Learning Rebels Podcast

It all started with the BIG question on the table. How do we make L&D visible in our organizations—and actually get recognized for the value we bring?
It quickly became clear this touches a nerve for all of us. We hesitate to promote ourselves because it feels too "salesy," like we're used car salesmen. But here's the truth—if we don't advocate for our work, no one else will. And we've all been there: when something goes wrong, training gets blamed. When it goes right? Crickets.
The conversation turned to building a real department brand. Some in the group already have mission statements and logos in place, while others are starting from scratch or rebuilding after restructures. But a mission statement can't just sit on a wall—it needs to show up everywhere, from first slides to intranet pages, so people know what you stand for. We also tackled the vocabulary trap. Talking about "blended learning" doesn't land the way "reducing lost-time injuries" or "getting people back to work faster" does. Listen to what metrics matter to leaders, then connect your work to those outcomes in their language.
Here's the reality: you already have a brand whether you're managing it or not. Right now it might be "the tick-a-box people" or "the PowerPoint people." Changing that perception takes intentional action—sharing relevant articles with stakeholders, asking to give five-minute updates in meetings, contributing to projects outside L&D. And the biggest piece? You have to ask for visibility. Ask what people say about L&D when you're not in the room. Because no amount of branding fixes a disconnect if you're not part of the conversation.
So what's one step you can take this week to make your L&D work more visible?
Stay curious! -Shannon
 
Video
Chatbox
 
Transcript
Transcript Summary
Resources
 
Be Seen Branding Action Sheet
 
VA L&D Site
 
Crafting Your Brand Workbook
 
Job Opportunity: Entry Level Instructional Designer Role at the University of Arizona
 
Jason’s Spotify Playlist after his prom chaperone experience!
 
If you found value in this week’s coffee chat, please take a minute to leave a Google Review. Your feedback helps others discover our events and keeps the Coffee Chats brewing (will include in email as well).
 
Books
 
The Complete SEO Guide: Boost Your Online Business Visibility with SEO by Andrea Bensaid
 
Value Proposition Design: How to Create Products and Services Customers Want by Alexander Asterwalder
 
Internal Branding: Growing Your Brand from Within By Jerome Joseph
 
Upskill, Reskill, Thrive: Optimizing Learning and Development in the Workplace by James McKenna
The Learning and Development Book: Change the way you think about L&D by Tricia Emerson and Mary Stewart
 
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Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.
 
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Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
What do KPIs really mean for learning and development—and how do we connect to them in a way that makes sense?
 
It quickly became clear that KPI's stir up mixed feelings: exciting for some, confusing or even intimidating for others. Some departments track them obsessively, while others barely mention them. And yet, whether in higher ed, nonprofits, or corporate spaces, KPIs are always there in the background—tied to growth, efficiency, donations, or retention.
 
The conversation turned to how L&D can play a role. Instead of talking about “alignment” in vague terms, we unpacked what it looks like in practice. Training that speeds up the sales funnel, leadership programs that reduce turnover, onboarding that improves retention—all are ways to show impact in terms the business already values. Along the way, we explored the difference between lagging indicators (like employees leaving) and leading ones (like manager behaviors that influence retention).
 
We also shared the challenge of shifting the dialogue. Too often, L&D is expected to deliver courses without asking how they tie to business outcomes. But when we reframe objectives as performance outcomes—“reduce manual processing time by 20%” instead of “complete data entry tasks”—we position ourselves as partners who impact KPIs, not just order takers.
 
KPIs may not always be easy to find, but they’re out there in budgets, reports, and conversations with stakeholders. The more we connect our work to those measures, the stronger our seat at the table becomes.
 
So what KPI in your organization could you start asking about today?
 
