Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb

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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.

  1. Jun 5

    Terry Crews? Ok, Boomer...

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work!   This time, we're talking all about: Ageism in the workplace — the slipperiest form of discrimination How it hits men and women differently (looks vs. jokes) The myth that older workers aren't tech-savvy (spoiler: they've adapted through every tech revolution) Why your resume might be getting auto-rejected before a human ever sees it The "overqualified equals old, under qualified equals young" trap What to actually do when you experience age discrimination at work   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dig into the sneaky reality of ageism at work — the discrimination nobody calls out because it's always disguised as "culture fit" or "overqualified." They break down how it hits women through looks (gray hair, wrinkles = old) and men through jokes ("okay, boomer") that erode credibility. They share the AARP stats on age-related workplace assumptions, bust the myth that older workers can't handle tech (Shannon's been adapting since DOS), and call out the recruiters who demand graduation dates on resumes just to filter people out. Plus, tipsy tips for protecting yourself: don't put graduation dates on your resume, only list the last 12 years, document everything on a personal computer, and know what the EEOC can do for you.   So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Take graduation dates and old jobs off your resume Document every age-related joke or assumption on a personal device Know the seven protected classes and what qualifies for an EEOC complaint Stop letting people erase your decades of experience and adaptation Push back on the "overqualified" code word for "too old" Take care of yourself — nobody else is going to   Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Deborah: Sunny D — Jameson Orange, sour mix (or lime juice), simple syrup, orange juice, and club soda (or Sprite if you want it sweeter). Shannon: Lemon on Lemon — Limoncello, lemonade, and vodka. Shake it up icy, top with club soda or 7 Up.   Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.   Resources: AARP Report on Ageism in the Workplace EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) — eeoc.gov Drinks After Work Substack   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

  2. May 20

    Forced Cruises and...Only Four Parachutes!?

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work!   This time, we're talking all about: Soft off days — the new way employees are reclaiming their time Why working from home means walking the dog at 2 PM is fair game The corporate hypocrisy of "time theft" How layoffs and exploitation have groomed this kind of employee The trade-off between loyalty, pay equity, and flexibility Tipsy tips for working remotely from places you "shouldn't" be   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dig into the Fast Company article about "soft off days" — when remote workers take an hour or two for themselves without telling anyone. Whether it's a yoga class, a load of laundry, or walking the dog, employees are quietly reclaiming time that companies have been quietly stealing for years. Shannon, surprisingly, is fully on board. Deborah plays devil's advocate with the payroll tax and legal implications, but they both land in the same place: companies have groomed this kind of employee by underpaying, overworking, and revoking the flexibility they promised. So if you're gonna work from Paris, just remember — don't change the time on your computer, get a VPN, and schedule your emails to make it look like you're working late.   So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Take that 2 PM dog walk without the guilt Schedule your Slack messages and emails to look like you're online Remember that "time theft" goes both ways Treat yourself to brunch on a Wednesday — you earned it Set up a VPN if you're working from somewhere you "shouldn't" be Stop apologizing for taking care of your mental health   Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Deborah: Lavender Mimosa — Lavender syrup, fresh orange juice or lemonade, champagne or prosecco, garnish with something pretty. Shannon: Tropical Martini — Mango puree, pineapple juice, passion fruit juice, and vodka. Shake it up for that Hawaiian punch vibe.   Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.   Resources: Fast Company: "Soft Off Days" article   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

