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!
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
 
 
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Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris
 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

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

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:
 
Coffee Badging: The office protest you didn't know had a name
Revenge Quitting vs. Quiet Quitting: When employees fight back (loudly or silently)
Rage Applying: Blanketing the internet with your resume out of pure frustration
Quiet Firing: When your company makes you so miserable you quit on your own
Why all of these "trends" are really just symptoms of broken workplace culture
 
In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dive into the buzzwords taking over workplace conversations—from coffee badging (swipe in, grab coffee, bounce) to revenge quitting (bringing your whole crew with you when you leave). They break down why employees are resorting to these tactics, what signs to watch for if you're being quietly fired, and how to protect yourself when the workplace turns toxic. Plus, some real talk about blind spots, equity vs. fairness, and why documentation is your best friend.
 
So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to:
Recognize the signs of quiet firing before it's too late
Document everything (yes, screenshots count)
Start "quiet learning" on the company dime while you still can
Build your portfolio and LinkedIn testimonials before you need them
Know when to walk away—and bring your people with you
 
Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Shannon: Hot Apple Cider with Bourbon — Apple cider simmered with chunked apples, chunked oranges, and cinnamon sticks until reduced, then mixed with bourbon. Deborah: Pear Pressure — Vodka, spiced honey syrup, apple cider, lemon, topped with Prosecco.
 
Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.
 
 
Resources:
Fortune Magazine: Farewell, quiet quitting. 2025 could be the year of ‘revenge-quitting’
 
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

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 performance reviews feel like going to the principal's office
How the rating system is rigged (spoiler: you're never getting that 5/5)
The disconnect between widget-based work and knowledge-based work
Why managers wait until the last minute and copy-paste from last year
What to do instead if you want actual feedback that matters
In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dig into one of corporate America's most dreaded rituals: the annual performance review. From canned responses and forced rankings to managers who "never give out a 10," they break down why this outdated system leaves 80% of employees feeling uninspired and unappreciated. But they don't just vent—they also share practical advice for both managers and employees on how to make feedback meaningful, timely, and actually useful.
So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to:
Stop waiting until review time to give (or get) critical feedback
Learn how to care personally while challenging directly (thank you, Kim Scott)
Ask the right questions during job interviews to avoid toxic review cultures
Use one-on-ones for coaching instead of just project updates
Understand what "good" looks like before you're judged on it
Because it wouldn't be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB: Shannon: Hot Apple Cider with Bourbon — Apple cider simmered with chunked apples, chunked oranges, and cinnamon sticks until reduced, then mixed with bourbon. Deborah: Pear Pressure — Vodka, spiced honey syrup, apple cider, lemon, topped with Prosecco.
 
Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.
 
Resources: Performance Reviews Are Pointless and Insulting: Why Do They Still Exist? (Forbes, 2018)
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Psychology Today: Less than 20% of employees feel inspired by their review (2024)
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

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: Where’s the Human in HR?
 
Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it’s time for another round of Drinks After Work! This episode goes straight into the tension between people and policy, asking: when did human resources stop being about the humans?
 
This time, we’re talking about:
What happens when HR becomes more about protecting the company than the people
Why surveys and “great place to work” badges aren’t always what they seem
How trust is broken—and what it takes to rebuild it
Why marginalized employees often face the worst of HR’s shortcomings
What HR professionals can actually do to be human-centered again
 
From performance improvement plans disguised as betrayal to the illusion of open doors and “employee engagement,” Shannon and Deborah get candid about their own experiences with HR. But it’s not just about calling things out—it’s about exploring what a more authentic, people-first approach could look like.
 
So grab your drink, tune in, and get ready to:
Rethink the role HR plays in your org’s culture
Explore what people really want from workplace support systems
Consider how L&D and HR can (and should) work together
Walk away with simple, practical steps—whether you’re on the team or just surviving it
 
Because it wouldn’t be Drinks After Work without the Happy, here are our Frosty Adult Beverage (FAB) picks:
 
Deborah: Raspberry Sangria – Fruity, punchy, and honest to a fault.
Shannon: Frozen Espresso Martini – A Bon Appétit gem with brunch-level boldness.
 
Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.
 
 
Resources:
HR Trends: How to Build a Human-Centric Culture in 2024
 
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
 

Pull up a chair and pour yourself something good — it’s time for another round of Drinks After Work! This time, we’re talking all about:
How cognitive biases sneak into the way we design learning
Why “expert syndrome” (aka Dunning-Kruger) can ruin credibility
The hidden effects of the halo, horn, and affinity biases on planning and hiring
False consensus and confirmation bias — and what they mean for team decision-making
 
In this episode, Shannon and Deborah mix laughs with real talk as they unpack the ways bias shapes our work without us even realizing it. From LinkedIn bait-and-switch posts to echo chambers in the office, they connect everyday frustrations back to the subtle biases influencing how we design, teach, and lead.
 
So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to:
Spot the biases that may be creeping into your own L&D practice
Rethink how you build learner personas and team dynamics
Bring contrarian voices into the room (and see why you need them)
Reflect on when bias holds you back — and when it might be working in your favor
 
Because it wouldn’t be Drinks After Work without the drinks, here are the FAB picks:
Deborah: Romance Red Wine — courtesy of her new wine club subscription, keeping it simple but bougie.
Shannon: A Paloma — tequila, grapefruit, and soda for a refreshing twist on summer sipping.
 
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

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

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.
 
Find all our drink recipes and more at our website.
 
 
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