Go behind the scenes of impactful learning with Jackie Pelegrin, award-winning instructional designer, college professor, podcast host, and author of the upcoming Designing with Love: The Essential Instructional Design Handbook. In this episode of Yollab Central, Jackie shares two decades of experience helping educators, professionals, and lifelong learners craft more engaging, accessible, and purposeful courses, no matter the subject or industry.Discover what instructional designers actually do, how they bridge the gap between subject-matter experts and effective learner outcomes, and why novice curiosity is often a designer’s greatest strength. Jackie explains the mindsets and soft skills (project management, collaboration, communication) that drive success in this growing field, plus tips for breaking in, whether you’re from business, education, or another discipline. Hear how her Designing with Love podcast grew from serving students to a global community, why networking and human connection matter, and how AI/automation tools can support (not replace) meaningful learning.Guest: Jackie PelegrinConnect: designingwithlove.blog | YouTube & Podcast: Designing with Love | LinkedIn: Jackie PelegrinWhat is instructional design?Building skills in project management, collaboration, and communicationCreative, evidence-based curriculum designGrowing a podcast and online communityAdvice for new and future instructional designersThe future of education, networking, and digital human connectionCurious about making learning more effective, creative, and human? Watch the full episode and join the conversation, your perspective is welcome!#InstructionalDesign #LearningDesign #JackiePelegrin #Podcast #Education #CourseDesign #Collaboration #YollabCentral #EdTech #DesigningWithLoveThe views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Navigate money, mindset, and modern investing with Shari Rash, a nationally recognized wealth advisor, speaker, and host of the New York Times–Top 4 personal finance podcast, "Everyone’s Talkin’ Money." With over 25 million downloads and a mission to help women ditch financial shame, Shari is here to help you stop second-guessing your money moves and start building real wealth, without old-school rules or boring spreadsheets.

In this episode of Yollab Central, Shari shares practical, judgment-free strategies for every financial journey: from automating your first paycheck savings and creating “needs, wants, wishes” buckets to navigating investing with ETFs, mutual funds, and emotion-proof habits. Learn why it’s okay to enjoy your lattes, how to avoid influencer overload, and the importance of blending smart financial strategies with a healthy money mindset. Shari also tackles market volatility, money hoarding, and how collaboration between influencers and business owners can create innovative opportunities for everyone.

Guest: Shari Rash

Connect: gwawealth.com | Podcast: Everyone’s Talkin’ Money

Baby steps to financial wellness for young professionals

Budgeting without deprivation: needs, wants, wishes

Emergency funds, investment tips, and money hoarding

Choosing the right financial advice & dealing with influencer bias

How to handle market dips without losing your cool

Why collaboration lifts the whole financial ecosystem

Empower your wallet, and your future, with Shari’s actionable insights. Watch the full conversation, share your money questions below, and subscribe for more no-shame financial wisdom!

#PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #MoneyMindset #Budgeting #Investing #FinancePodcast #ShariRash #YollabCentral #SmartMoney #FinancialWellness

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Explore the front lines of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility with Michael Bach, award-winning founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, former KPMG DEI leader, bestselling author (Birds of All Feathers, Alphabet Soup), and one of CIO Views’ 10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders of 2023. In this Yollab Central episode, Michael tackles the realities of DEI in today’s polarized workplace and society with honesty and practical insight.

Discover why DEI remains good business, driving better retention, engagement, and bottom-line outcomes, even as some publicly shy away from the conversation in the wake of anti-DEI pushback. Michael breaks down the myths around “diversity hires,” explains why true inclusion is about merit, and offers strategies for navigating social media toxicity and bias. Learn what really works in building inclusive organizations, the generational changes shaping the future of work, and what the ever-evolving “LGBTQIA+” acronym means today.

