Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb

Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work, 2026 Edition! This time, we're talking all about: Why New Year's resolutions set us up for failure (and what to do instead) How SMART goals aren't actually that smart for personal growth The perfectionism trap that makes goal-setting feel like punishment Why reflection beats resolution every time Practical alternatives that actually work (hello, ALIGN goals) In this episode, Shannon and Deborah kick off 2026 with some real talk about why we keep setting ourselves up for disappointment every January. From SMART goals that fight against themselves to New Year's resolutions built on where we've failed, they break down why the traditional approach leaves us feeling like crap by January 5th. But it's not all doom and gloom—they share practical frameworks that focus on progress, self-compassion, and chunking big dreams into doable steps. So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Ditch the guilt and perfectionism around goal-setting Learn the "Big Rock" chunking method for breaking down goals Discover ALIGN goals (Aspire, Live it, Integrate, Gauge, Nurture) Give yourself emotional grace instead of another reason to feel guilty Turn mandatory SMART goals into SMART ASS goals (yes, really) Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB picks: Shannon: Grapefruit Fizz — Fresh grapefruit juice, rosemary sugar syrup, and club soda for that Dry January vibe. Deborah: Resolution Refresher — Cranberry juice, lime, elderflower syrup, and sparkling water with frozen cranberries. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website. Resources: Why SMART Goals Don't Work 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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. Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

Drinks After Work with Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris: The Broken State of Recruiting Grab a glass, fill it up, and settle in — it’s time for another round of Drinks After Work! This time, we’re talking all about: How the recruiting process got so broken Why AI might actually be able to fix what’s wrong The hidden frustrations of cover letters, ATS filters, and job scams Real talk about bias, fairness, and the exhausting hunt for “culture fit” In this episode, Shannon and Deborah break down the chaotic world of modern hiring — from the absurd hoops candidates jump through to the shady practices that keep the best people out. They dig into Shannon’s LinkedIn post, the Fast Company article that sparked this debate, and the hope that AI might finally bring objectivity (and humanity) back into recruiting. So pour a drink and get ready to: Learn how AI could make job matching more human (ironically) Hear firsthand stories of recruitment gone wrong Get practical, real-world tips to navigate broken hiring systems Discover tools to help your resume stand out without gaming the system Because it wouldn’t be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB picks: Deborah: Lemon Vodka Spritz — with a splash of coconut and some good energy. Shannon: Classic Mimosa — because even recruiting rants deserve a little sparkle. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website. Resources: Now OpenAI is coming for LinkedIn Shannon's LinkedIn Post OpenAI to Become For-Profit Company: Planned restructuring comes amid personnel upheaval including resignation of chief technology officer 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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. Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

Grab your favorite frosty adult beverage, hit that subscribe button, and join Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris for another round of Drinks After Work! This episode is all about the real difference between engaging and compelling learning—why we confuse the two, and what it takes to actually hold attention beyond the first click. This time, we’re asking: Are we designing learning that hooks people, or just entertains them? What’s the role of curiosity and tension in getting learners to care? Why do attention spans seem shorter—and what can we do about it? How do we move beyond the checkbox of “interactivity” and into something deeper? From ChatGPT’s identity crisis to Claude’s unexpectedly helpful questions, Shannon and Deborah unpack how AI is reshaping collaboration, ideation, and even how we think about course design. They also explore how to apply marketing tactics—teasers, cliffhangers, emotional hooks—to create learning experiences that people actually want to finish. So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to: Rethink your approach to engagement Explore how story tension and incomplete information keep people curious Move beyond learning objectives and into learner investment Get practical strategies for turning “meh” modules into meaningful moments Because it wouldn’t be Drinks After Work without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks: Deborah: Rise Mushroom Coffee + Vodka – For when you need antioxidants, attitude, and just enough kick to start a new blog post. Shannon: Moonshiners Coffee Liqueur – Like Baileys’ cooler cousin, this bottle-shelf treat brings the vibe and the buzz. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website. Resources: How the Little-Known Zeigarnik Effect Impacts Everyone Daily Ditch Engagement! Create Learning People Can’t Ignore 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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. Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

