We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?
rethink the podcast is your guide to smarter work, clearer conversations and better problem-solving, powered by visual strategies that work.
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Overwhelmed by complexity?
Struggling to make ideas stick or get your voice heard?
Take a listen to one of the previous episodes to hear (and see) how visual thinking can help you.
Ep. 25 The Conversation Catcher
Ep 25: Framing the Conversation. How a Folded Paper Game Can Guide Deeper Thinking
What do you do when a conversation feels like too much? In this episode, I share the moment that led to creating MapChat, a visual way to map conversations as they unfold. Then I introduce the Conversation Catcher, a simple, playful tool for opening up reflective conversations when mapping isn’t practical. Whether you're coaching, checking in, or just trying to get unstuck, this tool can help bring clarity, one flap at a time.
Includes a free downloadable template to try yourself.
Ep.24: Making the invisible visible with Visual Frameworks
Some problems are just too big to hold in your head and when you try to talk your way through them, it only makes it worse.
That’s where visual frameworks come in.
Not to fix everything, but to give your thinking some scaffolding.
Visual frameworks help organise messy thinking and solve complex problems. Learn 5 simple steps to map out your thoughts and make the invisible visible in this week’s episode of RETHINK.
Ep.23: The Switch.
The Switch: Becoming Visible Again is a personal and practical episode for anyone who’s felt overlooked, misunderstood, or unsure how to explain what they do. Host Nicki Hambleton reflects on her experience at the Jigsaw24 Education Summit and how one simple conversation reignited her sense of value and voice.
This episode explores:
What it feels like to be on the edge of your field
Why confidence and clarity often matter more than shouting louder
The moment a “visibility switch” flipped
How to reconnect with your people and show your work more powerfully
Includes a practical listener prompt and a visual metaphor you won’t forget.
Perfect for creatives, educators, consultants, and anyone reinventing how they show up in the world.
Ep.22: Can a Picture Say 1000 Words?
Visual thinking isn’t just about drawing, it’s about showing meaning. And sometimes, one powerful image can communicate what paragraphs of text struggle to explain.
In this episode, Nicki explores how using visual thinking and the Power Image strategy can:
Replace text-heavy presentations, reports and student portfolios
Reduce cognitive load for your audience
Support neurodivergent and EAL learners
Bring greater clarity to leadership communication, team conversations and classroom learning
Whether you're an educator, team leader or creative thinker, you'll take away simple, practical steps to rethink how you share information and discover how one image can truly say 1000 words.
Ep. 21: From Fog to Focus
In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki introduces the SEE Framework: a powerful visual tool to help you go from frazzled to focused. Whether your brain feels like it has 73 tabs open or you're facing a big decision that feels impossible to start, this episode helps you make sense of the chaos.
Ep. 20: Can’t see it? Draw it!
In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, visual thinking expert Nicki Hambleton explores how visual metaphors can help you manage emotional overwhelm, reduce stress and make sense of complex feelings.
Discover how drawing your thoughts, whether it's a monkey on your back or a storm cloud, can turn invisible emotions into visible, understandable insights.
Part of the Visual Thinking for Wellbeing mini-series, this episode offers practical ideas, creative prompts and personal stories to help you get it out of your head and onto the page.
Ep.19: Resetting the stressed out brain
In this episode, the first in a five-part series on visual thinking for wellbeing, we explore what happens in the brain when stress takes over and how simple drawing strategies can help you reset.
We’ll look at:
What neuroscience tells us about overwhelm
Why visuals offer a shortcut to calm and clarity
Three simple sketches you can do (no drawing skills needed!)
Whether you’re a student feeling stuck, or someone who just needs a mental breather, this episode offers a pen-and-paper lifeline when your brain’s had enough.
Ep. 18 Hack your Brain
From dual coding to cognitive load, external memory fields to third-point communication, Brendon and I talk about how to hack your brain with visual thinking.
Why visuals “hack” your brain and boost memory
How drawing helps you process, understand and act
What happens when teams see the problem instead of just talking about it
Simple ways to get started. You don't need to be an artist!
Ep 17: rethink note-taking in 5 simple steps
Discover the 5-step visual note-taking method that boosts memory and clarity based on Dual Coding Theory. Try it with a free download!
Ep. 16 Design your Day
Design your Day: Map your time to match your mind
Feeling busy but not actually productive?
In this episode of rethink: the podcast, Nicki Hambleton introduces Visual Day Mapping — a practical strategy to plan your time around energy, not just tasks.
Learn how to sketch your day, match work to your natural rhythm, and bring more clarity, focus, and breathing space into your daily flow.
Ep. 15 Map your Mood
Map Your Mood: See It, Understand It, Shift It
Feeling overwhelmed but can't pinpoint why?
In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton introduces Mood Mapping — a simple visual strategy to track emotional patterns, manage stress, and boost self-awareness.
Learn how to plot your energy and mood visually, spot hidden trends, and adjust your work and life with more clarity, kindness, and control.
Ep. 14 The 5 Myths about Visual Thinking
Bust 5 common myths about visual thinking and discover why visuals aren't just for creatives. Learn how visual strategies can boost clarity, collaboration, and creativity in work, learning, and leadership.
Ep 13 Rethink - The Recap
Recap the journey so far in Rethink: The Podcast. Explore visual thinking tools, drawing as strategy, concept mapping, and support for neurodivergent thinkers. A perfect place to start or reflect before diving into what’s next.
Ep. 12: Rethinking Presentations
Is your presentation helping—or overwhelming—your audience? In this episode, Nicki shares five ways to rethink your slides using visuals, clarity, and science-backed design for every brain in the room.
Clear slides = clear minds.
Ep. 11: Rethinking Note-taking to Ease Overload
In Episode 11 of rethink: the podcast, I explore how sketchnoting became my secret weapon—not just for remembering things, but for listening in a way that’s calm, focused, and actually works.
I share:
✅ Why traditional notes don’t help overloaded brains
✅ The science behind why sketching works
✅ How sketchnoting trains you to listen for meaning, not everything
✅ My simple steps to get started—even if you “can’t draw”
Whether you’re neurodivergent, easily distracted, or just tired of chaotic meetings… this one’s for you.
Ep. 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent Brilliance
Discover how visual thinking supports neurodivergent minds. Learn how concept mapping can help reduce overload and unlock creativity.
Ep.9: Visual Thinking Meets Business Strategy
Seeing the Big Picture: Visual Thinking Meets Business Strategy
How do you make complex ideas stick?
In this episode of rethink: the podcast, I team up with business strategist Paul Vincent to explore how visual thinking transforms communication. We unpack the power of questions over statements, how custom visuals engage audiences, and why blending strategy with visuals creates deeper impact.
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