Episódios

  • The SME Whisperer's Field Manual

    The SME Whisperer's Field Manual
    Sep 16 2025
    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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    40 minutos
  • The Rebel's Guide to Networking

    The Rebel's Guide to Networking
    Aug 26 2025
    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

    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

    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    38 minutos
  • Productivity Tools

    Productivity Tools
    Aug 8 2025
    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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    43 minutos
  • Building a Habit of Learning

    Building a Habit of Learning
    Mar 19 2025
    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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    46 minutos
  • Curiosity Engagement

    Curiosity Engagement
    Feb 24 2025
    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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    43 minutos
  • Shared Resources

    Shared Resources
    Feb 5 2025
    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 Video Transcript 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 ebooks One Note: Digital note taking Remarkable: Organize files and perform screen shares Rocketbook: Share pages and whiteboards Amazon Polly: AI voice generator Gamestorming: 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 Grant Rethinking with Adam Grant Modern Mentor Handsome Hidden 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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    38 minutos
  • Setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals in 2025

    Setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals in 2025
    Feb 3 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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    48 minutos
  • Focus and Flow: Tips and Tricks for Productivity

    Focus and Flow: Tips and Tricks for Productivity
    Aug 29 2024
    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 ForteThe Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy PaulCome Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work by Nick SonnenbergTime 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 DarleyWork Smarter, and Not Harder, Volume 3: Best Productivity Tools and Apps to Help You Achieve More by Emma Brown Resources Video Transcript Transcript 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
    Exibir mais Exibir menos
    43 minutos