Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb

By Shannon Tipton

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 straig

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FAQs about Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb:

How many episodes does Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb have?

The podcast currently has 15 episodes available.

Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb episodes:

November 26, 2025Human Resources or Human Roadblocks?
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.

Resources:
HR Trends: How to Build a Human-Centric Culture in 2024

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Hosts: Shannon Tipton & Deborah Harris

Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions
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34min
October 30, 2025Recruiting by Copy-Paste: What Could Go Wrong?
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.

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

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Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.

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Be part of Learning Rebels live Coffee Chat Discussions! Sign up here.

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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
...more
55min
October 09, 2025The Cognitive Bias Costume Party
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.

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
...more
38min
October 02, 2025Mind 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
...more
43min
September 24, 2025 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
...more
40min
September 04, 2025The 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
...more
44min
August 10, 2025Networking
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
...more
40min
August 03, 2025Cloudy 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
...more
1h 4min
February 07, 2025Owning 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.

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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
...more
42min
January 23, 2025Personality 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.
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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
...more
53min

FAQs about Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb:

How many episodes does Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb have?

The podcast currently has 15 episodes available.