Many talent development professionals are looking for ways to share ideas, build community, and grow their professional voice. Podcasting has emerged as a powerful platform to do exactly that.
In this session, John Parsell and Rory Sacks, hosts of the "Is Training the Answer?" podcast, share how starting a podcast became a catalyst for professional growth, deeper industry relationships, and ongoing learning.
This session explores how podcasting can become a learning practice, a way to explore ideas, connect with experts, and continuously develop your thinking as a talent development professional.
Participants will learn:
- Why podcasting is an effective tool for developing expertise and professional presence
- How conversations with practitioners and thought leaders can accelerate your own learning and perspective
- Practical approaches for launching a podcast with minimal friction
- The technology, logistics, and workflow needed to sustain a podcast over time
- Strategies for attracting interesting guests and building a niche audience
Whether you’re considering starting a podcast or simply looking for new ways to engage with the TD community, this session will provide practical insights into how sharing ideas publicly can accelerate both personal learning and professional impact.
Participants will be able to:
- Explain how podcasting can support professional growth and knowledge sharing within the talent development community
- Identify practical tools and workflows for launching and sustaining a podcast
- Apply strategies for building a network of guests and growing an engaged audience
Agenda:
5:30 - 6:15 pm Networking/Light Dinner
6:15 - 6:30 pm Chapter Announcements
6:30 - 8:00 pm Presentation
Location:
Hosted by Bucks County Community College Newtown Campus.
275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940.
The meeting will be held in the Solarium.
Parking Directions:
ATD guests can park in lots V1 and S2 across from the campus main entrance.
Brief Introductions & Photos:
Rory Sack
I’m the AI Director at Merkley+Partners, where I help bring AI into the heart of the agency’s creative, media, analytics, and operations. I work with teams across the company to shape our approach to AI, build tools that make our work smarter and more creative, and make new technology feel less intimidating and more useful. Over the past twenty years, I’ve helped grow teams and talent for brands in healthcare, tech, CPG, finance, and entertainment, including Komodo Health, Persado, Investopedia, and StubHub.
John Parsell
Engaging people leader, author, podcast host, speaker, Instructional Designer, and accomplished Learning Experience Architect with over 15 years of experience creating effective learning solutions and building innovative learning teams. I believe in the strategic value of learning to drive behavioral change and performance improvement to achieve business goals. I love architecting experiences for learners that support their growth, development, and ever evolving transformation to achieve their goals.
It's my belief that your learning organization is a strategic advantage for your company. If you share this vision, I invite you to join me on my journey. Let's learn and grow together.
ATD Certification Credits
ATD Greater Philadelphia Chapter programs are pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute for continuing education credits. These credits are based on the ATD Capability Model and may be applied towards initial eligibility and recertification for Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials.
ATD Certification Credits for this program: 1.50