    26 min

  3. May 1

    Toxic Boxes and Temper Tantrums

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work!   This time, we're talking all about: The toxic boss profiles you'll recognize immediately (the temper-tantrum thrower, the spotlight hog, the gaslighter, the rule-maker) Triangulation — when your boss talks about you instead of to you How toxic bosses are literally making employees sick (it's not just stress, it's chronic health damage) Why HR's "engagement surveys" are missing the point entirely The waterfall effect of bad bosses creating more bad bosses How to protect yourself when you're stuck under one   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah break down the science (and the pettiness) behind toxic bosses. The article they reference says 75% of workers think their boss is the most stressful part of their workday — and that stress doesn't stay at work. It follows you home, wrecks your weekends, and shows up in your body. They share their own war stories with triangulation, gaslighting, write-ups built on twisted conversations, and bosses who demand spotlight while making you do their work. But this isn't just a vent session — they get into how to actually protect yourself: document everything (on a personal device), bring facts over feelings, and don't go in hot unless you've got another gig in the shadows.   So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Recognize the toxic boss profiles before they wreck your health Document everything on a personal device (not the work computer) Lead with facts over feelings when escalating to HR Throw their own expectations back at them when they don't follow their own rules Take advantage of ethics hotlines and anonymous reporting if you have them Protect your mental and physical health — this is a ripple effect   Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Deborah: Cooper's Hawk Moscato — Floral, sweet, with hints of peach, melon, and orange blossom. Shannon: Classic Mojito — Rum, lime, mint, sugar, and a few pieces of fresh fruit for spring.   Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.   Resources: Forbes: Toxic Bosses Are Making Employees Sick—And The Evidence Is Impossible To Ignore Harvard Business Review: Stop Making Excuses for Toxic Bosses Workplace Assessments - Korn Ferry McKinsey Gallup   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

  4. Apr 17

    Balloon Brags and Broken Trust

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work! This time, we're talking all about: The trust recession — why trust is broken everywhere (workplace, brands, insurance, you name it) How layoffs during record profits have destroyed employee trust Why loyalty means nothing anymore (on both sides of the counter) The connection between technology, AI, and the erosion of human trust Why relationships at work matter more than ever How to rebuild trust one small interaction at a time In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dive into the trust recession that's eroding the workplace, customer relationships, and pretty much every institution we used to rely on. When CEOs are pulling in 12 figures while laying off thousands, when insurance companies want to put trackers on your car but still raise your rates, when layoffs happen during record profits — trust breaks. And once it breaks at work, it bleeds into everything else. But it's not all doom and gloom. They share how to rebuild trust incrementally, from speaking up for people in their absence to bringing an extra donut to the coworker next to you. So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Recognize the signs that your company's "we're a family" talk is BS Stop expecting loyalty from organizations that don't give it back Take the first step in building real workplace relationships Speak up for people when they're not in the room Shop your insurance every few years (loyalty doesn't pay) Trust first until you can't — but know when you can't Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Shannon: Lemon Drop — Classic lemon drop, hold the sugar on the rim. Deborah: Trust Issues — Vodka, watermelon juice, lime juice, and a little agave syrup. Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.   Resources: Forbes: "The Trust Recession: Why Trust and Customer Experiences Are Failing"   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

    30 min

  5. Apr 3

    The Pool's Empty and Betty Sue's Giving The Ick

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work!   This time, we're talking all about: Power dynamics at work — from Betty Sue in finance to team leads on power trips When to leave corporate America and go out on your own The ick of entrepreneurship: trading one set of problems for another The harsh realities no one tells you (spoiler: healthcare costs will make you cry) Why the system wasn't built to support entrepreneurs — and how to survive anyway How to know if you're built for the solo life (and what to do if you're not)   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dive into the messy reality of leaving corporate America to start your own business. It sounds amazing when you're sitting in your corporate chair collecting a corporate paycheck, but then you realize you're just trading one set of problems. They break down the things nobody warns you about — healthcare costs that want it all upfront, business insurance requirements, wearing every single hat, and the scam artists promising you can make $5 million in a year if you just buy their course. But it's not all doom and gloom — they also share real resources and remind you that failing forward is part of the process, whether you're in corporate or on your own.   So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Recognize power dynamics before they bite you in the @$$ Know your strengths and weaknesses before you jump ship Find free resources through the Small Business Association and community colleges Shop around for the right networks (and don't be afraid to leave the wrong ones) Stop trying to perfect everything — it's an iterative process Remember that going back to corporate doesn't make you a failure   Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Deborah: Rise Mushroom Coffee — With almond milk and sugarcane sugar. Shannon: Starbucks Black Coffee — Plus donuts, because sometimes you just need the comfort food of all comfort foods.   Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.     Resources: Small Business Administration Chicago Small Business Expo    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

    36 min

  6. Mar 19

    Work Family and...Bonus Hams?

