Learning Rebels Podcast

It all started with the BIG question on the table. What skills did we need in 2025 that we didn't see coming—and what does that mean for our careers?   This Coffee Chat was all about looking in the rearview mirror at the year behind us and thinking forward to what skills matter now. We kicked off with the big one: prompt engineering. Would we have known in January 2025 that mastering AI prompts would become critical? Some of us saw the signals, but most of us didn't jump on it fast enough. The question became: how do we get better at spotting trends before they pass us by?   The conversation turned to staying informed and developing a radar for what's next. Reading widely—Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, industry newsletters—and practicing pattern recognition helps you see what's coming down the hall. One participant carved out intentional innovation time each week to stay ahead of trends. Another pointed out that AI isn't just a tool—it's part of the workflow now. Prompt engineering, understanding AI agents versus simple prompts, and knowing which AI tool fits which task all became essential skills this year.   We explored creativity, storytelling, and binge-worthy learning. One participant asked: what if we designed learning people actually wanted to come back to, like a Netflix series? The group talked about framing content around compelling narratives, using humor and relatability (even corny stuff works if it's memorable), and building playlists instead of learning paths. Old-school techniques came back up too—process mapping, branching scenarios, empathy mapping, and the lost art of asking the right questions. Not "What problem are you solving?" but "What happened that brought you to my office today?"   We also tackled content curation with purpose. Throwing an entire library at people doesn't work. Instead, we need to help learners build targeted playlists—whether it's curated courses, YouTube videos, or internal resources—that actually match what they need. And we talked about dusting off skills like questioning, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. These aren't nice-to-haves anymore. They're essential.   The takeaway? The skills we need keep shifting faster than ever. Staying curious, staying informed, and staying flexible isn't optional—it's how we keep up.   So what skill are you sharpening as we head into 2026?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chat Box   Other Resources:   Don’t forget!   Pass the Cranberry Sauce   Q1 Coffee Chat Schedule   Coffee Chat Schedule   Blog Posts:   Order taker to STRATEGIC Business Partner (2025)   Five skills L&D professionals couldn't ignore   6 must-have skills for 2025   Ditch Engagement! Create Learning People Can’t Ignore   Why Everyday Development is Crucial to Closing the Skills Gap   Podcasts:   Harvard’s Taylor Swift Course What You’re Really Learning   Examples:   When HR Goes Too Hard   Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish - Annenberg Learner   Webinar:   Creating Training Videos That Stick: Small Changes for Improved Outcomes    LinkedIn Posts   LinkedIn post on Microsoft by Dylan Tokar   Building Your Radar: How to Spot Signals and Make Sense of Change by Al Dea    Dear Leadership, We Need to Talk Not Activity by Shannon Tipton     Books:   The CEO's Guide to Training, eLearning & Work: Empowering Learning for a Competitive Advantage by Will Thalheimer   Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro: Strategies to Ignite Learning by Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor   Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip and Dan Heath   The Accidental Instructional Designer by Cammy Bean   Practical Empathy by Indi Young   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. What do we wish our stakeholders knew about learning—and how do we actually tell them?   This Coffee Chat was all about the communication breakdowns between L&D and stakeholders, and how to fix them without just venting for an hour (though we did some of that too). We kicked off with a hard truth: sometimes the misunderstandings are our fault. When we say yes to impossible deadlines, we train stakeholders to keep asking. So how do we break the cycle and have better conversations?   The group tackled the classic stakeholder statements. "Everyone needs this training" got unpacked with the five whys—asking why, why, why until you get to the actual problem they're trying to solve. We talked about shifting from big questions like "What's the business goal?" to smaller, clearer ones like "What behavior are you seeing that you don't like?" or "What failures are we trying to prevent?" Sometimes stakeholders have more clarity around what they want to avoid than what they want to create.   We explored practical tools for working with SMEs and stakeholders. Training request forms that are short enough to actually get filled out. Checklists that prompt SMEs to gather what we need without us having to nag. Discovery meetings where we fill out the form together. And the magic phrase: "If I don't hear from you by Friday, silence means yes." Documentation and receipts matter—send back what you agreed on so there's no confusion later.   