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
Video
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Chatbox
 
Resources
 
From Urbie Delgado on KPI:
 
 
Technique        
Is it a KPI?
Why it is     
Why it isn’t
Before/After Snapshots
KPI-ish 
Shows change over time
More narrative than numeric
 
Behavior Change in the Wild 
KPI-lite
Tracks real-world actions 
Qualitative, not quantified
 
Small Wins, Big Echoes
KPI by anecdote
Ties learning to outcomes
Not tracked systematically
 
Peer Recognition/Adoption
Shadow KPI 
Indicates influence and trust 
Too soft for traditional metrics
 
Performance Drift Reversal
Covert KPI
Links to process improvement
Used case-by-case
 
Stakeholder Testimonials
Relational KPI
Shows business partner buy-in
Subjective and anecdotal
 
 
Learning Changemakers Tool 7: Improving Impact pdf
 
Kevin Yates Detective Kit
 
Substack on Execution, by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan by Evan Samek
 
Learning Rebels Blog: Connecting The Dots: From Skills Gaps To Business Outcomes
 
Books
 
Measurement Demystified: Creating Your L&D Measurement, Analytics, and Reporting Strategy by David Vance and Peggy Parskey
 
Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring by Alaina Szlachta
 
A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge by Liba
 
Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Ram Charan and Larry Bossidy
 
Data Analytics and KPIs for Project Success by Moira Alexander
 
Developing Meaningful Key Performance Indicators by Clive Keyte
 
Be part of the Community.
Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How do we work with subject matter experts in ways that build trust instead of tension?
 
Our Coffee Chat crew shared the full range of experiences—from relationships that clicked instantly to projects that felt like pulling teeth. We talked about SMEs who deliver 30-page data dumps, professors who think semester-long lectures are “online training,” and peers who guard information a little too closely. At the same time, there were stories of SMEs who leaned on trust, empathy, and shared understanding to make the process smoother for everyone.
 
The common thread running through it all was the reminder that SMEs are people first, experts second. We set expectations, try and understand their pressures, and meet them where they are. That might mean starting with a kickoff chat to build rapport, distilling walls of content into manageable pieces, or even using AI tools to simplify technical jargon. The goal isn’t to win a battle—it’s to collaborate, filter, and ultimately help them focus on what learners really need.
 
Every SME relationship looks a little different. Sometimes it’s the long game of building trust over years, and sometimes it’s about making the most of a 30-minute hallway chat. So how do we keep refining our approach to make the process easier for them—and in turn, for ourselves?
 
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
Video
 
Chatbox
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Resources
 
Agile-Like Methodology 
 
Subject Matter Expert Collaboration Checklist
 
Presentation for Team Transition to LLAMA 
 
ATD’s TD at Work Guide
 
Wednesday Boosts Sign Ups
 
Books
 
Understanding and Working with Subject Matter Experts by Dean Reed
 
The Guide to Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) by Michele Medved
 
Working with Smes: A Guide to Gathering and Organizing Content from Subject Matter Experts by Peggy Salvatore

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
 
How do we build genuine professional connections without falling into the trap of sales pitches, awkward small talk, or ghosted messages?
 
Our Coffee Chat crew shared the familiar pain of trying to connect online or at events, only to be met with instant “buy my service” pitches, one-sided conversations, or radio silence. Networking, we agreed, works best when it’s rooted in authenticity—and when we remember it’s a two-way street.
 
Some of us find value in starting with our “why”—being clear on the purpose of a connection before reaching out. That might mean seeking fresh insights, industry peers, or people with complementary skills. We also talked about keeping things human: practicing open-ended questions, finding common ground before hitting “connect,” and remembering that a little curiosity goes a long way.
 
Tips from the group ranged from LinkedIn “research” before events to offering introductions for others, using industry groups beyond L&D, and finding opportunities in unexpected places—like chatting with someone at the grocery store. And when networking online, consistency matters: engaging with posts, sharing resources, and contributing your own perspective builds trust over time.
 
At its best, networking isn’t about chasing opportunities, but instead about building relationships and sharing value. So what’s one step you can take this week to make your network stronger, more authentic, and maybe even more fun?
 
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
Video
 
Chatbox
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Resources
 
The 2 Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton
 
Structural Building Components Association
 
Icebreaker Questions for Networking
 
Virtual Networking Planner
 
 
Books
 
The Go Giver by Bo Burg and John David Mann
 
20-Minute Networking Meeting by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan Perez
 
The Introvert’s Edge to Networking: Work the Room. Leverage Social Media. Develop Powerful Connections by Matthew Pollard
 
The Power Of Networking: Strategies for Career Excellence, Job Development, and Building Greater Triumphs in Your Work by Michael Morgan
 
 
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Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
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Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions
 

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
 
How do we stay productive when distractions are everywhere?
 