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work!   This time, we're talking all about: Corporate swag vs. actual bonuses (spoiler: we want the money, not the blanket) Why "we're all family here" is a giant red flag in job postings Workplace favoritism and the halo effect — when one person can do no wrong The Peter Principle: promoting people until they're incompetent When entire departments become the favorites (looking at you, Sales) How to survive (and maybe thrive) when you're not the chosen one   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah tackle the toxic "we're all family here" culture, workplace favoritism and the halo effect, the Peter Principle in action, and department favoritism where Sales gets golf trips while you fill out a PO for a pencil. But it's not all doom and gloom — they share strategies for surviving when you're not the favorite, from cross-department collaboration to the "ask forgiveness instead of permission" approach, and remind you to hold onto the real workplace relationships that actually matter.   So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Recognize the red flags of favoritism and fake family culture Figure out how to collaborate across departments to become the next favorite (or at least get noticed) Remember: don't let workplace dysfunction bleed into your personal life Hold onto the real relationships you build at work — those people will advocate for you in rooms you're not in   Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Deborah: Cherry Picking — Vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, soda water. Garnish with cherry or mint. Shannon: Jazzy — Vodka, Disaronno, orange liqueur, orange juice, fresh lemon juice. Shake well and serve straight up, super cold.   Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.     Resources: The Peter Principle (because promotions aren't always progress)   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

    27 min

  7. Mar 4

    PTO, Shame and Hot Dogs

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work! This time, we're talking all about:   Why unlimited PTO is actually an illusion of flex PTO shame and why we hoard our time off like it's precious (because it is) The unspoken rules that make taking time off feel like a crime How working from home makes PTO guilt even worse Planning, scheduling, and actually honoring your time off   In this episode, Shannon and Deborah are joined by special guest Chris Coladonato (aka the Connection Catalyst) to tackle the complicated world of paid time off. From companies that give you PTO then punish you for taking it, to the culture of answering emails at 9 PM that trains everyone to disrespect boundaries, they break down why we're all exhausted and what we can actually do about it. Plus, some surprisingly strong feelings about hot dogs.   So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Stop teaching people you're always available (put down the work phone) Plan time to decompress after your vacation ends Set up coverage plans before you leave (so you don't feel guilty) Write an out-of-office that actually protects your inbox Honor your time off instead of just scheduling it   Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB:  Deborah: Out of Office — Coconut rum, pineapple orange juice (basically a piña colada for PTO vibes).  Shannon: Maple Bourbon Smash — Bourbon, maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, bitters, muddled with orange slices.  Chris: Guinness Zero (or Athletic Brewing Irish Stout) — Non-alcoholic beer for pretend time off.   Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.     Resources: Chris Coladonato, the 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

    35 min

  8. Feb 11

    Phony Book Deal and Corporate Squid Games

    Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work! This time, we're talking all about: Why forced team building exercises make everyone scatter like roaches The difference between building culture and forcing "fun" Stay interviews vs. exit interviews (and why timing matters) When the CEO thinks they're everyone's buddy (spoiler: they're not) How to survive mandatory team building when you'd rather be anywhere else In this episode, Shannon and Deborah tackle the dreaded corporate team building exercise—from rope courses nobody asked for to virtual activities that somehow make it worse. They break down why these forced bonding sessions often backfire, what leaders get wrong about culture, and how knowing your team's actual needs (through stay interviews, not mandatory fun) makes all the difference. Plus, they share survival tips for when you're stuck doing trust falls against your will. So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Learn what stay interviews are and why they beat exit interviews Understand why series beats events for building real trust Create your own team building moments (with people you actually like) Make the best of it when you can't escape the corporate games Recognize when leadership is too disconnected to plan effectively Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Deborah: The Halo Effect — Half ounce of gin, peach liqueur, lime juice, orange bitters, topped with Prosecco and garnished with a flower. Shannon: Shaken Daiquiri — Bacardi, lime juice, simple syrup, shaken (not frozen) with extra lime for tartness. 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 & Deborah Harris   Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

    23 min
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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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