The conversation turned to getting real reviews from SMEs. Sit with them and go through it together. Send them one section at a time instead of a 20-minute course. Give them specific examples of what feedback looks like—"This looks great" doesn't help, but "I like the tone you used on slide 3" does. Test it with someone who knows nothing about the topic. Read it out loud. Project it on a big screen. All of these catch things you'd never see otherwise.   We also vented about the things that drive us up the wall. Everything defaults to one hour. SMEs who tell us the solution instead of the problem. Requests that arrive with "turn this into a game" or "make a video" already baked in. The key is reframing without being combative—asking what "game" means to them, explaining constraints, helping them break content into need-to-know versus nice-to-know buckets.   The takeaway? We need to communicate better, set expectations upfront, and remember that stakeholders and SMEs aren't the enemy—they just don't know what we need unless we tell them clearly.   So what's one conversation you could reframe this week?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Andrew Jacobs   Chatbox   Andrew Jacobs Transcript   Transcript Summary   Resources   The Learning Rebels’ The 2025 Edition: From L&D Order-Taker To Strategic Business Partner   Where L&D Will Survive and Where It Will Die In Age of AI   What is Gilbert’s Behavior Engineering Model?   Gilbert's Behavior Engineering Model   Andrew Jacobs’ PPT   Andrew Jacobs’ Four Cs:   Collaboration - this is where we want to be but requires us to agree with their outcomes and theirs with ours Cooperation - we have different objectives from the business but we work with them to create effective elements which support both Coordination - we can't help the business but get out of the businesses' way so they can do their thing Competition - we're trying to get attention and fight for awareness with every other team, e.g. facilities, IT, Finance, etc   Cathy Moore’s Action Mapping   Management by Wandering Around   Andrew Jacobs’ Linkedin   Books   Leading the Learning Function: Tools and Techniques for Organizational Impact by MJ Hall and Laleh Patel   The Trusted Learning Advisor: The Tools, Techniques and Skills You Need to Make L&D a Business Priority by Keith Ketting   Employee Engagement for Organizational Change: The Theory and Practice of Stakeholder Engagement by Julie Hodges   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 design learning fast without sacrificing quality? This Coffee Chat was all about scrappy design—doing more with less time, smaller budgets, and whatever tools you've got at hand. We kicked off with a reality check: sometimes your best work isn't your most polished work. It's the work that gets done and actually helps people. One participant shared a story about creating an entire electrostatic discharge course in one week by scanning a workbook into PowerPoint, adding a quiz, and launching it. Five years later, that "rushed" course was still running successfully. The conversation turned to mindset shifts and practical workflows. Progress over perfection. Templates over starting from scratch. Using tools in ways they weren't necessarily designed for—like turning PowerPoint into a graphic design tool or loading your brand guide into ChatGPT so it generates content in your voice. We talked about recording subject matter experts and repurposing that single video into scripts, podcasts, mini clips, job aids, and course content. One video, ten different outputs.| Tool recommendations came fast. Canva for templates and quick graphics. TechSmith's suite (Snagit, Camtasia, Audiate) for seamless video workflows. iSpring for PowerPoint-based courses on a budget. Gamma for AI-powered slide design. Genially for building interactive content and internal resource hubs. The group emphasized finding tools that talk to each other—upload once, edit everywhere, export in seconds. We also tackled the tension between being scrappy and putting out crap. There's a difference. Scrappy means helpful and useful, just faster. It means asking "What do people need to do?" before jumping into a full ADDIE process. Sometimes your analysis is one question. Sometimes the solution is a Word doc, not a course. And sometimes you say yes to the request, then gently steer the conversation toward what'll actually work. The takeaway? Build your workflow. Know your tools. Reuse what works. And remember—scrappy doesn't mean sloppy. It means smart. So what's in your scrappy design toolbox? Stay curious! -Shannon Resources: Video:VimeoScrappy Design & Smart Shortcuts - Coffee Chat   Chat Box: Learningrebelslearningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Scrappy-Design-Smart-Shortcuts-chat.pdf   Transcript:OtterOtter.ai Note | Otter.ai   Transcript Summary: Learningrebelslearningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Scrappy-Design-Smart-Shortcuts-Summary.pdf   Resources:  The Scrappy Instructional Designer’s Workflow Guide    Dr Phil's Newsletter   HeyGen TechSmith Tools Camtasia Snagit Audiate Screencast Keynote PowerPoint Storyline 360 Gamma Canva Canva Design School Presentation Zen Nolan Haims Creative ChatGPT Claude Monday.com Copilot Mico BrightCarbon BrightSlide Scribe Miro Venngage Vyond Sana Synthesia Goose Chase Genially     Books:  DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story by Nancy Duarte    slide:ology: The Art and