This Coffee Chat dug into the reality we all face—trying to get meaningful work done while notifications ping, tabs multiply, and our focus drifts to anything but the task at hand. Productivity isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about managing our time, energy, and environment in a way that works for us.
 
Many of us shared the tactics that keep us on track—color-coded calendars, Kanban boards, playlists that trigger focus, and even apps like Forest to gamify staying off our phones. Our Coffee Chat crew also explored the difference between distractions (the things that pull you away) and diversions (the things you wander into), and why each one needs its own strategy.
 
We set time aside, try and understand our own work patterns, and meet productivity where it fits into our lives. That might mean tackling the toughest task first, stacking creative work during high-energy hours, or giving ourselves grace when the day doesn’t go as planned. Because in the end, productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, better.
 
So what’s one small change you could make to protect your focus this week?
 
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
Resources:
Video
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Chatbox
 
Resources
 
Goblin Tools
 
Jason Lewis’ Mind Amend YouTube Channel
 
LoFi Focused Playlist
 
Office Desk Accessories 2pcs Multifunction Computer Monitor Memo Board
 
Elgato Stream Deck
 
Andrew’s Kanban Board
 
Smartsheet
 
Learning Rebels’ Blog post: Mindset First, Tools Second: Building Your Productivity Foundation
 
Personal Work Audit
 
Books
 
Do Something That Matters Journal Hardcover by Michael Bungay Stanier
 
Purposeful Productivity: Multiply Your Time and Your Happiness by Tanya Dalton
 
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
 
Dopamine Detox: A Short Guide to Remove Distractions and Get Your Brain to Do Hard Things by Thibaut Meurisse
 
 
Be part of the Community.
Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions
 
 

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How do we actually build a habit of learning—for ourselves?
We're taking a step back from helping everyone else learn and focusing on a challenge we all share: making time for our own growth. We all want to learn more, but between meetings, deadlines, and life in general, it’s easy to let personal learning fall to the bottom of the list.
 
Many of us have tried blocking time on our calendars—only to watch it disappear when something "more urgent" comes up. Others have tried to tie learning to an active project, making it easier to justify. And then there are those who squeeze in reading, reflection, or microlearning into everyday moments whenever possible (because let’s be real, some of that doomscrolling could probably be put to better use).
 
So how do we make learning a real habit instead of an afterthought? We set time aside, try and understand what methods work best for us, and meet learning where it fits into our lives. Whether it’s scheduling dedicated learning time, stacking habits onto existing routines, or finding ways to reflect and apply new ideas, the key is making it stick.
 
At the end of the day, learning isn’t just something we should do—it’s something we deserve to do. So what small step can you take to build your learning habit today?
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
Resources:
Video
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Chatbox
 
Resources
 
Groundhogs Day Playlist
 
OneTab
 
Liberating Structures
 
Learning Battlecards
 
Harvard Thinking Routines
 
Learning Rebels’ Blog: Small Learning Habits, Big Results: How To Keep Growing
 
Top 10 Actions to Build a Learning Habit
 
A Learning Rebels Guide: 10 Ways to Build a Learning Habit
 
Books
 
Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
 
Learning Habits: Drive a Learning Culture to Improve Employee and Business Performance by Sarah Nicholl
 
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
 
How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World's Most Successful People by David Novak
 
 
Be part of the Community.
Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How do we spark and sustain curiosity in learning?
 
This Coffee Chat dove into how our curiosity fuels engagement. We kicked things off by brainstorming ways to design learning experiences that get people questioning, exploring, and leaning in for more. Whether through interactive quizzes, thought-provoking scenarios, or unexpected challenges, the goal is to keep learners thinking, What’s next?
 
We want to build structured designs that keep learners engaged and prevent that dreaded click-through-and-forget syndrome. From branching scenarios to drip-feeding content, the right approach can make learning feel more like an adventure than a checklist.
 
Keeping curiosity alive takes some intention. Real-world examples, case studies, and unexpected challenges help hold attention, while showing immediate benefits keeps motivation high. The goal goes beyond sparking curiosity and into making learning feel like something worth coming back to.
 