Guest: Michael Bach

Connect: michaelbach.com | Social: @themichaelbachBooks: Birds of All Feathers, Alphabet Soup

DEI as a business driver: Retention, culture, profit

The “anti-DEI” moment and what companies are really doing

Hiring, bias, and the reality of “diversity targets”Inclusive leadership for a global workforce

The meaning, history, and evolution of LGBTQIA+

How Gen Z and millennials are reshaping inclusion

Social media, compassion, and building better conversations

Ready to reimagine inclusion for the next era? Watch the full episode, add your perspective in the comments, and subscribe for more honest conversations on DEI and leadership!

#DEI #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #MichaelBach #LGBTQIA #Leadership #YollabCentral #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRetention

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

What REALLY makes a startup work? Andrew Ackerman, founder of two startups, investor in 70+ companies, and author of The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, pulls back the curtain with stories, practical advice, and lessons every founder (or future founder) should hear. In this Yollab Central episode, Andrew shares what he wishes he’d known starting out, why “shipping ugly” is better than perfection, and the secret sauce to finding great mentors and making tough decisions in real time.

Discover how to experiment fast, avoid “startup paralysis,” and separate good advice from confidently-delivered fluff. Hear about the “index card app” method for testing before you build, smart ways to handle corporate requests, and tips for vetting coaches and mentors in the crowded startup space. Andrew’s new book, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey—blending lean startup strategy with narrative storytelling, is packed with insights, humor, and actionable wisdom for startups, founders, VCs, and anyone learning the entrepreneurial ropes.

Guest: Andrew Ackerman

Connect: andrewbackerman.com | Book: The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey (Amazon)

Lean startup myths and the power of “shipping ugly”

How to rapidly experiment and know when to say “yes”

Picking and vetting mentors & coaches

Real-world examples: pricing, product-market fit, and customer feedback

Lessons learned from 70+ investments and decades in startups

Why storytelling beats startup “how-to” lists

Ready for practical founder wisdom that sticks? Watch the episode, drop your startup questions in the comments, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes journeys.

#EntrepreneursOdyssey #StartupAdvice #AndrewAckerman #LeanStartup #VentureCapital #FounderStories #YollabCentral #StartupTips #Mentorship #BookLaunch

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Career readiness isn’t just for students, it’s a lifelong journey. Mike Wysocki, award-winning author of Careers By the People and YouTube career readiness creator, brings straight talk and real-world advice from 30+ years in tech sales and conversations with 101+ professionals across diverse fields. In this Yollab Central episode, Mike shares actionable strategies for new grads navigating first jobs, experienced professionals making tough career changes, and managers (or aspiring leaders) hitting the infamous “middle management” ceiling.

Learn why starting from the ground up in a field you care about is vital, how networking and soft skills really drive career success, and when it’s worth making a pay cut for a more meaningful shift. Mike unpacks the truth about paid vs. unpaid internships, the power (and pitfalls) of social media influencers for career advice, and why career pivots are as much about attitude as skills. With stories from his bestselling book and over 120+ career videos, Mike’s candid, sometimes hilarious advice is a must-listen for anyone shaping their professional future.

Guest: Mike Wysocki

Connect: careersbythepeople.com | YouTube: Careers By The People | LinkedIn: Mike Wysocki

First steps for new grads and career switchers

Networking, internships, and breaking in without experience

The reality of middle management and age in the workforce

Navigating the influencer landscape for real career guidance

The importance of soft skills and self-discovery—at any stage

Ready to take action or inspire your students? Watch the episode, drop your career questions in the comments, and subscribe for more on thriving in a changing professional world.

#CareerAdvice #CareerReadiness #MikeWysocki #CareerChange #Networking #Internships #WorkplaceTrends #EarlyCareer #YollabCentral #ProfessionalGrowth

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Unlock the power and purpose of your personal story with Bridget Cook-Burch, “The Book Whisperer,” New York Times & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, humanitarian, TEDx speaker, and founder of YourInspiredStory.com. In this soulful episode of Yollab Central, Bridget reveals why story shapes destinies, how leaders use narrative to spark movements, and how discovering and owning your authentic story can lead to transformation in business, relationships, and life.

