Podcasting as a Learning Strategy: From Concept to Launch (Virtual) (05/20/2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Program Description:

Podcasts aren’t just for marketing or entertainment — they’re becoming a practical, flexible tool in the modern learning ecosystem. In this session, you’ll hear how organizations are using podcasts to extend training, reinforce key messages, and reach learners in the flow of work.

d'Vinci Interactive's Ashlea Novalis will share how JULIE integrates podcasts into its training approach. Beth Buchanan will discuss how Penske Logistics leverages podcasts to support workforce development. Susan Cort will walk through how d’Vinci built its Powered by Learning podcast and outline the practical steps for launching and sustaining a podcast of your own.

Identify effective use cases for podcasts in training, reinforcement, leadership development, or knowledge sharing.

Evaluate whether podcasting is an appropriate modality for their specific audience and learning objectives.

Outline the key logistical components required to launch and sustain a podcast (planning, equipment, production, distribution).

Develop a basic action plan for piloting or integrating podcasts into their learning strategy.

Our speakers for this session will be Susan Cort, Beth Buchanan, and Ashlea Novalis.

Our Speakers:

Beth Buchanan, Senior Instructional Designer/Project Manager: Beth’s experience is a blend of writing and editing, storytelling, and curriculum development and design. She is passionate about the connections between narrative and learning and is at her best when she can bring her creative energy to a project. She is also a skilled instructional designer with expertise in clarifying complex subjects, managing projects, and building strong client relationships. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing (fiction) from the University of Oregon.

Ashlea Novalis, Instructional Designer/Project Manager: With a customer-first mindset, Ashlea brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, education, and professional training to her role as instructional designer and project manager. Ashlea’s career began in the Baltimore City Public Schools, where she wore many hats, including ESL teacher, professional development facilitator, English teacher, and curriculum developer. Her recent work as an instructional designer includes creating courses for the United States Secret Service. Ashlea holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education/English from Slippery Rock University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

Susan Cort, Marketing & Public Relations Director: Susan leads marketing and communications for d’Vinci, where she collaborates with clients, partners, and industry leaders to share insights that advance learning and development. She produces and hosts d’Vinci’s award-winning podcast, Powered by Learning, and curates thought leadership for the company’s blog and digital channels.
Susan brings decades of communications experience spanning corporate communications, media relations, and broadcast journalism, including work as a television anchor and reporter. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Ithaca College.

ATD Capability aligned to this event:

Organizational: Professional Business Insight

Personal: Technology Application

Understanding how work design, workforce capability, and emerging technology intersect to support organizational performance and transformation.

Knowledge of communication technologies and their applications, for example video conferencing, web-conferencing, audience response systems, and presentation software.

Skill identifying, defining, and articulating technology system requirements to support learning and talent development solutions.

Associated credits: 1.25

Visit our calendar of events to see what is happening in the ATD Central PA chapter.

Save the Date - Battlefield Stomp! (06/16/2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Save the date for June 16 as we visit the Gettysburg National Battlefield for an interactive leadership development session.

Details to follow!

ATD Central Pennsylvania upcoming events

Podcasting as a Learning Strategy: From Concept to Launch (Virtual) (05/20/2026)

Save the Date - Battlefield Stomp! (06/16/2026)