Science of Presentation Design by Nancy Duarte   Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte   Leaving ADDIE for SAM: An Agile Model for Developing the Best Learning Experiences by Michael W. Allen (Author), Richard Sites (Contributor)   A Trainer’s Guide to PowerPoint: Best Practices for Master Presenters by Mike Parkinson   Do-It-Yourself Billion Dollar Graphics: 3 Fast and Easy Steps to Turn Your Text and Ideas into Persuasive Graphics by Mike Parkinson   Downloadables: ChatGPT CheatSheet: Learningrebelslearningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ChatGPT-CheatSheet-10.pdf   Image Prompt Sheet: Learningrebelslearningrebels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Image-Prompt-cheatsheet.pdf 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 measure the unmeasurable—those soft skills that don't fit neatly into a spreadsheet?   This Coffee Chat tackled one of the trickiest challenges we face: proving that leadership development, communication training, and other "fuzzy-edged" programs actually work. We moved beyond completion rates and smile sheets to explore what real evidence looks like when the numbers just don't tell the story.   The struggles came fast. Financial acumen training where clients want proof it makes people more money. Leadership programs where stakeholders won't touch 360 feedback. The classic problem of one person messing up, so now all 50 people need mandatory training. The group shared stories of self-assessments where the most confident people scored the lowest, and programs where leadership only cares about completion percentages.   We explored practical approaches to gathering evidence when traditional metrics won't cut it. Anecdotal stories from learners and stakeholders, discussion boards that show what people are taking away, and post-training check-ins that nudge application while measuring retention. One clever idea: have learners submit real scenarios anonymously, then use those examples throughout training to build relevance and buy-in.   The conversation turned to asking better questions upfront. Not just "What does success look like?" but "What's happening right now that's making us have this conversation?" and "What will this look like in the wild?" Because if you don't know what success sounds like and looks like before you build the program, you can't look for evidence of it afterwards.   We also tackled an uncomfortable truth: sometimes we're order takers whether we like it or not. Leadership says "build this course" and strategic partnership isn't happening today. But that doesn't mean you can't still ask questions or look for evidence in the wild—even when leadership doesn't want formal metrics. Just because they say "I don't want you to measure X" doesn't mean you can't ask the question and build toward it anyway.   Soft skills come with actions. Communication done well has body language, tone, and specific phrases. Leadership development shows up in how managers handle conflict. If you can describe what it looks like and sounds like when it's done well, you can watch for those signals after training. That's your evidence.   So what does success actually look like in the wild for your soft skills training?   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Chat Box   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Resources: The Learning Rebels Podcast ft. Kevin Yates Will Thalheimer's Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model   Books:  Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learningby Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III , Mark A. McDaniel   Proving the Value of Soft Skills: Measuring Impact and Calculating ROI by Patricia Pulliam Phillips, Jack J. Phillips, Rebecca Ray   Map It: The hands-on guide to strategic training design by Cathy Moore (More Affordable Option) Design Thinking for Training and Development: Creating Learning Journeys That Get Results by Sharon Boller, Laura Fletcher   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 cognitive biases sneak into our learning designs—and what can we do about it?   It quickly became clear this conversation was going to hit close to home. We all fall into these traps—affinity bias, confirmation bias, halo effect, availability heuristic, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. It's not about shame; it's about recognizing that our brains have built-in shortcuts that sometimes help us and sometimes lead us astray.   The group shared real examples. One person caught themselves gravitating toward job candidates they liked rather than those with the best portfolios. Another realized they'd been making assumptions about learner personas based on who they wanted the audience to be, not who it actually was. We talked about how personality assessments like DISC can create bias, putting people in boxes and giving them excuses for behavior. And we explored the "squeaky wheel" problem—when one loud voice convincing us "everybody" needs something turns out to be just that one person.   The conversation turned practical. How do we catch ourselves? Listen for trigger words like "everyone," "always," and "never." Add a bias checkpoint to your needs analysis process. Share your assumptions with colleagues as accountability partners. One suggestion that landed: upload your training needs analysis into AI and ask it what you missed or overstated—an unbiased second look can reveal blind spots you didn't even know were there.   