Curiosity fuels engagement, but it also builds lifelong learners. How do we help people stay curious beyond a single course?
 
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
 
Resources:
Video
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Chatbox
 
Resources
 
Using The QFT To Drive Inquiry In Project-Based Learning
 
Genius Support with Andi McNair
 
Learning Battle Cards
 
Torrance Learning’s Instructional Design Ideas Deck
 
Learning Rebels Blog: Curiosity as a Business Practice
 
Books
 
Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity by Michael Hernandez
 
Cultures of Thinking in Action: 10 Mindsets to Transform our Teaching and Students' Learning by Ron Ritchhart
 
Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It by Ian Leslie
 
Cultivating Curiosity: Teaching and Learning Reimagined by Doreen Gehry Nelson
 
Be part of the Community.
Gain more valuable resources to build your skills! Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen. Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
 
How can we leverage shared resources to better support our learning goals and professional growth?
 
This Coffee Chat was all about the power of collective knowledge. We kicked things off by reflecting on the big, audacious goals set in the last session. Some made progress, others hit roadblocks, but the common thread was the need for the right tools and accountability to keep moving forward.
 
From books and podcasts to digital organization tools, everyone had something valuable to contribute. Popular solutions like Pocket, Notion, and Raindrop emerged as favorites, with participants weighing in on their usability and learning curves.
 
We also explored must-read books like Aligning Instructional Design with Business Goals and ATD’s Organizational Development Handbook. The group discussed writing for social media, balancing engagement with authenticity, and how AI-powered tools can assist with content creation and organization.
 
No Learning Rebels chat is complete without a deep dive into learning technology, from hidden gems like Amazon Polly for text-to-speech to essential resources like Articulate’s eLearning Heroes.
 
In the final stretch, the conversation shifted toward continuous learning. How do we build habits that help us apply what we learn?
 
These are the questions we’ll tackle in future Coffee Chats, ensuring that we’re not just gathering resources—we’re using them to grow.
 
Stay curious!
-Shannon
 
 
VideoTranscript
Transcript Summary
Chatbox
Tools
Pocket: Web plug in that saves articles and videos in personal library
Raindrop: Bookmark manager
Notion: All in one workplace app
Book Bub: For bargain and free ebooksOne Note: Digital note takingRemarkable: Organize files and perform screen shares
Rocketbook: Share pages and whiteboardsAmazon Polly: AI voice generatorGamestorming: Co-creation tools
Liberating Structures: Tools to replace or complement existing practices
Podcasts We Love
Learning Rebels Podcast
Learning Geeks
Armchair Expert
Scrubs and Subpoenas
Coaching for Leaders
Not Gonna Lie
Learning Uncut
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Smartless
What Now with Trevor Noah 
Worklife with Adam GrantRethinking with Adam Grant 
Modern Mentor
HandsomeHidden Brain
Unmistakable Creative
Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR
Resources
Isabel Sterne on Linkedin for tips on Social media writing 
Dave Biriss on Linkedin for tips about using AI in social media 
Free Resources from Dave Biriss
Action Mapping with Cathy Moore
Devlin Peck Bootcamp for Instructional Design skills
Tim Slade’s website for eLearning Training
TechSmith's YouTube Channel
e-Learning Training
ATD: Association for Training Development
Connie Malamed: The eLearning Coach
HBR.org
Training Magazine Network for free webinars
Douglas Ferguson’s Linkedin from Voltage Control for facilitation and liberating structures
The Learning Guild
Books
Aligning Instructional Design With Business Goals: Make the Case and Deliver Results by Kristopher Newbauer
The CEO's Guide to Training, eLearning & Work by Will Thalheimer
ATD's Organizational Development Handbook by Brian James Flores
Leading the Learning Function: Tools and Techniques for Organizational Impact by MJ Hall and Laleh Patel
Telling Ain’t Training by Harold D. Stolovitch & Erica J. Keeps
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier 
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz
How To Give It So They Get It by Sharon L. Bowman
 
Be part of the Learning Rebels Community.
Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.
 
Join the Coffee Chat conversations
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions