Learning and Development, host Holly Owens speaks with Cedric Scott Jr., an educator and edtech influencer, about his journey from a background in chemistry to becoming a leader in the education space...
In this episode, Whitney Kilgore shares her inspiring journey from being a first-grade teacher to co-founding iDesign, a leading organization in instructional design. She discusses the importance of recognizing educators' ski...
In this episode of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Karl Kapp, a prominent figure in the learning space. They discuss Karl's journey from an instructional design intern to a respected...
📅 Originally Recorded: June 19, 2025 Live iSpring Webinar 🎧 Listen to Learn: In this packed and practical episode, Holly Owens guides transitioning educators, aspiring instructional designers, and L&D professionals through th...
In this session, Holly Owens discusses the transition from teaching to various roles in Learning and Development (L&D). She emphasizes that instructional design is just one of many paths available in L&D, highlighting the gro...
Summary In this episode of EdUp L&D, Holly Owens dives into the critical topic of salary transparency, discussing its importance in the job market and how it affects individuals in learning and development. She shares persona...
Overivew In this episode of EdUp Learning and Development, I share my personal journey and five key strategies for transitioning into a career in learning and development. I emphasize the importance of building a strong perso...
In this episode, I was so excited to reconnect with one of my favorite people, Chelsea Maude Avirett, founder of Skip. In this tip-packed episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) careers, f...
Note: This episode was previously recorded LIVE on Linkedin. In this conversation, Holly Owens shares her extensive journey through education and instructional design, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-belief, an...