The takeaway wasn't about fixing ourselves overnight. It's about awareness. Recognizing when you're walking that worn path and choosing to step out of the trench. Starting with yourself before trying to point out biases in others. And when you see it happening in stakeholder meetings, using the gentle nudge: "I've heard that too—help me understand who 'everyone' is in your world." So what bias are you going to watch for in your next stakeholder meeting? Stay curious!  -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Cognitive Bias Quiz   5 Cognitive Biases Sabotaging Your Learning Programs   Explaining the Dunning-Kruger Effect   Unmasking the Mind: 11 Cognitive Biases That Can Derail Workplace Decisions (and How to Overcome Them)   The Cognitive Bias Checker   Books   Cognitive Biases - A Brief Overview of Over 160 Cognitive Biases: + Bonus Chapter: Algorithmic Bias by Murat Durmus   Mental Models: Learn How to Improve Decision Making, Problem Solving, Develop Better Strategic Thinking and Reasoning Ability to Avoid Cognitive Biases by Joe Silva   The Critical Mind: Enhance Your Problem Solving, Questioning, Observing, and Evaluating Skills (Cognitive Development Book 2) by Zoe McKey   How Our Brains Betray Us by Magnus McDaniels   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 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. There was a great moment when someone shared their experience with imposter syndrome. But remember, Identifying barriers upfront—like fear or complexity—is the first step to overcoming them. 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

It all started with the BIG question on the table. What does burnout really look like, and how do we bring ourselves back from it without treating rest like another item on the to-do list?   This Coffee Chat opened with an honest acknowledgment that many of us are feeling stretched thin. Between back-to-school schedules, heavy workloads, shifting priorities, and the general pace of life, it has been catching up with people. Special guest Chris Coladonato joined us to talk about rest as a strategy rather than something you squeeze in when everything else falls apart. What stood out early on was the reminder that burnout is not always obvious. Sometimes you only recognize it when you finally stop.   The conversation was filled with relatable moments. People shared the signs they notice in themselves, like irritability, lack of motivation, mistakes that seem to pile up, or the feeling of being backed into a corner. Others admitted they do not realize they are burned out until something forces them to pause. Chris encouraged us to look for these cues sooner and to view rest as a practice that happens throughout the day rather than a reward you earn at the very end of a long stretch. Even small breaks create a reset, whether it is stepping outside, stretching, listening to the birds, or taking a minute to breathe without checking email.   There was also an honest look at the guilt so many of us feel when we take a break. A lot of that pressure comes from old beliefs, workplace culture, or past expectations about what “busy” is supposed to mean. We were reminded that we often put as much pressure on ourselves as anyone else does. Choosing rest is choosing yourself, and that choice matters. People shared creative ways they weave in restorative moments, such as using Notion boards to track energy levels, taking tiny walks, using music, doodling, or keeping a calming activity nearby so it is easy to reach for during short pockets of time.   As the chat wrapped up, the takeaway was simple. Burnout does not disappear through one long weekend or a single deep breath. It shifts when we build small practices that support us throughout the day. It shifts when we notice our signals and respond with care. And it shifts when we stop viewing rest as laziness and start treating it as maintenance for being human.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Chatbox   Transcript Summary   Resources   Zentangle   Sacred Rest Book Club   Recharge-Renew-Refocus Your Toolkit   Books   Burnout Recovery: 15 techniques to overcome chronic stress, regain control, restore your energy and your focus by Amber Pierce   Burnout Recovery Breakthrough: A Compassionate Guide to Manage Stress Overload and Build Unshakable Mental Resilience to Reclaim your Happiness by Laurie Grist   I'm So Effing Tired: A Proven Plan to Beat Burnout, Boost Your Energy, and Reclaim Your Life by Amy Shah   The Burnout Solution: 7 Steps from Exhausted to Extraordinary by Sharon Grossman   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. What if learning and development professionals thought more like anthropologists?   This Coffee Chat explored what it means to study the culture of our organizations instead of simply observing it from a distance. How do we uncover the stories, rituals, and behaviors that shape it?   We began by exploring the idea of acting as storytellers. We already curate knowledge and connect people to resources, but what if we also helped uncover the stories that show who we are as a company? Culture does not live in a PowerPoint slide about values. It lives in the moments people share, the choices they make, and even the quiet in between.   