Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb

Ever wonder what your colleagues really talk about when they're off the clock? Welcome to Drinks After Work, where Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris pull up a stool for the kind of straight talk you’ll only hear after hours. Each episode is a casual deep dive into the real world of corporate life. From dissecting the latest trends to laughing at the absurdities of the modern workplace, they're pulling back the curtain on the side of work you don't talk about in the office. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready for a different kind of business podcast.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Mind Readers and Murder Mysteries

    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.     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

    43 min
  2. SEP 24

    Tax Season Survivors and Stakeholder Tamers

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it’s time for another round of L&D Happy Hour! This time, we’re talking all about: Why building relationships with stakeholders is harder than it sounds How shifting your language changes how you’re perceived The role of trust, curiosity, and active listening in business partnerships Baby steps for new and seasoned L&D pros to strengthen influence   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah swap stories and strategies for making stakeholder partnerships work. From pizza-fueled IT meetups to rethinking what it means to have a “seat at the table,” they share both the wins and the uncomfortable truths: if L&D doesn’t learn the business, we risk being sidelined as order takers instead of true partners. So pour a drink and get ready to: Reframe your vocabulary to speak in business terms, not jargon Learn how to create authentic connections across departments Discover why listening for “hallway conversations” can open doors Find ways to show up as a trusted business partner, not a vending machine   Because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks: Deborah: Blackberry Mule – Tart blackberries muddled into a gingery kick, with lime to keep it fresh. Shannon: Spiced Pear Sangria – White wine blended with pear, cinnamon, and a splash of brandy for a smooth but surprising twist.   Resources:   The Buisness Case for Curiosity   Empowering Questions Cards   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

    39 min
  3. SEP 4

    The Party Schedules a Play Date at the Office

    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.   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

    43 min
  4. AUG 10

    Networking

    L&D Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris: The Real Deal on Networking   Dust off your mason jars and bar spoons, make sure you've smacked that subscribe button, and join Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris for another round of Learning Rebels Happy Hour! So what are we up to this time? Well, we’re talking all about: Why networking isn't just business cards and elevator pitches What to actually do after you make a connection How social media and email are part of your networking toolkit Why the follow-up matters more than the follow-through From the art behind the follow-up to the mysteries of digital business cards, this episode is all about real talk on building authentic relationships in L&D. Shannon and Deborah reflect on the do's, the don’ts, and the awkward in-betweens of trying to connect, build trust, and make those connections stick. So pour a drink and get ready to: Rethink your business card game (bonus points for a Pokémon binder) Make your follow-ups as intentional as your first impressions Use digital tools to actually connect, not just collect Challenge your networking goals to better align with your purpose Because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks: Deborah: Cherry Bounce Moonshine – A sweet Southern classic with tart cherry flavor and a smooth finish. Guaranteed to raise eyebrows and expectations. Shannon: Butter Pecan Moonshine over Vanilla Ice Cream – Not just a drink—an experience. Dessert meets FAB in the most delightful way.   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

    40 min
  5. AUG 3

    Cloudy with a Chance of Cheez-Its

    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.   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

    1h 4m
  6. FEB 7

    Owning Your Professional Development

    L&D Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris: The Truth About Professional Development   Grab your favorite frosty adult beverage, hit that subscribe button, and join Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris for another round of L&D Happy Hour! This episode dives into the real talk behind professional development—why it matters, why people aren’t taking advantage of it, and what we can do about it. Today, we’re asking the big questions: Why do companies claim they can’t find the right people when thousands are applying for jobs? How are hiring filters and unrealistic job descriptions keeping great talent out? What’s the deal with professional development? If companies offer time and money, why aren’t people using it? Should professional and personal development be separate—or are they more connected than we think? Shannon and Deborah tackle the messy reality of workplace training, career growth, and the lack of initiative when it comes to up-skilling. Plus, they unpack why some organizations say they have a "culture of learning" but don’t actually provide equal access to development opportunities.   So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to: Break down the barriers to effective professional development. Discover why taking ownership of your growth is more important than ever. Explore how companies can truly support learning instead of just checking a box. Get inspired to rethink how we approach career progression in L&D. Because it wouldn’t be Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks:   Deborah: Blackberry Bourbon Smash – A bold mix of bourbon, fresh blackberries, a hint of mint, and a touch of honey for just the right balance of sweetness and depth. Shannon: Coconut Espresso Martini – A creamy, tropical twist on the classic espresso martini, blending coconut cream, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso for a rich yet refreshing kick.   ----more----   Resources: It’s time to discuss the problem with ‘owning your own development’   We All Hate Professional Development, But Some of Y’all Need It   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