Hear how Bridget has helped hundreds of emerging leaders and changemakers reframe their journeys, including stories featured on Oprah, CNN, NPR, and in People magazine. Dive deep into overcoming the “victim” narrative, leveraging storytelling for social good, and the art of crafting meaning out of even our most painful experiences. Bridget shares practical lessons for storytellers and creators: from thriving on short-form content to building movements, sparking empathy, and inspiring others to reclaim their narrative, even amidst today’s noisy algorithms and divided world.

Guest: Bridget Cook-Burch

Connect: yourinspiredstory.com | Social: BridgetCookBurch | Known as “The Book Whisperer”

Books: Divine Turbulence, The Witness Wore Red, Shattered Silence, Skinhead Confessions, Leading Women, Living Proof

How stories run our lives (and businesses)

The hero’s journey: turning pain into purpose

Victim vs. victor mindset and taking charge of your narrative

Crafting powerful, memorable stories in any format

Building social impact and connection through the art of story

Real-life examples and behind-the-scenes author insights

Ready to reshape your story or lead a movement? Watch the full conversation, ask your storytelling questions in the comments, and subscribe for more inspiration!

#Storytelling #BridgetCookBurch #BookWhisperer #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #SocialImpact #Narrative #YollabCentral #Memoir #YourInspiredStory

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Restore your energy, sleep deeper, and push back against burnout, with nothing but your breath. Tim Thomas, former Special Forces soldier, mental health advocate, and creator of the Breathwork in Bed app, shares powerful, practical techniques to reboot your body and mind, no supplements, pills, or expensive equipment required. In this Yollab Central episode, Tim tells his transformation story from military stress and sleep loss to helping thousands improve their sleep, reset stress, and reconnect to vitality.

Discover the science and ancient wisdom behind breathwork, learn why conscious breathing is your natural medicine cabinet, and get step-by-step guidance on the exact breathing techniques elite performers use to build resilience, energy, and calm. Tim also explains why genuine rest, not just caffeine or willpower, is essential for performance, and how investing in your own breath can have the biggest “return” in life. Bonus: Experience a guided party-trick breath exercise that can help you relax and energize in just minutes.

Guest: Tim Thomas

Connect: Breathwork in Bed app (iOS/Android) | Social: @breathworkinbed

The link between breath, sleep, and energy

Special Forces lessons on stress and survival

Conscious breathing: your secret superpower

Ancient techniques meet modern performance

Addressing burnout, anxiety, and disconnect

How to build “energetic wealth” and wake up ready to thrive

Ready to turn your bed into a cloud and your life into high-performance mode? Watch the episode, try the exercises, and share your sleep/energy stories in the comments!

#Breathwork #BetterSleep #TimThomas #EnergyRecovery #StressRelief #Performance #SpecialForces #Burnout #SelfCare #YollabCentral

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

From Amazon engineer to relationship coach, Abhishek “AJ” Joshi knows what it takes to transform your mindset, career, and even your marriage. As host of the Beyond the Obvious podcast and a dedicated coach, AJ helps couples reconnect, set boundaries, and rebuild love with actionable tools and real-world wisdom. In this Yollab Central episode, he shares the tactical and emotional strategies that help people thrive, whether you’re leveling up in work, struggling with change, or looking to strengthen relationships.

AJ opens up about his own journey: the challenge of career pivots, what he learned from mentors like Tony Robbins, and how he handled grief and setbacks while working at Amazon. He explains why true change starts with taking ownership, no matter the obstacles, and how “bite-sized” social media advice can be valuable when paired with deep, self-driven reflection. Discover how to use social content wisely, why group nurturing trumps viral posts for real results, and how software engineers (and anyone else) can stand out by documenting real skills and helping others.