Several participants reflected on how remote and hybrid work have changed the way we see culture. Without breakroom chatter or hallway check-ins, those unspoken stories are harder to find. Some suggested new ways to listen, like forming engagement committees, or simply asking questions that reveal what is really happening behind the scenes. Others noted that listening also means noticing what is not being said and understanding why.   We shared examples of how learning can reflect culture instead of sitting apart from it. That might mean weaving company values into course content, highlighting real stories from employees, or recognizing behaviors that model the culture we want to build. When culture shows up in learning, it starts to feel real.   Toward the end, the conversation turned practical. How do we help culture grow when budgets are tight and influence feels limited? The group offered creative, low-cost ways to build connection, such as virtual movie clubs, “Be Kind” chats on Teams, cross-department highlights, and even therapy dog visits at the office. Small, human moments like these help people feel part of something bigger, and that is where culture thrives.   Being a workplace anthropologist is not about changing the company overnight. It is about paying attention, capturing stories, and creating spaces where people can connect and be seen. That is how we keep the heart of an organization beating strong.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Workplace Redux: An Anthropological Approach to Today’s Workplace Design by Melissa Fisher and Hana Kassem   How to Replicate Water Cooler Conversations in Hybrid & Remote Workplaces by Matthew Reeves   What Is Employee Wellbeing? And Why Does It Matter?   Books   Your Wellbeing Blueprint: Feeling Good And Doing Well At Work by Michelle L McQuaid and Dr Peggy L Kern   The Pandemic Workplace: How We Learned to Be Citizens in the Office by Ilana Gershon   Beyond the Workplace Zoo by Nigel Oseland   Cultural Sensitivity Training: Developing the Basis for Effective Intercultural Communication by Susann Kowalski   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. Have we lost our edge when it comes to presentation skills?   This Coffee Chat centered on something many of us have noticed. With so much attention going to AI tools and digital platforms, it is easy to forget that connection and presence are still at the heart of great facilitation. Participants shared strategies they use to spark engagement, like starting with a playful question, calling people by name as they join, or choosing icebreakers that help everyone warm up without feeling awkward.   We also talked about what keeps a session lively once it begins. Simple tools like chat prompts, polls, and annotation help, but small human gestures often matter more. Reading the room, noticing who is quiet, acknowledging comments in real time, and keeping your tone approachable can turn a presentation into a conversation. A few trainer red flags came up too, like saving questions for the very end or reading directly from the slides.   The group shared ideas for keeping presentations fresh. Changing visuals to maintain energy, using a co host to help with tech, and keeping each slide focused on a single idea were all crowd favorites. We also laughed about what happens when things go wrong, whether the poll freezes or the audio drops. Great presenters stay calm, improvise, and keep the room connected through those moments.   In the end, presentation skills are not about performance. They are about building trust, showing care, and making people feel included. Technology can support that work, but it cannot replace the human element that makes learning come alive.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Presentation Skills Self Assessment   250 Conversation Topics   Woodstock 1969 Playlist   The Learning Rebels’ 22 Tips To Level-Up Your Virtual Learning Game   How to Present Survey Results in PowerPoint   Bingo in the classroom: A fun & educational tool   Books   Presentation Skills 201: How to Take It to the Next Level as a Confident, Engaging Presenter by William Steele   The Confident Presenter: Ditch Your Fear of Public Speaking and Embrace the Stage by Ryan Millar   Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot by Matt Abrahams   Develop Your Presentation Skills: How to Inspire and Inform with Clarity and Confidence by Theo Theobald   DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story by Nancy Duarte   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 write learning materials that people actually want to read?   This Coffee Chat focused on the art and challenge of writing for learning. Whether it’s job aids, workbooks, or PowerPoint slides, the struggle is the same: keeping things clear, concise, and human. The discussion centered on how to cut through the noise, remove the fluff, and make content easy to digest without oversimplifying it.   The group shared ideas about finding the right balance between too much and not enough. Some of us worry about losing meaning when we simplify, while others admit to writing a novel for a ten-minute course. Hemingway’s famous advice to “keep it short and use simple words” came up more than once. The goal is not to strip the story away but to make sure every word earns its place.   