    41 min
  7. JAN 23

    Personality Tests

    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. ----more---- 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

    52 min
  8. 08/16/2024

    Finding Your Vibe and Newbies from Mars

    L&D needs more energy, and so do our onboarding processes!   Listen in as Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris, two L&D veterans, spill the tea (and maybe a little whiskey) on all things learning and development. No fluff, just real talk.   Today Deb and I are talking about the shocking state of onboarding and why organizations are so damn complacent about it.   So grab your beverage of choice and get ready to dive deep into the world of L&D with us!   Explore why the L&D industry seems to have a wait-and-see mentality Discover why traditional onboarding methods are failing miserably Get our tips on how to create a truly engaging and effective onboarding experience Get inspired to transform your organization's approach to new hires   So let’s all belly up to the bar!   Check these resources:   24 Shocking Employee Onboarding Statistics in 2023, Oak Digital Workplace: https://www.oak.com/blog/employee-onboarding-statistics/   Onboarding Statistics for 2024, The Importance of the Process: https://teamstage.io/onboarding-statistics/   What Does Poor Onboarding Really Do To Your Team: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9936-consequences-poor-onboarding.html     Because it wouldn’t be a Happy Hour without the Happy, here are our recommendations for your Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) of choice:   Deborah: 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 Summer in full-swing, it’s a must-try! https://boulderlocavore.com/grilled-pineapple-margarita/

    49 min
  9. 07/30/2024

    Pay-to-Play and Remote Work Ecosystem

    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

    41 min
  10. 03/06/2024

    Leadership Development Failure & What? Another Tool?

    Happy Hour with Shannon Tipton and Brent Schlenker: (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     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!  Today we're dissecting why Leadership Development Programs fail.   What we do know is that organizations spend an embarrassingly amount of money of leadership programs that: Never leave the starting blocks Once it leaves the starting blocks, they don’t progress or fail to get adopted Are shelved after new leadership takes over.   What Shannon and Brent are debating today is - forget planning your next leadership program, it may be time to consider what your organizational culture is like and will it support the change needed to sustain the ongoing attention that true development requires.   Leadership development programs fall short when they lack alignment with the organization's goals, fail to secure buy-in from management, or neglect to provide ongoing support and opportunities for applying learned skills on the job.   What’s disheartening is that these shortcomings leave participants with valuable knowledge and the energy to put new behavioral tools into action. But without the necessary environment or reinforcement to translate that knowledge into lasting behavioral change, it’s wasted time and effort, leaving the participant feeling cheated and cynical.   But before we dig into this, does the world need another measurement tool?   Brent brings into the forefront a conversation about CFW (connected frontline worker) programs. Is it just another superpowered Learning Management System, or is this the new tool that will really connect L&D and operations?     So grab your drink, tune in and get ready to: Learn more about CFW tools and their possibilities The Great Training Train Robbery! The connection between culture and leadership How L&D can support the culture needed to create great leadership programs What can we do to make leadership behaviors stick   Cheers to all the L&D rockstars!   Check these resources:   HBR: Why Leadership Training Fails and What to Do About It.   https://hbr.org/2016/10/why-leadership-training-fails-and-what-to-do-about-it   Ray Williams: Why Leadership Development Programs Fail and How to Do It the Right Way.   https://raybwilliams.medium.com/why-leadership-development-programs-fail-and-how-to-do-it-the-right-way-a5967811ba43   McKinsey: What’s Missing in Leadership Development https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/leadership/whats-missing-in-leadership-development     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: The Desert Bird! Tequila, Check! Pineapple Check! Campari, YES, please! All the fixings for the perfect, Spring has sprung cocktail. Enjoy!  https://food52.com/recipes/77632-the-desert-bird-cocktail   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

    50 min
  11. 02/15/2024

    Business Acumen and Spammy Spam

    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/

    46 min

About

Ever wonder what your colleagues really talk about when they're off the clock? Welcome to Drinks After Work, where Shannon Tipton and Deborah Harris pull up a stool for the kind of straight talk you’ll only hear after hours. Each episode is a casual deep dive into the real world of corporate life. From dissecting the latest trends to laughing at the absurdities of the modern workplace, they're pulling back the curtain on the side of work you don't talk about in the office. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready for a different kind of business podcast.

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