Kick off your shoes and leave the workday at the door — it’s time for another round of L&D Happy Hour! So what are we up to this time? Well, we’re talking all about: Why playfulness isn’t just for kids How rest fuels creativity (and why a nap isn’t the only answer) Breaking out of “all work, no play” culture The small shifts that make big creative breakthroughs possible From Lego Serious Play to silent brainstorming and spaces designed to spark fresh thinking, Shannon and Deborah explore how a playful mindset can transform teams, learning experiences, and even whole organizations. Along the way, they share real-world examples, personal stories, and practical tips for weaving play into work in ways that stick. So pour a drink and get ready to: Rethink how your team brainstorms Design learning spaces that inspire, not stifle Connect rest and play as part of your creative toolkit Push back on “traditional” work environments holding people back Because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks: Deborah: Watermelon Cucumber Cooler – Fresh, light, and just the right mix of playful and refreshing. Shannon: Sparkling Hibiscus Limeade – A tart-meets-sweet sip with a vibrant pop of color. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website. Resources: The 7 types of rest that every person needs How a Playful Mindset Can Boost Creativity on Your Team Connection Catalyst 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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. Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

L&D Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris: Productivity, Control, and the Future of Work Break out your shakers and bar spoons, double check that subscribe button, and join Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris for another round of Learning Rebels Happy Hour! This episode explores productivity, the illusion of job security, and why CEOs are losing sleep at night. This time, we’re talking all about: Why do some organizations still struggle with relinquishing control in learning & development? What’s fueling the tension between companies and employees over skill-building and career growth? How is artificial intelligence reshaping the way businesses approach workforce planning? Why do CEOs believe 40% of their company’s work is wasted productivity—and what role does L&D play in fixing it? Shannon and Deborah explore how organizations need to rethink their approach to hiring, reskilling, and employee trust. They also challenge outdated mindsets that continue to stifle professional development and discuss how L&D can step up to drive meaningful change. So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to: Unpack the battle between control and trust in corporate learning. Discover why companies need to focus on skills rather than just job titles. Understand how AI is changing the landscape of workforce development. Learn why job security is often just an illusion—and what to do about it. Because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks: Deborah: Smoked Maple Old Fashioned – A bold twist on a classic, featuring bourbon, maple syrup, and a hint of smoked orange peel. Shannon: Hibiscus Paloma – A refreshing mix of tequila, grapefruit, and hibiscus syrup with just the right amount of tartness and sweetness. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website. Resources: HR Predictions for 2024: The Global Search For Productivity 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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 Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