We also explored design choices that make written content more engaging. White space, larger fonts, and shorter paragraphs keep readers focused and reduce visual fatigue. For learners who are neurodiverse or have visual limitations, those same choices make a huge difference. Clean layouts, chunked information, and thoughtful formatting improve accessibility and make the learning experience better for everyone.   Before long, the talk shifted to tone and audience. Good writing starts with knowing who you are talking to. Not every learner reads the same way, and not every message needs the same level of context. Sometimes people are not looking for a history lesson; they just need to know how to do the thing.   In the end, great writing for learning is about empathy. When we focus on what learners need to understand instead of what we want to explain, everything becomes clearer.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Chatbox   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Resources   What Hemingway Teaches Us About Instructional Writing   Bright Carbon monthly webinars   Books   The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman   Design for How People Learn (Voices That Matter) by Julie Dirksen   Write Like Hemingway: Find Your Voice, Discover Your Style Using the 10 Rules That Guided A Nobel Laureate by Ed Gleason   Instructional Story Design: Develop Stories That Train by Rance Greene   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 partner with middle managers instead of clashing with them?   This Coffee Chat dove into one of the most complicated roles in any organization. Middle managers sit at the crossroads of leadership expectations, daily operations, and learning initiatives. They can be your biggest ally or your biggest barrier, often depending on how well they understand their role in supporting development.   The chat quickly turned to some all-too-familiar struggles. Managers who block progress, expect new hires to be experts, or try to run training their own way. Others just don’t think helping their teams learn is part of the gig. And honestly, most are pulled in so many directions that learning ends up taking a back seat.   We talked about what it looks like to shift that relationship from tension to partnership. It starts with inviting managers into the process early, giving them visibility into what’s coming, involving them in decisions, and offering easy-to-use tools that help them lead conversations about learning. One participant shared a “leader-led learning” model that made managers the heroes by equipping them with resources to guide discussions with their teams.   Sometimes we toss training over the fence and expect managers to run with it, even though no one’s ever taught them how. When we bring them in, let them learn alongside their teams, and show how it connects to their own goals, the tension starts to ease. Suddenly, learning feels like something they want to be part of, not just another box to check.   In the end, middle managers are not the enemy. They’re just caught in the middle. The more we treat them as partners rather than obstacles, the stronger our learning cultures become.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Learning Rebels’ CTRL + ALT + BUILD: The Microlearning Lab for Modern L&D Workshop   The Power Hour Tool   Leader Led Learning Series   20 Ways Managers Can Create a Culture of Continuous Learning   How to Involve Managers in Learning Programs3 Actionable Steps For Managers to Cultivate a Learning Culture   How To Create a Learning Culture: 18 Best Practices   Leaders' Critical Role in Building a Learning Culture   Books   Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work by Bill Schaninger, Bryan Hancock, and Emily Field   Caught in the Middle: 5 Crucial Insights into Mastering Middle Management by Maria Simpson   Leading Change from the Middle: A Practical Guide to Building Extraordinary Capabilities by Jackson Nickerson   The Middle Management Challenge: Moving from Crisis to Empowerment by Alan L. Frohman and Leonard W. Johnson     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 make learning environments feel safe for everyone who walks through the (virtual or physical) door?   This Coffee Chat explored the heart of psychological safety—what it really looks like in classrooms, workshops, and training sessions. We opened with five common mistakes that unintentionally chip away at that sense of safety: assuming hierarchy disappears, mistaking compliance for engagement, treating all mistakes the same way, ignoring social dynamics, and underestimating the learning environment itself. Each point sparked stories, strategies, and honest reflections from the group.   We talked about how hierarchies can quietly shape participation. Managers and employees in the same breakout room, long-tenured voices dominating newer ones, or facilitators unintentionally reinforcing authority can all influence who speaks up. Small shifts can make a big difference, like randomizing groups, normalizing dissent, and inviting learners to question the content openly.   The discussion also turned to design choices and facilitation techniques that foster safety and inclusion. It’s about creating spaces where people can engage comfortably through low-pressure icebreakers, time to think before sharing, or reflection moments that don’t force conversation.   