Learning Rebels Podcast

The Rebel's Guide to Networking

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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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
 

Tools, Playlists, and Productivity

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
 
 
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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
 
 

The One Where Learning Became a Habit

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

Curiosity, Rabbit Holes and “Aha!” Moments

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

Tools, Whiteboards and Wishful Thinking

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

Setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals in 2025

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How can we set goals that truly align with our personal and professional aspirations while making the process motivating, realistic, and actionable?
 
This Coffee Chat was all about rethinking how we approach goal setting. Forget the old SMART goals you’ve heard about a thousand times—this conversation was focused on making goals meaningful, personal, and, most importantly, doable.
 
We talked about the problem with framing goals in a negative light. How often do we say, “I need to stop doing this” or “I should do that”? We instead tried to ask “What’s the positive motivation behind my goal?”
 
We also had some fun with numbers! By calculating the weekends left in our lives (yes, weekends), we got a new perspective on time and how to prioritize what matters most. It’s not about how many years you have left, but about how you’re using the time you’ve got.
 
This chat was full of “aha” moments and practical ideas, but what stuck with me most was this: Goal setting isn’t just about planning. It’s about believing in the process, breaking things down, and being kind to yourself along the way.
 
So, what are your big, hairy, audacious goals? What’s stopping you? Let’s keep the conversation going!
 
Stay Curious! 
~Shannon
 
 
 
 
Resources:
Video
 
Transcript
 
Transcript Summary
 
Chatbox
 
Resources
 
BHAG Big Rock Goal Setting Planner
 
Books
 
SMARTER Goals: A Better & Smarter Approach To Setting & Achieving Goals by Tal Gur
 
The Efficient Path to Success - A Practical Guide to Achieving Your Goals by Nelson JR
 
Start Poorly: Sidestepping Perfection to Reach Your Goals by Justin Grifford
 
Goal Setting: Forget SMART Goals Try SMARTER Goals by Martin Formato
 
 
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

Focus and Flow: Tips and Tricks for Productivity

It all started with the big question on the table:
 
Are we caught up in "Productivity Shiny Object Syndrome?"
Do you ever feel like you’re juggling flaming chainsaws while blindfolded on a unicycle?
 
You’re not alone.
 
Between designing workshops, crafting engaging training materials and nurturing employee development, finding time to breathe, let alone be productive, feels like a pipe dream.
 
Today, let’s explore what really matters when choosing productivity tools. Together we can shift our mindset away from the “more tools, more productivity” myth and help identify the specific areas slowing us down in our unique workflow. Then, we can consider what tools and processes can make our work lives healthier and more efficient.
 
This podcast calls back to this Learning Rebels Blog Post: Here’s What Really Matters with Productivity Tools. https://www.learningrebels.com/2024/02/01/heres-what-really-matters-in-productivity-tools/
Additional reading:
Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential by Tiago Forte
The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul
Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work by Nick Sonnenberg
Time Planning Tools and Techniques: Learn How to Create Your Personal Time Planning, Increase Your Productivity, and Discover the Most Efficient Tools and Techniques to Become the Master of Your Time by Scott Darley
Work Smarter, and Not Harder, Volume 3: Best Productivity Tools and Apps to Help You Achieve More by Emma Brown
 
Resources
 
Video
TranscriptTranscript Summary
 
Tools:
 
WellSaid Labs
 
Boomerang
 
Get Rocketbook
 
Boox
 
Toggl
 
Synthesia
 
Maestro Learning
 
Goodnotes
 
Start your week with a creativity boost! Sign up for Sunday Spark
 
 
 
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

Finding Your Fire: Self-Motivation Techniques

It all started with the big question on the table:
 
Are you feeling caught in the endless cycle of work, struggling to keep your motivation alive?
 
You’re not alone.
 
As we continue to wear numerous hats, maintaining a high level of self-motivation becomes difficult. Business is moving fast, and the expectation is that we should move even faster. We are caught up in the hamster wheel, and it is hard to keep ourselves motivated.
 
Are you tired, frustrated, maybe feeling a bit... crispy around the edges? Has it gotten to the point where every time you see an email notification, you break out in hives and daydream throwing your laptop out the window? Is your main accomplishment for the day discovering how many snacks you can consume in an hour? I see me, and I see you.
 
This podcast calls back to this Learning Rebels Blog Post: 3 Ways to Get Your Creative Mojo Going https://www.learningrebels.com/2015/10/02/3-ways-to-get-your-creative-mojo-going-when-you-arent-feeling-it/
Additional reading:
Master Your Motivation: A Practical Guide to Unstick Yourself, Build Momentum and Sustain Long-Term Motivation by Thibaut Meurisse
Changing Your Mindset for Good: The Quick Way to Control Your Emotions, Shift Your Reality for Mental Self Development by Jay Fenix
The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Master by Brianna Wiest
Get out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior by Philip Goldberg
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by William McRaven
 
Resources
 
VideoTranscriptTranscript Summary
 
Tony Robbins’ How to Self Motivate
 
Susan David’s How to Identify Your Values
 
Mind Tools’ How Self-Motivated Are You
 
Harvard Business Review’s How To Keep Working When You’re Just Not Feeling It
 
Susan David with Adam Grant: Overcoming Forced Positivity
 
Start your week with a creativity boost! Sign up for Sunday Spark
 
 
 
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