THE FABULOUS LEARNING NERDS

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Because being a nerd is Fabulous.

Welcome to the funtastic world of the Fabulous Learning Nerds! 

Scott Schuette, Daniel Coonrod and Zeta Gardner are Learning Executives with over 50 years’ experience between them. Together they share new ideas, learning tools, approaches and technology that increase learner engagement and impact. All while having FUN! So, if you want to learn, connect, grow and have a good time doing it, The Fabulous Learning Nerds Podcast is for YOU!

Want to join in on the discussion?  Email us at nerds@thelearningnerds.com 

Episode 112 - How Managers can Help with Brian Walch

What if the key to changing the world wasn’t a grand invention, a revolutionary idea, or a heroic leader—but a single, everyday manager? In this episode of The Fabulous Learning Nerds, we’re exploring how the seemingly ordinary role of a manager holds extraordinary potential with the insightful and empowering Brian Walch. Brian explains why managers are the “translation layer” between strategy and action. This episode is packed with actionable tips, humor, and heart, designed to inspire managers to see their role as a noble profession—one that can ripple positivity far beyond the office walls.

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Brian Walch, founder of ShiftFocus, is an Anchorage-based executive coach who helps organizations develop their management cultures. With years of experience scaling a consulting firm from 20 to over 200 employees, Peter combines technical know-how and people-centric strategies to transform workplaces. He’s passionate about empowering managers to own their development and make meaningful impacts on their teams, organizations, and communities.

Episode 111 - Elements of Good Learning with Peter Wallis

Get ready for a brain-boosting ride with this week’s episode of The Fabulous Learning Nerds! We’re joined by the brilliant Peter Wallis and we break down what makes learning “good” with humor, practical insights, and a sprinkle of nerdy fun.  

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Peter Wallis has dedicated his career to making learning more impactful. From leading digital transformations at the University of Washington to delivering innovative solutions at startups like Learnexus, he’s a true master at blending research-backed strategies with practical application. Whether building cross-functional teams or designing habit-forming education, Peter’s all about creating learning that matters.

Episode 110 - Technically Speaking with Neil Thompson

Does the thought of presenting in front of a room full of executives make your palms sweat? Or maybe you're more familiar with the feeling of being overwhelmed by data-heavy slides? You’re not alone! In this episode, Scott, Dan, and the Fabulous Learning Nerds welcome Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek, who’s made it his mission to help engineers and technical pros conquer their public speaking fears. After surviving his own disastrous presentations, Neil learned the hard way that effective communication doesn’t come naturally—it’s built. Tune in as he shares strategies that will have you presenting with confidence, clarity, and a touch of storytelling magic.

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Neil Thompson is an engineer-turned-speaker-trainer who helps technical professionals sharpen their presentation skills. Through his online course, "Teach the Geek to Speak," and his podcast, Neil empowers STEM pros to communicate their expertise effectively. He’s also the author of Teach the Geek to Speak: A No-Fluff Public Speaking Guide for STEM Professionals and the creator of its workbook.

Episode 109 - Learning Design with Dr. Jayne Lammers

Buckle up for a thrilling ride into the world of learning design as we welcome the incredible Dr. Jayne Lammers to the show! You’ve heard of L&D, but what about the true art and science of learning design? Dr. Lammers, the Director of Learning Design at Edmentum, is here to drop some knowledge (and a few truth bombs) about the future of education, blending technology and pedagogy to create learning magic. From video games like The Sims to secondary education’s biggest challenges, we’re diving deep into how learning design can help revolutionize the classroom.

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Dr. Jayne Lammers is the Director of Learning Design at Edmentum, where she leads a mission-driven team in designing technology that accelerates learning for students worldwide. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and over 15 years as a teacher educator, Jayne has presented globally on digital literacies, teacher preparation, and video games in learning. As a Fulbright Scholar in Indonesia, she explored digital literacy in Southeast Asia and continues to support global education initiatives.

Episode 108 - Collaborate and Listen with Ross Romano

This week on The Fabulous Learning Nerds, Scott, Dan, and Zeta (in spirit) welcome the brilliant Ross Romano to tackle the critical question: How can leaders and employees collaborate more effectively to foster real talent growth? Ross, a strategic advisor and connector with a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, marketing, and talent development, shares practical strategies to help you unlock collaboration at every level of your organization. Whether you’re a leader looking to nurture your team or an employee eager to grow, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world wisdom!

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Ross Romano is a seasoned organizational leader, strategic advisor, and founder of September Strategies, where he helps organizations develop effective leadership and messaging strategies. With over 100 companies in his client roster, including big names like Spotify’s Soundtrap, Curriculum Associates, and FranklinCovey Education, Ross is a master at bringing people together to drive growth and innovation. He is also the founding program chair of the Excellence in Equity Awards, aimed at promoting equity in education, and hosts two popular podcasts, The Authority and Sideline Sessions.

Episode 107 - Why the Middle Matters with Jeff Sigel

Why does the middle matter? Find out in this week’s episode of The Fabulous Learning Nerds! 🎙️ Scott, Dan, and Zeta are joined by the insightful Jeff Sigel, who dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of being a middle manager. This episode is all about why middle managers play such a crucial role in organizations and how they can unlock their full potential.

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Jeff Sigel is a seasoned business leader and middle management coach with over two decades of experience working for major companies like Nabisco, The Hershey Company, Ahold, and Cracker Barrel. Now focused on coaching mid-level leaders, Jeff is passionate about creating better work environments and more fulfilling careers for middle managers. His new book, The Middle Matters: A Toolkit for Middle Managers, is packed with valuable strategies for those looking to enhance their role and impact.

Episode 106 - Emerging Tech Tools with Steve Corney

Hey folks, hold onto your hats (literally) and get ready for an electrifying episode of The Fabulous Learning Nerds! 🎧 This week, Scott, Dan, Zeta, and their special guest, the one and only Steve Corney, will blow your mind as they dive deep into groovy learning tech tools and share some of the coolest, nerd-approved learning technologies out there!

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Steve Corney, is the creative force behind Learn Awesome, a forward-thinking agency based in Australia that specializes in crafting accessible and customizable learning experiences. With over 17 years of expertise in learning design and strategy, Steve is passionate about empowering organizations to create engaging content that’s easy to edit and maintain. When he’s not rocking his Batman mask on LinkedIn, Steve’s busy being a learning innovator, a tech enthusiast, and a true advocate for the learner's experience.

Episode 105 - Behavioral Change with Gary van Broekhoven

What if you could change behaviors with just a small nudge? Ever wondered how understanding the "why" behind what people do could revolutionize your approach to leadership, teaching, or even your daily habits? Fear no more, we can help! The Fabulous Learning Nerds are back with an electrifying episode that tackles these questions and more! Join hosts Scott Schuette, Dan Coonrod, and Zeta Gardner as they welcome Gary van Broekhoven, a true master in behavior change, innovation, and design.

In this Episode:


Our Guest: Gary van Broekhoven, the visionary behind WhatDrivesThem.com, has dedicated his career to making the world a better place through innovative behavior change strategies. With nearly three decades of experience (and some wild stories like designing slot machines for the French Mafia!), Gary brings his unique insights and actionable strategies to help you unlock the secrets of human behavior.

Who are the nerds?

With over 25 years of experience in the learning and development field, Scott is passionate about inspiring others. His mission: to rescue them from their own limitations and bring them into a new world of growth and impact. He and his team bring relevant and impactful change-making tools to audiences young and not-so-young. Utilizing a wide array of solutions such as micro learning design, device neutral mobile learning, distance learning solutions, augmented, and virtual reality learning. 

  

As a certified Master Trainer and Leadership Coach, Scott places as much emphasis on developing and caring for human capital as he does for financial capital. Engaging in accountability and mentorship conversations is one of his greatest pleasures. Through those conversations, he unlocks others’ superpower so they too can grow, improve, develop a healthy work/life balance, and positively impact their families and communities. 



Zeta's a seasoned fantasy illustrator and graphic designer with over a decade of expertise. She brings that eye for visual impact to how she designs compelling for educational materials and engaging learning experiences.  

She has overseen projects for a diverse range of clients, managing all aspects of project development and stakeholder relations.

Now as a dedicated learning nerd, she brings that skillset to help others in their never ending journey for learning and development. 

Why is Daniel a Fabulous Learning Nerd?  Well for starters, because he's on the podcast.

Well that and over a decade of experience in the L&D industry.  

Daniel is an experience focused instructional designer, and learning consultant with a decade of experience in the L&D industry.  Daniel's passion is helping people to grow and develop, and each week on the show he gets to grow and develop himself with a multitude of interesting and exciting guests.