L&D Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker: Personality Tests—Insights and Hot Takes! Grab your favorite frosty adult beverage, hit that subscribe button, and join Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker for another episode of the L&D Happy Hour. This time, it’s all about personality assessments—the good, the bad, and the downright problematic. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of personality assessments, uncovering their role in recruiting, corporate culture, and team-building. From DiSC and Myers-Briggs to their potential pitfalls, we’re asking the tough questions: Are personality assessments scientifically valid, or are they the corporate equivalent of horoscopes? How can assessments be misused to create stereotypes or fuel toxic workplace behaviors? When (if ever) do they add real value to hiring and coaching? We also reflect on how automation, like AI-powered resume screening, has transformed the hiring process—not always for the better. With stories of frustrating recruitment practices, Shannon and Brent tackle the rise of ghosting, bait-and-switch job postings, and the erosion of humanity in human resources. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! Shannon and Brent share practical advice on what good leadership, coaching, and team-building look like without relying on assessments as a crutch. So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to: Unpack the Barnum Effect and why personality tests feel oddly accurate (hint: it’s not magic). Discover why hiring processes often miss the mark. Explore alternative approaches to building strong teams without boxing people in. Get real about the challenges facing L&D professionals in today’s job market. And because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks: Shannon: Grilled Pineapple Margarita, well balanced with a hint of smoky sweetness. Recipe: https://boulderlocavore.com/grilled-pineapple-margarita/ Brent: A classic Old Fashioned with a twist: infused with orange bitters for that extra zing. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website. 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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 Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Brent Schlenker Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker: Join Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker for a blend of business smarts and L&D war stories. Don’t miss our happy hour recommendations at the end of these notes! Today, we're dissecting what’s up with pay-to-play conferences and equity in remote work. When it comes to remote work, there are many organizations taking a hard stance - return to office or else. Shannon and Brent are debating today: What are an organization's obligations to ensure that remote workers are offered the same growth opportunities as those who are in the office? Are they receiving the same learning opportunities? Is there access to the same resources and support? How can we better support managers with remote teams? How can we think differently about hybrid learning environments? When it comes to thinking differently about remote vs in-office opportunities, what changes need to be made and how can L&D support those changes? But before we dig into this, what’s up with pay-to-play conferences and awards!? Shannon Tipton brings up a common frustration about being asked to participate in conferences and gain awards, but having to pay for the privilege. Those who have been in the industry for more than a few years may be aware that this happens - so now it’s time to alert those who may not be aware that this is not how to gain exposure. So grab your drink, tune in and get ready to: Learn the industry’s hidden play-to-play reward system Why the strong push for “return to office,” is it all a conspiracy theory? Mismanagement of remote workers How we can better support the remote learner? How can we think differently about the structure of L&D programs for hybrid workers? Check these resources: The Economist: Remote Workers Workers Work Longer Not More Effeciently https://www.economist.com/business/2021/06/10/remote-workers-work-longer-not-more-efficiently Forbes: 18 Ways to Support Remote Workers https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/08/08/18-impactful-ways-leaders-can-support-remote-employees-in-2023/ HBR: Guide to Managing Your Newly Remote Workers https://hbr.org/2020/03/a-guide-to-managing-your-newly-remote-workers Because it wouldn’t be a Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our recommendations for your Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) of choice: Brent: Stone Brewing Tangerine Express Hazy IPA Stone Brewing's hazy IPA gets a juicy boost from real tangerine puree in every batch. This adds not just a vibrant, hazy look, but a burst of citrus that perfectly complements the brew's bold hops Shannon: Rose Sangria: It’s too HOT, and you need something refreshing! A sangria always does it for me! https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-symon/rose-sangria-8900276 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 Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! 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 & Brent Schlenker Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

L&D Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker: Business Acumen and Spammy Spam! Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and join Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker for a blend of LinkedIn hacks, business smarts, and L&D war stories. Don’t miss our happy hour recommendations at the end of these notes! (00:00) Shifting Landscape of LinkedIn Marketing (16:06) Business Acumen in L&D Professionals (25:33) Business Acumen in L&D (37:06) Building Business Acumen Skill Today, we're peeling back the layers of today's LinkedIn, revealing how it's morphed from a professional networking utopia into a marketing coliseum. Then, cheers to the 78% of L&D professionals who ventured into this domain from other careers—because today we're addressing the elephant in the room: business acumen. Discover how understanding the financial heartbeat of your organization and aligning with your leader's vision can catapult L&D from being a just another pretty PPT creator to a real problem solver. Next, we share our thoughts to help you cement your value, from aligning with business needs to building bridges across departments. It's a cocktail of humor, wisdom, and actionable advice to make your L&D department invaluable. So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to: Navigate LinkedIn's marketing maze Master business acumen for L&D pros Give your L&D department a fighting chance of being future-proof Cheers to all the L&D rockstars! Check these resources: The uncomfortable truth: L&D leaders are not prepared for executive conversations https://www.linkedin.com/posts/guywwallace_the-uncomfortable-truth-ld-leaders-are-activity-7156301427546472450-otUi Aligning learning: 3 essential skills executives need in L&D managers: https://www.chieflearningofficer.com/2023/09/08/aligning-learning-3-essential-skills-executives-need-in-ld-managers/ Why Business Acumen is an L&D Professional's Most Underrated Skill: https://360learning.com/blog/business-acumen/ Because it wouldn’t be a Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our recommendations for your Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) of choice: Brent: Sunday Drive by Motherload Brewing! This beer is hop-derived and has notes of citrus, leading to a gentle malt body that ends in a crisp, dry finish. Shannon: I cannot get this FAB out of my mind! Roasted Pineapple Margarita. With Spring just around the corner, it’s a must-try! https://boulderlocavore.com/grilled-pineapple-margarita/