Physical and digital cues such as fidget toys, flexible seating, and optional camera use can help signal that comfort matters. Just as important is the facilitator’s approach; tone, timing, and phrasing can either open the door to honest dialogue or quietly close it. A quiet room is not always an engaged one, and sometimes it’s simply a nervous one.   Building psychological safety takes care, self-awareness, and consistency. The good news? It starts with small, intentional choices that tell learners, “You belong here.”   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   5 Psychological Safety Mistakes That Kill Learning (And How To Fix Them)   How to Foster Psychological Safety on Your Teams   Promoting Psychological Safety Toolkit   Books   Safe Spaces, Strong Minds: Nurturing Mental Wellness In Educational Environments by Leanndra Yates   Safe Spaces, Brave Spaces: Diversity and Free Expression in Education by John Palfrey   Safe Spaces by Lisa McAdams   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 keep creating “champagne learning” when we’re working with a tap-water budget?   On this episode of the our Coffee Chat, the topic was all about getting scrappy, smart, and a little bit creative with the tools we already have. It’s that time of year when budgets tighten, priorities shift, and somehow the expectation still remains to deliver polished, high-impact learning. The challenge? Making it sparkle without spending a fortune.   The group shared clever ways to stretch every dollar—using project management tools like Smartsheet, Trello, or Asana for learning paths and workflows. Others found creative substitutes for full-blown LMS platforms by using SharePoint, Confluence, or even Google Sites to organize and deliver learning content. It was proof that innovation often comes from limitation.   We also explored design tools that do more than their job description. Canva and Vengage stood out for creating beautiful workbooks, infographics, and learning assets, while newer AI tools like Notebook LM and Napkin AI opened doors for curation, quick visuals, and even podcast-style learning recaps. When paired smartly, free and low-cost tools like these can create the illusion of a big-budget experience.   The conversation wrapped with a simple reminder—great learning design isn’t about price tags, it’s about creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you’re repurposing tools, experimenting with AI, or reimagining what “good” looks like, the goal is the same: to make learning feel valuable, no matter the budget.   Stay curious! -Shannon   Video   Transcript   Transcript Summary   Chatbox   Resources   Notebook LM Overview   Cost-Effective Training: Leveraging Free Tools And Resources   From AI to Interactivity: What’s New (and Next) in Canva   Figjam: A collaborative online whiteboard that helps teams brainstorm, map out ideas, and create training workflows in real-time.   7 Taps: A mobile-first microlearning platform that lets you quickly create short, engaging learning modules with no design skills required.   Napkin.AI: An AI-powered tool that helps visualize and map out complex ideas or concepts into simple diagrams and knowledge graphs.   Manifestly: A checklist and workflow automation tool that helps streamline recurring training processes and improve accountability.   Camtasia: A powerful screen recording and video editing software ideal for creating polished instructional videos and tutorials.   Genially: A versatile tool for creating interactive presentations, infographics, and training materials with built-in gamification.   H5P: An open-source tool that enables you to create interactive learning content—like quizzes, presentations, and videos—directly in your LMS or website.   Slidemodel: Offers professional PowerPoint templates that help educators and trainers quickly build visually appealing slide decks.   Screencastify: A browser-based screen recorder that allows you to create quick, shareable video tutorials directly from Chrome.   Vyond: A user-friendly platform for creating animated training videos that explain concepts clearly and boost learner engagement.   Wellsaid:  Uses AI voice technology to turn text into realistic voiceovers, perfect for narrating training videos and eLearning content.   Envato: A marketplace offering templates, graphics, and stock assets to enhance the visual design of training materials.   Amazon Polly: Converts text to lifelike speech using AI, allowing you to add natural-sounding voiceovers to training content.   Intellum: A comprehensive learning management platform that supports scalable employee, customer, and partner education programs.   Books   Instructional Design on a Shoestring by Brian Washburn   Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology by Robert A. Reiser, Alison A. Carr-Chellman, and John V. Dempsey   50 Ways to Speed Up Instructional Design with AI (Training with AI) by Steve Rosenbaum   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 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   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. 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     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 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