Guest: Abhishek “AJ” JoshiConnect: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Podcast: Beyond the Obvious

Journey from tech to coaching: finding purpose through setbacks

Transforming relationships, at work and at home

Mastering social media for business and personal growth

The power of tactical, actionable content and group nurturing

Why great managers - and great self-managers - change everything

Standing out in a crowded (tech) world by sharing real value

Ready to go beyond surface-level change? Watch the full episode, drop your journey or relationship questions in the comments, and subscribe for more honest conversations and practical breakthroughs!

#Coaching #RelationshipAdvice #CareerChange #Leadership #SocialMediaGrowth #AbhishekJoshi #BeyondTheObvious #YollabCentral #SelfDevelopment #GrowthJourney

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Discover the art and science of modern copywriting with Rachel Allen, a marketer and writer who’s spent 17 years helping global clients, start-ups, non-profits, and entrepreneurs turn words into results. Rachel’s journey spans five “internet apocalypses,” dozens of industries, and work on launches, award-winning campaigns, and viral audience growth for brands big and small.

In this episode of Yollab Central, Rachel pulls back the curtain on digital marketing’s most persistent myths, especially when it comes to AI and what truly separates effective copywriters from the crowd. She shares how to build a business in any era (even during a recession), how clarity beats cuteness, why empathy in messaging is everything, and how consistency in brand voice turns fleeting attention into real trust. Rachel also reveals her favorite copywriting resources, why every marketer needs to know their metrics, and smart ways to survive, and thrive, in both analog and AI-driven markets.

Guest: Rachel Allen

Connect: boltfromthebluecopywriting.com | LinkedIn: Rachel Allen

Copywriting vs. content writing: persuasion, psychology, results

Adapting to change: text, images, video, and beyond

The truth about AI and the future of marketing jobs

How to make quirky, memorable brand moments last

Consistent brand voice and funnel design for conversion

Top marketing lessons: tracking metrics, nailing the basics, embracing humility

Building empathy into every campaign and headline

Curious how copywriting (not just content) powers the best brands? Watch the full episode, ask your copywriting and marketing questions below, and subscribe for practical, proven strategies!

#Copywriting #DigitalMarketing #RachelAllen #BrandVoice #MarketingStrategy #AI #ContentCreation #Persuasion #YollabCentral #BusinessGrowthThe views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.

Dreaming of global education? Braj Bhushan Jha, international education strategist with 17+ years of experience, breaks down what it takes for South Asian students to turn foreign university dreams into career-boosting reality. As award-winning leader behind recruitment and outreach for institutions like Bangor University, University of Wolverhampton, IDP, SI-UK, and more, Braj has guided thousands of students on their journeys to the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and beyond.

In this episode of Yollab Central, Braj shares what’s changed, and what remains critical, about study-abroad success. Learn how to select the right university (not just any overseas course!), navigate loans and ROI, ace the five essential interview questions, prepare for virtual and in-person open houses, and avoid pitfalls with consultancies and agencies. Braj also discusses the realities behind the global study “glamour,” myths, and political uncertainty, plus the growing power of social media and alumni networks for research and preparation. Whether you’re a student or a parent, this episode is your go-to for practical, up-to-date guidance.

Guest: Braj Bhushan Jha

Connect: LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube (search: Braj Bhushan Jha) | Currently at Bangor University

Step-by-step guidance: university, country, exams, and finances

How to maximize study abroad ROI and avoid costly mistakes

The truth about student life and long-term planning

Open houses, consultancies, and what to check before applying

Navigating political change, social media, and alumni research

Advice for students from tier-2, tier-3 cities and beyond

Ready to make your international education dream a smart, successful reality? Watch the episode, ask your questions in the comments, and subscribe for more expert insights!

#StudyAbroad #EducationConsultant #BrajBhushanJha #GlobalEducation #StudentSuccess #OverseasStudy #YollabCentral #UniversityAdmissions #CareerPlanning #ROI

The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.